Michelin-Star Chef Nino Di Costanzo Brings Italian Flair to The Maldives at Blu Beach Club

Michelin-Star Chef Nino Di Costanzo Brings Italian Flair to The Maldives at Blu Beach Club

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 23, 2024

The Ritz-Carlton's Blu Beach Club at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is preparing for an unforgettable culinary collaboration this November. The resort is set to host two-Michelin-starred Chef Nino Di Costanzo, whose visionary talent from his acclaimed restaurant, Danì Maison in Ischia, will bring a taste of Italy to the Maldives. Known for blending Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients, Chef Nino's residency is a celebration of culinary artistry and cross-cultural exchange.

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Starting from November 11, 2024, Chef Nino will transform the dining experience at Blu Beach Club for an entire week. Guests will have the unique opportunity to savor his masterful creations, which fuse the island traditions of both Italy and the Maldives. His approach combines the freshest ingredients from Landaa’s herb and vegetable gardens with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, creating a truly sensory dining experience. Chef Nino’s famous dishes, such as the 35-shape Pasta and Potatoes, Sea Bass with vegetables and herb sauce, and Breaded Veal Cutlet, will be on the menu for guests to enjoy.

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Chef Nino's philosophy revolves around creating a connection with his guests before the first bite is taken. His process of crafting a dish begins months in advance, with careful attention to every detail, including the selection of the perfect plate. His passion for merging nature and creativity aligns perfectly with the ethos of Landaa Giraavaru, a resort that emphasizes sustainability and a deep respect for the natural environment.

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As part of the collaboration, Chef Nino will work closely with Blu Beach Club’s culinary team, sharing his skills and insights. Four members of the team have already spent time training at Danì Maison, learning from one of the best in the business. This partnership not only elevates the guest experience but also provides invaluable career development for the resort's chefs.

Guests will be able to experience Chef Nino's gastronomy during two week-long residencies, from November 11 to 17, 2024, and again from February 13 to 19, 2025. After these residencies, Blu Beach Club’s chefs will continue serving a specially curated menu by Chef Nino to two tables of four each evening, offering an intimate and exclusive dining experience.

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According to Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Landaa Giraavaru, "Collaborating with Chef Nino will not only offer an inspirational culinary experience to our guests but also expose our culinary team to unique insights, advancing their skills in extraordinary ways."

For those interested in experiencing Chef Nino’s culinary magic firsthand, reservations can be made through the resort’s website or by contacting Four Seasons Resort Maldives’ Central Reservations Department.


Avartana at ITC Maurya Turns One: A Year of Redefining Modern South Indian Cuisine

Avartana at ITC Maurya Turns One: A Year of Redefining Modern South Indian Cuisine

By Hariharan U

Published on November 2, 2025

One year since its grand debut, Avartana at ITC Maurya continues to redefine the essence of modern South Indian cuisine, bringing together innovation, precision, and emotion on every plate.

At Avartana, the story goes far beyond the ingredients, it’s about how flavours converse, textures harmonize, and traditions evolve. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around reinterpretation of Southern flavours, designed to engage the senses and evoke nostalgia while presenting food as art.

To mark its first anniversary, Avartana introduces a new Sunday lunch experience, a refined nine-course tasting menu that blends modern technique with timeless regional authenticity. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ITC Maurya rooftop, this experience offers guests an indulgent afternoon steeped in flavour, sophistication, and surprise.

The curated tasting menu features standout dishes such as French Pressed Tomato Rasam, Stir-Fried Chicken, Cauliflower Crunch, and Uthukuli Chicken. Each course is designed to push culinary boundaries from the delicate tempering of bottle gourd paired with plum chutney to shrimp dumplings with coriander and subtle spice. The finale, a fennel panna cotta topped with angel hair caramel, captures the perfect balance between innovation and comfort.

Complementing the food is Avishka, Avartana’s signature cocktail menu inspired by South India’s vibrant culture and history. Each drink is infused with indigenous spices and regional ingredients, blending traditional inspiration with contemporary craft.

The 54-seater restaurant, featuring an exclusive private dining room for ten, offers an intimate fine-dining setting where interactive kitchens and immersive plating bring culinary artistry to life. The design — featuring rustic earthenware, ornate steel cutlery, and modern glassware, enhances the sensory narrative of the meal.

Avartana is not merely a dining destination, it is a symphony of flavours, textures, and emotions,” says the team at ITC Maurya. “It celebrates South India’s culinary rhythm, mysticism, and grace while presenting it through a lens of innovation and sophistication.”

Avartana’s Sunday Lunch menu is available from 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm, priced at ₹3750 plus taxes per person, with dinner service continuing through the week from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Venue: Avartana, Rooftop, ITC Maurya, New Delhi


Teresita Opens in Indiranagar, Redefining Bangalore’s Cocktail Culture

Teresita Opens in Indiranagar, Redefining Bangalore’s Cocktail Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2025

Richboyz Hospitality has announced the grand opening of Teresita, a bold new cocktail destination in Indiranagar, Bangalore, on 29th October, promising to redefine the city’s nightlife. Dripping in tropical danger and cartel-inspired seduction, Teresita is more than a bar, it’s a statement.

Conceptualised by Ayushi Arora, Teresita brings a distinctly feminine yet daring perspective to Bangalore’s cocktail scene. Every corner tells a story, every cocktail carries power, and every sip feels a little forbidden.

“Every empire begins with a woman they couldn’t control. Teresita is that woman — seductive, dangerous, and unforgettable. We wanted to build a space where every guest feels that power,” said Ayushi Arora, Founder, Teresita.

Drenched in the warmth of a perpetual sunset, Teresita’s interiors blur the line between fantasy and rebellion. The space comes alive with hand-painted murals of powerful women, tropical palms, and bougainvillea trails that add vibrance to its luxurious decadence. Hints of turquoise seating and antique gold accents create a hypnotic contrast, equal parts allure and authority.

Teresita isn’t just designed to be seen; it’s designed to be felt, seductive, cinematic, and unmistakably queen-led.

The cocktail program is curated by an international mixology artist, flown in exclusively to craft Teresita’s signature concoctions, a mix of bold, flirtatious classics and clean, health-conscious cocktails made without artificial flavours. Each drink is designed to command the senses, redefining indulgence one sip at a time.

imageComplementing the cocktails, the food menu explores global flavours with a contemporary twist, mirroring the bar’s personality: creative, bold, and irresistibly stylish.

At its core, Teresita stands for one philosophy, Pleasure has power. It’s a space that celebrates the modern woman, confident, daring, and unafraid to take up space. Whether guests come to sip, flirt, dance, or dream, Teresita promises an experience that lingers long after the last drink.

With its striking tagline, “The Cartel Queen of Cocktail Lovers,” Teresita is poised to become one of Bangalore’s most talked-about destinations, an escape where rebellion meets romance, and nightlife meets artistry.


Devangere Benne Debuts in Mumbai: Authentic Karnataka Benne Dosa Finds a New Home

Devangere Benne Debuts in Mumbai: Authentic Karnataka Benne Dosa Finds a New Home

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2025

A new chapter in regional Indian dining has begun with the launch of Devangere Benne, a restaurant dedicated to celebrating Karnataka’s beloved benne dosa in its purest, most authentic form.

Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Davangere, the birthplace of the benne dosa, Devangere Benne offers guests not just a meal, but a cultural journey. From the batter to the butter, every key ingredient is sourced directly from Davangere, ensuring purity, authenticity, and a true connection to its origins.

What sets Devangere Benne apart from other South Indian dining spaces in Mumbai is its uncompromising approach to authenticity. Every dosa, idli, and vada is crafted using traditional recipes, preserving the techniques and flavor profiles that made these dishes timeless favorites.

The menu expands beyond dosa culture to feature classic South Indian snacks, comforting meal platters, artisanal filter coffee, and a selection of refreshing beverages including lassi, chaas, masala chai, and fresh juices. Designed as a versatile all-day dining destination, the restaurant offers hearty lunches, relaxed high teas, and evening experiences filled with warmth and comfort.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Khushal, known for his expertise in South Indian and modern vegetarian cuisine. His cooking philosophy centers on preserving regional soul while elevating technique and presentation for modern diners. Signature dishes include the Benne Masala Dosa, Gini Dosa, Kadi Patta Cashew Idli, Baba Dosa, Stuffed Medu Vada, and Vellayappam — each rooted in the spirit of Karnataka’s culinary legacy.

The restaurant’s design amplifies its story. Spanning 2,500 sq. ft., the space captures the warmth of Karnataka’s cultural identity through natural wood, brass accents, terracotta textures, and handcrafted décor. Heritage-inspired artefacts and art lend the dining experience a nostalgic yet contemporary appeal.

Devangere Benne is the brainchild of Mahesh Shetty, a well-known hospitality entrepreneur behind iconic Mumbai restaurants like Times Square (Borivali), Namaskar The Family Restaurant, and The Nines (Juhu).

My favorite part of starting a restaurant is watching an idea turn into an experience people connect with,” shares Shetty. “Each concept has its story, but the goal is always the same, to make guests feel at home. Staying true to warmth, consistency, and community continues to guide everything we do.”

With its regional-first approach and deep respect for tradition, Devangere Benne aims to become Mumbai’s definitive destination for Karnataka cuisine, offering simplicity perfected over generations, served with pride and heart.

Address: 1st Floor, Annex Mall, Near Prithvi Enclave, Western Express Highway, Siddharth Nagar, Borivali East, Mumbai 400066
Operational Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM

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