Thompson Hotels Launches 'A Taste of Thompson' Chef Series with Renowned Culinary Talent

Thompson Hotels Launches 'A Taste of Thompson' Chef Series with Renowned Culinary Talent

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.

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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.

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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.


NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

NoBa Opens in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar with a Cocktail-First Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

NoBa has officially opened its doors in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, bringing a fresh cocktail-led dining experience to North Bangalore. Designed as a destination where food, beverages and hospitality come together, the 120-seater venue offers guests a vibrant yet relaxed setting to explore thoughtfully crafted flavours.

At the centre of NoBa's concept is its cocktail programme, which has been curated by industry veteran Bala, who brings more than 19 years of experience in the beverage industry. The bar menu focuses on creativity, technique and storytelling, with every cocktail carefully developed to deliver a memorable drinking experience.

Using house-made syrups, infusions and unique flavour combinations, the team has created a range of original cocktails that balance sophistication with accessibility. Rather than being an addition to the dining experience, cocktails form the core of NoBa's identity, encouraging guests to discover new flavours while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.

The food menu has been designed to complement the beverage programme, featuring globally inspired dishes that naturally pair with the cocktails. The close collaboration between the kitchen and bar ensures a seamless experience where both elements work together to enhance the guest journey.

The restaurant's interiors draw inspiration from modern Mediterranean design, featuring high ceilings, natural light, earthy tones and contemporary details. The space effortlessly transforms from a relaxed dining destination during the day to an energetic social venue in the evening, centred around its vibrant bar experience.

While positioned as a premium offering, NoBa has been created with an inclusive approach. The venue aims to provide a comfortable environment where guests can enjoy innovative food and drinks, meaningful conversations and genuine hospitality.

With its focus on exceptional cocktails, quality cuisine and a thoughtfully designed setting, NoBa marks a new addition to Bengaluru's growing dining and nightlife landscape, offering a destination where guests can connect, explore and enjoy memorable experiences.

  • Venue: NoBa, 5th Floor, 714, HRBR Layout 1st Block, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
  • Timings: 12 Noon to 12 AM


Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

Katana Introduces Baiu Menu to Celebrate Bengaluru’s Monsoon Season

By Hariharan U

Published on June 26, 2026

Katana has introduced its special Baiu menu, a seasonal culinary experience inspired by Japan's traditional plum rain season and designed to complement Bengaluru's monsoon months.

Available from 1st July onwards, the curated menu brings together comforting Japanese flavours, warm bowls, crispy bites, and signature beverages crafted for cosy rainy-day dining. The concept draws inspiration from Baiu, the rainy season in Japan, offering guests an experience that reflects the warmth and comfort associated with the period.

Among the highlights are dishes such as Crispy Enoki, Teba No Yaki, spicy and creamy chicken wings, and Salmon Tartar served on potato cakes. Each dish has been thoughtfully selected to suit the cooler weather while showcasing Katana's contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.

A standout feature of the menu is the Quick Ramen, a customizable ramen experience that allows diners to select their preferred broth and protein combination, creating a personalised bowl tailored to individual tastes.

For sushi enthusiasts, Katana is offering a premium 20-piece Assorted Sushi Platter featuring salmon sashimi, gunkan maki, sake maki, spicy tuna uramaki, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. The platter brings together a variety of textures and flavours, making it ideal for sharing.

Guests looking for classic Japanese-inspired appetisers can also enjoy favourites such as Prawn Gyoza, Beef Gyoza, and Prawn Corn Fritters, adding a mix of comforting and indulgent options to the seasonal offering.

To complement the food menu, Katana has introduced a selection of specialty sake-based cocktails. The Tiramisu No Yoru combines sake with fresh cream and homemade tiramisu syrup, while the Katana Counsel blends sake, vermouth, and merlot for a richer flavour profile.

Another signature creation, Pearl Blossom, features sake, guava juice, mint, homemade strawberry syrup, and soda, delivering a refreshing balance suited to Bengaluru's monsoon evenings.

With the launch of Baiu, Katana aims to create a seasonal dining experience that combines Japanese culinary traditions with contemporary flavours, offering guests a destination for comforting food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable monsoon gatherings.


Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

Encalm Launches Encalm Eats, Debuts IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Encalm has announced the launch of Encalm Eats, a dedicated food and beverage vertical that marks the company's entry into the creation and management of hospitality-led dining concepts. The new venture aims to develop distinctive culinary brands while expanding Encalm's integrated hospitality ecosystem across airports and other high-footfall destinations.

As its first in-house brand concept, Encalm Eats has introduced IndiSip Café at Delhi Airport. Designed around the idea of bringing India's flavours to travellers one sip at a time, the café celebrates the country's rich beverage heritage while offering a contemporary café experience.

The launch represents a natural extension of Encalm's hospitality portfolio, which already spans airport lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, and in-flight catering. Through Encalm Eats, the company plans to build a portfolio of original food and beverage concepts alongside select partner brands, focusing on authentic flavours, operational excellence, and evolving consumer preferences.

At IndiSip Café, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages inspired by India's tea culture, including Ginger Cardamom Chai, Kesar Chai, Gulab Chai, and Kashmiri Kahwa. The menu also features handcrafted coffees, iced lattes, espressos, and indulgent shakes designed to cater to both traditional and modern tastes.

Complementing the beverage selection is a food menu that blends regional favourites with café classics. Offerings include Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska, Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps, and Achari Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside croissants, muffins, cookies, and other grab-and-go options suited to today's travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm, said the introduction of Encalm Eats marks the next phase of the company's vision to create a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem. He noted that food and beverage experiences remain one of hospitality's most important touchpoints and that IndiSip reflects the company's commitment to enhancing every stage of the guest journey.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, added that the company intends to build a portfolio of concepts rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insight, and consistent quality. He described IndiSip as the first step in a larger strategy to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtfully designed food and beverage brands.

The launch of IndiSip Café signals the beginning of Encalm Eats' broader expansion plans, with the company aiming to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple formats and locations. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Encalm Eats plans to focus on creating culinary experiences that combine authenticity, convenience, and quality.

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