An exclusive culinary and cocktail pop up with mixologist Thep Dinh and Chef Nhan Ngo of Savor & Stir at By The Mekong, The Penthouse Level 37 at The St. Regis Mumbai in Collaboration with Dean With Us

St. Regis Mumbai invites discerning diners and cocktail aficionados to embark on an immersive journey through Vietnam’s rich culinary and cocktail heritage with an exclusive two-night Vietnamese culinary and cocktail pop-up at By The Mekong, on Friday & Saturday, March 13 and 14, 2026.

Bringing the spirit of Saigon’s vibrant nightlife and contemporary Vietnamese gastronomy to the city, the pop-up showcases the celebrated team behind Stir, Modern Classic Cocktails, one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed bars. With consistent appearances on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, including a recent ranking of No. 61 in 2025, Stir is recognized for redefining modern cocktail culture through innovation, storytelling, and refined technique.

Anchoring the experience is Thep Dinh, Bar Manager of Stir and Co-Founder of Savor Cocktail Club, widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most influential bartenders. A World Class Diageo Vietnam Champion (2019) and Vietnam Bartender of the Year (2019 & 2023), Thep brings his signature Symposium philosophy to Mumbai, shaping an immersive bar takeover rooted in modern mixology and creative expression. Joining him behind the bar is Sameer Shaw, Head Mixologist at The Penthouse, who adds a locally rooted perspective through refined technique and thoughtful execution. Over the course of two evenings, guests can savor four specially curated cocktails per night, each designed as a narrative that blends contemporary methods with timeless inspiration, transforming every sip into a sensorial story.Further elevating the experience, Senior Bartender, Phuc Ngo known for his multiple top 10 rankings and competition accolades, will join the guest shift, adding precision, creativity, and flair to the bar experience.

 Complementing the cocktail program, Head Chef Nhan Ngo will curate a thoughtfully designed Vietnamese menu in a four-hands collaboration with By The Mekong’s Head Chef Li Qiang. He has worked across some of the most dynamic culinary landscapes, from Singapore and Dubai to Doha and Qatar. Drawing from an illustrious career across renowned kitchens in Vietnam, Chef Nhan’s cuisine reflects a refined Vietnamese sensibility layered with Asian influences, celebrating bold flavours, delicate balance, and artfully crafted offerings. 

This exclusive collaboration with Dean With Us founded by the dynamic duo, Akanksha and Rupali Dean, renowned across Asia for curating cross-cultural F&B showcases (and merge their profound expertise in food writing, culinary arts, global travel, and event curation), marks a rare opportunity for Mumbai’s discerning diners and cocktail lovers to experience a slice of Saigon’s progressive dining and beverage culture.

Event Details:

Venue: By The Mekong at The St. Regis Mumbai

Dates: Friday & Saturday, March 13 &14, 2026

Timing:  6: 00 pm to 11:00 pm

For reservations, contact: m: +91 86575 22956

While Sariska is not a new weekend destination for Delhites what makes it an absolute necessity for a revisit? Here's the answer.

Located right next to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the newly built sariskalodge Sariska, Rajasthan is redefining adventure luxury stay. With a striking blend of the past and the present, the Lodge is not just about adventure, it takes you on an immersive journey of local food, attentive staff, culture, heritage and an exotic vegetable farming experience, that of course lands deliciously on your plate. 

It's apparent that the resort is run with absolute passion by Anand Shekhawat - former hotelier with the Aman group of hotels, and his Japanese wife Rie who resides in the vast 15-acre forest land with their two beautiful dogs. Anand founded the property with Puneet Jain taking the duo two and half years to build from the concept to fruition.

My easy two-and half-hour drive from Delhi to Sariska came with an accurate direction advice from the founder and help from the GPS while passing beautiful Rajasthan villages, locals wearing colourful attires and herding sheeps, making it absolutely delightful. The welcome by the resort's guard of honour on a shining Marwari horse from their stable at the entrance made for a regal touch-Rajasthan style. A giveaway to what we were about to experience.

Giving a glimpse into the resort's unique construction and architecture, which takes plenty of natural stones and colours from the surroundings, Anand informs us about incorporating the forest's natural inspiration while conceptualising the 10 suites, which they have presently. Many of the furnitures are repurposed giving an insight into the founder's motto of keeping it sustainable as well as environment friendly. Rain water harvesting and hot composting add to it.

My own suite came with an impressive private pool (23ft by 8ft) sit outs in the front as well as the back, a swing and furniture highlighted with leather. The huge bathroom came with bathtub overlooking the vast forest expanse, his and her sinks, a separate WC and shower area. The soft cotton blinds with striking leopard embroidery in the room were made using the weaving technique of the Indus Valley civilisation still practised in some villages in India. A personal butler attached to every suite makes your stay experience truly rich. 

The dining experience was so exclusive that you could practically point at the vegetables, and it would appear on your plate cooked according to your specifications by the indulgent chef. From the local dishes to the international asian, and continental you can relish it all. One can dine at their restaurant or opt for an in-room dining.  

Some must-have experience that you should indulge at the lodge apart from the obvious tiger safari must include a bush dinner. Relishing local dishes like the laal maas, home-grown vegetables, freshly made steaming chapattis cooked right in front of you and served under a clear starlit sky with cocktails makes for an unforgettable vacation memory. 

 If you love horses, then request for petting and a ride session at the Ashwalaya stable where beautiful and famous Rjasthani breed of Marwari horses are housed indulgently by the owners. Found only in Rajasthan, with its origins from Marwar region this breed is known for its beauty, agility and hearing powers making it an important part of Rajasthan's legendary Polo history. It is also used for important ceremonial occasions. It was this horse that give us our ceremonial welcome to the lodge. The visit to the stable with be fun for families with children as there are hens and rabbits running around freely. A trip to the nearby village for a cultural experience can enhance your furthere enhance your stay here.  

The lodge also houses a spa conceptualised with Bhutnese wellness philosophy. A stunning traditional blue Rajasthani door will lead you to it as Sonam Zang and his team welcomes you with pink crystal stones and scents of khempa dhoop and traditional detox drink.

I was whisked off to a two-bedroom treatment room where I indulged in the spa's one hour signature massage therapy.

The outdoor relaxing area of the spa looks out into the forest giving you a magical feel after being pampered to the hilt.

Included in our itinerary was this visit to an old temple ruin overlooked by an ancient fort. While this is quite common in Rajasthan what made this absolutely gorgeous Neelkanth Mahadeva Shiva temple an absolute must visit with its powerful positive energy, surrounded by the majestic Aravali majestic mountains, was the fact that it dated back to the 9th century. This heritage, which is a cluster of around 300 lost temples is under the maintenance of Archeological Survey of India.

The main temple of Shiva has beautiful carvings of God Vishnu and his 10 avatars on the outside, while the sanctum sanctorum is of God Shiva. Also among the ruins is a beautiful temple of a Jain Trithankar strikingly standing tall. Since it is almost an hour's drive from the main town there are less visitors and tourists. Nestled in the clean village of Alwar run with solar power, it was in the temple ruins that our accompanying host Rie and eher team organised refreshments of home backed cookies, varieties of Indian snacks and drinks. A truly magical moment when you can experience the modern with the ancient.    

JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity celebrated its 11th anniversary  recently, marking over a decade of excellence in luxury hospitality. To commemorate this milestone, the hotel hosted an exclusive event featuring an exquisite six-course dinner, curated by acclaimed Berlin-based Chef Caique Tizzi. Held in the Grand Crystal Ballroom, the evening was a true celebration of culinary artistry and global flavors.

Reflecting on this milestone, Sandeep Gupta, Executive Chairman of Aria Hotels & Consultancy Services, said, “It’s been an amazing journey since 2013. Every year, we aim to bring something different, innovative, and creative. This year, we wanted to offer our guests and patrons a complete sensory experience by blending food and art in a unique way. We’re thrilled to have brought this vision to life through such an immersive celebration, and as we complete yet another incredible year.

Chef Caique Tizzi with Sandeep Gupta, Executive Chairman of Aria Hotels & Consultancy Services

Chef Caique Tizzi, known for his innovative approach to tropical ingredients and immersive dining experiences, transformed the ballroom into a vibrant setting for Tropical Anthology—an experience designed to take guests on a unique culinary journey. The six-course menu artfully blended flavors, art, and storytelling, exploring the impact of tropical ingredients on diverse cultures around the world. Each course brought forward Chef Caique’s signature style, combining elements of history and innovation, and leaving guests with a sense of wonder and discovery. The evening’s atmosphere was heightened by the ethereal sounds of MIDIval Punditz, whose music created the perfect backdrop to this sensory celebration.

Adding to the magic of the night, Neel Madhav delivered a mesmerizing performance that left guests captivated. Known for his extraordinary skills in mentalism and illusion

"This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a stepping stone towards an even brighter future. Over the years, our commitment to creating exceptional experiences has only grown stronger, and tonight’s event reflects our dedication to pushing boundaries in hospitality,” said Sharad Datta, General Manager of JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity.

The Nautilus Maldives announced 2024 collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation, Ananda integrates these ancient Indian wellness practices with therapy, and Oriental medicine. The partnership first launched in 2022 and this year’s iteration enhances the already extensive wellness offering with a series of curated experiences for guests looking to rebalance their body, soul and mind.

Exhale and release the tension from 17 - 25 August with the esteemed senior therapists of Ananda in the Himalayas, the world's renowned holistic wellness retreat. Combining Ayurveda wisdom with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering, Ananda’s prominent experts will provide the ultimate restorative wellness experience.

The Nautilus, a five-star ultra-luxury private island hideaway in the Maldives, will host two senior practitioners from the world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas, India, from 16th to 26th August 2024. Combining Ananda’s Ayurvedic knowledge with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering, this residency will provide the ultimate restorative wellness experience. 

The appetite for luxury car market is on a rise with an ever-growing rank of millionaires in India. It is no wonder than that  five individually curated Bentley models, commissioned by a Bentley retailer, comprise the first Mulliner Bespoke Edition created exclusively for the Indian Market. All of them feature an extensive specification, with unique exterior and interior finishes inspired by the colours of the Indian flag. Each of them is handcrafted in Crewe, England, by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation and bespoke department.

Although different in character, all five models in the Opulence Edition have key bespoke elements in common. All feature the lustrous Scarab Green exterior finish that was first developed for Bentley’s first coachbuilt barchetta, the Bacalar. Inside, the orange and green of India’s national colours are represented by upholstery of Mandarin main hide and Cumbrian Green secondary hide. The mirror-like Piano veneer of the fascia and trim is also finished in Cumbrian Green, with an inset chrome motif on the fascia of wild horses and mountain peaks. From the initial brief, designers and artisans painstakingly produced multiple depictions until the perfect composition was achieved. The design was ultimately hand-drawn, and carefully applied to the fascia using a chrome overlay technique. This unique colour and trim specification is the outcome of close collaboration between Bentley Mumbai and the Mulliner team, and celebrates the first-ever Mulliner bespoke edition created for the Indian market.

 By Arati Thapa

Holiday Day Inn, Aerocity re-opened its Italian restaurant L’ Osteria Bella after its closure due to the global pandemic. The restaurant is NOW OPEN in its all-new avatar with an eclectic décor, refreshed menu and a spirit that is casual, trendy and inviting. Located at the lobby level with a seating capacity of over 100 guests, L’Osteria Bella is the only exclusive Italian contemporary restaurant in Aerocity (the hospitality district of New Delhi) that boasts authentic flavours of contemporary Italy. Surrounded by upscale hotels and multi-national corporations, L’Osteria Bella’s causal and trendy setting are a refreshing change that sets it apart from the formal and swish vicinity.

Spread across two levels with two private dining rooms, an open interactive kitchen counter, and a trendy bar the restaurant exhibits an eclectic décor with quirky design elements. Bold and inviting colours, Italian Pop art and trendy memorabilia invigorate the ambience. The intricately patterned mosaic floor contrast with the straight-lined furniture. The Italian-themed inspired murals and retro Italian travel posters in monochromatic frames accentuate the Italian vibe and spirit. Contemporary pendant lamps, natural wood panelling and bold furniture with striking upholstery add to the character and vibrant mood of the restaurant while the Monstera leaves panels seamlessly attempt to embrace the outdoor with the indoors.

Speaking on the opening,  Amit Rana, General Manager Holiday Inn Aerocity said,  “We are delighted to present L’ Osteria Bella and look forward to welcoming guests. Despite an overhaul of the restaurant, our driving principle remains simple – to ensure that each guest has a memorable dining experience.” 

“Italian food is all about simplicity, natural flavours and freshness. While retaining the classics, we have reinvented many recipes and played with textures, flavours and presentation,” said Chef Sumit Sabharwal, Executive Chef Holiday Inn Aerocity.

Guests will be able to enjoy a grand buffet during weekends with special kids menu and live entertainment. Weekly chef specials, seasonal and festive promotions, executive lunches and special offerings for ladies groups will be a part of restaurant offerings.

Average meal for two: Rs 2500
Opening hours: Lunch and Dinner from 12.00 noon – 23.50

Chef Massimiliano Sperli

If you are an Italian food lover then you couldn't have missed the much loved Italian restaurant Sorrento at the Shangri-La's Eros Hotel, New Delhi. These days the restaurant is buzzing with Chef Massimiliano Sperli who has curated a new menu for the season with names that will make you read and smile.

Consider this - Roma Do Not Be Stupid Tonight as your antipasti which was fried black cod in parsley and basil batter, fennel and orange zest salad and capscicom and thyme sauce just to give you the gist. And that's how our tasting of the lunch menu started amidst entire buzz of other interesting names that popped out of the special menu curated for the media. First a bit about the Chef Chef Massimiliano, a master in traditional Italian recipes as well as international cooking styles. At Sorrento, Chef Sperli strives to bring an authentic Italian dining experience to guests, so they can develop a deeper understanding and passion for Italian cuisine. India was a destination where he dreamt of serving his food at perfect temperatures in a perfect setting.

The antipasti followed the pasta named A starry summer night that was homemade agnolotti filled with eggplant, smoked scamorza cheese, tomato and basil, grilled calamari, tuna orange carpaccio, mortadella sauté, Jerusalem artichoke and mint sauce or you could indulge in theThe jewels under the field which was homemade tortelli filled with potato, ricotta cheese and rosemary, beetroot sauté, steamed baby carrot, summer black truffle, celeriac sauce that tasting just amazing. We can absolutely vouch for the A French chef's dream of being better than an Italian, a delicious dish of roasted lamb and served at served at 55 of degrees scented with citrus zests and thyme, grilled eryngii mushroom, Taggiasche black olives, Culatello ham sauté, red apple and thyme emulsion, Acqualagna black truffle, yellow beetroot,  Mascarpone cheese and dried prunes quenelles, red onion and cooked grape must compote.This was the highlight for us, with every bite we could feel the succulent tenderness that required no effort to chew and almost melted in the mouth. The sweetness of the grape, prunes, beetroot and onion gave it a beautiful taste that still lingers.

If there is not, you want!!! Oh yes that was the name of the dessert - Passion fruit Pannacotta, white chocolate and cardamom sauce, served with Cantucci cookies crumble, cold press olive oil ice cream, since passion fruit is not this writers fave let us rave about the next one that was chocolate simply titled A sweet serenade of love made with Gianduia chocolate, orange and pistachio ganache heart, coconut praline, star anise tuiles, pure mango emulsion. This reminded you how the heaven would feel!!!

Best way to Book:With The Table from Golden Circle, you’ll dig into exclusive offers and instantly redeemable rewards Sorrento.

visit http://www.golden-circle.com/TheTable

 Sorrento

Homemade agnolotti with grilled calamari

Roasted lamb

Delhi's handful got a taste of food curated by Chef Julien Royer, the co-owner of Odette, 2-Michelin starred modern French restaurant located in Singapore. He was flown to Delhi by the JW Mariott, Aerocity for an exclusive culinary experience- a dinner featuring a five-course modern French meal. This was open to public priced at Rs 15000 per person. Nikhil Agarwal, sommelier and founder of All Things Nice paired the wine for the evening. Luxepointindia was invited for a taste over lunch as we feasted on started that began with cauliflower and curry tartlette, potato gaurette, cured trout, smoked cream quinoa, smoked eel, horseraddish king crab, apple and corriander.

"This is my second visit to India, renowned for its culture and flavours and I am so happy to be curating for Delhi. I am happy to be a part of Masters of Marriott and associate with leaders in the culinary industry who have chosen to blur boundaries and truly celebrate global talent. " he said as he hurried back to the kitchen to bring us the main which included Scottish salmon with tomato cucumber salsa, wasabi mayo, shiso verde and yuzu sake foam. The vegetarians loved the Toban yaki tofu steak served deliciously on sauted mushrooms, asparagus with scallions and Korean BBQ sauce poured over it over wafts of steam.

Chef Julien is hugely influenced by his grandmother whom he loved to watch when she cooked. You can show your love in so many ways when you cook," he said running back and forth to the kitchen and happily willing to stand for pictures with us

Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity said that, “We are delighted to host Chef Julien Royer at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. Culinary experiences always have and will continue to drive focus for us at Marriott. By bringing together our in-house F&B talent and international celebrity chefs, we aim at offering our loyal and new guests unmatched dining experience.”

The landmark Imperial Hotel at Janpath has given a new look to its boutique making shopping an experience to remember there. A feast for the eyes with its products sourced from the rich Indian heritage it is a beautiful window to India's heritage of culture, textiles and art. Its a luxury shopping with homegrown designer brands and you won't come disappointed. Brimming with accessories, apparels, coasters, antiques, oils and more, it is now a one stop shop for the discerning guests at The Imperial, urging them to take home a slice of India while they stay or visit India.

The boutique has now on display The Imperial memorabilia featuring cushion covers of our restaurants, aprons, pouches, leather and linen handbags, jewelry box and card holders designed by a renowned French designer Cecile Olivieri. The memorabilia is put together to bring forth the momentous elements and the iconic history, The Imperial is known for. One can also explore the culture and traditions of India with the premium range of apparels, accessories, collectibles and coasters from a celebrated Indian designer brand Vayu. This goes very well with the essence of The Imperial reflecting India’s golden heritage from the days of the Raj. SUFI, the signature spa oils are also available. It includes vital ingredients drawn from Ayurvedic knowledge of plants resins and roots that treat the body holistically. They are developed to support their spa therapies and as 75% of all spa treatments are massage based it is essential to use superior quality massage oils that enrich the overall spa experience and offer something exclusive. SUFI  is aligned with the Indian approach and mentality of veering towards non toxic pure solutions to beauty and better health which you can now pick for your well-being at home.

The boutique also showcases a hand-picked range of pashmina and cotton shawls, procured originally from Kashmir, fragrant tea from Indian Splendour with a range of natural and home-grown teas.

Vijay Wanchoo- Sr. EVP &GM, The Imperial New Delhi says “Our initiative is to bring forth not only tailored range of products but to present traditions, culture and ethos of India like no other. We have therefore revived it with some unique Indian brands complementing the range of products.”

It was truly an India day in the beautiful Chantilly, France. The Nobility for Ability, headed by Priya Bajwa held its charity polo cup at the Chantily Polo Club between Jaipur Polo Club and the Chantily Polo Club recently. Much talked about for his ramp walk for Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana, Men's SS'19 in Milan, the suave HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur played in the invitation charity polo game. The event in France was in support of the “Princess Diya Kumari Foundation” (PDKF), involved in women’s empowerment and the girl child, and the education society ODE, helping children with learning disabilities. It also saw a fashion show by Indian designer Charu Parasher on "Khadi the fabric of freedom and harmony" 

Her Royal Highness Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, who in her myriad roles is the ambassador for the Girl Child in Rajasthan, is also the Patron of Nobility for Ability and graced the Nobility for Ability Charity Polo Cup in Chantilly. Nobility for Ability is born from the personal experience of Piya Bajwa, who has faced the toughest trials that life can throw at a woman. She was empowered by her strong will, and the help of many to face the tribulations and come out a more resilient individual, and is returning some of that grace that life also had in store.

The event in France was in support of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), involved in women’s empowerment and the girl child, and the education society ODE, helping children with learning disabilities.

HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur