Latest news with #Mexican-inspired
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Beyond ‘pohe' and ‘misal', Pune's F&B scene gets a whole lot buzzier
There is a certain hum in the quiet lanes of Kalyani Nagar. As the weekend sets in, the upscale neighbourhood in Pune's eastern quarters comes alive with folks gathering over drinks and chatter. If you linger, you will notice the lively cocktail scene that everyone's been talking about — bar hopping feels natural. As a student back in the aughts, weekends usually meant queuing up for buttery bun maska and Irani chai at the legendary Vohuman Cafe. For dinner, there was Mysore masala dosa at Vaishali, or an occasional treat at Malaka Spice and Arthur's Theme. It's rather strange to return to Pune every few months now to find a glitzy bar or a swanky restaurant taking over the familiar streets and neighbourhoods. Over the last couple of decades, an IT and real estate boom followed by the pandemic, have amplified the city's culinary landscape, bringing in a young crop of chefs and restaurateurs, who are steering modern ideas and concepts for the increasingly discerning diner. The leafy lanes of Kalyani Nagar and Koregaon Park are now buzzing with cocktail bars and breweries. While on the other side of town in Deccan, Baner and Aundh, experimental restaurants driven by global inspiration are offering equal doses of nostalgia, storytelling and creativity. Hola Tomatillo from Juju. City-based restaurateur Karan Khilnani of ECO Hospitality, which owns the popular cocktail bars Elephant & Co. and Cobbler & Crew, says, 'When it comes to Kalyani Nagar, there is a dynamic crowd culture comprising corporates and young entrepreneurs, who are well travelled, have the spending power, and are also open about new experiences.' Since its opening in 2023, Cobbler & Crew has become the neighbourhood bar, where cocktails are concocted with Kolhapuri chilli and garnished with the classic Puneri bhakarwadi. The group also owns Juju next door, a Mexican-inspired bar known for its exhaustive agave-based drinks programme and smart tapas bites. 'Although the trend is that of cocktail bars, I wanted to open a restaurant where food was the highlight,' says Vardaan Marwah, chef and co-founder of Farro, where he draws inspiration from 'farro', an ancient grain that is commonly associated with Mediterranean cuisine. 'I did my research and decided to showcase the journey of the grain through different regions of the world, and also blend in my travel and childhood memories into the dishes,' he adds. Try the savoury jalebis piped with Parmesan batter, a 30-layer truffle latke, a take on the Jewish potato pancakes, sourdough flatbreads stuffed with baba ganoush and tempered with the Bengali five-spice mix panchphoron, and lamb terrine inspired by his grandmother's saag mutton. Negroni-spiced kingfish crudo at Nanna's Negroni. A similar approach nudged chef-restaurateur couple Ambar Rode and Damini Halli to open Nanna's Negroni in January. 'We wanted to create a space where food is the hero, and the cocktails are complimentary,' says Halli, who believes diners are now more curious about techniques and provenance of ingredients. Rode brings his French flair by focusing on slow cooking techniques such as curing, brining, fermentation, and confit to pack in maximum flavour. He uses cheese and peaches from Himachal, wheat from Punjab, trout from Kashmir, and seafood from the western coast, to plate up sourdough pizzas, handmade pastas, cured salmon, and a standout Negroni-spiced kingfish crudo. 'It makes sense because everyone is travelling more after covid. Even kids are watching MasterChef Australia these days,' says Rode. It's an exciting time for chefs and fermenters, who've spent years mastering their craft through extensive research trips and international training. In 2024, chef Gayatri Desai relaunched Ground Up with a fermentery, to make miso from scratch using native grains. On weekends, her test kitchen brings people together over unique tasting menus that spotlight hyperlocal ingredients sourced from all over the state as well as the North-East. At Gather, an all-day restaurant on Law College Road (that opened in January), head chef Hanoze Shroff has managed to get people talking about his deeply comforting, nostalgia-driven dishes. The joojeh kebabs, Japanese kare omelette, pork chilli fry and squid rechado are a few favourites from the menu. Andulasian spiced chicken tacos at Loco Otro. Breaking away from the mould was natural for chef Siddharth Mahadik (of the much-loved Le Plaisir), who opened his second restaurant Loco Otro in 2023. The idea was to offer shareable, tapas-style plates, in a setting that felt like a neighbourhood restaurant and bar. 'In a crowded and competitive industry, why should dining out follow rigid structures of starters and mains?' he says. From date nights to family reunions, Mahadik is excited to see his diners return for Andalusian spiced chicken tacos, eggplant feta rolls, and karela tacos, a take on his family recipe. In a city where diners hold on to nostalgia, brands are also finding their voice with experimental formats. At Aragma, chef Amit Ghorpade takes inspiration from his roots growing up in the hinterland of Maharashtra for his inventive tasting menus. 'The idea is to keep the integrity of our food traditions alive in a fun, aspirational way,' he says. Along with founder Poornima Somayaji, the duo wants to drive the conversation around the farmer and his produce and create contemporary plates 'not with caviar or yellowfin tuna', but with matki and pavta (types of beans), and leafy greens like shepu and millets. A highlight from the summer menu is a superlative ice-cream sandwich infused with chafa flowers (Magnolia champaca). Food at Gather. For years, Punekars relied on a certain version of south Indian food made popular by the city's many Udupi joints. And then We Idliwale arrived with its playful idli-curry combos. 'The awareness of regional south Indian food can be quite linear. Growing up, idli-chicken curry was a Sunday staple, so it's definitely not my twist,' says chef and co-founder Abhishek Joshi, who launched We Idliwale Barroom in 2023, to elevate the experience with innovative cocktails and rock n' roll playing in the background. 'People knew us for our food, but we also wanted them to come and party with us,' he adds. Go for the molgapodi cured bacon, ghee roast sausages, haleem toast, and Kerala toddy shop favourites, along with Negronis and highballs infused with kachampulli (vinegar), coconut and turmeric. Like any Indian metro, growing infrastructure and traffic chaos have impacted the eating-out culture in Pune. But all's well as long as there's good food and drinks to while away the weekend.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Embrace the Mess of Modern Love with MUCHO
Toronto, ON, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Love often starts across the table, but sharing a meal can be equal parts awkward and endearing. From spilled salsa to late arrivals, things rarely go according to plan. But according to a new survey from MUCHO Burrito, Canadians are learning to embrace those moments. In a playful look at the intersection of food and dating, MUCHO asked Canadians to share their messiest moments, and the results were telling: Despite the 'icks,' MUCHO proves that food can be flirty, and the right bite can spark the right connection. These insights reveal the real, relatable, and, in hindsight, usually memorable moments. 'Relationships don't thrive on perfection,' said Jen Kirsch, relationship expert. 'Whether it's an impromptu date that was a little chaotic, or if you literally spill something while eating your burrito, a little mess is endearing and even cheeky, if you call yourself out. The secret to a deeper connection when starting to date is to be authentically you.' The survey is part of MUCHO Burrito's new 'Love is Messy' campaign, which encourages Canadians to embrace the mess of real love and real food. MUCHO burritos, bowls, and tacos are fully loaded and handcrafted to order with the freshest in-house ingredients. From protein to toppings to spice levels, guests choose every element, allowing them to express their unique tastes and enjoy with those they love – whether it's date night or a catch up with friends. By leaning into shared meals, especially the hands-on, pass-the-napkins kind, MUCHO aims to bring people closer. 'At the heart of this campaign is a simple truth: food isn't perfect — and neither are the moments that surround it,' says Kristina Tran, Director of Marketing at MUCHO Burrito. 'At MUCHO, we're leaning into the realness of it all. MUCHO is made to be fully loaded, fully loved, and unapologetically messy.' To celebrate the mess, MUCHO will launch a nationwide Guest Appreciation Day on August 15 with a Buy One, Get One Free burrito offer — one for you, one for whoever brings the vibes. Available at participating MUCHO Burrito locations across Canada. Because nothing says 'I love you' like a shared burrito and an extra napkin. Limited time offers like the Ghost Pepper Burrito will also be heating up menus throughout the season. About MUCHO Burrito Founded in Canada in 2006, MUCHO Burrito is one of the country's largest premium Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant brands with over 145 locations nationwide. Inspired by the bold flavours of Modern Mexicana, everything is prepared fresh daily using high-quality ingredients and fire-roasted techniques. MUCHO Burrito delivers convenience without compromising quality, with meals made with care and full of flavour. For more information or to find a location, visit . About the Survey This survey was undertaken by The Harris Poll Canada. It ran overnight on July 17th, 2025, with 1,540 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Maru Voice Canada online panellists. The results have been weighted by age, gender, region, and education (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. Attachment
Business Wire
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Yum! Brands Announces Q2 2025 Earnings and Conference Call Details
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) will release its second quarter financial results on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. ET with a conference call to review the company's financial performance and strategies at 8:15 a.m. ET. The number is 404/975-4839 for U.S. callers, 833/950-0062 for Canada callers, and +1/929-526-1599 for all other international callers, conference ID 362231. The event will be webcast live and can be accessed through the Yum! Brands website at The Q&A session of this conference call is limited to analysts only. Members of the media may direct their questions to the contact number below. The call will be available for playback beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET August 5, 2025 through August 12, 2025. To access the playback, dial 866/813-9403 in the U.S., 226/828-7578 in Canada, and +1/929-458-6194 for all other international callers, conference ID 252965. The webcast and the playback can be accessed by visiting Yum! Brands' website, and selecting 'Q2 2025 Yum! Brands, Inc. Earnings Call.' Please see the Yum! Brands website at for the 2025 reporting calendar. Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company's concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and 3BL's list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine's list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut led Entrepreneur's Top Global Franchises 2024 list and were ranked in the first 25 of Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot in North America for the fifth consecutive year. Category: Financial
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Wahlburgers closes 79 locations nationwide in 2025 shake-up
Wahlburgers has closed nearly 80 locations this year, dipping to 34 restaurants nationwide. The burger chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, Donnie and Paul, simultaneously closed 79 locations earlier this year that were in Hy-Vee grocery stores, Eat This, Not That reported earlier this month, ending an agreement that started in 2017. Wahlburgers CEO Randy Sharpe told Nation's Restaurant News that the closures affected food court kiosks at the Iowa-based chain. "It's not a full-service restaurant, and it wasn't a significant revenue driver for either side,' Sharpe told the publication. Here's what to know. Where are Hy-Vee stores located? Hy-Vee operates 302 stores in Iowa and seven states near it, according to the web scraping tool ScrapeHero. Iowa has the most in the U.S. with 151 locations. Other locations include the rest of the Midwest and the Southern region of the country, too. Mark Wahlberg owns Chevrolet, Buick and GMC auto dealerships Wahlburgers isn't Mark Wahlberg's only business interest. The former rapper known in the 1990s for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch also owns several auto dealerships in the Buckeye State. Mark Wahlberg has Chevrolet dealerships in various parts of Ohio, including Columbus, Worthington and Avon, as well as a Buick GMC dealership in Columbus. The dealership websites prominently feature a photo of the Hollywood actor. But wait, there's more Wahlberg launched a Mexican-inspired restaurant, Flecha Cantina, in bustling Las Vegas late last year. He's also a co-owner and brand ambassador for Flecha Azul Tequila, which he partnered with in 2022. Wahlberg made his mark in the fashion industry as well, becoming a co-founder and owner of Municipal clothing. The lifestyle brand blends athleisure apparel with streetwear flair and launched in 2020.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taco Cabana President Announces Margarita Contest. Guests Invited to Help Create the Next Great Margarita Flavor in Celebration of National Tequila Day
SAN ANTONIO, July 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taco Cabana®, a celebrated fast-casual Mexican-inspired dining chain for nearly 50 years, is commemorating National Tequila Day on July 24 by raising a margarita glass and toasting to customers with several guest-friendly promotions. Taco Cabana will offer value-priced margaritas all day for $1.50 at every location throughout Texas. Made with Casa Alta, a 100% blue agave, additive-free tequila, the refreshingly flavorful cocktails are the perfect way to say salud while enjoying National Tequila Day with Taco Cabana's legendary tacos, fajitas, chips & queso and more. Taco Cabana will also honor the day by launching a unique competition for aspiring mixologists to help create the brand's next amazing margarita flavor. Brand President and COO Ulyses Camacho invites fans across Texas to submit their own unique margarita creations for a chance to win the ultimate tequila lover's getaway: an immersive trip to the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, the birthplace of tequila, to explore the heart and soul of tequila making firsthand. "Tequila is part of Taco Cabana's soul. It's embedded in our culture, our cocktails, and our guest experience. Our competition to help create the next amazing Taco Cabana margarita flavor is much more than a contest. It gives everyone who enters an invitation to be part of our brand story, and it promises an opportunity to experience and celebrate everything our margaritas represent," said Camacho. "Our lucky grand prize winners will receive a trip that's truly extraordinary, because there's nothing more memorable than traveling to the heart of tequila country to see how it's made, connect with the historic culture behind it, and get to know the authentic soul of Taco Cabana." Open to all Texas residents 21 and older, the online contest to help create the next great Taco Cabana margarita flavor runs through from July 24 to August 10, with weekly prizes that include Taco Cabana gift cards and free Taco Cabana food for a year. Three (3) grand prize winners and a guest will travel to Jalisco, Mexico, the global epicenter of premier tequila, to experience firsthand the art of producing world-class tequila. They will enjoy a private tour of agave fields in the highlands of Jalisco and a behind-the-scenes look at the artisanal distillation and aging process of blue agave tequila. Exclusive tastings and one-on-one sessions with local tequileros and distillery experts also are included in the unforgettable grand prize. Interested participants can visit and provide a description of their ideal margarita recipe, which can include up to eight ingredients along with either photos or videos of their creations. The concoctions will be judged by a panel of Taco Cabana beverage experts with winners notified on August 18 and publicly announced on August 25. "National Tequila Day isn't an ordinary observance for Taco Cabana; it's a celebration of a key ingredient in our brand story, which is why we've giving customers the opportunity to engage more deeply with us in several guest-friendly ways," added Camacho. "From seasonal varieties and limited-time offers to traditional favorites and signature classics, our delicious margaritas are a significant part of our legacy – just like the high-quality tequila that gives them our famous kick." Taco Cabana's National Tequila Day campaign to discover its next margarita flavor is being supported by valued brand partner Performance Food Group (PFG). Taco Cabana's ongoing relationship with PFG is foundational to bringing bold, authentic and innovative guest experiences to life. All Taco Cabana menu items are available for dine-in, drive-thru, mobile ordering and delivery at all locations throughout Texas. For more information or to find a location near you, visit About Taco Cabana Founded in 1978, Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, offers Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pickup and delivery. Taco Cabana operates nearly 150 company-owned restaurants in Texas and is actively seeking multi-unit franchise partners who are passionate about introducing the successful legacy brand in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee markets. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact Kristyna OttoPowerhouse+ 949.261.2216
