JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has added a strong culinary voice to UNO Izakaya with the appointment of Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at the hotel's acclaimed Japanese Bar and Lounge.

Chef Dhar brings over seven years of fine-dining and luxury kitchen experience to the role, a career that has taken him across India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and through some genuinely impressive establishments along the way. His expertise sits firmly in Japanese cuisine, with particular depth in sushi, sashimi, and omakase-style cooking the kind of technical mastery that takes years to develop and is immediately felt in the quality of what lands on the plate.

His international experience is equally compelling. Most recently serving as Head Sushi Chef, Chef Dhar has been part of notable pre-opening projects including NOZOMI in Riyadh and La Mer at Sindalah Island, NEOM, Saudi Arabia two high-profile openings that demand both precision and the ability to build something from scratch. In India, his resume includes time at The Oberoi Bengaluru, ITC Gardenia, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, a strong set of names that reflect his standing within the industry.

Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, welcomed the appointment, "Chef Shubham Dhar brings exceptional technical skill and international experience to UNO Izakaya. His expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the restaurant continues to offer high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bengaluru's premier dining destinations."

In his new role, Chef Dhar will focus on menu execution, culinary consistency, and supporting the kitchen team in delivering the high standards UNO Izakaya is known for. For a restaurant that has built a loyal following among Bengaluru's Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, this is a well-timed and well-considered appointment

As India's LPG crisis deepens, the restaurant industry in Delhi is watching the situation with growing anxiety and Amit Bagga, Co-Founder of Daryaganj Restaurants and Co-Chapter Head of NRAI's Delhi Chapter, is spelling out exactly what's at stake.

Bagga offers a clear-eyed, ground-level view of how Delhi's restaurants actually source their cooking gas and why the current shortage hits harder than most people realise.

"Restaurants typically receive their cooking gas supply in two forms: PNG (piped natural gas) and commercial LPG cylinders. In Delhi some mall-based restaurants and a few high-street outlets already operate on PNG wherever the network is available. However, a large number of restaurants still rely primarily on LPG cylinders."

That reliance on cylinders is where the vulnerability lies. While PNG-connected outlets have a degree of insulation from the current crisis, the majority of Delhi's restaurants, particularly smaller, independent establishments, have no such buffer. And right now, those cylinders are either hard to find or being sold at a significant premium.

There's another layer to this too. News coverage of the shortage has triggered panic, which Bagga warns could make things worse before they get better.

"The current challenge is the availability of LPG cylinders, which in many cases are either in short supply or being sold at a premium in the market. Following recent national news coverage, there is also a sense of panic, which could potentially lead to hoarding of cylinders."

The inventory situation at most restaurants is far more precarious than the public might assume. Restaurants don't stockpile gas they can't. Most operate with just one to two days of LPG on hand at any given time. That's a razor-thin margin when supply is already disrupted.

"Most restaurants do not maintain more than one to two days of LPG inventory. If the situation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to restaurant closures, which would have wider implications as the livelihoods of restaurant staff could be affected. Additionally, a large number of people rely on restaurants for their daily meals."

Bagga also flagged a concern about recent policy signals that could worsen the situation on the ground.

"There have also been some recent notifications suggesting lower priority for commercial establishments in cylinder supply. However, this may be difficult to effectively monitor at the ground level."

It's a valid concern. Prioritisation policies are only as effective as their implementation and with cylinder supply already strained and hoarding a real risk, enforcement at the distribution level is going to matter enormously in the days ahead.

The message from the industry is consistent and urgent act fast, ensure commercial supply is protected alongside household needs, and prevent a situation where restaurants are forced to close not because business has dried up, but simply because they can't get the gas to cook.

THE OZEN COLLECTION has made a strong leadership call for its much-anticipated India debut. Utsa Majumder has been appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, the brand's newest property and its first in the country, a 181-villa luxury resort nestled in the Aravalli ranges.

It's a significant appointment, and one that reflects how seriously Atmosphere Core is approaching this launch. Utsa brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across some of the most respected international brands in India. She's known for a people-centric leadership style that doesn't come at the cost of sharp operational thinking or revenue focus, a combination that's earned her recognition well beyond her own organisations.

Her accolades speak for themselves, General Manager of the Year 2024 at the Hozpitality Excellence Awards, and Leading Hospitality Icon at the World Leadership Congress Awards in 2022. But what sets her apart equally is her work beyond the corporate world. She currently serves as President of the WICCI Hospitality & Tourism Council in Himachal Pradesh and is an active mentor with the WICCI mentorship outreach programme, championing women in hospitality at a time when that advocacy genuinely matters.

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, commented on the appointment, "THE OZEN COLLECTION represents refined luxury within our portfolio, and OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will be a remarkable addition to the brand's growing footprint. Utsa's extensive experience in high-end resorts, combined with her inspiring leadership style, makes her the ideal choice to lead this exceptional resort. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to seeing her bring the vision of THE OZEN COLLECTION to life in Jaipur."

About the Property

OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated luxury openings in India. Spread across 20 acres of lush landscape in the Aravalli ranges, the resort will offer 181 one- and two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. The low-rise design keeps the property feeling exclusive and peaceful, making it ideal for travellers who want genuine seclusion without sacrificing luxury.

The location works beautifully too. Sitting within India's Golden Triangle, the resort is just an hour from Jaipur International Airport, about two and a half hours from Gurgaon, and three hours from Agra, well-connected enough for destination travellers while still feeling removed from the urban rush.

For events and weddings, the property is particularly well-equipped. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space, along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues, positions OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR as a premier destination for large Indian weddings and corporate celebrations, a segment that continues to grow strongly in Rajasthan.

With Utsa Majumder at the helm and THE OZEN COLLECTION's brand DNA behind it, this Jaipur property is one to watch closely in the months ahead.