A Taste of Southern Spice at C2C – A Culinary Journey Through South India
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A Taste of Southern Spice at C2C – A Culinary Journey Through South India

The award-winning restaurant C2C, at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, is delighted to offer an exceptional culinary experience from January 24th to February 2nd, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavours of South India. Accompanied by live music on weekends, this unique event is a collaboration with Southern Spice, the iconic restaurant at Taj Coromandel, Chennai. Together, they promise a dining experience that takes guests on a flavourful journey through the cuisines of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Event Details Dates: January 24th to February 2nd Timings: Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM This collaboration aims to showcase the finest coastal cuisine, perfectly aligned with C2C’s philosophy of celebrating coastal culinary traditions. The Flavours of South India South Indian cuisine is renowned for its bold and balanced flavours, combining spices, tanginess, and sweetness. Essential ingredients like rice, lentils, coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves form the foundation, while mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, and black pepper add depth and complexity. Coconut imparts richness, tamarind provides tang, and curry leaves lend an aromatic herbal touch. The event will also feature specially curated beverage pairings on select dates—January 25th, 26th, and February 1st—crafted by esteemed beverage experts to complement the dishes. “We are committed to offering our guests an exceptional dining experience by bringing diverse coastal cuisines to C2C, catering to both our guests and coastal food enthusiasts,” said Mr. Ashwani Anand, General Manager, Taj Cidade de Goa. Menu Highlights The special South Indian menu includes an array of flavourful dishes: Starters: Vazhapoo Cutlet, Guntur Chilli Mushroom, Kuzhi Paniyaram, Denji Rawa Fry. Rasam: Melagu Rasam, Kozhi Kurmilagu Chaaru. Main Course: Karuvepilai Poondu Kozhambu, Alleppey Fish Curry, Kozhi Melagu Curry. Rice Dishes: Puliohora, Thayir Saadam, Malabar Neimeen Biriyani. Desserts: Elaneer Payasam, Kumbakonam Kaapi Ice Cream. Beverage: Dabra Coffee – traditional South Indian filter coffee.  About Chef Rajendran Leading this extraordinary culinary journey is Chef Rajendran, a South Indian cuisine expert with over 25 years of experience. Inspired by his Tamil heritage and his mother’s traditional recipes, Chef Rajendran brings an authentic touch to every dish, masterfully blending indigenous spices to create an unforgettable dining experience. About Southern Spice Located in Chennai, Southern Spice is renowned for its authentic South Indian cuisine, combining traditional recipes with contemporary presentation. The restaurant’s thoughtfully curated menu showcases the diverse culinary heritage of South India, offering a dining experience that caters to even the most discerning palates.  About Taj Cidade de Goa, Goa Nestled across 30 acres of lush tropical greenery along the shores of Vainguinim Beach, Taj Cidade de Goa, epitomises luxurious Goan indulgence. With 500 exquisite rooms and suites, 10 eclectic dining options, three outdoor pools, elegant celebration spaces, and the serene J Wellness Circle Spa, it offers the perfect blend of old-world Portuguese charm and contemporary sophistication. About C2C Situated in Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, C2C is a unique restaurant that celebrates coastal cuisines from around the world. From Mediterranean to Southeast Asian and Indian coastal dishes, C2C offers an array of seafood and vegetarian options, highlighting the rich flavours of these regions. Guests are treated to a spectacular dining experience, complemented by stunning sea views and handcrafted cocktails, making it a standout culinary destination in Goa.  From unforgettable family vacations to grand celebrations, Taj Cidade de Goa delivers legendary Taj hospitality perfected over a century.

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Loya Qissa: A Night of Signature & Creative Cocktails at Taj West End
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Loya Qissa: A Night of Signature & Creative Cocktails at Taj West End

Loya Qissa showcased the private bar takeover event that had cocktail enthusiasts rubbing their eyes in wonder, which took place within its confines. The event was witnessed by Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal (Editor-in-Chief, TheStyle.World) and was coupled with Daniel Gonzalez of #7 World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 rated Licorería Limantour. This was one of those nights that’ll never be forgotten—this meant a much-needed celebration of creativity, world-class flavours, and unparalleled vibes at the Taj West End. A Star-Studded Bar Takeover Given that it was probably the most beautiful and elaborate bar takeover experience  Loya Qissa had ever hosted, the night really promised to deliver, and, boy, did it. With mastermind Daniel Gonzalez of Licorería Limantour taking over the bar of Loya Qissa, some of the unique and daring cocktails he presented for his guests. This is how the rich content of traditional cocktail spirits got combined with the impressive modern techniques. The night will definitely be remembered as it was for the guests who enjoyed their well-crafted drinks by a person who took a step further to bring mixology to the next level. A Night to Remember At Loya Qissa The venue itself was spectacular.  Loya Qissa, perfectly classy and elegant, was the perfect venue for this ‘extra-special’ night. Guests happily sipped their drinks as they were wrapped in the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that so characterises the Taj West End. Laughter, story-telling, and camaraderie marked the way the evening unfolded as the well-crafted cocktails drifted into deep conversation. A Ride Like No Other To those privileged enough to experience it, this was more than just an event. For a collective experience, it was definitely because of the cocktails that went down for drinking, from its first sip until the very last, a journey in flavours, textures, and creativity. And if you are a connoisseur or just a casual lover of cocktail mixes, take hold of the fantastic journey of art in mixology that awaits you from Daniel Gonzalez’s takeover of the bar. Planning Ahead It was one such night that the guests will be remembering for a lifetime and the success of it further and more firmly cemented the reputation of this place as the epitome of destinations for unique, high-quality bar experiences. Guests left at the close of the night with new memories and new favourites and a deep appreciation for the world of creative cocktails. Here’s to many more such events that dare to push the boundaries of taste and innovation!

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Ratan Tata: Pioneering India’s Tourism Sector
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Ratan Tata: Pioneering India’s Tourism Sector

According to legend, his sisters called him to task by enquiring, “Are you really going to build a bhatarkhana?” But he did not throw in the towel, and by 1903, the Taj Mahal hotel was constructed with the finest luxuries at that time and built in the typical cosmopolitan ethos of Bombay. Another inspiration behind the airlines of the Tata group is JRD Tata, who founded Tata Airlines in 1932, later known as Air India and nationalised in 1956. Today, the companies of the group constitute the tourism and travel sectors, catering to individual and business customers at all facades. Taj Hotels: Hallmark of luxury and Hospitality Taj Safaris: Experience India’s Wildlife Sanctuary Vistara: Comfort For Domestic and International Travellers Air India: Jewel Of Indian Aviation Industry Ginger Hotels: Smart, Budget-Friendly Accommodation Vivanta by Taj: Chic and Stylish Stay Air Asia India: Low-Cost Domestic Travel What power in the travelling hospitality business has Ratan Tata created by way of vision leadership? From high-end luxury hotels and ecotourism safaris to budget stays and affordable air travel, the Tata Travel Group caters to all sectors of tourism. Brands like Taj Hotels, Vivanta, Ginger, Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India have given this portfolio something for every traveller and taken both Indian and international tourism to new heights. The impact of Ratan Tata on travel goes much beyond lifting the image of India. It also stands for an India tour that encompasses quality, comfort, and innovation.

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Hospitality News From Goa
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Hospitality News From Goa

IHCL Goa Partners with Govt. of Goa on World Youth Skills Day On July 11th, 2024, IHCL Goa represented by Mr Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President, Goa a memorandum of understanding with 11 of Goa’s Industrial Training Institutes to provide students and youth with training at their various properties across the state. Speaking on this occasion, Mr Phillipose stated, “Recognising the need and the challenges faced today, both for the young joining workforce and the industries across sectors, is to match skills to demand. We at IHCL Goa are at the forefront of meeting this challenge, and as Goa’s leading tourism player, we are proud to shoulder this commitment. IHCL-Goa’s belief in sustainable growth remains deeply rooted in our legacy aligned with diversity excellence and positive outcomes. This initiative to train 1 lac skilled youth by 2030 further strengthens our objective of Paathya to promote economic growth while maintaining social and environmental impact.”. Presided over by the Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant and attended by Director of Rural Development Agency, Mr Gopal Parsekar, Director of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation, Mr Vijay Saxena, Chairperson of ITI, Panaji, Mr Gaurish Dhond, South India Head, Tata Technologies, Mr Prashant Handigund and Director Education, Govt. of Goa, Mr Prasad Loliyenkar, IAS. Responding to the Hon. Chief Minister’s clarion call for ‘Kaushalya Goem, Khushal Goem’ (Skilled Goa, Happy Goa), IHCL-Goa will be offering 6 months on-the-job training to students who are undergoing hospitality course in the 4 departments: food production, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage service, & Front Office. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Sawant stressed on how skill, re-skill and up-skill help make optimum use of human resources and by focusing on skill development, Goa can be made Atma Nirbhar. Taking this a step ahead, Mr Ranjit Phillipose invites students to visit our hotels, which will encourage the students to opt for hospitality-driven courses at Industrial Training Institutes in Goa, furthering IHCL Goa’s commitment towards skilling.

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A Taste Of Two Worlds: Indian Fusion At Taj London’s TH@51
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A Taste Of Two Worlds: Indian Fusion At Taj London’s TH@51

Stepping into the luxurious Taj London’s TH@51, I knew I was in for a treat. But tonight, my culinary compass longed for more than just great Indian food. I’m looking for a delightful clash of cultures, a symphony of Indian spices re-imagined for British tastes. Here, amid Taj’s rich history, I embarked on a journey of fusion—a chance to witness the magic that unfolds when East meets West on a plate. Taj London: Majestic London St. Located in the heart of Jamestown, Taj London is a haven of Indian hospitality infused with British grandeur. Its imposing Victorian facade, a testament to the city’s architectural heritage, hints at the luxurious interior that awaits within. Upon entering through the grand entrance, you are greeted by a dazzling foyer with kaleidoscopic marble floors, soaring ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers and plush armchairs that invite respite. A subtle blend of Indian spices and the hum of gentle conversation buzz in the air, whetting your appetite for the culinary adventure ahead. TH@51: A unique culinary playground awaits within the walls of Taj London: TH@51. This is not your typical Indian restaurant. TH@51 is a lively space where traditions are given a playful twist. Imagine sunshine in natural light, perfect for enjoying breakfast or a leisurely lunch. In the evening, the atmosphere changes to refined elegance, perfect for a refined dinner. The menu here is a symphony of global flavours with Indian spices at the centre. But these fiery notes are masterfully intertwined with elements of British taste, creating an innovative and adventurous culinary experience. From exciting shows to the living theatre of an open kitchen, TH@51 promises a feast for all the senses, a place where East meets West on the plate in a truly unforgettable way. My Drinks: Passion Fruit Martini To taste the exciting fusion of flavours from my Indian and British meal, I opted for a refreshing passion fruit martini. This tropical delicacy was a perfect contrast to the rich spices and salty notes. The vibrant orange drink, likely made from vodka, passion fruit puree, a splash of lime juice and possibly simple syrup, promised a sweet and tangy explosion. With each sip, I imagined the unique taste of passion fruit—a juicy mix of sweet, tangy and a little floral. It was a great way to cleanse the palate between courses and experience summer refreshment in the middle of a unique culinary journey. Espresso Martini After a refreshing passion fruit martini, you chose a classic with a kick: the espresso martini. This potent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso promised a delicious paradox. A frothy, chilled drink would have a smooth and creamy texture, followed by a delightful aroma of coffee and warming espresso. It was the perfect way to end the meal – a delightful combination of sweet, boozy and caffeinated energy, a fitting end to a journey that dances between the fiery flavors of India and the comforting notes of Britain.. The Food: Chicken Tikka While TH@51 offers a range of innovative Indian and British fusion dishes, it looks like you’ve opted for a comfort classic: chicken tikka. At Taj London, even a seemingly familiar dish like chicken tikka can contain a surprise. Maybe their version has a unique marinade with a bit of a British twist, with traditional yoghurt and tandoori spices. A perfectly marinated chicken would likely have been cooked in a tandoori oven, with a charred exterior yielding juicy and flavorful meat. This seemingly simple dish becomes a high-class dish when experienced in the opulent surroundings of the hotel, a testament to the restaurant’s ability to respect tradition while also offering a little unexpected pleasure. Tree House Mushroom This dish, TH@51, is their creative interpretation of coral sponges. Imagine a visually stunning creation—perhaps a medley of textures and flavours designed to tempt the British palate. This inventive dish, which draws inspiration from the distinctive shape of the tree house mushroom, would be a great illustration of TH@51’s playful yet sophisticated approach to the evolution of Indo-British fusion and would be a pleasant surprise for even the most discriminating British palate. As for me, a spray of salt and pepper did the job! Kale Burrata Chaat Then, perusing TH@51’s fusion menu, came a dish that beautifully bridged the gap between Indian and British sensibilities: Kale Burrata with Spicy. Imagine brightly coloured kale that can be sautéed or sauteed with Indian spices like cumin or coriander to create a warm, aromatic base. Added to that is the luxurious taste of creamy burrata cheese, the richness of which is a lovely contrast to the earthy kale. A slightly spicy element could be some fragrant spice mix, such as garam masala, or perhaps some hot chutney on the side, allowing you to adjust the level of heat to suit your British taste. This innovative creation perfectly embodied the TH@51 philosophy: the familiar comfort of British cheese combined with the exciting flavours of subtle Indian spices, all combined into a visually stunning and texturally delightful dish. Paneer Wellington Then, perusing TH@51’s fusion menu, came a dish that beautifully bridged the gap between Indian and British sensibilities: Kale Burrata with Spicy. Imagine brightly coloured kale that can be sautéed or sauteed with Indian spices like cumin or coriander to create a warm, aromatic base. Added to that is the luxurious taste of creamy burrata cheese, the richness of which is a lovely contrast to the earthy kale. A slightly spicy element could be some fragrant spice mix, such as garam masala, or perhaps some hot chutney on the side, allowing you to adjust the level of heat to suit your British taste. This innovative creation perfectly embodied the TH@51 philosophy: the familiar comfort of British cheese combined with the exciting flavours of Indian spices, all combined into a visually stunning and texturally delightful dish. Desserts: Gulab Jamun Cheesecake For dessert at TH@51, you took a truly delightful journey combining flavours with the gulab jamun cheesecake. Imagine a creamy cheesecake

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Taj Palace New Delhi, Loya’s Drink Delights
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Taj Palace New Delhi, Loya’s Drink Delights

869Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya, has a jewel of attraction inside it. The restaurant  is a culinary excellence that takes you through the journey of taste in North India. While expertly prepared dishes take centre stage, a perfectly composed drink can elevate the entire experience. To quench your thirst and tempt your taste buds, Loya offers a unique drink menu that deserves a look. Let’s dive into the world of drinks at Loya and find out what hidden gems359 await. Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya’s Drinks Story: Before I even take you into the drinks section, let me share with you the part where the magical concoction takes place. The Loya bar! It is a magnificent part of the restaurant and without a doubt, it is the first thing you will lay your eyes on as you enter the restaurant. Loya’s Bar: You can see the mixologist working up on their magic in front of your eyes. The Bar is a magnificent and lit area with a backdrop on numerous magical vials of drinks. and when you sit at the bar, the aesthetic will blow your mind. The bar counter has its own waterfall. The entire bar theme revolves around music and water. I was even amazed to see a whisky glass shaped like a flowing water stream. Cocktail Menu Concept: The drinks at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya, have a wonderful concept well illustrated for the drinks that you can try according to your mood, feelings and even personality. The concept is called S.P.I.C.E. (scale, pitch, instrumental, chords and expression). Scale: In music, scale is the foundation of every song. The 8 prominent key notes make up every single symphony and keeping that in mind, the mixologists have created 2 major cocktails with 8 key elements. Pitch: The High and low notes of music has inspired the combination of these cocktails. High-pitched notes represent vibrant and invigorating drinks and low-pitched notes represent the depth and richness of the drinks. Instrumentation: Just like in a symphony, many instruments are used in the same manner for making the cocktail: shakers are the drumbeat, spoons are the batons, glasses are the stage, and strainers are the harmonious tunes. All of these are collectively making a symphony. Chords: There are 3 distinct notes in a musical chord, and 2 inspirational cocktails are made using this as inspiration. Expression: When music and emotions meet, you get melodies and lyrics. That is why the specialists have taken inspiration from this and created 2 signature cocktails. Time for the drinks: Welcome Drinks: The first drink of the evening was the welcome drink that was given to us, the Jaljeera drink! It was very refreshing and it was in miniature Campa bottles. Super cute! Ara: From the S.P.I.C.E. concept menu, we ordered Ara (Scale)! The drink is an amalgamation of tequila, Marsa fermented rice beer, guava liqueur, and pickled guava. The glass was lined with Pahadi salt around the rim and a block of ice. The taste? It was lip-smacking and perfect until the last drop. Haldi: Another drink from the S.P.I.C.E. concept Gin with Haldi (turmeric) along with a sweet-spicy concoction of ginger jaggery syrup and a tang of lemon juice! The drink hits all the right chords of your senses! Woody Manhattan: If you are looking for a deep baritone of flavour with a hint of spunk in the S.P.I.C.E. concept (instrumentation), then Woody Manhattan is your drink! Strong base of Scotch whisky vermouth grapefruit’s bitterness and smoke of apple wood. You can almost smell it through the box that it comes in. A strong drink in a vintage locked box—it was really something!   Patria’s Martini: S.P.I.C.E. concept-based drinks were really some special ones and yes, I went on to get another one from me in the menu (Instrumentation). Patrias Martini is the drink that you can have and feel the royalty slurping down your throat. It was brought to us in a chalice! It is a must-have on your drinks list as it is a gin-based drink infused with gin, aged vermouth and pickled capers.   Loya Zero Proof: Sunrise to Sunset: I indulged myself into tasting the mocktails as well. And one of them was Sunrise to Sunset, a perfect mix of pomegranate juice and mango puree. It had the tang of lemon with the zing of the soda and the freshness of basil syrup.   Tamarind Fennel Soda: Sourness of tamarind, balanced with the subtle fennel syrup, was the hero of this drink. The drink also had orange essence and bubling lemon soda. What a sip to take! Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya, gave me a grand memory to remember for a very long time. The food was definitely fabulous and so were the drinks. Every drink has its own story, mix, flavour and presentation too! My bags will be packed all over again just to have these drinks all over again! In a nutshell, I would say that this place is definitely the one that you must visit and yes, drink responsibly!     Disclaimer: This review is based on the personal taste and choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal, Editor in Chief. 

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House Of Ming Turns One- Anniversary Celebrations In London
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House Of Ming Turns One- Anniversary Celebrations In London

Join the restaurant’s anniversary celebrations in London this May It has been one year since the globally acclaimed House of Ming opened its doors in London. The restaurant is inviting foodies to celebrate its first anniversary with an impressive line-up of exciting partnerships and limited-edition launches. Epicureans can indulge in an exclusive set menu in partnership with LOUIS XIII Cognac by Remy Martin to mark the occasion. Diners looking for an elevated experience in London can indulge in a four-course lunch or dinner, with each dish paired with the finest LOUIS XIII. House of Ming’s menu is rich in flavour, with cognac making the perfect pairing to bring out and enhance the dishes’ flavour profiles. Kicking things off with a duet of classic Dim Sums, diners can choose between a seafood symphony with Scallop and Prawn Dim Sums or opt for roots and beans with Pak Choi, Lotus Root Sesame and Edamame Smoked Chilli Dim Sum. Next up is a selection of delicious appetisers, such as the Pan-Fried Rack of Lamb served with a Sweet Black Pepper Sauce and House of Ming best-seller crispy fried Lotus Stem Honey Chilli, to name just a few. The Head Chef has chosen his all-time favourite mains for the feast too; choose from Sichuan Baby Lobster, Kung Pao Chicken or Ma Po Tofu.  In addition, the team is also welcoming back to its main menu the show-stopping Flaming Duck for one month only. Delight your senses when a majestic gong is struck each time the chef flames a whole duck tableside. This theatrical cooking method creates the crispiest skin, most succulent meat and is incredible to see. Finally, in honour of the restaurant’s roots, diners can commemorate the first year as they would in traditional Asian cultures. When a little one turns one, the celebrations include a fortune-telling ceremony. During this, various objects are placed in front of a baby and people gather to see which object they reach out to, giving an indication towards their future. House of Ming is putting fate firmly in its guest’s hands and will be placing four traditional objects on the table for people to select. Each item corresponds to a limited-edition Bao bun flavour—will you be surprised with chicken, pork, mushroom, or duck?  Mehrnavaz Avari, Area Director, UK General Manager, St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London and Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences, commented, “Bringing the celebrated House of Ming to London last year was a privilege and honour. We’ve witnessed the restaurant go from strength to strength and it has been extremely well received on the London dining scene. Celebrating one year of House of Ming is an exciting milestone for myself and the team and we cannot wait for guests and visitors to dine with us and mark this occasion with our anniversary specials.” A hot spot for tourists and Londoners alike, House of Ming is housed within St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, and offers diners dishes inspired by regional Sichuan and Cantonese cooking, unique creations from the creative chef team and recognisable House of Ming favourites. The restaurant burst onto the London dining scene on May 24, 2023 and will be offering its anniversary specials from May 15 15th June 15. Limited edition food menu in partnership with LOUIS XIII Cognac by Remy Martin:  Food is charged at £50 per person Paired with a glass of Champagne (Telmont) charged at £70 Paired with 25 ml Louise XIII at £ 200 per person Fortune-telling Bao menu: Two pieces of Bao priced at £15 per person, paired with a Tsingtao Beer. Flaming Duck: Peking Duck Whole £110 and Crispy Aromatic Duck Whole £92 House of Ming Originated in New Delhi, House of Ming is one of the finest Chinese dining experiences in India.  Please follow us on Instagram: @homlondon #DiscoverHOM #1stanniversaryHOM Opening times: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-3:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm (closed Tuesday)  Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences five-star heritage hotel perfectly positioned close to Buckingham Palace and Mayfair and just a stroll from London’s greatest landmarks. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences is unlike any other 5-star luxury hotel in London.   For regular and occasional visitors to the Capital of capitals, the hotel offers a wider choice of suites and residences than any other in London, providing guests with more space and flexibility to accommodate families, state delegations or executives travelling on business. St. James’ Court, London, A Taj Hotel  St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London, is a discreet Victorian masterpiece, typifying the concealed charm of one of Britain’s finest luxury hotels. Crisp and elegant, with the signature Taj warmth, St. James’ Court strives to make each visit more pleasurable and memorable. Located in central London SW1, the hotel is footsteps from Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Park, perfectly positioned to explore London for business or pleasure. With four restaurants, including Michelin-starred Quilon, the award-winning afternoon tea restaurant Kona, The Hamptons Bar and TH@51 restaurant, Bar and Courtyard, as well as conference rooms and banqueting suites, St. James’ Court Hotel is sure to be your favourite London hotel. For reservations please visit houseofming.co.uk, call +44 20 7963 8330 or email hom.london@tajhotels.com  

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Loya, Taj Palace, New Delhi : Iconic Dining Experience
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Loya, Taj Palace, New Delhi : Iconic Dining Experience

Loya, Taj Palace, and New Delhi Loya, in Taj Palace, New Delhi was nothing less than a remarkable place and the dining experience was totally iconic. The drink menu was exceptional, as was the food. But before I even go to that, I will share with you the grandeur of that place! Unlike my Bangalore experience, this one was indoors, and the journey of this epic dining experience starts right from the entrance. The ambience is mesmerising even before you enter the dining area; the white flooring and subtle botanical touch are just fabulous! The Restaurant As you enter the restaurant, you cannot remove your eyes from the magnificent surroundings, and the bar has its own waterfall! That is basically the first thing you see when you enter. Now, when it comes to the menu, Loya-Taj Palace, New Delhi, has proved that North Indian traditional food is not just dal makhni with tandoori roti! It is so much more than that. There is food from the foothills of Himachal, tang from Punjab and, not to forget, sweetness from Kashmir. they gave us a tour of ambience. The walls and stones used inside were of specific significance; they were very earthy and very much North Indian. There were traditional North Indian paintings and a very cosy vibe. And as expected, service and hospitality are exceptional—just at the Taj level.   How do they cook the traditional way? Dhungar: When your food is cooked in this manner, you get a kindled coal fragrance to your buttery umami flavours. Usually, coal is used to add flavour to your feast. Dhungar basically means smoking. Bhagar: When various spices are bloomed in hot, savoury ghee for tempering and poured right over your food, that is called Bhagar! Sigdi: Ever felt why food in typical villages is so finger-licking? Well, when your food is cooked over coal, wood or cow dung cakes, you get that earthy gaon ka taste! Dum: When the food is kept in a pot and sealed tightly on top to be cooked for many hours, that is your dum! And to maximise taste retention in your mouth, all the food is made in traditional earthen and metal pots. And to see the magic that happens while cooking is right in front of you! Yes, you can have a view of your food making as there is an open kitchen to look at! On the table: In any typical north Indian traditional home, you will have your food on earthen or copper plates. A colourful table napkin leaves a feeling of nostalgia from your mummy ke kitchen ka cloth! Though the restaurant had lavish styling, the feel of sitting and having food there was absolutely homely! And after being seated in such a great ambience, I was ready to devour the delectable menu right away! Starters: Daal ki Chaat: Crisps made of Gehun (wheat) paratha and besan, served at your table with garlic nibs along with chilli oil. The taste was absolutely refreshing and the garlic added the right amount of punch to the chaat. Kauni Ke Kabab: A crisp kachori with peas, anardana, and the spicy saunth ki chutney. This one just brings you back to your roots. Sigdi Macchi: These were the spicy tikkas made with sole river fish made in Wari. Absolutely unforgettable! Paneer Teen Mirch: A paneer dish that literally melts in your mouth and has that punch of spice from those chilies, capsicum and crushed kali mirch (black pepper). This will definitely open all your senses! Loya Specials: Multani Gobhi: The entire cauliflower was marinated in clay and roasted well so that all the florets were cooked and roasted inside. This is definitely the most innovative concept! Gosht ke lazeez peshiyan: Special cuts of mutton smoked with charcoal and had the tempered taste of stone flower and kebab chini spice.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TheStyle.World (@thestyle.world) Main Course: Surkh Sabzi, loya kadhi: A mixed vegetable dish served hot with kadhi and the mix of vegetables included Lotus stem, Colocasia, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Beans. Kathal Baingan Bharta: Even though the combination of brinjal and jackfruit as one dish sounds not so usual, it is a must-try on my list! Masaledar Bhindi: The regular ladyfinger can be served like this and I was more than just amazed!  Stir the fried ladyfinger with brown onions, tomato and cashew paste, along with some ladyfinger crisps. Dum Nalli: Slow-cooked baby lamb shanks in yoghurt with a stock gravy infused with spices. Bhaddu Murg: When you have a chicken cooked to the bone in a Bhaddu with some flower spice and a few other spices,. Dessert: Nawanshahr Katira Phirni : A finger-licking sweet dish that is a combination of custard phirni, gulab jamun, ice cream, dry fruits and gond katira. The gulab jamun just melts in your mouth and the dry fruits add the right amount of crunch to the dessert. Badana Pearls: Luxurious sweet pearls served in a wonderful box in which the rabri and saffron foam is placed along with chopped up dry fruits. Doodh jalebi: Jalebi with dates, pista and kesar milk is something you cannot miss out! Give your dining experience a grand ending with this dish. Kulfi Popsicle: Kulfis are made in the manner of popsicles and there were so many flavours that I couldn’t resist myself from trying a few! Mouth freshener: After all that exciting menu gulped down to the stomach, one must get the palette refreshed. and Taj Loya gives you the opportunity to do it yourself! DIY mouth freshener! The dining experience at Taj Loya Palace in New Delhi was nothing less than a luxurious ride through the multitudes of tastes, textures and foods. The service, hospitality and regal features never disappoint me. The entire team of Loya- Dilbar Singh Rawat (Head Mixologist), Divya Mamgain (Associate), Gagan Sikka (Sous Chef—creator of the entire dining menu), Dheeraj (Bartender) and Suryadeep (Restaurant Manager) made sure that my time spent here

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Taj Hotels in London Launches Dazzling Diwali
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Taj Hotels in London Launches Dazzling Diwali

All over the world people celebrate Diwali and this year Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St James Court, a Taj Hotel invites everyone to come together for the festival of lights. Diwali is India’s most celebrated annual holiday and falls on the 12th November 2023. Enjoy the Dazzling Diwali celebrations with Taj Hotels this year, as the hotels will be offering spectacular hampers, limited edition menus, accommodation offers, an exciting partnership with Bicester Village and a glittering fireworks display. Dazzling Diwali Stays Guests can unwind and take in the beautiful surroundings and bright lights of Diwali by settling into the hotel’s traditionally decorated spaces. The Dazzling Diwali Stays package is bookable now for both Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel. The accommodation offer includes 15% off rooms and is bookable until 19th November, for stays between 14th October – 19th November. Guests will enjoy an additional 10% discount on food and drinks at TH@51 and Kona too. For families visiting on the 11th and 12th November, the hotel will be hosting a magical lantern decorating workshop for children to embrace the celebrations and show off their creativity. This offer is one not to be missed and on the evening of Diwali itself, Taj will be lighting up the courtyard with a glittering firework display to mark the official day of the Festival of Lights. Guests who are looking for an extra special experience, can book the Dazzling Diwali Package, which includes complimentary dining in TH@51 as well as a 10% discount on the Jasmine Afternoon Tea – Diwali edition, and 10% off any J Wellness Circle treatments. The hotel is partnering with designer shopping outlet Bicester Village for an exclusive Diwali experience. Guests will receive VIP passes to the unique open-air Village which is home to 150 luxury fashion and lifestyle boutiques and can enjoy a private shopping experience. Diwali Dining Food is at the heart of the celebration and this year the hotels will be offering a limited-edition version of its iconic Indian Jasmine Afternoon tea with a menu crafted especially to celebrate the festival of lights. Inspired by the traditional afternoon tea but with its roots firmly in Indian dining culture, guests and visitors to the hotel can indulge in beautifully crafted Diwali themed pastries and delicious savoury treats. The hotel’s restaurant TH@51 will be serving up a menu of Indian Thalis to celebrate Diwali exploring the enchanting flavours of India with North and South regional Thalis, as well as the traditional Satvik and vegetarian Thalis. Bespoke Hamper Gifting Exchanging gifts is an important part of Diwali as a way of expressing love, gratitude and giving thanks. The hotel will have a selection of carefully curated hampers available to purchase and gift to loved ones. Presented in a gorgeous keepsake hamper, prices start from £30 and will be filled with exciting delights such as artisan chocolates, a traditional Indian sweets Mithai Box, crystal handmade diyas and scented candles – to name just a few. Diwali on the Square This year, Taj Hotels is the official hospitality partner for the annual Diwali on the Square festivities, taking place in Trafalgar Square on 29th October. The team will be preparing elements of the stunning Diwali edition Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea for over 200 distinguished guests including Diplomats, High commissioners, Ministers, Lords, MPs, and Mayors of different boroughs at the iconic celebrations. Diwali in the Square is set to see over 35,000 people join together to celebrate the festival of lights.    

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