Ciclo Café Arrives in Pondicherry, Blending Food, Heritage, and Culture

Ciclo Café Arrives in Pondicherry, Blending Food, Heritage, and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 15, 2025

Pondicherry’s iconic White Town has welcomed a new gem - Ciclo Café, a vibrant space that seamlessly blends food, heritage, and active living. This marks the brand’s expansion to its fifth outlet, bringing its signature experience to the heart of this culturally rich city.

Housed in ‘The House of Upasana,’ a historic French colonial residence famously featured as Pi’s childhood home in the movie Life of Pi, the café exudes old-world charm with a contemporary twist. Spread across 7,000 square feet, the new outlet offers a spacious yet cozy setting with 80 covers, perfect for everything from casual coffee meet-ups to elegant fine dining. With its stunning ambience and commitment to mindful living, it is poised to become a must-visit destination for both residents and travelers.

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Ciclo Café has already carved a niche in the culinary world with its delectable food offerings and its unique concept of merging active living with delicious, wholesome meals. The Pondicherry outlet takes this experience a step further by introducing the brand’s first-ever bed-and-breakfast within a restored 100-year-old heritage home. This fusion of an elegant dining space and a boutique stay reflects the city’s European influence while promoting a lifestyle centered on food, culture, and wellness.

Beyond just a place to dine, Ciclo Café aims to create an inclusive space that caters to every mood—whether it’s a quiet coffee break, a lively group gathering, or a fine-dining affair. The café’s 80-seater space is designed to embrace the essence of White Town, with its blend of colonial architecture, modern aesthetics, and a charming outdoor view that invites relaxation.

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“Since our first outlet in Chennai, Ciclo Café has always been about uniting an active lifestyle with great food. With our new Pondicherry venture, we’re taking this passion a step further by creating a space where people can enjoy not just exceptional cuisine, but also a thoughtfully designed bed-and-breakfast experience in a historic 100-year-old French colonial home,” shared the team behind Ciclo Café.

With its latest addition in Pondicherry, Ciclo Café continues to grow, catering to food lovers, cyclists, and travelers alike. Whether one seeks a cozy corner for a solo retreat, an intimate setting for coffee, or a communal space for friends and family, this café aims to offer the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and culinary excellence.


HollyBelly Launches ‘The Holly Elf Basket’ for a Joyful Christmas Gifting Season

HollyBelly Launches ‘The Holly Elf Basket’ for a Joyful Christmas Gifting Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 17, 2025

This festive season, HollyBelly introduces The Holly Elf Basket, a thoughtfully curated Christmas hamper designed to bring warmth, joy, and a touch of holiday nostalgia to festive celebrations. Created as a celebration of togetherness and comfort, the basket captures the spirit of cosy Christmas moments through handcrafted gourmet treats.

The Holly Elf Basket reflects HollyBelly’s signature approach to food carefully made, emotionally connected, and rooted in festive tradition. Each element is designed to evoke the charm of a classic Christmas, making it an ideal gifting choice for families, friends, and corporate celebrations during the holiday season.

Priced at ₹5,500, the hamper offers a premium festive experience and is available through HollyBelly’s official website. With its focus on quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation, the basket serves as a meaningful alternative to conventional festive gifts.

Known for redefining gourmet catering and food solutions in India, HollyBelly continues to expand its offerings across curated gifting, bespoke events, and B2B culinary services. The brand operates with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and locally sourced ingredients, delivering end-to-end culinary experiences for corporates, cafés, retail brands, and government bodies.

Founded by Janeya Mehta, a Le Cordon Bleu and London School of Economics alumna and a Forbes 40 Under 40 honouree, HollyBelly is driven by the philosophy of “Food by Mood”, where menus are designed to reflect emotion and occasion. Co-founded by Rishikant Bharadwaj, Executive Chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu London, the brand blends French, British, and regional Indian techniques to deliver versatile, refined food experiences.

Trusted by global brands such as Facebook, Adidas, Sephora, BMW, Jimmy Choo, and Pernia’s Pop-Up, HollyBelly has become a preferred culinary partner across fashion, tech, and lifestyle sectors. With The Holly Elf Basket, the brand adds a festive chapter to its growing portfolio, offering a gift that feels personal, warm, and seasonally special.

Product: The Holly Elf Basket
Website: hollybellyfoodboutique.com


From Badshah to Ajay Devgn Celebrity Owned Spirits Shape India’s Festive Drinking Culture

From Badshah to Ajay Devgn Celebrity Owned Spirits Shape India’s Festive Drinking Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

India’s festive drinking culture is evolving, and celebrity-owned spirits are playing a visible role in this shift. More than just premium bottles on a shelf, these brands reflect the personalities, values and lifestyles of the stars behind them. From expressive vodkas and bold agave spirits to refined single malts and approachable Scotch whiskies, these labels are finding their place at festive tables across the country.

Badshah’s Shelter 6 is a vodka that mirrors his rhythm, confidence and creative energy. Distilled six times in Russia, the liquid is refined and ultra-smooth, designed for those who stand out without seeking approval. Shelter 6 represents individuality and inclusivity, celebrating self-expression, music, late nights and memories that last, this vodka is positioned for people who live life unapologetically and on their own terms.

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Actor Karan Tacker brings a playful edge to the spirits space with EL GOONDA, a 100% agave spirit that is bold, smooth and full of character. Proudly Made in India, the brand speaks to a younger, experimental audience that enjoys cocktails and cultural experiences. With variants like Picante, Café and Strawberry, EL GOONDA caters to different moods and social moments. More than just a drink, it presents itself as a lifestyle built around fearless choices, shared laughter and memorable nights with friends.

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Ajay Devgn’s The GlenJourneys takes a quieter, more reflective approach to luxury. The 21-year-old single malt whisky is crafted for those who appreciate depth, patience and heritage. Smooth and complex, it reflects Ajay Devgn’s belief that true luxury does not need to be loud. The brand celebrates passion, adventure and excellence, beginning with a global travel retail launch, followed by the introduction of an exclusive Cask Series for whisky enthusiasts in India.

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Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk is a blended Scotch whisky that reflects warmth, boldness and approachability. Designed to feel familiar rather than intimidating, the whisky offers smooth, comforting flavours that unfold gently. The Glenwalk was created with the intention of making premium whisky enjoyable for everyone, not just connoisseurs. It stands for shared moments, lively conversations and celebrating life with openness and joy.

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Together, these four brands highlight how celebrity-owned spirits are shaping modern drinking habits in India. Each label carries a distinct identity, inviting consumers to choose not just a drink, but a story and a mindset. Whether it is the clarity of vodka, the punch of agave, the depth of a single malt or the warmth of a Scotch, festive celebrations now come with a personal touch poured straight from the star behind the bottle.


Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

As winter sets in, Anardana welcomes the season with a specially curated Winter Menu that celebrates India’s much-loved seasonal dishes, reimagined with a contemporary approach. Rooted in freshness and familiar flavours, the menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on comfort-driven food crafted with care and balance.

The winter offering opens with the Lamb Bone Marrow Soup, a slow-simmered broth that delivers deep, layered flavours and comforting warmth, making it a perfect start to a cold evening. For those who enjoy rich yet delicate preparations, the Murgh Methi Malai stands out with tender chicken gently cooked with fenugreek and malai, finished with charcoal parmesan shards that add a subtle smoky note.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Broccoli with Masoor Dal Hummus, where smoky, tandoor-roasted broccoli is paired with a smooth and mildly spiced lentil hummus. The dish brings together familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation, offering balance and depth in every bite.

A true winter favourite, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, anchors the menu with nostalgia and warmth, capturing the essence of the season and the comfort of traditional Indian kitchens.

To complement the food, Anardana also introduces winter beverages designed to warm and soothe. The Anardana Special Mulled Wine is served warm with citrus and spice notes, while the Kashmiri Kahwa offers a lighter option with saffron, green tea, and almonds.

Every dish on the Winter Menu reflects Anardana’s philosophy of honouring Indian culinary heritage while adding thoughtful, contemporary touches. The result is a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting, and quietly elevated — ideal for the winter months.

Address: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

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