Latest news with #KOCA
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars In Delhi-NCR For Perfect 2025 Summer Outing
Delhi-NCR is always full of exciting new places to eat, and the summer season is already looking delicious. From Latin American flavours and stylish cafes to coastal food and jungle-themed restaurants, there's something new for everyone. Here's a list of the newest restaurants, bars and cafes in Delhi, Gurugram and Noida that you should definitely check out. Here Are New Restaurants In Delhi-NCR To Check Out In Summer 2025: Mestizo, Vasant Vihar, Delhi Mestizo brings the fun and energy of Latin America to Delhi. Located in Priya Market, this is the city's first modern Latin American bar and restaurant. The menu includes dishes from Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Spain. You'll find a mix of meaty dishes, vegetarian options, and sweet desserts. The interiors are warm, colourful, and full of life, perfect for both quiet dinners and big celebrations. The cocktails are as bold as the food, making Mestizo a lively new spot for food lovers. Cafe Fleur by Varun Bahl, Mehrauli, Delhi Fashion designer Varun Bahl has opened Cafe Fleur in the scenic Ambawatta Complex, and it's as beautiful as you'd expect. Inspired by his travels to Europe, especially Milan and France, the cafe feels like a lovely garden in the middle of the city. Large windows bring in plenty of sunlight, and the space is calm and elegant. The menu offers all-day breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and delicate desserts, many of them decorated with edible flowers. It's perfect for a relaxing brunch or a fancy tea-time outing. Hikki, Malviya Nagar, Delhi Hikki brings Nikkei cuisine to Delhi- a unique mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The setting is trendy, with a mirrored bar and a tree in the middle of the room. The food is creative, with dishes like grilled black cod, sushi with bold sauces, and fusion-style cocktails. If you like trying new and exciting flavour combinations, Hikki is the place to be. Cafe Amudham, Janpath, Delhi Cafe Amudham started in Bangalore in 2022 and has quickly become a favourite across India. The new outlet in Janpath is their second in Delhi. It's known for delicious and affordable South Indian food like Pudi Idlis, crispy dosas, and strong filter coffee. The cafe also serves lesser-known regional dishes, making it a great place to try something new while enjoying comforting, familiar flavours. Le Cafe by L'Opera, The Chanakya, Delhi French bakery L'Opera has opened a new cafe at The Chanakya, and it's just as charming as a Parisian cafe. Located inside Le Marche, the cafe smells of fresh bread and buttery croissants. You can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, a light lunch, or a sweet treat like mille-feuille or fruit tarts. The setting is quiet and elegant- ideal for anyone looking to enjoy French food with a touch of class. KOCA by Yuvraj Singh, Gurugram Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh has opened his first restaurant, KOCA, in Sector 66, Gurugram. KOCA stands for Kitchen of Celebratory Arts, and it offers a fine dining experience that celebrates both food and memories. The menu mixes Asian and international dishes, along with a few of Yuvraj's childhood favourites. It's a great spot if you're looking for a special evening out with family or friends. Malabar Coast, Sector 57, Gurugram Malabar Coast has opened a new outlet at M3M Atrium, bringing the flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to Gurugram. The restaurant's interiors are inspired by South India's coast, and there's even live music on some nights. The food includes spiced seafood, Malabar biryani, coconut-rich gravies, and traditional desserts like coconut payasam. It's perfect for lovers of coastal Indian cuisine. Congo, Golf Course Road, Gurugram Congo is a new restaurant that takes inspiration from the Congo rainforest. The interiors are wild and beautiful, with wooden ceilings, stone walls, and lots of greenery. The food is described as "Primal Palate"-simple, comforting dishes with a modern twist. Try their charcoal-roasted vegetables, spiced meat dishes, or smoky cocktails. Congo is a great place if you want to try something bold and different. The Dark Room, Greater Noida West The Dark Room is a mix of a cafe and a nightclub, located on the 5th floor of Galaxy Blue Sapphire Mall. The interiors are dark and dramatic, with red lights and owl artwork. Inspired by old-school underground clubs, this place offers great music and an exciting vibe. It's also a proper dining spot, with a multi-cuisine menu that includes Asian snacks, truffle fries, sliders, and more. It's ideal for night owls looking for food and fun under one roof. Delhi-NCR's food scene is full of exciting new choices. So go ahead-book a table, call your friends, and explore what the city has to offer this year.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Step inside Yuvraj Singh's 1st ever restaurant: It is grand, charming and right in the heart of Gurugram
Yuvraj Singh gave a glimpse inside his new restaurant, Koca (Kitchen Of Celebratory Arts), in an April 20 video shared on Curly Tales' YouTube channel. Located on Gurugram's Golf Course Road, Koca is Yuvraj Singh's first-ever restaurant and opened on April 12. The former cricketer has shared that the menu of his newly-opened restaurant was thoughtfully curated to reflect his personal taste. Also read | Step inside Yuvraj Singh's Goa bungalow perched up on a picturesque hill with the most stunning view, serene vibe: Pics Inside videos shared on Koca's Instagram page give a peek into the restaurant's intimate and inviting atmosphere. Nestled in a vibrant locale, the restaurant exudes charm and sophistication, blending modern elegance with a warm, inviting ambience. Yuvraj's restaurant offers a perfect blend of nature, luxury, and comfort. Take a look: A post shared by K O C A (@kocaofficial) As you step inside, elegant lighting sets the tone — soft, ambient chandeliers and sleek pendant lights cast a golden glow, creating an intimate yet refined atmosphere. The lighting is carefully curated, with dimmable fixtures that adapt to the time of day, ensuring a cosy vibe for evening dinners and a bright, airy feel during lunch. The massive skylight windows are a standout feature, flooding the space with natural light during the day. These expansive glass panels offer panoramic views of the sky, allowing diners to bask in the warmth of sunlight or gaze at twinkling stars during evening meals. The sunroofs create an open, breezy environment, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with an outdoor essence. The lit-up indoor bar is another focal point. It is adorned with sleek and backlit shelves and countertops showcasing an array of premium spirits. Soft LED strips illuminate the bar, creating a warm glow. Lush greenery creates a calming vibe throughout the restaurant, with hanging plants and potted plants of all sizes tucked into corners, creating a serene, garden-like oasis that feels both refreshing and tranquil. A post shared by K O C A (@kocaofficial) The cosy seating features plush, upholstered chairs and cushioned booths in earthy tones like sage green, terracotta, and cream. Tables are spaced thoughtfully to ensure privacy, with some nestled near the plants for a secluded feel and others positioned under the sunroofs for a brighter experience. The outdoor seating area is just as enchanting and perfect for for those who prefer outdoor dining. Set on a spacious patio, it features cushioned sofas and small table lamps for evening drinks under the stars.
NDTV
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"KOCA Is A Celebration Of Food, Friends And Flavour" - Yuvraj Singh Talks About His Restaurant Debut Debut
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Yuvraj Singh has launched Koca, his first restaurant in Gurgaon, serving nostalgic North Indian comfort food with a premium touch. He calls it a celebration of food, friends and flavour-his most personal innings yet. From smashing sixes to serving kadhi chawal with flair, Yuvraj Singh has just launched his most personal innings yet - KOCA, a 500-seater food-and-drinks destination in the heart of Gurgaon. Built on nostalgia, North Indian comfort food, and a sharp eye for hospitality, KOCA blends homestyle favourites with premium presentation. In this candid chat, Singh opens up about everything - from menu inspirations and moody interiors to the real reason rajma chawal made the cut. And yes, he answers the one question every fan wants to know: what is tougher - the pitch or the picky diners? Shubham: Let's start with the name - KOCA. It sounds playful, personal and punchy. What does it mean Yuvraj: The idea was to find something that has a bit of me in it, but not all of me. It might sound Punjabi at first, but actually, KOCA stands for Kitchen of Celebratory Arts. It's all about celebrating food. Whether it's friends, family or co-workers - it's about making every meeting feel like a celebration. Shubham: And of course, drinks. Yuvraj: Exactly. It is not just about the food; it's the service too. When we started thinking about opening a restaurant, I knew that the food had to be excellent, and so did the service. Ambience is important too, but if the food and service are not right, people won't return. Shubham: The launch is finally here - congratulations! It's opening in the heart of Gurgaon. What do you want your guests to feel when they walk into KOCA? Yuvraj: For me, the whole idea was to create a place that felt like home. I wanted people to experience ghar ka khana. There are days when you do not want anything fancy - you just want food that makes you feel good. That's where our 'desi' menu comes in. One of our six cuisines is built by me personally, with dishes like kadhi chawal and rajma chawal, but with a little flair. These are dishes we all grew up loving, and I wanted to bring those nostalgic flavours back in a premium setting. Shubham: And yet the vibe is elevated - people are not just here to eat, right? Yuvraj: Absolutely. You need great food, but you also need a great space. Our capacity is about 350, with brunches, lunches, and long evening hangs. The top floor alone is 10,000 sq ft - it's a massive bar space. There's indoor and outdoor seating, and we're lucky to have found such a great location. Deepak ji, one of my partners, has been a visionary in helping create this space. Shubham: You mentioned consistency, and I think that's something many celebrity restaurants struggle with. Yuvraj: 100 per cent. I tell my team - the taste needs to be consistent every single time. It is easy to start strong when a celebrity is involved, but unless the food holds up, people will stop coming. So for me, the team is everything. That mindset comes from cricket too - if the team is good and the vibe is right, the results will follow. Shubham: Speaking of food, why rajma and kadhi specifically? North Indian food is vast. Yuvraj: True, there's chole bhature, dal makhani - but rajma chawal and kadhi chawal are the heart of most North Indian homes. You walk into any house on a Sunday afternoon, and it is either of those two. I wanted to bring those classics back in a premium restaurant setting, something no one really expected. Shubham: Let's talk about your diet for a second. A few years ago, you made headlines for going vegan. Was it a health call? And how hard was it to give up butter chicken? Yuvraj: (Laughs) I do not want to keep anyone in the dark. I was vegan for six months and vegetarian for a year. It was mainly a health decision - I have some dietary issues and felt better eating clean at home. But it was hard to sustain with my training and sports schedule. So now, I eat vegetarian or vegan when I can, especially at home. But when needed, I eat everything. Shubham: The interiors are stunning - plush, moody, and still inviting. I especially loved the central area with all the sunlight. Were you involved in the design? Yuvraj: Yes, I approved all the design elements. The skylight - or pagoda, as we jokingly called it - was something I really liked. You get natural sunlight upstairs, and the sunset views are amazing. After sundown, you can always come downstairs. The idea was to make it feel open, warm and safe. Shubham: You mentioned safety - I heard you are also offering party drivers? That is a first. Yuvraj: Yes, safety is a big concern, especially in Delhi-NCR. If someone drinks too much, we will arrange a driver for them. The idea is that people should come here stress-free, have fun, and get home safe. Shubham: Now for a fun one. My mom wanted me to ask - you've faced the world's fiercest bowlers. Now you're serving some of the pickiest diners. What is more intimidating: the pitch or the plate? Yuvraj: (Laughs) The wife! Wife's bouncers are the hardest to face, because when she bowls at you, you cannot leave the ball. Shubham: Any plans to expand? Mumbai? Chandigarh? Yuvraj: We want to first make KOCA Gurgaon sustainable and successful. The restaurant business is tough. If this does well, then yes - I would love to take it west or south. But first, the base has to be strong. You cannot build without a solid foundation. Shubham: How does KOCA fit into your life right now? Will you be around more? Yuvraj: I'm in Gurgaon often, so yes. I want my friends - cricketers I've played with, friends from my life - to come and enjoy it. After IPL, I plan to throw a party here for them. That is the best feeling - when people you love enjoy what you've built. Shubham: If you had to eat one dish from KOCA for the rest of the year, what would it be? Yuvraj: Kadhi chawal. No question. That dish is home. It's soothing, tangy, warm - it's everything. Shubham: That's such a sweet answer. And honestly, I think a lot of people would agree. Food really is memory. Yuvraj: Exactly. Food should make you feel something. That's the whole point. Whether it's reminding you of home, surprising you, or just making your day better - that's the kind of food I want to serve.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New krewe bringing Mardi Gras magic to Central Baldwin County for first time
LOXLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — Over the years, the Mardi Gras spirit has spread from Mobile to surrounding communities. This year, the good times are rolling in a new city as a krewe in Loxley is hosting its first-ever Mardi Gras parade. How Mobile high school bands prepare for Mardi Gras parades After celebrating year after year across the Gulf Coast, a group of men in Loxley figured it was time to bring the magic of Mardi Gras to their hometown. 'I mean, it's all around us. The Eastern Shore, Fairhope, Mobile, of course, where it originated,' a member of the Knights of Côte d'Azur said. 'So we put all our minds together and came up with, 'Hey, we need to do it.'' The member of the krewe told the organization wanted a unique name that represented the group and its roots in Baldwin County. 'You know, KOCA, Knights of Côte d'Azur, it means Redneck Riviera,' the krewe member said. 'Highway 59 was the corridor to the Gulf, so it was always called the Redneck Riviera. So we turned that around and that's what it means.' Mardi Gras 2025: Baldwin County Ball Schedule The krewe said it began preparing for this year's Mardi Gras season back in 2023 when the krewe was first founded. They said that after years of preparation, they're finally ready to ride through the streets of Loxley. 'It's been a lot of work and there's a lot of guys that put a lot of time into this,' he said. 'We're going to have some bumps in the road, but we really prepared for them. The city's worked with us and we're excited. We're ready to go. And we just hope people come out and see us.' The krewe is 160 members strong, and the theme for year one is Knight 1 to honor their inaugural first ride. Loxley officials said city departments are busy preparing for the festivities. Mobile Mardi Gras horse evaluations, training begin 'We're beefing up our law enforcement. We will have to use some outside law enforcement,' Loxley Mayor Richard Teal said. 'The fire department will be involved, our utility departments and public works. Everybody will be involved in hosting and putting on this Mardi Gras parade.' Loxley city officials said they're excited and proud to not only represent the people of Loxley but also to host central Baldwin County's first-ever Mardi Gras parade. 'We're the first one, so we're hoping we have a good crowd and we invite all of Baldwin and Mobile County over here to be part of it,' Loxley City Councilmember Jeff Knight said. 'We're just excited to work with the locals here in Loxley, and everybody is really getting excited about it.' The parade will kick off at the Loxley Civic Center on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. boasting eight floats and performances by the Robertsdale High School Marching Band and cheerleaders. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
