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.


Easy Summer Drinks to Stock: From K-Bombs to Seltzers

Easy Summer Drinks to Stock: From K-Bombs to Seltzers

By Hariharan U

Published on May 3, 2026

As summer sets in, plans often take a backseat to spontaneity. Long evenings, unexpected gatherings, and relaxed settings are exactly why ready-to-drink beverages are becoming a go-to choice. They’re convenient, consistent, and designed for moments that don’t need preparation.

What’s changed in recent years is the variety. The category has moved beyond overly sweet coolers to include balanced, flavour-forward options from sparkling soju to crafted canned cocktails.

Here are a few easy summer drinks worth stocking this season:

1. So Good K-Bomb
Inspired by Korean drinking culture, this one is built for social settings. Light, fizzy, and easy to sip, it works well for casual gatherings where the energy builds naturally. It’s simple, fun, and ideal when you want something effortless for a group.

2. So Good Yuzu Lime
For a fresher profile, this variant stands out. Yuzu brings a layered citrus note—slightly floral and aromatic—while lime adds a crisp finish. It’s a great fit for daytime occasions like brunches or slow summer evenings.

3. Jimmy’s Cocktails Ready-to-Drink Range
This range offers familiar cocktail flavours without the need for mixing. Options like Mojito, Margarita, and Whisky Sour provide variety, making them practical for hosting when guests prefer different styles in one setting.

4. Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic Ready to Drink
A more refined option, this ready-to-drink version of the classic gin and tonic delivers subtle herbal and citrus notes with a balanced bitterness. It’s clean, not overly sweet, and suited for those who prefer a more classic profile.

5. Bacardi Breezer Flavoured Range
A long-time favourite, Breezers remain one of the easiest options to pick up. Fruity, approachable, and best served chilled, flavours like cranberry, orange, and lime continue to be popular for uncomplicated sipping.

Final Thought

Summer drinking doesn’t need to be complicated. The appeal of these beverages lies in how easily they fit into real moments—whether it’s a quiet evening or a last-minute gathering.

Keeping a mix of these on hand ensures you’re always ready—no prep, no fuss, just good drinks when you need them.


Mumbai’s Seasonal Mango Menus You Should Not Miss

Mumbai’s Seasonal Mango Menus You Should Not Miss

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2026

Mango season in the city always brings with it a sense of excitement, and this year, several restaurants are turning the spotlight on the king of fruits with menus that feel both creative and comforting. From relaxed cafés to refined dining spaces, these seasonal offerings celebrate mango in ways that are easy to enjoy and hard to miss.

At Kefi in Versova, the mood is calm, warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting to enjoy its limited-time Mango Menu: Summer Escape. Built around the idea of finding joy in simple moments, the café keeps things light and familiar while adding a playful twist. The menu flows naturally between refreshing and indulgent, with drinks like the Spicy Mango Chilli Mojito bringing a hint of heat, while the Mango Matcha Latte surprises with its balance. For those who prefer something classic, the Mango & Cream offers a comforting choice, alongside lighter options like the Zesty Affair salad and Mango Smoothie Bowl. The Mango Dream Cake rounds it off with a soft, creamy finish that stays true to the fruit’s flavour. It’s the kind of place where you don’t overthink your order, you simply enjoy the moment. The menu is available till 10th June 2026.

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In Lower Parel, Epitome brings a more layered and exploratory take on mango with its specially curated seasonal menu. Known for its global vegetarian and vegan approach, the restaurant blends creativity with familiar flavours. Dishes like the Mango Baked Brie and Deconstructed Mango Sushi set an interesting tone, while options such as Mango Tacos and Thai Yellow Mango Coconut Curry add depth and comfort. Desserts here lean towards indulgence, with highlights including Alphonso Tres Leches, Mango in Box and the White Chocolate Mango Dome. The experience is not just about the food, but about slowing down and enjoying how each dish unfolds. The mango menu will be available till July 2026.

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Over in Juhu, Luuma House keeps things relaxed and enjoyable with its Summer Menu, where mango appears across dishes in a way that feels natural and easy. The approach here is subtle, letting the fruit shine without making it feel forced. Light starters like the Thai Raw Mango Salad and Mango & Tadgola Salad offer a refreshing start, while the Aam Ras Puri adds a familiar touch for those looking for something traditional. For a more filling meal, dishes such as the Mangalorean Mockmeat Curry and BBQ Jackfruit Bao bring variety to the table. Desserts like the New York Baked Mango Cheesecake and Mango Soufflé with Mango Ice Cream keep things simple yet satisfying. The menu is available till 31st May.

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With each restaurant bringing its own style to the table, Mumbai’s mango menus this season offer something for every mood, whether it’s a quick café stop, a relaxed meal or a more indulgent dining experience. It’s the perfect time to explore how this beloved fruit can be enjoyed in so many different ways across the city.


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with Brunch and Wellness Experiences

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with Brunch and Wellness Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2026

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is celebrating Mother’s Day with a thoughtful mix of food, relaxation and meaningful experiences, all centred around giving mothers the care and attention they truly deserve. With a theme of rest, indulgence and joy, the hotel has planned a special brunch along with a month-long wellness offering.

The celebration begins with a specially curated brunch at Pondichéry Café, designed to be both vibrant and comforting. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing sip station offering rose lemonade, berry kombucha, pink guava cooler and sparkling mocktails. The brunch then opens up to a wide spread of global and Indian flavours, including a Fresh Garden Salad Bar, Live Brunch Grill, Comfort Kitchen selections and an Indian Soul Corner. There is also a dedicated section for kids and a Sweet Love Table filled with desserts to complete the experience.

Adding to the occasion, the bar presents its Summer of Cocktails menu featuring six signature drinks — the Golden Snitch, 90's Mood, A Star is Born, Breakfast Ritual, Summer Sour and Wrapped in Time. The entire setting is designed to slow things down and create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where mothers are treated with special gifts while children enjoy engaging experiences.

While the brunch marks the highlight of the celebration, Sofitel Mumbai BKC extends the experience beyond a single day. Throughout May, the focus shifts to wellness at Sofitel Spa, where guests can gift their mothers moments of deep rest and rejuvenation.

The spa introduces the Art of Sleep experience, built around the idea that quality sleep plays a key role in overall well-being. This experience is designed to help mothers unwind both physically and mentally, offering a chance to pause, relax and recharge. It is based on the understanding that mothers constantly give their time and energy, often without enough moments to rest.

The offering includes two treatments tailored to different needs. The Sleep and Reset ritual is a longer, immersive experience aimed at improving sleep quality and restoring balance. The Power Nap treatment is a shorter session that uses acupressure and focused massage techniques to ease tension and refresh the body. As part of the celebration, every 60-minute Art of Sleep treatment comes with a complimentary 15-minute relaxing eye ritual.

With a blend of indulgent dining and meaningful wellness experiences, Sofitel Mumbai BKC brings together everything that makes Mother’s Day special. From a joyful afternoon at the brunch to a calming spa journey, the entire month is dedicated to celebrating everything mothers do, and everything they deserve.

  • Brunch Details
  • She deserves the World on Plate
  • Date: Sunday, 10th May 2026
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Venue: Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
  • She deserves the World of Rest
  • Date: May (All Days) - Sleep & Reset (60–90 mins); Power Nap (30 mins)
  • Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Venue: Sofitel Spa, Sofitel Mumbai BKC

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