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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 27, 2025
Planning a celebration should be a source of joy, not stress. However, with so many details to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, an anniversary gathering, or a corporate event, the key to success lies in meticulous planning. Here’s your step-by-step guide to organizing a memorable and stress-free celebration.
Every great party starts with a clear vision. Define the purpose of your event—is it a casual get-together, a milestone celebration, or a corporate gathering? This helps shape decisions regarding the venue, decor, and menu.
Budget & Guest List: Set a realistic budget and allocate funds wisely. A well-defined guest list ensures the right venue size and adequate food and drinks.
Timeline & Invitations: Work backward from the event date to create a schedule. Send out invitations early, book vendors in advance, and finalize menus ahead of time.
A well-planned menu enhances the guest experience. Keep these factors in mind:
Diverse Menu: Offer a mix of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and dietary-friendly options.
Signature Drinks: Create a unique cocktail or mocktail for a special touch.
Presentation & Hygiene: Use elegant plating, fresh garnishes, and maintain proper food safety standards.
Ambience is key to making your party feel special. Tailor the decor, lighting, and music to match the event’s vibe.
Anniversaries: Warm, dim lighting with romantic music (jazz or piano).
Birthdays: Colorful LED lighting with upbeat pop or Bollywood hits.
Corporate Events: Neutral lighting with soft instrumental music.
A party is only as good as its entertainment. Choose activities that align with your event:
Birthdays: DJs, photobooths, and games like bingo or karaoke.
Anniversaries: Live singers or a string quartet for a classy feel.
Family Gatherings: Fun elements like a live cooking station or a magician for kids.
Ensure ample seating, accessible refreshments, and clean restrooms.
Consider hiring service staff so you can focus on hosting.
Have a post-party cleanup plan in place—trash bags, cleaning supplies, or a cleaning crew.
A simple thank-you message to guests adds a thoughtful finishing touch.
By following these essential steps, you can host a stress-free and memorable celebration that allows you to enjoy the moment with your guests.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 31, 2025
In a landmark move, Pret A Manger has introduced its first-ever full-service dine-in store in Pune, redefining its traditional quick-service café experience. Located at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the 989-square-foot store is designed to cater to Indian consumers’ evolving dining habits, emphasizing fresh, high-quality food served in a relaxed, sit-down setting.
This strategic expansion comes as part of Pret’s broader India journey, which has seen successful store openings in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru. By integrating global flavors with local preferences, Pret aims to create a unique dining experience that aligns with India's rich tradition of shared meals.
Bringing a New Dining Experience to India
"India has reimagined Pret in a way we’ve never seen before. The country’s rich tradition of dining together has inspired us to introduce our first full-service concept—one that brings people together over fresh, high-quality food, served at their table," said Pano Christou, CEO, Pret A Manger.
Pune, known for its vibrant food culture and growing base of young professionals, serves as an ideal market for Pret’s innovative dine-in model. With the increasing preference for dining out among young consumers, Pret’s focus on freshly prepared, nutritious meals positions it well to meet the shifting expectations of Indian customers.
Strengthening Its Presence in India
Pret A Manger, founded in London in 1986, operates nearly 700 locations worldwide, spanning the UK, US, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Switzerland, Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and India.
Its India expansion gained momentum through a strategic partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL). The brand made its India debut in Mumbai in April 2023, with Pune now marking another key milestone in its ambitious growth plans.
With plans to scale further across existing and new cities, Pret A Manger is set to play a significant role in shaping India’s evolving food landscape.
For more details on Pret A Manger’s menu and locations, visit www.pret.com or explore their latest offerings at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 30, 2025
As cricket fever sweeps the nation, Chinese Wok, India’s largest Chinese QSR chain, is hitting it out of the park with an exciting mix of flavor and fan engagement! The brand is celebrating the cricketing season with cricket-themed packaging, digital contests, and an innovative AR experience, ensuring that every match is as thrilling for the taste buds as it is on the field.
Bringing the spirit of cricket right to customers’ homes, Chinese Wok has introduced special edition packaging featuring vibrant, cricket-inspired designs. This exclusive packaging will be available across delivery and takeaway orders, adding an extra dose of excitement to match-time meals.
On the digital front, Chinese Wok is rolling out interactive contests and giveaways on its Instagram page throughout the season. Fans can participate in these fun challenges to win exclusive prizes, making their match-day experience even more exciting.
Chinese Wok is taking customer engagement to a whole new level with an AR-powered campaign across its outlets. Customers can scan a QR code placed at their table or counter to unlock a high-energy CGI experience, featuring a virtual Chinese Wok chef whipping up dishes in style—right on their phone!
The immersive fun doesn’t stop there! QR codes printed on takeaway and delivery bags also bring this engaging experience to customers at home, making the cricket season even more interactive and entertaining.
A Word from the Founder
Speaking on the campaign, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director of Lenexis Foodworks, shared:
"Cricket brings India together—and so does food! At Chinese Wok, we’re combining match-day excitement with Desi-Chinese favorites to make every bite as thrilling as a last-over win. With cricket-themed experiences and fan engagement initiatives, we’re adding more flavor to celebrations across the country."
Lenexis Foodworks is a leading quick-service food company in India, known for its innovative and quality-driven approach. With a strong portfolio of brands, including Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl, the company has redefined the dining experience across high streets and malls.
Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok is the flagship brand of Lenexis Foodworks and India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. With 225+ outlets across 35+ cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Vadodara, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad, the brand continues to expand its footprint.
With its cricket-inspired campaign, Chinese Wok is strengthening its connection with customers, turning every match moment into a flavorful celebration.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 30, 2025
National Sourdough Day is a tribute to the time-honored tradition of natural fermentation, where patience, craftsmanship, and quality ingredients come together to create the perfect loaf. From its tangy depth of flavor to its crispy crust and airy crumb, sourdough is a celebration of slow food at its finest. This day is all about indulging in everything sourdough—from rustic breads to wood-fired pizzas, flaky pastries, and gourmet toasts. If you love sourdough, here are some top restaurants you need to visit!
At Si Nonna’s, every pizza is a testament to tradition and premium ingredients. Their 48-hour naturally fermented dough creates a perfectly airy, crispy, and flavorful crust, topped with the freshest ingredients, like Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives, fior di latte mozzarella, and fresh basil.
But the magic of sourdough doesn’t stop at pizzas! Their handcrafted Garlic Sourdough, Focaccia al Rosmarino, and Calzones bring out the rich flavor and texture of naturally leavened bread. This Sourdough Day, experience the difference that true fermentation and top-quality ingredients make—because great pizza starts with great dough.
At Mad Doh Sourdough Pizzeria, every bite is a labor of love. Their signature zero-yeast, 70% hydration sourdough, cold-fermented for 36 hours, gives their pizzas a unique texture—light, airy, and perfectly charred in a wood-fired oven.
This Sourdough Day, indulge in Neapolitan-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas, and baked treats, each crafted with passion and precision. Whether you're a pizza lover or a sourdough enthusiast, Mad Doh, Mulund, is the perfect place to celebrate this ancient baking tradition!
Looking for a fresh, wholesome twist on sourdough? Pantry serves up a Crispy Sourdough Toast topped with Classic Guacamole Spread and juicy pomegranate pearls, creating a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and freshness.
The airy tang of sourdough pairs beautifully with rich, velvety guacamole, while pomegranate adds a burst of sweetness, making every bite a celebration of flavors. Whether you're in for a quick snack or a gourmet brunch, this dish is a must-try for sourdough lovers!
For a breakfast that’s both indulgent and satisfying, The Bluebop Café has the perfect Sourdough Day specials!
Shakshuka – Perfectly poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, served with crispy sourdough toast for a warm and comforting start.
Truffle Scrambled Eggs – Creamy scrambled eggs infused with chives and truffle oil, paired with freshly toasted sourdough for a touch of luxury.
Whether you're craving bold flavors, comforting spice, or gourmet indulgence, Blue Bop’s Sourdough Day specials promise a tribute to this timeless bread.
As we honor National Sourdough Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich flavors, artisanal craftsmanship, and healthful benefits of this ancient bread-making tradition. Whether it’s a slice of crusty sourdough, a wood-fired pizza, or a nourishing avocado toast, every bite is a reminder of the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet time and care.
Here’s to celebrating sourdough—one delicious bite at a time!
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