St. Regis Café Curates Andalusia-Inspired Menu for Salvador Dalí’s Cosmic Rhinoceros Unveiling at Phoenix Palladium

St. Regis Café Curates Andalusia-Inspired Menu for Salvador Dalí’s Cosmic Rhinoceros Unveiling at Phoenix Palladium

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 28, 2024

Mumbai’s iconic Phoenix Palladium has unveiled Salvador Dalí’s renowned bronze sculpture, Cosmic Rhinoceros, cementing its position as a hub for luxury and culture. Launched by Gayatri Ruia and art connoisseur Shalini Passi, the masterpiece blends surrealism with cosmic themes, reflecting Dalí’s fascination with the interplay of art, mathematics, and the universe.

The Cosmic Rhinoceros represents strength and virility, wrapped in Dalí’s signature surrealistic symbolism. Its bold design captivates viewers, inviting them into a world where earthly forms intertwine with cosmic philosophies.

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A Feast of Surreal Flavors

Enhancing this artistic celebration, Demenico Iannone of St. Regis Café curated an exclusive Andalusia-inspired menu, elevating the unveiling with a culinary tribute to Dalí’s avant-garde spirit. Each canapé mirrored the surrealist master’s penchant for dreamlike imagery and experimental forms.

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Menu Highlights:

  • Surrealism – Dreamy Forest: A playful cracker topped with wild mushrooms, beetroot, and queso.
  • Illustration – Extravaganza: Saffron arancini paired with potato puree and heirloom tomato relish.
  • Abstract Expressionism – Night in the Hotel: Charcoal toast served with whipped feta, dehydrated olive, and a touch of silver.
  • Desserts:
    • Installation – The Dream of Venus: A blueberry petit gâteau inspired by Dalí’s ethereal themes.
    • Paranoiac Critical – The Metamorphosis of Narcissus: A decadent Belgian chocolate moelleux.
    • Symbolism – The Red Orchestra: Fresh strawberry paired with crème pâtissière.

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Each dish showcased the intersection of food and art, reimagining flavors and textures with Dalí’s signature eccentricity.

About Phoenix Palladium

Known as a premier destination for luxury and lifestyle, Phoenix Palladium continues to redefine experiences for its patrons. As part of The Phoenix Mills Limited (PML), the mall is committed to creating destinations that blend retail, art, and hospitality seamlessly.

With an operational retail portfolio of over 11 million sq. ft. across eight cities, PML’s legacy includes diverse projects in Grade A offices, residential spaces, and hospitality, including The St. Regis, Mumbai, and Courtyard by Marriot, Agra.

The unveiling of Cosmic Rhinoceros at Phoenix Palladium highlights its dedication to fusing art, culture, and luxury for an unparalleled shopping and lifestyle experience.


Buffalo Trace Distillery Brings Its First Pop-Up Experience to Mumbai

Buffalo Trace Distillery Brings Its First Pop-Up Experience to Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 21, 2025

Buffalo Trace Distillery, known worldwide for crafting some of the most awarded bourbons, made a memorable entry into India with a three-day pop-up experience in Mumbai. The event, held at Palladium Mumbai - Courtyard, offered an immersive way for spirits enthusiasts, industry leaders, and whiskey fans to explore the legacy that defines Buffalo Trace’s craftsmanship. Guests got a closer look at the brand’s 200-year journey while enjoying tastings from its portfolio available in India, including Benchmark Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Weller Wheated Bourbon.

The pop-up recreated the spirit of Kentucky through curated sessions that blended storytelling, education, and multi-sensory engagement. Visitors could move through different experience zones that highlighted the depth and character of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons. From guided tastings to stations such as a scent bar, a leather workshop, and a chocolate corner, each setup showcased the care and detail that go into every bottle. Guests also took home personalised keepsakes, adding a warm and memorable touch to the experience.

The event saw attendance from several well-known names across industries, including Lara Balsara Vajifdar, Executive Director at Madison World; Tanuj Garg, Film Producer; Jayesh Yagnik, CEO of MOMS Outdoor; Pradeep Diwedi, Group CEO of Eros International; Esha Amin, Celebrity Fashion Stylist; Mini Sood Banerjee, Director of Marketing at Amorepacific; Pravir Sethi; and A.D. Singh, Founder & MD of the Olive Group of Restaurants.

Sharing his thoughts on the successful showcase, Diego Bianchi, VP, Global Hubs, Sazerac said, “Buffalo Trace Distillery’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, aging, and quality distilling has earned it fans across the globe, and we’re thrilled to finally share that experience with consumers in India. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed in Mumbai was really encouraging, and we’re excited to bring similar immersive experiences to more cities across the country. Through these initiatives, we hope to deepen awareness and appreciation for our bourbon and the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace Distillery.”

As Buffalo Trace expands its presence in India, the distillery plans to bring more curated events to new cities, strengthening its connection with the growing whiskey community in the country. With its mix of heritage, craft, and warm hospitality, the pop-up offered a memorable introduction to Buffalo Trace for Indian audiences.


The Sip Society Opens in Chandigarh as a Day-to-Night Hangout

The Sip Society Opens in Chandigarh as a Day-to-Night Hangout

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 21, 2025

Chandigarh’s café culture has a new addition with The Sip Society opening in Sector 10. It brings a refreshing idea to the city, a place where people can slow down, spend time comfortably, and move from day to night without rushing. The café welcomes guests through the week, while its speakeasy character appears only once a week, creating a tucked-away atmosphere that feels special and slightly mysterious. Spread across 1,600 square feet, the space carries a mood that gently changes as the day moves along.

During the day, The Sip Society draws inspiration from the English tea rooms the founders admired across London, Edinburgh, and Toronto. Soft sunlight fills the space, touching velvet seating, wooden tables, and handwritten menu cards. The air carries hints of artisanal coffee, fresh bakes, and a sense of calm. With Victorian influences and touches of Dark Academia, the café feels warm and familiar with cosy reading corners, leather-bound details, and gentle lighting.

As the evening sets in, the café shifts into its speakeasy personality. Lights dim, music changes, and guests can enjoy craft cocktails along with global small plates. Many who stop by for tea in the afternoon often find themselves staying well into the night as the mood becomes deeper and more intimate. This weekend-only transformation gives Chandigarh a new kind of after-dark spot that feels indulgent and personal.

Gurrattan Gill, Business Director, says, "The Sip Society is a pause button in the city's rhythm. We imagined a place where mornings stretch lazily, afternoons drift by, and evenings invite laughter over cocktails where every moment feels unhurried and every visit feels like coming home."

Adding to this idea, Akarshan Brar Gill, Creative Director, shares, "Our goal was to design a space that tells a story as the day unfolds. From sunlit corners to the intimate glow of the speakeasy, which comes alive on off-week hours, every detail from light and sound to service was orchestrated so guests move seamlessly from one mood to the next, losing track of time in the best way."

The Bar Consultants, a New Delhi–based hospitality firm led by co-founders Angad Chachra and Nitya Sareen, played a key role in shaping this space. Known for creating memorable dining experiences such as Bobachee in Delhi, Masala Synergy in Gurgaon, Sol Brew House in Shimla, and the India rollout of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, their approach focuses on building places that feel good and work smoothly. From planning service flow and menu philosophy to designing kitchen and bar layouts, their involvement ensured The Sip Society’s transition from café to speakeasy feels intentional and effortless.

Their work spans conceptual planning, feasibility studies, menu creation, bar and kitchen designs, staff training, and pre-opening trials. With specialists handling everything from creative direction to beverage training, they help weave every detail into one clear experience.

Speaking about the food and beverage philosophy, co-founders Angad Chachra and Nitya Sareen share, "We shaped the food and beverage menu as an extension of the space's rhythm. Morning teas and artisanal coffees offer a gentle welcome, afternoons open up to flavours and textures, and evenings unfold into playful cocktails that linger on the palate and in memory. That flow meets its peak on Off-duty nights, when the speakeasy identity takes over. Our aim was to create a narrative where every sip and bite moves with the day, making the culinary experience inseparable from the ambience."

With The Sip Society, the vision was simple, to create a place where guests feel like staying longer. Whether it’s a quiet morning tea, a slow afternoon, or a lively cocktail evening on weekends, the space is built for young professionals, families, travellers, and couples to unwind, settle in, and enjoy a sense of ease as the café naturally transforms after dark.


Cake Mixing Ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

Cake Mixing Ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 20, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan marked the start of the festive season with a Mediterranean-inspired Cake Mixing Ceremony, blending tradition with creativity in a celebration filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness. Known for offering thoughtful guest experiences, the hotel reimagined the classic Christmas ritual through Mediterranean influences, a culture known for its emphasis on community, abundance, and shared happiness.

Guests, corporate partners, and team members gathered to celebrate in an atmosphere filled with cheerful energy. Long banquet tables were arranged with a rich selection of dry fruits, candied peels, nuts, and select spirits. Adding a Mediterranean flavour, the mix featured figs, dates, apricots, prunes, pistachios, almonds, and lemon zest, ingredients symbolising prosperity, warmth, and festive abundance.

The aromatic mixture prepared during the ceremony will be left to mature in the coming weeks before it is transformed into traditional Christmas plum cakes and festive treats. These seasonal offerings will soon be available at MoMo Café, the hotel’s popular bakery outlet.

The event was hosted by Jitendra Thakur, Director of Food & Beverage, who guided guests through each step of the ritual, from stirring the mixture clockwise to making heartfelt wishes for the year ahead. His warm hospitality captured the spirit of gratitude and optimism that defines the festive season.

Adding to the evening’s charm was a stunning floating dining setup at the poolside, creating a beautiful visual highlight. Guests enjoyed a Mediterranean-inspired culinary showcase, live music, and an engaging flair bartending act, all of which elevated the mood and created a memorable festive experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Amol More, General Manager, said, “Our Cake Mixing Ceremony symbolizes the spirit of hope and togetherness that defines the festive season. This year’s Mediterranean inspiration celebrates life, warmth, and diversity. It reminds us that every celebration is an opportunity to grow, share, and look ahead with optimism.”

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