On the evening of 16th July, Mehrauli was exactly where you wanted to be. As the neighbourhood buzzed with its characteristic energy, Maison French Press hosted the fourth edition of The Tastemakers' Table at Swan, this time celebrating Chaashni, one of the brands within the Maison French Press ecosystem.
For its fourth edition, the evening unfolded at Swan, Mehrauli, a destination that felt perfectly aligned with the occasion. Surrounded by some of Delhi's most celebrated luxury boutiques, design studios and restaurants, Swan offered a setting that echoed the elegance and warmth of Chaashni itself. With Chaashni moving its presence into South Delhi, the evening served as the perfect introduction to the brand. Bringing together a thoughtfully curated guest list dressed in Chaashni, the event transformed its signature aesthetic into a lived experience, allowing guests to engage with the label in a way that felt authentic, and distinctly personal.
The evening brought together a carefully curated mix of editors, stylists, influencers, creators and KOL’s, all coming together to celebrate both Chaashni and Swan.The guest list arrived dressed in Chaashni, bringing the brand's philosophy to life. True to its name, which translates to sweetness, Chaashni's pieces carried a sense of effortless femininity, fluid silhouettes and understated beauty. Rather than simply wearing the collection, guests became an extension of it, filling the room with colour, movement and personality.
Swan has established itself as one of Mehrauli's defining fine-dining destinations. Founded by restauranteur Zorawar Kalra under Massive Restaurants, the space is known for its sophisticated blend of contemporary design, elevated dining and vibrant nightlife.
Overlooking the Qutub Minar, Swan pairs clean, modern architecture with lush alfresco terraces and warm interiors, creating an atmosphere that feels equally suited for brunches, long lunches, intimate dinners and late-night cocktails. The restaurant's culinary philosophy draws from Japanese and Italian traditions, complemented by Peruvian influences, resulting in a menu that balances precision with creativity. Alongside its food, Swan has become known for its inventive cocktail programme and impeccable hospitality, making it a favourite among Delhi's creative, fashion and luxury communities. The menu for the evening was specially handcrafted by Swan for Maison French Press, bringing together some of their bestsellers and crowd pleasers.
What the Table Served
Cocktails
Curated exclusively for The Tastemakers' Table, Swan's cocktail selection was designed to complement both the evening and the menu. Balanced, inventive and beautifully presented, each drink thoughtfully paired to the progression of the courses. From light, refreshing pours to bold, spirit-forward creations, every cocktail elevated the dining experience, becoming as much a part of the storytelling as the food, the fashion and the conversations shared around the table.
Appetisers
Tofu Panko Miso
A vegetarian standout, the Tofu Panko Miso delivered everything you would want from a small plate. Encased in a crisp golden panko crust, the tofu remained soft and delicate within, while the miso glaze lent a rich, savoury umami balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. The contrasting textures made every bite satisfying, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as indulgent as their meat counterparts.
Rating: 4/5
Crispy Chicken Karaage
Golden, crunchy and perfectly seasoned, the Chicken Karaage was an easy crowd favourite. The chicken was exceptionally juicy beneath its crisp coating, while a creamy Japanese mayonnaise added richness without overpowering the dish. Light enough to keep reaching for another bite, it was the ideal companion to an evening of cocktails and conversation.
Rating: 4.5/5
Avocado Maki
Sometimes, simplicity is the hardest thing to perfect. Swan's Avocado Maki embraced clean flavours with fresh avocado wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and crisp nori. Delicate, fresh and well-executed, it was proof that classic sushi never goes out of style.
Rating: 4.2/5
Potato Croquettes
Golden and perfectly crisp on the outside, these potato croquettes had a molten, cheesy centre with the very first bite. Rich, indulgent and packed with flavour, they struck the perfect balance between crunch and creaminess. It was the unanimous favourite at the table. In fact, it was so good that we immediately asked for a second serving.
Rating: 5/5
Mains
Spaghetti con Pollo
Comforting without feeling heavy, the Spaghetti con Pollo was coated in a silky white sauce that struck a pleasant balance between richness and subtlety. Tender pieces of chicken complemented the perfectly cooked pasta, making it a hearty dish that delivered familiar flavours with finesse.
Rating: 3.9/5
Red Thai Curry Chicken
A warming, aromatic curry that carried layers of coconut, chilli and fragrant herbs without overwhelming the palate. Served with fluffy steamed rice, the curry was creamy, comforting and beautifully balanced, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely dinner.
Rating: 4/5
Tofu Saltado with Vegetables
Inspired by Peruvian flavours, the Tofu Saltado paired crisp vegetables with tender tofu in a savoury, lightly spiced sauce. Best enjoyed alongside steamed rice, it offered a wholesome, satisfying meal that let fresh ingredients take centre stage.
Rating: 4/5
Dessert
Tiramisu
The undeniable star of the evening. Swan's Tiramisu achieved the delicate balance every great tiramisu strives for,light mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked sponge with just the right intensity, and a generous dusting of cocoa that tied everything together. Decadent without being overly sweet, it was the one dish guests kept returning to for another spoonful, and easily the most memorable course of the night.
Rating: 4.8/5
Some evenings are remembered for the guest list. This one will be remembered for the clothes, the conversations, and everyone quietly asking, "What are they wearing?"
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that The Tastemakers' Table is about far more than bringing people together over dinner. It is truly about creating moments where fashion is worn, stories are shared, and brands are experienced beyond the rack.
TO BE CONTINUED, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
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On the evening of 16th July, Mehrauli was exactly where you wanted to be. As the neighbourhood buzzed with its characteristic energy, Maison French Press hosted the fourth edition of The Tastemakers' Table at Swan, this time celebrating Chaashni, one of the brands within the Maison French Press ecosystem.
For its fourth edition, the evening unfolded at Swan, Mehrauli, a destination that felt perfectly aligned with the occasion. Surrounded by some of Delhi's most celebrated luxury boutiques, design studios and restaurants, Swan offered a setting that echoed the elegance and warmth of Chaashni itself. With Chaashni moving its presence into South Delhi, the evening served as the perfect introduction to the brand. Bringing together a thoughtfully curated guest list dressed in Chaashni, the event transformed its signature aesthetic into a lived experience, allowing guests to engage with the label in a way that felt authentic, and distinctly personal.
The evening brought together a carefully curated mix of editors, stylists, influencers, creators and KOL’s, all coming together to celebrate both Chaashni and Swan.The guest list arrived dressed in Chaashni, bringing the brand's philosophy to life. True to its name, which translates to sweetness, Chaashni's pieces carried a sense of effortless femininity, fluid silhouettes and understated beauty. Rather than simply wearing the collection, guests became an extension of it, filling the room with colour, movement and personality.
Swan has established itself as one of Mehrauli's defining fine-dining destinations. Founded by restauranteur Zorawar Kalra under Massive Restaurants, the space is known for its sophisticated blend of contemporary design, elevated dining and vibrant nightlife.
Overlooking the Qutub Minar, Swan pairs clean, modern architecture with lush alfresco terraces and warm interiors, creating an atmosphere that feels equally suited for brunches, long lunches, intimate dinners and late-night cocktails. The restaurant's culinary philosophy draws from Japanese and Italian traditions, complemented by Peruvian influences, resulting in a menu that balances precision with creativity. Alongside its food, Swan has become known for its inventive cocktail programme and impeccable hospitality, making it a favourite among Delhi's creative, fashion and luxury communities. The menu for the evening was specially handcrafted by Swan for Maison French Press, bringing together some of their bestsellers and crowd pleasers.
What the Table Served
Cocktails
Curated exclusively for The Tastemakers' Table, Swan's cocktail selection was designed to complement both the evening and the menu. Balanced, inventive and beautifully presented, each drink thoughtfully paired to the progression of the courses. From light, refreshing pours to bold, spirit-forward creations, every cocktail elevated the dining experience, becoming as much a part of the storytelling as the food, the fashion and the conversations shared around the table.
Appetisers
Tofu Panko Miso
A vegetarian standout, the Tofu Panko Miso delivered everything you would want from a small plate. Encased in a crisp golden panko crust, the tofu remained soft and delicate within, while the miso glaze lent a rich, savoury umami balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. The contrasting textures made every bite satisfying, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as indulgent as their meat counterparts.
Rating: 4/5
Crispy Chicken Karaage
Golden, crunchy and perfectly seasoned, the Chicken Karaage was an easy crowd favourite. The chicken was exceptionally juicy beneath its crisp coating, while a creamy Japanese mayonnaise added richness without overpowering the dish. Light enough to keep reaching for another bite, it was the ideal companion to an evening of cocktails and conversation.
Rating: 4.5/5
Avocado Maki
Sometimes, simplicity is the hardest thing to perfect. Swan's Avocado Maki embraced clean flavours with fresh avocado wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and crisp nori. Delicate, fresh and well-executed, it was proof that classic sushi never goes out of style.
Rating: 4.2/5
Potato Croquettes
Golden and perfectly crisp on the outside, these potato croquettes had a molten, cheesy centre with the very first bite. Rich, indulgent and packed with flavour, they struck the perfect balance between crunch and creaminess. It was the unanimous favourite at the table. In fact, it was so good that we immediately asked for a second serving.
Rating: 5/5
Mains
Spaghetti con Pollo
Comforting without feeling heavy, the Spaghetti con Pollo was coated in a silky white sauce that struck a pleasant balance between richness and subtlety. Tender pieces of chicken complemented the perfectly cooked pasta, making it a hearty dish that delivered familiar flavours with finesse.
Rating: 3.9/5
Red Thai Curry Chicken
A warming, aromatic curry that carried layers of coconut, chilli and fragrant herbs without overwhelming the palate. Served with fluffy steamed rice, the curry was creamy, comforting and beautifully balanced, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely dinner.
Rating: 4/5
Tofu Saltado with Vegetables
Inspired by Peruvian flavours, the Tofu Saltado paired crisp vegetables with tender tofu in a savoury, lightly spiced sauce. Best enjoyed alongside steamed rice, it offered a wholesome, satisfying meal that let fresh ingredients take centre stage.
Rating: 4/5
Dessert
Tiramisu
The undeniable star of the evening. Swan's Tiramisu achieved the delicate balance every great tiramisu strives for,light mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked sponge with just the right intensity, and a generous dusting of cocoa that tied everything together. Decadent without being overly sweet, it was the one dish guests kept returning to for another spoonful, and easily the most memorable course of the night.
Rating: 4.8/5
Some evenings are remembered for the guest list. This one will be remembered for the clothes, the conversations, and everyone quietly asking, "What are they wearing?"
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that The Tastemakers' Table is about far more than bringing people together over dinner. It is truly about creating moments where fashion is worn, stories are shared, and brands are experienced beyond the rack.
TO BE CONTINUED, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
This is where the surface ends and the reporting begins.
The complete piece, the full archive, and access to The French Press Circle. Reporting answerable only to its readers.
Already a subscriber ?
Login
Read these on the house, with our compliments.
A selection from the current issue, open to all readers. Read them in full. The rest is one decision away.