IICA Hosts Kids Gourmet Dessert Masterclass at Shoppers Stop Gurugram

IICA Hosts Kids Gourmet Dessert Masterclass at Shoppers Stop Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 21, 2026

The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) recently hosted a Kids Gourmet Dessert Masterclass at the Shoppers Stop outlet in Sector 66, Gurugram. The session was designed as an interactive, hands-on experience, introducing young participants to the basics of gourmet dessert-making while encouraging creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Over 65 young learners took part in the workshop, making it a lively and engaging session. This also marked the third workshop conducted by IICA at Shoppers Stop.

The masterclass was led by Chef Dharmendra Kumar, Sous Chef, Bakery & Pastry, IICA, along with Chef Prashant Kumar, Jr. Sous Chef, IICA. During the session, they demonstrated two recipes, Foxnut and Chocolate Rocks, and Fruit Trifle with Eggless Sponge. The chefs focused on simplifying techniques, making gourmet concepts easy for children to understand and enjoy.

The workshop was attended by Gandharv, Customer Care Associate & Marketing Manager at Shoppers Stop. Supporting the chefs were IICA students Gyan Vrat Arya (Bakery Student) and Aryan Jha (Culinary Student), who gained hands-on experience through the session. Such workshops at IICA are aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry exposure, giving students a chance to understand real-world environments.

Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder, International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), said, "Workshops like these play an important role in introducing young audiences to culinary creativity in an engaging and interactive manner. Such initiatives not only encourage early interest in the culinary arts but also help create memorable experiences for participants, while enabling brands like Shoppers Stop to meaningfully engage with their customers through unique, hands-on activities."

Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO, International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), added, "Collaborations like these provide an effective platform for organisations such as Shoppers Stop to enhance customer engagement by offering interactive culinary and pastry workshops. These experiences help create stronger connections with their audience while bringing a unique experiential dimension to retail environments."

For those interested in building a career in culinary or bakery arts, registrations are currently open for the July '26 batch at IICA’s Hauz Khas campus. The programmes offer structured training under experienced chefs, with a strong focus on practical learning and industry exposure, along with pathways to global work opportunities.

Founded in 2005 by Chef Virender S. Datta, IICA is among the early institutions in India to introduce internationally benchmarked culinary education. The institute combines structured kitchen training with globally recognised qualifications from City & Guilds (UK) and BSI Learning (Australia), offered exclusively at IICA. It has also expanded its global presence through collaborations, including a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College in Japan, enabling student exchange, joint curriculum development, and cross-cultural learning opportunities.


WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 11, 2026

 WorkEZ has announced a major expansion of its managed workspace portfolio, taking its total footprint to approximately 1.7 million sq. ft. across 12 active buildings and two upcoming developments across South India. The expansion strengthens the company’s presence in Chennai, Kochi, and Coimbatore, reinforcing its focus on high-growth commercial markets in the region.

As part of this growth phase, WorkEZ has added 65,000 sq. ft. at Phoenix One National Park in Chennai, further strengthening its presence in one of the city’s key commercial corridors. The company has also entered the Kochi market through a strategic partnership with Lulu Developers, adding 70,000 sq. ft. to its expanding portfolio. The move reflects increasing demand for premium managed workspaces from enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kerala.

Speaking about the milestone, Sunil Reddy said, “Our growth to 1.7 million square feet reflects the trust our clients, partners and landlords have placed in WorkEZ over the years. The recent additions in Chennai, Kochi and Coimbatore mark an important step in our continued growth, and we remain focused on building high-quality managed workspaces in markets where demand continues to evolve.”

Coimbatore continues to emerge as a key growth market for the company. WorkEZ recently onboarded several marquee enterprise clients in the city, including global consulting, technology, and engineering firms, reinforcing enterprise confidence in Coimbatore as an emerging business destination.

Building on this momentum, WorkEZ has signed a new 0.4 million sq. ft. development in Coimbatore in partnership with Veeras Infra Private Limited, following the successful leasing of 0.1 million sq. ft. in Phase I. The company believes the city’s growing appeal among GCCs, IT services, and advanced manufacturing sectors will continue to drive demand for flexible office infrastructure.

Commenting on the Coimbatore expansion, Prathap Murali said, “Coimbatore has been a very encouraging market for us. The response to our Phase I development and the onboarding of leading global consulting and technology firms have reinforced our belief in the opportunity the city presents.”

Founded in 2019 in Chennai, WorkEZ has steadily evolved into one of South India’s leading managed office space providers, catering to enterprises, startups, Fortune 500 companies, and institutional landlords. The company’s growth strategy has focused on identifying emerging business corridors early and delivering scalable, experience-led workspaces designed around modern enterprise needs.

As businesses increasingly prioritise flexibility, operational efficiency, and employee-centric work environments, managed office spaces continue to gain traction across India’s commercial real estate landscape. WorkEZ’s latest expansion reflects this broader shift while further strengthening its position in South India’s fast-growing workspace market.


L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

L’Oréal Paris has marked its 29th consecutive year as the Official Beauty Partner of the Festival de Cannes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to celebrating women in cinema, inclusivity, and empowerment on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.

Held from 12 to 23 May 2026, this year’s edition continues to bring together global cinema, fashion, and beauty, with L’Oréal Paris highlighting its enduring philosophy of championing women’s self-worth through its iconic message, “Because You’re Worth It.”

A major highlight of this year’s participation is a powerful Indian representation led by L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, each bringing a distinct expression of confidence, individuality, and global cultural presence to the Cannes red carpet.

Alia Bhatt returns to Cannes for the second consecutive year as a global ambassador, reflecting on the experience as a celebration of sisterhood and women’s voices on an international platform. Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence this year further strengthens India’s creative visibility at the festival, symbolising elegance and self-expression beyond cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris India, said the brand’s nearly three-decade journey at Cannes has been about amplifying voices and celebrating women who are reshaping culture and cinema on their own terms.

The 2026 edition also features the sixth L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and ambassador Gillian Anderson serving as juror, continuing the brand’s focus on recognising emerging female voices in filmmaking.

The global ambassador line-up this year includes names such as Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Ariana Greenblatt, and others, further reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ global creative network.

Alongside its Cannes presence, L’Oréal Paris has also partnered with Nykaa in India to bring exclusive red carpet beauty experiences closer to Indian consumers, extending the festival’s glamour beyond the French Riviera.

With its continued presence at Cannes, L’Oréal Paris once again positions beauty not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful expression of identity, ambition, and storytelling on a global stage.


WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

WelcomHeritage has introduced a curated collection of Mother’s Day weekend staycations across North India, bringing together heritage palaces, wellness resorts, wildlife retreats, and scenic hillside escapes. Designed as experience-led getaways, the stays reflect the growing preference for meaningful celebrations centred around quality time and memorable experiences.

The curated selection spans different travel styles, from peaceful mountain retreats and wellness-focused resorts to immersive outdoor stays. Moving beyond traditional hospitality experiences, the stays encourage families to slow down and spend meaningful time together in unique and character-filled destinations.

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In Himachal Pradesh, WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a calm mountain escape surrounded by nature, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxed and peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, WelcomHeritage Santa Roza presents a boutique-style experience that combines scenic surroundings with a slower and more intimate atmosphere.

In Uttarakhand, WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa focuses on wellness and rejuvenation, offering guests a refreshing break away from the fast pace of city life. For travellers interested in heritage experiences, WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace reflects the brand’s heritage charm through its historic architecture and panoramic valley views.

For guests seeking an outdoor and wildlife-inspired getaway, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort offers a nature-led experience close to one of India’s most popular national parks, blending comfort with opportunities for wildlife exploration.

As staycations continue to gain popularity around occasions like Mother’s Day, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to reconnect and unwind in settings that feel personal and immersive. Through these curated experiences, WelcomHeritage aims to offer celebrations that focus more on meaningful moments and less on scale.

For further information and reservations, guests can visit: WelcomHeritage Official Website

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