Tevar brought its groundbreaking culinary journey to Cosmo, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, during an exclusive bar takeover. The event showcased a seamless blend of authenticity and innovation, rooted in “Progressive Indian” flavors. Award-winning mixologist Karthik Kumar spearheaded the beverage program. Manoj Radi curated inventive dishes, while Abhijith R envisioned immersive experiences to complement the event. Let’s dive into this unique collaboration and uncover the magic behind Tevar from the core team.
Karthik Kumar, Mixologist, Tevar – The Progressive Indian Kitchen & Bar
What is your approach to creating a beverage program that not only complements but also enhances the food menu at Tevar?
The beverage program at Tevar revolves around one central concept: “Progressive Indian,” which, in essence, is the Indian food and cocktails of tomorrow. While staying authentic to flavors and historical significance, we also strive to innovate in presentation and techniques. Our approach is systematic and calculated, with R&D starting months in advance.
Our interpretation of Progressive Indian Cocktails showcases the best and often lesser-known wonders of each state in our country. The food at Tevar is indulgent, opulent, and flavor-forward, with subtle hints of drama and playful textures on each plate. To complement this, every beverage—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—is carefully curated to be balanced, mouth-watering, and refreshing. This ensures a seamless dining experience for our esteemed guests.
Can you share some signature cocktails you’ve crafted for this event and the inspiration behind them?
Absolutely! Here are two of my signature creations:
Pampore Pour: This whiskey-based cocktail draws inspiration from the Pampore region of Kashmir, also known as the Saffron City. Saffron, revered for its richness and history, is blended with local Kahwa tea infused into whiskey. We add juicy peaches for a luscious fruitiness and a citrus touch to bind it all together. Aperol gives the drink a stunning hue, reminiscent of sunrises and sunsets. It’s like experiencing the ‘Heaven on Earth’ in a glass.
Valley of Flowers: Inspired by Uttarakhand’s UNESCO World Heritage site, this gin-based cocktail embodies the region’s vibrant flora. It features a signature blend of dried and fresh flowers, delivering an aromatic and flavorful experience. To elevate the essence, we incorporate the local Deodar wood’s subtle aroma, offering a unique sip that mirrors the beauty of this natural treasure.
You’ve worked at some of India’s most renowned venues. How does the beverage program at Tevar differ from others you’ve developed?
Tevar is not just a restaurant; it’s an attitude. It’s about showcasing the finest our country has to offer to a global audience. This project stands apart as it’s a culmination of the best ingredients from various states, advanced techniques, curated glassware, and a unique blend of flavors. Each cocktail is a story in itself, crafted to celebrate India’s rich heritage and diversity.
Mixologist Sonali Mullick: The Wizard behind HITCHKI
In 2019, you were awarded INCA Mixologist of the Year. How has that recognition influenced your career, and what new challenges do you seek?
The recognition helped me establish deeper connections within the industry and with its loyal patrons. It reinforced my resolve to push boundaries and create experiences beyond conventional thought. Moving forward, I aim to revolutionize how people perceive and enjoy beverages. My goal is to overcome societal taboos and outdated conceptions, bringing a fresh perspective to the art of mixology.
How do you incorporate Indian flavors and ingredients into your cocktails in a way that resonates with a global audience?
First and foremost, we source the best-quality ingredients because nothing beats the wonders of nature. Global palates appreciate clarity of flavors, minimal yet functional garnishes, and world-class glassware, all of which we integrate into our offerings. Our originality shines through in our curated beverages, which pair seamlessly with Tevar’s food, attracting patrons from across the world.
Abhijith R, Food & Beverage Manager, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru
What is the significance of conducting a bar takeover, and what experience do you want patrons to take away from this event?
Cosmo at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru is more than just an all-day dining destination; it’s a vibrant hub for collaboration and innovation. We aim to create fresh, memorable experiences with every visit, inspired by the enriching nature of travel.
Our collaborations, such as this one with Tevar, allow us to introduce our guests to unique, destination-specific experiences right here in Bengaluru. By combining inventive dishes and signature cocktails, we deliver an immersive and unforgettable dining journey that celebrates the art of food and drink.
Why did Hyatt Centric in Hebbal, Bengaluru, choose to collaborate with Tevar for this takeover?
Tevar Hyderabad is a trailblazer in Progressive Indian cuisine. Their innovative approach to food and beverages made them the perfect partner for this takeover. Our guests had the unique opportunity to indulge in the artistry of modern Indian cuisine paired with expertly crafted cocktails, blending tradition and innovation seamlessly.
With such an emphasis on innovation, how does Cosmo maintain consistency and authenticity for future bar takeovers?
Consistency is key. We collaborate with trusted, credible partners like Tevar to ensure every event delivers high-quality, genuine experiences. By focusing on renowned mixologists, chefs, and curators, we maintain a dynamic yet authentic approach, ensuring our guests are always surprised and delighted.
Manoj Radi, Flavour Architect, Tevar – The Progressive Indian Kitchen & Bar
How do you approach curating a menu that is both innovative and authentic to Indian flavors?
We love experimenting with regional dishes and indigenous ingredients while adding our unique Tevar touch. For instance, we asked our team what they loved most about a samosa. The answer was the crispy crust at the bottom. So, we created the “Samosa Pyramid”—multiple layers of crispy crust topped with potato stuffing and chutneys, maintaining the authentic taste while enhancing the experience.
Could you tell us about any unique dishes or ingredient transformations you’ve created specifically for the bar takeover by Tevar?
One standout dish we crafted for this event was the “Gunpowder-crusted Avocado with Tzatziki and Shirazi Salad.” It’s inspired by Telangana’s quintessential curd rice but reimagined as an appetizer. We replaced the rice with avocado, giving it a modern, innovative twist without losing the essence of the original dish.
Tevar redefined the art of blending tradition with modernity at Cosmo. From signature cocktails like Pampore Pour to inventive dishes like Gunpowder Crusted Avocado, the event captured the essence of Progressive Indian cuisine. As Tevar continues to elevate Indian dining, such collaborations set a new benchmark for culinary innovation.
