NRAI launches New Chapter in Chandigarh, appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head

Key Take Away

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) represents the interests of 500000+ restaurants across India. The Indian Restaurant Industry’s leading Association India launches New Chapter in Chandigarh and appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter

Commenting on his new role as Head of NRAI’s Chandigarh Chapter, He said, “It is my honour to take up the responsibility as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter. “

For More Information Click Below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/NRAI-launches-New-Chapter-in-Chandigarh-appoints-Sunveer-Sondhi-as-the-Head-/03-06-2020-194118/

Robot chef arms trained to make delicious omelettes

Key Take Away

Roboticists, from the University of Cambridge in collaboration with domestic appliance company Beko, used machine learning to train the robot to cook to the necessary level, a matter of subjective choice.

Teaching a robot to prepare and cook food is a challenging task since it must deal with complex problems in robot manipulation, computer vision, sensing, and human-robot interaction, and produce a consistent end product. The results show that machine learning can be used to obtain quantifiable improvements in food optimization

For More Information click below :

www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2020/06/04/robot-chef-arms-trained-to-make-delicious-omelettes.html

Asif Iqbal joins as Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway

Key Take Away

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway appoints Chef Asif Iqbal as their Executive Chef. Armed with over 14 years of culinary experience, He brings a dynamic and innovative energy to Holiday Inn Chennai’s diverse culinary scene.

By joining Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway as an Executive Chef, it would be his second innings with the IHG Brand.

He firmly believes, “‘Respect for food’ has always been significant value in my family and my inspiration to pick up this profession is my ‘Mother’.  Food is the harmony of life and kitchen is the cradle where I want to spend the rest of my breaths.”

For More Information click below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Asif-Iqbal-joins-as-Executive-Chef-at-Holiday-Inn-Chennai-OMR-IT-Expressway/05-06-2020-194286/

Sri Lanka to open Borders for Tourists on 1st August with 100$ Visa Fee, Minimum 5 Days Stay and COVID Test on Arrival

Key Take Away

From August 1, 2020, the following airports; Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA], and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA] will resume operations to greet tourist arrivals.

According to visa procedures, all travelers will require a valid visa; this will be issued for 30 days and extendable for up to 6 months after arrival. Tourists are required to stay a minimum of 5-nights in Sri Lanka. Travelers staying for more than 10 days will be required to take a third test during their stay. 

For More Information Click Below :

theislandchief.com/post/?id=52165#.Xt0aIGLQHlU.linkedin

One fine meal: Chef Tarun Sibal talks about the future of restaurants and the culinary industry after the lockdown

Key Take Away

With 18 years of experience behind him, Tarun is a product specialist with core competence in the food and beverage category, across production, operations, formats, food heritage, and food and liquid culture.  

Tell us about your culinary journey?

I started my culinary journey in the year 2000 at IHM Pusa Delhi. The three major milestones of the first phase of my professional life were being an Industrial trainee at the Oberoi, a Management trainee with the Habitat World, and a Sous Chef in 2006.

Finally, 2019 saw the birth of “TITLIE” Culinary Bar in Vagator Goa, based on collaborative cuisine and my most prestigious product so far, TitlIe opened to packed houses and got unprecedented love from the audience. 

How have you managed your restaurants during the lockdown? What has happened to the restaurant industry as a whole?

The first step for us was to safeguard the interest of our employees and staff members.

What were some of your culinary initiatives during the lockdown?

​​We started a massive training drive for almost 100 of our staff members and food handlers covering Hygiene and Safety protocols

For More Information Click Below:

yourstory.com/weekender/chef-tarun-sibal-one-fine-meal-titlie-restaurants

Hospitality industry calls for two-metre social distancing rule to be halved

Key Take Away

Actioning advice from the World Health Organisation to use one meter for social distancing from July would enable many more pubs to viably reopen and serve their communities again.

UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls told BBC Radio 4'sToday program: "At two meters you are receiving 30 percent of your normal revenues, at one meter it gets up to 70 percent - so it is the difference between success and failure for many of those businesses.

The reopening of venues is expected to begin from July 4 in England and the Government is expected to publish its guidelines

For More Information

www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1292492/coronavirus-lockdown-two-metre-social-distancing-halved-hospitality-industry

Celebrations for Taranaki hospitality industry after 'game-changing' level 1 move

Key Take Away

Glasses will be clinking and tables moving as Taranaki bar owners prepare for COVID-19 alert level 1.This meant the country would move to its 'new normal', with the only restrictions in place being on the border.

Bar and restaurant owners could say goodbye to the three S restrictions - seated, separated, and single server - and return to normal.

For More Information

www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/121755816/celebrations-for-taranaki-hospitality-industry-after-gamechanging-level-1-move

DOG'S LIFE The Queen’s former chef reveals her corgis had their own ‘a la carte menu’

Key Take Away

Darren McGrady, 58, who worked for the royals for 15 years, said the beloved pooches used to have their own “a la carte menu”. 

“The corgi's had their own menu. I thought I was going to be cooking for kings, queens, and presidents.

Darren described the Buckingham Palace kitchens as a restaurant for the lucky pooches, and he used to serve them fresh food daily.

This included preparing meats like rabbit and liver mixed with cabbage and rice, and there was a whole “menu” of dishes to choose from.

For More Information Click Below:

blob:https://www.thesun.co.uk/0ba129b1-e353-4808-a0dd-70e328b5f617

www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/11804491/queens-former-chef-corgis-a-la-carte-menu-dogs/

Goa, Gujarat and Chandigarh leads FSSAI's State Food Safety Index

Key Take Away

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recently released the results of the second State Food Safety Index to celebrate World Food Safety Day during a webinar.

The State Food Safety Index ranks states on five parameters of food safety through a rigorous evaluation process every year. This year, among the larger states, Gujarat was the top-ranking state, followed by
Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

On this occasion, FSSAI also released an E-handbook on “Eat Right during COVID-19” for citizens. An updated detailed guidance note ‘Food Hygiene and Safety Guidelines for Food Businesses during COVID-19 pandemic’ was released. 

For More Information

www.hotelierindia.com/fb/11137-goa-gujarat-and-chandigarh-leads-fssais-state-food-safety-index

7 chef movies on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube that every foodie must watch

We’ve seen movies that can make you hungry, we’ve seen cooking shows that inspire you to try a new cuisine, now it’s time to see movies on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube that will make you look at food from a different perspective – a chef’s perspective. From the action to the budding romance, these movies will take you through everything that goes on inside a kitchen.

If you are foodie and food is your BAE then watch out these movies :

• THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY – AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

• BURNT – YOUTUBE

• JULIE AND JULIA – NETFLIX

• COOK UP A STORM – NETFLIX

• NO RESERVATIONS – NETFLIX

• JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI – NETFLIX

• MOSTLY MARTHA – AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

For More Information Click Below :

www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/7-chef-movies-on-amazon-prime-video-netflix-and-youtube-that-every-foodie-must-watch/

NCHM JEE 2020 postponed; NTA to announce new dates for Hotel Management entrance exam soon

Key Take Away

National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination or NCHM JEE 2020  were scheduled to be conducted on June 22 after it was deferred. Initially, the NCHM JEE 2020 was supposed to be held on May 5. The entrance exam dates were postponed twice by National Testing Agency (NTA) in the wake of the coronavirus situation in the country. 

As per the official notification, the NCHM JEE 2020 Admit Cards will be released 15 days prior to the date of examination on the official websites -- nta.ac.in or nchmjee.nta.nic.in.

For More Information Click Below :

www.indiatvnews.com/education/news-nchm-jee-2020-postpone-nta-hotel-management-entrance-exam-new-dates-624294

18 percent restaurants may not restart post lockdown

Key Take Away

Post COVID-19, it is estimated that 18 percent of single-unit restaurants are likely to shut down between May and July and another 12-15 percent of restaurants will be part of the second round of closure between September and December

As per the report, in the financial year 2019-20, the year that ended in March 2020, only 19% outlets delivered an EBITDA of 10% or more, "half of our universe was negative"

It is important to understand the income-pool that restaurants serve. Drive-Throughs are now a lifeline for fast-food chains.

For More information click below :

english.mathrubhumi.com/food/people/18-per-cent-restaurants-may-not-restart-post-lockdown-report-1.4812505

Kolkata restaurants to reopen from June 8 with new innovative measures to ensure social distancing

Key Take Away

The nationwide lockdown has led to various restrictions being lifted in many parts of the country, restaurants in Kolkata are also set to function from June 08 .In this regard, they have come up with various innovative measures to ensure social distancing as well as smooth functioning .

There are quite a few interesting measures which include: glass partitions between tables, an option to place an order on phone from the table, virtual instruction cards to inform guests about the new guidelines, a marked waiting area for those queuing up at the entrance door.

For More Information Click Below :

www.timesnownews.com/kolkata/article/kolkata-restaurants-to-reopen-from-june-8-with-new-innovative-measures-to-ensure-social-distancing/602755

Hospitality sector alarmed by orders from state authorities, not getting paid for services rendered

Key Take Away

The hospitality industry has raised concerns about 'high-handed' state government orders to requisition hotels as quarantine or treatment centers, and hoteliers not being compensated for the services offered through the lockdown.
On May 29, the Delhi government requisitioned five hotels through an order to convert them into extended Covid-19 hospitals, a move that took hoteliers by surprise.

The court directed the government to appoint an expert committee to examine the issue and to deal with the petitioner's representation. The matter stands adjourned to June 9.

The head of a hotel chain said his entire hotel has been taken over by state authorities in Madhya Pradesh and he had not been paid.

For More Information click below:

economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/hotels-as-quarantine-facilities-for-coronavirus-patients-hospitality-sector-alarmed-by-state-orders/articleshow/76202953.cms

Fleming joins Culinary Chefs in NZ’s First ‘Virtual’ Cook-Off

Key Take Away

Cricketing legend and Chennai Super Kings Coach, Stephen Fleming is putting his support behind what is believed to be the first ‘Virtual’ Chef competition involving New Zealand products in India.

Fleming, who along with Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori, is a shareholder and ambassador of the Indian based import company, QualityNZ Imports. 

The 2020 QualityNZ Culinary Cup is supported by the ‘South Indian Culinary Association’, the ‘Indian Culinary Forum’, and the ‘Western India Culinary Association’

The competition requires the Chefs to prepare and cook two dishes from the QualityNZ range available here in India, in their home kitchens, and film the experience! 

"The competition aims to make the videos available through our social media channels to all the ‘home’ Chefs across India who have an interest in cooking and to show them some of the Chef’s secrets to producing those extra special meals," he added.

For More Information

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Fleming-joins-Culinary-Chefs-in-NZ-s-First-Virtual-Cook-Off/06-06-2020-194432/

Five ways hotels can use technology for a better guest experience

An interesting story about a hotel and its guest experience. The incident goes back to the early 70s when there was no internet and travellers would make hotel bookings through travel agents or phone calls. A couple in their mid-50s arrived at a hotel which was located far from the city. Little did they realise that the booking they made via phone prior to their arrival was tentative and not confirmed. On learning that the hotel was full, they were forced to look elsewhere.

The incident didn’t leave them happy as they weren’t prepared for this situation. The hotel was also helpless and couldn’t do much to accommodate them. This situation could have been avoided if both the hotel and the couple had a confirmed booking! Now imagine if this incident had occurred in today’s era: the guests would have most likely damaged the hotel’s reputation all over the Internet through negative reviews and posts. Technology has changed the way we travel, experience and share the hotel experience and I believe, the change is for good! I couldn’t have imagined myself in a situation like that of the couple. Using technology, new-age travellers are preparing their own itinerary and replacing the traditional travel agents. On the other hand, hotels are also experiencing broader visibility through platforms that bring travellers from all over the world together. They are able to use technology and provide value-added services, comfort and convenience to their guests which were not the case in the past. Here are five viable technology solutions that can help hotels serve their guests better and personalize the experience:

1. Mobile bookings are gaining popularity and have increased to 25% of online bookings by 2017. What is more interesting for hotel owners is that 40% of leisure travellers and 36% of business travellers book overnight accommodations in hotels using their mobile phones. Hotels should take advantage of this growth to engage with the travellers, especially with the rise in Millennial travellers who are highly dependent on their Smartphone. Having the hotel’s booking engine optimized for mobile viewing can offer guests a convenient option to book. Hotels can also try connecting with their guests pre-arrival through mobile apps that can help in a variety of ways, like assisting guests with directions, sending notifications of the seasonal packages and offers, or inviting a repeat stay from an old guest. Strong mobile promotions can be used as key marketing and sales strategy by hotels. Hotels can also look at integrating Beacon technology that will help them gather guest data in order to offer personalised services. The technology allows hotels to engage with the guests on a personal level by pushing special offers based on their location, request for special services, access to view maps, or connect with the hotel’s social media channels. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have already implemented beacon technology.

2. Tablets are growing in popularity among the new-age generation as seen in a recent survey that found that the number from 1 billion people worldwide in 2015, (representing nearly 15% of the global population) has reached 1.43 billion in 2018. So, hotels should consider providing tablets to enhance the guest experience and use it for multiple marketing purposes. Here’s how:  Front desk: Front desk is one of the busiest areas of the hotel which is mostly accessed by the guests, hence it’s good to use tablets at the front desk to check-in/out the guests and take their quick feedback. It can also be used for digital signage by displaying information on nearby attractions, local map and to encourage guests to sign up for future email marketing. Consider the OnSpot Social app that collects email addresses and guest data to engage with them through various digital marketing strategies.  Rooms: After Wi-Fi, guests are expecting hotels to provide tablets in the rooms. Seeing this rising demand, many hotels have started investing in tablets and are installing third-party apps to give their guests the control of room lights, AC, TV and more.  Restaurants/bars/spas: Another effective area where guests are more likely to engage with tablets is a hotel’s point of sale to browse through the menus and packages. Hotels can encourage guests to give real-time feedback on the services.

3. Self-check-in New-age travellers like to be on self-sufficient to save time and effort. Self-check-in technology can play a role in providing convenience to the guest while also easing the burden on the front desk staff. This technology allows guests to check-in via tablets or phones using a QR code that captures their expected time of arrival and sends the notification to the hotel. Checking-out the guest can also be done via smartphones or tablets from the luxury of the guest’s room using technology like a mobile-optimized hotel software. Self-check-in technology also eliminates errors and speeds the process. Ritz Carlton uses this technology for their guests to check-in via QR codes through their mobile app.

4. Live chat. While there have been many debates over the merits of embedding a live chat feature on a hotel’s website due to the cost and infrastructure involved, it is one of the best ways to connect with a potential guest. Live chat may be expensive, but it helps in increasing sales while providing a convenient platform for interaction. Research suggests that 52% of travellers visit your hotel’s website after seeing you on an OTA. With a live chat option, a hotel can tap into such travellers easily. This simply means that people prefer websites that can immediately attend to their queries while they are in the process of making a booking. This also helps eliminate website bounce rates as the live chat assists guests through every stage until they complete their action. Engaging potential guests through this feature will make them feel valued and can convert lookers into bookers. As many buying decisions are purely based on convenience, a live chat option could lead guests to stay and not move on to your competitor hotel’s website.

5. Door opening technology No, this technology is not for burglars, it’s for the hotel guests to open room doors using a mobile. This technology is similar to the self-check-in technology where guests receive a code on their mobile app through which they get control to their room door. Open Ways introduced this technology that uses a Crypto Acoustic Credential system for electronic access control in hotels. The system can also be integrated with many other services such as concierge or security. It can be activated on a guest’s handset without him paying a visit to the reception. Hotel chains like Hilton and Starwood provide the luxury to their guests to unlock their rooms using a Smartphone app. Travelling today is much easier than it used to be a few decades ago. Now, travelling is all about instant gratification for travellers. Millennial is a dominating segment that often looks for hotels that offer quick services and technology allows hotels to deliver what they expect. So, strike the iron while it’s hot!

About The Author

Soumyadeep Roy.

Completed hotel management from IHM Bhubaneswar (Batch 2001- 2004). I started my career with a small property in Bhubaneswar named Triumph Residency as Trainee Front Office Assistant. Then I continued my journey with different other hotels like Lemon Tree Hotels Gurgaon, Intercontinental The Grand New Delhi, The Clarks Inn Shahibabad (East Delhi), The Claridges, New Delhi and Taj Bengal Kolkata. The journey was through Front Office operation and Room Reservation. I have started my career in academics since 2017 with Amity University Kolkata as Assistant Professor.

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All views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organisation, committee or other group or individual.

‘My Shimla Hotel Is Ghosted, No Respite For Industry in Unlock 1’

Key Take Away

The Himachal government has asked hotels to open from 8 June but only for locals within Himachal state business travel. No tourists are allowed to enter Himachal Pradesh or be entertained in hotels.

Children below 10 and people above 65 will not be allowed into the state. The cost of compliance with the new SOP norms by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is huge.

 The unified representation of 18 hotel associations of Himachal Pradesh has conveyed to the state government that they will not open till end-August or September.

For More Information click below:

www.thequint.com/my-report/coronavirus-impact-tourism-industry-losses-shimla-himachal-pradesh

Finalists for The Young National Chef of the Year revealed

Key Take Away

Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the selection process has had to be tweaked for this year. The Craft Guild of Chefs has revealed ten talented young chefs who have been selected to compete in the Young National Chef of the Year final this autumn.

Head judge, Hrishikesh Desai, and organizer of the competition, David Mulcahy have handpicked the finalists based on recommendations from industry experts. All finalists will be invited to an online webinar to chat with David and Hrishikesh about the competition and also to connect with each other.

The criteria for the final will be announced at the end of June but will have a special focus on sustainability.

For More Information click below:

www.boutiquehotelier.com/finalists-for-the-young-national-chef-of-the-year-revealed/

A reassuring robot is helping customers enjoy their drink

Key Take Away

Robo-bartenders are shaking up South Korea's cafe and bar culture as the country transitions from intensive social distancing to what the government calls "distancing in daily life".

At the Cafe Bot Bot Bot coffee bar, where the robot arm shakes up mojitos and other cocktails, manager Kim Tae-wan also pointed out that the 'drink bot' can provide consistent quality to their mixes that human bartenders can't.

For More Information Click below :

economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/a-reassuring-robot-is-helping-customers-enjoy-their-drink/not-entirely-human/slideshow/76211161.cms

Maha: Two found dead inside water tank in Mira Road

Key Take Away

Two persons were found dead inside the water tank of a restaurant at Mira Road in Maharashtra's Thane district.

The deaths came to light late on Thursday night when the restaurant owner contacted the police, stating that he was unable to get in touch with two of his employees, manager Harish Shetty (42) and waiter N Pandit (58), an official said.

A case under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered in this regard, public relations officer Tukaram Tatkar said.

For More Information click below:

repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/9ec1b350-1df1-4319-b3ba-ffe0c6db59ec