Grand Mercure Bangalore Brings the Rich Legacy of Anglo-Indian Cuisine to the Table

A LIMITED-PERIOD DINING EXPERIENCE CURATED WITH ACCLAIMED COOKBOOK AUTHOR AND CULINARY RESEARCHER BRIDGET WHITE-KUMAR, BRINGING HERITAGE RECIPES AND TIMELESS FLAVOURS TO THE TABLE IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD ANGLO-INDIAN DAY.

BANGALORE,  JULY 2026 - Continuing its commitment to celebrating India's rich culinary heritage, Grand Mercure Bangalore brings The Anglo-Indian Heritage Table. A limited-period culinary experience curated in collaboration with award-winning cookbook author, culinary researcher, and food consultant Bridget White-Kumar.

Drawing from recipes that evolved across Dak Bungalows, Army Camps, Railways, and Country Clubs during the British Raj, the specially curated menu brings together a selection of Anglo-Indian classics that reflect the cuisine's distinctive blend of Indian and European influences. Rooted in family recipes and historical research, the experience offers guests an opportunity to rediscover a culinary tradition shaped by generations of cultural exchange and one that has played a significant role in India's gastronomic heritage.

The culinary experience will be showcased across two of the hotel's signature dining venues. Guests can indulge in a specially curated dinner buffet at The Verandah on 31st July and 1st August, featuring a selection of Anglo-Indian classics, followed by a specially curated Sunday Brunch buffet at By The Blue on 2nd August, which also marks World Anglo-Indian Day, featuring an expanded spread of heritage favourites.

Speaking on the collaboration, Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, "At Grand Mercure Bangalore, we are committed to showcasing India's rich culinary diversity through authentic experiences. Partnering with Bridget White-Kumar allows us to present the heritage of Anglo-Indian cuisine through recipes that celebrate its history, traditions, and enduring appeal."

Commenting on the collaboration, Bridget White-Kumar said, "Anglo-Indian cuisine is deeply rooted in history, family traditions, and cultural exchange. I am delighted to collaborate with Grand Mercure Bangalore to bring these heritage recipes to guests and celebrate a cuisine that continues to be cherished across generations."

Through immersive culinary collaborations such as The Anglo-Indian Heritage Table, Grand Mercure Bangalore continues to celebrate India's diverse regional cuisines, inviting guests to discover the stories, traditions, and flavours that define the country's rich culinary landscape.

From Zo House Bangalore to Y Combinator: How an 18-year-old built a $7,239 MRR startup in 72 hours

The founder is among several Zo House residents accepted into Y Combinator's 2026 startup cohorts.

Discussions around startups often focus on funding, accelerators and mentorship, while the role of a founder’s living environment receives less attention. Zo House, which describes itself as India’s first permanent hacker house network, provides residential spaces designed for startup founders.

Y Combinator founders

Savio Martin, one of the youngest Indian founders ever accepted into Y Combinator (Spring 2026 batch, at 18 years and 10 months), first caught the world’s attention when his side project SimpleClaw hit $7,239 MRR within 72 hours of launch, trended on X with 1.3 million impressions, and scaled to $40K MRR. That velocity earned him a spot at YC, where he chose Zo House Bangalore as his base for the batch. It was inside that ecosystem that he built Result (result.dev), a unified platform that takes a founder from idea to incorporated company with product, finances, taxes, and marketing in one place, featured by Y Combinator on June 10, 2026.

The pattern continued into the very next batch, Harish Ashok, 17, a Zo House Bangalore resident, has been accepted into Y Combinator Summer 2026, where he is building Markov, a platform creating reinforcement learning environments that teach AI to use computers. Also from the Zo World ecosystem, Shubham Palriwala and Parth Ajmera, co-founders of Agnost AI, infrastructure for self-improving AI agents already working with Google and Exa AI, have been accepted into the same batch.

Zo House model

Zo House was built on a foundational belief: that the physical space a founder inhabits shapes the quality and speed of what they build. Unlike co-working spaces that offer desks or accelerators that offer programming, Zo House offers something harder to manufacture: a permanent community of builders who live, think, and ship together. The people in the next room are not colleagues. They are co-founders, future investors, and the kind of peers whose daily intensity raises your own baseline.

Leadership comment

“India has world-class founders. What it has lacked is world-class founder infrastructure, the kind of environment where ambition compounds because of who you are surrounded by every single day. Zo House exists to build exactly that,” said Aviral Gupta, CEO of Zostel and Zo World.

Expansion plans

Zo House Bangalore is the first location in Zo World’s planned network of permanent hacker houses across India. The model is designed as a long-term residential community for startup founders rather than short-term accommodation.

The expansion comes as India sees a growing number of early-stage founders building startups for global markets, with Zo House offering a dedicated living and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs.

Nasi and Mee Launches the Simply Sedap menu across all Bangalore Outlets

Nasi and Mee presents Simply Sedap, an unapologetically indulgent limited-time menu that brings together the most crave-worthy flavours of Southeast Asian food with a richer, more decadent twist.

Sink into the luxurious bite of Truffle Xiao Long Bao, where delicate dumplings burst with aromatic broth and earthy truffle notes. The iconic Singapore Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) arrives crisp, smoky, and deeply savoury, tossed in XO chilli for that irresistible umami kick. The comforting bowl of Wonton Mee layers springy noodles, juicy dumplings, and tender char siu chicken for a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

For bold flavour lovers, the fiery Ayam Penyet delivers perfectly crisp smashed chicken, drenched in sambal and paired with fragrant jasmine rice. Slow-simmered and velvety, the Massaman Curry wraps coconut richness, peanuts, and warm spice into every spoonful. And to finish, the soft, cloud-like Kaya Bao offers a gentle sweetness with silky house-made kaya and a delicate coconut finish.

Designed for lingering bites and second helpings, Simply Sedap is a feast of comfort, boldness, and pure indulgence every dish inviting you to savour just one more bite.

Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Price: INR 375 onwards
Outlets: Across all outlets in Bangalore

Women's Day Dining | Women's Day experiences launching over restaurants in Bangalore and Goa

A Toast to Women | Hunaaan Celebrates Women’s Day with Eleve Salon

Bangalore, March 2026: This Women’s Day, Hunaaan invites guests to celebrate the occasion with a relaxed and thoughtfully curated dining experience at its Indiranagar restaurant. Marking the day with a special collaboration, Hunaaan has partnered with Eleve Salon, a well-known salon brand with multiple outlets across Bangalore, to extend a 20% discount for all women diners at Eleve Salon. The initiative brings together good food and self-care, creating a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate the day. At Hunaaan, Women’s Day is seen as an opportunity to appreciate women in everyday spaces. Whether it’s catching up with friends, stepping out with colleagues, or enjoying a quiet meal, the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere allows guests to celebrate at their own pace.

The experience is complemented by Hunaaan’s flavour-forward Pan-Asian menu, featuring favourites such as Avocado Garden Sushi, Chicken Satay, BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, and the signature Dragon Shrimp Hunaaan, making it a relaxed and flavourful way to mark the occasion.

For more information:
Price for Two: INR 1,300
Venue: Hunaaan, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Address: 2nd Floor, 3163, 12th Main Rd, Defence Colony, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008 Indiranagar, Bangalore.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunaaanindia?igsh=ZzNwczIwM3c5em02

Sunset, Sweets & a Night Out | Women’s Day at Dynamo Goa

Goa, March 2026: This Women’s Day, Dynamo invites women to step into an evening that blends sunset glamour with vibrant nightlife. To mark the occasion, all ladies enjoy free entry along with a complimentary dessert before 11 PM, setting the tone for a celebration that’s indulgent and effortlessly fun. Set against Vagator’s stunning cliffside views, the evening flows seamlessly from laid-back sunset moments to an energetic after-dark atmosphere. At Dynamo, Women’s Day is about creating a space where women can celebrate on their own terms. Known for its bold vibe and lively crowd, the venue naturally lends itself to girls’ nights out, spontaneous plans, and evenings that turn into memorable celebrations.

The experience is complemented by Dynamo’s crowd-favourite menu, featuring plates like the Mexican Burger, Chicken Cotadina Pizza, Chaap & Chokha, and the popular Dynamo-style Aloo Tikki. Paired with signature cocktails and the venue’s Wild West–inspired interiors and sea-facing views, Dynamo promises a Women’s Day celebration that’s vibrant, spirited, and unforgettable.

For more information:

Venue: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop, Vagator, Goa

Days: Monday to Sunday

Timing: 4:00 PM onwards till late

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dynamo.goa?igsh=MTFmY2VoOG4yNzVzNg==

Not Just Women’s Day. A Women-Led Experience. 

Bangalore, March 2026: This Women’s Day, Kai Bar & Kitchen turns the spotlight inward, celebrating the women whose passion and dedication shape every guest experience within the space. Across the Women’s Day weekend, the restaurant will host a specially curated brunch led entirely by the women of the brand, from chefs and bartenders to the reception, housekeeping, and floor teams.The brunch will feature signature dishes conceptualised by Kai’s women chefs, alongside handcrafted cocktails created by the women behind the bar. The experience will be further elevated by performances from women DJs and vocalists, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

Adding a personal touch, each table will feature story cards introducing guests to the women of Kai, sharing their journeys and inspirations. With this initiative, Kai Bar & Kitchen highlights its commitment to recognising and empowering the women who bring the brand to life every day.

Event Details
Event: Women’s Day Brunch The Women of Kai
Dates: 8th March 2026
Venue: Kai Bar & Kitchen

Roxie & Barry—An Indo-Italian Crafthouse Opens in Bangalore City

Bangalore’s dining landscape welcomes a distinctive new address with the launch of Roxie & Barry, India’s first Indo-Italian crafthouse that blends culinary philosophy, music, and storytelling into a deeply personal guest experience. 

Conceived and led by restaurateur Pravesh Pandey, Roxie & Barry is not positioned as another Italian restaurant. Instead, it is a narrative-driven space inspired by two Italian coasts, two contrasting food cultures, and the reunion of two characters whose identities shape the menu and the mood. 

The menu design is by Head of Culinary Jagdish Naidu and Head of Kitchen Operations Chef Abhrajyoti Nandy, while the bar programme is led by Sagar Sarki. Roxie represents the vibrant spirit of Italy’s western shoreline, particularly the Amalfi Coast—a region known for its celebratory cuisine, citrus-forward flavours, fresh seafood, tomatoes, and layered, expressive dishes. This is food that is bold, colourful and designed to be shared. From Roxie’s West Coast kitchen come distinctive creations such as Charred Pineapple al Piccante—gently smoked pineapple layered with coconut-turmeric sauce and goat cheese mousse; Ricotta & Truffle Agnolotti—house-made pasta parcels finished in sage butter and toasted hazelnuts; and Mediterranean Baked Seabass—delicately roasted with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and citrus zest. 

Barry draws from the eastern coast, rooted in Apulia—where cuisine is shaped by land, restraint, and ingredient integrity. Olive oil-forward preparations, handmade durum wheat pastas, wild greens, legumes, and simply treated seafood define this side of the menu. Here, flavour develops through patience rather than excess. Barry’s East Coast menu leans into soulful, ingredient-led plates, including Lobster Bisque Risotto—slow-simmered and seafood-rich with layers of depth; Hummus & Lamb Bolognese—a comforting meeting of Middle Eastern warmth and Italian tradition; and Confit Duck Leg with Mushroom Jus—slow-cooked to tenderness and paired with silky mash and reduced jus. 

At Roxie & Barry, these two culinary philosophies coexist—offering guests a table that balances indulgence and purity, glamour and humility. 

Under Pravesh Pandey’s direction, the restaurant operates as a true crafthouse. Every foundational element is prepared in-house. Pastas are shaped and extruded fresh daily. Doughs are mixed, rested, and baked internally. Stocks and sauces are slow-cooked from raw ingredients. Compotes, pickles, and preserves are produced in small batches. The kitchen avoids commercial premixes and ready-made bases, prioritizing control, freshness, and authenticity.

Time is treated as an ingredient. Fermentation is respected. Reductions are not rushed. Preparation follows process rather than convenience. 

The bar mirrors Barry’s philosophy—organic, spirit-forward, and intentionally restrained. Highlights from Barry’s Paradise include Barry’s Signature Picante, Scarlet Whisper, Pandon Moon, and Drink at Your Own Risk, while Roxie’s Secret Collection features Beni Hana, Summer in Sicilia, White Petronia, Tequila Flora, and much more. 

Music plays a defining role in the brand identity. A daily 7 PM welcome ritual signals the start of the evening service, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to shared experience rather than passive dining. Live performances are curated to create an atmosphere rooted in personality, not background noise. 

Sustainability and responsible sourcing are also embedded into operations, reflecting a philosophy that values seasonality, mindful procurement, and minimal-waste practices. 

For Pravesh Pandey, Roxie & Barry represents a belief that the guest experience should feel intentional. “We wanted to build a place where craft replaces convenience and emotion sits comfortably beside discipline,” he shares. “This is about honest food, thoughtful drinks, and creating a space that feels alive.” 

Housed in a restored mansion setting in Bangalore, Roxie & Barry aims to become more than a dining venue—positioning itself as a cultural landmark where food, music, and memory intersect. 

Roxie & Barry officially opens its doors on 27 February 2026, inviting Bangalore’s diners to experience East and West Italy reinterpreted through Indian warmth and craftsmanship. 

Media Contact:

Name: Shabeena

Phone: 9830282382

Playboy Unveils Flagship Store newest brand GARDEN CAFE in Koramangala, Bangalore

National: Playboy India Ventures proudly announces the opening of its flagship store on the ground floor of Bunny Bar, Koramangala, Bangalore. This premium café is set to transform the gourmet food and beverage landscape in India, offering unique experiences that combine innovation, health, and high-quality craftsmanship.

The highlight of the café's menu is the Five-Colored (Yellow , Red, Pink, Blue , Black) Lattes, created from natural, healthy ingredients. These vibrant, visually striking beverages are 100% caffeine-free, making them a wholesome and refreshing alternative to traditional hot drinks. Complementing these lattes, the café also serves artisanal coffees made from a premium blend of mild roasted beans sourced directly from Chikmagalur farms, renowned for their top-quality coffee.

The café takes pride in its freshly prepared food, with offerings like hand-stretched pizzas, pasta, and wood-fired sandwiches, all crafted in-house. For early risers, the café also offers a delightful breakfast menu, including smoothie bowls and fresh fruit platters, perfect for those seeking a nutritious start to their day.

Rohit Malhotra, CEO of Jay Jay and Kwality Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., shared, "We’re excited to offer something truly distinct in India’s café culture. Our fresh, gourmet food and innovative beverages are designed to cater to health-conscious individuals and food lovers alike. We are not competing with other coffee chains; instead, we focus on delivering a premium experience that’s not available elsewhere."

Following the success of this flagship location, the company plans to expand the concept to 5-6 more locations across India in the near future.

Jay Jay and Kwality Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. is the master license holder for Playboy Venues in India.

Caffe Allora Expands Presence with Sixth Outlet Launch at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore

Bangalore, India - April 2024 - Caffe Allora, the renowned Italian bistro, proudly unveils its latest venture with the grand opening of its sixth outlet at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore. Marking yet another significant milestone in the brand's expansion strategy, this newest addition promises to elevate the culinary landscape of Bangalore and further solidify Caffe Allora's position as a leading café chain in the country.

Caffè Allora symbolizes the quintessential family-run Italian trattorias, replete with the warmth and authenticity of a traditional Italian bistro. From meticulously crafted pizzas and pastas to a delectable array of risottos and antipasti, the menu curated at Caffe Allora caters to every discerning palate, offering a symphony of flavors.

At Caffè Allora, patrons can indulge in signature 15” pizzas, which offer the option for two toppings side-by-side, or savor their authentic Napoli (Neapolitan) pizzas, available in 8”, 12”, and 15” sizes. However, their culinary offerings extend far beyond pizzas. Caffe Allora takes pride in presenting a diverse selection of soups, salads, small plates, sandwiches, pastas (including metal-cut and handmade varieties), and arborio rice risottos. As part of their commitment to freshness and sustainability, patrons can enhance their dining experience by picking fresh basil leaves from the hydroponics set-up within the restaurant for a true farm-to-table indulgence.

In addition to its exquisite culinary offerings, Caffe Allora at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore, presents an ambiance that transcends the ordinary, inviting patrons to unwind and socialize in style. Caffe Allora has a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages, including expertly crafted coffees, refreshing lemonades, and artisanal juices, as well as an extensive array of wine, beer, and cocktails.

Commenting on the launch, Prashant Issar, Director of Bellona Hospitality Service Limited said, "Our journey with Caffe Allora has been one of unwavering commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to introduce our sixth outlet at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore. This expansion not only reflects our dedication to providing exceptional culinary experiences but also underscores our confidence in the dynamic and diverse market of Bangalore as this is the second outlet in the city.

The launch of the sixth outlet at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore, underscores Caffe Allora's commitment to expanding its footprint while upholding its core values of culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality. As the brand continues to redefine the art of socializing, patrons can expect nothing short of an exceptional dining experience at every Caffe Allora outlet.

Appointment | Madhav Sehgal appointed as the General Manager of The Leela Palace Bengaluru

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, announced the appointment of Madhav Sehgal as the General Manager of The Leela Palace Bengaluru. In his role, Madhav will lead the operations of The Leela Palace Bengaluru, and work towards strengthening its leadership positioning within this highly competitive luxury market.

Madhav is an accomplished hotelier and brings with him over two decades of diverse hospitality experience having worked across markets like India, UAE, and Canada. His multi property operational experience, leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of the business are distinguishing facets of his career. With innovative and proactive strategic planning and strong interpersonal and people skills, he is focused on ensuring stellar standards of guest service which are synonymous to The Leela brand are benchmarked and maintained.

Prior to joining The Leela, Madhav was the General Manager at Andaz Delhi and Hyatt Delhi Residences. His previous assignments include The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, The Imperial Hotel New Delhi, Renaissance and Marriott Hotels in Canada, Fairmont Abu Dhabi and Hyatt Hotels in Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai amongst others. Through his career journey, Madhav has established, and pioneered trend setting standalone F&B venues and positioned these with strong independent brand identities.

Madhav’s academic qualifications include a 3-year Diploma in Hotel Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management Systems from Niagara College, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Commenting on the appointment, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Operating Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “It is a pleasure to have Madhav onboard to lead this iconic property. We are confident that with his vast hospitality experience, passion and commitment to the industry and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of today’s discerning traveller, Madhav will spearhead the hotel as it continues to evolve and strengthen its positioning as one of the most desirable hotels in the world.”