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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 February 12, 2026
Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.
The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.
Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Burma Burma has officially opened its doors in Chandigarh, marking its 21st restaurant in India and its first-ever outlet in the city. Located at Unit No. 321, Third Floor, Nexus Elante Mall, Phase 1, Chandigarh-160002, the restaurant strengthens the brand’s presence in North India while introducing the city to authentic Burmese cuisine and its signature tea room experience.
Known as India’s only Burmese specialty restaurant & tea room, Burma Burma brings a menu that blends bold and comforting flavours. From Samosa Soup and Lotus Root Chips to Tea Leaf Salad, Tohu Mash with Paratha, Khowsuey and Burmese Falooda, the offering is both distinctive and surprisingly familiar for Indian palates. The dishes are paired with Zero Proof Cocktails and artisanal teas, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
The award-winning brand celebrates the culture and culinary traditions of Burma through recipes inspired by street food, tribal cuisine and heirloom dishes passed down through generations. The menu has been shaped by continued research and travel by the culinary team led by Head Chef Ansab Khan. Guests can explore small plates, refreshing salads, hearty mains, bubble teas, coolers, pulled teas and indulgent desserts, all crafted with attention to authenticity and taste.
Signature highlights include Samosa Soup (Samuza Hincho), featuring a crispy samosa in tangy soup with spiced black chickpeas and spring vegetables, and Mohinga Noodle Soup, the national dish of Burma. The Tea Leaf Salad made with laphet (fermented and pickled tea leaves) remains a popular choice. The Oh No Khowsuey, a fragrant coconut milk curry with noodles and toppings, continues to be a crowd favourite.
The beverage programme stays true to its Burmese Tea Room roots. Guests can choose from black, oolong and herbal teas, traditional Burmese Milk Tea, Yangon Royal Tea, Creamy Bagan Tea and a range of Iced Teas. The Zero-Proof Cocktails, recently awarded Best Non-Alcoholic Menu 2025 by 30 Best Bars India, add a modern touch. Options like Cane Glow, Pandan Royale, Yangon Sunset and Burma Sour bring cocktail-style craft without alcohol.
Desserts complete the experience with both Burmese and international selections. Burmese Falooda, Tagu Piyan, Celebration Cake, Burma Bombe and Avocado & Honey Ice Cream are among the highlights, along with artisanal ice creams made in-house.
Spread across 3,128 square feet, the 98-seater restaurant is designed by Minnie Bhatt of Minnie Bhatt Designs. Inspired by Burmese folk tales, the interiors feature handcrafted artworks, woven screens, patterned floors and warm lighting. A striking mural depicting popular folklore anchors the space, blending culture and contemporary design.
Burma Burma Chandigarh aims to become a favourite spot for post-shopping meals, leisurely lunches and celebratory dinners. With its premium casual dining format, the restaurant offers a space where guests can discover the soulful and hearty flavours of Burma in a vibrant yet welcoming setting.
Address: Unit No. 321, Third Floor, Nexus Elante Mall, Phase 1, Chandigarh-160002.
Vesparo, located in Central Bengaluru, is steadily building a reputation as one of the city’s most romantic dining destinations. Designed with intimate evenings in mind, the space brings together warm ambient lighting, curated cocktails, and a refined menu to create a setting that feels both elegant and inviting.
The standout feature of Vesparo is its rooftop, which offers breezy open-air seating and panoramic views of the city skyline. It is an ideal spot for relaxed sundowners that smoothly turn into candlelit dinners as the evening unfolds. Alongside this, the sophisticated indoor space provides a comfortable yet stylish backdrop, allowing guests to move from a quiet dinner to a more vibrant late-night atmosphere without missing a beat.
Whether it is Valentine’s Day, an anniversary celebration, or simply a well-planned evening out, Vesparo focuses on creating experiences that feel personal and memorable. Every detail, from the mood lighting to the food and drinks, is carefully put together to encourage connection and meaningful moments.
With its blend of rooftop charm and refined indoor dining, Vesparo adds a fresh dimension to Bengaluru’s romantic dining scene.
Address: KRISHVI Evara, 2018, 100 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008.Time: 12:00PM to 12:30AM.
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