Unveiling Varchas Whiskey: Where Elegance, Heritage, and Innovation Converge

Unveiling Varchas Whiskey: Where Elegance, Heritage, and Innovation Converge

By Author

Published on August 22, 2023

Shankar Distilleries, a name synonymous with a rich whiskey heritage, proudly unveils their latest masterpiece – Varchas Whiskey – in India. This exquisite creation is grounded in elegance, tradition, and innovation, embodying the timeless artistry of whiskey-making that transcends both geographical boundaries and eras. As of now, Varchas Whiskey is available in Karnataka, Goa, and Gurgaon, marking its arrival with a promise of exceptional taste and experience.

Varchas Whiskey is more than a drink; it's a symphony of flavors that gracefully unfolds with each sip. Crafted by master distillers who pour their passion and expertise into every bottle, Varchas Whiskey is the embodiment of generations of commitment and mastery. From the meticulous distillation process to the final touches, this spirit captures the essence of time-honored practices, resulting in a product that stands out with its distinctiveness and excellence.

At the helm of Varchas is the visionary founder and president, Varchas Shankar, who brings his profound passion for whiskey and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Leveraging a heritage steeped in whiskey and spirits distillation, Shankar Distilleries has harmoniously combined tradition with contemporary craftsmanship to create a unique spirit. Shankar's personal journey is a testament to his dedication to whiskey. Originally hailing from Mysore, Karnataka, and now residing in the United States, his trajectory evolved from the technology sector to his true calling – the world of whiskey. Fueled by his unwavering passion and guided by his vision, Shankar embarked on the journey of establishing Varchas. This brand is a tribute to both his American home and his Indian roots, exemplifying the essence of premium whiskey that bridges cultures and continents.

Having solidified Varchas as a premium whiskey brand in the United States, Shankar now aims to share his creation with his motherland, India. The introduction of Varchas to the Indian market marks a historic moment, allowing whiskey aficionados across the nation to indulge in an extraordinary experience. Shankar's aspiration to introduce India to the allure of premium whiskey resonates deeply, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the palates and experiences of fellow countrymen.

The narrative that envelops this exceptional whiskey is poised to captivate hearts and taste buds alike, leaving an indelible mark on India's whiskey culture. With Varchas making its debut on Indian shores, available in Karnataka, Goa, and Gurgaon, a new era of whiskey appreciation is dawning. This era is one where elegance, heritage, and innovation intertwine harmoniously, creating a remarkable tapestry in the world of spirits. As you raise a glass of Varchas, you're not just savoring a drink; you're immersing yourself in a story that celebrates the art of whiskey-making and the passion that drives it forward.


Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru has unveiled Oohmami, a new rooftop dining destination that brings together contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine, signature cocktails and immersive entertainment in a vibrant setting overlooking the city.

Located on the 12th floor of the hotel, Oohmami has been designed as a day-to-night destination where guests can enjoy bold flavours, curated music and a lively social atmosphere. The concept blends modern dining with engaging hospitality, offering an experience that extends beyond a traditional restaurant visit.

The opening marks a new addition to Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru's food and beverage portfolio, with a focus on creating memorable culinary and social experiences for both residents and visitors.

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Commenting on the launch, Manuj Sawhney, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, said:

“We are incredibly excited to reveal Oohmami to Bengaluru. This has been a deeply collaborative journey, with our teams thoughtfully curating every detail, from the design language and interiors to the culinary and beverage experiences to create a destination that feels distinctive, welcoming and relevant to a wide range of occasions. As we open our doors, we are excited to invite the city to TURN UP THE HEAT with us.”

The menu features a range of contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, including Cream Cheese Dim Sum, Seoul Spicy Prawn Ramyun, Bang On Shrimp, Tokyo Chicken Karaage, and Thai Galangal Dumpling Soup, showcasing a modern interpretation of Asian flavours.

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme centred on contemporary cocktails, while live performances, curated music and immersive programming add to the rooftop venue's energetic atmosphere.

Launched on July 17, 2026, Oohmami is currently accepting reservations for dinner service, welcoming guests to experience a new rooftop dining destination where flavour, music and city views come together.


Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Jaypee Hotels has introduced its exclusive seasonal 'More Mango' menu at The Boomerang Café, offering guests a refreshing culinary experience inspired by India's favourite summer fruit.

Curated by Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh, the limited-period menu brings together fresh seasonal mangoes, premium ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques to showcase the versatility of the king of fruits across beverages, appetisers, salads, and desserts.

Designed to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season, the specially crafted menu combines traditional favourites with innovative creations, highlighting the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes while pairing them with complementary ingredients that enhance every dish.

The beverage selection includes refreshing classics such as Aam Panna, Mango Shake, and Mango Lassi, all prepared using handpicked seasonal mangoes. Guests can also enjoy a variety of light and flavourful starters including Mango Salsa with Nachos, Mango Avocado Salad, and Chicken Mango Salad, offering a refreshing balance of fresh produce, herbs, and vibrant dressings.

The culinary experience concludes with indulgent desserts such as Cut Mango with Ice Cream and the traditional Mango Shrikhand, bringing together classic Indian flavours with the richness of seasonal mangoes.

Commenting on the launch, Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh said that mango is much more than a seasonal fruit, representing nostalgia, celebration, and togetherness. He added that the "More Mango" menu has been designed to honour this beloved ingredient while presenting it through fresh and contemporary culinary interpretations that create memorable dining experiences.

The introduction of the seasonal menu reflects Jaypee Hotels' continued focus on creating innovative dining experiences centred around fresh, locally inspired ingredients. By blending authentic Indian flavours with modern culinary craftsmanship, The Boomerang Café continues to offer guests unique gastronomic experiences throughout the year.

Available for a limited period, the "More Mango" menu invites families, food enthusiasts, and mango lovers to savour the flavours of the season while experiencing Jaypee Hotels' signature hospitality.


Dhaba Estd. 1986 Expands North India Presence with New Kanpur Restaurant

Dhaba Estd. 1986 Expands North India Presence with New Kanpur Restaurant

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Azure Hospitality has strengthened the expansion of its flagship North Indian restaurant brand, Dhaba Estd. 1986, with the successful launch of a new outlet in Civil Lines, Kanpur, marking another milestone in the brand's North India growth strategy.

Since opening, the restaurant has received an encouraging response from diners, reinforcing the brand's growing popularity and presence in the region.

Inspired by the timeless charm of India's traditional roadside dhabas, the new restaurant serves Dhaba Estd. 1986's signature menu featuring favourites such as Dal Dhaba, slow-cooked Balti Meat, Galouti Kebabs, robust tandoor specialities, handcrafted Indian breads, and an extensive selection of regional North Indian dishes. Guests can also enjoy the brand's recently introduced Desi Chinese menu, which blends nostalgic Indo-Chinese flavours with authentic recipes and consistent quality.

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The Kanpur restaurant was launched under the leadership of Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef – Dhaba Estd. 1986, who led the entire pre-opening process. His responsibilities included kitchen planning, menu execution, recipe standardisation, chef recruitment and training, equipment planning, operational readiness, and ensuring the outlet opened in line with the brand's culinary standards.

Commenting on the launch, Chef Kartik said the response from Kanpur diners has been extremely encouraging since opening. He noted that the vision was to create a restaurant that remains true to the spirit of India's legendary dhabas while delivering the consistency and quality expected from a contemporary hospitality brand.

He added that signature dishes such as Dal Dhaba, Balti Meat, and Galouti Kebabs continue to be guest favourites, while the newly introduced Desi Chinese range has also received an excellent response, reflecting the brand's philosophy of preserving traditional flavours while introducing thoughtful innovation.

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With over 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Kartik has played a significant role in the expansion of Dhaba Estd. 1986, leading menu innovation, recipe standardisation, restaurant openings, and culinary training across the brand. His emphasis on operational excellence and authentic North Indian cuisine has helped maintain consistency across every outlet.

The Kanpur launch marks another step in Azure Hospitality's expansion plans for Dhaba Estd. 1986. By combining traditional recipes, regional flavours, and contemporary dining experiences, the brand continues to strengthen its position in India's casual dining sector while introducing the essence of the country's iconic dhaba culture to a wider audience.

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