Each dish was harmoniously paired with Ardbeg cocktails designed to complement the flavours and aromas, plunging guests deeper into the immersive exploration. ..reports Asian Lite News
‘The Pursuit of Smoke’, a series of dinners at Hakkasan Mumbai last weekend featured a gastronomical adventure into the mystical unknown and redefined the boundaries of fine dining, taking guests on an immersive journey into the realm of Islay via a multisensory art experience, by Ardbeg – the ultimate Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the house of LVMH.
At the heart of this cutting-edge culinary series was an immersive art piece, brought to life via the captivating medium of projection mapping. At the beginning of the dinner, guests were transported to the mystical world of Ardbeg via an animation video projected directly onto their dining tables. This mesmerising film reimagined the journey of crafting the world’s smokiest whisky, set against the backdrop of the enchanted Islay – featuring characters who embarked on ‘The Pursuit of Smoke’. The video tells a tale of rediscovery, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life – an odyssey uncovering the secrets of the enchanted smoke.
Commenting on this first-of-its-kind collaboration for the brand, Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy India said, “Ardbeg’s ‘The Pursuit of Smoke’ is a luxury multisensorial experience that celebrates ‘smoke and fire’ by bringing it to life in a way never done before! With this campaign, we are bringing creativity, technology and gastronomy together and helping the consumer stay on top of the transformational dining trends of today. “
Following the projection, the culinary adventure continues with a series of meticulously crafted, smoky courses by Hakkasan’s esteemed Michelin-star chefs – Chef Andrew Yeo, Corporate Executive Chef Cantonese Brands, Tao Group Hospitality, Executive Chef Andrew Lee, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, and Head Chef Gopi Thokra, Hakkasan Mumbai. Each dish was harmoniously paired with Ardbeg cocktails designed to complement the flavours and aromas, plunging guests deeper into the immersive exploration.
Throughout the dinner, captivating visuals seamlessly interwoven with the culinary narrative. This fusion of art and cuisine kept diners spellbound and captivated as they delved into a world where fire and smoke took centre stage.
The extensive range of culinary offerings sets it apart from the rest. The carefully designed diverse menu is a testament to culinary artistry, delivering an explosion of unique flavours to tantalise the palette…reports Asian Lite News
GOAT- The elevated dining and cocktail restaurant brand has recently collaborated with world-renowned Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia to launch a premium dining space in the bustling heart of Siliguri. The space is Bhutia’s first foray into a dining experience that delivers a culinary odyssey where the amalgamation of culture and culinary passion creates a vibrant dining tapestry.
Embracing the city’s cultural tapestry, it celebrates the harmonious conjunction of cultures of Siliguri through its vibrant setting that captures the essence of invigorating flavours.
Bhaichung Bhutia said, “As a religious admirer of immersive dining experience, I wanted to curate a gastronomic dining experience that was nothing short of ordinary. With GOAT, we wanted to cultivate a space for the culinary aficionados where they indulge in finely crafted culinary delights, savouring in the sumptuous ambiance and luxurious service, ultimately elevating Siliguri’s dining landscape to exceptional pinnacles.”
The extensive range of culinary offerings sets it apart from the rest. The carefully designed diverse menu is a testament to culinary artistry, delivering an explosion of unique flavours to tantalise the palette.
The restaurant caters to the evolving preferences of the guests by providing a transformative journey from sophisticated brunches to evening drunches. Every culinary preference is accompanied by an array of the city’s finest cocktails, poised to levitate the dining journey with a dash of modern refinement.
Elated about this innovative venture Nitin Aggarwal, Managing Director at GOAT said, “In a city yearning for a culinary establishment that truly resonates luxury, it has successfully filled this void by fulfilling this city’s desire for a dining haven, where eminence, exclusivity and extravagance reign supreme. With Bhaichung Bhutia’s vision, it has transcended the realms of traditional restaurants and is crafting unforgettable evocative dining experiences, revolutionising Siliguri’s premium dining scene.”
Beverage Director Vincent Balao, formerly the Lead Sommelier at Atelier Crenn, designed a program that features classic old-world and new-world wines, champagnes, beers, ciders, sake, and alcohol-free spirits…reports Asian Lite News
California’s ever-evolving culinary landscape is a vibrant mosaic of innovation and cultural fusion. It isn’t just about sustenance, but a dynamic reflection of the state’s creativity, sustainability, and appreciation for diverse tastes and traditions. Savor varied gastronomic adventures at these 5 new dining destinations that celebrate taste, culture, and ingenuity. From farm-to-table emphasis to global influences and elevated classics to bold fusions, each restaurant offers a unique experience.
The Newly-Opened Kiln, San Francisco
Opened in Hayes Valley, Kiln is a new 3,400-square-foot fine-dining concept from Partner/Chef John Wesley and Partner/General Manager Julianna Yang, who previously worked together at Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters. Wesley and Yang were inspired to introduce a transformative dining experience that showcases worldly ingredients, high-level technique, and excellent hospitality. The Tasting Menu (18-20 courses, $225) and Bar Menu (810 courses, $135) study intention, simplicity, and purity of flavour with an ingredient-forward and technique-driven approach to global cuisine. Kiln’s purveyors include 90% local farmers, sustainably sourced meats, and wild-caught seasonal seafood – all of which share the restaurant’s dedication to the finest products. Beverage Director Vincent Balao, formerly the Lead Sommelier at Atelier Crenn, designed a program that features classic old-world and new-world wines, champagnes, beers, ciders, sake, and alcohol-free spirits.
Luxury Dining at Kimpton Alma San Diego’s Leave of Absence
Kimpton Alma San Diego, the recently opened boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, debuted its newest dining venue, Leave of Absence, a rooftop, poolside hangout serving fresh fare and delectable cocktails. Leave of Absence is located on the hotel’s pool deck and features a menu of delicious finger foods straight out of the stone, wood-fired oven, and handcrafted cocktails meant to be enjoyed in the sun and by the pool. This venue marks the third dining destination spearheaded by acclaimed Los Angeles-based chef-restaurateur Jason Neroni within Kimpton Alma. Some menu items include chicken shawarma meatballs, Hanger steak shashlik, baked rigatoni, wood-fired flatbreads, the Raspado, a Jamaican-inspired slushy spiked with mezcal; the Taiji cocktail and more.
Liquid Gravity Brewing Company’s New Taproom, Old Town Orcutt
Liquid Gravity Brewing Company was founded by San Luis Obispo native Brendan Gough. A brewing industry veteran, Gough has spent his career brewing on the Central Coast. After working for Doc Cellars, Central Coast Brewing and Firestone Walker, to name a few, Gough decided to venture on his own and Liquid Gravity was born. The beers brewed and developed at Liquid Gravity Brewing Company push boundaries. By focusing on big, bold, flavour-rich beers, exotic ingredients, and cutting-edge brewing techniques, Liquid Gravity aims to offer an experience unlike any other on the Central Coast. In May 2023, Liquid Gravity opened its second taproom in Old Town Orcutt. Located at 156 Broadway Street, Ste. F, the new taproom opens at noon Tuesday through Sunday.
Fess Parker’s Newly Renovated Epiphany Tasting Room, Santa Ynez Valley
The recent renovation of Fess Parker’s Epiphany Tasting Room in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, caters to discerning leisure travellers and wine enthusiasts. The renovation enhances the outdoor tasting experience, introducing new pavers and shade sails, perimeter bench seating, upgraded cushions and finishes for the lounge furniture, and a new outdoor service bar in the expansive garden area. These enhancements are designed to create a comfortable and functional space where guests can savour Rhône varietal wines while immersing themselves in the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Overseeing the renovation was Josh White, a dedicated family member committed to preserving the legacy of Fess Parker as a family-owned and operated business.
Late-Night Fun at New Oceanside Speakeasies
Oceanside’s nightlife scene has doubled with two new speakeasies offering creative craft cocktails and immersive themed experiences. Ladies Love Outlaws is located inside Heritage Barbecue & Beer Co. and boasts a dark and moody atmosphere with a laid-back Honky Tonk vibe. The bar’s vintage jukebox is loaded with classic country gold, and the bar features aptly named cocktails like “Big Buckle Energy.” The Space Pad at Kilowatt Brewery is an otherworldly cocktail lounge inspired by the planet Rillispore. Guests enter through a space elevator to experience the 1950s atomic era-styled cosmic ambience and can choose from a menu of innovative cocktails designed by Mixologist Cristian Diaz, known for his work at Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Menu items include cocktails with flavoured smoke bubbles, lava lamp drinks that change colour, and spherefied cocktails that patrons can bite into.
Nothing uplifts the ambience of a party more than an exquisite serving platter laden with mouth-watering nibbles…writes Sanjeev Agarwal
You’ve sent out the invitations, planned the menu, bought all the ingredients and readied a playlist. You’re almost set for your lavish dinner party at home except for one important detail – the table decor! It’s probably just as important as the food and is likely to make a lasting impression on your guests.
At any dinner party, the highlight is always the food and drinks. You’ll find your guests milling around the dinner table throughout the night, so it’s probably a good idea to add a statement piece or two to lift the aesthetic around the table. Sanjeev Agrawal, CEO & Founder, Orvi Surfaces suggests a few tableware and decor accessories you can use to liven up your party.
Raku Vase
Raku firing is an ancient Japanese technique of alternating hand firing and rapid cooling on ceramic to reveal intense colours and patterns. Place a Raku-fired vase topped with a bunch of fresh flowers in the centre of your dining table and watch your table transform into the centre of attention at the party. Tarkashi Serving Platter
Nothing uplifts the ambience of a party more than an exquisite serving platter laden with mouth-watering nibbles. Handcrafted from Acacia wood with intricate floral brass detailing, Tarkashi serving platters may be guilty of drawing attention away from your food! They’re ideal for presenting finger food and appetisers in a sophisticated way. Plus, you contribute towards sustaining the centuries old art of Tarkashi, an intricate art dying a slow death due to lack of awareness.
Pietra Dura Serving Tray with Handles
Inlaid with the semi-precious Mother of Pearl, the Pietra Dura serving tray is the perfect vehicle to ferry food to and from the table, or even to use as a makeshift charcuterie board. It’s sturdy, light and extremely convenient to use, not to mention a superbly striking accessory for any dinner table.
Intarsio Cake Stand
The combination of natural stone and brass inlay makes the Intarsio cake stand a dinner party must-have. This is a multi-functional handmade decor-piece – when you’re welcoming your guests, top it with delicate flower arrangements or use it as a cheese board, and towards the end of the night, use it to serve cakes, cookies and muffins. This piece is available in a contemporary geometric pattern and also in a delicate flower pattern.
Gravure Coasters
If you’re planning an intimate sit-down dinner, a set of Gravure coasters is the perfect addition to your table setting. These hand engraved pieces have an eye-catching print, inspired by the Jaipur block prints and Paisley design that has been carved into the stone to give them a signature quality. A felt back and sealant coating mean you don’t have to worry about drink spills and stains.
The philosophy behind Pa Pa Ya is simple – present Asian cuisine paired with Asian centric spirits with a twist…writes Puja Gupta.
Food is a weakness for some people at least. Pan Asian dining concept Pa Pa Ya has opened in Gurugram. With this newest entrant, Moonshine Food Ventures strengthens their association with Massive Restaurants after the opening of Farzi Cafe, Aerocity.
The design of the place draws inspiration from the age-old art of “kintsugi” which is similar to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, embracing of the flawed or imperfect.
Speaking on the opening, Zorawar Kalra, Founder and Managing Director, Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., said: “Pa Pa Ya is a fun and ‘high energy dining’ concept that encapsulates all the five senses into the dining experience. The philosophy behind Pa Pa Ya is simple – present Asian cuisine paired with Asian centric spirits with a twist. This is done through a mix of cutting- edge cooking techniques like molecular gastronomy & mixology, which has been used throughout the menu wherever it genuinely adds value, in a sense for it to be a combination of art and science.”
Vishal Anand, Founder, Moonshine Food Ventures, said: “Pa Pa Ya, Gurgaon is an outcome of our successful and pleasant association with Massive restaurants which started from Farzi Cafe, Aerocity. The association has only become stronger with time and with the second franchise in place, we hope to achieve greater heights together with Pa Pa Ya.”
Pa Pa Ya, Gurgaon is integrated with cutting edge contemporary cooking techniques, including the use of the latest innovations and technology used in molecular gastronomy.
Retaining the flavors of Asian classics, the menu includes Sushi Matrix, Shao Mai Dimsums, Lamb Rendang curry; Penang Curry; Mapo Tofu; Peanut crusted ikan bakar; Shanghainese style pork belly; Tuna tataki pizza; Rock shrimp tempura; and more for a true pan-Asian dining experience.
For those with a sweet tooth, the selection offers unique versions of iconic dessert from the regions that are presented in a fun and engaging manner for an indulgent affair such as Chocolate ball on fire, Liquid hazelnut fondant cake and many more.
The property offers a mix of outdoor and indoor seating for the guest. Seating capacity of 72 people, situated on the second floor of Worldmark Gurgaon giving a magnificent view of the Gurugram skyline.
