Chef Kunal Kapur shares fascinating pickle tales on new show Pickle Nation

Chef Kunal Kapur is all set to take one through a ‘one of a kind’ journey of discovering local flavours of pickles across the country through 18 fascinating episodes of Pickle Nation on Living Foodz channel. The versatile chef travels across 11 cities of India such as Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pondicherry, Kochi, Assam, Meghalaya, Varanasi and Goa unraveling an interesting pickle tale of each region, a release stated. 

Pickle Nation is not just about the pickle recipe or the process. Chef Kunal explores how pickle is the very fabric of our existence, culture, tastes, beliefs and customs and gives us an inside view of each region. “Making a pickle is the epitome of culinary strength; it is an art that is combined with a high level of science of preserving food. Around the world we have celebrated wine makers, cheese makers and even coffee brewers but we have never given the same stature to pickle makers. I am extremely excited to be unearthing these uniquely Indian stories of pickles & pickle makers, and sharing them with other food lovers..” said Chef Kunal Kapur.

 On exploring India and discovering pickles, he discovered some very interesting stories and facts which will be featured on the show.

Source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com

Average hotel price in India increases by 2% this year

In India, overall hotel prices paid by all travellers have witnessed a marginal rise of two per cent in the first six months of 2015 to an average of INR 6,411. The commercial capital of India- Mumbai, known for its buzzing night life recorded the highest rise of five per cent with an average of INR 8,091 making Mumbai the country’s city where travellers paid the most in the first half of 2015.

The city with heady mix of forts, shopping centres, food joints and the culture and tradition of Mughals- Delhi, retained its second spot despite a fall of three per cent with an average of INR 6,677. While cities like Bengaluru and Pune both had a marginal rise of three per cent, Goa which recorded the highest rise of 12 per cent last year, saw a minimal rise of three per cent with an average of INR 5,940 in the first half of 2015.

Chennai saw no change in price variation for hotel accommodation in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the same period last year whereas metro cities such as Kolkata and Hyderabad recorded a fall of two per cent and three per cent respectively. Travellers will be delighted to find that Jaipur continues to serve best value among the cities analysed with an average of INR 5,062 despite a rise of four per cent.

For the first time, hotel prices paid in three world regions have overtaken their pre-financial crisis levels of 2008/ 2009, with North America, the Caribbean and Latin America setting new records, although the overall global rise is up just one per cent in the first half of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 according to the latest Hotel Price Index (HPI) from Hotels.com. More travellers, higher consumer spending in key areas and strong currency fluctuations have all contributed to this result.

Source:(http://www.financialexpress.com)

RoomsTonite expands booking window for up to 3 days

RoomsTonite, hotel booking app has announced the expansion of its booking window by an another day, enabling customers to check-in for day after tomorrow too. RoomsTonite has released an updated version of its Android app (V 3.7) that enables its users to book hotels for the same day, next day and day after tomorrow. Prior to this, the company was offering last minute hotel booking for same day and next day only. Currently, this additional booking window will be available only on Android.

Karthick Prabu, chief product officer, RoomsTonite said, “This booking window expansion is a boon for customers, because now they get to book a hotel for day after tomorrow too, but at the same steal deal. Based on demand from our users, we observed that many of them wanted an extended booking window.”

Some other cool features in the updated app version include, options to filter hotels by price. For customer who have a budget in mind. RoomsTonite recently introduced some features on its Android app that enables customers to see hotels by its classification – luxury, premium, and comfort, introduction of hotel reviews and launch of Hotels on Map, which enables users to see hotels in a destination on GPS-based map.

Source:(http://www.financialexpress.com)

CG Hotels & Resorts opens The Fern Residency in Somnath, Gujarat

The Fern Hotels & Resorts recently announced the opening of Fern Residency, Somnath, a mid-scale business hotel in the Gir-Somnath district of Gujarat. The hotel is managed by Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd, that belongs to CG Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality wing of CG Corp Global. The hotel was inaugurated by religious leader and kathakaar ‘Shri Morari Bapu’. With the addition of the Somnath hotel, the group has extended the total number of hotels in the state to six hotels and has plans to open more in future. 

The hotel is centrally located at a distance of 1 km from the Somnath railway station and 8 km from the Veraval railway station. The Fern Residency, Somnath has 56 exquisitely designed guest rooms placed in four categories, Winter Green, Winter Green Premium, Fern Club, Hazel Suite which reflect the unique, luxurious and rich culture of the Gujarat region, with strong, bright tones and art across the hotel. With one restaurant, two banquet halls and the latest business services, the hotel is ideal for both business and leisure traveller.
Source:(http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com)

Tata group exits from Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai

As per a PTI news report, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, part of the Tata Group, announced yesterday that it has exited from the management of Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai, after 14 years of operations. It did not gave any reason for ending the management contract. Located at Deira, it was operating the hotel since 2001 and it was handed back to its owner - Juma Al Majid Group, on August 31 2015, the hospitality major said in a statement. 

"By virtue of a mutual agreement reached between the erstwhile partners, Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai, which has been successfully run by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces since 2001, will be handed back to the Juma Al Majid Group, on 31st August 2015," the statement said. Source: (http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com)

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd appoints Deepak Jad as Chief Planning Officer – Projects & Technical Services

Deepak Jad has joined Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd as Chief Planning Officer – Projects & Technical Services, a release stated. Jad’s skills cover a wide area of expertise, including project management, design optimization of projects, space planning & design briefs, technical feasibility of projects, technical standards,quantity surveying, cost negotiations and close out coordination & testing commissioning at handover stage.

 Jad was instrumental in setting up the Design and Technical services department at Accor hotels in India and has provided technical assistance for over 40 hotel projects ranging mid level to luxury projects including the construction of top hotels such as The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, which is rated among the best hotels in world. 

 Jad's experience spans across a range of industries and projects including Hotels, Convention centers, Education facilities,Serviced Apartments, Residential & Commercial building projects. He has attended a number of technical workshops with Accor at Paris and Bangkok. He is fully conversant with International Hotel design standards having worked with many leading International Architects. 

Jad is a qualified civil engineer with a graduate degree from BITS, Pilani and a post graduate Diploma in construction management from NICMAR, Pune, with more than 20 years experience in India and South Asia. source:(Hospitalitybizindia.com)

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts makes South Asia debut with the St. Regis Mumbai

Starwood’s Ultra-Luxury brand introduces its signature Butler Service

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of the highly anticipated St. Regis Mumbai. In partnership with Pallazzio Hotels & Leisure Limited, the hotel marks the entry of the St. Regis brand in India and South Asia. With this debut, the luxury brand has tripled its global footprint in the past decade to 35 hotels in the most coveted destinations around the world, a release stated. 

“The introduction of St. Regis to India marks a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in South Asia, and Mumbai displays a robust demand for high-end hospitality from this increasingly affluent region,” said Dilip Puri, Managing Director India and Regional Vice President South Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

 “We are uniquely positioned to cater to the needs of a new generation of luxury travellers, offering an enriching experience informed by the brand's legacy.” “We look forward to a long-term collaboration with Starwood Hotels & Resorts,”commented Atul Ruia, Managing Director Phoenix Mills Ltd & Director Pallazzio Hotels & Leisure Ltd. “Through its unparalleled service, The St. Regis Mumbai provides an uncompromising experience to its guests – the global business travellers, connoisseurs of the good life, and aficionados of art and culture.” 

“Mumbai is emerging as a world-class travel destination, presenting the perfect setting for the St Regis brand,” added Amit Bhosale, Executive Director, ABIL Hospitality Pvt Ltd. & Director, Pallazzio Hotels & Leisure Ltd. “We feel that it’s a great opportunity to introduce the legendary brand’s bespoke services and programs to the well-heeled travelers of today and tomorrow.” 

The St Regis Mumbai is located in Lower Parel, the city’s premium commercial, residential and entertainment district. The hotel provides easy access to the commercial centers including the Bandra Kurla Complex and Nariman Point, as well as to the airport. The hotel’s design captures an urban aristocratic style, complemented by warm tones and specially commissioned art work which lends an elegant and stylish touch to the guest rooms and public spaces. 

Residing in India’s tallest hotel tower, The St. Regis Mumbai offers panoramic views of the bustling metropolis. The hotel includes 386 well-appointed guest rooms including 27 suites and, for extended stays, the property’s 33 residential suites feature a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and the option of one or two bedrooms. 

Following in the tradition of the St. Regis brand's legendary New York hotel, The St. Regis Mumbai features the famed hallmarks including St Regis Butler Service. Butlers provide round-the-clock anticipatory, yet unobtrusive service and customize each guest's stay according to their specific tastes and preferences. 

The St. Regis Mumbai houses nine elegant restaurants, bars and nightlife destinations. The afternoon tea ritual comes to life in the lobby which has a drawing room ambience. With the addition of local flavours and Indian estate teas, guests enjoy a distinct interpretation of the classic afternoon pastime. Inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York which was the birthplace of the original Bloody Mary, The St Regis Bar serves its own signature version of the iconic cocktail which embodies the bold spirit of the city by embracing spices like cinnamon and coriander to create a soulful Indian version of the classic. 

Seven Kitchens with its natural light, vast interiors, international cuisine and popular Sunday Brunch, is perfect for gatherings with friends and family, whereas The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, inspired by the colonial era, is renowned for its robust Indian delicacies and flavours. 

By the Mekong takes guests on a gastronomic journey through China, Thailand and Vietnam, and Yuuka turns the finest Japanese ingredients into modern, culinary masterpieces. Li Bai offers exciting nightlife entertainment with live jazz performances and Exo,  said to be the city’s highest nightclub, offers signature cocktails in a refined setting. Guests can enjoy unparalleled vistas of the city at Asilo, the hotel’s signature rooftop bar. The St. Regis Mumbai’s luxury spa features 9 treatment rooms within tranquil surroundings. The hotel additionally offers a fitness center, a 25-meter outdoor pool with panoramic views and a professional salon. 

With over 3900 square meters of event space, including the alfresco Terrace Garden, a dedicated entrance and reception foyer, The St. Regis Mumbai reportedly, offers the perfect setting for glamorous, large scale events. A dedicated bridal area with a separate bridal salon makes the Ballroom the ideal venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Source:(Hospitalitybizindia.com)