Portugal’s gourmet extra virgin olive oil brand Coração Do Vale has officially entered the Indian market with a special culinary showcase held on a Friday afternoon at Le Meridien. The event, titled The Portuguese Pour – Chef DK’s Tasting Series, brought together the heritage of Portugal’s olive-growing tradition and over five decades of culinary expertise by Chef Davinder Kumar.

The exclusive, invitation-only experience introduced Indian food enthusiasts to Coração Do Vale, an ultra-premium EVOO sourced from the sun-drenched olive groves of Baixo Alentejo, Portugal. The brand has been brought to India by Leads Brand Connect, aiming to showcase the richness of Portuguese olive oil culture to Indian kitchens.

The tasting menu, curated by Chef DK, highlighted the versatility of Coração Do Vale and how it can connect European fine dining techniques with familiar Indian flavours. The menu featured creative live demonstrations of four signature dishes designed specially for the occasion: Tomato & Raw Mango Carpaccio with Kalamata Dust, EVOO & Shaved Parmesan, Charred Sweet Potato Chaat, Bajra Crisp, Imli Jaggery & EVOO Reduction, Pan Seared Sole with Mint, Caper & EVOO Tapenade, and Rustic Carrot & Cinnamon Cake.

Guests were also welcomed with crostini, olive focaccia with EVOO, and roasted makhana. The meal began with Broccoli Almond Soup paired with EVOO Pesto Crostini, followed by a multi-course spread that included Pan Seared Fish with Mint Caper & EVOO Tapenade, Murg Tikka Lazeez, Paneer Khaas, Pasta Aglio e Olio, and Dum Subz Biryani. The experience ended on a sweet note with Tiramisu, Mango Flan, Phirni, and Ice Cream, along with a signature mocktail infused with olive oil, an innovative touch that stood out for many guests.

Speaking at the event, Richa Khandewal, Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, said, “Today we celebrated the best in Indian culinary masterpiece and excellence of Portugal’s finest EVOO. What sets Coração Do Vale apart is not merely its provenance, but its personality. It was a perfect balance for Chef Davinder Kumar’s culinary excellence. We couldn’t have expected a better debut for Coração Do Vale in India than the kitchen of a legend like Chef DK. This tasting series is the beginning of a long and flavourful chapter in India's premium culinary story.”

Chef Davinder Kumar also shared his thoughts on the brand, saying, “What sets Coração Do Vale is not merely its provenance, but its personality. This comes from the seven native Portuguese olive varieties with each contributing a distinct note to the final pour. The results in a fine balance of fruity and grassy, creamy mid-palate and a clean, peppery finish, something refined enough to transform every dish it touches. Coração Do Vale never competes with the food, it completes it.”

Coração Do Vale is crafted using a blend of seven olive varieties: Arbequina, Arbosana, Cobrançosa, Picual, Cordovil, Verdeal, and Galega. This combination creates a balanced flavour profile with fruity and grassy notes, a creamy mid-palate, and a peppery finish. As an early-harvest, cold-extracted olive oil, it is rich in natural antioxidants and polyphenols, with low acidity, making it a premium gourmet choice.

Positioned as a luxury culinary essential, Coração Do Vale goes beyond being just an ingredient. It enhances everything from salads, pastas, soups, grilled meats, to artisanal breads. It can also be paired with herbs, citrus, garlic, and chili to create refined flavour combinations, making it versatile for both everyday cooking and fine dining.

With its elegant packaging and artisanal story, the brand is also being positioned as a premium gifting option, especially for festive and wedding occasions. It is available exclusively through its direct-to-consumer platform, Amazon India, and select premium gourmet stores across Delhi and NCR.

Mangoes continue to be the highlight of summer menus every year, usually making their way into desserts, smoothies, and sweet dishes. This season, however, THE OZEN COLLECTION is offering a fresh take on the much-loved fruit by turning it into refreshing cocktail experiences. Blending tropical mango flavours with premium spirits and vibrant ingredients, the collection has introduced two signature recipes created for easy summer evenings and relaxed gatherings.

Bringing together creativity and seasonal flavours, bar managers from properties across THE OZEN COLLECTION have shared their favourite mango-based cocktails that add a spirited touch to the season.

The first creation is the Maadhoo Basil Smash by Prajwal D’Souza, Assistant Bar Manager at JOIE de VIVRE, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. The cocktail combines 90ml fresh mango juice with hydroponic basil leaves, 60ml Bottega Bacur gin, 15ml fresh lime juice, and 15ml simple syrup. To prepare it, gently muddle the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker before adding the remaining ingredients. Shake well with ice until chilled and double strain into a pre-chilled old-fashioned glass. The drink takes only two minutes to prepare and is ideal for individual servings, whether during gatherings or simply to cool down on a warm day.

Another summer favourite from the collection is Mango Passion by Roshan Paranagama, Bar Manager at OZAR Bar, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. The recipe blends 60ml vodka, 30ml peach schnapps, 30ml mango pure, 30ml passion pure, and 30ml fresh lime juice. The preparation involves adding all ingredients into a shaker with small ice cubes and shaking well before straining into a chilled glass. Garnished with mint or dehydrate Lime, the cocktail takes around seven minutes to prepare and is suitable for small gatherings.

With these seasonal creations, THE OZEN COLLECTION adds a playful and refreshing twist to summer flavours, offering a new way to enjoy the king of fruits beyond the usual desserts and treats.

 Olive Garden, the globally recognised American Italian dining brand known for its comforting flavours and family-style dining experience, has officially entered India with the opening of its first restaurant at World St., Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi.

The launch marks Olive Garden’s entry into the Indian market through Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), a company known for introducing international dining brands to India. The group will lead the brand’s growth journey with a phased expansion plan beginning across Delhi-NCR before moving into other major cities in the country.

Located at World St., one of the Capital’s key lifestyle and hospitality destinations, the new restaurant aims to bring Olive Garden’s signature American Italian experience to Indian diners by combining classic flavours with a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, said, "Launching Olive Garden in India is a natural progression of our vision to bring thoughtfully chosen, global dining icons to India to cater to the evolving consumer aspirations in the country. In deep collaboration with Darden International & Franchising, we have ensured that the brand's hallmark hospitality, comfort-driven menu, and celebratory, family-style experience are authentically reimagined for India. This milestone marks an important step in our long-term ambition to shape the country's premium, family-focused dining landscape."

Brad Smith, President - Darden International & Franchising, added, "We are thrilled to partner with our franchisee Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group to open our first Olive Garden in India here in Aero City, New Delhi. We know Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group deep restaurant experience will help us deliver Olive Garden's signature never-ending American-Italian generosity to our Indian guests."

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, "We are delighted to welcome Olive Garden to World St. at Worldmark, marking its much-anticipated debut in India. Bringing globally loved brands to Indian consumers has always been central to our vision, and this launch is a significant milestone in that journey. World St. is a curated culinary and social destination at Worldmark, Aerocity."

Inspired by Olive Garden’s Tuscan roots, the restaurant design features warm interiors, rustic textures and inviting spaces that reflect the charm of the Italian countryside. Designed by Incubis consultants, the venue includes both indoor and alfresco seating areas, making it suitable for everyday dining, celebrations and family gatherings.

The India menu stays close to Olive Garden’s American Italian identity while also considering local preferences. Guests can choose from a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using quality ingredients.

Staying true to its global tradition, every entrée comes with Olive Garden’s signature never-ending soup or salad along with freshly baked breadsticks. Popular menu highlights include Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana and Tour of Italy, which combines three signature dishes on a single plate.

Known globally for its freshly grated Parmesan, hearty pasta bowls and shared dining culture, Olive Garden has remained a preferred destination for families and friends for over four decades.

Following the opening at World St., Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group plans to continue Olive Garden’s expansion journey across India, bringing the brand’s signature dining experience to more markets and communities.