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.


Barista Coffee Unveils Festive Hazelnut Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Unveils Festive Hazelnut Menu Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 13, 2025

Barista Coffee has introduced a special festive café menu created with premium hazelnuts, bringing the warmth and flavours of winter to its outlets across India. The menu has been launched in collaboration with Hazelnuts for India, an initiative focused on promoting high-quality hazelnuts in the country. As part of the campaign titled “Go HazelNUTS with Barista,” the new offerings will be available across 150 Barista cafés in major metro cities.

The exclusive festive menu was unveiled at a special launch event held at Barista’s flagship café in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. The event offered guests an immersive tasting experience, showcasing the entire range in a cosy café setting themed around coffee and hazelnuts. The limited-edition menu features the Hazelnut Crunchy Frappe, Hazelnut Dry Latte, Hazelnut Matcha Tea Cake, and Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, each made using premium hazelnuts known for their rich flavour and texture. The menu will be available from 1st December 2025 to 28th February 2026.

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Speaking at the launch, Mansi Ahuja, Hazelnuts India Representative, AMPRO Marketing, said, “Go HazelNUTS with Barista campaign aims to place hazelnuts at the heart of the café experience. Through Hazelnuts for India, we want guests to discover hazelnuts in multiple forms, in their coffee, in their desserts and in their everyday indulgences, offering a healthy indulgent twist to their choices. The encouraging response at the launch reinforces our belief that hazelnuts have a natural place in India’s evolving café culture.”

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Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, added, “We’ve always enjoyed experimenting with flavours and finding new ways to make every coffee moment feel a little more special. Over the years, our menu has continuously evolved to bring fresh, exciting, and premium tastes to coffee lovers across the country. Our new hazelnut-inspired offerings are another step in surprising our customers with choices that elevate their everyday moments. At Barista, we’re committed to pushing boundaries and creating café experiences that feel both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new.”

The collaboration highlights the versatility of hazelnuts while strengthening Barista’s role as a preferred destination for festive indulgence and gifting. With this seasonal menu, Barista adds a warm and flavourful touch to the winter months, bringing a delightful café experience to guests across India.


CocoCart & Cafe Opens at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2, Redefining Traveler Experience

CocoCart & Cafe Opens at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2, Redefining Traveler Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2025

CocoCart & Cafe has officially opened its doors at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 Arrivals this November, marking a deliberate shift from chocolate retailer to comprehensive lifestyle destination. The flagship outlet reimagines airport dining by combining globally curated confectionery with a full café experience, ensuring travelers enjoy comfort and quality during their arrival moments. Operating 24/7 in alignment with airport schedules, the café aims to provide indulgence without compromise, whether for a quick coffee or a full meal after a long flight.

The brand’s founders, Karan Ahuja and Arjun Ahuja, designed the café to meet travelers at an emotional touchpoint – post-flight, often fatigued, and in need of grounding. The space caters to both hurried guests and those with time to enjoy a proper meal. CocoCart’s “whimsical wanderer” design narrative draws on vintage travel motifs, featuring scalloped detailing, striped panels, and a warm palette anchored in Apricot Swirl and Molten Fudge tones. A dedicated quiet zone with charging stations also serves as a coworking area, providing a functional space for business travelers.

The menu balances comfort and craft, offering breakfast items such as Rosti, Kejriwal, and Paneer Akuri, mains including customizable pasta and ramen, and handcrafted focaccia sandwiches available throughout the day. Every dish prioritizes quality ingredients and artisanal preparation, grounding travelers while staying true to CocoCart’s culinary philosophy.

The café’s beverage and dessert program draws from the brand’s curated international chocolate collection, featuring signature drinks like Rhine Valley Dark Hot Chocolate and Lindt Mocha, alongside desserts including Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Cake and the World’s Best Godiva Cookie. Retail and café experiences are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to select chocolates and hampers from top brands such as Neuhaus, Venchi, Godiva, Whittaker’s, Feastables, Ferrero, and Lindt, reflecting CocoCart’s commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful hospitality.

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Avantika Ahuja, Founder of CocoCart & Cafe, said, “I’ve always believed that when you respect the ingredient, you respect the consumer. Everything we do, from import to cold chain to café service, is rooted in that simple principle. India deserves chocolate that is honest, beautifully crafted, and presented with intention, and CocoCart & Cafe exists to make that standard accessible to everyone.”

A soft launch preview for select media, influencers, and loyal patrons offered curated tastings, interactive gifting experiences, and immersive installations, capturing the brand’s “Come for the chocolate. Stay for the wonder.” ethos. Seasonal menu rotations and in-house collaborations with chocolate brands ensure the concept remains dynamic. As Karan Ahuja explained, the outlet is “where that magic greets you at arrival”, transforming routine transit into a memorable experience through carefully brewed coffee, artisanal meals, and thoughtful gifting.


Dirty Apron Reopens at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre in New Delhi

Dirty Apron Reopens at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2025

Dirty Apron has officially reopened at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, returning with a renewed energy and a stronger sense of purpose. The restaurant, loved for its slow-paced and soul-stirring approach to food, now steps into a fresh chapter under the guidance of Chef Manoj Pandey, where every dish is crafted with care, imagination and quiet artistry.

The space carries the unmistakable charm Dirty Apron is known for a mix of European comfort and Asian warmth, presented with creative flair. Long before experimental dining became popular in the city, Dirty Apron had already carved its identity as one of New Delhi’s early pioneers. With this reopening, the restaurant continues to build on that legacy with a flavour-focused menu shaped by innovation, balance and fine technique.

The experience shifts beautifully through the day. Afternoons feel light and calm, while evenings turn warm and softly lit, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxed conversations. Service remains attentive and unhurried, encouraging guests to slow down, savour their meal and enjoy the moment without the usual rush of city dining. More than just good food, Dirty Apron offers a dining experience that feels personal, intentional and thoughtfully paced.

The refreshed menu features standout creations such as Reconstructed Tom Kha, Caesar Salad 2.0, Edamame & Truffle Dimsum, Quinoa, Asparagus & Truffle Risotto, Spicy Miso Black Cod, and the Yuzu Bar, dishes designed to comfort, surprise and inspire in equal measure.

The venue also doubles as a warm and intimate space for private gatherings. Whether it’s a small team dinner, a celebration with close friends or a quiet milestone event, Dirty Apron can comfortably host 30–35 guests, offering great food, a cosy setting and a completely relaxed pace.

For anyone planning a heartfelt celebration or looking for flavours that leave a lasting impression, Dirty Apron is ready to welcome guests back with open arms.

  • Address: Second Floor, The Piano Man, Eldeco Center, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi - 110017

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