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.


Chinese Wok Opens First Outlet in Calicut, Expands South India Network to 90 Stores

Chinese Wok Opens First Outlet in Calicut, Expands South India Network to 90 Stores

By Hariharan U

Published on July 13, 2026

Chinese Wok, the flagship Desi Chinese quick service restaurant (QSR) brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has expanded its presence in Kerala with the launch of its first outlet in Calicut. Located at Lulu Mall, the new restaurant marks the brand's entry into one of Kerala's fastest-growing food markets while taking its Kerala footprint to 10 outlets and its South India network to 90 stores.

The expansion forms part of Chinese Wok's strategy to strengthen its presence across high-potential Tier-II cities. Calicut's growing base of local consumers, students, working professionals, and GCC travellers, coupled with rising disposable incomes and an increasing appetite for organised dining, makes the city a strategic market for the brand.

Situated within Lulu Mall, one of Calicut's leading retail destinations, the outlet has been designed to serve shoppers, families, students, and young professionals through a convenient dine-in and takeaway format. Customers can enjoy the brand's signature menu featuring Hakka Noodles, Schezwan Noodles, Momos, Fries, and value-driven combo meals.

Commenting on the launch, Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks, said Calicut represents an important milestone in the company's South India growth strategy. He noted that the city's vibrant food culture and demand for quality, affordable meals make it an ideal market for Chinese Wok, adding that the brand remains committed to democratising Desi Chinese cuisine through a disciplined and scalable expansion approach.

The new outlet will offer dine-in, takeaway, and home delivery services, extending Chinese Wok's signature combination of flavour, affordability, and convenience to consumers in Calicut.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has grown into India's largest Desi Chinese QSR brand with a network of more than 270 outlets across over 50 cities. Operated by Lenexis Foodworks, the company also manages The Momo Co. and Big Bowl as part of its expanding portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands


Farzi Café Cyberhub Celebrates World Rum Day with 'Dear Delhi' Cocktail

Farzi Café Cyberhub Celebrates World Rum Day with 'Dear Delhi' Cocktail

By Hariharan U

Published on July 13, 2026

Ahead of World Rum Day on 11 July, Farzi Café Cyberhub is celebrating the occasion with the launch of 'Dear Delhi', a signature cocktail that pays tribute to the capital through locally inspired flavours and contemporary mixology.

Part of the restaurant's Heritage Greens cocktail collection, Dear Delhi draws inspiration from the lush landscapes of Delhi's historic Sunder Nursery, reimagining the city's green spaces through an innovative rum-based creation.

Moving beyond conventional tropical rum cocktails, the drink features a distinctive cream cheese-infused rum base layered with sweet strawberry, almond, fresh basil and a touch of citrus. The cocktail is then clarified using a coconut milk wash, resulting in a crystal-clear, silky-smooth punch that balances richness with freshness.

Designed to reflect both nostalgia and innovation, Dear Delhi showcases Farzi Café's approach to modern Indian mixology by combining unconventional techniques with flavours rooted in local identity.

Priced at ₹650, the cocktail is available exclusively at Farzi Café, Cyberhub, offering guests a unique way to celebrate World Rum Day through a drink inspired by one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks


The Leela Gandhinagar Celebrates the Monsoon with Seasonal Delights at Citrus Junction

The Leela Gandhinagar Celebrates the Monsoon with Seasonal Delights at Citrus Junction

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 13, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating the arrival of the rainy season with Monsoon Delights, a specially curated weekend dining experience at Citrus Junction, beginning July 10, 2026 and available across all weekends in July.

Inspired by the comforting flavours that define the monsoon, the seasonal menu brings together popular regional favourites from across India. Guests can savour steaming bowls of thukpa, Bombay toasties, stuffed chillas, vada pav, and a variety of seasonal delicacies that are often enjoyed during the rains.

Adding to the experience are interactive live culinary stations where dishes are prepared fresh, along with aromatic cups of tea and indulgent desserts that perfectly complement the monsoon mood.

Set within the elegant interiors of Citrus Junction, inspired by the timeless charm of luxury rail travel, the experience offers more than just a meal. It creates a cosy setting where guests can slow down, enjoy comforting food, and spend quality time with family and friends while watching the monsoon unfold.

Speaking about the seasonal offering, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said:

"Every season brings with it flavours and traditions that evoke a sense of place and belonging, and the monsoon is perhaps the most nostalgic of them all. With 'Monsoon Delights', we wanted to celebrate those familiar moments that many of us associate with the rains sharing comforting food, enjoying time with loved ones, and creating memories around the table. It is our way of bringing the warmth of the season to our guests through an experience that is comforting."

Blending regional culinary traditions with The Leela's signature hospitality, Monsoon Delights promises a warm and memorable dining experience, celebrating the simple pleasures of the rainy season through comforting food and shared moments.

Event Details

  • Event: Monsoon Delights.

  • Venue: Citrus Junction, The Leela Gandhinagar.

  • Dates: Every weekend in July from July 10, 2026.

  • Experience: Seasonal monsoon menu with live culinary stations.

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