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Living Foodz to celebrate the Game-Changers in India’s Fine- Dining, Nightlife and Lifestyle entertainment landscape
MUMBAI: India’s premium lifestyle channel, Living Foodz is set to recognize India’s best authentic fine-dining restaurants and lounges at Epicurean Guild Awards 2018 this March. The second edition of the prestigious awards will take place at a glittering ceremony on March 22, with the most prominent names in the hospitality industry in attendance. The awards are co-curated by restaurateur and celebrity Chef Manu Chandra, Chef / Partner Olive Bar and Kitchen Pvt Ltd.
Commenting on the upcoming awards, Living Foodz, Business Head, Mr. Amit Nair said, “Epicurean Guild Awards will pay an ode to the gamechangers of the culinary industry in India. As a lifestyle brand, we have always encouraged and celebrated excellence in the ecosystem through our initiatives. We are delighted to have created an IP that raises the bar with a nuanced and meticulous process that truly awards the best. Looking forward to the second season of LFEGA and curating this experience with Chef Manu Chandra.”
The jury is an eclectic mix of the finest chefs, influencers and eminent personalities who have defined the new paradigm shift in India’s gourmet culture. It comprises Chef Ranveer Brar, AD Singh, Karen Anand, Magandeep Singh, Bhaichand Patel, Ajay Chopra, Chef Rakhee Vaswani,Clinton Cerejo, Anoothi Vishal, Rushina Munshaw-Ghildyal, Kalyan Karmakar, Mohit Anand, Nicole Madon, Nikhil Agarwal, Antoine Lewis, Anirban Blah, Mohit Anand, Osama Jalali, Ruma Singh, Gauri Devidayal, Ruth Dsouza Prabhu, Purva Mehra and Hemamalini Maiya.
Commenting on the awards, Chef Manu Chandra said, ”“My experience curating the Living Foodz Epicurean Guild Awards has been extremely inspiring. The awards are an attempt to rationalise any one sided narrative that may exist around the perception of fine dining in India. The categorically systematic, transparent and scientific method that this has been done with, goes to show the seriousness with which the LFEGA will stand out in the numerous awards today.”
Living Foodz curated an extensive shortlist of fine-dining restaurants and lounges across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Goa. Thereafter, the grand jury voted to determine the top 3 restaurants in each category. The jurors dined at these destinations and awarded ‘flames’ based on their experience. The process was audited by EY.
The awards will applaud restaurants and lounges who offer memorable culinary experiences and have innovated as per the evolving consumers’ tastes. Picked by a panel of India’s finest Chefs, writers, bloggers and tastemakers, each of the nominees have made a mark in the culinary world.
“The global as well as national trend around the very idea of “fine dining” has seen a correction in the last decade. The customers preference towards something serious about their offering, without being pretentious has trumped all others. Therefore, a shift has been witnessed across the board, where young chef driven restaurants have boldly experimented with a clear vision . The new back to basics approach- a focus on ingredients, championing of one’s own biodiversity and skill – all are becoming synonymous with fine dining – not only the rare and exotic. This is definitely here to stay!”, adds Manu.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
