Michelin-Star Chef Nino Di Costanzo Brings Italian Flair to

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marriott International Launches Star-Studded Dining Campaign “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?” Featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Marriott International has launched its trailblazing food and beverage campaign, “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?”, across South Asia, setting the stage for a new era of tech-integrated, experience-driven dining. Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan anchors the campaign, bringing her signature charm and mass appeal to Marriott’s diverse restaurant offerings in India.

This first-of-its-kind campaign blends storytelling, technology, and hospitality, turning Marriott’s restaurants and lounges into more than just dining venues, they become destinations for memorable, immersive experiences. Running from July to September 2025, the campaign aims to transform the way guests discover and engage with culinary journeys, making Marriott hotels the go-to spots for food lovers across the region.

At the heart of the campaign is a delightful video series starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. From elegant brunches to themed dinners, each film invites viewers into Marriott’s world of gastronomic delights, answering the common question we all ask before heading out: “Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?” Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration, a casual hangout, or a romantic dinner, Marriott positions itself as the perfect answer.

“Some of my favourite memories have been created around a table—whether it’s Sunday brunch with family or a spontaneous dinner with friends,” said Kareena Kapoor Khan. “Marriott’s campaign is an invitation for everyone to make space for those moments again. And with so many incredible options across a city near you, the only question is: Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?”

With a strong emphasis on digital evolution, Marriott’s campaign integrates automation, personalized recommendations, and content-rich storytelling to connect with today’s experience-driven diners. The tech-savvy approach enables smarter and faster table reservations, making it easier for guests to explore dining options effortlessly.

“At Marriott, we believe the future of F&B lies in combining tech innovation with the sensory experience of dining out,” said Khushnooma Kapadia, Vice President - Marketing, South Asia at Marriott International. “With this campaign, we’re cutting down the search journey for diners and offering curated content, targeted discovery, and seamless booking mechanisms. Kareena Kapoor was the perfect choice—authentic, relatable, and with a deep passion for food.”

From boosting footfalls at Marriott’s restaurants to deepening guest engagement, the campaign sets a new benchmark in the hospitality industry. It also signals Marriott’s commitment to curating richer experiences, one story, one meal, and one guest at a time.

Chao Bella Launches a Bold New Menu Fusing Chinese and Italian Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Greater Noida’s culinary scene is set to reach exciting new heights as Chao Bella, the Chinese and Italian specialty restaurant at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, unveils a daring and delightful new menu. Known for blending Eastern and Western cuisines with ease, Chao Bella now invites guests to savour its most inventive offerings yet—making it the only place in the city where handmade pasta meets handcrafted dim sum on one elegant table.

Located on the lobby floor of the hotel, Chao Bella has long been a favourite for diners seeking global flavours in a warm, inviting ambience. With the newly launched menu, the restaurant takes its passion for fusion dining a notch higher—presenting an exciting mix of flavours, textures, and cultures that go beyond tradition.

From the Chinese kitchen, highlights include the Orange Soy Glazed Scallop, Prawns Har Gao delicately topped with salmon eggs, and the bold Gochujang Tofu Donburi. The Cantonese Steamed Sea Bass, infused with soy, ginger, and scallion, adds a comforting touch of authenticity.

The Italian side of the menu doesn’t hold back either. Guests can dig into a rich and hearty Lamb Pappardelle with porcini mushroom sauce, a flavour-packed Duck Leg Confit paired with parmesan mash, and a warm, creamy Risotto di Butternut Squash with smoked chicken. The grand finale? A decadent Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate almond cake that offers the perfect sweet ending.

“We wanted to create a menu that reflects the dynamic blend of cultures that Chao Bella stands for,” said Executive Chef Rajiv Vatsyayan. “Each dish has been crafted with technique, tradition, and a touch of innovation—so whether you're craving a crispy prawn dim sum or a rustic Italian pasta, you’ll find something to surprise and delight.”

General Manager Sharad K Upadhyay shared, “Chao Bella has always been a favourite for guests seeking authentic Chinese and Italian cuisine. With this new menu, we are pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to our roots—offering an experience that’s truly unique in Greater Noida.”

Dinner Service: Monday to Sunday | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Whether you raise a fork or a pair of chopsticks, Chao Bella’s bold new menu promises a dining experience like no other in the city. Book your table now and experience the magic where East meets West—on one unforgettable plate.

Coffee Conversations Come Alive at 'Brews & Beyond' by Kaapi Solutions x Coffee Sutra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

Jaipur recently brewed up something extraordinary as Kaapi Solutions—India’s premier coffee equipment and innovation company—partnered with local favourite Coffee Sutra to present ‘Brews & Beyond’. The event turned into a vibrant confluence of craft, culture, and community, drawing some of the most dynamic voices from the Indian coffee and hospitality landscape.

Held at Coffee Sutra’s aesthetically designed space, this two-hour gathering wasn’t just a meet-up; it was a movement. From café owners and baristas to F&B professionals, media, and coffee enthusiasts, the crowd reflected the growing interest in specialty coffee in India, especially from emerging Tier 2 cities like Jaipur.

At the heart of the evening was a compelling panel discussion titled "Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee in India." It was led by Vikram Khurana, CEO of Kaapi Solutions, who’s not only a certified barista and international coffee judge, but also a well-known champion of India’s specialty coffee revolution. Under his moderation, the panel dissected the evolving consumer preferences, sourcing ethics, brewing trends, and the café ecosystem.

The speaker lineup brought depth and diversity to the dialogue:

Marcela Baur, an international coffee educator, spoke about sustainable sourcing and the importance of global coffee education.
Dushyant Singh, Founder of Coffee Sutra, discussed how cafés can become mindful, community-led spaces.
Shahnaaz Anjum, Director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offered insight into how luxury hotels are embracing specialty coffee experiences.
Kshitiz Sisodia, Co-founder of Jaipur Coffee Community, talked about nurturing local barista talent and community-driven coffee identities.

While the conversation flowed, so did the coffee.

The venue was buzzing with live brewing counters showcasing manual techniques like pour-over, French press, and AeroPress. Kaapi Solutions’ baristas guided guests through the process, turning them from passive observers to active brewers. The Tech Capsule Showcase was a major highlight—letting attendees get hands-on with some of the most advanced brewing machines used in India’s top cafés and hotels.

Adding another layer to the evening was the Sensory Coffee Talk led by Coffee Sutra’s in-house experts. They walked guests through tasting notes, roast profiles, and origin stories of their signature blends—paired thoughtfully with desserts and savouries that elevated the experience. The vibe remained upbeat and personal, with mellow tunes, brewing chatter, and even giveaways like curated kits and brand merchandise making the evening memorable.

Dushyant Singh, reflecting on the event, said,

"Brews & Beyond was more than just an event; it was a celebration of Jaipur’s evolving coffee culture. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and hope to continue building awareness and appreciation for specialty coffee in India."

Vikram Khurana added,

"This event was a milestone for India’s coffee movement. Jaipur’s emergence as a coffee hub shows how deep this culture is brewing. At Kaapi Solutions, we’re committed to empowering this next generation of coffee entrepreneurs."

Timeline of Key Highlights:

Welcome & Networking
Panel Discussion: Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee
Live Brewing Sessions (Pour Over, French Press, AeroPress)
Tech Capsule Showcase: High-End Coffee Equipment
Sensory Coffee Talk: Signature Blends & Food Pairings
Lucky Draw & Giveaways

With ‘Brews & Beyond’, Kaapi Solutions and Coffee Sutra proved that coffee in India is no longer just about caffeine—it’s about connection, community, and culture. Events like this are setting the stage for a richer, more inclusive coffee dialogue, one sip at a time.

Image Credits:
Some images used in this article are sourced from external platforms. All rights and credits belong to their original owners.

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