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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 March 29, 2026
Delhi’s nightlife scene welcomes a new entrant with the opening of Rumour in Vasant Vihar, a speakeasy-style lounge designed to blend curated drinks with an intimate, high-energy atmosphere. Inspired by New York’s after-work wine and cocktail culture, the space aims to offer a relaxed yet vibrant social escape.
Conceptualised by founders Rhea Parekh Jain and Nishchay Jain, the bar is built around spontaneity and connection. The founders describe it as a place where guests can drop in without planning and still expect an engaging, memorable evening driven by good drinks and lively energy.
Designed by The Charcoal Project, led by Sussanne Khan, the space brings together quirky luxury and rustic loft aesthetics. A hidden entrance, layered textures, warm lighting, and compact seating for around 45 guests create a setting that feels both exclusive and social, with options ranging from intimate corners to group lounges and a balcony view.
Wine forms the core of the beverage program, supported by curated tastings and a cocktail menu where nearly half the offerings are wine-based. This is complemented by a selection of refined, shareable plates designed to enhance the overall experience.
Positioned for urban professionals and experience-driven diners, Rumour aims to deliver a balance of design, energy, and thoughtfully curated hospitality. Operating from Wednesday to Monday between 6 PM and 1 AM, the lounge caters to after-work gatherings, date nights, and late-evening social sessions.
With its focus on immersive atmosphere and guest-centric experiences, Rumour signals a growing demand for intimate, design-led nightlife formats in the capital.
Malai Marke has unveiled a refreshing new lineup of signature mocktails, bringing a seasonal, flavour-forward twist to its modern Indian culinary experience. Known for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, the restaurant continues to expand its beverage program with a thoughtfully curated, alcohol-free collection designed for summer.
Crafted by Himanshu Joshi, the new mocktail menu focuses on combining fruits, herbs, and citrus elements to create drinks that are both visually engaging and layered in flavour. The collection reflects a balance of traditional inspiration and contemporary creativity, appealing to a wide range of palates.
The menu features a variety of refreshing options, each highlighting seasonal freshness. Standout offerings include Strawberry, Lemon, Orange Blossom, a citrus-forward blend with a subtle watermelon twist, and Watermelon Mint Cooler, which combines juicy watermelon with fresh mint and a hint of chilli for added depth. Cranberry, Lime Honey Suckle delivers a tart, sparkling profile, while Summer Blossom brings together citrus, berries, and pineapple for a tropical burst.
For those seeking lighter, cooling options, Cucumber Mint Soda offers a crisp, clean finish, while the Summer Heat Drink blends strawberry, citrus, and soda into a refreshing cooler. The collection is rounded off with Blossom Tea, a black tea-based beverage enhanced with citrus notes for a refined finish.
Speaking about the launch, Joshi said, “This collection is inspired by the essence of summer—fresh, vibrant, and full of life. We wanted to create drinks that not only complement our cuisine but also stand out as memorable experiences on their own.”
With this new offering, Malai Marke continues to push boundaries by reimagining traditional flavours through a modern lens, reinforcing its focus on innovation, seasonality, and elevated guest experiences.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Helen’s Place, India’s first Indo-Portuguese restaurant known for blending flavour with storytelling, has introduced Flavours of 2026, a new menu inspired by kitchens across Europe, Asia, and India. Rooted in comfort and guided by creativity, the menu reinterprets familiar dishes through a contemporary lens, bringing together global influences with warmth, balance, and thoughtful innovation.
With Flavours of 2026, the restaurant explores how comfort food evolves as it travels, from Malabar to Madrid, and Osaka to Canton. Each dish is shaped by inspiration rather than imitation, where nostalgic flavours are layered with bold textures, high-impact ingredients, and inventive twists. The result is a menu that feels familiar at its core, yet refreshed with a new and expressive identity.
Designed by Abhrajyoti Nandy, the menu stays true to the brand’s philosophy of restraint and respect for ingredients. Flavours are carefully layered using elements like pickle glaze, mango chilli, chimichurri, truffle, and ghee roast to create depth without overwhelming the palate. Presented as a selection of small, shareable plates, the menu encourages a social dining experience that brings together cultures, flavours, and stories.
Highlights include the wok-tossed chicken with mustard pickle glaze, offering a bold and tangy profile, and the salmon ceviche with mango and chilli that adds brightness and freshness. Regional influences are reflected in the Malabar ghee roast prawns with paratha and the coastal cafreal prawns, both rich in flavour and character. The tenderloin with mushroom ragù cream and chimichurri balances indulgence with freshness, while the avocado corn crunch with green pea hummus introduces a lighter, textured contrast. The experience concludes on a comforting note with ricotta bites paired with walnut and honey.
With this new menu, Helen’s Place continues to create a space where global comfort food is not just served but thoughtfully reimagined, bringing together diverse culinary influences in a way that feels both personal and new.
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