Hospitalitynews had the delightful opportunity to be hosted at Carnaby, the vibrant all-day dining restaurant at The Residency Towers Chennai, for an exclusive tasting of their soon-to-be-launched Italian menu, curated in collaboration with Chennai-based Italian culinary expert Fiammetta Pereira.

From the moment we stepped in, the ambience set the tone for an afternoon filled with soulful Italian flavours and heartfelt hospitality. The warmth extended by Chef Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director at The Residency Group of Hotels, and Fiammetta Pereira truly made the experience memorable.

Speaking about the new menu, Ajeeth, Culinary Director shared,
"With this new Italian menu, we’re celebrating the heart of Italy—simple, honest ingredients prepared with passion. Each dish tells a story of tradition, but with a fresh twist that reflects our kitchen’s creativity.”

Fiammetta Pereira, with her infectious passion for Sicilian cuisine, walked us through the inspiration behind each dish. She said, “Working with the team at The Residency Towers has been a pleasure. Dishes like Pasta alla Norma, seasonal vegetable risotto, and specialities from Liguria and Sicily will soon be part of the Carnaby experience.”

The menu beautifully captured the essence of Italy. Some of our personal favourites from the afternoon included:

• Beetroot Carpaccio – Light, fresh, and full of colour, with a perfect balance of textures from goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic zest.
• Melanzane Parmigiana – Comforting layers of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese that felt like a warm hug on a plate.
• Gnocchi al Pesto di Basilico – Pillow-soft gnocchi coated in fragrant basil pesto, transporting us straight to Liguria.
• Pollo alla Cacciatora – Chicken slow-braised in wine and herbs, paired beautifully with creamy polenta—truly soul-satisfying.

Throughout the event, the generosity and warmth of the Carnaby team stood out as much as the flavors on our plates. The conversations, the plating, and the passion behind every dish reflected the team’s dedication to delivering a truly authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Chennai.

Fiammetta Pereira also shared her pride in founding Bottega Pereira (@bottegapereira on Instagram), a beautifully curated home‑and‑lifestyle boutique based here in Chennai. The name “Bottega” — Italian for “workshop” — is fitting: it’s a creative space where Fiammetta, along with her daughter Tanitha, brings warmth and elegance into everyday living. The boutique features thoughtfully designed linens, table accessories, cushions, décor, gift sets and more — each piece selected to “bring warmth and happiness to your home". Website: www.bottegapereira.com 

For anyone looking to experience authentic Italian cuisine right here in Chennai, paired with genuine hospitality, Carnaby at The Residency Towers is a must-visit. And for those wanting to take a little slice of Italy home—whether through flavors or fabrics—Bottega Pereira is worth exploring too.

The Italian Food Festival runs through this week, with the new dishes soon becoming a permanent part of the menu.

Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM

About Residency Group:

Presenting world-class boutique hotels in South India, our hotels exude the cultural ethos of the land. Living up to its moniker, The Residency hotels in India offers unparallel and phenomenal spaces for a homely living experience. From elegant cities like Chennai and Coimbatore to charming towns like Karur, Puducherry and Rameswaram, The Residency promises beautifully curated experiences for its discerning guests.

Website: theresidency.com

The Dark Room by Wynnd Hotels has launched its much-awaited ‘Beer Fest’, a high-energy celebration that blends the love for craft brews with the joy of shared moments. Set in the heart of Galaxy Blue Sapphire Mall, Greater Noida West, the month-long event runs daily from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, starting July 1, 2025.

Positioned as a vibrant escape for after-work chills or afternoon hangouts, the Beer Fest is designed to bring people together with music, laughter, and enticing offers on brews and bites. Whether you're catching up with friends or looking for a laid-back yet exciting vibe, The Dark Room delivers a perfect blend of affordability and indulgence.

The curated menu features value-rich combos tailored for all kinds of beer lovers—from the light sipper to the full-fledged enthusiast. Guests can enjoy:

• 2 Beers + Nachos

• 3 Beers + Starter 

• 6-Beer Bucket + 2 Starters
  

• 10 Beers + Veg/Non-Veg Platter

The event promises a diverse lineup of Indian and international beer brands, paired with crowd-favourite finger foods and starters, making it a complete gastronomic experience. All combos are subject to government taxes and a 10% service fee, maintaining transparency in billing.

Himanshu Sapra, Co-founder of The Dark Room, shared his thoughts on the festival:

“The Beer Festival is not just about drinks—it’s about community, energy, and the magic of shared experiences. We’ve seen the nightlife culture slowly morph into a bland, over-styled version of what it once was. At The Dark Room, we’re reclaiming that culture—the loud music, the intimate conversations over beer, the thrill of the unknown. This festival is a tribute to that original spirit.”

Alongside the irresistible beer combos, guests can expect live DJ sets, vibrant music lineups, and an atmosphere that brings people closer—capturing the very soul of nightlife. The mission? Not just to pour beer, but to pour memories that linger long after the night ends.

With its urban-chic setting, signature mood lighting, and electric energy, The Dark Room’s Beer Fest is a must-visit this season for anyone in Delhi-NCR looking to celebrate beer, people, and music.

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.