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.


Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

Belmarose Debuts as Mumbai’s New Fine Dining and Nightlife Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mumbai’s hospitality and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Belmarose, an upscale dining and entertainment destination located within Sahara Star. Designed as a venue that seamlessly transitions from refined dining to energetic nightlife, Belmarose combines elevated cuisine, signature cocktails, and immersive experiences under one roof.

Inspired by the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful, the name Belmarose embodies elegance, romance, and memorable experiences. The concept has been carefully crafted to create a destination where guests can enjoy sophisticated dining before immersing themselves in a vibrant after-hours atmosphere.

Spread across approximately 5,000 square feet with a seating capacity of around 120 guests, the venue features interiors influenced by European and Roman aesthetics. Maroon velvet seating, premium leather finishes, artistic accents, and warm ambient lighting come together to create a luxurious yet intimate setting that complements the venue’s evolving day-to-night experience.

The culinary programme is led by Chef Sunil Pandey, who has curated a menu that blends European and Asian inspirations while focusing on contemporary techniques, balanced flavours, and refined presentation. According to Chef Pandey, the menu has been designed to create memorable dining experiences through dishes that combine indulgence with culinary craftsmanship.

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Signature offerings include Smoked Chicken Caesar Croquettes, Enoki Mushroom Roll, Stuffed Zucchini Flower, Rosette Ravioli, and Lobster in XO Sauce. Each dish showcases a combination of global influences and thoughtful execution, reflecting the restaurant’s modern culinary approach.

Complementing the food experience is an innovative cocktail programme curated by in-house mixologists Roshan and Hardik. The cocktail menu features signature creations such as Pandan Bloom, Flora Blanca, Mango Inferno, Palantine Fig, and Ignis Roma, each crafted to balance creativity, presentation, and layered flavour profiles.

As the evening progresses, Belmarose transforms into a lively nightlife destination featuring curated music experiences, performances by international artists, and a dynamic social atmosphere designed to extend the guest experience beyond dinner service.

Sharing his vision for the venture, entrepreneur Rajjeet Chandra said that the most rewarding aspect of building a business is transforming a vision into something meaningful that resonates with people. He added that creating opportunities, evolving continuously, and building a lasting legacy remain key motivations behind the project.

With its combination of design-led interiors, globally inspired cuisine, innovative beverages, and nightlife programming, Belmarose aims to establish itself as a premier destination for dining, socialising, and entertainment in Mumbai.


The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

The Hari Hong Kong Unveils Curated Father’s Day Dining Experiences Across Its Signature Venues

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

The Hari Hong Kong is set to celebrate Father’s Day with an array of specially curated culinary experiences across its signature dining venues, offering guests a weekend of indulgent brunches, refined set dinners, and elegant afternoon tea experiences.

Taking place across June 20 and June 21, the celebrations will span the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and social spaces, providing diners with diverse culinary options inspired by Italian and Japanese cuisines.

At Lucciola, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, guests can enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch featuring an authentic Italian spread, including homemade porchetta roast and a selection of traditional specialties. Signature dishes include braised veal ossobuco served with saffron risotto, while dessert offerings are presented from a dedicated trolley featuring favorites such as the restaurant’s signature tiramisu.

For dinner, Lucciola will offer a specially curated Father’s Day set menu featuring premium selections including USDA prime rib eye steak and roasted barramundi fillet. The experience concludes with desserts such as Bonet, prepared with gianduja chocolate, amaretti, whipped cream, and rum caramel.

Meanwhile, Zoku, The Hari Hong Kong’s contemporary Japanese dining destination, will present a Father’s Day Brunch showcasing a premium seasonal sashimi platter, assorted skewers and rolls, alongside signature main courses including Spanish mackerel with sake lees sauce. Guests seeking a more elevated experience can also opt for an A-4 Miyazaki Wagyu upgrade.

Zoku’s ‘Discovering Zoku’ Father’s Day set dinner will feature a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including salmon tataki with smoked herring caviar and coconut ponzu, wagyu rolls, prawn gyoza, and chargrilled lamb chop accompanied by black garlic sauce.

Both Lucciola and Zoku will offer brunch experiences starting from HKD 628 per person and HKD 488 per child. The brunch packages include 90 minutes of free-flow red, white, and sparkling wines, along with sparkling and still water, juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Additional upgrades featuring Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and premium sake selections will also be available.

Completing the celebrations, The Lounge and The Terrace will host The Hari Afternoon Tea between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Guests can also enjoy a specially crafted Father’s Day Chocolate Stout dessert, combining dark chocolate, stout beer, and whipped cream to create a rich and indulgent finish to the occasion.

Through these thoughtfully designed dining experiences, The Hari Hong Kong aims to offer families and guests memorable moments while celebrating Father’s Day in an atmosphere that combines culinary excellence with warm hospitality.


Andaaz Restaurant Showcases the Royal Flavors of Lucknow and Vibrant Street Food of Mumbai in New Jersey

Andaaz Restaurant Showcases the Royal Flavors of Lucknow and Vibrant Street Food of Mumbai in New Jersey

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Andaaz Restaurant, New Jersey, is bringing together two of India's most celebrated culinary traditions by offering guests an authentic dining experience inspired by the royal kitchens of Lucknow and the bustling street food culture of Mumbai.

Under the leadership of Ashish Tiwari, General Manager at Andaaz Restaurant, the establishment has curated a menu that highlights the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine, allowing diners to experience both the refined Nawabi flavors of North India and the bold, vibrant tastes that define Mumbai's iconic street food scene.

Indian cuisine is renowned for its regional diversity, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, historical influences, and evolving culinary traditions. At Andaaz Restaurant, this heritage comes alive through a carefully crafted menu featuring aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, rich curries, traditional chaats, and Mumbai-inspired street food favorites.

Drawing inspiration from the royal Mughal kitchens of Lucknow as well as the multicultural influences that have shaped India's culinary landscape over generations, the restaurant aims to offer an authentic yet contemporary dining experience. Traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques form the foundation of every dish served.

Speaking about the restaurant's culinary philosophy, Ashish Tiwari said that Andaaz Restaurant is committed to showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Indian cuisine. He noted that from the elegant Nawabi flavors of Lucknow to the lively and flavorful street food culture of Mumbai, every dish reflects India's rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage. He added that the restaurant seeks to provide guests in New Jersey with an experience that goes beyond food, capturing the true essence and spirit of India.

The menu features a wide selection of signature Indian dishes, including kebabs, curries, biryanis, chaats, and popular street snacks that have become synonymous with Mumbai's food culture. By combining authenticity with hospitality, the restaurant continues to attract diners seeking genuine Indian flavors in a welcoming setting.

With a strong focus on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction, Andaaz Restaurant continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for Indian cuisine enthusiasts in New Jersey, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the depth and diversity of India's gastronomic heritage.

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