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.


Republic Day Dining: Restaurants Worth Visiting in Mumbai This Long Weekend

Republic Day Dining: Restaurants Worth Visiting in Mumbai This Long Weekend

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

As Mumbai settles into the Republic Day long weekend, the city’s restaurants are setting the table with menus and experiences that balance celebration with comfort. From vibrant tricolour-inspired plates to slow, fire-driven dinners and relaxed café indulgence, these dining destinations offer plenty of reasons to step out and savour the moment.

Tokki & Tora is bringing a festive flourish with a specially curated tricolour food and drink selection that blends creativity, craft, and cultural celebration. Inspired by the Indian tricolour, the restaurant has introduced visually striking dishes and beverages in shades of orange, white, and green, while staying true to its Japanese and Korean culinary roots. From handcrafted tricolour dumplings served in bamboo steamers to vibrant sushi rolls and refreshing signature drinks layered with citrus and subtle sweetness, the menu is playful yet refined. Designed to be both Instagram-worthy and flavour-forward, these limited-period specials are available across Tokki & Tora outlets in Lower Parel, Andheri, and Powai, throughout the week from 12pm to 11.30pm.

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For those seeking a slower, more relaxed celebration, Onrique in Bandra offers an inviting space for an unhurried afternoon. Known for its warm hospitality and thoughtful ambience, the restaurant’s menu takes diners on a journey across Europe, from Liguria to Ticino. Guests can begin with Ligurian Olive Focaccia or Pinsa Romana, followed by comforting mains such as Josper-grilled Coq au Vin, Alpine Spätzle in a rich cheese sauce, or Seafood Nelusko with pistachio crust and mornay. Vegetarian options like Charred Aubergine with salsa verde and Grilled Peach Panzanella round out the experience. Onrique is open from 12 PM onwards at Santacruz West, making it an easy choice for a laid-back Republic Day meal.

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If the evening calls for something more immersive, DEA in Prabhadevi offers a bold dining experience built around fire-driven techniques, fermentation, and conscious craftsmanship. The menu unfolds slowly with dishes like Stuffed Chicken Wings with fermented berry hot sauce, Fire Threshed Baby Chicken with romesco and lacto-berry jus, and Dynamite Rice with Moora Uni. Desserts such as Fermented Cherry with roasted chocolate cremeux and Charred Pineapple & Amazake provide a memorable finish. As the night progresses, the energy rises, making DEA a compelling option for a Republic Day dinner that stretches into the night. DEA is located at 6th Floor, S.V. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rd, Prabhadevi, and is open from 7:00 PM to 12:30 AM.

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For a more casual and indulgent plan, Indulge Creamery Café in Bandra West fits the bill perfectly. Designed as a modern creamery-meets-café, Indulge brings together premium ice creams, indulgent milkshakes, artisanal coffees, and comfort café bites. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening dessert run, the all-day menu and inviting interiors make it ideal for a relaxed Republic Day catch-up. Indulge Creamery Café is open from 8 AM to 12 AM in Bandra West, Mumbai.

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Luuma House is an inviting choice for those looking to spend Republic Day exploring diverse flavours in a contemporary setting, offering an all-new menu that seamlessly blends global influences with local sensibilities across continental, oriental, and Indian cuisines, making it perfect for groups with varied palates; diners can start with lighter plates like the Avocado Citrus Crunch salad with lemon-mint dressing or the comforting Burmese Khow Suey, move on to flavour-forward small plates such as the Spiced Ember Cottage Cheese, Inferno Tikka with smoky harissa, or Kozhikode Style Prawns in coconut milk, and then indulge in main course highlights including the Forager’s Camembert Pizza with truffle oil, slow-cooked Mewari Laal Maas, and the creamy Risotto Cremoso Alfa Barbabietola, before rounding off the meal with desserts like the zesty Lemon Curd Delight or the visually striking Mosaic, making it a well-rounded spot for an unhurried Republic Day meal; Address: Plot No. 47, Gulmohar Rd, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai; Timings: 12 pm – 1 am. 

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These locations are all set to impress you this Republic Day with thoughtfully curated menus, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences perfect for a leisurely celebration.


Natura di Napoli Brings a Thoughtful Neapolitan Pizza Journey to Serious Slice

Natura di Napoli Brings a Thoughtful Neapolitan Pizza Journey to Serious Slice

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

Naples is not just a city but a living ecosystem shaped by land, sea, fire, and everyday life. Its food culture is deeply tied to geography, people, and daily rhythms, and this connection forms the foundation of Natura di Napoli, Serious Slice’s latest Neapolitan pizza series. Drawing inspiration from the streets, markets, and kitchens of Naples, the series tells a story rooted in tradition, culture, and local ingredients.

Available exclusively at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road, Natura di Napoli breaks the city down into five defining influences: volcanic land, coastal sea, living markets, fire, and night. Each pizza reflects one of these elements, allowing diners to experience Naples layer by layer through flavour, texture, and technique. Rather than a standalone concept, the menu is designed as a continuous journey that unfolds one pizza at a time.

At the core of the series is Serious Slice’s 72-hour fermented dough, cooked in under 90 seconds in a high-heat oven. This minimal and deliberate approach stays true to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making, allowing the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship to take centre stage. What sets Natura di Napoli apart is its narrative format, where every pizza represents a distinct part of Neapolitan life.

“Naples is not a recipe, it’s an ecosystem,” says Atul Sunder of Serious Slice. “This menu is our way of listening to the city, its geography, its people, and its rhythm, and translating that into pizza without distortion.”

The menu features five pizzas, each symbolising a different force. Terra di Fuoco highlights Campania’s volcanic soil with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fior di latte, smoked provola, basil, and olive oil. At the lighter end is Luna di Limone, made with Amalfi lemon cream, ricotta, honey, zucchini gialla, mozzarella, and tomato, offering a softer and more delicate experience.

“Neapolitan pizza is about knowing when to stop,” explains Anirudh Kheny. “If the dough is right and the ingredients are honest, the pizza speaks for itself.”

Guided by respect for origin and technical precision, Natura di Napoli is designed as a complete tasting story rather than a one-time concept. The series takes guests through Naples from land to sea, market to fire, and finally, night. Natura di Napoli will be available from January 21, 2026, onwards, exclusively at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.


Soyarich Redefines Plant-Based Eating with Innovative Vegan Alternatives

Soyarich Redefines Plant-Based Eating with Innovative Vegan Alternatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 21, 2026

In today’s evolving culinary world, growing concerns around food adulteration and an increasing shift towards vegan lifestyles have created a strong demand for reliable alternatives to paneer. Among the many options explored, tofu has emerged as a preferred choice for health-conscious and vegan consumers. Made from soya, tofu offers a nutritious, clean, and versatile option, and Soyarich has played a key role in bringing this alternative into Indian kitchens.

Soyarich has earned the trust of millions across India through its thoughtfully crafted range of plant-based products. Its portfolio includes tofu, soya chaap, Yofu, a plant-based yogurt, plant-based cheese spreads, and the country’s first tofu pickle. Each product reflects the brand’s focus on offering wholesome food that aligns with modern dietary needs.

Tofu, known for its rich nutritional profile, has become a popular choice among those beginning their vegan journey. Soyarich took innovation a step further by introducing India’s first tofu pickle, blending tofu with Indian herbs and spices to create a flavourful and health-friendly option. The brand’s plant-based yogurt products stand out for being cholesterol-free and enriched with Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, and Magnesium.

Soyarich’s lactose-free and cholesterol-free cheese spreads are designed for everyday consumption and are especially suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk and nut allergies. These spreads offer a convenient way to enjoy a dairy-free lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Another highlight from the brand is soya chaap, a popular choice for tandoor-style cravings. With no added preservatives or colours and being completely cholesterol-free, it supports a protein-rich, meat-free diet while delivering satisfying flavours.

Guided by its philosophy of “Eat healthy, stay happy,” Soyarich has been serving customers since 2012. The brand continues to focus on customer satisfaction through 24x7 customer support and prompt assistance with returns and exchanges. Trusted by restaurants and consumers across India, Soya Rich has built a strong presence in the Indian market and continues to envision the launch of more healthy, plant-based products in the future.

Info@soyarichfoods.com  www.soyarichfoods.com 

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