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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 3, 2024
Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, is delighted to announce the appointment of Girish Saklani as the new Head Chef. Chef Saklani brings a wealth of experience, a profound understanding of culinary operations, and exceptional leadership skills to his new role.
With over 17 years of experience in various capacities within the Food and Production department, Chef Saklani is renowned for his innovative menu planning, strict adherence to hygienic standards, and cost-effective food practices. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to increase profits while upholding the corporate identity and integrity of the establishments he has served.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Saklani has showcased his unique leadership skills by cultivating staff for professional growth and fostering a team-oriented environment. He has navigated his culinary journey through diverse roles with renowned hospitality brands including Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Devidyuti Ghosh, Hotel Manager at Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Girish Saklani to our team. His extensive experience in the culinary field, combined with his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to menu planning, makes him the perfect fit for our resort. Chef Saklani’s passion for culinary excellence and his ability to inspire and lead his team will undoubtedly enhance our guests' dining experience.”
Chef Saklani's appointment is a significant milestone for Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, as his expertise and vision are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the hotel's culinary reputation. His leadership is expected to drive the culinary team towards new heights, ensuring that the resort remains a premier dining destination. His role is pivotal in maintaining the hotel's competitive edge in the hospitality industry, making this appointment a strategic move for Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills.
About Tribute Portfolio:
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent resorts drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With more than 80 resorts open around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique hotels like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore, to resorts in indie-spirited locales like Bell Yard in Atlanta and Resort Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio Resort celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful perspective.
About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com
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By Author
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.
Hyatt Regency Chennai proudly announces the appointment of Chef Rizwaan Qureshi as MasterChef – Indian Cuisine, marking a new chapter in the hotel’s culinary journey with the elegance of tradition and the brilliance of innovation.
Hailing from the legendary Qureshi family, Chef Qureshi carries the soul of royal Awadhi cuisine in his craft—where every dish is a heartfelt expression of memory, culture, and timeless technique. Known for their deep-rooted culinary heritage, the Qureshi lineage has shaped India’s gastronomic narrative for generations. Now, that legacy finds a new home at Hyatt Regency Chennai.
With over 22 years of global experience, Chef Qureshi has worked across India, the UK, UAE, Oman, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. He has led diverse kitchen teams, launched successful restaurants, and consistently delivered award-winning menus. His tenure at Moghul Express, Leicester, was a standout success—with the restaurant earning a 5-star TripAdvisor rating and being ranked among the Top 10 overall in the region.
At the heart of his culinary philosophy are signature dishes like the Barra Kebab and Mutton Dum Biryani, heirlooms passed down from his great-grandfather. These iconic plates will now be part of the curated experience at Hyatt Regency Chennai, offering guests an authentic and immersive taste of India’s regal past.
In his new role, Chef Qureshi will lead the Indian kitchen operations, curate regionally-inspired menus, and mentor the culinary team in both classic techniques and modern presentation. His approach, rooted in quality, hygiene, and culinary storytelling, aims to elevate the hotel's dining offerings to unmatched heights.
With his arrival, Hyatt Regency Chennai is poised to redefine Indian fine dining—serving up bold, soulful flavours with unmatched finesse and heartfelt tradition.
Published on June 19, 2025
ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS has proudly announced the inclusion of Hotel Hoften Lotus Court in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone as the 14th property in its rapidly expanding portfolio. With this move, ALIVAA strengthens its presence in North India while continuing to focus on offering dynamic and youth-driven hospitality experiences through The Hoften brand.
The Hoften brand, under the ALIVAA umbrella, is known for its efficient and smart service, making it a preferred choice among the modern, young traveller. The addition of Hotel Lotus Court underscores the group’s strategy to penetrate high-potential urban markets with thoughtfully curated, experience-first properties.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hotel Lotus Court into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection,” shared Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “Noida is a truly dynamic destination, and this partnership enables us to offer our guests an even broader range of exceptional experiences.”
Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the significance of this development in the company’s long-term vision. “As we strive to become a leading national player, Noida holds a critical position in our strategic roadmap. This signing establishes our foothold in the country’s apparel hub and is the first of many planned for this city.”
The enthusiasm was equally echoed by Ashish Mittal, owner of Hotel Lotus Court. “Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Lotus Court under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for providing outstanding stays in Noida. We eagerly look forward to this new chapter.”
This strategic expansion reiterates ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ ambition to grow across the country while maintaining a strong emphasis on innovation, smart hospitality, and guest delight.
About ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS:
A vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality group, ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS operates a diverse collection of hotels and resorts under its flagship brands – ALIVAA and The Hoften. With a commitment to quality and guest-centric experiences, the brand continues to shape exceptional stays in both established cities and emerging travel destinations.
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