The Cannes Film Festival is an unparalleled global cultural institution. Though it is all about films and the people who work in them, every aspect related to the festival—from fashion to food—has people hungrily looking to it for inspiration. Cosy Box—the film festival’s official food partner founded by Jean Bernard Fernandez-Vesini, or JB as he is known, in 2008—is, therefore, a culinary legend. Meant as a platform to showcase luxury brands like de Grisogono, Arman de Brignac, Gucci, and more for the discerning aesthete, it has over the years also highlighted the tradition of French feasting. And now, it has made its way to Delhi with seasoned restaurateurs Akshay Anand and Aashish Begwani, who have joined hands with JB to introduce Cosy Box’s first international chapter in One Golden Mile in the heart of the city.
Shikha Begwani, Devina Anand, Ashish Begwani, Akshay Anand.
“This is an ode to the capital’s regal roots that draw on themes of glamorous excess. After leading the charge to diversify India’s nightlife with Toy Room by Pacha and Ophelia at Ashoka hotel, we are planning to make it even bigger with Cosy Box. We are sure that it will be among the most popular destinations in India. Indians today have tremendous exposure as they travel across the world for the finest of experiences. Our endeavour is to bring this experience to Delhi through food innovations, indulgent cocktails and concepts that enrich our industry in India. I bet Cosy Box will be a game-changer,” smiles Akshay confidently.
Spread across 7500 sq ft, a jade-tiled patio replete with sun umbrellas surrounds the main dining area. The space is designed to allow ease of movement and through its Turkish flambé trolley for the food to be enjoyed as a spectacle. Little pockets made with glossy marble and rose archways set the tone for privacy, and the plush seating signals luxury. “It is a slick, modern bar that is roomy enough to wait at, while we prep your table with a menu to match. The drinks menu caters to everyone from seasoned drinkers to young millennials. You will find old favourites like the Paloma Negra, as well as the Cosy Box trademark—a candy bar with candy-flavoured shots. This is our homage to eternal youth. We spare no expense on authenticity. Expert chefs and mixologists have put together a well-rounded global food and drinks menu with a core focus on Mediterranean, European, Oriental, and modern Indian cuisines,” explains Aashish.
Community style meals are encouraged and the ‘cosy plate’ serves bite-sized helpings of seafood and seasonal vegetables grilled live on Japanese open-fire robata grills. The smokiness of the charred food is layered with tequila and mezcal (barrel-aged agave tincture) straight from Mexico. Their signature glasses are topped with tequila or flavoured sodas and emblazoned with ‘field notes’ from the bar such as the epithet, ‘Be your own muse’ in lipstick red on martini glasses. The Cosy Box experience promises to delight its patrons through good music, delicious food, and beautiful people.
When asked about the setup, Akshay says, “The Cosy Pavilion signifies exclusivity. Here the conversation is leisurely, the ideas and food are fresh, and the cosy setting is perfect for intimate chats and pop-ups on art, culture, and everything in between. The Pavilion aims to nourish the potency of Big Ideas™, which is a white-glove experience with food to match. This exclusive section is meant for business meetings, fashion, art, travelling shops, creative talks, and anything else in need of an intimate space for a discerning audience.” He goes on to highlight their fancy single malt whiskeys and wines that have been curated to suit the theme. Even the cigars are Cuban, and the delicacies suited to palates and people with an appreciation for fine things. Akshay describes it as, “a sanctuary where forward-thinkers can spend their time lavishly on pursuits that spark joy.”
The terrace is their largest space and it can comfortably house a party of 200. Aashish shares, “The sunsets here are a work of art—painterly hues of burnt sienna and blue appear daily. We recommend a sundowner, closing the day with tall pours of mezcal and Instagrammable desserts.”
Cosy Box plans to change its decor seasonally to keep things fresh, but a focus on light and natural elements will remain. One can enjoy lunch or high tea with snacks. The teas are quite an exotic selection and include a warm blend of Turkish spices and flowering teas that spell spring. The evenings offer lively music accompanying the dinner, drinks, and dessert menu in keeping with the brand’s ethos of infinite possibilities under one cosy roof. Assured of its success, the team plans to take Cosy Box to other metros as well.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com. She can be reached on nooranand@gmail.com.