As hospitality continues to evolve beyond traditional dining and accommodation, creating immersive experiences rooted in culture and storytelling has become increasingly important. Reinforcing this vision, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, in association with Ministry of Chutneys, hosted the seventh edition of The GReaT Conversation Series – Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens at the historic Amir Mahal on 13 June 2026.
The exclusive thought-leadership initiative brought together eminent voices from hospitality, military service, food history, and cultural heritage to explore the enduring influence of regimental traditions and summer kitchens on South India’s culinary landscape. Serving as a curtain raiser to the latest themed culinary showcase at Ministry of Chutneys, the event celebrated the rich food traditions of military messes, cantonment kitchens, and the summer cuisine of the erstwhile Madras Presidency.
Hosted within the regal setting of Amir Mahal, the evening was moderated by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, and featured an esteemed panel comprising Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Major (Dr.) Praveen Raj (Retd.), former Indian Army officer and commando; and food historian and MasterChef India (Tamil) judge Rakesh Raghunathan.
Anchored by Ministry of Chutneys—the award-winning and Chennai’s first and only dedicated Anglo-Indian restaurant located at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai—the initiative highlighted food as a powerful medium for preserving heritage, fostering dialogue, and connecting communities through shared cultural narratives.
The event reflected a growing trend in the hospitality industry, where food and beverage experiences are increasingly being leveraged to create meaningful guest engagement through storytelling and cultural immersion. By seamlessly blending insightful discussions with curated culinary experiences, the programme demonstrated how hotels can serve as custodians of history and tradition while offering memorable experiences to modern travellers.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Today’s guests seek experiences that go beyond dining. They are looking for authenticity, stories and meaningful connections. Through The GReaT Conversation and Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, we created a platform that celebrated heritage through dialogue and cuisine while reinforcing the role of hospitality as a curator of culture and community.”
The evening welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, consuls general, honorary consuls, senior government officials, hospitality leaders, business personalities, media representatives, cultural custodians, and distinguished guests, underscoring the growing importance of heritage-led experiences in shaping the future of hospitality and gastronomy.