Scoot Attains International Air Transport Association (IATA) Membership

  • Joins Community of 300 IATA Members Across 120 Countries

  • Accreditation that Scoot meets the highest standards for airline safety

  • Greater opportunities to drive industry priorities and key initiatives

Singapore – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, has attained full International Air

Transport Association (IATA) membership. Only airlines that meet IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)

standards for safety in airline operations are eligible for IATA’s membership.

Mr. Leslie Thng, Scoot’s Chief Executive Officer, said “We are honored to become an IATA member. This

international recognition affirms our dedication to upholding safety for our passengers. Through the decade, we

have continued to enhance our operational resilience and improve our customers’ experience. Looking ahead,

we hope to continue to pave the way in redefining and elevating value-travel in our industry.”

”We are delighted to welcome Scoot as an IATA member. Having Scoot, a low-cost carrier, as a member will

further enhance the diversity of views we have in the Association. We look forward to working with the Scoot

team towards the sustainable growth of the industry as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19,” said Philip

Goh, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.

The IATA membership is only open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services. Maintaining

an IOSA registration, and complying with the IOSA program, an internationally recognised and accepted

evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline, is a

condition of IATA membership.

As part of the IATA membership, Scoot will have the opportunity to help drive priorities within the aviation

industry and participate in member conferences that bring together representatives from leading international

airlines. Being a member also gives Scoot access to IATA training in major fields such as aviation safety and

security, operational efficiency and excellence, sustainability, as well as programmes that help strengthen the

capabilities of aviation industry professionals.

PURATOS TEGRAL SATIN PLUM CAKE EGG-FREE OFFERS A ONE-STOP SOLUTION TO BAKERS AND ARTISANS THIS CHRISTMAS

When it comes to Christmas, there is nothing that can replace the rich plum cake. It has remained an inseparable part of the traditional treats for Christmas festivities. With the growing demand for plum cakes during the season, bakers and artisans are working round the clock to offer the best and newest variations to their customers. While it is one of the must-have products in the artisan assortment, the procurement of raw ingredients for plum cake preparation is quite laborious. Puratos Tegral Satin Plum cake egg-free offers a one-stop hassle-free solution that perfectly fits into the artisan scheme of things. 

Mr. Ashish Seth, Managing Director, Puratos Food Ingredients India Pvt. Ltd., said “The delicious plum cakes have remained the quintessential treat during the Christmas season that helps bakers boost their sales. Puratos Tegral Satin Plum cake egg-free offers the perfect solution for bakers to be innovative with their cake preparations that the consumers will love and patronize. It relieves them from the cumbersome task of procurement and keeping all the key ingredients in the store required for plum cake preparation. While plum cakes are prepared using eggs, Tegral Satin Plum cake is egg-free, keeping in mind the taste profile of customers in India.”

 

Tegral Satin Plum Cake Egg Free Mix which is a perfect blend of spices gives rich dark colour and good volume to your bar cakes, cupcakes, and round cakes. With loads of fruits, and nuts and infused with a rich taste it will enliven the finished product and differentiate it through taste and innovation. Puratos global presence, long history of expertise, and R&D capabilities in India have enabled them to tailor products to match Indian preferences, value, and functionality.

Celebrate the Warmth of Campfire Dinner at The Bheemili Beach, Visakhapatnam

It’s the time of the year when the temperature drops down and those extra wood and dried leaves are valued. The essence of being outside simplifies everything. The Campfire Dinner by the beach at The Bheemili Resort is a celebration of people’s ever-growing love for new, tasty and scrumptious food. The food will be prepared fresh at the barbeque grills, giving a unique open-air kitchen feel. The process is streamlined by utilizing techniques used in classic kitchens that make the day off seamless so that you can kick back and enjoy the views with your company.

Savor all things barbecue and grill to perfection. Indulge in the selection of items served with a wide variety of meat, seafood, and fresh vegetables. From Chicken to Fresh Sea Fish, Shashliks, and Jacket Potatoes & many more to choose from that your heart desires, this Campfire Dinner will leave you unsettled in witty culinary satire.

Relish on an extensive feast with charcoal-grilled specialties by the culinary experts at The Bheemli Resort.

What: Campfire Dinner

Where: The Lawn, The Bheemili Resort

When: : From 25th November 2022 till 31st January 2023, Every Friday

Time: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Price: 1799+

Six Senses Fort Barwara Crafts Special Holiday Experiences This Season

Experience the holiday season, the Six Senses way

With the winter chill in the air, expansive views of the Aravali, and the warmth of the delicious Rajasthani cuisine the secret location of the Six Senses Fort Barwara makes for the perfect winter holiday destination. Six Senses Fort Barwara has lined up a series of out-of-the-ordinary events for you, and your loved ones. It is a perfect choice to celebrate with the whole family, and enjoy family-friendly activities, cocktails at sundowners, spa and wellness programs, and delightful culinary experiences, all specially crafted to enchant the senses.

Situated away from the city hustle, the beautiful 14th-century fort has been sensitively converted to become a destination for history lovers, adventure seekers, and wellness enthusiasts. The culinary journey offers a creative approach to regional Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with a sprinkle of international influences while embracing the Eat with Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce.

 

The dining experiences at Fort Barwara are spread across The Cortile, the all-day diner; and Rani Bagh- an all-day bar by the pool surrounded by the tall fort walls. In the evening, the colors of Rani Bagh and live music brings the fort to life and its glory. Aside from the restaurants, there’s Shikar Burj for a dine-under-the-stars experience.

Six Senses Integrated Wellness plays a pivotal role at all Six Senses resorts and spas, and at Fort Barwara, guests can also discover a menu of signature massages, Ayurvedic treatments, nurturing facials, mindfulness practices, and personalized wellness programs based on the preventative principles of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences.

Christmas & New Year's Offers: 

Guests can make the most of their holiday getaway with an exciting festive calendar that kicks off on December 22 leading up to New Year’s celebrations. Engage in various activities such as Christmas tree decoration, pop-up bars planned at surprise locations, Christmas treats baking sessions, movie nights at the Viewing Gallery and more. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch and dinner at The Cortile, an all-day dining restaurant located by a leafy 14th- century courtyard, along with an offering of Destination Dining where they can choose their spot to celebrate special moments under the blanket of stars.

During their stay, guests can opt for Hatha Yoga, Yin & Yan Yoga, and various other yoga activities at locations that offer panoramic views. From foot massage workshops for couples and body balance sessions to fitness consultations with the expert and visiting practitioner Christiaan, one can experience the most amazing wellness treatments. One can also spend a DIY afternoon at the signature Six Senses Earth Lab facilities to learn the art of upcycling wax, blending oils, and other sustainability workshops.

Another of the resort’s festive highlights is The Gala dinner at Zenana lawns. Appearing for one day only on December 31, the New Year’s Eve will be complete with DJ sets followed by a Live band and an afterparty at Zenana lawns.

By day, the GEM can arrange a private tiger safari or heritage walk through the ramparts of the fort, or have a go at learning local cooking methods in earthenware pots with one of our chefs. Six Senses Fort Barwara combines and customizes activities to suit energetic guests and those who prefer to simply sit back and relax, taking in all the dazzling attractions that Rajasthan has to offer.

 

About Six Senses Fort Barwara

Situated in the culturally rich province of Rajasthan, a beautiful 14th-century fort has been sensitively restored to become Six Senses Fort Barwara. This significant conservation effort reinterprets the gracious and regal ambiance of a bygone era. The resort includes two palaces, two original temples, and 48 beautifully appointed suites within the fort walls. Three restaurants offer innovative menus emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, while the impressive Six Senses Spa provides a peaceful sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. Outside the fort, the property faces the charming village of Barwara to the west and a forested expanse to the east. The famous tigers of Ranthambore National Park are only a short drive away.

Nature’s Basket unveils new flagship at Nepean Sea Road, South Mumbai

Mumbai, November 2022: Strategically located & tastefully designed, the store reflects the brand promise of ‘Taste the World’. With this, Nature’s Basket now operates 35 stores across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Pune.

Nature’s Basket (NB), India’s foremost retail destination for fine foods from around the world, and part of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG), launched its brand new flagship store in Nepean Sea Road, South Mumbai. The new Nepean sea road store is a reflection of the brand’s promise of being the go-to place for the customer’s Gourmet needs. Located on the premises of the famous Infinity Towers compound at Narayan Dabholkar Road (off Nepeansea road), the store is a much-awaited destination to cater to the Gourmet needs of residents in the Malabar Hill and Nepean sea road area.

The store, which is approximately 4700 sq. ft., will offer a wide range of gourmet products, fresh produce, bakery, and dairy items. The new Nature’s Basket store will operate between 8 am to 10 pm on seven days. Nature’s Basket had also invited food and lifestyle influencers from Mumbai to attend the launch event and get the first-hand experience of shopping at the store and a sneak peek at its inventory. The bloggers have showcased the offerings of the store on their social media handles.

Speaking on the occasion, Devendra Chawla, CEO, of Nature’s Basket and Spencer’s Retail shared “Mumbai is our foremost market and we continue to deepen our presence in this city. The addition of this store right in the heart of South Mumbai will delight our customers, especially given the catchments profile consisting of well-traveled and extremely discerning customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Shashwat Goenka, Sector Head - Retail & FMCG, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group added, “Nature’s Basket as a Brand is uniquely positioned to cater to the Gourmet needs of our customers. The addition of our Nepean Sea Road reaffirms the group’s belief in India’s increasing Gourmet appetite and we are pleased that through Nature’s Basket, our customers can “Taste the World” right here at a store near them.

Nature’s Basket is an omnichannel Gourmet retailer operating 35 stores across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Pune. Besides physical stores, the brand also has a strong online presence and customers can order online at https://www.naturesbasket.co.in/ or download the Nature’s Basket app from Play Store / App store

The Anam Mui Ne To Celebrate Grand Opening in January

MUI NE, Vietnam (November 2022) – The Anam Mui Ne, a resort with 127 elegant rooms and suites, a sublime design inspired by Vietnam’s Indochine era, and a prime beachfront location will celebrate its grand opening in January next year.

Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the independently owned and operated five-star resort is the second Anam property to open. The Anam Mui Ne follows the successful 2017 debut of The Anam Cam Ranh which has been recognized by some of the industry’s highest accolades including placement among Asia’s top resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021 and 2020. 

Overlooking Mui Ne’s white sand beach, the resort affords spectacular East Sea vistas. The resort’s dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill called The Indochine, beachside restaurant and bars Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, Saigon Bar in the lobby, and 24-7 in-room dining. The resort will cut the ribbon on a collection of luxurious facilities on January 11 including a five-treatment-room spa, two spacious swimming pools - one fresh water and the other saltwater - a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club, and gift shop.

Like its predecessor, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is an echo of Vietnam’s bygone Indochine period, with architecture guided by Hanoi’s grand old French villas. Evoking a romantic atmosphere, the likes of glowing lanterns, customized encaustic mosaic tiles, big-bellied clay water vases, statues on plinths, imperial-style roofs, cornice detailing, and intricate woodwork have been crafted by artisans from across Vietnam whose trades have been handed down the generations. Giving way to an infinity pool and the ocean beyond, the lobby makes for a striking first impression, replete with a grand piano and a sloping roof fashioned with glass panels that water gently flows over, casting faint shadows underneath.

The resort’s 127 classic rooms and suites range in size from an ample 40sqm to a spacious 142sqm across six accommodation categories. Seven 142sqm suites come with private pools. A 122sqm presidential suite offers a quarters for bodyguards. Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create unique paintings for each room and suite, opening doors on the country's fascinating culture. Clawfoot bathtubs and custom-built furniture such as leather-bound tables add to the resort’s old-world feel.

“We learned so many valuable lessons about how to design, orient and build a hotel with The Anam Cam Ranh; so much so that every design element that is extraordinary about our first property has been accentuated in The Anam Mui Ne, such as the layouts and flow of the accommodations,” said the resorts’ founder and owner Pham Van Hien. “The alluring woodwork in our Lang Viet Restaurant, from forests cultivated for sustainable harvests in Vietnam, is all handcrafted and took the craftspeople over six months to complete and is just one example of the many hand-crafted design elements evident in our new resort.”

“We expect The Anam Mui Ne to redefine Mui Ne’s hotel scene,” added group general manager Laurent Myter. “There is nothing quite like it; an intimate, classic, and genuine Vietnamese hotel with personalized Vietnamese service that is anything but the industrialized product that so many hotel chains have established in Vietnam.”

The resort will open with a ban on single-use plastics and has implemented an array of measures to reduce its carbon footprint with solar power and locally sourced ingredients. Its water filtration plant supplies drinking water in recycled glass bottles, and laundry water is recycled to water the gardens. Straws, bags, and bathroom amenities are biodegradable. The resort’s eco-friendly key cards are also made from wood that’s been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Famed for its beach, sand dunes, fishing village, Cham towers, and “Fairy Stream” - a shallow stream that flows through vivid orange and white limestone formations - Mui Ne means “sheltered peninsula” in Vietnamese and has become a Southeast Asian windsurfing mecca due to its excellent weather and wind conditions. An expressway due to open shortly will cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to 2.5 hours. An international airport is due to open in Mui Ne in 2025.


THE KING OF NALEN GUR


 The Nalen Gur ice cream is made from liquid Nalen Gur which itself is loaded with minerals that are extremely healthy for our bodies. It is prepared from the sap of the date palm (khajur) tree which is native to Bengal. During winters, the sap is collected in an earthen container hung on the top part of the date palm tree. Nalen Gur liquid is extremely rich in iron and potassium, which may help manage one’s hemoglobin levels. It also contains a good amount of magnesium, which is proven to be helpful for the human nervous system, muscles and bones.

Kolkata, November 2022: Winters are here and it’s soon going to be Nalen Gur time. Nalen Gur is prepared from the sap of the date palm (khajur) tree which is native to Bengal. During winters, the sap is collected in an earthen container hung on the top part of the date palm tree. The sap is heated over a flat pan till it thickens and turns into a viscous liquid with a honey-like consistency. Nalen Gur liquid has a unique earthy & fruity flavor which is adored by millions of Bengalis all over the world.

Have you ever wondered who has worked relentlessly to improve the purity and authenticity of liquid Nalen Gur? Have you ever wondered who actually uses the maximum amount of Nalen Gur in West Bengal? Look no further as the person behind the revival of Nalen Gur is none other than the owner and ice cream maker of Pabrai’s Ice cream – Mr. Anuvrat Pabrai. To his credit and to the delight of millions of ice cream lovers across the world goes the credit for inventing the Nalen Gur ice cream- an ice cream which is rated amongst the seven best sweets in South-East Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent.

The exotic and highly popular Nalen Gur ice cream is a signature offering of the Kolkata-based family run brand - Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice creams.The Nalen Gur ice cream is made from liquid Nalen Gur which itself is loaded with minerals which are extremely healthy for our body. Nalen Gur liquid is extremely rich in iron and potassium, which may help manage one’s hemoglobin levels. It also contains a good amount of magnesium, which is proven to be helpful for the human nervous system, muscles and bones.

The story behind the creation of the Nalen Gur Ice cream is also very interesting. Anuvrat Pabrai, the CEO of Pabrai’s and an ice cream maker for the last 37 years recounts. “In 2007-08 we were exploring introducing exotic flavors and I visited several top caterers to take their advice as to which flavors, they would want us to make. One very senior caterer suggested that we should try to make Nalen Gur ice cream.” He said, “It’s so quintessentially Bengali and all Bengali’s adore it.” On his advice, I visited several sweet shops to understand how Nalen Gur was used in Bengali sweets like Sandesh. I loved the taste and the flavor of sweets made with fresh Nalen Gur. Using my skills and experience as an ice cream maker, I did several trials and eventually came up with a Nalen Gur ice cream which I felt was good enough. I took it to the caterer and after tasting the Ice cream, the caterer was overjoyed. So, we started producing Nalen Gur ice creams and serving it to few caterers. The response was fantastic. In the first winter we used about 250 kgs. Next year it went up to 750 kgs. The next year it increased to 2000 kgs and then to 5000 kgs. Today we use nearly 35000-40000 kgs of Nalen Gur liquid every year to make our Nalen Gur ice cream.”

With the passage of time as well as increase in quantity of Nalen Gur we were handling, we became aware of the fine nuances in taste, aroma, consistency, and overall flavor of good quality of Nalen Gur Liquid. We realized that in order to keep price of liquid Nalen Gur cheap, a lot of it was adulterated with caramelized sugar syrup and with addition of color and essence. We researched the product in great depth and realized that in the long term we would have to keep production and processing of the liquid sap under our supervision. We created our own team of processors whose sap we would process under our supervision. We set standard specifications which our processors would have to adhere to while making liquid Nalen Gur. This ensured that the liquid Nalen Gur we obtained was absolutely unadulterated. We also created a process whereby we could preserve the liquid Gur and use it throughout the year. “Although liquid Nalen Gur is available only during the winter months of December and January, we have a special method of processing the sap so that it retains its flavors and aroma for up to 12 months. This way we are able to provide Nalen Gur ice creams throughout the whole year. Indians really love their ice creams, regardless of the season, and we are looking forward to serving one of our most loved specialties not only in winters but throughout the year,” said Pabrai’s CEO Anuvrat Pabrai.

Another unique feature of the Nalen Gur ice cream is that when we serve it, we drizzle a couple of teaspoons of warm liquid Nalen Gur on top of the scoop of ice cream. This enhances the flavors and doubles the taste experience.The Nalen Gur ice cream is available throughout the year across all our retail parlors and is also supplied to a large number of hotels, restaurants and caterers across the country.Due to persistent requests from our customers, this year we are launching retail packs of liquid Nalen Gur. We look forward to our esteemed customers enjoying authentic liquid Nalen Gur throughout the year

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square elevates Apoorva Chandram as Rooms Division Manager

He will be responsible for uniquely enriching guest comfort and satisfaction, training and development, quality assurance, budgeting, performance development and ensuring operational excellence within the team

Apoorva is a passionate hotelier with over 13 years in Hilton hotels across Middle East, Africa and India. Within Hilton, he has been part of a pre-opening and task force during brand conversion.

Apoorva joined DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square as Front Office Manager in 2021. Through his profound contribution in elevating guest experiences and implementing innovative tools in front and back of the house, he now takes on a new role as the Rooms Division Manager.

In his new role, he will be responsible for uniquely enriching guest comfort and satisfaction, training and development, quality assurance, budgeting, performance development and ensuring operational excellence within the team.

On the educational front, he pursued Executive Development Program in Data Science from Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur in 2021; SHINE 1- Hilton’s structured leadership program for a smooth transition into a director role in 2020; Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University in 2020 and Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University in 2018.

Commenting on the appointment, Jai Chugh, General Manager said, “We are very happy to see him grow on his career path. He has been associated with Hilton for 15 years and has worked efficiently to delight guests with exceptional experiences. His contribution in other departments has also been remarkable and we firmly believe that he will achieve more milestones with his skill set and eye for detail.”

In his spare time, Apoorva enjoys spending time with family.

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata appoints Manoj Jangid as hotel manager

Jangid started his career in F&B operations and has experience both in curated fine dining spaces as well as large-scale catering events. He has worked across multiple hotel companies like Taj Hotels, Hyatt, Accor Hotels, and Marriott International.

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Manoj Jangid as their new hotel manager. With over twenty years of enriching industry experience, Jangid is a hospitality veteran and has an intrinsic understanding of hotel operations and guest aspirations. He would be responsible for looking after the strategic initiatives and overall operations of Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata with 182 keys and the banqueting facilities at the Ozone Convention Centre.

Jangid started his career in F&B operations and has experience both in curated fine dining spaces as well as large-scale catering events. He has earned his reputation working across multiple hotel companies and varied roles at Taj Hotels, Hyatt, Accor Hotels, and Marriott International.

Starting as an assistant manager at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai in 2009, he climbed various steps in the food & beverage Department- from a restaurant manager to the director of food & beverage at Sofitel Mumbai between 2011-2019. His last assignment was at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar where he spearheaded f&b operations as the director of food & beverage for three years.

Jangid brings his multi-pronged understanding of aspirational tier 1 markets to ensure a successful positioning of Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata. He will play a key role in establishing a high brand recall for the hotel in the ‘City of Joy’.

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan appoints Sanket Gadikar as the Assistant Sales Manager

Pune, November 2022: Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanket Gadikar as the hotel’s new Assistant Sales Manager. In this new role, Sanket will be responsible in supporting the development sales & marketing strategies, promoting awareness of brand image internally and externally, and expediting sale techniques to maximize revenue while maintaining existing guest loyalty.

With over 5 years of experience in hotel operations and sales, Sanket started his hospitality journey in 2017 with Novotel Pune. Since then, Sanket has worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Radisson Blu Jaipur and Courtyard by Marriott Raipur.

Sanket has completed his Masters's in Hospitality and Administration (Sales & Marketing) from the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow. His passion for the hospitality industry has persuaded him to be amiable and analytical in all his roles so far. He believes in rising above challenges and looks forward to utilizing his skills in a manner that will help him succeed in his professional journey. 

Commenting on his appointment, Sanket said, “I am elated to start a new chapter with the team at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan. I look forward to providing my services to enhance the brand image and guest experience while working alongside an excellent team of associates to deliver exceptional results”.


Marine Biologist Dives into Hotel’s Sustainability Effort

Banyan Tree Krabi takes further steps to reduce its carbon footprint

KRABI, Thailand November: Ms.Tipwimon Rattanawongwan, a marine scientist from Kanchanaburi in Thailand, has joined Banyan Tree Krabi as a Sustainability Coordinator.

Tipwimon, formerly a Marine Biologist at Four Seasons Koh Samui, brings a wealth of experience to the team, including a spell at Phuket Marine Biological Center and as a Foundation Coordinator at the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Phuket.

Banyan Tree Krabi, which opened in 2020 with 72 pool suites and villas, continues to embrace and expand its commitment to sustainability, headed by Sustainability Manager Thepsuda Loyjiw, who oversees projects at both the Andaman beachfront hotel and its sister resort Banyan Tree Samui.

Banyan Tree Samui won international plaudits in 2020 when Thepsuda and her team successfully protected and nurtured the nests and eggs of a rare green turtle on the resort’s beach, resulting in the birth and survival of more than 200 hatchlings.

“Ms Tipwimon will be a valuable addition to our team as we work continuously to create a carbon-free footprint at each of our resorts,” said Thepsuda. “Among her targets will be a focus on resource conservation, recycling and upcycling, pollution reduction, waste elimination, and limiting energy consumption.”

The Banyan Tree Hotels group is renowned as a wellness brand with strong eco-friendly policies. Among Banyan Tree Krabi’s industry-recognized awards is a “Green Hotel Award - Gold Certification,” presented by Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion in recognition of the resort’s ongoing efforts to efficiently manage energy, waste and natural resources.

The 5-star property, located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach facing the uninhabited limestone islands of Than Bok Khorani Marine National Park, looks to follow in the gentle footprints of Banyan Tree Samui which in 2018 became the first hotel in Thailand to be awarded “Gold Certification” at a single-property level by Earthcheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.

Banyan Tree Krabi’s recent sustainability initiatives include an Earth Day beach clean-up, and the introduction of Forest Bathing, a nature-based educational tour for guests, including children, to help raise awareness about environmental conservation and protecting local flora and fauna.


Cake Mixing with a Difference at The St. Regis Goa Resort

In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.

Goa, Nov 2022: Christmas season is a time to spread joy and cheer. The St. Regis Goa Resort chose to do it differently. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened The St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. Children across age groups spent a wonderful evening along with guests and employees of the resort.

 

The event was held as part of Global Customer Appreciation Week, a Marriott International initiative. The St Regis Goa Resort will share 100% proceeds from the revenue made through the sale of Christmas cakes with the orphanage.

 

“Guided by the Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we commit to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever we do business. We believe in making the communities in which we operate better places to live, work and visit. Spreading the joy of Christmas with the children of the orphanage is our way of bringing the community together during the festive season,” explained Satish Kumar, GM, The St Regis Goa Resort.

 

Children played games, and spent an evening where joy and laughter rang through the evening. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.

 

The cake mixing ceremony is part of an age-old Christmas tradition which is enjoyed with friends, family and relatives, the world over.

Fairfield By Marriott Mumbai Celebrated Cake Mixing With A Twist 


Cake mixing ceremony at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai airport was a star-studded event and mixing was done with a twist 

After opening in July this year Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai celebrated its first-ever cake-mixing ceremony in 2 different styles on 19th November. 

The traditional cake mixed with nuts and spirits was attended by celebrities like Rochelle Rao, Keith Sequeira, Tanaz Irani, Charu Asopa and  many more. 

There was a special cake-mixing ceremony organized for children which was alcohol free and kids were seen in joyous mood of Christmas, along with kids from Jamuna Bai school this ceremony was attended by celebrity child artists including Ruhanika Dhawan and Aakriti Sharma. 


Celebrating this joyous occasion Mr. Rafiq Balwa Executive Director & Vice President ·: Balwa Group said " This was the first cake mixing ceremony at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai and firsts are always special, so we thought of doing it with a twist and make it memorable for young kids, I'm glad that kids came in huge numbers and enjoyed the vibe of Christmas and got to learn the meaning of cake mixing ceremony that is held a month before Christmas "


Fairfield By Marriott Mumbai General Manager Mr Ajoy Balkrishna Said, "The concept of cake mixing is a very old tradition, mixing of nuts ,dry fruits alcohol a month before Christmas is done and stored and  that's how plum cake is made during Christmas,Here at Fairfield By Marriott Mumbai we did something different we have invited kids to join us for Cake Mixing. Instead of liquor We used syrups and honey for children. so that the kids can also participate in it and enjoy the ceremony. We will be sharing  this cake with  children of an orphanage during Thanksgiving because happiness should always be shared."


Fairfield By Marriott Executive Corporate Chef Navid Akhtar said, "This was the first cake mixing ceremony at "Fairfield By Marriott Mumbai" so a lot of preparations were done in advance. Instead of liquor we used syrups and honey for the kids ' ceremony. Celebrating Christmas with kids is always special and we could see so many smiles today "

Fairfield By Marriott Mumbai Hotel Manager Jenvie Peters' Said, " Cake Mixing ritual is an age old tradition of the 17th century and it brings a lot of joy in the season of Christmas . We are glad that kids and adults enjoyed alike during our ceremony and moments of happiness were shared "

The Ceremony was filled with Joy & Laughter and Christmas vibes filled everyone's heart with happiness


 Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks immersed in the festive fervor with a grand Cake mixing ceremony


Bangalore November 2022: Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks celebrated a grand cake mixing ceremony, with renewed excitement, traditions and culture. The event’s highlight was the unique football theme which remained the guests’ favourite throughout the evening. The celebration which marks the beginning of the festive cheer was attended by the local media, food bloggers, and lifestyle influencers. 

To set the ceremony off, guests donned hand gloves, aprons, and toques. A variety of exclusive fruits, assorted nuts, raisins, and spices were curated by the team of culinary experts which were soaked in the finest rum, wine, syrups and other alcoholic beverages. The guests were treated with an assorted menu which was specially curated around the theme opted for the occasion. With the nip in the air, the vibrant cocktails made for the perfect after-party at the poolside. 

On this joyous occasion of Cake mixing, General Manager, Tejus Jose, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks expressed, “We had curated the grape stomping & cake mixing ceremony to usher in the festive season which spreads joie de vivre and camaraderie for Christmas. It gives us immense pleasure to have our guests participate in the annual ritual and create unforgettable memories.”

The Football theme for the evening made the event all the more exciting and fun for the attendees. The hotel concluded the exciting ceremony by giving all their attendees a box of cake personally presented by the General Manager.

The wholesome event was a true amalgamation of a soirée filled with charm, joy, and merriment.



Catch the live screening of FIFA World Cup 2022 at Geoffrey’s - Marine Plaza


Every four years, millions of fans ardently foresee the world’s biggest sporting event - FIFA World Cup! Many of us may not get a chance to see our favourite players and teams on the pitch, but watching the live screening at a pub or a sports bar with our friends definitely brings us a little closer to the World cup atmosphere.

For fans wondering where to watch Football’s most prestigious spectacle, which will be held in Qatar, and kick off this Sunday, Geoffrey’s Pub at Hotel Marine Plaza is a perfect place to have a stellar viewing experience.

It’s a quaint old English pub housed inside the Marine Plaza and makes for a fitting drinking out place. With its pub-esque decor bedecked with wood-panel floors, soothing hues and colonial touches at the bar – Geoffrey’s offers the old-world English charm. Known for its location, music and decor, it has a perfect ambience to enjoy the FIFA World Cup with your mates and unwind over a few drinks. 

Indulge in their English savouries and choose from an enviable range of spirits. At  Geoffrey's, The Pub, you don't need an occasion to savour their fiery concoctions, just head here and watch the moment turn into a special occasion!

Average Cost:

₹2,400 for two people (approx.) with alcohol

For more information:

https://www.instagram.com/geoffreysmumbai/



British Chef Makes All things Christmassy and Delicious for India

New Delhi, November 2022: Christmas- the festival of joy is in many ways, the pandora's box of happiness. And part of this happiness stems from the culture and cuisine associated with the festival. The practice of cake mixing begins quite early, mostly in the first week of November itself. It is an age-old tradition where kilograms of dry fruits, nuts, and spices are combined together to form a mixture. This mixture is then soaked in alcoholic blends for some days to let them soak all the flavors and aroma. Since alcohol is a preservative, the mixture is preserved for a long time period.. It is said that preserving the cake mix for a year can attract good luck and harmony.

British cuisine is the spearhead of Christmas goodness and it is this goodness that British Chef Vivek Chauhan brings to the Indian dining experience. Trained in the British kitchen, he presently is the Executive Pastry Chef at Le Meridien, New Delhi.

 

“ The ceremony marks the advent of the festive season and through this we look forward to spreading the warmth of this season of merry-making this ceremony which encourages.” In the end, it is food that is the thread that binds cultures, societies and festivities together", said, Chef Vivek Chauhan, Executive Pastry Chef at Le Meridien, New Delhi.

 

No Christmas celebration is complete without a typical Christmas pudding and Plum cake- what sets Chef Vivek’s apart is the enhancement he adds to the preparation of the dish- using typical british alcohol, carefully intertwined with traditional ingredients to provide a modern twist to a festive recipe. For cake mixing, almonds, cashews, raisins, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, dried ginger, candied fruits, prunes, walnuts, are mixed together.  The alcohols used are Cognac VSOP and VS, brandy and dark rum to name a few.

 

One key that sets Chef Vivek’s work apart, is his nuanced use of knowledge garnered in the UK, to the Indian dining experience. And, along with his British chefs and Indian chefs, who taught him, he gives his heartiest thanks to chef Davinder Kumar, his team, Shefali Singh (PR manager) and to his family. 

 

In the spirit of Christmas, here are 2 traditional recipes with a twist, courtesy Chef Vivek.

 

  1. A slice of Christmas: Christmas Pudding

  

Ingredients:

Dry fruits

Currants - 6 kg

Sultanas - 12 kg

Raisins - 12 kg

Mixed Peel - 5 kg

Prunes - 2.25 kg

Stem Ginger - 750 gm

Muscavado Sugar - 2.6 kg

Mixed Spice

Liqueur:

Guiness - 7.5 pints

Grand Marnier- 570 ml

Brandy - 1.2 Itr

Maderia - 1.2 ltr

Sherry - 1.2 Itr

Dark Rum - 1.2 Itr

London Pride/ Perroni - 7.5 pints

Fruits:

Apple - 4 Kg (1⁄2 Cooking + 1⁄2

Braebun)

Orange Segments - 2.250 Kg

Orange Zest - 5 no.

Lemon Zest - 5 no.

Items to be added in the end:

Whole Egg - 1.8 Kg

Flour - 2.7 Kg

Bread Crumb - 1.5 Kg

Vegetarian Suet - 1.5 Kg

Method:

Mix all dry ingredients in a container. Pour liquor over mixed dry ingredients and leave to

soak for 2 months in the fridge.

Churn the mix everyday so that fruit absorbs liqueur equally. Grate apples, chop oranges

and mix. Mix flour, bread crumb, whole egg, vegetarian suet. Finally mix with fruit mix.

Keep the mix in desired moulds and steam it at 90c for 4 and half

Hours.

 

 

  1. Make some room for Pandoro Bread

 

Ingredients:

Warm Water - 60 ml

Yeast - 30 gm

Sugar - 5 gm

Egg Yolk - 20 gm

Flour - 28 gm

For Dough:

Flour - 680 gm

Egg Yolk - 140 gm

Butter - 30 gm

Water - 60 ml

 

Egg - 2 no.

Lemon Zest - 1 no.

Vanilla Bean - 1 no.

Method:

Make the Starter with water,yeast, sugar, flour & egg yolk and Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Mix egg yolk, egg,yellow co-lour and water together.

Mix softened butter. lemon zest ,& vanilla bean in the above mix.

Finally fold in flour and knead for a few minutes.

Add starter in the above mix

Knead the mix to make a dough.

Prove the dough to attain required volume.

Knock back and put the dough in the Pandoro mould.

Prove it till it comes to 3⁄4 of the mould.

Bake it at 170 C for 20 min.

Serve it with Pomegranate salad and Crème Fraiche.

About Chef Vivek:

 A patissier and chocolatier, Chef Vivek Chauhan is a highly accoladed Patisserie Chef with an illustrious experience of 22 years, currently associated with Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi. An IHM, Gwalior graduate in Hotel Management, Chef Vivek's passion to learn beyond stereotypical creations and reinventions has allowed him to work with Michelin Star Chefs Allyn Williams and Chef Eric Chavot & others of International Reputees. His culinary experience includes his incredible years at various prestigious properties - Taj Mahal Hotel, One Aldwych, London, The Lancaster London, the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, The Westbury Mayfair, London and The Imperial, New Delhi. Chef Vivek is a recipient of multiple honours and awards; most notable among them is the most recent‘ Pastry Chef of the Year 2018' conferred upon by ICF. He has also hosted opulent dinners for the Association of Pastry Chefs and Craft Guild of Chefs in the UK.


Gear up for an experience with the launch of a new BBQ menu at The Oriental Blossom at Hotel Marine Plaza, Mumbai

National, November 2022- Oriental Blossom, unveils their BBQ Menu, keeping in mind the winter season. The new world cuisine menu features fresh, chunky, and juicy meals with exotic flavors and appeals to foodies from all walks of life. The ambiance is one that you will remember. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian items this November 2022. 

Renowned and popular Executive Chef Huang Se Ting, has curated this special BBQ menu that has vegetarians and nonvegetarians options that include Aubergine BBQ Platter which has slices of aubergine with bell peppers, red onions seasoned with Sichuan spices grilled to perfection,Baby potatoes BBQ Platter - Baby potatoes, Red & green Bell peppers, Red onions seasoned with Sichuan spices grilled to perfection and Exotic Vegetables BBQ Platter - Fresh mushrooms, Broccoli, zucchini, Bell peppers, Red onions seasoned with Sichuan spices grilled to perfection.

For all the Non vegetarian lovers, one has multiple options to choose from, Tiger prawns BBQ -Fresh succulent Tiger prawns marinated with exotic Sichuan spices, Lobster BBQ - Ocean fresh lobster marinated with exotic Sichuan spices,Pomfret BBQ, They also have the favorites-  Chicken BBQ ,Prawns BBQ , Lamb BBQ ,Pork Belly BBQ,Tenderloin BBQ and Seafood BBQ -Fish, prawns, calamari, bell peppers.    

One can enjoy and relish the newly launched BBQ menu with cocktails and other drinks.     

                                          

More Information :

Price - Starting Rs 850/-

Address -29, Marine Dr, opp. Cricket Club of India, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020


Radisson Blu Karjat Resort & Spa Rings In Cake Mixing Ceremony Before Christmas 


It was a Jingle & Mingle time at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat where they indulged in a festive vibe & celebrated the Cake Mixing Ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by Popular Actor Sharad Malhotra with wife Ripci where they Mixed Happiness with Cake Mixing ceremony along with hotel staff. 

Talking about his amazing experience Sharad Malhotra said, " It was an amazing experience mixing cake with everyone. This was the first time me and Ripci experienced something like this. It was a good time".

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat General Manager Santanu Guha Roy said, " It's a special time of the year where hotel staff, in house guests and invitees all gear up for this tradition. A lot of planning and efforts of the team goes into it to make it memorable for everyone. The perfect blend of this soaked mix will enhance the taste of the Christmas Cake and puddings. Actor Sharad Malhotra joined us for the ceremony. It was a pleasure having him". 

 The mixing is stored for a month to enhance its sweetness.



Tim Hortons plans to open 120 stores in India in next 3 yrs

The company could exceed the target as the first year is focussed on "building the foundation" with 20 new stores followed by another 50 new stores in the following 12 months, The company's India CEO, Navin Gurnaney said.

Canadian restaurant chain Tim Hortons plans to open around 120 stores in India in the next three years at an investment of up to INR 300 crore, a top company official said on Monday. The chain, which had in August opened its first outlets in India, is initially focussing on North India and will later expand to other regions.

"The commitment that I made to the board is in the first 36 months of operation, in the first three years, there'll be 120 stores (in India)," the company's India CEO Navin Gurnaney said.

The company could exceed the target as the first year is focussed on "building the foundation" with 20 new stores followed by another 50 new stores in the following 12 months, he added.

This, he said, will be followed by another 60 new stores in the third year.

All these stores will be company-owned, he said, adding the "investment per store is between INR 2 crore to INR 2.5 crore".

At present, Tim Hortons has six stores — five in Delhi-NCR and one in Chandigarh, and by December, three more stores will be opened, Gurnaney noted

"We're currently focused on the north, which is Delhi and Punjab but by early summer, late spring, we will be in Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Ahmedabad. There will be some off-highway locations. We are actually considering a few different locations in Bangalore," the CEO said.

These will be in malls, high streets, airports, and office complexes, he added.

Bullish on the Indian market, he said, "It's the consumer spending in India. The global aspirations, the number of industries that are coming to India and adding to people's ability to spend more, the social media that makes them think differently globally, any retail brand has prima facie the possibility of success, then it depends on how well you execute".

Mumbai’s popular and favorite all-day diner, Cafe Noir takes a french take on Thanksgiving, this November 

Mumbai, November 2022: Thanksgiving is celebrated mainly in the USA and Canada and is said to be based on the 1621 model of a harvest feast. The holiday feast has taken over the world, with people across the globe feasting on turkey, gravy, and potatoes on this day. And if you’re looking to celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family this year, head to Mumbai’s popular, quaint and french all-day dining space, Cafe Noir, this November 2022. 

There’s no better way to spend the evening than with a sit-down dinner with your family. The menu comprises of four-course meal that offers scrumptious options like Salad of Twice Cooked Burratta & Palm Heart Ceviche, with smoked chicken, Appetizers options Sourdough Brie bake, Mac and Cheese Fritters, Buttermilk soaked wings, Turkey and Goat Cheese Crostini and many more. The Main course has options like Grilled Lamb Loin, Herd baked Turkey Roulade, Mushrooms and Potato baked, and Edamame Cream Cheese Fagotini. 

As no celebration is complete without desserts, The team at Cafe Noir has curated specially crafted desserts for Thanksgiving, like the Pecan Nut Tart, Apple’s Egg in a Nest, and Pumpkin Pie.

Celebrate Thanksgiving this year the French way with Cafe Noir from Chef’s has a curated exclusive menu that can be paired with Café Noir's wide range of wine selections.

For more information and reservations, please contact: 

 Date : 20th to 30th November 2022

Address: World Crest, Unit no.1A & 1B, Lodha, Upper Worli, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013 

Time: 10 am to 11 pm 

Contact for reservations: +917400491481