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.


Barbeque Nation Hosts Odia Food Fest ‘Odia Trails’ With Chef Abinas Nayak

Barbeque Nation Hosts Odia Food Fest ‘Odia Trails’ With Chef Abinas Nayak

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

Barbeque Nation is hosting an Odia food festival titled ‘Odia Trails’, celebrating the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Odisha. The festival features a specially curated menu by renowned chef and Masterchef India – Season 6 winner, Abinas Nayak, bringing regional flavours to diners through a thoughtfully crafted buffet experience.

Odia Trails offers a gastronomic journey through authentic Odisha cuisine, blending timeless street-style favourites with traditional regional specialities. The festival showcases a wide variety of dishes including the much-loved Dahi Pakhala, Chhena Poda, Mutton Aloo Aloo, Dalma, and several other classic preparations that reflect the soul of Odia cooking.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Chef Abinas Nayak (Masterchef India Season 6 winner) commented, “ I’m privileged to be a part of Barbeque Nation’s Odia food festival – Odia Trails, where I would be crafting iconic dishes from the Odisha cuisine. The widespread buffet is an amalgamation of diverse and flavourful cuisine, combining aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.”

The Odia Trails festival highlights the vibrant flavours inspired by Odisha’s seasons and street food culture, presented through Barbeque Nation’s all-you-can-eat buffet format. Designed for food enthusiasts keen to explore regional delicacies, the spread combines fusion-based cooking with heritage Odia recipes curated by Chef Abinas Nayak.

The festival is being hosted at Barbeque Nation’s Marathahalli outlet, offering guests an opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Odia cuisine in a familiar and interactive dining setting.


Dakshin Legacy Opens in Mumbai as a Tribute to South India’s Coastal Culinary Heritage

Dakshin Legacy Opens in Mumbai as a Tribute to South India’s Coastal Culinary Heritage

By Hariharan U

Published on January 28, 2026

Mumbai’s dining landscape welcomes a new heritage-driven destination with the opening of Dakshin Legacy, a fine-dining restaurant devoted exclusively to the coastal cuisines of South India. Rooted in tradition and guided by emotion, the restaurant brings together age-old recipes, soulful hospitality, and thoughtful design to create an experience that preserves culinary heritage rather than reinventing it.

Positioned as Mumbai’s only fine-dining restaurant focused solely on coastal South Indian food, Dakshin Legacy showcases flavours from Mangalore, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. Each dish is prepared exactly as it has been for generations, following traditional methods such as stone-ground masalas, clay-pot slow simmering, hand-pressed coconut milk, and banana-leaf steaming. Regional spices sourced directly from the southern coastline ensure the food remains bold, honest, and deeply rooted, with no fusion, shortcuts, or dilution of flavour.

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The culinary programme is led by Chef Nagesh, whose approach is grounded in patience, memory, and deep respect for tradition. Every curry, masala, and seafood preparation follows ancestral techniques, allowing flavours to develop naturally and authentically. The menu highlights the diversity of coastal cooking through signature dishes such as Crab Chettinad, Pomfret Gassi with freshly ground coconut masala, Prawns Ghee Roast, Surmai Masala Fry, and Clams Sukka, where roasted spices and fresh coconut come together in perfect balance.

Complementing the cuisine is Dakshin Legacy’s coastal-inspired bar programme led by Dharmendar Prajapati, who reimagines familiar South Indian flavours into contemporary cocktails. Using ingredients such as kokum, fresh fruits, herbs, and gentle spices, the cocktail menu adds a playful yet rooted dimension to the dining experience. Standout serves include Reddy on the Rocks, Chiranjeevi Kidu, Bahubali Burst, Lungi Dance, and Rajni Kudampuli, each reflecting regional influences with modern technique.

The restaurant’s interiors, designed by founder and hotelier Harshita Shetty, are a warm tribute to South India’s coastal homes. Spread across 4,800 sq. ft. with seating for 150 guests, the space features teakwood and cane accents, brass and bell-metal details, antique Mangalorean window frames, banana-leaf-inspired motifs, and handloom-style textures. A calming palette of ivory, sandalwood, deep green, and gold creates an atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from relaxed lunches to refined evening dining.

With Dakshin Legacy, I wanted to create a space that feels like a homecoming, where the warmth of coastal tradition meets the polish of fine dining. The design doesn’t reinvent heritage; it preserves it with heart,” said Harshita Shetty.

Open for both lunches and dinners, Dakshin Legacy is envisioned as a destination for family gatherings, professional meetings, and celebratory dining alike. Led by Harshita Shetty, a Les Roches–trained second-generation hotelier, the restaurant reflects a deeply personal journey that blends global hospitality expertise with cultural responsibility.

With its uncompromising authenticity, evocative storytelling, and elevated dining experience, Dakshin Legacy offers Mumbai a timeless destination that celebrates the flavours, memories, and enduring legacy of South India’s coastal cuisine, one plate at a time.


Sip the Seasons: Anardana Unveils Its Signature Cocktail Collection

Sip the Seasons: Anardana Unveils Its Signature Cocktail Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on January 28, 2026

Anardana has unveiled a new signature cocktail collection that draws inspiration from iconic street cuisines across India and select global destinations. Designed with a global outlook and an Indian soul, the collection reimagines familiar street flavours through classic cocktail techniques, bold ingredients and layered profiles, creating drinks that feel both nostalgic and contemporary.

Each cocktail has been crafted to pair seamlessly with Anardana’s dining experience, offering guests a journey through flavours that are expressive, comforting and inventive. Among the highlights is Banarasi Paan, an aromatic blend of gin and rosso vermouth with gulkand and betel leaves, capturing the sweetness, spice and ceremonial charm of Banaras in a refined, modern form.

Kaapi Time brings together whiskey, South Indian filter coffee, coconut and brown sugar, delivering warmth and depth with a soulful finish. The Phirni Tini offers an indulgent reinterpretation of the beloved dessert, presented as a clarified, creamy and delicately balanced cocktail. Adding a bold, umami-forward edge is Samurai’s Sip, which combines whiskey with gari, passion fruit and ponzu for a playful yet complex profile.

Completing the signature selection is Tuscan Sunset, a fresh and herbaceous cocktail featuring gin, basil, olive, tomato and coconut, evoking relaxed Mediterranean afternoons in every sip.

Balancing innovation with familiarity, the menu also features timeless classics. The crisp Dark ’n Stormy pairs dark rum with ginger beer for a spicy, refreshing finish, while the elegant Cosmopolitan blends vodka, orange liqueur, lime and cranberry for effortless sophistication. The ever-popular LIIT (500 ml) brings together vodka, gin, rum, tequila and triple sec with lime and cola, making it bold, festive and ideal for sharing.

Carefully composed and expressive, Anardana’s cocktail collection invites guests to slow down, savour and explore, reinforcing the brand’s focus on flavour-led storytelling through food and drink.

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