Neuma Hosts Levantine Pop-Up with Chef Mohib Farooqui

Neuma Hosts Levantine Pop-Up with Chef Mohib Farooqui

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 22, 2024

Neuma, a modern European restaurant in Mumbai, is hosting a special two-day pop-up event, titled “What’s Poppin with Chef Mohib Farooqui.” Scheduled for September 20th and 21st, this event promises to present an exciting twist on Levantine cuisine, with a creative flair that moves beyond the traditional hummus and kebabs.

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Guests will experience bold flavors that blend Levantine culinary traditions from regions like Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan with global cooking techniques. 

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Chef Mohib Farooqui, who will helm the pop-up, brings over 12 years of international experience. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, Chef Mohib has worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs and led kitchens in countries such as Australia, Denmark, and India. His previous work includes stints at prominent restaurants like Urbane and Restaurant Relae, as well as crafting a Michelin-starred menu for Inddee in Bangkok. With this pop-up, Chef Mohib aims to introduce Mumbai’s diners to a fresh interpretation of Levantine dishes, merging history and innovation on every plate.

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The event, organized in collaboration with the Zomato Dining Experience, will take guests on a culinary journey across the Levant while incorporating unexpected elements. The menu reflects Chef Mohib’s ability to play with classic flavors in unique ways. Guests can expect dishes such as cucumber paired with liquid vegetables, pumpkin infused with habanero, and Australian lamb enhanced with traditional Levantine baharat spices.

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Vegetarians are also in for a treat, with options like soybeans served with sesame and pomegranate, and a vibrant bell pepper and feta salad. To round off the meal, a dessert of Medjool dates and key lime is set to provide a sweet finish.

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“This pop-up is my way of sharing the soul of Levantine cuisine with Mumbai’s vibrant food scene,” says Chef Mohib Farooqui. “Each dish tells a story—of history, culture, and flavor—and I can’t wait for guests to experience our innovation through every bite.”

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Neuma, located in a beautifully restored colonial-era bungalow in Colaba, is co-founded by filmmaker Karan Johar, Bunty Sajdeh, and True Palate Café Pvt. Ltd. The restaurant has become a landmark in South Mumbai, offering a blend of stylish yet relaxed fine dining. With Chef Mohib’s Levantine pop-up, Neuma continues to push boundaries in the city’s culinary scene.

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From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Mumbai’s Valentine’s celebrations this year move beyond predictable dinners, unfolding instead through music-led evenings, narrative cocktails and comfort-driven dining across some of the city’s most distinctive venues. From Andheri to Juhu and Versova, spaces are curating experiences that feel personal, expressive and unhurried.

At The Stables on Airport Road, Valentine’s Day becomes an intimate blend of sound and flavour. Known for its rustic-chic aesthetic and evolving 7-days-7-experiences calendar, the venue adds a romantic layer with a special evening featuring live music by Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Suhayb Nazyr. His soulful originals, contemporary Sufi influences and Bollywood renditions set a reflective, immersive tone for couples. Complementing the music is The Stables’ Sweetheart’s Menu, a Valentine’s-exclusive cocktail line-up inspired by love stories from across the world. From the floral, tropical notes of A Korean Affair to the citrus brightness of An Italian Romance and the bold warmth of An Irish Promise, the menu also includes playful mocktails and indulgent shots designed to be shared..

In Juhu, KOJAK stretches Valentine’s into a week-long narrative. From 10th to 15th February, the bar introduces a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring cocktails, food and desserts built around fresh flavours and shareable formats. The celebrations evolve each night, beginning with flute and violin performances, moving into a Magic & Cocktails evening, and culminating in a high-energy bar night with Ravetek. Interactive elements such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a nostalgic dessert cart and intimate seating corners add depth, with reservations recommended to maintain a limited, immersive feel. 

For couples seeking a quieter celebration, Kefi in Versova offers a comforting Valentine’s Day menu centred on familiar flavours. Featuring dim sums, baos, indulgent mains, decadent desserts and relaxed sips, the experience leans into warmth and simplicity within Kefi’s cosy setting. The Valentine’s offering is available in the evening onwards, Together, these venues reflect Mumbai’s evolving Valentine’s mood—less about spectacle, more about connection, stories and shared moments


Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Mirth Cocktail Conservatory is redefining romance with the launch of its special “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” collection, inviting guests to celebrate love through craft-driven cocktails rather than predictable tropes. Designed for modern romantics, the curated menu focuses on texture, clarity and expressive flavours, making it equally suited for first dates and long-standing toasts.

The collection features four signature serves that highlight Mirth’s mixology philosophy of intention over excess. The Cheesecake Sour pairs a robust whiskey base with a silky cheesecake foam, offering a dessert-inspired indulgence, while the Strawberry Negroni reimagines the classic with an airy strawberry cloud that softens its bitter-sweet profile. For bolder palates, the Wild Heart delivers a vibrant mix of tart berry shrub accented by a distinctive jamun strip, and the Clear Intention showcases technical finesse through a crystal-clear, clarified blend of gin, basil and lychee.

Set within Mirth’s intimate, velvet-toned interiors in Indiranagar, the Valentine’s collection underscores the bar’s reputation for contemporary, experimental mixology. With this limited-time offering, Mirth positions cocktails not just as drinks, but as expressions of mood, chemistry and connection, encouraging guests to celebrate romance with clarity, confidence and a sense of play


Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

As Valentine’s season sets in, Barista Coffee Company is spreading the spirit of love with the launch of its special campaign, “Currently Romantic,” inviting customers to celebrate togetherness over thoughtfully crafted flavours. Rooted in the idea of creating meaningful moments, the campaign reflects Barista’s focus on turning everyday café visits into warm, memorable experiences for couples, friends and self-care enthusiasts alike.

Available from 1 February across Barista outlets, the limited-time Valentine’s menu features indulgent offerings designed to balance comfort and celebration. Highlights include the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, which blends fruity freshness with rich chocolate notes, and the Brownie Latte, a creamy and indulgent coffee crafted for those seeking a cosy, dessert-inspired cup. Adding to the festive spread is the Valentine’s Cake, positioned as a shareable sweet treat that captures the emotion of the season in every slice.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said the campaign is aimed at making people feel special during the season of love by spreading warmth, happiness and indulgence across cities. He noted that the specially curated treats are meant to bring customers closer to their loved ones, whether through a quiet café date, a cheerful outing or a simple moment of self-indulgence.

The “Currently Romantic” campaign stays true to Barista’s vibrant brand identity, combining flavour, emotion and experience. With visually appealing, ‘gram-worthy’ desserts and beverages, the Valentine’s menu encourages customers to create and share moments over coffee. The exclusive offerings will be available at select Barista cafés across India from 1 February, inviting everyone to indulge, celebrate and fall in love with every sip and bite

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