Meliá Chiang Mai’s “360º Cuisine” Teaches Students the Art of Eco-Friendly Cooking

Meliá Chiang Mai’s “360º Cuisine” Teaches Students the Art of Eco-Friendly Cooking

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 28, 2024

Meliá Chiang Mai has teamed up with three prominent Thai universities—Suan Dusit University in Lampang, Chiang Mai University, and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Tak—to guide future culinary professionals in sustainable farming, culinary techniques, and waste management. This initiative is part of Meliá’s “360º Cuisine” program, a project aimed at fostering sustainable food practices while minimizing the environmental impact.

The partnership allows culinary students to learn about Meliá’s eco-friendly kitchen operations and provides hands-on experience with the “360º Cuisine” approach, a model that supports local farmers and sources chemical-free produce from ethical suppliers. Ingredients like vegetables, herbs, cage-free eggs, fresh milk, and artisanal cheese are sourced from farms such as Seed, Rong Khum, Jartisann, and Supha Bee Farm. Chef Suksant “Billy” Chutinthratip, Meliá Chiang Mai’s executive chef, leads the program, emphasizing thoughtful cooking processes that reduce food waste by repurposing organic waste into compost and fertilizer.

Chef Billy explains that working with students is “incredibly rewarding” as they gain insights into sustainable practices and bring fresh ideas to the table. Since the program began in 2022, Meliá Chiang Mai has processed more than 5,590 kg of food waste into compost and over 1,820 kg of cooking oil into biodiesel.

Through visits to local farms and training in Meliá’s kitchens, students experience sustainable practices firsthand. Chef Billy also integrates case studies and personal instruction into their coursework, creating a comprehensive educational experience that aligns with Thailand’s growing focus on eco-friendly initiatives.

Graduates who complete the internship often become eligible for employment at Meliá Chiang Mai. Chef Billy notes that hiring students who embrace a sustainability mindset strengthens the team and aligns with the hotel’s goals. Graduates like Thodsapol Chaimongkol and Chanika Thongtecha have transitioned into permanent roles, contributing innovative ideas like using kale in pizza dough and transforming surplus tomatoes into jelly for the hotel’s buffets.

Looking ahead, Meliá Chiang Mai recently extended its educational outreach by signing agreements with Ayutthaya Vocational College and Bungphra Phitsanulok Commercial College. This expansion reinforces the hotel’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent, particularly in sustainable practices.


Rana Daggubati Parties with 50 Cent and Flo Rida During F1 Weekend in Miami

Rana Daggubati Parties with 50 Cent and Flo Rida During F1 Weekend in Miami

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

The Formula 1 weekend in Miami just got a high-powered desi twist as Rana Daggubati, Indian actor and entrepreneur, lit up the city’s nightlife with his Loca Loka tequila crew at an exclusive party that blended global glam with Indian flair.

Held during one of the most anticipated weekends on Miami’s social calendar, the event saw Rana rubbing shoulders with hip-hop legend 50 Cent, rap star Flo Rida, and Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. Photos and videos from the night captured Rana enjoying the vibe, sharing light moments and tequila shots with global icons, and enjoying a surprise performance by 50 Cent that took the energy up a notch.

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Rana, co-owner of the premium tequila brand Loca Loka, was in Miami promoting the label alongside partners Anirudh Ravichander, India's music sensation and Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, a known serial entrepreneur. The Loca Loka bash became a hotspot for networking, celebration, and showcasing how Indian creativity is making waves on a global scale.

Known for fusing business with pop culture, Rana has been steadily positioning Loca Loka as a bold lifestyle brand. The F1 party was a celebration of this vision where Indian enterprise met global swagger in the heart of Miami.

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From catching up backstage with 50 Cent to toasting with Flo Rida and laughing with Cuba Gooding Jr., Rana Daggubati’s Miami moment was a vivid reflection of his growing presence in the global lifestyle space.

While F1 was all about speed, for Rana and Loca Loka, it was about style, celebration, and cultural crossover, a spirited moment for Indian entrepreneurship on the world stage.


The Park Navi Mumbai Unveils a Month-Long Summer Celebration of Flavours, Beats & Boozy Delights

The Park Navi Mumbai Unveils a Month-Long Summer Celebration of Flavours, Beats & Boozy Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

The Park Navi Mumbai is turning up the summer vibes with a month-long celebration that blends flavours, music, and mixology across its two signature destinations — Dusk and Aqua.

At Dusk, the energy is all about bold cocktails, live acoustic sessions, and a curated food and drink experience titled the “Month of Flavour, Music & Mixology.” Here’s what’s on offer:

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  • Mango Mania (May 1–31): The king of fruits takes centre stage across cocktails, plates, and desserts.

  • Serenade Afternoons (Sundays): Easy acoustic live music paired with signature cocktails for lazy weekend chill-outs.

  • World Cocktail Week (May 13–18): A global spin on mixology featuring international recipes and hands-on masterclasses.

  • National Wine Weekend (May 23–25): A three-day celebration of wines, with sangrias, bubbles, and sips to savour.

Just a few steps away, Aqua—The Park’s poolside venue—offers a breezy escape with “A May to Remember,” perfect for long afternoons and sundown soirees. Guests can enjoy:

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  • Mango Festival (May 1–31): Summer-inspired tropical dishes and cocktails designed to refresh.

  • DIY Cocktail Station (Wednesdays & Sundays): Guests can shake up their own cocktails under expert guidance.

  • IPL Live Screening (Until May 25): Cricket fans can catch the excitement with big screens, match-day snacks, and chilled beverages.

  • Grill & Chill Feast (May 1–31): Every evening brings sizzling grills and open-air relaxation under the stars.

Together, Dusk and Aqua present a complete destination for foodies, cocktail lovers, music fans, and summer explorers. With Instagram-worthy setups and specially curated experiences, The Park Navi Mumbai is redefining how the city celebrates summer.

Whether you're looking for a chill Sunday, a spirited midweek mixer, or a wine-soaked weekend, there’s something every day to discover.

About THE Park Hotels:

THE Park Hotels – Navi Mumbai are pioneers in luxury boutique hospitality, known for their contemporary design, curated experiences, and pulse-driven energy across India’s top destinations.


Wynnd Hotels Unveils The Dark Room – A Bold Return to True Nightlife in Noida

Wynnd Hotels Unveils The Dark Room – A Bold Return to True Nightlife in Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

Wynnd Hotels, one of NCR’s emerging hospitality names, proudly unveils The Dark Room—a striking new cafe-club concept that reintroduces the pulse of authentic nightlife to Noida. Located on the 5th floor of Galaxy Blue Sapphire Mall, Greater Noida West, The Dark Room is more than just a venue—it’s a vibe.

Designed for night owls, music lovers, and adventurers, The Dark Room channels the raw energy and allure of classic underground clubs. With bold black-and-red interiors and owl motifs across its walls, the space exudes an atmosphere that is both mysterious and magnetic. It’s crafted to evoke the nostalgia of a time when stepping into a club meant stepping into another world.

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“The Dark Room is our response to what nightlife has lacked,” says Gaurav Sapra, Founder of The Dark Room by Wynnd Hotels. “At one point, entering a club was like entering another universe—where the lights, the music, and the people all combined to make you feel alive. That’s the vibe we’ve brought back here. It’s a place for those seeking more than a drink—they’re looking for an experience that lingers.”

The venue is open until 2:00 a.m., making it a perfect late-night haven for those looking to unwind, groove to live music, or dance through the night. At a time when much of the city’s nightlife has shifted toward quieter cafe culture, The Dark Room reclaims the essence of high-energy clubbing.

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Beyond its music and ambiance, The Dark Room is also a premium dining destination. Guests can indulge in a diverse multi-cuisine menu, offering international flavours, gourmet bar food, and comfort dishes—carefully curated to pair with the club’s exotic beverage selection. The full-service bar features super-premium spirits, seasonal blends, and creative signature cocktails and mocktails.

Whether you're there for the beats, the bites, or the buzz, The Dark Room promises a return to nightlife that’s vibrant, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

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