Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

Shankar Distillers, the latest venture by tech entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, has officially opened in Troy, Michigan. This advanced distillery features a state-of-the-art 45-foot continuous distillation column, so large that the distillery's roof had to be modified to accommodate it. Located in an industrial park, the distillery's glass ceiling is a distinctive landmark visible from I-75, just north of the 14 Mile exit near Oakland Mall.

Varchasvi Shankar, the first Indian immigrant to open an American whiskey distillery, celebrated the grand opening of Shankar Distillers on Friday, July 12. Shankar has also expanded into international markets, making the Varchas Whiskey line the first American craft bourbon exported to India. The distillery team includes master distiller Kylash Sivakumar and senior advisor Dennis Archer Jr., who have together crafted several award-winning spirits. Among their accolades is the Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which won gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its smooth, earthy flavor profile featuring notes of wood, leather, tobacco, and caramel.

image

Shankar expressed his enthusiasm for sharing these whiskeys directly with the public. “This is a dream come true for me. I never imagined that I would open a distillery in the USA. I came here for a technology career, but whiskey has always been my passion, and I'm thrilled to bring this unique cultural experience to the people of this country,” he said. “I'm excited to see visitors experience in person the fusion of Eastern and Western traditions in our spirits.”

Shankar Distillers offers a range of spirits, including Varchas Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey, Dasara Gin, and Varchas Vodka. Visitors can purchase these products along with branded merchandise like whiskey glasses, flasks, and T-shirts. The tasting room features plush lounge seating and a premium atmosphere, with a diverse cocktail menu that includes classics like Manhattans and barrel-aged sazeracs, as well as a unique gin and tonic made with Indian tonic. House specialties also include the “Gimme Some More,” made with Varchas Vodka, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur.

image

Shankar Distillers stands out not just for its story of transitioning from tech to distilling but also for the beauty of its bottles. The 750 ml glass bottles feature a two-headed eagle on the label, a symbol of Shankar’s home state of Mysore in southern India, and a 3D eagle on the cork, highlighting Shankar’s accomplishments in the United States. The distillery is proud of its Michigan roots, using locally sourced water and corn in its products.

For those interested in visiting, Shankar Distillers at 1030 Chicago Road in Troy is open from 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight on Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. 

For more information, visit shankardistillers.com.


The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Unveils New All-Day Menu

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Unveils New All-Day Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on February 22, 2026

The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has unveiled a refreshed all-day dining experience, bringing together comfort food and wholesome choices under one roof.

Built to match different moments of the day, the new menu blends global flavours with a playful twist. Inspired by the idea of a comic strip, each dish is presented as part of a larger story, adding colour and creativity to everyday dining. The concept is especially suited for busy professionals looking for quick yet enjoyable meals in a relaxed setting.

image

Breakfast begins with freshly brewed coffees and familiar classics such as Eggs Your Way, The Big English, and the Vegan Jogger's Breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, options include Maple French Toast, Coconut Pancakes, and a range of freshly baked croissants, muffins, cookies and pastries.

The lighter section of the menu offers dishes like the Acai Bowl, Mixed Quinoa Bowl, and Feta & Zhoug Fattoush. Guests can also opt for quick bites such as samosas and puffs.

For lunch, café favourites such as the Caprese Panini, Bombay Sandwich, and Vegan Burger are available, along with hearty mains like Truffle & Mushroom Penne and Chilli & Garlic Linguine.

The beverage selection features fresh fruit juices, smoothies, cold coffees, and signature cold brews. As the day winds down, guests can enjoy wine by the glass and handcrafted sangrias in a relaxed evening setting.

With this refreshed menu and a contemporary ambience, The World Café at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway continues to be a convenient choice for casual breakfasts, business lunches, and easy evening meet-ups in the city.


Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Unveils ‘Mittha’ Dessert Chapter

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Unveils ‘Mittha’ Dessert Chapter

By Hariharan U

Published on February 21, 2026

Loya continues its culinary journey through North India with a special dessert chapter titled ‘Mittha’ at Taj Mahal Palace. Inspired by halwai traditions, old family recipes, and the warmth of festive gatherings, the new menu brings back familiar flavours in a refined and modern style.

At the heart of ‘Mittha’ is nostalgia. Each dessert tells a story of childhood memories and shared celebrations, while presenting the sweets in a way that fits today’s fine dining experience.

Among the highlights is Badana Pearls, a delicate mix of rabri and saffron foam, finished with pistachios and almonds. It balances richness with a light texture.

Doodh Jalebi brings together crisp jalebis with pista, chuara and warm kesar milk, offering both crunch and comfort in every bite.

Kulfi Pop features a four-flavour kulfi board with rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf and malai. It is designed as a playful yet elegant tasting experience.

Falooda layers almond kulfi with rose rabri, creating a fragrant and textured dessert.

Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by the chef's grandmother's recipe, is a slow-cooked badam kheer that carries deep nostalgia.

Loya Khel adds a modern twist with chikoo mousse and biscuit cake paired with coconut grass, blending tradition with creativity.

The experience does not end with dessert. ‘Baad Mein’ offers a curated selection of digestifs and Himalayan teas, encouraging guests to slow down and enjoy the final moments of the meal.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya at Taj Mahal Palace turns dessert into more than just a final course. It becomes a celebration of memory, craft, and comfort, served with elegance.


Origins Unveils Holi Special Edition Range Rooted in Festive Flavours

Origins Unveils Holi Special Edition Range Rooted in Festive Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2026

Holi has never been about colours alone. From gujiyas passed between colour-stained hands to glasses of thandai shared mid-celebration, food has always played a central role in the festival. With the launch of its Holi Special Edition range, Origins brings these familiar traditions back into focus, celebrating flavours that feel festive, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Indian homes.

Staying true to the brand’s commitment to clean and honest food, the limited-edition range features festive favourites such as Namak Pare Diamond, Namak Pare Sticks, Methi Mathri, Plain Mathri, Methi Mathri Sticks, Shakkarpara, Sugar-Coated Shakkarpara, Mawa Gujiya, Thandai Mix, and ready-to-drink Thandai. Each product is crafted without any artificial additives, preservatives, colours, or seasonings, reflecting Origins’ focus on ingredient integrity, consistency, and uncompromising quality.

image

“For us, Holi was always defined by the food as much as the colour. The gujiyas everyone reached for, and the thandai shared between celebrations. With the Origins Holi range, we wanted to bring back those familiar flavours and recreate the sense of nostalgia and togetherness that makes the festival so special,” says Avinit Bagri, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

Alongside the festive food range, Origins has also introduced Holi Gifting Hampers designed to make festive gifting simple yet thoughtful. Each hamper includes a curated mix of sweets, savouries, and pre-mix, paired with Holi colours by Pankhudiyan, all packed in gift-worthy packaging that feels festive and modern. The hampers are available at three price points, making them suitable for friends, family, or even a little self-indulgence.

While the Holi Special Edition is a seasonal offering, it reflects Origins’ larger vision of helping modern India rediscover everyday food, reimagined for a fast-moving, design-aware, and quality-conscious audience. This philosophy runs through every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients and refining recipes to designing packaging that feels intentional and contemporary. By prioritising quality over convenience and maintaining transparency in how products are made, Origins ensures every offering feels honest and thoughtfully crafted.

The Holi Special Edition range is available across all outlets of The Filter Coffee and on the First Club app.

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.