The Ultimate Couple’s Guide to a Dreamy Valentine’s Date at Phoenix Palladium Mumbai

The Ultimate Couple’s Guide to a Dreamy Valentine’s Date at Phoenix Palladium Mumbai

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 14, 2025

Phoenix Palladium Mumbai, synonymous with sophistication and luxury, offers a perfect Valentine’s Week experience like no other. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a relaxing spa retreat, or a shopping spree for the perfect gift, the iconic mall has curated a selection of experiences to celebrate love in every form.

A Couple’s Guide to the Perfect Date

Valentine’s isn’t just about romance—it’s also about cherishing friends and family. Phoenix Palladium presents a stunning collection of premium gifts from brands like Nykaa, Tira, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Victoria’s Secret, Burberry, and Tom Ford—perfect for expressing love and appreciation.

For a memorable evening, dine at some of Mumbai’s finest restaurants within the mall, including Bayroute, PAPAYA, and St. Regis Café. After a delightful meal, unwind with a cozy movie night at PVR, where a romantic film on the big screen adds the perfect touch. Elevate the experience further with a spa day at Bodhi Luxury Spa or Sukho Thai, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation for you and your partner.

A Culinary Love Affair

Indulge in a special Valentine’s Day dining experience with exclusive menus at some of Phoenix Palladium’s most celebrated restaurants:

  • Ishaara: A flavorful feast awaits with Dilli Papadi, Pani Puri, Dungar Chicken Tikka, and Lamb Dori Kebab, paired with handcrafted cocktails and decadent desserts.
  • Caffe Allora: A set menu at ₹999, including sparkling wine or a mocktail, followed by Minestrone or Caesar Salad, Penne Alfredo or Pizza, and a rich Affogato for the perfect sweet ending.
  • Eight: A thoughtfully curated Valentine’s menu featuring sushi rolls, flavorful mains like Red Snapper Thai Chilli Basil and Eight House Special Curry. Guests can opt for a special couple’s package starting at ₹3,800 or ₹2,200 for stag entry, with an exciting surprise gift included.
  • Dobaara: A vibrant selection of Valentine’s cocktails and mocktails, including Rose Petal, Love Birds, Chocolate Cherry, Love at First Sight, and My Heart Did. For non-alcoholic options, sip on Magic Crush, Love Portion, or Couple Bliss, all bursting with refreshing flavors.

Sip, Shop & Celebrate with Your Besties

Valentine’s isn’t just for couples! Galentine’s Day at Phoenix Palladium is all about celebrating friendship and self-love. Toast to your besties with cocktails while indulging in a luxury shopping spree at Dior, Chanel, Laura Mercier, Sephora, MAC, and Estée Lauder. Wrap up the day with brunch at Nutcracker, Eight, or Paul, featuring mimosas, avocado toast, and decadent pastries for a delightful treat.

This Valentine’s Week, celebrate love in all its forms at Phoenix Palladium Mumbai—with luxury, laughter, and memories to cherish forever!


Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.

Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.

Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:

“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”

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Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.

Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”

Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.

Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.


PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.

The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.

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Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:

"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:

“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”

PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.


Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.

At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.

Spotlight on Signature Flavours

1. Mama’s Favorite Pizza
A classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.

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2. Rainbow Pizza
Vegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.

3. Figaro’s Special Garden Salad
Fresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.

4. Santa Fe BBQ Sandwich
Comfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.

Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.

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