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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.
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.
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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on May 27, 2026
As Loya Mumbai marks a year of culinary storytelling, the restaurant continues its journey of exploring lesser-known dishes from the northern heartlands of India through its anniversary menu.
At the centre of this celebration is Akotri, a traditional Himachali breakfast dish reinterpreted as a dessert, reflecting Loya’s signature approach of blending heritage with contemporary presentation.
Originally a humble buckwheat pancake from Himachal Pradesh, Akotri is reimagined at Loya using ingredients such as buckwheat, coconut milk, jaggery, rabdi, and saffron. The result is a dessert that balances earthy depth with soft sweetness, offering a comforting yet refined finish to the dining experience.
The dish remains rooted in simplicity while introducing layered textures and subtle richness, paying tribute to the culinary traditions passed down through generations in the Himalayan region.
As part of its anniversary menu, Loya continues to spotlight regional Indian flavours that are often underrepresented, presenting them through a modern fine-dining perspective while preserving their cultural identity.
The Akotri dessert reflects the restaurant’s larger philosophy, bringing forgotten or lesser-known recipes into contemporary relevance without losing their essence. At Loya, each dish is designed not just as a preparation, but as a narrative rooted in place, memory, and tradition.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Haldiram's has launched ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ campaign, introducing a refreshing range of nostalgic beverages and seasonal food favourites inspired by India’s timeless summer traditions. Designed around flavours deeply associated with Indian summers, the campaign brings back memories of cooling drinks and familiar street-style favourites that generations have enjoyed over the years.
For many Indians, summer has always been linked with traditional beverages and flavours that provide comfort during the scorching heat. Through this campaign, Haldiram's aims to recreate those memorable experiences by pairing refreshing drinks with classic food favourites that reflect a distinctly Indian summer experience.
Leading the range is Mango Lassi, bringing back the familiar creamy comfort associated with homemade summer afternoons. Kacha Aam Panna also returns as one of the standout offerings with its timeless balance of sweet and tangy flavours. The menu further includes Jamun Kala Khatta with Soda, Sweet Tamarind with Soda, Masala Soda Lemonade, Masala Sikanji, Peach Iced Tea with Soda, and Dark Roast Cold Coffee.
Adding to the seasonal experience, Haldiram's has also included street-style classics such as Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri, continuing flavours customers have enjoyed over the years. Summer-special meal additions include Mango Shrikhand, Elaichi Shrikhand, Dakshin Curd Rice, and Mishti Doi, offering refreshing and comforting choices for the season.
Speaking about the initiative, the brand highlighted that the campaign was designed to help customers reconnect with memorable summer moments and relive familiar experiences with friends and family through nostalgic flavours.
Customers can experience ‘The Great Summer Chillers’ at Haldiram's outlets or order online through Swiggy and Zomato.
Ironhill India has rolled out a refreshed menu that brings together comfort food, bold flavours, and creative culinary touches. Designed to pair seamlessly with Ironhill’s craft beers and signature cocktails, the new menu combines global inspirations with familiar local favourites, creating a dining experience that feels exciting yet comforting.
The updated spread features a range of dishes perfect for sharing and enjoying over conversations. Seafood lovers can look forward to the crispy and flavour-packed Prawn Koliwada, while the Venezuelan Avocado Chicken Salad adds a fresh and creamy balance to the menu. Comfort food also gets its moment with the hearty Keema Pav, while the Mezze Board creates a laid-back experience ideal for social dining.
One of the highlights of the new additions is the Mutton Donne Biryani, a dish rich in aroma and deeply rooted in local flavours. Bringing together tradition and soul, it stands out as one of the menu’s most memorable offerings. Ending the experience on a sweet note is the Jaggery Brûlée with Red Velvet, adding a rich and indulgent finish.
Created with thoughtful flavours and versatility in mind, the menu has been designed for every occasion, whether it is a quick catch-up, a relaxed meal with friends, or long conversations that stretch into the evening.
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