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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 25, 2024
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the launch of A Taste of Thompson Chef Series, an innovative dining and content series featuring renowned chefs Ludo Lefebvre, Quentin Garcia, and Enrique Olvera. Hosted at various Thompson Hotels, this exclusive series offers a unique glimpse into the lives and culinary journeys of these acclaimed chefs, blending storytelling with fine dining.
The series, part of Thompson Hotels' Culture Lives Here platform, is designed to connect guests with the rich culinary cultures shaped by these chefs. Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for Hyatt’s lifestyle and luxury brands, emphasized that the series showcases the chefs’ personal stories and how their experiences have influenced their cooking styles. “This series pulls back the curtain on prolific chefs... and how they are shaping today’s culinary landscape within and beyond the walls of their kitchens,” she said.
Meet the Chefs and Their Stories
The chef series will be showcased through digital content, available on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Each chef’s personal journey is at the core of the series, offering insights into their techniques, inspirations, and life stories.
Chef Ludo Lefebvre (Chez Maggy at Thompson Denver): Known for his bold take on French gastronomy, Chef Ludo's chapter will explore themes of family and sacrifice. His episode is already live and offers a glimpse into his journey from learning to cook with his grandmother to becoming an acclaimed chef in the U.S.
Chef Quentin Garcia (Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs): Chef Quentin’s story focuses on the importance of hustle and balance. A native Californian with French culinary training, his narrative will spotlight his journey, from starting his culinary career at 11 to shaping his vision for modern Levantine cuisine.
Chef Enrique Olvera (Manta at The Cape, Cabo San Lucas): Chef Enrique will share his philosophy, "Lo viejo es nuevo, lo nuevo es viejo" (what’s old is new, and what’s new is old), exploring how he marries Mexican heritage with modern dining experiences.
In addition to the content series, each chef will host a special dining event, offering guests the opportunity to experience their culinary talents firsthand. These exclusive ticketed dinners will include multi-course meals, wine pairings, and a chance to hear stories from the chefs themselves. The events will take place between December 2024 and early 2025:
Ludo Lefebvre’s Dinner at Chez Maggy in Denver on December 10, 2024, will feature his signature French gastronomy with a personal twist.
Quentin Garcia’s Dinner at Lola Rose Grand Mezze in Palm Springs on January 15, 2025, will focus on his modern take on Levantine cuisine.
Enrique Olvera’s Dinner at Manta in Cabo San Lucas, scheduled for early 2025, will bring his innovative approach to Mexican flavors.
The series invites food lovers and travelers to engage deeply with the stories and talents of chefs who are shaping the global culinary scene. Guests can also redeem special dining packages through Hyatt’s FIND Experiences platform, further enriching their stays at Thompson Hotels.
For those eager to attend these once-in-a-lifetime dinners, reservations will open soon on the Thompson Hotels website, with tickets available through the FIND Experiences platform for World of Hyatt members.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 12, 2025
Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:
Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.
Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.
The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Some of the new highlights include:
Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.
Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.
Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.
Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.
Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.
Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.
Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.
Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.
These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.
Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.
With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry and stay a little longer.
Fact Sheet
By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 11, 2025
India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.
With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.
Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.
“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”
Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”
Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”
Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.
The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.
Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.
Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.
For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.
“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.
Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.
With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.
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