Fresh Flavors, Italian Soul – A Tasting Experience at Carnaby, The Residency Towers Chennai

Fresh Flavors, Italian Soul – A Tasting Experience at Carnaby, The Residency Towers Chennai

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on July 2, 2025

Hospitalitynews had the delightful opportunity to be hosted at Carnaby, the vibrant all-day dining restaurant at The Residency Towers Chennai, for an exclusive tasting of their soon-to-be-launched Italian menu, curated in collaboration with Chennai-based Italian culinary expert Fiammetta Pereira.

From the moment we stepped in, the ambience set the tone for an afternoon filled with soulful Italian flavours and heartfelt hospitality. The warmth extended by Chef Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director at The Residency Group of Hotels, and Fiammetta Pereira truly made the experience memorable.

Speaking about the new menu, Ajeeth, Culinary Director shared,
"With this new Italian menu, we’re celebrating the heart of Italy—simple, honest ingredients prepared with passion. Each dish tells a story of tradition, but with a fresh twist that reflects our kitchen’s creativity.”

Fiammetta Pereira, with her infectious passion for Sicilian cuisine, walked us through the inspiration behind each dish. She said, “Working with the team at The Residency Towers has been a pleasure. Dishes like Pasta alla Norma, seasonal vegetable risotto, and specialities from Liguria and Sicily will soon be part of the Carnaby experience.”

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The menu beautifully captured the essence of Italy. Some of our personal favourites from the afternoon included:

  • Beetroot Carpaccio – Light, fresh, and full of colour, with a perfect balance of textures from goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic zest.
  • Melanzane Parmigiana – Comforting layers of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese that felt like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Gnocchi al Pesto di Basilico – Pillow-soft gnocchi coated in fragrant basil pesto, transporting us straight to Liguria.
  • Pollo alla Cacciatora – Chicken slow-braised in wine and herbs, paired beautifully with creamy polenta—truly soul-satisfying.

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Throughout the event, the generosity and warmth of the Carnaby team stood out as much as the flavors on our plates. The conversations, the plating, and the passion behind every dish reflected the team’s dedication to delivering a truly authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Chennai.

Fiammetta Pereira also shared her pride in founding Bottega Pereira (@bottegapereira on Instagram), a beautifully curated home‑and‑lifestyle boutique based here in Chennai. The name “Bottega” — Italian for “workshop” — is fitting: it’s a creative space where Fiammetta, along with her daughter Tanitha, brings warmth and elegance into everyday living. The boutique features thoughtfully designed linens, table accessories, cushions, décor, gift sets and more — each piece selected to “bring warmth and happiness to your home". Website: www.bottegapereira.com 

For anyone looking to experience authentic Italian cuisine right here in Chennai, paired with genuine hospitality, Carnaby at The Residency Towers is a must-visit. And for those wanting to take a little slice of Italy home—whether through flavors or fabrics—Bottega Pereira is worth exploring too.

The Italian Food Festival runs through this week, with the new dishes soon becoming a permanent part of the menu.

Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM

About Residency Group:

Presenting world-class boutique hotels in South India, our hotels exude the cultural ethos of the land. Living up to its moniker, The Residency hotels in India offers unparallel and phenomenal spaces for a homely living experience. From elegant cities like Chennai and Coimbatore to charming towns like Karur, Puducherry and Rameswaram, The Residency promises beautifully curated experiences for its discerning guests.

Website: theresidency.com

 


Marriott International Launches Star-Studded Dining Campaign “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?” Featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Marriott International has launched its trailblazing food and beverage campaign, “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?”, across South Asia, setting the stage for a new era of tech-integrated, experience-driven dining. Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan anchors the campaign, bringing her signature charm and mass appeal to Marriott’s diverse restaurant offerings in India.

This first-of-its-kind campaign blends storytelling, technology, and hospitality, turning Marriott’s restaurants and lounges into more than just dining venues, they become destinations for memorable, immersive experiences. Running from July to September 2025, the campaign aims to transform the way guests discover and engage with culinary journeys, making Marriott hotels the go-to spots for food lovers across the region.

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At the heart of the campaign is a delightful video series starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. From elegant brunches to themed dinners, each film invites viewers into Marriott’s world of gastronomic delights, answering the common question we all ask before heading out: “Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?” Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration, a casual hangout, or a romantic dinner, Marriott positions itself as the perfect answer. 

“Some of my favourite memories have been created around a table—whether it’s Sunday brunch with family or a spontaneous dinner with friends,” said Kareena Kapoor Khan. “Marriott’s campaign is an invitation for everyone to make space for those moments again. And with so many incredible options across a city near you, the only question is: Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?”

With a strong emphasis on digital evolution, Marriott’s campaign integrates automation, personalized recommendations, and content-rich storytelling to connect with today’s experience-driven diners. The tech-savvy approach enables smarter and faster table reservations, making it easier for guests to explore dining options effortlessly.

“At Marriott, we believe the future of F&B lies in combining tech innovation with the sensory experience of dining out,” said Khushnooma Kapadia, Vice President - Marketing, South Asia at Marriott International. “With this campaign, we’re cutting down the search journey for diners and offering curated content, targeted discovery, and seamless booking mechanisms. Kareena Kapoor was the perfect choice—authentic, relatable, and with a deep passion for food.”

From boosting footfalls at Marriott’s restaurants to deepening guest engagement, the campaign sets a new benchmark in the hospitality industry. It also signals Marriott’s commitment to curating richer experiences, one story, one meal, and one guest at a time.


Chao Bella Launches a Bold New Menu Fusing Chinese and Italian Flavours

Chao Bella Launches a Bold New Menu Fusing Chinese and Italian Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Greater Noida’s culinary scene is set to reach exciting new heights as Chao Bella, the Chinese and Italian specialty restaurant at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, unveils a daring and delightful new menu. Known for blending Eastern and Western cuisines with ease, Chao Bella now invites guests to savour its most inventive offerings yet—making it the only place in the city where handmade pasta meets handcrafted dim sum on one elegant table.

Located on the lobby floor of the hotel, Chao Bella has long been a favourite for diners seeking global flavours in a warm, inviting ambience. With the newly launched menu, the restaurant takes its passion for fusion dining a notch higher—presenting an exciting mix of flavours, textures, and cultures that go beyond tradition.

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From the Chinese kitchen, highlights include the Orange Soy Glazed Scallop, Prawns Har Gao delicately topped with salmon eggs, and the bold Gochujang Tofu Donburi. The Cantonese Steamed Sea Bass, infused with soy, ginger, and scallion, adds a comforting touch of authenticity.

The Italian side of the menu doesn’t hold back either. Guests can dig into a rich and hearty Lamb Pappardelle with porcini mushroom sauce, a flavour-packed Duck Leg Confit paired with parmesan mash, and a warm, creamy Risotto di Butternut Squash with smoked chicken. The grand finale? A decadent Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate almond cake that offers the perfect sweet ending.

“We wanted to create a menu that reflects the dynamic blend of cultures that Chao Bella stands for,” said Executive Chef Rajiv Vatsyayan. “Each dish has been crafted with technique, tradition, and a touch of innovation—so whether you're craving a crispy prawn dim sum or a rustic Italian pasta, you’ll find something to surprise and delight.”

General Manager Sharad K Upadhyay shared, “Chao Bella has always been a favourite for guests seeking authentic Chinese and Italian cuisine. With this new menu, we are pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to our roots—offering an experience that’s truly unique in Greater Noida.”

Dinner Service: Monday to Sunday | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Whether you raise a fork or a pair of chopsticks, Chao Bella’s bold new menu promises a dining experience like no other in the city. Book your table now and experience the magic where East meets West—on one unforgettable plate.


Coffee Conversations Come Alive at 'Brews & Beyond' by Kaapi Solutions x Coffee Sutra

Coffee Conversations Come Alive at 'Brews & Beyond' by Kaapi Solutions x Coffee Sutra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

Jaipur recently brewed up something extraordinary as Kaapi Solutions—India’s premier coffee equipment and innovation company—partnered with local favourite Coffee Sutra to present ‘Brews & Beyond’. The event turned into a vibrant confluence of craft, culture, and community, drawing some of the most dynamic voices from the Indian coffee and hospitality landscape.

Held at Coffee Sutra’s aesthetically designed space, this two-hour gathering wasn’t just a meet-up; it was a movement. From café owners and baristas to F&B professionals, media, and coffee enthusiasts, the crowd reflected the growing interest in specialty coffee in India, especially from emerging Tier 2 cities like Jaipur.

At the heart of the evening was a compelling panel discussion titled "Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee in India." It was led by Vikram Khurana, CEO of Kaapi Solutions, who’s not only a certified barista and international coffee judge, but also a well-known champion of India’s specialty coffee revolution. Under his moderation, the panel dissected the evolving consumer preferences, sourcing ethics, brewing trends, and the café ecosystem.

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The speaker lineup brought depth and diversity to the dialogue:

  • Marcela Baur, an international coffee educator, spoke about sustainable sourcing and the importance of global coffee education.

  • Dushyant Singh, Founder of Coffee Sutra, discussed how cafés can become mindful, community-led spaces.

  • Shahnaaz Anjum, Director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offered insight into how luxury hotels are embracing specialty coffee experiences.

  • Kshitiz Sisodia, Co-founder of Jaipur Coffee Community, talked about nurturing local barista talent and community-driven coffee identities.

While the conversation flowed, so did the coffee.

The venue was buzzing with live brewing counters showcasing manual techniques like pour-over, French press, and AeroPress. Kaapi Solutions’ baristas guided guests through the process, turning them from passive observers to active brewers. The Tech Capsule Showcase was a major highlight—letting attendees get hands-on with some of the most advanced brewing machines used in India’s top cafés and hotels.

Adding another layer to the evening was the Sensory Coffee Talk led by Coffee Sutra’s in-house experts. They walked guests through tasting notes, roast profiles, and origin stories of their signature blends—paired thoughtfully with desserts and savouries that elevated the experience. The vibe remained upbeat and personal, with mellow tunes, brewing chatter, and even giveaways like curated kits and brand merchandise making the evening memorable.

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Dushyant Singh, reflecting on the event, said,

"Brews & Beyond was more than just an event; it was a celebration of Jaipur’s evolving coffee culture. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and hope to continue building awareness and appreciation for specialty coffee in India."

Vikram Khurana added,

"This event was a milestone for India’s coffee movement. Jaipur’s emergence as a coffee hub shows how deep this culture is brewing. At Kaapi Solutions, we’re committed to empowering this next generation of coffee entrepreneurs."

Timeline of Key Highlights:

  • Welcome & Networking

  • Panel Discussion: Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee

  • Live Brewing Sessions (Pour Over, French Press, AeroPress)

  • Tech Capsule Showcase: High-End Coffee Equipment

  • Sensory Coffee Talk: Signature Blends & Food Pairings

  • Lucky Draw & Giveaways

With ‘Brews & Beyond’, Kaapi Solutions and Coffee Sutra proved that coffee in India is no longer just about caffeine—it’s about connection, community, and culture. Events like this are setting the stage for a richer, more inclusive coffee dialogue, one sip at a time.

Image Credits:
Some images used in this article are sourced from external platforms. All rights and credits belong to their original owners.

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