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.

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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.

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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.


Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

Wendy’s India, in partnership with Rebel Foods, continues to redefine the gourmet QSR experience with the launch of its latest flavour innovation the Cajun Burgers, available in both veg and non-veg variants.

Inspired by the vibrant, spice-rich cuisine of Louisiana, the new lineup brings a bold, creamy, and fiery twist to Wendy’s menu in India. The range features three indulgent options, Cajun Spicy Chicken, Cajun Spicy Paneer, and Cajun Potato, all layered with Wendy’s signature Cajun sauce made from black pepper, red chillies, garlic, herbs, and a dash of lemon. Priced from ₹149, the Cajun Burgers are available across all Wendy’s India outlets and on major delivery platforms including EatSure.

Wendy’s India has carved a niche for itself in the gourmet burger space with its global flavour portfolio, offering creations like Argentina’s Chimichurri, Korea’s fiery Buldak, Mexico’s Nachoburg, America’s BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and the Cheeseblast Burgers. The addition of the Louisiana Cajun series strengthens Wendy’s reputation as the flavour pioneer of India’s burger scene.

The Cajun Burgers have been developed with Indian consumers in mind, especially young, flavour-driven audiences seeking bold and authentic experiences. Combining Louisiana’s essence with India’s love for spice, Wendy’s invites customers to “Taste the Craze from Louisiana”, blending international inspiration with local intensity.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said: “As we continue to grow Wendy’s India across the country, our priority is to make bold, never-seen-before flavours easily accessible to consumers everywhere. The Cajun Burgers bring an authentic Louisiana taste story with the punch and indulgence India loves. With our expanding network and delivery reach, we’re excited to bring this unique flavour experience to more cities.”

Currently operating in 200+ kitchens across India, Wendy’s India continues to expand through dine-in and delivery formats, with plans to reach deeper into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by year-end. The launch of the Cajun Burgers marks another milestone in the brand’s flavour revolution, a testament to its mission of making global gourmet burgers accessible to Indian consumers.


Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

There’s a new table to come home to Orlo, The Indian Cuisine Restaurant, where every meal feels like family and every flavour says “Aur lo.” Designed as a celebration of India’s culinary heritage and spirit of togetherness, Orlo invites guests to gather, share, and rediscover the joy of dining.

Born from the founders’ desire to create an intimate and inclusive space, Orlo captures the soul of Indian hospitality, where generosity and connection are the true ingredients of every dish. It’s a place that feels as warm as home and as lively as an evening with friends.

Orlo’s menu pays homage to India’s regional diversity through its three defining pillars, Community-Forward, Honest, and Vibrant. Every plate at Orlo is a reflection of India’s rhythm: playful, colourful, and bursting with authenticity. From soulful curries to spiced tikkas and nostalgic desserts, the food honours tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

Orlo transforms through the day, offering two distinct yet harmonious experiences.

By Day, it’s a bright and cheerful urban mess-style restaurant serving wholesome thalis and regional set meals from Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengal, and Assam. The focus is on quick, fresh, and nourishing food that comforts and delights.

By Night, Orlo evolves into a spirited highball bar and elegant dining space overlooking Hyderabad’s iconic Cable Bridge and Durgam Cheruvu. Evenings here flow effortlessly — from sundowners to conversations over cocktails. Each drink at the highball bar is “high on India,” inspired by quarter bottles from thekas, fizzy sodas from paan shops, and summer banta nostalgia, reimagined into refreshing, playful mixes.

Orlo is part of Vikksit Hospitality, a new-age group built on the philosophy of “Intentional Hospitality” — creating genuine human connections through warmth and authenticity. Every detail, from the interiors to the interactions, is designed to make guests feel welcomed, valued, and part of a larger community.

Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)
Contact: +91 90631 69910 |


Baskin Robbins Celebrates Children’s Day with a Scoop of Joy and Nostalgia

Baskin Robbins Celebrates Children’s Day with a Scoop of Joy and Nostalgia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 13, 2025

Because childhood is remembered in scoops of laughter, splashes of colour, and delightfully messy, happy moments — Baskin Robbins brings that magic alive this Children’s Day. Whether you’re sharing a treat with your kids or revisiting your own favourite childhood flavours, this celebration is all about simple joys and sweet memories.

The brand invites everyone to slow down, pick their favourite scoop, and fill the day with colour, giggles, and smiles.

Among its cheerful lineup, Cotton Candy Ice Cream swirls pink and purple hues into a carnival of fun, while Splish Splash brings a light, fruity blend of raspberry and blueberry for a picnic-like delight. For a playful twist, Shooting Star combines creamy vanilla, tangy blueberry, and sugar strands that pop with joy, a scoop that’s pure excitement.

For chocolate lovers, Mississippi Mud offers an indulgent dive into triple-chocolate heaven with fudge chunks and brownie cake pieces. The all-time favourite Very Berry Strawberry returns with juicy strawberry pieces in a creamy base that tastes like summer in every bite.

Adding a touch of Italian sophistication, the Blueberry Cheesecake Gelato blends creamy cheesecake swirls with blueberry ribbons, while the Chocolate & Roasted Hazelnut Gelato brings a luxuriously smooth taste enriched with nutty crunch.

To make the day extra special, Baskin Robbins is offering a Buy 1 Scoop, Get 1 FREE deal on 14th November, exclusively at Baskin Robbins parlours.

So this Children’s Day, treat your child  and the child in you, to a world of flavour, fun, and fond memories with Baskin Robbins.

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