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By Author
Published on December 26, 2023
Four Seasons, a name synonymous with luxury in the hospitality industry, is set to mark its presence in China's bustling metropolis, Shanghai. In collaboration with Fungseng Prosperity Holdings, the Canada-based hospitality giant has announced plans for a new opulent hotel, slated to open doors in 2027.
A Skyscraping Marvel: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
This forthcoming property, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, is a testament to architectural grandeur. Rising 44 stories high, it will house 160 rooms and suites, each designed to offer the quintessential Four Seasons experience. The hotel's strategic location along Huaihai Zhong Road in the Huangpu district of Puxi positions it perfectly at the heart of Shanghai's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. This area is celebrated for its unique blend of contemporary creativity and historical Art Deco architecture, offering guests a taste of Shanghai's rich cultural tapestry.
A Strategic Collaboration
The partnership between Four Seasons and Fungseng Prosperity Holdings is more than just a business venture; it's a strategic move to bolster the luxury hotel brand’s footprint in Shanghai. William Wai-hoi Doo, chairman of Fungseng Prosperity Holdings, expressed pride in this collaboration, highlighting Shanghai's allure as a destination that beautifully marries its historic charm with a dynamic, modern vibe.
Harmonising Luxury with Local Flavour
The design and architecture of the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai promise to be as impressive as its location. Renowned architects Ricardo Bofill and P&T Group have lent their expertise to this project, while the interiors will bear the signature elegance of Jean-Michel Gathy from DENNISTON. A notable feature of the property will be the restored traditional Shikumen lane houses at its base, adding a touch of local heritage. The hotel will also feature a top-tier seafood restaurant, aligning with Shanghai's culinary prestige.
A World of Amenities
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is set to offer an array of amenities. Alongside 7,212 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel will also boast 7,438 square feet of comprehensive wellness facilities. These features are tailored to cater to both business and leisure travelers, ensuring a stay that is both productive and rejuvenating.
A New Chapter in Shanghai's Luxury Hospitality
Bart Carnahan, President of Global Business Development, Portfolio Management, and Residential at Four Seasons, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He emphasized that Four Seasons' return to Shanghai is set to introduce a new dimension to luxury hospitality in the city, capturing its vibrant character. With a keen focus on the growing importance of Shanghai in the luxury travel market, this new establishment is poised to become a landmark destination for discerning travelers.
In summary, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is not just another addition to the city's skyline. It's a promise of luxury, comfort, and an immersive experience into the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.
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Published on June 20, 2025
In an age when molecular gastronomy dazzles and precision-driven plating steals the limelight, Chef Vinod Kumar stands rooted like a flame—steady, fierce, and quietly illuminating a legacy of flavor. Revered for his soulful connection with the tandoor, Chef Vinod has become a name synonymous with tradition, mastery, and the kind of cooking that doesn’t just please the palate but stirs the soul.
With a culinary journey that began in 1984, Chef Vinod’s path was shaped under the guidance of his late mentor, Chef Madan Lal Jaiswal, who imparted not just skills but a philosophy: “In the tandoor, you don’t just cook—you listen. Every crackle tells a story.” From his early days at Nirula’s in New Delhi to helming award-winning kitchens like ChaanDi at the Hilton Jaipur, and currently being a key figure in the Fine Indian Dining Group, Chef Vinod’s rise has been marked by excellence, authenticity, and accolades including multiple Times Food Awards for “Best Indian Restaurant.”
Internationally, his culinary prowess has represented India at prestigious events from Paris to Tokyo to Trinidad, yet he continues to draw inspiration from the fire-kissed ovens of home. The tandoor, for him, isn’t merely a cooking tool—it’s a storyteller, a vessel of memory, and a crucible of transformation. Whether it’s the gentle charring of Seekh Kebabs or the bold flavor of Smoked Lamb Chops, every dish that passes through his tandoor carries both heritage and innovation.
Among his signature dishes is the majestic Raan-e-Sikandar, a showpiece that embodies his culinary ethos—simple ingredients treated with respect, technique rooted in legacy, and flavors allowed to speak without interference. A baby lamb leg is marinated overnight in yogurt, rum, ginger, garlic, and warm spices before being slow-roasted and finished in a clay oven, then served with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and naan. It’s not merely a recipe—it’s a ritual.
Ingredients
Method
“Every time I open the tandoor lid,” he says, “I open a door to my roots.” And for those lucky enough to taste his food, that door opens wide into a world of warmth, heritage, and unforgettable flavor.
By Nishang Narayan
In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.
Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.
Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:
“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”
Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.
Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”
Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.
Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.
Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.
The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.
The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.
Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:
"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”
Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:
“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”
PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.
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