LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Unveils ‘Viva la Fiesta’ Nights with Skyline Views and Spanish Beats

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Unveils ‘Viva la Fiesta’ Nights with Skyline Views and Spanish Beats

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2025

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar has launched an exciting new weekly event, ‘Viva la Fiesta’, bringing a vibrant slice of Spain to the Bangkok skyline. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors of Thailand’s first INNSiDE by Meliá hotel, the tapas bar now offers guests an unforgettable midweek experience every Wednesday evening from 7 pm onwards.

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‘Viva la Fiesta’, which translates to “long live the party,” combines the flavours of Spain with music, performance, and dramatic rooftop views. The celebration features guest DJs spinning Spanish-modern house and tribal beats, live percussionists, and a giant pan of paella that draws the eye and appetite alike.

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Crafting the culinary magic is Madrid-born Chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has worked at renowned establishments like Michelin-starred Saddle and Diverxo, ranked among the top three in the 'World’s 50 Best Restaurants' 2023 list. His tapas menu is a tribute to traditional Spanish gastronomy, enhanced with modern flair.

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Signature dishes include ‘Pulpo A Feira’—octopus with potatoes and spicy paprika, ‘Chanquetes fritos’—fried fish with fried eggs and roasted peppers, and ‘Croquetas de ternera y tartar de tuna’—a unique pairing of oxtail croquettes and tuna tartar. Guests can also savour ‘Plato de jamon’ served with tomato-rubbed bread and a Spanish omelette elevated with creamy potato foam, truffle, and Idiazabal cheese.

At the heart of the event is the giant paella pan, fired up with rotating flavours like seafood, pork, chicken, mushrooms, and Padrón peppers—adding a theatrical element to the rooftop dining experience.

Complementing the food are refreshing cocktails like ‘Agua de Valencia’, a lively blend of orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin, along with Spanish favourites like Sangria.

Adding to the energy of the night, the venue encourages an optional dress code of red, black, or bold fashion. The best-dressed guest wins a complimentary signature drink, embracing the spirit of Spanish celebration.

Since opening on September 15, 2023, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar has gained a reputation as a go-to destination for authentic Spanish tapas, signature sangrias, and high-energy rooftop experiences. Guests on the 33rd floor are treated to a unique visual spectacle—views into the transparent infinity pool located on the 34th floor above.

By night, the 34th-floor rooftop transforms into an open-air lounge complete with sunbeds, a rooftop bar, and a contemporary take on Bangkok’s iconic Giant Swing structure. Meanwhile, the bar’s design on the 33rd floor, with its sharp angles and cabling, pays homage to the city’s famous Rama VIII Bridge.

LUZ Bangkok is open daily from 4 pm to midnight, and reservations are available.

As part of the renowned Meliá Hotels International group, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit blends cosmopolitan energy with leisure-driven luxury. With events like ‘Viva la Fiesta’, the hotel’s rooftop tapas bar is fast becoming a symbol of culinary and cultural fusion in Thailand’s capital.


TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.


Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.


Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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