ZLB23 and Paradiso Join Forces to Redefine Cocktail Culture

By Author

Published on July 27, 2023

A groundbreaking collaboration between ZLB23, the enchanting speakeasy nestled within The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, and the world-renowned Paradiso from Barcelona is about to revolutionize the Indian cocktail scene. As Paradiso, known as the world's number one cocktail bar, takes over ZLB23, cocktail enthusiasts can expect an otherworldly experience. The event promises to elevate Indian mixology to international acclaim by gathering talented mixologists from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

During this extraordinary celebration, Paradiso's mixology prowess will shine, showcasing signature creations like Kryptonite and Evolution Negroni, captivating the taste buds with fusion flavors and mesmerizing presentations. The takeover has already seen success with renowned bars like Atlas Singapore, Vesper Bangkok, and Handshake leaving their mark on ZLB23. With more thrilling takeovers scheduled in the coming months, cocktail enthusiasts can look forward to a series of captivating workshops, live demonstrations, and engaging discussions with participating mixologists.

Pradeep Kandari, EAM – Food & Beverage at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, aiming to elevate Bengaluru's cocktail industry and showcase India's rich cocktail culture on the international stage.

Prepare to be enchanted by an unforgettable mixological experience as Paradiso takes over ZLB23, redefining cocktail culture in India and setting new standards for innovation and artistry.

Marriott International Launches Star-Studded Dining Campaign “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?” Featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Marriott International has launched its trailblazing food and beverage campaign, “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?”, across South Asia, setting the stage for a new era of tech-integrated, experience-driven dining. Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan anchors the campaign, bringing her signature charm and mass appeal to Marriott’s diverse restaurant offerings in India.

This first-of-its-kind campaign blends storytelling, technology, and hospitality, turning Marriott’s restaurants and lounges into more than just dining venues, they become destinations for memorable, immersive experiences. Running from July to September 2025, the campaign aims to transform the way guests discover and engage with culinary journeys, making Marriott hotels the go-to spots for food lovers across the region.

At the heart of the campaign is a delightful video series starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. From elegant brunches to themed dinners, each film invites viewers into Marriott’s world of gastronomic delights, answering the common question we all ask before heading out: “Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?” Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration, a casual hangout, or a romantic dinner, Marriott positions itself as the perfect answer.

“Some of my favourite memories have been created around a table—whether it’s Sunday brunch with family or a spontaneous dinner with friends,” said Kareena Kapoor Khan. “Marriott’s campaign is an invitation for everyone to make space for those moments again. And with so many incredible options across a city near you, the only question is: Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?”

With a strong emphasis on digital evolution, Marriott’s campaign integrates automation, personalized recommendations, and content-rich storytelling to connect with today’s experience-driven diners. The tech-savvy approach enables smarter and faster table reservations, making it easier for guests to explore dining options effortlessly.

“At Marriott, we believe the future of F&B lies in combining tech innovation with the sensory experience of dining out,” said Khushnooma Kapadia, Vice President - Marketing, South Asia at Marriott International. “With this campaign, we’re cutting down the search journey for diners and offering curated content, targeted discovery, and seamless booking mechanisms. Kareena Kapoor was the perfect choice—authentic, relatable, and with a deep passion for food.”

From boosting footfalls at Marriott’s restaurants to deepening guest engagement, the campaign sets a new benchmark in the hospitality industry. It also signals Marriott’s commitment to curating richer experiences, one story, one meal, and one guest at a time.

Chao Bella Launches a Bold New Menu Fusing Chinese and Italian Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

Greater Noida’s culinary scene is set to reach exciting new heights as Chao Bella, the Chinese and Italian specialty restaurant at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, unveils a daring and delightful new menu. Known for blending Eastern and Western cuisines with ease, Chao Bella now invites guests to savour its most inventive offerings yet—making it the only place in the city where handmade pasta meets handcrafted dim sum on one elegant table.

Located on the lobby floor of the hotel, Chao Bella has long been a favourite for diners seeking global flavours in a warm, inviting ambience. With the newly launched menu, the restaurant takes its passion for fusion dining a notch higher—presenting an exciting mix of flavours, textures, and cultures that go beyond tradition.

From the Chinese kitchen, highlights include the Orange Soy Glazed Scallop, Prawns Har Gao delicately topped with salmon eggs, and the bold Gochujang Tofu Donburi. The Cantonese Steamed Sea Bass, infused with soy, ginger, and scallion, adds a comforting touch of authenticity.

The Italian side of the menu doesn’t hold back either. Guests can dig into a rich and hearty Lamb Pappardelle with porcini mushroom sauce, a flavour-packed Duck Leg Confit paired with parmesan mash, and a warm, creamy Risotto di Butternut Squash with smoked chicken. The grand finale? A decadent Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate almond cake that offers the perfect sweet ending.

“We wanted to create a menu that reflects the dynamic blend of cultures that Chao Bella stands for,” said Executive Chef Rajiv Vatsyayan. “Each dish has been crafted with technique, tradition, and a touch of innovation—so whether you're craving a crispy prawn dim sum or a rustic Italian pasta, you’ll find something to surprise and delight.”

General Manager Sharad K Upadhyay shared, “Chao Bella has always been a favourite for guests seeking authentic Chinese and Italian cuisine. With this new menu, we are pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to our roots—offering an experience that’s truly unique in Greater Noida.”

Dinner Service: Monday to Sunday | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Whether you raise a fork or a pair of chopsticks, Chao Bella’s bold new menu promises a dining experience like no other in the city. Book your table now and experience the magic where East meets West—on one unforgettable plate.

Coffee Conversations Come Alive at 'Brews & Beyond' by Kaapi Solutions x Coffee Sutra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

Jaipur recently brewed up something extraordinary as Kaapi Solutions—India’s premier coffee equipment and innovation company—partnered with local favourite Coffee Sutra to present ‘Brews & Beyond’. The event turned into a vibrant confluence of craft, culture, and community, drawing some of the most dynamic voices from the Indian coffee and hospitality landscape.

Held at Coffee Sutra’s aesthetically designed space, this two-hour gathering wasn’t just a meet-up; it was a movement. From café owners and baristas to F&B professionals, media, and coffee enthusiasts, the crowd reflected the growing interest in specialty coffee in India, especially from emerging Tier 2 cities like Jaipur.

At the heart of the evening was a compelling panel discussion titled "Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee in India." It was led by Vikram Khurana, CEO of Kaapi Solutions, who’s not only a certified barista and international coffee judge, but also a well-known champion of India’s specialty coffee revolution. Under his moderation, the panel dissected the evolving consumer preferences, sourcing ethics, brewing trends, and the café ecosystem.

The speaker lineup brought depth and diversity to the dialogue:

Marcela Baur, an international coffee educator, spoke about sustainable sourcing and the importance of global coffee education.
Dushyant Singh, Founder of Coffee Sutra, discussed how cafés can become mindful, community-led spaces.
Shahnaaz Anjum, Director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offered insight into how luxury hotels are embracing specialty coffee experiences.
Kshitiz Sisodia, Co-founder of Jaipur Coffee Community, talked about nurturing local barista talent and community-driven coffee identities.

While the conversation flowed, so did the coffee.

The venue was buzzing with live brewing counters showcasing manual techniques like pour-over, French press, and AeroPress. Kaapi Solutions’ baristas guided guests through the process, turning them from passive observers to active brewers. The Tech Capsule Showcase was a major highlight—letting attendees get hands-on with some of the most advanced brewing machines used in India’s top cafés and hotels.

Adding another layer to the evening was the Sensory Coffee Talk led by Coffee Sutra’s in-house experts. They walked guests through tasting notes, roast profiles, and origin stories of their signature blends—paired thoughtfully with desserts and savouries that elevated the experience. The vibe remained upbeat and personal, with mellow tunes, brewing chatter, and even giveaways like curated kits and brand merchandise making the evening memorable.

Dushyant Singh, reflecting on the event, said,

"Brews & Beyond was more than just an event; it was a celebration of Jaipur’s evolving coffee culture. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and hope to continue building awareness and appreciation for specialty coffee in India."

Vikram Khurana added,

"This event was a milestone for India’s coffee movement. Jaipur’s emergence as a coffee hub shows how deep this culture is brewing. At Kaapi Solutions, we’re committed to empowering this next generation of coffee entrepreneurs."

Timeline of Key Highlights:

Welcome & Networking
Panel Discussion: Craft, Community & the Future of Coffee
Live Brewing Sessions (Pour Over, French Press, AeroPress)
Tech Capsule Showcase: High-End Coffee Equipment
Sensory Coffee Talk: Signature Blends & Food Pairings
Lucky Draw & Giveaways

With ‘Brews & Beyond’, Kaapi Solutions and Coffee Sutra proved that coffee in India is no longer just about caffeine—it’s about connection, community, and culture. Events like this are setting the stage for a richer, more inclusive coffee dialogue, one sip at a time.

Image Credits:
Some images used in this article are sourced from external platforms. All rights and credits belong to their original owners.

Welcome to post your talent

A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.