Sampan Partners with Honk for a Unique Culinary Collaboration

Sampan Partners with Honk for a Unique Culinary Collaboration

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 10, 2024

Mumbai’s dining scene is about to experience a unique culinary collaboration. Sampan, the popular Chinese restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, is joining forces with Honk, a celebrated pan-Asian restaurant from Pullman New Delhi Aerocity. This special partnership will take place from August 9 to August 25, 2024, during which Honk’s culinary team, led by Director of Culinary Sandeep Kalra, will take over Sampan’s kitchen to offer an exclusive dining experience.

Sampan is well-known in Mumbai for its signature dishes such as Jin Chicken, Cha Chu Prawns, and Three-Colour Lobster. During this collaboration, the menu will be expanded to include a selection of Honk’s distinctive dishes. New offerings will include Chong Qing Chicken, Pao Jiao Tiger Prawns, and Silken Tofu with Bamboo Shoot and Shimeji Mushroom, among others, promising to bring a fresh twist to Sampan’s established favorites.

Vishal Gupta, General Manager of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration between Sampan and HONK will help us cater better to Mumbai's diverse and ever-evolving palate, with much loved pan-Asian delicacies. Our intent is to craft experiences that resonate with the city's sophisticated diners, who crave both tradition and innovation on their plates.”

Neelabh Sahay, Director of Operations at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, added, “As Sampan invites HONK to take charge of its kitchen, we are excited to see how our diners respond to the new flavours and cuisine. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to gastronomic excellence and our belief that great food, like great art, knows no boundaries.”

Sandeep Kalra of Honk also shared his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to bring Honk's unique flavours and culinary artistry to Sampan at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to share our signature pan-Asian dishes, spread across eight Asian cuisines, with the vibrant food community in Mumbai. We look forward to delighting guests with an unforgettable dining experience that merges the best of both our culinary worlds.”

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels are known for offering guests a place to relax and enjoy life’s important moments. With over 530 locations in more than 60 countries, Novotel provides a range of services for both business and leisure travelers, including spacious rooms with natural design, 24/7 catering options, and various amenities like fitness centers and family zones. Novotel is part of Accor, a leading global hospitality group with over 5,400 properties worldwide, and participates in the ALL - Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty program.

About Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, located near IGI Airport and close to major business hubs, offers a blend of modern luxury and convenience. The hotel features 670 suites and rooms, extensive meeting and event spaces, and a variety of dining options. Guests can also enjoy leisure facilities such as a spa, health club, and outdoor swimming pool, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers.


Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

Taj Club House, Chennai has introduced LAVA, Grill at the Roof, a contemporary rooftop dining venue designed for relaxed alfresco evenings. Positioned as a sundowner destination, the new space brings together open-air charm, sweeping city views and a menu that celebrates bold global flavours.

Perched at the top of the hotel, LAVA, Grill at the Roof offers both an intimate air-conditioned indoor section and a breezy rooftop area. Soft mood lighting and panoramic views of the Chennai skyline set the tone for easy conversations and laid-back dining under the open sky. The alfresco section forms the heart of the venue, making it an inviting spot for after-hours gatherings and special evenings.

The menu focuses on global grilling traditions with a noticeable Asian accent. Guests can explore a range of Asian tapas, sushi, dim sum, sliders and signature grill dishes. Small bites include Edamame with Sea Salt or Pepperoncino and Marinated Gordal Olives with Beetroot Tzatziki. The selection also features Chicken Katsu Bao with Tonkatsu Sauce, Duck Rillette Sliders with Jalapeño and Mint Chutney, and sushi options such as California Roll, Spicy Tofu Roll and Crispy Prawn Uramaki.

Vegetarian diners can choose from Water Chestnut & Mushroom Dumplings and Corn & Spinach Dumplings, while grill highlights include Persian Lamb Skewers and Harissa-spiked Prawns served with Roasted Grape Salsa. The dishes are complemented by a curated list of wines, craft cocktails and premium beverages, carefully paired to enhance the grill-focused menu.

With its blend of indoor comfort and alfresco elegance, LAVA, Grill at the Roof is set to become a preferred choice for sundowners, intimate dinners and celebratory evenings in the city. At Taj Club House, Chennai, the new rooftop address promises evenings where fire-led flavours, fresh air and city lights come together effortlessly.


Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

This Valentine’s season, SOCIAL is inviting guests to take love offline with its nationwide campaign, लव like the OGs, running from 10th to 28th February across all SOCIAL outlets. Inspired by the simplicity of old-school romance, the campaign encourages people to slow down, have real conversations, and reconnect without screens in the way.

At a time when love often plays out over DMs and dating apps, SOCIAL is tapping into a growing desire among Gen Z for something more intentional and personal. The idea behind लव like the OGs is not about going back in time, but about bringing back what truly matters, showing up, speaking honestly, and giving someone your full attention.

Speaking about the campaign, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “Love today is fast, filtered, and often fleeting. With लव like the OGs theme, we wanted to slow things down and bring back the charm of old-school romance, where effort mattered and conversations weren’t rushed. SOCIAL has always been about belonging and real connections, and this Valentine’s, we’re inviting people to step away from screens and rediscover what love feels like offline.”

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As part of the experience, guests can write handwritten postcards while waiting for their food and exchange notes the old-fashioned way. The idea is simple, whether you’re on a first date, with your partner, or just out with friends, sit across the table and share a moment that feels real.

A major highlight of the campaign is the limited-edition Valentine’s menu titled Do Dishon Ka Mel. Celebrating cross-cultural love stories through bold food pairings, the menu blends flavours from different regions with SOCIAL’s signature twist. Dishes include Sev Puri Toastada, bringing Puraani Dilli and Mexico together; Bhuna Ghost Cheese Tart; Chicken Biryani Burrito; and Andhra Chilli Paneer & Chicken Chopsuey.

Other special creations include Krapow Aglio Olio in plant-based, chicken, and lamb options, Kebab Paella, Cheeseburst Smash Burgers, and desserts like Snicker Samosa and Gajar Halwa Sizzler. The Valentine’s special menu will be available across SOCIAL outlets from 10th to 28th February. Select dishes will also be offered for delivery through Swiggy and Zomato for those celebrating at home.

Staying true to its community-first approach, SOCIAL will also host curated in-outlet experiences and events at select locations. Designed to be inclusive and warm, the celebration welcomes everyone: single, taken, or somewhere in between.

With लव like the OGs, SOCIAL reinforces its space as more than just a café-bar. This Valentine’s, the brand reminds guests that love doesn’t need an algorithm, just a table, a postcard, and a little effort.


Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

By Hariharan U

Published on February 12, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.

The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.

Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.

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