Spotlight

Lily Catering Services: Redefining Wedding Experiences Across Goa with Flavor, Warmth, and Passion


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for Lily Catering Services, traveling across every corner of Goa and curating unforgettable experiences for weddings and events. Each event brings new learning, new people, and the joy of sharing good food. What has touched the team most is the warmth and acceptance they’ve received from clients all over the state. Along the way, they’ve discovered Goa’s many cultures and traditions, and with each event, they’ve grown more connected to the people they serve.

The menu at Lily Catering Services reflects a perfect balance of Goan heritage and global influence. Signature dishes like BBQ Pork Ribs, Pork Belly in Hunan Sauce, and Shepherd’s Pie bring together comfort and creativity, while desserts such as the Dark Chocolate Marquise, Baklava Cheesecake Roll, and Tender Coconut Kheer add a distinct and memorable finish to every celebration.

When planning a wedding, the goal is simple—to create a menu that stands out. Whether it’s a Goan celebration or a modern themed event, the team curates dishes that surprise and delight guests. They often suggest fusion menus that mix Goan favorites with international flavors, and the joy on guests’ faces as they try something new makes it all worthwhile.

Each menu is personalized to reflect the couple’s taste and personality. Tasting sessions help finalize dishes, and dietary requirements like vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals are handled with utmost care. The team works closely to customize dishes, brief the service staff, and ensure every guest feels included and cared for.

Some of the most memorable experiences have come from large-scale weddings—events that feel like organized chaos but end in triumph when everything flows seamlessly. Behind the success is a well-trained team, many of whom have worked together for years. Their shared experience and chemistry make the service smooth, efficient, and professional.

Communication is key, and the team maintains constant contact with wedding planners and venues through WhatsApp and calls to ensure every detail is aligned. Alongside food, Lily Catering Services also offers bar services, featuring cocktails and mocktails customized to the couple’s story—sometimes even recreating the first drink they shared together. Popular choices like the ‘Busy Bombay’ cocktail and their rotating seasonal creations keep guests delighted year after year.

Behind every dish is a skilled culinary team personally trained to uphold high standards. With flexible catering packages, including special discounts for upcoming seasons, Lily Catering Services ensures that great food is accessible without compromising on quality. Regular training sessions and workshops keep the team sharp, ensuring service that’s both warm and professional.

Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests often praising the unique flavors and presentation. Even small, detailed feedback is valued—it reflects the company’s commitment to perfection. From the first consultation to the final event, clients receive hands-on support, ensuring that every element runs smoothly and stress-free.

When asked what makes the team special, the founder says they’re like a Shepherd’s Pie—a blend of many ingredients coming together to create something comforting and satisfying. The same spirit drives their work ethic and passion.

With new dishes and services launching every season, and a dream of catering beyond Goa, Lily Catering Services continues to grow. Their ultimate vision is to take their love for food and hospitality global—ensuring that no matter where they go, every meal carries a little bit of Goan warmth and a whole lot of heart.

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality with Pacific Link College, Canada


In a landmark move that blends technology, tourism, and education, Goa is all set to launch a Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality in partnership with Pacific Link College, Canada. This pioneering initiative will integrate artificial intelligence into the core of the state’s booming hospitality and tourism sector, enhancing guest experiences while building a skilled workforce equipped for the future.

The project was the focus of high-level meetings held in Goa, where a delegation from Pacific Link College met with Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte. The visiting team, led by Shri Tarun Khullar (CEO and Director-Board Member, BCIBN), included Shri Roshan Worth (Head of South Asia), Shri Rick Pasin (Head of Academics), and Shri Aaron DPenha (Campus Director). They presented a detailed proposal outlining their vision to create a world-class institution focused on AI-driven hospitality innovation.

“This collaboration is not just about imagining the future of tourism – we are building it,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte. “The Centre of Excellence will empower Goan youth with the latest in AI training, and put Goa on the map as a lighthouse state for AI-powered tourism experiences.”

The Government of Goa played a key role in coordinating discussions between the Pacific Link College team and stakeholders from the local industry and academic sectors to ensure that the Centre’s goals are aligned with regional training needs and tourism development strategies. During follow-up meetings on September 8, 2025, two potential locations were identified for the Centre’s physical campus.

The Centre of Excellence will have a multi-pronged mission: to skill youth in AI applications specific to hospitality – from automating services to designing personalized guest experiences, to support startups and entrepreneurs developing AI-based travel tech solutions, to co-develop academic curricula with Goan institutions, and to embed AI tools across tourism services in the state.

This initiative is a strategic pillar of Goa’s AI Mission 2027, an ambitious program aimed at embedding artificial intelligence across governance, industry, education, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging AI, Goa hopes to offer smarter, more seamless tourism experiences, attract longer and more meaningful visits, and create new job and investment opportunities in the process.

The Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality is expected to be operational in the coming months, following the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the completion of necessary infrastructure.

#food

Restaurants at the Heart of Goa’s Tourism Push, Says Minister at NRAI Summit 2025


Goa’s culinary prowess took centre stage at the inaugural NRAI Indian Restaurant Summit 2025, hosted for the first time in the coastal state at Dona Paula. In a powerful keynote address, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte described the restaurant industry as the “economic backbone” of the state’s tourism economy and an essential pillar of its regenerative tourism model. The three-day summit, themed ‘Serving The Future’, brought together more than 2,500 delegates, 60+ speakers, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners from across India and abroad.

Minister Khaunte emphasized that Goa is actively repositioning itself as a destination that goes “beyond beaches,” embracing culture, heritage, adventure, and sustainability. He underscored that regenerative tourism in Goa is built on four pillars — people, community, economy, and environment — and that food is central to this journey. At the summit, the minister also felicitated iconic Goan food institutions such as Longuinhos, Café Central, Café Tato, Mr Baker, Sher e Punjab, Jila Bakery, Goenchin, and Titos, as well as legendary chefs including Urbano Rego and the late Caridade Alfonso.

Organized by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the summit featured panel discussions and workshops highlighting the transition of Goa from a nightlife-centric beach destination to a serious global culinary hub. Topics included regional cuisine, cocktail culture, the evolution of café life, and the emergence of Indian cities as global food destinations. Global and national culinary icons including Roni Mazumdar, AD Singh, Ashneer Grover, Riyaaz Amlani, Ashish Tulsian, Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, and Vicky Ratnani brought international insight to the event.

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate was also in attendance, showing support for the evolving role of food in Goa’s socio-economic development. NRAI Goa Chapter head Prahlad Sukhtankar noted that Goa’s offline restaurant industry now accounts for 55% of the sector — far ahead of the national average of 43% — a sign of stronger compliance, structure, and long-term growth potential.

By honouring local cuisine and encouraging innovation rooted in tradition, the summit reaffirmed that for Goa, food is not just about dining — it is about culture, community, and sustainable economic empowerment.

#food

NRAI to Host 4th Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 in Goa: Spotlight on “Serving the Future”


The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has announced that the 4th edition of its flagship Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 will take place from September 15–17 at Taj Cidade De Goa Horizon.

The three-day summit promises to be the largest gathering of its kind in India, with 2,000+ delegates, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners engaging in workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Theme: Serving the Future

Reflecting the dynamic growth of India’s food services sector – currently valued at ₹5.69 lakh crore and expected to reach ₹7.76 lakh crore by FY28 (Indian Food Services Report 2024) – this year’s theme emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and the evolving tastes of India’s diners.

Dignitaries and Speakers

  • Inauguration by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, Goa.
  • Keynote Address: Roni Mazumdar, CEO of Unapologetic Foods & Board Director of the National Restaurant Association (USA).
  • Star Speakers: A.D. Singh (Olive Bar & Kitchen), Ashneer Grover (The Big Chill Café), Anurag Katriar (Indigo Hospitality), Riyaaz Amlani (Impresario Entertainment), Ashish Tulsian (Restroworks).
  • Celebrity Chefs: Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, Vicky Ratnani, Avinash Martin.

Key Topics

  • Regional cuisines going national
  • India’s cocktail and café culture
  • Experiential dining
  • Culinary tourism & Goa’s role as a global hub

Quotes from Industry Leaders

Sagar Daryani, President of NRAI, said:

“The Indian Restaurant Summit is not just an industry event but a movement to unify voices, foster innovation, and unlock growth for the sector. Goa, as an emerging hospitality hub, provides the perfect backdrop to explore new opportunities.”

Prahlad Sukhtankar, NRAI Goa Chapter Head, added:

“This edition will also address Goa’s transformation into a global culinary hub, tackling challenges like seasonality and licensing while highlighting its tourism-driven potential.”

Legacy of the Summit

Previously held in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, the Indian Restaurant Summit has grown in scale and influence, serving as a key platform for policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and next-gen growth models in India’s food services sector.

With Goa hosting for the first time, the 2025 edition is expected to set new benchmarks for the industry’s future.

Business

Exotic Resort & Spa ‘Novotel’ Appoints Rhythm .K. Gandhi as Marketing & Communication Manager


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In a strategic move to further enhance its brand positioning and guest engagement strategies, Exotic Resort & Spa ‘Novotel’, located in the vibrant beachside destination of Candolim, Goa, has appointed Rhythm .K. Gandhi as its new Marketing & Communication Manager.

Rhythm joins the Novotel family with a proven track record in hospitality marketing and communications. Her most recent role was as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where she led various initiatives including social media strategy, creative content, online reputation management, and campaign planning.

Prior to this, Rhythm worked with Impresario Handmade Restaurants in Dehradun, contributing to national campaigns and local community initiatives. At Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort & Spa, she played a pivotal role in repositioning the property as a resort destination and led the execution of the acclaimed “Perfectly Yours – Hyatt India Wedding Campaign.” She was also instrumental in the successful launch of Beyul, the rooftop bar and lounge, overseeing its creative direction, PR, and event planning.

Rhythm’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from IMS Unison University, Dehradun (Class of 2022). She completed her early education at Doon International School, Dehradun, and Convent of Jesus and Mary, Waverley, Mussoorie.

Commenting on her appointment, a spokesperson from Novotel Goa shared:

“Rhythm’s dynamic experience and passion for storytelling align perfectly with our vision to create meaningful connections with our guests. We are confident that her innovative approach will help elevate Novotel’s presence in Goa’s highly competitive hospitality landscape.”

As Goa continues to flourish as a top tourist destination, Novotel’s decision to bring in fresh talent like Rhythm signals its intent to lead with creativity and bold, guest-centric marketing strategies.