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.


NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

NoBa has officially opened its doors in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, bringing a fresh cocktail-led dining experience to North Bangalore. Designed as a destination where food, beverages and hospitality come together, the 120-seater venue offers guests a vibrant yet relaxed setting to explore thoughtfully crafted flavours.

At the centre of NoBa's concept is its cocktail programme, which has been curated by industry veteran Bala, who brings more than 19 years of experience in the beverage industry. The bar menu focuses on creativity, technique and storytelling, with every cocktail carefully developed to deliver a memorable drinking experience.

Using house-made syrups, infusions and unique flavour combinations, the team has created a range of original cocktails that balance sophistication with accessibility. Rather than being an addition to the dining experience, cocktails form the core of NoBa's identity, encouraging guests to discover new flavours while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.

The food menu has been designed to complement the beverage programme, featuring globally inspired dishes that naturally pair with the cocktails. The close collaboration between the kitchen and bar ensures a seamless experience where both elements work together to enhance the guest journey.

The restaurant's interiors draw inspiration from modern Mediterranean design, featuring high ceilings, natural light, earthy tones and contemporary details. The space effortlessly transforms from a relaxed dining destination during the day to an energetic social venue in the evening, centred around its vibrant bar experience.

While positioned as a premium offering, NoBa has been created with an inclusive approach. The venue aims to provide a comfortable environment where guests can enjoy innovative food and drinks, meaningful conversations and genuine hospitality.

With its focus on exceptional cocktails, quality cuisine and a thoughtfully designed setting, NoBa marks a new addition to Bengaluru's growing dining and nightlife landscape, offering a destination where guests can connect, explore and enjoy memorable experiences.

  • Venue: NoBa, 5th Floor, 714, HRBR Layout 1st Block, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
  • Timings: 12 Noon to 12 AM


Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

By Hariharan U

Published on June 26, 2026

Katana has introduced its special Baiu menu, a seasonal culinary experience inspired by Japan's traditional plum rain season and designed to complement Bengaluru's monsoon months.

Available from 1st July onwards, the curated menu brings together comforting Japanese flavours, warm bowls, crispy bites, and signature beverages crafted for cosy rainy-day dining. The concept draws inspiration from Baiu, the rainy season in Japan, offering guests an experience that reflects the warmth and comfort associated with the period.

Among the highlights are dishes such as Crispy Enoki, Teba No Yaki, spicy and creamy chicken wings, and Salmon Tartar served on potato cakes. Each dish has been thoughtfully selected to suit the cooler weather while showcasing Katana's contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.

A standout feature of the menu is the Quick Ramen, a customizable ramen experience that allows diners to select their preferred broth and protein combination, creating a personalised bowl tailored to individual tastes.

For sushi enthusiasts, Katana is offering a premium 20-piece Assorted Sushi Platter featuring salmon sashimi, gunkan maki, sake maki, spicy tuna uramaki, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. The platter brings together a variety of textures and flavours, making it ideal for sharing.

Guests looking for classic Japanese-inspired appetisers can also enjoy favourites such as Prawn Gyoza, Beef Gyoza, and Prawn Corn Fritters, adding a mix of comforting and indulgent options to the seasonal offering.

To complement the food menu, Katana has introduced a selection of specialty sake-based cocktails. The Tiramisu No Yoru combines sake with fresh cream and homemade tiramisu syrup, while the Katana Counsel blends sake, vermouth, and merlot for a richer flavour profile.

Another signature creation, Pearl Blossom, features sake, guava juice, mint, homemade strawberry syrup, and soda, delivering a refreshing balance suited to Bengaluru's monsoon evenings.

With the launch of Baiu, Katana aims to create a seasonal dining experience that combines Japanese culinary traditions with contemporary flavours, offering guests a destination for comforting food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable monsoon gatherings.


Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Encalm has announced the launch of Encalm Eats, a dedicated food and beverage vertical that marks the company's entry into the creation and management of hospitality-led dining concepts. The new venture aims to develop distinctive culinary brands while expanding Encalm's integrated hospitality ecosystem across airports and other high-footfall destinations.

As its first in-house brand concept, Encalm Eats has introduced IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport. Designed around the idea of bringing India's flavours to travellers one sip at a time, the café celebrates the country's rich beverage heritage while offering a contemporary café experience.

The launch represents a natural extension of Encalm's hospitality portfolio, which already spans airport lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, and in-flight catering. Through Encalm Eats, the company plans to build a portfolio of original food and beverage concepts alongside select partner brands, focusing on authentic flavours, operational excellence, and evolving consumer preferences.

At IndiSip Café, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages inspired by India's tea culture, including Ginger Cardamom Chai, Kesar Chai, Gulab Chai, and Kashmiri Kahwa. The menu also features handcrafted coffees, iced lattes, espressos, and indulgent shakes designed to cater to both traditional and modern tastes.

Complementing the beverage selection is a food menu that blends regional favourites with café classics. Offerings include Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska, Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps, and Achari Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside croissants, muffins, cookies, and other grab-and-go options suited to today's travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm, said the introduction of Encalm Eats marks the next phase of the company's vision to create a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem. He noted that food and beverage experiences remain one of hospitality's most important touchpoints and that IndiSip reflects the company's commitment to enhancing every stage of the guest journey.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, added that the company intends to build a portfolio of concepts rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insight, and consistent quality. He described IndiSip as the first step in a larger strategy to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtfully designed food and beverage brands.

The launch of IndiSip Café signals the beginning of Encalm Eats' broader expansion plans, with the company aiming to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple formats and locations. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Encalm Eats plans to focus on creating culinary experiences that combine authenticity, convenience, and quality.

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