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.


The Glenwalk Wins 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' at Talent Track Awards 2025

The Glenwalk Wins 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' at Talent Track Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

The Glenwalk, a premium blended Scotch whisky brand co-founded by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros, has bagged the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title at the 8th Talent Track Awards 2025, held recently in Mumbai. Known for recognising excellence in digital content, branding, and marketing, the Talent Track Awards celebrated Glenwalk's innovative approach in a competitive spirits market.

This award adds to a long list of prestigious honours the brand has earned in a short span of time. These include a Bronze Medal at the London Spirits Awards 2025, Gold Medal at ProWine 2023, Silver Medal at ProWine 2024, Silver Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2024, Silver Award at IWSC 2024, and Gold at Spiritz Achiever 2024, among others. These accolades reflect the brand’s unwavering focus on quality and innovation, led by co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Neeraj Singh.

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“Winning the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title is both an honour and a responsibility. We have always believed in pushing boundaries, and this recognition reaffirms that our bold choices and fearless brand narrative are not only resonating but also setting new benchmarks,” said Mokksh Sani, Co-founder of Cartel Bros and Founder of Living Liquidz and Mansionz.

Since its launch, The Glenwalk has gained attention for its edgy brand storytelling and premium quality. By blending heritage craftsmanship with a bold, modern identity, it has carved a strong position in the Indian spirits market. The brand closed FY 2024–25 with 1.4 million bottles sold and has ambitious plans to triple this number to 4.2 million bottles in India, travel retail, and global markets.

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“From day one, we set out to challenge the status quo and create something that would stand apart, not just in taste, but in approach,” said Sanjay Dutt, The Glenwalk’s brand ambassador and co-founder. “This award is a testament to the vision, the bold risks we took, and the incredible team behind the brand.”

This recognition as the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' marks a major milestone for The Glenwalk. With a clear commitment to innovation and quality, the brand continues to reshape the premium whisky space in India and beyond.


AYALAGAM: A Thamizh Food Festival Celebrating Authentic Flavours at Feathers Hotel

AYALAGAM: A Thamizh Food Festival Celebrating Authentic Flavours at Feathers Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Feathers Hotel’s Sangamithirai restaurant invites you to embark on a unique culinary voyage with AYALAGAM – A Thamizh Food Festival. Running from 30th May to 8th June, this week-long celebration brings the authentic flavours of Thamizh cuisine as lovingly preserved in Singapore and Malaysia, curated by the internationally acclaimed Chef Devagi Sanmugam — famously known as the “Spice Queen of Singapore.”

A Cultural and Culinary Homecoming

AYALAGAM is more than just a food festival. It’s a heartfelt journey into the soul of Thamizh cooking, reflecting the rich traditions and vibrant flavours that have travelled across oceans. Each day features a special curated set menu named after the iconic rivers of Tamil Nadu — Bhavani, Vaigai, Amaravathi, Thamirabharani, and Siruvani — capturing the diverse tastes and textures unique to different regions.

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Highlights to Savor

Prepare your palate for a spectacular range of dishes blending tradition with innovation, including:

  • Peerkangai Kaintha Eral Soo Hoon Soup

  • Kozhi Sambal

  • Mutta Briyani

  • Palakkai Murungakai Kurma

  • Tauhu Urulai Kizhangu Sambal

  • Inippu Urappu Tamarai Thandu

  • Kadalai Paruppu Aatu Kothu Erachi Pirathal

  • Karuvepillai Meen

  • Vazhai Elai Kathirikai Chops

  • Nandu Parcel Soup

  • Sura Puttu Urundai

  • Palakai Biryani

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  • Pudina Rasam

  • Masala Kalan Kutti Uttapam

  • Masala Sweet Potato Paniyaram

  • Maravalli Kizhangu Halwa

  • Pandan Idiappam with Vazhai Pazham Sauce

  • Chendol

  • Javarisi Elai Kozhukattai

  • Parangikkai Payasam

Each dish tells a story of tradition, spice, and home—elevated by Chef Devagi’s global expertise.

Meet the Spice Queen

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Chef Devagi Sanmugam’s culinary journey spans over four decades, with 22 cookbooks and a global reputation as a culinary educator and consultant. Her passion for spices and Asian flavours shines through in this festival, bringing generations of recipes and memories to the table.

Feathers Executive Chef Murthi shared, “AYALAGAM is close to our hearts — it's about sharing the rich, soulful flavours of Thamizh cuisine from beyond our borders. Every dish brings a bit of home, with a twist.”

Chef Devagi adds, “Cooking for AYALAGAM feels like bringing my roots back to where it all began. These dishes are full of memories, spice, and love — just the way our grandmothers made them.”

Event Details:
Date: 30th May to 8th June 2025
Time: Lunch & Dinner
Venue: Sangamithirai, Feathers Hotel

Reservations: +91 78239 77825 | +91 73580 18812

Join AYALAGAM to taste the timeless culinary treasures of the Thamizh diaspora, celebrated with love and flair under one roof.


Saturday Breakfast Never Ends at Four Seasons Bengaluru with CUR8’s All-Day Feast

Saturday Breakfast Never Ends at Four Seasons Bengaluru with CUR8’s All-Day Feast

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Bengaluru and breakfast are a love story for the ages—and Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru just added the perfect new chapter. Say hello to “Saturdays, All Day Breakfast”, curated by CUR8, the hotel’s popular all-day dining restaurant. Designed for anyone who believes breakfast is a state of mind, this weekend special runs from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, making it your newest Saturday ritual.

A Feast from Morning to Midday

Start your day with early breakfast classics and watch the spread evolve into a hearty mid-day selection as the hours roll on. Think live stations, warm mains, compound salads, and a smoothie and mocktail bar ready to refresh your palate. Whether you’re a dosa die-hard or a global breakfast adventurer, CUR8 has your cravings covered.

More Than Just Food

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From 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, enjoy live music that adds rhythm to your meal and transforms CUR8 into a weekend hotspot. And if you’re into art, you’re in luck—CUR8 is also showcasing rotating art exhibitions from local talent, turning your meal into a cultural journey.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

For something extra special, join hands-on cooking demos and classes led by the Four Seasons’ expert chefs. From decorating cupcakes to flipping perfect dosas, it’s an experience families and foodies will love. Plus, take home a personalized apron, signed chef’s cap, and recipe cards to recreate the magic.

Whether you’re brunching with friends, hanging with the fam, or just chasing the perfect smoothie bowl—Saturday at Four Seasons is where breakfast never ends.

Venue: CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru
Reservations: +91 76191 46004

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