A Night of Culinary Celebration: The FAB Champs Season 4
The evening was an ode to gastronomic excellence, infused with glitz and glamour, as Pune Times Mirror presented The FAB Champs Season 4. Hosted at the elegant Novotel Pune on Nagar Road on Friday, July 11, this glittering soirée emerged as one of the most dazzling events on Pune’s hospitality calendar. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement, as the city’s culinary elite gathered to celebrate their achievements.
A Gathering of Culinary Luminaries
The celebration brought together a stellar mix of celebrities, industry stalwarts, dignitaries, and overjoyed winners—all united by their love for culinary brilliance. The FAB Champs Awards, an initiative by Pune Times Mirror, has always aimed to honor the true heroes of the city’s vibrant food and beverage industry. This year, Season 4 witnessed overwhelming participation from Pune’s finest establishments, competing across a wide spectrum of categories.
From Best Healthy Food and Best Multi-Cuisine to Best Fast Food, Best Banquet, Best Ice Cream, Best Maharashtrian Thali, Best South Indian, and Best Vegetarian Rooftop Dining, each nomination reflected the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary landscape. The excitement reached its peak on the evening of July 11, when the winners were announced at a sparkling award ceremony that kept the audience entertained throughout the night.
Star-Studded Presence
The event was flawlessly hosted, with prominent personalities adding star power to the celebration. Gourmet diva Karen Anand and celebrity chef Shailendra Kekade graced the evening, sharing their insights into the ever-evolving food scene in Pune. Acclaimed actors Saurabh Gokhale, Ajay Purkar, and Abhijit Chitnis, along with the charming international Latin and ballroom dancer Dr. Sandip Soparrkar, were also in attendance, offering heartfelt words of appreciation for the city’s talented culinary champions.
Partners in Celebration
Adding to the glamour were the event’s partners, who helped breathe life into this shindig. Amstel Bier Grande served as the Beverage Partner, while Diageo onboarded as the Celebration Partner. Their contributions elevated the evening, allowing guests to toast to success and indulge in a sumptuous feast that followed the awards. The collaboration between these brands and the event organizers showcased a commitment to excellence and celebration.
A Warm Welcome
One of the highlights of the evening was the warm and evocative welcome by Neeraj Sharma, Vice Chairman of Pune Times Mirror and Civic Mirror. In his address, he congratulated the entire team for pulling off such a wonderful event, stating, “Events like these encourage individuals to come forward and keep striving for excellence.” His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating culinary talent.
A Special Message from Chhagan Bhujbal
Although he couldn’t attend in person due to the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly, Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, sent his best wishes via a special video message. “I was scheduled to attend the Fab Champs Awards 2025, but I apologise for not being present in person. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and winners. My best wishes for the success of the event and to Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, and their entire team for continued success in all their future endeavours,” he expressed, emphasizing the significance of the awards.
A Gourmet Soirée to Remember
With a perfect blend of recognition, celebration, and community spirit, The FAB Champs Season 4 was a night to remember. It united food lovers, industry leaders, and gastronomic trailblazers, raising a toast to the culinary gems that continue to elevate Pune’s ever-evolving food culture. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the nominees and winners but also inspired everyone present to continue striving for excellence in the culinary arts.
