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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 April 20, 2026
Bengaluru’s craft beer landscape continues to evolve with the launch of 2 Pints Brewing Taproom & Kitchen in Whitefield. Positioned as a craft beer-first destination, the new 210-cover taproom blends the area’s corporate energy with a more relaxed, social dining experience.
At its core, the concept stays rooted in brewing. The focus is on true-to-style craft beers, brewed in-house and served fresh, with every element from space design to music and service, built around enhancing that experience. The idea is simple: keep the beer central, while making the space warm, approachable, and easy to return to.
The taproom features both indoor seating and a pet-friendly outdoor area, allowing it to adapt across occasions, quick weekday lunches, after-work meetups, or longer weekend gatherings. While craft beer leads the offering, the bar also presents signature cocktails, supported by house ferments and infusions that add depth and balance.
On the food front, the menu takes an ingredient-driven, flavour-forward approach. It remains region-agnostic while drawing from Indian influences, designed to pair seamlessly with the beers on tap. The result is a cohesive experience where both food and drink complement rather than compete.
Adding to the appeal is a structured weekly programming lineup. From Wednesday Rock Chronicles and Thursday Night Trivia to Retro Rolling Fridays, the space leans into community-driven engagement. Weekday happy hours run from noon to 7 PM, while cricket season specials such as unlimited craft beer offers bring a timely, social element into play.
The taproom also caters to corporate groups with customised team lunches, offering private spaces across indoor and outdoor sections. This dual focus—on both casual diners and organised groups, reflects Whitefield’s evolving dining needs.
The launch comes from Chorizo Hospitality, founded by Ajay Nagarajan and Anand Murthy. Built on a shared passion for craft brewing, the group emphasises service as its defining principle viewing it not as support, but as the core product.
Located within The Sulit Whitefield, the new taproom positions itself as a neighbourhood space one that balances energy with ease. In a fast-paced part of the city, it aims to offer something slightly removed yet still connected: a place to drop in briefly or stay a while
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Maya at 787 in Gurgaon has introduced a new cocktail menu, adding a fresh layer to its dining experience. Built around its concept of “The Irresistible Allure of Hidden Flavours,” the new beverage selection is designed to complement the restaurant’s Indian-Spanish small plates offering while standing strong on its own.
Spread across 7,000 sq. ft. with seating for around 80 guests, Maya at 787 has quickly become a refined dine-in space in the city. Led by Chef Pradeep Koli, who brings over 25 years of global experience, the restaurant is known for its creative take on thalis and tapas. The menu includes dishes like Chenna Pearls with Summer Gazpacho, Duck Sukka, Prawn Thecha, Tawa Gucchi Paprika Hemp Chaat, and the signature Maya Pie.
The newly launched cocktail menu adds another dimension to the experience, focusing on layered flavours and unique combinations. Each drink is designed to offer a sense of storytelling, aligning with the overall concept of the space. Guests can try options such as Maya Picoso with tequila and gazpacho, Grapefruit Paloma with jalapeño shrub, and Ispagin with raspberry, lychee, and rose foam. The menu also features smoky bourbon blends with paprika, refreshing botanical G&Ts, and classic cocktails with a modern twist.
The launch evening saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Parvesh Verma, adding to the overall energy of the event.
With this new menu, Maya at 787 continues to build on its approach of combining thoughtful food and creative drinks. The experience is designed to engage guests through flavour, presentation, and a strong sense of concept, making it a well-rounded addition to Gurgaon’s dining scene.
Published on April 19, 2026
Nazaara at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing a special dining experience to the city with ‘Best of Best’, a curated showcase of North-West Frontier cuisine. Led by Chef Asif Qureshi and his team, the concept revisits some of the restaurant’s most loved culinary experiences from 2025, bringing them together in a single menu.
Known for its open-air setting, Nazaara offers a relaxed yet refined dining atmosphere with wide views of the city skyline. The space combines soft lighting and a contemporary design, making it suitable for both intimate evenings and larger gatherings.
The menu focuses on traditional recipes from North-West India, presented with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including charred kebabs, slow-cooked curries, freshly baked breads from the tandoor, and flavourful biryanis. The selection draws from Mughlai and regional influences, offering a mix of rich and well-balanced flavours.
Some of the highlights include Hare Moong Gosht, Murgh Noormahli Korma, Nawabi Murgh, and the popular Gullatthi kebab. For dessert, Seviyan ka Muzaffar adds a sweet finish to the meal. Each dish is prepared using quality ingredients and traditional spices, bringing together familiarity and a fresh presentation.
The overall experience is further enhanced by the setting, where the open sky, gentle breeze, and thoughtfully designed ambience create a comfortable and engaging space. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a celebration, or a business meeting, the experience is designed to offer both comfort and a touch of luxury.
‘Best of Best’ will be available at Nazaara, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, from 20th April to 30th April, between 5:00 PM and 11:30 PM.
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