Long before gastronomic fairs became a thing, Farzana Contractor's food expo, The UpperCrust Food and Wine Show was a lone player. The culinary event was launched in 2003 to feature some of the finest food and beverage products and services. Seventeen years since, the festival is only bigger and better. "To be honest, nothing much has changed, and in a way, that has worked for us," says Contractor. "It's the comfort factor for the visitors coming in year after year. They love it as it is.

What's new, though, is the exciting line-up of chefs. The festival, presented in collaboration with media partner Sunday mid-day, offers a platform to 150 exhibitors, food enterprises, and innovative entrepreneurs. "Over three days, we will hold a series of specially curated demos. Broadly, we have ensured a good mix of 5-star chefs, home chefs and well-known stand-alone restaurants, who will cover a cross-range of cuisines," she explains.