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.


DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse Launches ‘Summer Fields’ Seasonal Menu in Chennai

DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse Launches ‘Summer Fields’ Seasonal Menu in Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on May 18, 2026

DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse has introduced Summer Fields, a specially curated seasonal menu celebrating fresh summer ingredients, lighter textures, and vibrant flavours. The limited-period menu will be available from May 15 to May 31, 2026, across the brand’s outlets in Chennai at DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse and DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse.

Designed as a seasonal culinary showcase, Summer Fields reflects the kitchen’s focus on highlighting summer produce through modern European techniques and thoughtfully layered flavours. The menu brings together ingredients such as watermelon, figs, bay prawns, asparagus, and wild mushrooms, transformed into dishes that are both refreshing and indulgent.

Built around the concept of shared dining, the experience encourages guests to explore multiple plates together, moving seamlessly between salads, soups, pizzas, pasta, and signature mains while discovering contrasting textures and seasonal combinations.

The menu opens with Cool Greens, a selection of salads and chilled soups inspired by the lighter side of summer dining. Highlights include the Bay Prawn and Arugula Salad with mango carpaccio and caramelised walnuts, the Smoked Chicken and Wild Mushroom Salad, and a chilled Cucumber and Celery Soup finished with strawberry gel and yoghurt foam.

The experience then transitions into Entre, a collection of hearty sharing plates crafted for leisurely summer meals. Signature dishes include the Pizza Prosciutto and Grilled Figs with goat cheese and balsamic honey, the Spiced Beer Braised Tiger Prawn served with organic red rice, and Confit Chicken Legs paired with couscous risotto.

Guests can also enjoy comforting handmade pasta preparations such as the Linguine Aglio e Olio featuring homemade pasta, asparagus, and sundried tomato.

With Summer Fields, DOU Brew Room & Bakehouse continues to focus on ingredient-led dining experiences that combine creativity, seasonality, and convivial dining in a relaxed café setting.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad is offering guests a taste of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage with a specially curated Madurai Food Pop-Up at its signature dining venue, Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant.

The limited-period culinary showcase celebrates the vibrant flavours, traditional recipes, and street food culture of Madurai, often regarded as one of South India’s most iconic food destinations. Hosted in a serene rooftop setting, the experience blends regional authenticity with contemporary hospitality.

The specially curated menu features a range of signature dishes inspired by traditional Madurai kitchens and local favourites. Guests can savour preparations such as Kola Urundai, Kozhi Kulambu, Vendakkai Mandi, and Kovil Puliyodharai, each reflecting the rustic flavours and bold spice profiles associated with Tamil Nadu cuisine.

The festival also includes dishes like Mor Kulambu, Kozhi Varuval, Kudal Kulambu, Eeral Piratal, and Aattu Kari Kulambu, showcasing the depth and diversity of Madurai’s culinary traditions. One of the highlights of the menu is the much-loved Vandiyur Chicken Biryani, paired with the iconic chilled dessert beverage Jigarthanda.

Set against the elegant poolside ambience of Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, the food pop-up aims to offer more than just a dining experience by bringing together flavour, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling through food.

The showcase is open until 16th May 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, inviting food lovers and regional cuisine enthusiasts to experience the essence of Madurai in Hyderabad.

Event Details

  • Venue: Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
  • Date: Until 16th May 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Reservations: +91 9100080131 / +91 9100080130

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has unveiled its “101 Days of Summer” campaign, a property-wide seasonal residency running from May 1 to August 31, 2026, celebrating Bengaluru’s summer culture through immersive culinary, beverage, and stay experiences.

Part of the global Four Seasons seasonal activation, the Bengaluru edition has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect the city’s Garden City identity, combining nostalgic summer traditions with luxury hospitality experiences curated specifically for the local landscape and climate.

The campaign transforms the hotel into a summer sanctuary, offering guests a slower and more experiential approach to the season through artisanal food, botanical beverages, alfresco moments, and curated staycations.

At the centre of the experience is an artisanal gelateria concept featuring a vintage-inspired summer cart that recreates nostalgic frozen treats with a luxury twist. Signature offerings include the Java Plum in the Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, both inspired by familiar regional summer flavours. The hotel’s Sunday brunches at CUR8 will also feature rotating artisanal gelatos and elaborate summer sundaes designed around seasonal indulgence.

The beverage programme introduces a specially curated “Garden City Collection” featuring cocktails and mocktails inspired by Bengaluru’s botanical heritage. Drinks such as the Nandi Hills Spritz and Silk Route Summer Float incorporate local ingredients and handcrafted elements, while the “Temperance Trail” mocktail collection offers non-alcoholic interpretations rooted in regional flavours.

Complementing the beverage programme is a dedicated Mango Residency at the Lobby Lounge celebrating India’s most iconic summer fruit. Guests can experience a mango-themed afternoon tea, Alphonso Mango Kulfi, and a range of seasonal desserts and beverages inspired by regional orchards and summer traditions.

Beyond dining, the campaign also positions Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as a luxury urban retreat through curated summer staycations. Garden suites, poolside experiences, wellness offerings, and leisurely dining moments have been designed to encourage guests to embrace a relaxed and immersive summer lifestyle within the city.

Signature touches such as floral-inspired beverages, alfresco lounging, and poolside culinary experiences further reinforce the property’s vision of blending Bengaluru’s local identity with the global luxury ethos of the Four Seasons brand.

Through “101 Days of Summer,” the hotel aims to transform the season into a thoughtfully crafted celebration of flavour, nostalgia, design, and experiential luxury, offering guests an elevated interpretation of a Bengaluru summer.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

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