DLC Global Hospitality Summit shines spotlight on industry excellence

The Della Leaders Club Global Hospitality Summit, hosted on April 12th, 2024, at Della Resorts, Lonavala- India’s Finest Experiential Hospitality Destination. It marked a historic milestone in the realm of hospitality. Spearheaded by visionary founder Jimmy Mistry, the event aimed to elevate Indian talent onto the global hospitality stage.

 The summit, a brainchild of Jimmy Mistry, witnessed the convergence of esteemed personalities, including 18 Michelin-starred chefs from around the globe. Six of these culinary luminaries graced the event in person, while the rest joined virtually, underscoring the event's international appeal.

 The highlight of the Summit was the launch of the DLC Guide- an independent Global Rating System for Restaurants and Hotels across the world. This guide promises to be truly global since DLC has members across the world in 17 cities and 7 countries. It has currently launched in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Dubai and plans to expand to other countries soon.

 “I’m happy that there is finally an independent global rating system for restaurants and hotels worldwide that is not by food critics, but rather by established entrepreneurs”- states Founder, Jimmy Mistry. 

Several Michelin Star Chefs were flown in from across the United States, London, Singapore and others to lay down a strong foundation for Indians in Global Hospitality.

 Present at the event were Chief Guest Padma Shri, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor – Celebrity Chef, TV Host, Restaurateur, Author, Entrepreneur (Mumbai)

 “By introducing the DLC Guide, I am not behind you, but with you.”

 Stalwarts like-

 Rohit Khattar –

Founder Chairman, OWH / EHV International (Mumbai)

“ It’s truly commendable for Jimmy to have created this unbelievable feat and vision for India. DLC Guide shall be a game changer.”                           “

 Chef Hemant Oberoi –

Founder, Martabaan, Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)

“ I am amazed at Jimmy’s ability to bring the global Hospitality together along with so many entrepreneurs”   

 Rashmi Uday Singh –

Founder Hospitality Hope, Food Expert, Author, TV Host (Mumbai)

“I think the DLC Guide is going to make a big difference and I really welcome it. The more we have spotlighting, welcoming, rewarding, putting on lists for restaurants and hotels, the better because it brings everybody joy and it brings the spotlight on everyone.  I think it’s a great idea. Congratulations to Jimmy and the whole team! Truly a spectacular DLC Hospitality Summit!

This is the first time I’ve been to Della Resorts, Lonavala and I’m completely blown by.  I had no idea it was so big, so enormous, so beautiful and so high-tech, especially the Della Sky Garden, it is just amazing.”

 Chef Vicky Ratnani –

Celebrity Chef, TV Show Host, Author (Mumbai)

“The DLC Guide would bring credibility to Indian food Indian restaurants and chefs because there’s not any kind of real recognised guide which appreciates and rates restaurants and so I think it’s a great step and initiative that Jimmy has envisioned and created with the right people, which will be completely legitimate and we all look forward to supporting it. I’ve spent the best 8 hours earlier today at Della Resorts, Lonavala and it is completely progressive, there’s lots going on here more than what I thought and they’re doing a great job here.”

 Chef Sameer Taneja –

1 Michelin Star, Executive Chef, Benares (London)

“What I experienced today, is the starting of something exceptional! It is very very important for this Guide to come and recognise all the hard work of the Chefs. I think this Country is blessed with this being the first of its kind Guide and it is just amazing.

  Chef Manjunath Mural –

1 Michelin Star, Executive Chef, The Song of India, Co-owner of ADDA and Cali Chilli (Singapore)

“I think this is something very amazing and creative that Jimmy Mistry ji has done through the launch of the DLC Guide. I think what is going to happen is restaurants are going to compete and so, we are going to get quality restaurants. Currently, we have around 9-10, but this Guide will inspire the chefs to work harder and shortly, we will have multiplied that number as they would want to compete to be a part and earn the recognition of the DLC Guide.”

 Dr. Shriram Nene – Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon, Healthcare Innovator, Tech Innovator, Producer & Storyteller

“As always, Jimmy never fails to thrill us all. Congratulations to him and the whole DLC Team! Had a great time at the DLC Global Hospitality Summit Event, a lot of things we’ve never seen, met a lot of people and enjoyed it very much! It’s so nice to have that Indian cuisine will be showcased on a global level through the DLC Guide.”

 During his speech, expressed his delight and strong support for finally having a restaurant and hotel rating system which will be a competitor to the Michelin Guide globally.

 Peter Overy – Ex-MD, IDEO

“ I love the idea of a decentralized platform the Guide could be, where it’s not some highfalutin thing telling restaurateurs or chefs that they are what they are, it’s a really wonderful shift that I hope creates traction in history that’s needed. Della Resorts in Lonavala is an amazing resort. The Hospitality has truly just been outstanding. It’s only my fourth time in India and so, after seeing the property and being present at the Summit, was an eye opener for an extravaganza of how bold the country can be. “

 Chef Cyrus Todiwalla, OBE - Celebrity Chef, Cafe Spice Namaste, London (London)

Chef Mano Thevar - 2 Michelin Stars, Twin Michelin Star Chef - Thevar, Co-founder - Tambi (Singapore)

Chef Chetan Shetty - 1 Michelin Star, Executive Chef, Rania (Washington DC)

Chef Reji Mathew - Co-Founder, Kappa Chakka Kandhari (Bengaluru)

Chef Varun Totlani - Head Chef, Masque (Mumbai)

Chef Pooja Dhingra - Founder & CEO, Le15 Patisserie (Mumbai)

Chef Vinesh Johny - Co-founder and Executive Pastry Chef, Lavonne Academy of Baking Science & Pastry Arts (Bengaluru)

Kalyan Karmakar - Food Writer & Brand Consultant (Mumbai)

Shafquat Ali – Trikaya Media & hospitality Horizon Magazine

Upendra Tomar- Director Operations, ITC Grand Chola for Avartana, Chennai

 Additionally, other distinguished guests included:

 Dr Mickey Mehta - Global Leading Holistic Health Guru & Spiritual Life Coach 

Hrishikesh Kannan - Producer, Award Winning Presenter and Brand Head on RadioOne (94.3)

Parvez Damania - Art Connoisseur

Mastermind Deepak Rao - Public Figure & ESP Specialist

Haresh Chandra - Managing Director, Hotel Keys

 The event served as a platform for all industry stalwarts to recognize the contributions made by Indians across the globe in the hospitality sector.