Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 8, 2024
Secret Ingredient, a prominent food consulting firm for the restaurant and hospitality industry, has announced the launch of three new culinary destinations in India. The newly unveiled venues include Niko, a modern Asian restaurant in Gurgaon, La Croute, an artisanal pie shop and café in Delhi’s Sunder Nagar, and Bonita, a globally inspired European bistro located in Arossim, South Goa.
Secret Ingredient played a pivotal role in creating these distinct concepts by offering a wide range of consulting services. These included everything from research and feasibility studies to the development of a detailed concept, interior and graphic design collaboration, kitchen and bar planning, as well as food and beverage identity creation. The firm also assisted in hiring and training core team members, ensuring that each establishment delivers a well-rounded guest experience.
Kula Naidu, Director at Secret Ingredient, explained the firm’s approach: “At Secret Ingredient, we go beyond just food—we create a complete experience. Niko offers an upbeat yet calming atmosphere; La Croute provides a warm and welcoming vibe, while Bonita is all about relaxation and indulgence. Each venue has a distinct character, from the ambience to the décor, music, and overall f&b offering. We meticulously ensure that every aspect, from the kitchen’s efficiency to staff training, operates seamlessly.”
Each of these new venues provides a unique culinary experience. Niko in Gurgaon brings modern Asian cuisine to the forefront, with an ambiance that blends lively and calming elements, making it a versatile choice for casual dining and special occasions. La Croute in Delhi focuses on artisanal pies, providing a cozy, neighborhood café vibe that invites people to sit back and enjoy freshly baked goods. Meanwhile, Bonita in Goa offers a mix of European-inspired dishes in a relaxed beachside setting, perfect for guests seeking an indulgent escape.
Sid Mathur, also a Director at Secret Ingredient, emphasized the research-driven approach that goes into every project. “Our team conducts thorough research to ensure dining experiences that are both unique, inventive and feasible. We oversee every aspect from the outset, focusing on guest experience to culinary offerings. Our goal with these projects was to create a menu that celebrates rich flavors and resonates with today’s diners, who seek new and exciting experiences. The feedback we’ve received is a testament to the hard work and creativity that went into these projects.”
Secret Ingredient has a history of providing advisory services for a diverse range of clients, including restaurants, hotels, malls, and schools. They use their extensive hands-on experience from operating and advising multiple F&B outlets across India to create tailored solutions for new and existing projects. Their experience has allowed them to work with iconic brands and build a substantial portfolio across 28 cities in India.
Some of Secret Ingredient’s notable past projects include collaborations with The Khyber in Gulmarg, Kaansa at Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, Lyrah at Trident Gurgaon, and Koyo Koyo at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh. They have also partnered with popular venues such as Select City Walk Mall in Delhi, British School in Delhi, as well as with brands like Olive Group, Swiggy, and Anardana.
India, EU Finalise Landmark Trade Deal, PM Modi Calls It “Mo...
India and the European Union have finalised a landmark free ...
A Tricolour Feast: Celebrating the Flavours of India This Re...
As India comes together to celebrate Republic Day, hotels, c...
Bhojanam Opens Its Flagship Restaurant in Hyderabad
Bhojanam, a first-of-its-kind dining concept rooted in the c...
Delhi-NCR Malls Turn Patriotic This Republic Day with Cultur...
Republic Day celebrations in Delhi-NCR are stepping outside ...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 30, 2026
World Pizza Day is around the corner, and Woodside Inn Bengaluru is gearing up to celebrate it in its own relaxed, no-fuss style. Known for understanding what a good bar-style pizza should be, Woodside Inn continues to serve thin-crust pizzas that are crisp, indulgent, and perfect for sharing over long conversations and cold beers.
Staying true to the brand’s easygoing pub culture, these pizzas are designed for the table, order once, keep reaching back, and let the flavours do the talking. Among the clear crowd favourites is the Bacon Brie Melt, where smoky bacon pairs with gooey brie and a drizzle of maple chilli oil. Rich, bold, and packed with flavour, it’s the kind of pizza that vanishes sooner than expected.
Other popular picks include the Truffle 4 Cheese for those who enjoy indulgent comfort, the classic Pepperoni Delight, and the bold Lamb-a-licious topped with lamb bolognese, Kalamata olives, and feta. Vegetarian options are equally well represented, with favourites like Margherita, Primavera, and Southwest Sunset offering balance, comfort, and flavour without compromise.
Located in Indiranagar, Woodside Inn brings together warm hospitality, great music, and a steady flow of beers, making it a go-to neighbourhood pub. This World Pizza Day, the Bengaluru outlet offers the perfect excuse to drop in for good pizzas, easy vibes, and bar food that keeps guests coming back for more.
By Hariharan U
The Drexel, the well-known Miami Beach restaurant housed within Esmé Hotel on Española Way, has unveiled a refreshed culinary direction, marking a new chapter defined by clarity, craft, and a stronger sense of identity. The restaurant now presents a Coastal Italian, inspired menu that places handmade pastas, wood-fired cooking, and hyper-seasonal ingredients at its core.
The new culinary programme is led by Chef Jarrod Huth, COO of Culinary at Think Hospitality, who guided the development of the menu and kitchen philosophy. Working closely with him is Chef de Cuisine Derek Carressi, the day-to-day culinary lead who brings the vision to life through hands-on execution rooted in Italian technique. Together, the chefs have shaped a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, focused on simplicity, balance, and deep respect for ingredients.
This evolution marks a shift from broader Mediterranean influences to a more focused, ingredient-driven Coastal Italian approach. The menu highlights handmade pastas, wood-fired preparations, and seasonal plates that allow quality sourcing and technique to speak for themselves. By working closely with farmers, fishermen, and trusted purveyors, the kitchen follows a philosophy built on restraint and intention, letting ingredients guide what appears on the plate.
Located at the corner of Española Way and Drexel Avenue, The Drexel was originally created by the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro as a restaurant “for locals, by locals,” set within a historic 1920s village. As part of Esmé Hotel, it has long played a central role in the property’s rhythm, serving both neighbourhood diners and hotel guests alike.
“As South Beach and Española Way continue to evolve, with Esmé serving as an anchor for the street, it felt like the right moment to sharpen The Drexel's culinary identity,” said Hunter Gellin, President of Think Hospitality. “Chef Jarrod's experience and skill position The Drexel to play a meaningful role within the area's intentional tenant mix - a place that thoughtfully serves both the local community and Esmé's guests. In this way, The Drexel becomes an essential piece of the carefully curated hospitality ecosystem taking shape along Española Way.”
Chef Huth brings experience from some of the world’s most exacting kitchens, including The French Laundry and Per Se, where he developed a foundation of discipline and precision. Paired with Chef Carressi’s Italian-forward execution and daily leadership, the menu remains refined yet fluid, designed to evolve naturally with the seasons rather than remain static.
Complementing the kitchen is the beverage programme led by Beverage Director Alejandro Chavarria, featuring a carefully curated wine list and cocktails designed to suit both aperitivo hour and dinner service. The restaurant’s daily “Sunset & Sip” happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM continues to position The Drexel as a relaxed, social gathering spot along Española Way.
With its renewed culinary focus and thoughtful evolution, The Drexel remains a restaurant designed for return visits, equally suited to casual weeknight dinners, sunset drinks, and celebratory evenings around the table.
Burger Singh, India’s fastest-growing Made-in-India burger chain, has expanded its footprint in Mumbai with the launch of a new outlet in Andheri. The opening marks another step in the brand’s focused growth across key urban markets, as it continues to strengthen its presence in western India.
Andheri, known for its mix of commercial hubs and residential neighbourhoods, fits well into Burger Singh’s strategy of targeting high-footfall locations. The area attracts young professionals, families, and students, making it a strong market for the brand’s flavour-forward offerings. The new outlet will serve Burger Singh’s signature desi burgers, blending familiar Indian spices and ingredients with the speed and consistency of the QSR format.
Mumbai’s fast-moving lifestyle and diverse food preferences make it a key market for Burger Singh. The brand continues to fine-tune its menu to match evolving consumer tastes in the city, combining traditional Indian flavours with modern burger formats that appeal to a wide audience.
With this launch, Burger Singh now operates 12 outlets across Maharashtra, underlining the state’s importance in its western India growth strategy. Maharashtra offers long-term potential for up to 200 additional outlets, driven by demand in both metro and non-metro markets. Within the state, Greater Mumbai remains a priority, where the brand currently has 2 outlets and sees scope to add up to 70 more across prominent neighbourhoods and high-footfall commercial zones in the coming years.
Commenting on the expansion, PV Bhargav, Chief of Staff, said, “We aren’t just bringing another burger to Mumbai; we are bringing a flavor revolution that is unapologetically and truly Indian. While the world was busy replicating the West, we doubled down on the Masala, the soul, and the spice that India loves. At Burger Singh, our products aren't just items on a menu; they are personified characters with unique names and distinct personalities that resonate with our customers.” He added, “Western India is our next big bet. We believe the potential in Maharashtra is so massive that the state alone can eventually support more outlets than our entire current national footprint. This expansion is more than just opening stores; it’s a massive opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in Mumbai to partner with a disruptive, home-grown brand and finally be their own boss in one of the world’s most vibrant food markets.”
As part of its wider plans in Maharashtra, Burger Singh is also focused on creating employment opportunities. The brand aims to hire over 1200 employees across its existing and upcoming outlets in the city, contributing to local job creation and supporting operational growth.
With the Andheri launch, Burger Singh continues to build on its momentum, backed by a strong product-market fit across tier 1 cities as well as tier 2 and tier 3 markets. Its expansion remains driven by a franchise-led model, with a clear focus on scalability and operational discipline.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.