Koishii at St. Regis Mumbai Strengthens Culinary Team with Top Global Chefs

Koishii at St. Regis Mumbai Strengthens Culinary Team with Top Global Chefs

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 3, 2025

St. Regis Mumbai has announced key appointments to its culinary team at Koishii, its renowned Nikkei dining destination. Joining the restaurant are Peruvian master chef Willman Lan Thorne as Chef de Cuisine and Chef Jesús Caballero as Sous Chef, bringing with them a combined legacy of over 30 years in global gastronomy.

A Fusion of Cultures & Culinary Expertise

With a remarkable 19-year career, Chef Willman Lan Thorne has mastered the art of blending Japanese, Nikkei, Peruvian, and Latin cuisines. His culinary journey has taken him across Lima, Dubai, Cairo, and Panama, refining his craft at prestigious establishments like Osaka, Blue Marlin Ibiza, Mezcal, and Noa Nikkei. Now, at Koishii, Chef Lan is set to create dishes that tell stories, evoke emotions, and redefine Nikkei cuisine in Mumbai.

Bringing over 16 years of experience, Chef Jesús Caballero has honed his skills at Osaka in Chile, Onze in Dubai and Lebanon, and Ka Lounge in Chile. His expertise spans menu innovation, sushi bar management, and staff training, with an ability to seamlessly blend technique and creativity. His culinary repertoire includes notable stints at Ko Asian Kitchen, Madame Tusan, and Sushi Express in Peru, making him a valuable addition to Koishii’s kitchen.

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A New Chapter for Koishii

The arrival of Chefs Lan and Caballero marks an exciting culinary evolution for Koishii. While staying true to its Nikkei identity, the restaurant will now offer broader Latin American flavors, seamlessly integrated with Japanese ingredients and techniques.

“Koishii has always been a space where flavors meet artistry. With Chefs Lan and Caballero at the helm, we look forward to elevating our dining experience, offering guests a refined yet adventurous gastronomic journey,” stated a hotel release.

With culinary innovation at its core, Koishii at St. Regis Mumbai is set to captivate discerning palates with a bold new menu, redefining luxury dining in the city.


Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2025

Adrift Kaya, the celebrated Japanese dining destination by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, is introducing its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi on 14th September 2025. Designed as an immersive experience, the brunch promises to transform Sundays into the city’s most awaited culinary ritual.

Blending bold Japanese flavours, innovative drinks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the brunch channels the vibrant spirit of Tokyo in the heart of Delhi. At its centre is the Kaiseki Bento Box, a showcase of seasonal Japanese delicacies such as sake-marinated salmon glazed with miso, crisp tempura, and traditional miso soup. For younger guests, the Little Kaya Bento Box brings playful creations like Kawaii Onigiri, Japanese Croquettes, and a mini Chicken Katsu Burger.

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The Dessert Station is designed to delight, featuring freshly flipped Japanese soufflé pancakes in matcha and chocolate, alongside a Build-Your-Own Sundae Bar with house-made ice creams in indulgent flavours including Sakura, Kaya Miso Salted Caramel, and Black Sesame.

Beverages take centre stage with a curated line-up of signature cocktails, zero-proof creations, and themed bars. Guests can enjoy unique offerings at the Matcha Bar, refreshing twists at the Mimosa Bar with its live trolley, and a curated Sake Bar highlighting Japanese craftsmanship.

Enhancing the experience, the brunch includes live DJ beats, a dedicated Kids’ Zone with Manga comics and Polaroid keepsakes, and a vibrant setting ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends.

“With ADRIFT Kaya’s Sunday Brunch, we wanted to create something fresh for Delhi, a Japanese-inspired experience that feels fun, delicious, and interactive. From Japanese-style soufflé pancakes and Kaiseki bento to the Little Kaya Bento with its playful mini chicken katsu burger, plus the matcha whisking and mimosa bars, it’s about creating moments that families and friends will remember,” said Chef David Myers.

With its trend-forward menus, spirited beverages, and lively ambience, the Adrift Kaya Sunday Brunch is set to become Delhi’s coolest weekend ritual.

  • Launch Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025.
  • Venue: Adrift Kaya, JW Marriott New Delhi.
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

 Whitefield has a new hotspot for beer lovers and food enthusiasts with the opening of Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery. Spread across 30,000 square feet and designed to seat 500 guests, the two-story venue combines craft brewing, global dining, and live performances, setting a fresh standard for Bengaluru’s ever-evolving beer scene.

At the heart of the brewery lies a 3,500 sq. ft. microbrewery serving six in-house brews  from Hefeweizen and Stout to IPA, Wheat, Lager, and American Pilsner. Each beer is crafted with precision to cater to both casual drinkers and true connoisseurs.

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The design of Brix & Barrells draws heavily from nature and international inspirations. Light-filled interiors, water walls, and lush greenery indoors and outdoors create an inviting escape from the bustle of the city. A sprawling central bar anchors the space, encouraging conversations and social connections. Adding to its charm, the brewery is pet-friendly and even features a curated menu for furry companions.

The vision behind Brix & Barrells comes from its founders and managing directors, Mr. Arvind Murthy, Mr. Daksh Vedanth Gowda, and Ms. Renuka Limbavali, supported by business partners Mrs. Beena Arvind and Ms. Pragna Saahithya. Leaving behind their professional careers to follow their passion for brewing and hospitality, they’ve created a community-first destination.

Sharing his excitement, Arvind Murthy said, “Brix & Barrells is our vision of a space where people come together to share conversations, good food, and great beer. Whitefield has such a dynamic beer culture”.

Adding to this, Daksh Vedanth Gowda noted, “We’re excited to add our own signature brews to it, each crafted with passion and detail. At the same time, we wanted to go beyond the pint, offering a global culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Brix & Barrells a true destination for the community”.

The culinary offerings match the ambition of the brewery. With over 200 dishes, the menu draws from Asian, South Indian, Italian, and continental influences. Highlights include smoky tandoori platters like Achari Mushroom Tikka and Malai Broccoli, fiery delights such as the Naga Ghost Seekh, and comfort classics like the Chicken Smash Burger.

The drinks list extends beyond beer, with a range of innovative cocktails. Guests can sip on the tropical richness of Mango Madness or enjoy the tangy kick of Tonic Twist, alongside craft beers like the smooth Heavenly Suspension (Hefeweizen), the refreshing Wit Wall (Wheat), and the crisp Punch Line (Pilsner).

With its blend of craft brewing, diverse food, and live music, Brix & Barrells positions itself as more than a brewery, it’s a destination where Bengaluru’s community can connect, celebrate, and unwind.


Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

AIPL Joy Central in Sector 65, Gurugram, has welcomed Cellar & Cup, a 2,250 sq. ft. European-inspired café on its first floor, blending European elegance with Northeastern warmth. The café-restaurant is designed as a haven for coffee connoisseurs, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts, offering an eclectic mix of global flavors and curated experiences.

Sourcing its coffee from the lush estates of Meghalaya, Cellar & Cup highlights a rich, earthy brew that pairs seamlessly with fine Italian dishes, handcrafted sourdough pizzas, and an exclusive range of Georgian wines, a rare indulgence for wine enthusiasts in the city. The interiors reflect a contemporary European charm with wooden accents, warm lighting, artistic wall murals, and cozy seating, creating a welcoming yet vibrant ambience.

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Speaking on the new addition, Ishaan Singh, Director at AIPL, said, “With this new addition, our endeavour is to craft experiences that go far beyond dining. AIPL Joy Central has already emerged as a perfect F&B hub with multiple options and some of the finest brand names, making it a destination in itself. Our vision is to create spaces where people can connect, unwind, and celebrate life in settings that are vibrant, welcoming, and memorable.”

Adding his perspective, Aman, Founder of Cellar & Cup, shared, “Having ventured into the restaurant space earlier, Cellar & Cup marks my second step in this exciting journey. With this concept, I wanted to create something more immersive where specialty coffee, eclectic cuisine, and fine wines come together under one roof. It’s about building a place that not only serves but also inspires people to connect, unwind, and celebrate life in a vibrant yet welcoming ambience.”

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The opening of Cellar & Cup reflects AIPL’s vision of developing lifestyle-centric destinations that go beyond dining to foster culture, community, and meaningful experiences. With its unique combination of artisanal coffee, global cuisine, and fine wines, the café is poised to become Gurugram’s latest go-to spot for those seeking refined flavours and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

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