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.


Poppadum Brings a Contemporary Indian Dining Experience to Chennai

Poppadum Brings a Contemporary Indian Dining Experience to Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on May 22, 2026

Poppadum has officially launched in Kilpauk, introducing a contemporary Indian dining concept centred around nostalgia, familiarity, and culinary surprise.

Positioned as a fresh addition to Chennai’s evolving dining landscape, the restaurant celebrates regional flavours and stories from across India while reinterpreting familiar dishes through modern techniques, textures, and presentation styles.

Founded on the philosophy of making guests experience familiar Indian food differently, Poppadum draws inspiration from the humble papad or appalam, a staple accompaniment found across Indian households that often transforms an entire meal through texture and flavour.

Speaking about the concept, Abbas Shahzad said the restaurant aims to revive the excitement of eating Indian food by presenting known flavours in unexpected ways without losing their emotional connection and authenticity.

The menu reflects this approach through a range of small plates and mains inspired by diverse culinary traditions across India. Signature dishes include Khaman Chaat, Burrata “Masala Papad”, Thattai Tostada, Railway Beetroot Cutlet, and My MIL’s Daal Pakwaan, each offering a balance of familiarity and contemporary creativity.

The mains menu further explores layered Indian flavours with dishes such as Burrata Tikka Masala, White Dal Makhani, Tawa Kheema, and Smoked Masoor Pulao. Accompaniments including Scallion Parmesan Chur Chur Parotta and Poppadum Garlic Naan continue the restaurant’s playful reinterpretation of traditional formats.

Desserts such as Nichani’s Filter Coffee Pudding and Falooda Baraf Gola complete the dining experience with nostalgic flavours presented through a modern lens.

Spread across approximately 2,200 square feet with seating for 60 guests, the restaurant has been designed as an intimate and energetic space encouraging conversation, shared dining, and community-driven experiences.

With its launch, Poppadum adds to Chennai’s growing appetite for contemporary Indian dining concepts that blend regional storytelling, innovation, and comfort-led culinary experiences.


Jango Launches All-Day Café and Cocktail Bar in North Bangalore

Jango Launches All-Day Café and Cocktail Bar in North Bangalore

By Author

Published on May 22, 2026

Jango has officially launched in Sahakarnagar, introducing an all-day café and cocktail bar concept aimed at blending work, dining, music, and social experiences under one roof.

Positioned as a neighbourhood-driven social space, Jango reflects Bengaluru’s evolving hospitality landscape where consumers are increasingly seeking flexible and experience-led venues that transition seamlessly through different parts of the day.

The venue operates as a relaxed, coffee-focused café during the daytime before evolving into a more energetic cocktail and dining destination in the evening. Designed to accommodate work sessions, casual meetings, dinners, music-led gatherings, and community events, the concept focuses on creating an adaptable environment for different audiences throughout the day.

Speaking on the launch, the founding team shared that the vision behind Jango was to create a space that guests could return to at different moments, whether for coffee and work during the day or cocktails and music later in the evening.

The menu features comfort-driven dishes with global influences alongside an approachable cocktail programme curated for easy-drinking experiences. The atmosphere also evolves through the day, shifting from quieter daytime energy to a more vibrant social setting by night.

In the coming weeks, Jango plans to introduce a dedicated breakfast menu along with curated community programming including founder meetups, creator gatherings, and music-led experiences.

The launch comes at a time when Bengaluru’s dining and nightlife culture is increasingly moving towards hybrid hospitality formats that combine cafés, social spaces, and experiential dining concepts.


TwentySeven Bakehouse Expands to Goregaon with New Mumbai Suburban Outlet

TwentySeven Bakehouse Expands to Goregaon with New Mumbai Suburban Outlet

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 22, 2026

Mumbai’s popular neighbourhood bakery, TwentySeven Bakehouse, is heading north with the launch of its newest outlet in Goregaon. The opening marks the brand’s fourth physical store in the city, adding to its existing locations in Mahalaxmi, Bandra, and Nepean Sea Road, along with its delivery-only cloud kitchen in Chembur.

Located at Oberoi Garden City in Goregaon, the new outlet expands TwentySeven Bakehouse’s growing presence in Mumbai’s evolving food scene. Following the response to its Mahalaxmi flagship outlet, the new space brings together everything the brand is known for under one roof, fresh breads, artisanal bakes, specialty coffee, sandwiches, and its well-loved New York-style pizzas.

Guests can expect familiar favourites that have helped build the bakery’s loyal following over the years. The menu includes its signature artisanal sourdough range, fresh loaves, and buttery croissants known for their flaky texture.

For quick meals and lunch breaks, made-to-order sandwiches such as Halloumi & Harissa and Pulled Pork Kimchi are among the highlights. Spice lovers can also try Thecha Chip Butty, a flavour-packed option with a spicy kick.

The menu also shines a spotlight on TwentySeven Bakehouse’s New York-style pizzas. Diners can choose from vegetarian options like Fiamma 2.0 and Basil Pesto, or go for the Chermoula Chicken with Vodka Sauce pizza. While waiting for orders, guests can snack on the bakery’s crowd favourite ‘Better Than Dr*gs Garlic Knots’.

Coffee lovers can also stop in for a quick cup of specialty coffee before meetings or work sessions, making the space suitable for both quick visits and long catch-ups.

To celebrate the launch, the bakery has introduced a series of in-store offers. Customers can buy three coffees and get one free until Sunday, May 24, 2026. Pizza lovers can enjoy a special Thursday and Friday offer where buying three pizzas comes with three soft drinks and one portion of Better-Than-Dr*gs Garlic Knots free. There is also a daily 35% discount on all bakes from 7:30 pm onwards, available both in-store and on Swiggy and Zomato.

TwentySeven Bakehouse is located at Restaurant No. 10, Ground Floor Avenue, International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, off Western Express Highway, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Greater Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063 and is open daily from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm.

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