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.


Daawat-e-Challenge at Omaxe Chowk: Chandni Chowk’s Street Food Legacy Comes Alive

Daawat-e-Challenge at Omaxe Chowk: Chandni Chowk’s Street Food Legacy Comes Alive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 30, 2025

Delhi’s food capital, Chandni Chowk, is ready to stir up the appetite of the city with a celebration like no other. Omaxe Chowk is bringing the spotlight back to Old Delhi’s legendary flavours with ‘Daawat-e-Challenge’, a two-day food-eating competition to be held on June 28 and 29, 2025, at the popular Dawatpur Food Court.

Celebrating the rich heritage of Delhi’s culinary past, the event is designed as an immersive, high-energy food fest where over 100 teams from across Delhi-NCR will compete for prizes, pride, and of course—plates full of iconic street food.

The competition will unfold in multiple spicy and savoury rounds. On Day 1, participants will begin with Round 1, where 20–25 teams will take on the challenge of quickly finishing Golgappe, Dahi Bhalla, and Tikki in just a couple of minutes.

Winners will then advance to Round 2, a test of speed and spice tolerance with Paranthas, Kachori, and Matar Kulcha. The top teams will battle it out in the Grand Finale on Day 2, where a massive Grand Thali Challenge awaits. This round will push appetites and timing to the limit in a 5–7 minute showdown.

To honour the champions of this gastronomic showdown, exciting prizes are on the table:

  •  First Prize – ₹50,000

  • Second Prize – ₹30,000

  •  Third Prize – ₹20,000

Participants will also receive exclusive food vouchers, turning their eating efforts into a delicious win. The competition will feature dishes prepared by well-known food brands at Omaxe Chowk, such as:

  • Jung Bahadur Kachori

  • Kuremal’s Kulfi

  • Chaat Town

  • Gaya Prasad – Paranthe Wali Gali

  • Amritsari Express

  • Ghoomar

  • Cafe Chennai

From crispy snacks to rich desserts, the event is not only a contest but a true celebration of Chandni Chowk’s legendary food culture.

Speaking about the initiative, Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said:

“Omaxe Chowk has always aimed to revive and celebrate the timeless charm of Old Delhi’s culinary traditions. Through Daawat-e-Challenge, we are creating an interactive platform that brings the community together in a fun and culturally rooted way. We are excited to welcome participants and spectators to what promises to be a spirited and flavourful event.”

The contest will be open to teams of two, with a small entry fee per team. The format encourages teamwork and community participation, making it as much about shared memories as it is about winning.

With the Daawat-e-Challenge, Omaxe Chowk is once again reinforcing its position as a cultural and commercial landmark in Delhi. From golgappas to kulchas, the event promises laughter, flavour, fun, and fierce competition — all rooted in the timeless magic of Old Delhi’s street food. So whether you're in it to win it or just there to savour the vibe, Daawat-e-Challenge is where Delhi’s appetite meets its heart.


ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

ibis India has announced an exciting new collaboration with renowned chef and culinary creator Sanjyot Keer, aimed at transforming the guest dining experience across its Spice It restaurants nationwide. This strategic partnership is part of ibis India’s broader initiative to refresh its food and beverage offerings and resonate more deeply with the evolving tastes of today’s travellers.

Founder of Your Food Lab, Chef Sanjyot Keer is celebrated for his unique storytelling and modern interpretations of Indian cuisine. With over two million followers on Instagram and collaborations with global and Indian icons like Ed Sheeran, Ajay Devgn, and Sourav Ganguly, Keer’s dynamic culinary sensibility makes him the perfect partner to infuse ibis India’s dining with fresh energy and creativity.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Sanjyot Keer in this bold step forward for our dining experiences. His creative approach and cultural relevance perfectly reflect the ibis brand ethos. This partnership redefines what guests can expect from food and beverage at an economy hotel – approachable yet innovative cuisine served with heart,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles India.

Sharing his excitement, Chef Keer added, “Partnering with ibis India is a wonderful opportunity to bring my culinary vision to life on a national scale. The menu we’ve created blends familiar Indian flavours with a global perspective, resulting in a collection of dishes that are comforting, imaginative, and made to spark conversation. I look forward to guests across the country enjoying this new dining experience.”

This collaboration reinforces ibis India’s commitment to delivering multi-sensory, memorable guest experiences that go beyond the usual expectations of economy hotels. Whether travelling for work or leisure, guests at Spice It can now look forward to a menu that’s thoughtfully crafted to connect people through great food, bold flavours, and a sense of shared enjoyment.


Tino’s Brings Authentic Italian Flavours to Gurugram with New Café at Sapphire Mall

Tino’s Brings Authentic Italian Flavours to Gurugram with New Café at Sapphire Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

Gurugram’s culinary scene just got a delightful Italian upgrade with the launch of Tino’s, a charming café that promises the heart of Italy right at Sapphire Mall. Designed to blend the authenticity of a traditional Italian eatery with a modern, laid-back vibe, Tino’s invites guests to slow down and savour life’s simple joys.

Rooted in the values of simplicity, authenticity, and warmth, the concept at Tino’s celebrates classic Italian flavours prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Guests can indulge in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handcrafted pastas, creamy burrata, and rich Italian coffee, all served in a cozy space that feels both rustic and contemporary.

“The story of Tino’s is built on our belief that creating meaningful bonds over good food and shared moments can truly enrich our lives. We take pride in using time-honoured techniques and respecting Italian culinary traditions, while carefully sourcing the finest ingredients to bring every dish to life,” shared Atik Gill, owner at Tino’s.

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“Tino’s is our humble neighbourhood pizzeria, where the simple act of breaking bread becomes memorable. We hope it becomes a space for magical everyday moments shared with friends, family, and even strangers.”

The interiors of Tino’s reflect this philosophy with a rustic-modern aesthetic, soft wood tones, natural textures, and an understated elegance that invites guests to linger—whether it’s over brunch with friends, a solo work afternoon, or a cozy evening meal.

More than just a new restaurant, Tino’s aims to become a community-centric café, a go-to spot for those seeking a perfect balance of good food, good vibes, and heartfelt hospitality.

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