Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Announces Exclusive Italian Champagne Brunch

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Announces Exclusive Italian Champagne Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2025

 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the luxury heritage hotel in Siem Reap, is gearing up to present an exclusive Italian Champagne brunch in collaboration with Il Vicolo from Phnom Penh. The celebrated Chef Sandro Arimondo will lead the culinary showcase, bringing his international expertise to create a brunch that blends classic Italian flavors with a modern twist.

Set to take place next month at the hotel’s renowned Cafe d’Angkor, the brunch promises a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music. Guests will be treated to a selection of Chef Sandro’s signature specialties such as bruschetta tomatoes paired with grape watermelon, roasted bell pepper with stracciatella cheese, light eggplant parmigiana served with burrata, tagliolini al limone, and Involtini di Manzo beef rolls featuring speck smoked ham and gorgonzola cheese.

Hailing from Imperia in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, Chef Sandro refined his skills in top kitchens across Italy, England, Switzerland, Greece, the United States, France, and Cambodia. His rich culinary background ensures an authentic Italian dining experience that is both innovative and steeped in tradition.

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Il Vicolo, a well-regarded Italian restaurant in Phnom Penh, is celebrated for its authentic cuisine and warm, inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, Cafe d’Angkor recently refreshed its dinner and lunch menus to highlight fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. The new menu features signature dishes such as Cavignac & Wilson, Brie de Kampot En Croûte with a delightful pineapple compote, French Duck Breast with Battambang Orange Sauce, Ferme de Bassac Pork Tenderloin with ginger and caramelised onion, and the indulgent Banteay Srey Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.

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Originally established in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the kingdom of Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has evolved into a landmark of heritage and luxury. Its commitment to exceptional service has earned it a spot among the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure magazine for three consecutive years. With exclusive initiatives like ‘Culinary Journeys’ and an on-site ‘Resort Programme’, the hotel continues to offer guests immersive experiences that celebrate Siem Reap’s rich culture and history.

For more details or to make a booking, visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.


Ambrosia Foods Brings Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to the GCC with Dubai Debut

Ambrosia Foods Brings Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to the GCC with Dubai Debut

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2026

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India's largest specialty coffee company, has officially entered the GCC market through a strategic partnership with Ambrosia Foods. Marking its regional debut, the brand has opened its first café at BurJuman Mall in Dubai, bringing its farm-to-cup coffee philosophy and craft-led coffee experience to one of the world's leading café destinations.

The expansion is being led by Ambrosia Foods, a GCC-focused food and beverage platform that partners with innovative consumer brands to help them grow across the region. By combining Blue Tokai's expertise in sourcing, roasting, and serving premium Indian coffee with Ambrosia Foods' regional market knowledge and operational capabilities, the partnership aims to build a strong long-term presence across the GCC.

With this addition, Blue Tokai becomes the fourth brand in Ambrosia Foods' growing portfolio, joining Biryani By Kilo, Furn Beaino, and Mr. Brown. The company continues to strengthen its presence in the region by bringing premium and scalable food and beverage concepts to GCC consumers.

Speaking on the launch, Vishwaroop Narain, Executive Chairman, Ambrosia Foods, said, “Blue Tokai is a landmark addition to our growing GCC portfolio and a brand that perfectly reflects Ambrosia Foods vision of bring proven, category-defining concepts to the region and building them for long-term success. Indian brands are increasingly finding strong resonance across the GCC, and Blue Tokai is exceptionally well positioned to introduce more consumers to the quality, craftsmanship and diversity of India's specialty coffee."

Following the opening of its first café in Dubai, Ambrosia Foods plans to expand Blue Tokai's presence across the GCC, with more than 10 locations planned over the next few years.

Founded in 2013, Blue Tokai has been at the forefront of India's specialty coffee movement, making freshly roasted Indian coffee more accessible while promoting quality, transparency, and traceability. Today, the company operates more than 250 cafés, three roasteries across India, partners directly with over 80 coffee farms, and also has an international presence in Tokyo, Japan.

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The new Dubai café offers guests a selection of Blue Tokai's single-estate coffees, signature blends, and seasonal offerings. Visitors can also explore different brewing methods that highlight the unique flavour profiles and origins of Indian coffee, all within a modern café setting.

Speaking about the expansion, Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, said, “India has an extraordinary coffee heritage, yet its potential as a world-class specialty coffee origin is only beginning to gain global recognition. For more than a decade, Blue Tokai has focused on strengthening the connection between coffee producers and consumers while creating spaces where people can discover the craft and stories behind every cup. Expanding into the GCC marks an important milestone in our journey as we introduce Indian specialty coffee to new audiences. The region's vibrant café culture and appreciation for thoughtfully crafted experiences make it a natural next step in our growth.”


FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain Beat Argentina 1-0 to Lift Second World Cup Title

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain Beat Argentina 1-0 to Lift Second World Cup Title

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an intense final that was decided in extra time.

The match remained goalless through regulation time before Ferran Torres, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored the winner in the 106th minute. Latching onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, Torres fired a left-footed strike under the crossbar to hand Spain its second FIFA World Cup title, the first since its triumph in 2010.

"It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said, referring to Spain's population.

Spain's breakthrough came after Argentina were reduced to 10 men late in regulation when Enzo Fernández was shown a red card following a reckless challenge. The dismissal shifted momentum in Spain's favour before Torres delivered the decisive moment in extra time.

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Spain's defence once again proved its strength, successfully protecting the narrow lead until the final whistle. The newly crowned champions conceded just one goal in eight matches throughout the tournament, setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded by a FIFA World Cup-winning team.

The victory also denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in what the Argentine captain had indicated would be his final appearance at the tournament.

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The trophy presentation brought together several dignitaries, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, King Felipe VI of Spain, and US President Donald Trump, who presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to the Spanish team.

Before the trophy lift, Trump briefly greeted Spain captain Rodri, describing him as his favourite player before congratulating the team on its historic achievement.

As Spain celebrated lifting football's most prestigious prize, an emotional scene unfolded for Argentina. Led by Lionel Messi, the players collected their silver medals to a standing ovation from supporters inside the stadium. Fans applauded the team as the anthem "Muchachos" echoed around the venue, acknowledging Argentina's remarkable journey despite falling short in the final.

For Spain, the victory marks a return to the top of world football after 16 years, while Argentina's campaign ended with disappointment but earned admiration for reaching another FIFA World Cup final.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain and Argentina Set for Final as Air Quality Alert Hits New Jersey

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain and Argentina Set for Final as Air Quality Alert Hits New Jersey

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 18, 2026

 The countdown has begun for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Spain set to face Argentina in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. While football fans from around the world are preparing for the title clash, concerns over deteriorating air quality have emerged across New York and New Jersey, where the final will be played.

Ahead of Sunday's final, France and England will compete in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, before attention shifts to the championship match.

However, just days before the final, authorities issued an air quality alert for parts of New York and New Jersey after smoke from massive Canadian wildfires spread across the northeastern United States.

Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has covered large parts of the country, stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast. Officials have advised residents and visitors to limit outdoor activities, remain indoors where possible and avoid prolonged exposure to the polluted air.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19 (12:30 a.m. IST on July 20) at SoFi Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The air quality concerns intensified as Spain's squad arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night, following its semi-final victory over France in Texas.

Despite the environmental challenges, preparations for the World Cup final continue, with thousands of supporters expected to travel to New Jersey to witness the clash between the European champions and the defending world champions.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality levels closely in the lead-up to the final while advising residents, visitors and fans to follow public health guidelines if conditions worsen.

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