Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 30, 2024

The prestigious Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 competition, showcasing India’s finest pastry talent, recently concluded in Mumbai. This year, Chef Vedangi Gawde was crowned the winner, with Chef Yash Chhabria as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar sharing the second runner-up spot.

Callebaut, famed for its high-quality Belgian chocolate, organized the event in collaboration with Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner. Now in its third edition, the competition aims to provide a platform for India’s top pastry chefs to showcase their innovative use of chocolate in bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.

The journey to the finale was marked by remarkable talent and creativity. Pastry chefs from across India participated in regional qualifiers held in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The eight finalists—Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran, and Chef Yash Chhabria—competed fiercely for the top honors.

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Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie at Sivako, emerged victorious. Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook and Co-Founder of Cacaobleu, was the first runner-up. Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef at Sofitel BKC, tied for the second runner-up position.

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, expressed pride in the event's success. He highlighted the competition’s theme, "Craft Your Signature," which encouraged chefs to express their authentic selves through their creations. He praised the participants for their exceptional skill, talent, and passion displayed throughout the competition.

Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, was thrilled with the level of talent showcased. "Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavor combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures. The level of pastry skill has indeed evolved, which was displayed throughout the competition, be it with newer, more efficient methods of working or flavor pairings and techniques used to craft bonbons, entremets, and other creations."

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Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith, who judged the event for the second time, echoed these sentiments. She appreciated the contestants' creativity and their use of local ingredients. She remarked on the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high level of competition and wished all participants success in their future endeavors.

Chef Vedangi Gawde said, “I am very happy to win the title of the Callebaut Patisserie for the year. This is a very special title for me, and this win means a lot to me.”

The grand finale featured contestants creating exquisite signature dishes across various categories, judged by culinary experts including Chef Minette Smith, Chef Romain Renard, Head of MENA Chocolate Academies, and Chef Arvind Prasad, Ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates in India.

The event was supported by several partners: Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner, The Chocolate Academy Mumbai as the Knowledge Partner, KitchenAid as the Appliance Partner, Unox as the Equipment Partner, Elle & Vire Professional and Delta Nutritives as the Ingredient Partners, BW Hotelier as the Media Partner, Zee Zest as the Lifestyle Partner, and VBev as the Celebration Partner.


Cristal Azul Tequila Launches in Goa, Expands Premium Footprint Across India

Cristal Azul Tequila Launches in Goa, Expands Premium Footprint Across India

By Author

Published on January 31, 2026

Globally recognised premium tequila brand Cristal Azul has officially launched in Goa, marking the next phase of its India journey after a successful debut in Mumbai. The expansion signals the brand’s growing focus on India’s evolving premium spirits landscape, with plans already underway to enter key markets such as Delhi and Bengaluru.

Produced in Mexico and refined in New York, Cristal Azul follows traditional tequila-making methods while embracing contemporary craftsmanship. Made exclusively from 100% Blue Weber Agave sourced from the agave-rich soils of Jalisco, the tequila is known for its smoothness, balance, and consistency. Each bottle reflects a blend of heritage and modern sensibility, catering to today’s discerning consumers seeking refined sipping experiences.

Cristal Azul’s portfolio includes a range of internationally recognised expressions, including Añejo and Reposado, along with Extra Añejo, Blanco, Gold, and Silver. Designed for both neat sipping and modern cocktail culture, the range offers versatility across elevated social occasions and premium hospitality settings.

The brand’s arrival in Goa aligns naturally with the state’s vibrant hospitality ecosystem and premium lifestyle culture. As tequila continues to gain popularity among affluent Gen Z and Gen X consumers, alongside seasoned whisky drinkers exploring new categories, Cristal Azul positions itself as a natural choice for those seeking depth, elegance, and contemporary appeal.

Now available across select premium retail outlets, upscale bars, and leading hospitality destinations in Goa, Cristal Azul aims to elevate beachside gatherings, sunset rituals, and sophisticated nightlife experiences. Each expression is crafted to be enjoyed neat, over ice, or paired with curated culinary offerings.

With launches underway in Mumbai and Goa and further expansion planned across major Indian cities, Cristal Azul continues to strengthen its pan-India footprint. Blending global pedigree with meticulous craftsmanship, the brand invites Indian consumers to discover a new chapter in premium tequila culture, where every sip becomes an occasion.


Spice Traders at W Goa Reimagines Chinese Cuisine with a Modern, Intuitive Lens

Spice Traders at W Goa Reimagines Chinese Cuisine with a Modern, Intuitive Lens

By Hariharan U

Published on January 31, 2026

Spice Traders at W Goa is charting a new course for Chinese cuisine, offering a refined, contemporary interpretation rooted in philosophy rather than replication. Moving away from overt nostalgia or trend-driven reinvention, the restaurant’s refreshed culinary direction focuses on restraint, balance and instinctive flavour-building, quietly bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

Inspired by the philosophies of China’s Eight Great Cuisines, the approach at Spice Traders does not attempt to recreate regional dishes in their original form. Instead, the kitchen, led by Chef Avinash, studies the thinking behind them. The emphasis lies on understanding how heat is layered rather than imposed, how fermentation creates depth without heaviness, and how contrast, rather than excess, brings harmony to a dish.

These principles form the foundation of a menu that feels contemporary and relevant while staying deeply connected to the soul of Chinese cooking. Techniques and ingredients are used with intent, allowing flavours to unfold naturally and with clarity, rather than overwhelming the palate. The result is food that feels confident, edited and quietly expressive.

Central to this evolution is Spice Traders’ BA philosophy, which celebrates the space between opposites. Tradition meets modernity, fire balances freshness, and comfort coexists with curiosity. Each dish is designed to live in this in-between space, reflecting a thoughtful equilibrium that defines the restaurant’s culinary identity.

With this renewed direction, Spice Traders at W Goa continues to honour one of the world’s most storied culinary traditions, while presenting it through a lens that resonates with today’s diners. The experience is less about spectacle and more about intuition, offering a modern Chinese dining journey that feels both familiar and forward-looking.


Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

World Pizza Day is around the corner, and Woodside Inn Bengaluru is gearing up to celebrate it in its own relaxed, no-fuss style. Known for understanding what a good bar-style pizza should be, Woodside Inn continues to serve thin-crust pizzas that are crisp, indulgent, and perfect for sharing over long conversations and cold beers.

Staying true to the brand’s easygoing pub culture, these pizzas are designed for the table, order once, keep reaching back, and let the flavours do the talking. Among the clear crowd favourites is the Bacon Brie Melt, where smoky bacon pairs with gooey brie and a drizzle of maple chilli oil. Rich, bold, and packed with flavour, it’s the kind of pizza that vanishes sooner than expected.

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Other popular picks include the Truffle 4 Cheese for those who enjoy indulgent comfort, the classic Pepperoni Delight, and the bold Lamb-a-licious topped with lamb bolognese, Kalamata olives, and feta. Vegetarian options are equally well represented, with favourites like Margherita, Primavera, and Southwest Sunset offering balance, comfort, and flavour without compromise.

Located in Indiranagar, Woodside Inn brings together warm hospitality, great music, and a steady flow of beers, making it a go-to neighbourhood pub. This World Pizza Day, the Bengaluru outlet offers the perfect excuse to drop in for good pizzas, easy vibes, and bar food that keeps guests coming back for more.

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