Pataaka has appointed Prrateek Chaudhary as its new Director of Beverage, further strengthening the restaurant’s leadership team and premium dining experience in the United States.

Recognised for its contemporary approach to Indian hospitality and elevated dining experiences, Pataaka continues to expand its focus on curated beverage programmes and guest engagement through this strategic appointment.

Prior to joining Pataaka, Prrateek Chaudhary served as Director of Beverages at Kiran's and earlier worked as Beverage Manager at Sanjh, where he played an instrumental role in beverage innovation and guest experience enhancement.

With a hospitality career spanning luxury hotel brands and restaurant concepts across India and the United States, Prrateek Chaudhary brings extensive expertise in beverage management, restaurant operations, revenue growth, culinary innovation, and concept development.

Before moving to the United States, he was associated with Crowne Plaza Gurgaon as Assistant Director – Food & Beverage. During his tenure, the department’s revenue reportedly grew from ₹26 crore to a projected ₹31 crore within nine months.

He also led the successful pre-opening and launch of multiple dining concepts including Kaansa, an Indian fine-dining restaurant; Terrace Garden, a Mediterranean grill concept; and Artisan's Atelier, a premium patisserie and lounge.

Over the years, Prrateek Chaudhary has worked with globally recognised hospitality brands including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, The Leela Palace New Delhi, Taj Hotels and The Lodhi, building a strong reputation within the luxury food and beverage industry.

His professional journey also includes involvement in five major pre-opening projects including Fairmont Jaipur, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, Perbacco at The Lodhi, Kaansa Gurgaon, and Sanjh Dallas.

Speaking about his appointment, Prrateek Chaudhary said, “I am excited to join Pataaka and contribute to its vision of delivering exceptional Indian hospitality and innovative dining experiences. My journey across luxury hospitality brands and international restaurant projects has provided me with valuable experience, and I look forward to creating memorable beverage experiences while strengthening guest engagement at the restaurant.”

With this appointment, Pataaka aims to further elevate its beverage programme and reinforce its position as a premium Indian dining destination in the United States.

DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse has introduced Summer Fields, a specially curated seasonal menu celebrating fresh summer ingredients, lighter textures, and vibrant flavours. The limited-period menu will be available from May 15 to May 31, 2026, across the brand’s outlets in Chennai at DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse and DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse.

Designed as a seasonal culinary showcase, Summer Fields reflects the kitchen’s focus on highlighting summer produce through modern European techniques and thoughtfully layered flavours. The menu brings together ingredients such as watermelon, figs, bay prawns, asparagus, and wild mushrooms, transformed into dishes that are both refreshing and indulgent.

Built around the concept of shared dining, the experience encourages guests to explore multiple plates together, moving seamlessly between salads, soups, pizzas, pasta, and signature mains while discovering contrasting textures and seasonal combinations.

The menu opens with Cool Greens, a selection of salads and chilled soups inspired by the lighter side of summer dining. Highlights include the Bay Prawn and Arugula Salad with mango carpaccio and caramelised walnuts, the Smoked Chicken and Wild Mushroom Salad, and a chilled Cucumber and Celery Soup finished with strawberry gel and yoghurt foam.

The experience then transitions into Entre, a collection of hearty sharing plates crafted for leisurely summer meals. Signature dishes include the Pizza Prosciutto and Grilled Figs with goat cheese and balsamic honey, the Spiced Beer Braised Tiger Prawn served with organic red rice, and Confit Chicken Legs paired with couscous risotto.

Guests can also enjoy comforting handmade pasta preparations such as the Linguine Aglio e Olio featuring homemade pasta, asparagus, and sundried tomato.

With Summer Fields, DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse continues to focus on ingredient-led dining experiences that combine creativity, seasonality, and convivial dining in a relaxed café setting.

 The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced plans to develop Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, bringing the globally recognised entertainment concept outside the United States for the first time. The project will involve a construction investment of USD 1.7 billion and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.

The upcoming venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it within one of the emirate’s leading entertainment and tourism hubs. The addition is expected to further strengthen Yas Island’s position as a major destination for leisure, culture and large-scale events.

Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on event requirements, Sphere Abu Dhabi will host a variety of experiences ranging from immersive entertainment productions and concert residencies to sporting events, conferences and brand-led showcases. The venue will also feature Sphere’s advanced technology-driven experiences designed to create highly engaging visual environments.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction.”

He further highlighted that the project would also create opportunities to showcase Emirati culture, storytelling and local talent through immersive productions and large-format visual experiences.

James L Dolan said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere.”

The development marks another major addition to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment landscape and reflects the city’s ongoing investment in destination-led projects that blend tourism, culture and technology. Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to become a key attraction for international visitors and event audiences from around the world.