KFC focuses on contactless ordering, unveils new restaurant designs

Mumbai has got an all-new innovative dining destination offering an unparalleled trifecta of experiences. Nestled in the vibrant area of Malad, Novaara with the motto of Bites, Brews & beyond is set to redefine the way we dine, drink, and dance, all under one roof.

Novaara embodies its name by offering a truly unique experience where we have seamlessly integrated three distinct offerings—All Day Dine, Lounge, and Club—under one roof. 

Spread across an expansive 11,000 square feet, Novaara is divided into three distinct sections—Alfresco, Lounge, and High Energy Bar—totaling over 350 covers, each offering a unique ambiance designed to cater to varied dining preferences.

The menu id designed by Chef Deepak Waghela, whose culinary journey includes three years with Inox, presents a menu that celebrates the artistry of healthy, pure vegetarian indulgence.  

“My goal is to provide a premium experience to all guests coming to Novaara. Crafting a menu solely vegetarian was a challenge, hoping the menu will delight and surprise our guests,” added Waghela.

Step into “Beyond Brews'' at Novaara, where their expert mixologists and brewmasters craft an eclectic mix of handcrafted cocktails, artisanal beers, and fine wines. Designed to complement their gourmet offerings with quality and creativity, Beyond Brews offers a stylish, relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying a solo moment. 

As the sun sets, it transforms into a vibrant nightlife hotspot with “Beyond Beats.” Featuring live music, DJ sets, and a dynamic dance floor, Beyond Beats is where the city’s nightlife comes alive. 

Klaa Kitchen, a Goan soul food through the lens of the Aaron household, has evolved into a cornerstone of flavors and community in Bangalore. 

What began as a reflection of Chef Rhea Aaron's passion to refine food experiences has transformed itself into a story rooted in stories of Goa, her family and a culinary history that dates back generations, brought into today through the careful hand of Chef Rhea.

Klaa Kitchen's journey commenced with its first pop-up in ECR Kovalam, led by Rhea Aaron with significant support from "Anna," her brother Varun Aaron, who assumed the role of sous chef. This event, nestled in a tiny fishermen’s village just outside Chennai provided the spark for what eventually became Klaa Kitchen. With the diners being enthralled by the Chef Rhea’s rich flavours and ability to dole out inventive yet comfortable plates, it started a series of such pop ups across the country which allowed for a sharpening of the story.

From there Chef Rhea traveled from Hyderabad at Glass Onion to Mysore with Sapa Bakery and Pondicherry with Bread and Chocolate. While the formats differed, it was the blending of her Goan heritage with her contemporary cooking style and ability to engage with audiences at a nearly familial level, was what created the building blocks for Klaa Kitchen. 

Along with these pop ups, Chef Rhea has continued to build a strong presence amongst the curious diners of the city of Bangalore with her pop ups, delivery menus and private catering which led to a strong customer base who were clamoring for her to open a space which they could visit whenever they wanted to. 

From there arose the idea of creating a space that was wholly a Klaa experience, derived from the many pop ups that defined the evolution of her cooking and the love received from the diners of the city.

Klaa Kitchen is today, a coming together of Chef Rhea Aaron’s vision for Goan food along with her brother Varun Aaron’s memories of growing up across the country but never forgetting the roots of their culinary destiny, along with restaurateur Bikash Parik who has been instrumental in bringing the entire concept together. 

Along with Rhea and her approach to creating a transformative Goan experience on the plate is her partner, Bikash Parik. He has been instrumental in creating one of the most iconic dining brands in the city with Green Theory and through his creative agency Little Green Studio, has shapend many brands narratives in the city and across the country.

Varun Aaron, Rhea’s brother and a huge inspiration behind the storytelling of the brand is a cricketer and has represented the Indian Cricket Team at the highest level. Amongst his many passions and endeavors currently, being the creative force along with Rhea for the brand and to tell the story of their family is a key driver of his every day.

Kokum Bar and Lounge is adjacent to the Kokum Restaurant and seeks to provide a high energy, entertaining venue for the youth of Vasai.

With a Live Band that is followed by a DJ at the bar on weekends, the venue aims at making a mark for itself and creating a high energy oasis within the city of Vasai.

Kokum Restaurant is a culinary paradise nestled in Vasai that specializes in Konkan and Malvani Coastal Cuisine. With a focus on bringing authentic flavors and providing a memorable dining experience, Kokum is the go-to destination for food enthusiasts. The brand is well known for its range of authentic coastal preparations using only the freshest seafood and local ingredients.

“The objective of launching a bar centric brand in the area is to capitalize on the rapidly growing spending power and affinity to venture out and experience F&B brands, among the youth of the city. Kokum’s brand new swanky bar will be at the forefront of high caliber mixology and gastronomy. An innovative cocktail menu along with comforting bar food will be highlighted in depth at the outlet along with a plethora of spirits, wine, beer and other beverages” shared Shaan Gidwani, Founder, Kokum Lounge & Bar and Founder and MD, Acapella Hospitality. 

Within the Kokum Umbrella, The Acapella Group plans to expand its presence in the Vasai Market by launching a chic, bar centric brand under the name “Kokum Bar & Lounge”.

The Kokum brand was launched in 2019 by award winning restaurateur Shaan Gidwani who spearheads Acapella Hospitality that also operate Cafe Panama, Hungry Buddha - A Pan Asian Delivery Kitchen and Lil Gamby - A Neopolitan Sourdough Pizza brand.

Future Supply Chains, part of Kishore Biyani's Future Group is planning to acquire logistics start-up firm Brattle Foods for an undisclosed amount, reports PTI.

As per the agreement, Brattle Food will merge with Future Supply Chains (FSC) and shareholders GTI Capital and Epiphany Ventures will get some shareholding in the Future Group.

"This acquisition and merger will complement the existing modern technology and automation-based supply chain capability of Future Supply Chains in the food and FMCG domain," said, Anshuman Singh, MD & CEO, Future Supply Chain.

The merger will enable FSC to address the frozen, chilled and cold warehousing requirements coupled with the refrigerated container transportation requirements across the country.

Brattle Food located in Delhi was started in 2009 by Harvard graduates Kunal Agrawal, Mrinal Sinha and Kiran Pendri. The supply chain major is the second-largest player in the food logistics segment after Snowman Logistics.

This merger and acquisition will create immediate capability to serve Future Group's recently set up 110-acre food park on the outskirts of Bangalore and the two planned projects in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.