Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad and Dakni Sweet Treats Celebrate Deccan Heritage This Diwali

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad and Dakni Sweet Treats Celebrate Deccan Heritage This Diwali

By Hariharan U

Published on October 13, 2025

This Diwali, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad joined hands with Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat to host a royal-themed sweet-making masterclass at Altair, its elegant banquet space, celebrating the rich confectionery heritage of the Deccan.

The event offered guests an immersive journey into the art of traditional Hyderabadi sweets — delicacies once prepared in royal kitchens during the Nizami era. The masterclass highlighted recipes and craftsmanship that Dakni Sweet Treats has carefully preserved since its founding in 1994.

Participants discovered the intricate process behind Dakni’s iconic creations, the Badam Ki Jali, made from almond dough layered with silver foil and shaped into ornate designs; the Hyderabadi Ashrafi, inspired by Nizam-era coins and made with saffron, almonds, and cashew; and the Badam Kund, rich with ghee, almonds, and saffron, finished with a touch of silver waraq.

The demonstration featured vintage tools such as brass cutters and engraved coin moulds, giving attendees a glimpse into authentic techniques passed down through generations.

Influenced by Persian and Turkish traditions, the Badam ki Jali draws from marzipan techniques, while Ashrafi uses Persian coins to imprint sweets with Nizami inscriptions,” shared Naina, Director, Dakni Sweet Treats. “Gil-e-firdaus, maske ke lauz, and jauzi halwa are part of a significant legacy that must be preserved before they vanish from living memory.”

Adding to the cultural spirit of the evening, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, remarked, “Curating living Deccan traditions is central to our cultural programming. Altair was designed as a stage for craft, cuisine, and community—this masterclass brings that vision to life for Diwali, connecting guests with artisans and time-honored techniques.”

This festive collaboration between Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Dakni Sweet Treats, and Sangat reflects a shared commitment to celebrating Hyderabad’s royal culinary heritage through modern, meaningful experiences.

About Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat

Founded in 1994, Dakni Sweet Treats Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to keeping alive the royal dessert traditions of Hyderabad. Known for preserving time-honoured recipes, it has helped elevate Hyderabadi sweets as a defining part of the city’s rich culinary identity.

Sangat is a Hyderabad-based cultural initiative that explores the art, language, and living traditions of the Deccan. Through storytelling and collaboration, it brings together people and ideas that honour the region’s plural heritage while shaping an inclusive cultural future.

Located in Gachibowli beside the Botanical Gardens, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad offers luxurious stays and contemporary event venues, including Altair, its signature banquet space. The property also houses Mazzo, a rooftop restaurant known for its global cuisine and refined dining experiences.


Garden Café Ushers in the New Year with Festive Vibes in Kolkata

Garden Café Ushers in the New Year with Festive Vibes in Kolkata

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

Garden Café is set to ring in the New Year with festive cheer, comforting flavours and a welcoming ambience across its outlets in Kolkata. As 2026 begins, the café invites families, friends and food lovers to celebrate fresh beginnings in a space filled with warmth, laughter and togetherness.

Adding a special touch to the season, Garden Café Alipore is also celebrating a milestone. The outlet steps into its second year of operations, making this New Year particularly meaningful for both the team and its loyal patrons.

To mark the occasion, Garden Café has curated a New Year menu that brings together crowd-favourite comfort food and much-loved classics. Guests can enjoy popular offerings such as Garlic Cheese Pizza and Mushroom Cheese Pizza, alongside signature South Indian favourites including Mysore Dosa, Cheese Butter Masala Dosa, Podi Dosa, Thatte Idli, Finger Fried Idli, and freshly prepared hot Vada.

Keeping the winter season in mind, the café is also serving a selection of comforting beverages. The menu features rich Hot Chocolate, aromatic farm-fresh Filter Coffee, and a refreshing Raspberry Lime Mojito, offering something for every mood and moment.

With festive décor, a relaxed atmosphere and a menu designed to suit every palate, Garden Café promises a heart-warming New Year celebration where food, family and shared moments take centre stage.

Speaking about the celebrations, Mr. Sandip Nowlakha, Owner of Garden Café, said, "The New Year is about fresh starts, gratitude and celebrating the journey so far. As Garden Café Alipore completes a year, we are thankful for the love and support from our guests. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the New Year with comforting food, warm hospitality and many more memories to come."

About Garden Café

Garden Café is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most loved cafés, blending tradition and creativity in every dish. Established in 1968 and reimagined by Sandip Nowlakha in 1981, the café was among the first in the city to introduce pizza, using a cherished family recipe that continues to win hearts.

Since 1982, Garden Café has been known for offering 108 varieties of dosa, each with its own unique flavour. The café’s welcoming and inclusive ambience is designed to make everyone feel at home, featuring serene, no-frills interiors, a transparent open kitchen, and rotating art exhibits that showcase Kolkata’s heritage.

Rooted in tradition and warmth, Garden Café continues to offer thoughtfully curated dining experiences that celebrate comfort, culture and community.


Start the New Year Right with These Party-Perfect Beers for Every Celebration

Start the New Year Right with These Party-Perfect Beers for Every Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 31, 2025

Starting the New Year on a refreshing note often begins with what’s stocked behind the bar. A good beer not only keeps the celebration flowing but also sets the mood for easy conversations, lively toasts and long nights with friends. From trusted classics to contemporary favourites, these party-perfect beers are ideal for welcoming the New Year with great taste and effortless sipping.

Kingfisher remains a timeless choice for New Year celebrations. A familiar presence at parties for decades, the brand offers something for every preference. From the smooth Kingfisher Premium to the bold Strong and the refined Ultra, it continues to be a dependable crowd-pleaser. Its consistent taste, wide availability and easy drinkability make it a must-have for celebrations that stretch from the first toast to the final countdown.

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For those planning a stylish and high-energy New Year party, Budweiser fits right in. Known for its crisp taste and global appeal, it brings a premium edge to house parties. While the classic Budweiser offers smooth and easy sipping, Budweiser Magnum adds a stronger punch for those who prefer bolder pours. Sleek, refreshing and modern, it complements chic party settings effortlessly.

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Adding a relaxed twist to the celebrations, Carib Beer is perfect for hosts looking to try something different. With its crisp lager profile and balanced flavour, it’s light enough for extended gatherings yet distinctive enough to stand out. Its Caribbean roots lend a laid-back charm, making it ideal for calm, conversation-led New Year evenings.

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Energetic and youthful, Tuborg is made for loud music, dance floors and countdown moments. Tuborg Green works well for long hours of sipping, while Tuborg Strong adds extra intensity for seasoned beer drinkers. Its vibrant branding and punchy taste resonate with carefree celebrations that go well into the night.

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For modern hosts and craft-curious drinkers, Bira 91 brings a contemporary touch to New Year gatherings. Offering everything from lighter wheat beers to stronger, hoppier options, it caters to evolving tastes. Its smooth texture, balanced flavours and urban appeal make it a popular choice for intimate house parties and stylish get-togethers.

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Whether the New Year is welcomed with a glamorous countdown or a cosy gathering among close friends, these beer brands help set the tone for a memorable start. With the right picks on hand, every sip becomes part of a celebration worth remembering.


McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East, operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (CPRL), has taken a fresh approach to print advertising with its latest Signature Burger campaign, turning a traditional newspaper ad into an immersive, AR-led experience. Designed to be experienced, felt, and shared, the campaign brings the layers, textures, and indulgence of the Signature burgers to life, reflecting McDonald’s entry into India’s evolving flavour-flex era.

By scanning the print ad using a smartphone, consumers can watch the Signature burgers rise off the page in rich animated detail. The AR experience highlights the layers, textures, and mouthfeel of the burgers, making print advertising more than just visual. It creates a sensory moment that builds real hunger cravings, transforming a static format into something interactive and engaging.

This innovation repositions print as an active brand touchpoint rather than a passive medium. By combining technology with storytelling, McDonald’s has set a new benchmark for how legacy media can be refreshed and made relevant for modern audiences. The campaign underlines the brand’s focus on pushing creative boundaries while delivering immersive experiences at scale.

The New Signature Collection features two indulgent offerings. The Cheesy Mushroom burger, brings together a rich, cheesy mushroom patty with savoury Italian sauce, tangy gherkins, and crisp lettuce, all layered inside a protein bun for a balanced and satisfying bite. The Cheesy Chicken burger, features a flame-grilled chicken patty paired with a juicy egg patty, tangy habanero sauce, crisp gherkins, and crunchy lettuce, creating a multi-layered flavour experience.

Staying true to McDonald’s ‘Proudly Indian’ commitment, all key ingredients, including lettuce, mushrooms, chicken, and eggs, are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers. This approach supports local farmers and partners while ensuring freshness and flavours that align with Indian taste preferences.

By blending AR technology with indulgent food storytelling, the campaign reimagines how consumers engage with food launches, making the Signature Collection an experience that connects both visually and emotionally. With this initiative, McDonald’s continues to reinforce its focus on innovation, quality, and storytelling, delivering elevated, multi-sensorial brand experiences.

The New Signature Collection is now available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, with options for dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery through third-party aggregators.

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