logo
Hospitality with a heart

Hospitality with a heart

India Todaya day ago

With exquisite food, breath-taking views, and unparalleled luxury on offer, it's little wonder that Esperit Roca, the latest enchantment from the Roca brothers is making waves and not just in Girona, Spain, where it is located. The culinary wizardry of the Roca brothers has already been well documented with the El Celler de Can Roca in Girona—their flagship restaurant boasts three glittering Michelin stars and has topped the coveted World's 50 Best list twice. Not among those who rest on their laurels, these maestros have opened charming ice cream parlours, the boutique haven of Casa Cacao, and Girona's beloved Restaurant Normal, all of which inspire awe. However, last year, the Roca brothers unveiled their pice de resistance: a grandiose countryside retreat just a smidge north of Girona, perched majestically atop the St Julia Mountain. This is not just a passion project; we're talking a sanctuary featuring a 15-room hotel, an exhibition space to ignite your imagination, a distillery for the finest spirits, a wine cellar with over 80,000 bottles, a glass recycling centre and a fresh culinary jewel of a restaurant.
Suckling Pig with Pig's Feet and Sea Cucumber

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why A Michelin Star Still Rules The Restaurant World (And Why India Has None Yet)
Why A Michelin Star Still Rules The Restaurant World (And Why India Has None Yet)

NDTV

time21 hours ago

  • NDTV

Why A Michelin Star Still Rules The Restaurant World (And Why India Has None Yet)

In the ever-evolving world of food, where Instagram likes and viral reels decide what's trending, true culinary excellence still finds its way to decide what's worth exploring, and it is via the Michelin Star. It is not promotional, flashy, and definitely not easy to bag. This badge of honour has changed the fate of some of the humble restaurants into international destinations and chefs into legends. But what makes this honour so special and relevant in the global food scene? Chefs lose their sleep and restaurants go overboard to get this honour, but all for what? If you have been reading about Michelin star restaurants, not knowing what it exactly means, then let's explore the legend and the relevance behind this recognition. What Is A Michelin Star? The Michelin Star is not a pop culture badge or an influencer endorsement. It dates back to the early 1900s when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin created a guide to get people to drive more, so they would eventually need new tyres. Along the way, the guide began recommending food spots worth stopping for, and later, it started rating them. Today, the Michelin Guide is one of the most respected restaurant rankings in the world. It rates restaurants based on food quality and gives them one, two or three stars. One Star: A very good restaurant Two Stars: Excellent cooking worth a detour Three Stars: Exceptional food worth a special journey Why Is A Michelin Star Such A Big Deal? Getting even one star means your food has passed the toughest test in the business. It also means your restaurant has impressed Michelin's anonymous inspectors-former chefs and hospitality pros who know their way around a plate. You will not know when they are coming or what they are judging. And if you win a star, it becomes part of your identity forever. What A Michelin Star Can Do For A Restaurant Chefs do not just chase stars for pride. A Michelin Star can completely change a restaurant's story. Here is how: 1. Global Recognition: A star makes a restaurant a talking point even among those who do not follow food trends. 2. Legit Credibility: Since stars are awarded by trained, anonymous experts, the stamp is seen as the ultimate proof of skill and consistency. 3. Business Boost: Restaurants that bag a star often see packed tables, media attention and, in some cases, serious investor interest. What Michelin Inspectors Look At: No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Michelin inspectors make multiple visits, and you will never know when they have been there. They judge restaurants on five set criteria: Quality of the ingredients Skill and technique in cooking The chef's unique personality in the food Value for money Consistency across visits and the menu What Happens If A Restaurant Loses A Star? This is the part most people do not talk about. A star is not forever. Restaurants can lose it if they slip on quality, taste or consistency. When that happens, the impact can be brutal. Staff morale takes a hit, reviews turn harsh, and bookings may drop. Some chefs have admitted that losing a star affected them personally, not just professionally. It is a reminder that Michelin recognition must be earned again and again. Why Are There No Michelin-Starred Restaurants In India? This is a question that continues to puzzle chefs, food critics and diners alike. With a food culture as rich and diverse as India's, it seems strange that the country is still not part of the Michelin map. The simple reason? The Michelin Guide has never launched operations in India. And without official presence, it does not review or rate restaurants here, no matter how spectacular the food. But that is only part of the story. One major factor is logistics and investment. Michelin usually enters markets where the local tourism boards or governments partner with them to fund or support the guide's expansion. Think of it like this: launching a Michelin Guide in a country is a business decision. It involves building a team of trained inspectors, setting up infrastructure, and maintaining strict standards. Unless a country actively invites Michelin and helps cover those costs, the guide often gives it a pass. Then the Indian food landscape is complex. Indian cuisine is hyper-local, regional and deeply rooted in cultural context. From street vendors to temple food to fine dining, quality here does not always wear a tuxedo. The challenge for Michelin would be to understand this diversity and apply their criteria without forcing restaurants into a European framework. That takes time, effort, and the right kind of research - something that has not yet happened at scale. Another issue is perception. Michelin has often been seen as catering more to European and modern fine-dining formats. Many of India's most exceptional culinary experiences are not in white-tablecloth settings but in humble eateries, home kitchens and roadside joints. So, unless the system evolves to accommodate that variety, it risks missing the essence of Indian food culture entirely. Still, the interest is growing. Indian chefs abroad - like Atul Kochhar, Gagan Anand, Vikas Khanna, Mayank Istewal and Garima Arora - have already proved that Indian cuisine belongs on the world stage. Back home, several high-end restaurants are actively designing their menus and hospitality standards to meet Michelin expectations, just in case the guide decides to step in. So while India does not have Michelin stars yet, the hope is that it is not a matter of if, but when.

Hospitality with a heart
Hospitality with a heart

India Today

timea day ago

  • India Today

Hospitality with a heart

With exquisite food, breath-taking views, and unparalleled luxury on offer, it's little wonder that Esperit Roca, the latest enchantment from the Roca brothers is making waves and not just in Girona, Spain, where it is located. The culinary wizardry of the Roca brothers has already been well documented with the El Celler de Can Roca in Girona—their flagship restaurant boasts three glittering Michelin stars and has topped the coveted World's 50 Best list twice. Not among those who rest on their laurels, these maestros have opened charming ice cream parlours, the boutique haven of Casa Cacao, and Girona's beloved Restaurant Normal, all of which inspire awe. However, last year, the Roca brothers unveiled their pice de resistance: a grandiose countryside retreat just a smidge north of Girona, perched majestically atop the St Julia Mountain. This is not just a passion project; we're talking a sanctuary featuring a 15-room hotel, an exhibition space to ignite your imagination, a distillery for the finest spirits, a wine cellar with over 80,000 bottles, a glass recycling centre and a fresh culinary jewel of a restaurant. Suckling Pig with Pig's Feet and Sea Cucumber

8 bucket list experiences for an unforgettable summer in Europe
8 bucket list experiences for an unforgettable summer in Europe

Hindustan Times

time3 days ago

  • Hindustan Times

8 bucket list experiences for an unforgettable summer in Europe

An unforgettable summer in Europe is not defined by the number of countries visited - it is shaped by the quality of moments, the depth of experience and the emotions sparked along the way. For travellers looking to create lasting memories, certain experiences rise above the rest. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings, shared, 'Attending an opera at the Arena di Verona remains one of the most magical ways to engage with European art and history. Watching a performance in this ancient Roman amphitheater under the open sky is an emotional experience, bringing centuries of culture alive in a single evening.' He opined, 'In Chamonix, France, the thrill of paragliding offers more than adrenaline. It's an invitation to view the majestic Alps from a perspective few ever encounter. The blend of exhilaration and serenity leaves a lasting imprint, often described by travelers as one of their most liberating moments. ' San Sebastián in Spain is a dream for culinary explorers. Karan Agarwal said, 'This coastal city is home to some of Europe's finest cuisine. From small, bustling pintxo bars to avant-garde Michelin-star restaurants, every meal becomes a story. Participating in curated food trails or chef-led workshops enhances understanding of regional flavors and techniques, creating not just satisfaction, but connection.' Further north, the phenomenon of the midnight sun in Norway is a sensory wonder. Karan Agarwal suggested, 'Activities such as kayaking in glowing fjords or trekking under a twilight sky provide a surreal and unforgettable way to experience nature in extended daylight.' According to Karan Agarwal, travellers who value culture and craftsmanship often find joy in hands-on sessions learning traditional glassblowing in Murano, exploring perfumery in Grasse, or spending a day with an artisan cheesemaker in the Swiss countryside. These experiences offer insight into local heritage while allowing visitors to take home more than just souvenirs. Provence's lavender fields and the vineyards of Bordeaux provide the perfect setting for reflective travel. Cycling past rows of blooming purple or sipping wine at a centuries-old estate nurtures a sense of peace and timelessness. Bucket list experiences are those that spark awe, deepen understanding and enrich the traveller's journey well beyond the holiday. These are the stories to remember as they reveal not simply where we went but how the experience made us feel.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store