Hotel & Catering
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1 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 INFLUENCE AND PASSION CHEF MICHAEL MINA’S CULINARY EMPIRE TASTY SIPS CHEF ME’S NEW 360-DEGREE BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM FOR THE WIN Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2021 Hotel&Catering NEWS Middle East A LL T H E L AT E S T F R O M T H E M I D D LE E A S T H O S P I TA L I T Y I N D U S T RY A RICH HERITAGE SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS
4 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM IN THIS ISSUE HCNME FOR THE WIN HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2021 22 SUPPLIER WATCH TASTY SIPS Chef Middle East solidifies its position as a beverage distributor 24 GM INTERVIEW THE EXTRAORDINARY GM Dominic Arel as general manager of Swissôtel Al Ghurair 28 IN FOCUS THE STUFF OF LEGEND Ruba Asmar, the general manager of Legend Beauty & Spa Centre 30 CHAIN FOCUS SHANGRI-LA Hotels and Resorts 60 CELEBRITY CHEF INFLUENCE, PASSION AND ACHIEVEMENT Chef Michael Mina 34
5 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 SUBSCRIBE Contact subscriptions@bncpublishing.net to receive Hotel & Catering News ME every issue EDITOR Dina Maaty dina@bncpublishing.net CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net DIRECTOR Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Samer Alloush samer@bncpublishing.net CREATIVE LEAD Odette Kahwagi DESIGN Eliane Elias MARKETING EXECUTIVE Aaron Joshua Sinamban aj@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196 For all commercial enquiries related to Hotel & Catering News ME, contact Samer Alloush, Group Commercial Director samer@bncpublishing.net | T +971 55 776 4670 All rights reserved 2021. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors. Hotel & Catering News ME and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Printed by United Printing and Publishing | upp.ae Images used in are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. hotelnewsme.com ACCESS FRESH CONTENT DAILY ON OUR WEBSITE! HotelNewsME @HotelCateringME Hotel & Catering News Middle East HotelCateringNewsME In addition to our print edition, we’re bringing you all sorts of industry news on our web mediums. We’re looking forward to interacting with our readers on all of our social media and web platforms. See you on the web! Hotel&Catering NEWS Middle East Hotel&Catering NEWS Middle East
6 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM T he Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2021 were so special this time around. I believe that this was, partially, due to the fact that the pandemic had left us all sceptical as to when we could even see some sense of normalcy return to the industry. Gladly, in a room full of sector stars, we could see hope once again. There were lots of laughs, plenty of smiles (luckily no tears), and the night sparkled with happy thoughts and vibes – so much that you could feel it, you really could. That is why I wanted to honour some of the winners in my editor’s note as well. First up is Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, which was selected by our judges for some top awards. The luxurious property effortlessly blends grandeur with comfort and has managed – in a very short period of time – to become a Dubai favourite as it stands tall within the Dubai skyline. Lobby of The Year winner Paramount Hotel Dubai was another well-deserved win, as I remember standing in awe as I watched waves crashing against massive screens playing Titanic – right then and there by the check-in counter. The property really does boast unique vibes throughout, and the entrance prepares you for what is yet to come. I was also delighted to meet the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray team once again, as they accepted their awards for a job well done at one of the emirate’s most opulent properties. In terms of décor and ambience, the hotel is unmatched, as it brings to Dubai a rich showcase of Ottoman luxury. Our rising stars made the night even more special, as they proudly took home their trophies after a year that was anything but easy, proving once more that hard work always pays off. Reading their success stories of perseverance and resilience is a lesson in work ethic and dedication. From leading figures to newcomers, the awards have demonstrated that the hospitality industry is stronger than ever, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. It can only get better from here, and we can’t wait to welcome the heavyweights of F&B at our upcoming ceremony. May we always celebrate together and know that we will always make it through! And the Award Goes to… EDITOR’S NOTE HCNME DINA MAATY EDITOR dina@bncpublishing.net
7 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 Always by your side to offer your guests an extra star Whatever happens the #1 destination for premium entertainment ''en français''
8 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM In pastry and other branches of the culinary arts, there is no denying that cream is an essential ingredient. As a cooking element, it adds an incredible depth of flavor. European dairy cream, especially French cream, enhances the flavor of all preparations. It has an unparalleled melt in the mouth, and its softness on the palate is uniquely smoothing and comforting. No matter the level of the cooking skills, anyone can incorporate French cream to a range of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Rise to the top with French Cream Nina Métayer For her dessert, she put together a fruit-forward dish and whipped up a creamy grapefruit meringue, then completed the plate with vanilla tonka chantilly. is a French Chef awarded twice as best pastry chef in 2016 and 2017.
9 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 ALMOND SOUFFLÉ MERINGUE Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites into peaks with the caster sugar and add the sifted powders. Form pretty, smooth balls with the mixture and bake them on a baking sheet for 30 min at 160° C then dry them at 100° C. Let them cool then scratch them with a dremel. GRAPEFRUIT AND VANILLA SORBET Heat the water to 50° C. Add the mix of sugar, glucose spray, and stabilizer. Add the vanilla and bring to a boil. Let it cool, then mix with the grapefruit juice. Let this mixture rest for 12 hours then use an ice cream machine to create the sorbet. GRAPEFRUIT JELLY Heat the grapefruit juice and mix in the gelatin. Spread onto a greased pan and let it set in the refrigerator for 2 hours before slicing. TONKA VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM Grate the tonka bean and mix it with liquid cream. Let it infuse, cold, for 3 hours then strain. Combine with the sugar and mascarpone and whip it with the electric mixer. CANDIED GRAPEFRUIT ZEST Remove the peel from the grapefruit making sure to discard all of the pith. Slice the zest into a thin julienne, blanch three times, then simmer in the syrup for around 15 min. ASSEMBLY Use a cookie cutter to cut the grapefruit jelly into circles and place them in the center of the plate. Place a dab of marzipan on top. Stick on the meringue shell. Garnish with grapefruit sorbet. Arrange a few fresh grapefruit slices. Use a 12mm wide plain tip pastry bag to create a pretty swirl of tonka whipped cream. Decorate with dried, candied zests, fresh grapefruit segments, and dried vanilla powder... 500g Egg whites 250g Confectioner’s sugar 250g Almond powder 500g Caster sugar 630g Water 1470g Grapefruit juice 5 Vanilla pods 210g Sugar 108g Glucose spray 12g Stabilizer 2100g Grapefruit juice / 200g Prepared gelatin / 3 Vanilla pods 5L Liquid cream 1kg Mascarpone 210g Confectioner’s sugar 5 Grapefruits / 500g Grapefruit juice / 500g Caster sugar 30 pieces Grapefruit 200g Marzipan 1 Tonka bean 3g Vanilla pod Dried grapefruit zest to taste Dried vanilla powders to taste The content of this advertorial represents the author’s point of view only and is the sole responsibility of the author. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made from the information contained herein. Creamy, tangy grapefruit meringue
10 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM NEWS HCNME HILTON LAUNCHES STAYCATION GETAWAY OFFERS ACROSS ITS UAE PROPERTIES FOR EID AL FITR Ahead of Eid Al Fitr, Hilton has unveiled an array of staycation offers. Residents can reconnect with loved ones during the Eid break – whether relaxing beachside in Ras Al Khaimah, enjoying Yas Theme Park access in Abu Dhabi or booking a sophisticated city break in Dubai. HILTON RAS AL KHAIMAH BEACH RESORT Within proximity to the desert, beaches and mountains, this multi-award-winning resort, sprawled over 1.5 kilometres of private sandy beach, offers a destination for a family getaway. Starting from AED 1,110 per night, travellers can enjoy a one-night stay, inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Guests can either experience a feast at The
11 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 NEWS JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT AND MAKE-A-WISH UAE JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED DURING RAMADAN Kitchen restaurant which serves an array of international dishes, or opt for the hotel’s contemporary Lebanese restaurant, Al Maeda, and indulge in dishes from the a la carte menu. HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, situated within The Waterfront project at Yas Bay, is the newest addition to Hilton’s extensive UAE portfolio. The hotel features 545 guest rooms including 59 suites, and boasts a wide range of facilities, including signature dining and cafés, a fully equipped Kid’s Club, a Beach Club, a fitness centre and the first eforea spa in the UAE. Hilton’s latest world-class leisure resort will be offering guests a staycation experience until May 17. Travellers can enjoy a one-night stay from AED 750 per room per night, with Yas Theme Park access included for every registered room guest, valid for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. CONRAD DUBAI The Conrad Dubai, situated in the heart of Dubai, blends traditional regional style with modern layouts and décor. For AED 716 per room per night, the hotel invites guests to stay in a Deluxe Room and spend the holiday taking in breathtaking panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf. The offer is inclusive of both breakfast and dinner, applicable across Conrad Dubai’s vast array of dining venues. Travellers can treat themselves to an international dinner at Ballaro restaurant and terrace, tuck into Korean street food favourites at the newly opened Kimpo restaurant or enjoy an outdoor dinner at the Bliss 6 hidden oasis. In addition, a 30% discount on all spa treatments as well as 20% discount across all outlets with the Hilton Honors Eat, Drink & Save programme can be availed. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary shuttle to the beautiful La Mer beach and receive a 25% discount on sunbed packages. HILTON DUBAI CREEK Situated near the Gold Souk, The Grand Mosque, Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Hilton Dubai Creek is the ideal location for those looking for a cultural city break. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Dubai Creek and the Arabian Sea, the hotel will offer travellers an Eid staycation to remember. With every room booking, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the Glasshouse Brasserie, alongside a three-course set menu at O’Learys, the American sports restaurant. In addition, guests can expect to receive a 20% discount across all food, drinks, and laundry services and a free upgrade to the next higher room category (suites excluded). Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) can also be arranged upon request. HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH & HILTON DUBAI THE WALK For those seeking a beach staycation in the heart of JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk will be offering a bespoke staycation package. During the Eid holiday, every room booking includes breakfast at the all-day dining restaurant Oceana, and a three-course set menu with a glass of grape at either the award-winning Italian cuisine restaurant, BiCE Ristorante or Mango Tree Thai Bistro. Furthermore, this offer includes a 20% discount on all food, drinks, spa treatments and laundry services, alongside a complimentary upgrade to the next higher room category (suites excluded). Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) can also be arranged upon request. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Jumeirah Group’s beachfront property in Abu Dhabi, is offering its guests the chance to make a difference to children across the region over the month of Ramadan by simply tucking into the widely- loved culinary classic – hummus. The hotel has worked with Make-A-Wish® UAE, to launch its ‘Hummus for Hope’, supporting the foundation’s efforts to grant magical wishes to enrich the lives of children with critical illnesses. As guests savour the regional favourite, in Tean alongside its succulent grilled spiced meats and seafood dishes served in traditional Levantine style, and through the in-room-dining offering, they can also delight in the knowledge that the proceeds of every hummus ordered a-la-carte will go towards a gift fund shared at the end of the month with Make a Wish Foundation. This gifting effort will offer great and much needed assistance to the foundation’s activities, all of which are designed to bring a smile to the faces of sick children and enhance their quality of life.
12 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM NEW DINING VENUE TO REPLACE THE RITZ-CARLTON DUBAI’S PALM GRILL AS IT PERMANENTLY CLOSES ITS DOORS NEWS HCNME Set on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai at The Walk, JBR is home to some of the UAE’s most well-known culinary institutions, signature restaurants and dining experiences. Since launching in November 2015, Palm Grill has been serving up fresh seafood, island-inspired cocktails, and Saturday brunch in a relaxed, yet lively atmosphere. The first half of May will mark the permanent closure of the iconic restaurant, bringing to a close more than five years of relaxed al-fresco dining. Following the closure, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai will welcome a new signature dining concept in Q4 2021. Guests can feel the sand between your toes and enjoy leisurely dining with 180-degree views of the Arabian Gulf from the comfort of Palm Grill one final time, while enjoying a selection of grilled beachfront favourites and generous buckets of freshly caught seafood, complemented by island- inspired blended drinks. Palm Grill offers the perfect “no-shoes” dining experience in a setting where guests can watch the sun go down one last time from Palm Grill, while enjoying the daily Happy Hours on Sunday to Wednesday, from 12 noon to 4pm, Thursday and Friday from 12 noon to 4pm and for dinner from 6pm to 11 pm.
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14 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM OPENINGS & LAUNCHES HCNME JTG Holdings Ltd, headquartered in Dubai, owner of the ‘Jones the Grocer’ brand, has announced the launch of new concept ‘Jones Social’ as part of its ongoing expansion regionally and internationally. The restaurant and social, set within the lobby of the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, gives a playful nod to wanderlust in both its interiors and in its take on sharing food. Simon Moore, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, General Manager says, “We’re thrilled to be the first hotel globally to play host to the newest concept by Jones the Grocer. Together with Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, Jones Social will give our guests, both residents of the UAE and tourists, the opportunity to create memories with loved ones or fellow travellers.” JTG Holdings Ltd & Jones the Grocer’s CEO and shareholder, Yunib Siddiqui says, “I’m always inspired by the places I travel to and the food I’ve eaten. Many of my best memories are ones of cooking outdoors on an open fire. Jones Social is really an ode to this memory of all the good food eaten in faraway places. It’s ironic that I haven’t been anywhere for over a year as I write this, but I am sure Jones Social will whisk us away to some faraway place.”` Jones Social blends social dining, soulful music, informal workspaces, and a lofty private dining room around an open kitchen. The kitchen’s stunning centrepiece is a wood fired ‘Charcoa’ grill on which freshly prepared ingredients will be roasted and served in small plates, bowls, and large sharing platters. Danube Home, a destination for home interior and exterior needs, is now venturing into specialised and sanitisation services such as mattress cleaning, AC duct cleaning, disinfection services, and mold remediation. “Proper hygiene and the sanitisation of homes to keep germs away has become the need of the hour due to the ongoing pandemic. Homes are where one should feel safest. However, that is not always the case. Due to common air flow systems in residential buildings and commercial establishments, and dust and other impurities rushing in through vents or open windows and doors, pollution indoors is roughly 2-5 times more than outdoors causing several respiratory and other health issues in people,” says Adel Sajan, Danube Group Managing Director. “Danube Home Services was born to tackle this issue in the region. With Danube Home Services, we aim to provide the best, most efficient services by certified professionals, using the latest technology, and eco-friendly products, at pocket-friendly prices for all residential and commercial establishments. From providing everything a home needs through Danube Home, now we’ll be providing everything to keep residents safe and healthy at home too with Danube Home Services.” Jones the Grocer announces the launch of ‘jones SOCIAL’ Danube Home launches all-new services division for residential and commercial establishments
15 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 OPENINGS & LAUNCHES Guests can indulge in an Italian culinary journey and discover the flavours of the finest caviar with Torno Subito’s new May tasting menu, ‘Il Caviale’. Available during the month of May, patrons can experience a six-course, caviar tasting feast at Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm’s signature Italian restaurant. For AED 599, the new tasting menu offers a variety of dishes, bursting with flavour and featuring the star ingredient, ‘Italian caviar’. Diners can kick off their culinary adventure with Welcome From The Kitchen, a buttered potato coupled with fresh bread and caviar, followed by a selection of starters and mains, including Carpaccio, a Sicilian red shrimp carpaccio dish with yogurt, lemon and black caviar. Next is the Chef’s Favourite, focaccia with smoked amberjack, creme fraiche, an aromatic salad and black caviar; a green pea Tagliolini, served with mantis shrimps and black caviar, and a Wagyu flank steak, served with smoked cauliflower, pan brioche, cacao sauce and of course, more black caviar. For the sweetest of endings, the 3 Cioccolati is made from a selection of different textures of rich dark chocolate with salted caramel. Diners who order two Il Caviale tasting menus per table will also receive a complimentary bottle of house grape. Torno Subito to roll out a six-course caviar tasting menu
16 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM APPOINTMENTS HCNME Ammar Hilal appointed as managing director of Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Accor has announced the appointment of Ammar Hilal as Managing Director of Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Joining from Fairmont Dubai, within the group’s portfolio, Ammar will oversee the daily operations of the new flagship property, and lead the strategic direction of Raffles Dubai. Born and raised in Germany, Ammar brings 30 years of international hospitality experience where he contributed to the success of hotels within Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz- Carlton, Rosewood, One&Only and Jumeirah Group across key cities such as Hamburg, Bangkok, Cairo, New York, Hawaii, London, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Antalya and Dubai. Ammar joined Accor in 2015 as General Manager of Sofitel Dubai Downtown where he successfully achieved the highest Employee Engagement score amongst all Sofitel hotels in the region, the highest Leading Quality Assurance score amongst all participating hotels in Dubai as well as several accolades by Forbes and Condé Nast Traveller. Ammar then joined the Fairmont Dubai team in 2017, leading the 19-year-old flagship Fairmont in the region and successfully initiated the hotel’s long-anticipated refurbishment. Overseeing the operations of 498 rooms and suites, 97 serviced apartments, five signature dining venues including two celebrity chefs as well as Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane, Ammar aims to position the recently awarded Leading New Hotel in Dubai as a front-runner in the global hospitality realm and solidifying its reign as the second-largest Sofitel property in the world. He also looks forward to leading the Raffles Dubai legacy, known for its unparalleled guest experience reflected in the hotel’s number one position out of 761 hotels in Dubai for the past six years and being amongst the top 10 hotels worldwide on TripAdvisor in 2020.
17 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 APPOINTMENTS Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers has ap- pointed a new general manager. A seasoned hotelier, Mohit Gur- nani brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to the award-winning Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers as the new General Manager of the Dubai hotel. Mohit has been with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for over fifteen years, having led a profes- sional path with several senior management roles in India and the Middle East. Prior to his recent appointment, Mohit held the position of General Manager at Taj Chandigarh. Com- manding complete business plan- ning and operations, he navigated the hotel to emerge stronger during the peak of the pandemic, optimis- ing revenues, realigning strategies, and instilling confidence to restore hospitality and tourism in the city. Mohit was also instrumental in launching Taj Dubai as Hotel Man- ager and positioning it as a luxury hotel in Downtown Dubai. Ad- ditionally, he has spent time at the Company’s flagship hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai wherein he spearheaded efforts to achieve the highest Guest Satisfaction Scores. Mohit graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai. He has also attained further professional qualifications in strategic thinking, revenue man- agement, and business excellence. Performance-driven, he champi- ons innovative thinking to deliver revenue growth and profitability. His inclusive leadership style and commitment to his team is seen as a mutual partnership to benefit both them and the business, always keeping in front of mind the guest experience. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers names new general manager The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced that it has made three new appointments to its team of profes- sionals. Joining the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton DIFC are Edwin Calimano, Director of HR, Sabry Balboul, Director of En- gineering, and Frida Audi, Director of Sales and Marketing. Hailing from the United States, Calimano brings a glowing track record with experience working mainly in luxury hotels from around the globe. Prior to his role at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Calimano served at hotel brands such as Accor Hotels-Fairmont, Jumeirah Group-Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, One & Only Le Royal Mirage, IHG, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and the Four Seasons. In his capacity, Calimano sup- ported many HR projects and pre-openings in the region and around the world. Originally from Egypt, Sabry Balboul, brings an extensive track record having worked all around the MEA. Joining The Ritz-Carlton DIFC from the Hilton International, Balboul supported many pre-opening projects in the region. Alongside his experience, Balboul holds a pre-Master diploma and BA in Electrical Engineering from the Uni- versity of Cairo. Frida Audi, originally from Lebanon, brings to the table extensive knowledge of the dynamic UAE market having worked in luxury hotels across the region including The Oberoi, Dubai. Joining the team at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Frida is no stranger to Marriott International with her previous work tenure at The Ritz-Carlton Doha. Frida Audi brings an impressive skill set to the position after as she successfully spear-headed the Sales and Marketing teams at the Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection by Marriott and Al Habtoor City Hotels by Hilton Dubai, where she worked in the capacity of a Cluster Commercial Director. Hilton London Metropole appoints Middle East sales director Hilton London Metropole, the largest Hilton outside of the US, has appointed Hazem Aouad as its new Middle East Sales Director. Following increased demand from travellers in this region, Aoaud will be responsible for ensuring their unique needs and preferences are met. Along with Aouad’s appointment, Hilton London Metropole is under- taking an impressive multimillion- pound refurbishment that will radically transform every guest’s stay. The renovation is due to be completed by summer 2021 and will see no element of the hotel left unchanged. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre announces senior appointments
18 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM Can you give us a glimpse of your career journey so far? I started showing interest in cuisine at a very young age. Still, I always thought of keeping it as a hobby, rather than dedicating myself to it professionally. Thus, I decided to study economics and build my career in a different environment. Soon after that, however, I realised that it wasn’t meant for me, and that I wanted to do something else with my life. After some time delivering, I decided to take the step and change careers. To do so, I chose the best culinary school, one which adapted better to my ambitions and could give me everything I was looking for. Studying at Le Cordon Bleu was not easy. I wasn’t used to protocol proceedings and barely knew anything about how much effort and discipline you needed to work in the field. I had to work really hard, but now I can say that it was really worth it. When my learning process ended, I got the opportunity to work for the best and most awarded chef in history, Joël Robuchon. Even though I never met him in person, I tried to absorb as much as I could from the rich, unprecedented legacy he had left us. All in all, my journey so far is the combination of a life-changing decision, my hard work, and my dedication, all together, of course, with the constant learning experience and confidence- building I acquired working side by side with all my colleagues and chefs. Currently, all my efforts have been rewarded with the position I’m holding in Dubai, and I could not thank my chef and CEO in this new project enough for trusting in my skills. What’s your favourite dish to eat and why? My favourite dish is chicken curry. More precisely, I love an Indian recipe that my mum used to cook for me when I was a child. It’s not really fancy, but it’s delicious and tasting it brings back all the memories. Chicken, curry from Madras, onion and rice, and a mother’s touch… they transport me to many of my weekends as a kid. Also, it was the first dish I was interested in learning how to cook, so it will always have a special place in my heart. What are you cooking up today? Tell us more about the dish. Dover sole with beurre blanc; I like cooking fish the most because of its finesse and texture, and the taste of the Dover sole is definitely my favourite. Today’s recipe is a mix between my past and present. These also reminds me of my grandmother’s classic Tatin tart, in which I have to confit the endives to fill the sole filets, later creating a nappe with a delicate and “gourmand” beurre blanc – an ode to French cuisine. As a chef, what are the top ingredients and products you’re using these days? One of my favourite aspects of working with refined French cuisine is interacting with many rare, exquisite ingredients. Combining those with vegetables, fish and meat enables us to create an amazing experience for clients. What are some of the most recent important food trends you can tell us about? Molecular cuisine has brought a new approach and innovative methods. I think it has been one of the most important trends in recent years. It became famous because of Ferran Adria, a Spanish chef whom I admire a lot because of his dedication to perfecting the art of cooking and creating a different perception of it. What would you advise suppliers and foodservice professionals who are looking to offer their best to the market and meet demand? Like in any other market, a chef will always want the best products at the best price. Products need to be fresh, tasty and ripe…Also, we appreciate other factors like consistency, availability and timeliness. MAKING DELICIOUS POSSIBLE HCNME CHEF LUCAS GARIGLIANO A SPANISH NATIONAL, GARIGLIANO HAS FIVE YEARS OF CULINARY EXPERIENCE, ONE OF WHICH IS IN THE UAE. HEAD CHEF
19 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US HERE: • 1 Sole 500-600 g FOR THE BEURRE BLANC • 1 Banana shallot • 20 g White wine vinegar • 20 g NESTLÉ® All-Purpose Cream • 1 kg Unsalted butter FOR THE MOUSSELINE • 50 g Scallops meat or 1 scallop • 1 Egg • Pinch of salt and pepper • 50 g NESTLÉ® All-Purpose Cream CONFIT ENDIVES • 500 g Endives • 100 g Butter • Salt, pepper and sugar GARNISH • 1 Bunch chives • Pinch of Espelette pepper INGREDIENTS DOVER SOLE WITH BEURRE BLANC
20 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM What are you cooking up today? Tell us more about the dish. Chicken tikka masala, which is a semi-dry dish that is cooked in the pan over a fire. Some trace it to the south Asian community in Great Britain and others claim that it originated in the Indian subcontinent, but I cook this dish my own way like, my grandma used to make it. As a chef, what are the top ingredients and products you’re using these days? There are many, such as fresh cod, Scottish smoked salmon, Wagyu and Black Angus beef, quinoa, fresh herbs, organic vegetables, MAGGI® Coconut Milk Powder, and BUITONI® tomato coulis. What are some of the most recent important food trends you can tell us about? Plant-based food, virtual cooking classes, food delivery and organic food as people are trying to be healthy. What would you advise suppliers and foodservice professionals who are looking to offer their best to the market and meet demand? I would advise them to maintain high standards of hygiene and quality. Can you give us a glimpse of your career journey so far? I grew up cooking with my mother and granny. Being an Indian, cooking with our elders has always been fascinating to me. I did a three-year diploma in the pre- mier specialty restaurant of The Ashok (under the India Tourism Development Corporation). Frontier serves north- western food, mainly kebabs, and is one of the leading restaurants in Delhi. I also handled food production and state banquets hosted by the Prime Minister of India in honour of visiting dignitaries and other VVIP catering of the Government of India. In addition, I have worked in events such as the Rugby Sevens in the UAE, which could be a testament to my gastropub experience. Moreover, I have also worked with brands including French Bakery, Lon- don Dairy, Stoke House and more. With over 16 years of experience and more in the industry, I have never been more dedicated and passionate about produc- ing high-quality, creative and innovative dishes. What’s your favourite dish to eat and why? Butter chicken with garlic naan is my favourite, as I’m from the northern part of India and it’s the most loved curry in our cuisine. Today, you will find butter chicken tacos, pizzas, rolls, butters, etc. I would love to have butter chicken in all of my three meals. MAKING DELICIOUS POSSIBLE HCNME CHEF YUGAL KISHOR AN INDIAN NATIONAL, KISHOR HAS 16 YEARS OF CULINARY EXPERIENCE, 12 OF WHICH ARE IN THE UAE. HEAD CHEF “Some trace it to the south Asian community in Great Britain and others claim that it originated in the Indian subcontinent, but I cook this dish my own way like, my grandma used to make it. ”
21 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US HERE: • 250 g Dessi ghee • 5 g Cumin seeds • 740 g Red onions • 60 g Ginger and garlic paste • 360 g Buitoni® Tomato Coulis • 9 g Deghi Mirch Powder • 15 g Salt • 15 g Coriander powder • 6 g Turmeric powder • 5 g Kasoori Methi • 5 g Garam Masala • 70 g Cashew nut paste • 400 g Cooked chicken tikka • 50 ml NESTLÉ® All-Purpose Cream • 20 g Chopped coriander • 700 g Cooked steamed rice CHICKEN TIKKA • 700 g Chicken thigh FIRST MARINADE • 3 g Deghi Mirch Powder • 20 g Ginger garlic paste • 1 tbsp Lemon juice • Salt (to taste) SECOND MARINADE • 250 g Greek yogurt • 3 g Deghi Mirch Powder • Salt (to taste) • 10 g Ginger-garlic paste • 10 ml Chilli oil • 30 g Tandoori Spice • 2 tbsp Lemon juice • 0.5 g Garam Masala • 1 g Kasoori methi • 10 ml Mustard oil • Butter (for basting) INGREDIENTS CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
22 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM A lways on the lookout for the lat- est trends to keep up with ever- evolving customers’ needs, Chef Middle East has announced the launch of new key beverage brands aimed at strengthening their positioning as a supplier for bar professionals, while bringing to the mar- ket exclusive, premium products to complement its existing portfolio. Since the acquisition of Limeline Beverages in 2017, the distributor has continuously grown its beverage category through carefully handpick- ing premium brands – from water to carbon- ated beverages or juices – which has enabled it to build a strong proposition over the years in regional markets. Tauland Hyka, Beverage Category Manager at Chef Middle East says: “Our main focus for 2021 is to fill the gaps for a wider selection of products such as coffee and tea, and of course a larger selection of juices, syrups and premium carbonated beverages. By 2022, we aim to of- fer a 360-degree full beverage solution for all requirements from a bar, restaurant, or coffee shop standpoint as well as a stronger range for hotels’ minibars.” Adding to its current portfolio, Chef Middle East will introduce an exclusive gourmet Italian brand, Mikah Coffee, in the UAE and Oman by June 2021. The distributor believes that this strategic addition will bring it closer to bar professionals through offering a product that makes their vision for serving great coffee easier to achieve. Additionally, Mikah is a brand that includes a wide range of coffee origins and a ro- bust experience in coffee roasting and blending. “One of the main trends that have grown rapidly in the beverage sector in the Middle East is coffee, which explains the need to have an exclusive coffee brand as part of our range,” Hyka adds. Tasty Sips “WE AIM TO OFFER A 360-DEGREE FULL BEVERAGE SOLUTION FOR ALL REQUIREMENTS FROM A BAR, RESTAURANT, OR COFFEE SHOP STANDPOINT AS WELL AS A STRONGER RANGE FOR HOTELS’ MINIBARS.” SUPPLIER WATCH HCNME Chef Middle East Solidifies its Position as a Beverage Distributor with New 360-Degree Solutions for Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
23 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 Massimo Hakim, CEO at Mikah Coffee says: “Chef Middle East is known as one of the most established importers and distributors of fine food and beverage ingredients from all over the world, not only in the UAE but in other GCC coun- tries as well. For us, working with them is ideal, as we are sure that our coffee will be well taken care of, and explained and brewed the right way. The GCC is a great territory with continuous expan- sion plans and enormous potential in all segments of the sector; hence, merging Chef Middle East and Mikah’s networks will allow for a more significant pres- ence to help increase our market share in the region.” Mikah is an Italian coffee brand with roasting facilities, which was estab- lished in 1984. It took off thanks to pas- sion and determination towards build- ing a brand that would disseminate Italian coffee culture around the globe. Up until today, Mikah Coffee has been able to share the experience of true Ital- ian espresso in over 44 countries. The company imports conventional coffee from 18 different origins, includ- ing Brazil, Panama, India, Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia and Indonesia, which make up almost 50% of their blends base. They also roast organic coffee of eight different origins and cer- tified speciality coffee of 12 origins. Moreover, Catcher Gourmet has just launched in the UAE market and will be available in Qatar and Oman in the coming months. The core products in this range are Sauces and Premix Powders. Catcher comes as a real sip of magic to assist any bartender with enhanced creativity in crafting recipes of frappes, flavoured coffees, mocktails and to be added as a topping. Nelson Kho, Managing Director at Catcher Gourmet says: “At Catcher Gourmet, we never follow the trend, we create it. Thus, you will always find unique products with us; Matcha and Earl Grey sauces are perfect examples. We believe good products always stand with great partners, so with the strong portfolio and capabilities of Chef Mid- dle East, we are confident that Catcher Gourmet will be a successful brand across the beverage segment in the GCC.” Catcher Gourmet is a brand which has specialised in professional beverage ingredients for baristas who develop cafés, restaurants and hotels’ beverages since 2009. It is a name that originates from Malaysia and mainly focuses on the development of coffee and tea recipes. Today, Catcher Gourmet is available in Asia and the GCC in over 20 countries. Chef Middle East has also launched two exclusive tea brands in the UAE, Vertea and The Leaf, which offer a wide selection ranging from catering packs to the most premium leaf that can be served for Afternoon Tea rituals at hotels, bars and restaurants. A range of over twenty authentic teas carefully selected from around the world, The Leaf is primarily for 5-star hotel tea lounges and fine dining res- taurants. The teas create flavours and characters that stimulate and educate the palate, and cover black, green and herbal sips. Designed for connoisseurs, but accessible to everyone, the whole leaf tea is packed into biodegradable pyramid bags and sealed for freshness in aluminium envelopes. The same teas are also available loose, packed in aroma-protecting pouches. A premium range of speciality teas specifically created for 4 and 5-star hotels and restaurants, Vertea teas are sourced with precision, ethically and responsibly. Not only does the company pride itself in curating the finest in tea from all over the world, but also in its ability to preserve its freshness and authenticity. Recognising the spectrum and scope of the HORECA market, according to Chef Middle East, these two distinctive ranges meet the needs of the industry. Vertea is set to be available in Oman in the next few months. Richard Smyth, Managing Director for both tea brands under Tea Trading International, says: “The selection of Chef Middle East as our partner was not a quick or rapid decision. In these more uncertain times, it was important to us to find the qualities of reliability, service and integrity in a strategic partner. We felt that Chef Middle East could fulfil these promises, and so we are delighted to start our journey with them.” The distributor has confirmed the re- turn of the Nai Arabia range of iced teas to its portfolio, this time with no added sugar; the beverages can be served as is or be used by bartenders as an ingredi- ent in their mocktail recipes. “I truly believe that adding these key brands will strengthen our focus and of- fering altogether to build a solution that fulfils all the needs of the market and help us grow our beverage category at a greater pace. Our aim is to place Chef Middle East on the map, not only as the best food distributor in the region, but also the best beverage distributor,” adds Hyka. Despite the current challenges faced in the wake of the global pandemic and restrictions placed on the hospitality sector, alongside the latest events in supply chain and taxation laws within its operating markets, Chef Middle East is determined to continue serving its foodservice customers in the best way possible and enhancing their offering to support industry professionals to always be able to adapt, thrive and succeed during these trying times and beyond, the distributor highlights. CHEF MIDDLE EAST SOLIDIFIES ITS POSITION AS A BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR
24 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM A n experienced hotelier with over twenty years of hospitality experi- ence, Dominic Arel has a proven track record of leading international luxury hotels in the GCC, Europe and Americas. Overseeing all operations at Swissôtel’s first property in Dubai, Dominic started his journey with Accor in 1996 where he joined the front office and progressed to the revenue department at Novotel Montréal. He played an instrumental role as Director of Revenue Management in the successful opening of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile in 2002, which was the first Sofitel to open in Montreal and in Canada. Dominic was then promoted to Director of Operations in a span of four years followed by the position of Hotel Manager. In 2011, Dominic moved to Dubai, where he worked as Hotel Manager at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach and managed the property for two consecu- tive years. He then moved to Portugal in 2013, where he was the General Manager at Sofitel Lisbon for three years. Dominic then decided to come back to the Middle East to successfully open the first MGallery in Doha andheld the position of General Manager since October 2016. Having held a number of leadership positions, Dominic returned to Dubai in September 2019 as General Manager of Swissôtel Al Ghurair & Swissotel Living Al Ghurair. Dominic successfully navigated the hotel and apartment complex during challenging business conditions in 2020 and con- tinues to progress the business towards recovery in 2021. GM INTERVIEW HCNME The Extraordinary GM GENERAL MANAGER, SWISSÔTEL AL GHURAIR DOMINIC AREL
25 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 A graduate from the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec in Hotel Manage- ment and from the University of Montréal (HEC), Canada, Dominic also completed the International Hospitality Management Program at the Accor Academy in Paris, in partnership with ESSEC School in France. Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair opened its doors in Febru- ary 2018. It was officially launched as the first-ever Swissôtel in the UAE and comprises of 620 rooms, suites and apartments, three food and beverage outlets and Swissôtel Spa & Sport, an escape to unwind the body, mind and soul. Tell us more about what makes Swissôtel Al Ghurair unique. Swissôtel Al Ghurair effort- lessly combines a unique sense of Swiss hospitality with a local flair for welcom- ing guests from around the world and encouraging them to live by our mantra - ‘Life is a journey, live it well’. Our spacious rooms com- bined with our family friendly approach, allow for a perfect city escape with loved ones, exploring the rich Arabic heritage located right on our doorstep. The hotel is directly connected to Al Ghurair Cen- tre, the first shopping Mall in Dubai and is in close proxim- ity to the metro station being only a short drive from the airport. Celebrating the Swissotel philosophy of well-being, our Purovel bathroom ameni- ties take full advantage of the vitality deeply rooted in Switzerland, with products designed around renewal (spring), peak activity (sum- mer), recovery (fall), and hibernation (winter). Why have you decided to join the hotel and what was your journey like before your arrival? I have worked with Accor for 25 years on three differ- ent continents and Dubai’s dynamic hospitality scene has always attracted me. This is my 2nd assignment in Dubai and having returned after a few years of being away, I re- main just as awestruck as be- fore by the amazing potential this market offers, continuing to lead the hospitality world. THE EXTRAORDINARY GM | DOMINIC AREL “I REALLY BELIEVE THAT LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT TITLES AND RANKS, BUT RATH- ER ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SETTING A POSITIVE EXAMPLE. ”
26 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM GM INTERVIEW HCNME Swissôtel Al Ghurair is a flagship property in the market for Accor and the first Swissôtel in UAE. I was excited about the prospect of working with a dynamic group of leaders to bring the Swissôtel brand essence to life within the property and gladly accepted the challenge to lead the luxury five-star hotel, with 428 rooms and suites, in the lead up to Expo 2020. Our key focus remains on positioning the hotel as a leader within the Deira market, carrying a family-friendly image. We look forward to welcoming back our regular guests and many new ones when they are ready to travel. How do you keep your team motivated, especially during tough times? I really believe that leadership is not about titles and ranks, but about personal responsibility and setting a positive example. I aim to set the example through daily actions that demonstrate my deep commitment to my beliefs. I think it is the best way to inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act and ultimately recognise contributions to the successes. I believe that being approachable and down to earth plays a huge role in ensuring that all colleagues’ safety and support is secured through professional and personal challenges faced during these tough times. Motivating people for me comes from walking the talk, having compassion, being available, being serious when required, but also not taking things too seriously at the same time. I also like to take risks in order to be a part of the action but also execute it with speed and agility. What are some of your most unique F&B offerings and how have you penetrated Delivery? F&B has been an essential part of our recovery efforts last year. We’re actively focusing on positioning the hotel as the best Swissôtel Al Ghurair
27 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 THE EXTRAORDINARY GM | DOMINIC AREL family-friendly city hotel and a go-to place for families to enjoy a weekend staycation or a hearty meal. Hence, in our F&B offerings there is a recurring theme revolving around children offering engaging activities, giving their parents a break to enjoy their meal whilst we keep their young ones busy. Our award-winning Little Explorers Brunch was relaunched in October last year with a revamped concept, creating memo- rable experiences for children through activities designed to keep them engaged whilst enjoying a healthy meal. We contin- ued to showcase the theme with a family -ocused festive sea- son back in December and now for Ramadan, Liwan restaurant continues to focus on families making sure their whole family can celebrate the season together enjoying delicious tradi- tional flavors specially crafted for the season. To help kids of all nationalities and religions embrace the spirit of Ramadan, we designed a colouring book encouraging children to perform 30 good deeds during the Holy month (one for each day). We were keen to bring the flavourful dishes from our passion- ate chefs to as many homes as possible. With that interest in mind, we started off by offering free delivery for our turkey meals during the festive season last year in 2020. Encouraged by the success of the concept, this year in 2021, we launched our ‘Ramadan at Home’ Campaign with a choice of two differ- ent meals in two sizes. Customers can choose between Chicken Biryani or our famous Syrian Lamb Ouzi, a specialty dish from our Arabic Chef, bringing the flavours of his home country into this traditional meal. Along with the main dish, the meals come with three types of hot and cold mezze, traditional lentil soup, Arabic breads, dates, dried fruits and desserts. How does your spa offer a unique experience? Our Swissôtel Spa offers a little piece of heaven in the middle of the city, unexpectedly spacious, welcoming and relaxing. We use high quality Anne Semonin products, combined with world-class service at a great value as we strongly believe that a relaxing spa experience should not be a luxury but part of everyone’s routine for a healthy body and mind. We’re proud to be ranked in the top 10 Spa’s in Dubai on TripAdvisor and our team continuously strives to deliver the highest level of quality service. What’s coming up for the hotel? The next few months will be very exciting and dynamic in Dubai as we all gear up to welcome Expo 2020. The team is currently working on a very exciting concept that makes children the centre of our guest experience. As parents we take decisions influenced by our children’s preferences, whether we are a fan of it or not. Our Little Explorers are in for a treat and we can’t wait to reveal all the details of the coming weeks. Vitality for the body and for the mind is one of Swissôtel’s mantras that we want to highlight in the eyes of guests this year. Our guests are like us. Passionate. Energetic. Full of life. The importance of wellbeing has been brought to the forefront of our minds over the last few months and we are keen to engage the Dubai community in joining our recently launched vitality programs and F&B experiences. Watch the space for the Swissôtel Al Ghurair’s Vitality week in June! “OUR SWISSÔTEL SPA OFFERS A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY.”
28 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM What was the inspiration behind Legend Beauty & Spa Centre’s concept and offering? Our inspiration came from a gap that we saw in the market two decades ago. There weren’t any other salons within the area of our flagship salon; therefore, we decided to launch our very own, with the aim to provide customers with a reliable neighbour- hood salon where they could enjoy a high-quality experience. What’s the secret to the spa’s success throughout its 20 years of operation? As Legend Spa is a family-run business, there is a lot of dedica- tion, drive and passion towards everything that we do. We have to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years, as they have played a vital role in shaping and driving our business to what it is today. We like to have a personal approach, whereby we know all of our regular customers by name, and they have become our extended Legend Spa family. Additionally, it has been a priority to follow the latest trends in the industry, while ensuring that our staff are consistently trained on the latest innovations or methods when it comes to the treatments that we have on offer. Another important success factor has been upholding the grading system from Dubai Municipality. This is a high priority for us, and we are honoured to have retained a Grade A status over the years. We have been recently been awarded the ‘Ideal Salon 2020’ title from Dubai Municipality as well. How are you competing with hotel spas and are there any plans in the pipeline to open within a hotel? As we constantly aspire to offer a full range of services and experiences to our customers, we have an expanded spa offering that goes beyond our essential salon treatments such as hair and nail services. We’re happy to offer services including our signature Moroc- can Bath and a variety of massage options. As these treatments are a key pillar to offering a spa experience, we have dedicated rooms that are specifically designed to ensure customers can enjoy a tranquil and relaxing environment. Our plans to open within a hotel are definitely in the pipeline, once we open a few more standalone branches. What can we look forward to at Legend Spa in the coming months? We have seen the huge success of our natural and organic treatments, which we currently offer, and therefore plan to expand this range. Additionally, we look forward to providing customers with our new henna design portfolio, for customers preparing for Eid and other occasions. IN FOCUS: SPA HCNME LEGEND BEAUTY & SPA CENTRE HAS MARKED 20 YEARS IN THE UAE IN 2020 AND CELEBRATED THIS MAJOR MILESTONE WITH A FULL REVAMPING OF ITS BRANDING AND INTERIOR DESIGN. GENERAL MANAGER RUBA ASMAR REVEALS TO HOTEL & CATERING NEWS ME WHY HOSPITALITY MAY JUST BE UP NEXT ON THE EXPANSION LIST… The Stuff of LEGEND
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30 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM GM INTERVIEW HCNME H eadquartered in Hong Kong SAR, the Shangri- La Group is an iconic Asian hospitality brand, well-loved by both regional and global travellers. The Group is the trade name of Shangri-La Asia Limited’s management arm. Building on its legacy as a hospitality industry pioneer, the Group has expanded beyond hotels and today, the Shangri-La Group oversees more than 100 hotels in 76 destinations and a portfolio of investment properties, such as office and mixed-use developments, restaurants and bars, as well as residential developments for sale. Inspired by its rich Asian heritage, the Group enables people to live, work, play, eat, and rest well, through memorable, sustain- able and joyful experiences. Looking ahead, Shangri-La Group will continue to leverage its 50 years of experience to continue pioneering in new horizons. The Kuok Group, a diversified and dynamic business con- glomerate founded in Malaysia, has a major equity holding in Shangri-La Asia Limited, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Inspired by the idyllic paradise featured in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon, the name Shangri-La encapsulates the CHAIN FOCUS HCNME Chain of the month SHANGRI-LA Hotels and Resorts
31 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 “TO REINFORCE THE STRONG CULTURE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY, WE ENHANCED TRAINING, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES FOR COLLEAGUES ON ESSENTIAL PREPARATORY AND PREVENTION MEASURES. ” SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS serenity and service for which the Group is renowned worldwide. The culture of service excellence in the Group has been a cornerstone of the Shangri-La ethos since the opening of the first Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore in 1971. To date, the Group owns, operates and manages a selection of high-end hotels and resorts around the world. From city getaways to luxury hideaways, guests can enjoy the offering of four distinct brands– Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kerry Hotels, JEN by Shangri-La, and Traders. The Group’s award-winning loyalty programme, Golden Circle currently has more than 10 million members globally. Key partners include Singapore Airlines and China Minsheng Bank, as well as over 30 frequent flyer programmes. INTERVIEW KAPIL AGGARWAL CO-HEAD, MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, INDIA & AMERICAS AT SHANGRI-LA GROUP What are the newest developments at Shangri-La in the region? The highly anticipated opening of the Shangri-La Jeddah in October this year will mark the brand’s debut in the King- dom, blending our renowned heartfelt service with Saudi Arabia’s warm hospi- tality. The hotel situated on Jeddah’s most desirable and picturesque waterfront, will offer 235 guestrooms, suites and resi- dences, featuring floor to ceiling windows and private balconies, with views over the Red Sea and cityscape. Perfect for both business and leisure, it will offer state of the art health club and spa facilities for both men and women, an extensive kids club and swimming pool, and some of the most exclusive and versatile event spaces in the city. The hotel is highly anticipated to be the next dining hotspot in the city, offering a total of seven restaurants. World-class culinary expertise combines Shangri-La’s signature flavours from the East with traditional local Arabic influences and international favourites to create a truly unique dining experience for guests. It will open with four main restaurants, including the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, an interna- tional buffet restaurant, a Patisserie located in the lobby and a poolside bar and lounge area. An Arabic and Japanese restaurant and a cigar lounge are planned to open later in 2022. How has the chain handled the ef- fects of the pandemic in the region, especially in the UAE? The Covid-19 pandemic has required us to raise our already demanding hygiene standards with new protocols, proce- dures, and training. Throughout our hotels worldwide, Shangri-La Group introduced the “Shangri-La Cares” com- mitment, a global safety programme. Shangri-La has followed recommen- dations laid out by the World Health Organization, or more stringent local di- rectives where appropriate, to ensure our operational protocols are comprehensive. Concrete measures have been adopted at all hotels and resorts to combat the risk of Covid-19 so that guests can feel safe when staying at or visiting its properties. To reinforce the strong culture of health and safety, we enhanced training, learning and development resources for colleagues on essential preparatory and prevention measures. Colleagues will also be equipped with personal protective equipment where necessary. Shangri-La will continue to build awareness on sanitation standards,
32 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM CHAIN FOCUS HCNME as well as developing program for colleagues on stringent personal hygiene practices to ensure a safe work environ- ment. These measures will be continuously updated based on the local requirements to ensure they meet evolving cus- tomer needs and expectations. As people look to travel in the future, health, safety and sustainability will remain top of mind, particularly as the world continues to react and respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and a ‘new normal’. We will continue to convey our heartfelt care by creating a safe environment where our colleagues work with peace of mind and guests can confidently enjoy the moments that matter most. Caring for people is the bedrock of Shangri-La’s service value and the health and safety of our colleagues and guests remains of utmost priority. What are some of your latest F&B innovations? Most industries across the globe are experiencing a surge of accelerated and new consumer trends and food and beverage is no exception. In addition, we have faced a num- ber of continuously changing local restrictions across our markets, that have largely affected our food and beverage operations. But as they say, with change comes opportunity and the circumstances have also inspired us to relook at our Shangri-La hotel Dubai
33 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 “ENHANCED WITH DIRECT REACH-OUT-AND-TOUCH VIEWS OF THE ICONIC BURJ KHALIFA, THE NEW UNFORGETTABLE PRIVATE EXPERIENCES ARE AVAILABLE IN TWO THEMES – FLY ME TO THE MOON AND THE MORE CAREFREE AND RELAXED BOHEMIAN CHIC ” approach to traditional hotel food and beverage. We’ve reimagined existing experi- ences, found new replacement revenue streams and formed incredibly creative partner- ships that differentiate our dining experiences. And naturally, we have focused on online channels of communi- cation. The key factor throughout all this has been to remain close to our customers, listen closely to their changing needs and act accordingly. For example, at the start of the pandemic, our hotels received a number of requests from regular guests who missed dining out, missed our restaurants and missed our cuisine. They were ask- ing for delivery which is not something we had tradition- ally done in our hotels in the region. In response, our teams have worked on putting to- gether extensive menus cater- ing to the domestic palate, in order to bring our restaurant experiences to the comfort of people’s homes. We also tapped onto the online shopping experience trend early on by extending our online retail options to include food and beverage creations. In Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi for example, guests can purchase anything from Ramadan luxury hampers to a to Girls Day Out and more! For unique, relevant and differentiated activations, our partnerships have added stand-out offerings to their local markets. We introduced a number of industry-first private dining experiences with Veuve Clicquot for example. In the Shangri-La Toronto, our Clicquot in the Snow introduced guests to a private dining experience in a redesigned bedroom, themed around a winter ski chalet and including an après ski fine din- ing menu paired with Veuve champagnes. For a fascinating evening in Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, guests are whisked away to a Suite, redesigned with notable stylish décor reminiscent of years past. The suite is decorated with colour- ful folding screens that line the spacious room while chic mirrors, vintage frames with iconic sceneries and inspiring books in travel, fashion and style, set the sophisticated scene. Guests can relax in pink posh and art deco-style winged chairs while enjoying popular jazz records on the antique gramophone. The experience continues on the suite’s terrace, where a choice of Retro East and Retro West themed menus accom- panied with Veuve Clicquot champagne pairings are served as take in spectacular Bosphorus views. And let’s not forget our partnership at the Shangri-La Dubai with luxury event plan- ner ByTuleen creating whim- sical themed events accom- panied by the glittering Dubai skyline. Enhanced with direct reach-out-and-touch views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the new unforgettable private experiences are available in two themes – Fly Me to the Moon and the more carefree and relaxed Bohemian Chic – and feature bespoke dining menus prepared by the hotel’s talented culinary team. We’ve been in a continuous cycle of listening, testing, learning and optimizing so watch this space for more…es- pecially as we embark on our brand’s 50th anniversary! Shangri-La private dinners SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS
34 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
For The Win Hospitality’s crème de la crème came together on April 8, 2021 at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk to celebrate their achievements at the Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2021. Here are the winners, and the best moments from the night: Wissam Younane, CEO, BNC Publishing 35 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 Wissam Younane, CEO, BNC Publishing
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Located on the wondrous Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray envelops guests in the magnificence of the Ottoman Ere. Qith its wealth of art and culture displays, it conjures up a panoramic vista of the 15th century marvels of the Golden Age era – which is depicted throughout the interiors of the resort. Situated on the West Crescent, the resort offers luxurious rooms with private balconies, unlimited access to the iconic facilities of the Spa, a private cinema and a Kids Club. Facilities include an outdoor pool, as well as nine restaurants and lounges. All the Ottoman- themed rooms at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray are decorated with parquet floors and high ceilings. 36 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL OF THE YEAR Atlantis The Palm At Dubai’s best kid-friendly resort, little ones will have the holiday of a lifetime. Atlantis Kids Club in Dubai offers fun-filled activities for children aged 4-12, while The Zone is a dedicated space for teens aged 13-17. The evening adventures are the perfect way for kids to explore while guests relax over dinner, and professional babysitters offer peace of mind when they want a little time out. Looking to host a birthday party without the hassle? Let them take care of every detail for your child’s dream day, from the invitations to the cake. The little ones can even get a special back of house tour to meet the incredible team of aquarists, divers, and caretakers of the hotel’s 65,000 marine animals and habitats. In this behind-the-scenes experience, kids will learn about animals, their trainers, the environment and how we can help protect the planet earth. 37 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
LEADING HOTEL F&B OUTLET Burj Al Arab - SAL SAL is a chic lifestyle experience at Burj Al Arab where barefoot luxury at an iconic pool and beach destination meets culinary excellence in a striking new dining venue. A contemporary mirrored pop- up nestled on the breath-taking terrace of the tallest all-suite hotel in the world, the new pop- up restaurant reflects both the beauty of Burj Al Arab’s iconic architecture and the blue palette of the endless sky and stunning 100-metre infinity pool. A piece of art in its own right, SAL delights guests with its uninterrupted views across the clear azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and unbeatable sunsets – undoubtedly, the setting that Instagram dreams are made of. Meaning ‘salt’ in Spanish and Portuguese, SAL pays homage to the sea and one of the most ubiquitous ingredients in the world, not only in its name but also through the restaurant’s catch of the day. 38 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME LEADING HOTEL GROUP Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands counting more than 1,500 hotels in operation and under development around the world. It is committed to delivering memorable moments, acting as a true host and being the best partner to guests, owners and talent. The group’s nine unique hotel brands offer a differentiated, 360-degree guest experience empowered by a Yes I Can! service philosophy to ensure that guests feel at ease, provide offerings that are true to the locale, create memorable experiences, spontaneous surprises and thoughtful gestures, while guests can count on a consistent delivery of the essentials with brilliant basics. 39 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
LEADING HOTEL NIGHTLIFE VENUE Armani Hotel Dubai Armani/Privé A luxurious nightclub located inside the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and designed personally by Giorgio Armani himself, Armani/Privé is a two-level, high-end venue located on the first two floors. Interiors are decorated with green Brazilian marble, Japanese tatamis and handmade Florentine leather. With a dark and delectable appearance oozing decadence and luxury, Armani/Privé attracts celebrities and superstars from around the world. 40 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME LEADING HOTEL SPA OF THE YEAR Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Talise Ottoman Spa Talise Ottoman Spa is the largest spa in the Middle East with over 8,200 sqm of luxury facilities. It has gained recognition globally with 42 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms and two salt water thalassotherapy pools; guests can enjoy a wide range of treatments to boost their overall wellbeing. Even the air is designed with guests’ health in mind, infused with aromas of lemongrass, and ionised by Himalayan salt lamps. The spa is a tribute to Ottoman luxury, built with marble and decorated with dark woods, mosaics and murals, with a spectacular Turkish Hammam at its heart. The centuries-old tradition of the hammam is based around a philosophy of community. It’s the perfect place to come together, relax and enjoy a beautiful wellness experience. 41 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
LEADING LUXURY HOTEL Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai Nestled on Bluewaters, Dubai’s most sought- after island oasis, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai is an immersive destination featuring iconic hospitality, world-class dining experiences, awe-inspiring entertainment and indulgent amenities. Comprising two premium hotels, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai and The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, over 12 unique dining options and Qua Spa, this new island destination among the top places to be in the city. 42 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME LEADING NEW HOTEL Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk AMMAR HILAL Managing Director, Raffles Dubai & Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk “The team at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is extremely proud of winning the 2021 Leading New Hotel Award. This is a true testament to the dedication and tremendous effort of all our colleagues over the past year who successfully opened the property during the pandemic. The team always stayed optimistic and focused in providing a magnifique experience for our guests from day one, which contributed to positioning the Sofitel flagship today as a leading landmark hotel in Dubai. I would like to thank all our valued guests and stakeholders as well as our colleagues without whom the hotel’s success would not be possible.” The hotel industry is recovering in phases and we expect a boost in tourism once international borders open, big events and gatherings resume. Although we observe that some countries are back into lockdown, I am positive that we will see a growth in international travel with the necessary precautions and social distancing measures within the last quarter of 2021 and the launch of Expo 2020.” 43 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
44 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM LOBBY OF THE YEAR Paramount Hotel Dubai PASCAL EGGERSTEDT Director, Paramount Hotel Dubai “A great recognition and we are truly honoured that our lobby has been recognised for its creativity and charm. The cinematic experience really starts from the moment our ‘Leading Stars’ (guests) enter the hotel. Movie aficionados will quickly recognise the Hollywood elements and decor of our hotel ambiance, from the pictures of true movie legends to the music from Paramount classics. However, the true masterpieces of our lobby are the colossal floor- to-ceiling 360 LED screens which really immerse our guests into an alternative reality, giving them the feeling that they are not just arriving at a hotel, but rather walking into the world of Paramount!
45 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME MID-MARKET HOTEL OF THE YEAR Rove Downtown Located right across the road from the city’s most happening neighbourhood, Rove Downtown Dubai hotel is a short stroll to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination The Dubai Mall. Never mind in-room slippers and high-end amenities, guests can expect comfortably sized Rover Rooms packed full of essentials, free Wi-Fi, a 48” interactive in-room TV, friendly service and plenty of leisure options with a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool and sundeck, as well as lots of games in common areas. HIGHLY COMMENDED Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road Located in Dubai’s famed city centre, the thoughtful hotel amenities recharge guests. Standing near Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the property’s hotel’s wellness offerings include a 24-hour gym and heated outdoor pool. Guests can indulge in a variety of restaurant options, featuring choices like Italian, an American steakhouse and a signature rooftop lounge offering unparalleled panoramas of Dubai’s Downtown core.
RESORT OF THE YEAR Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort JAMES HEWITSON General Manager, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort “It is a marvellous recognition for the team at Anantara Dubai The Palm of their passion and commitment to take the ship through the storm and come out sailing smoothly again through calmer waters. Almost six months on from reopening Dubai borders to international visitors, UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents and holidaymakers. The destination continues to take effective steps to build on the strategic initiative to reopen the city to tourists and facilitate travel, while maintaining stringent health and safety protocols.” 46 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
HOTELS HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME SERVICED APARTMENTS OF THE YEAR The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai The Residences at Caesars Palace combine the best of home and luxury hospitality. Guests of The Residences are just steps away from the epic dining, indulgent leisure and iconic entertainment experiences available at both Caesars Palace and Caesars Resort. For short-term or long-term stays, guests can relish in the comforts of home in a one, two, three or four- bedroom serviced apartment with fully equipped kitchens and in-room laundry appliances/services for their convenience. Guests at The Residences at Caesars Palace have access to services from Caesars Palace, including room service, dry cleaning, limousine service, spa services and housekeeping services. 47 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
SUSTAINABLE HOTEL OF THE YEAR Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa Guests can discover the warm French-Polynesian welcome of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury 5-star beach resort situated on the East Crescent of the world famous Palm Jumeirah, offering a rejuvenating escape inspired by the rich culture of the South Pacific. Nestled amongst lush greenery on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sofitel Dubai The Palm offers a tropical and relaxing sanctuary, only a short distance away from the vibrant, buzzing metropolis of Dubai. With magnifique touches of French elegance interlaced throughout the hotel, guests can ‘Live the French way’ and indulge in excellence. 48 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
49 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 GALLERY HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER OF THE YEAR Joseph Thomas Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown On the doorstep of Dubai Downtown, as super- shoppers and young creatives mingle between the Design District and the Dubai Mall, guests can watch the city’s electrifying contrasts come alive at the Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. Once through our doors, decades of vibrant culture inspire carefully curated rooms with lavish mother- of-pearl bathrooms, funky Moroso designer chairs and envy-inducing views. Guests can hone that beach bod in the gym, find some headspace in the yoga studio or just freestyle it out in the 25-metre infinity pool. 50 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
PEOPLE HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR Slim Zaiane Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Over the last 20 years, Slim has seen the world thanks to his job. The general manager graduated with a bachelor’s in hotel management from Glion Hotel School and a master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. Since then, his career has taken me from Geneva, via Paris and London, to Dubai in senior management roles with several luxury hotel brands. He thrives in achieving excellence in both guest and employee satisfaction. Something very important to him is getting really hands on and solving problems regardless of the area of the hotel – like getting things done and at the highest level of service. Slim supported the local community and medical crews during lockdown months. He not only kept the hotel fully open in 2020, but also improved overall quality KPIs and shares, and closed the financial year while being fully profitable. 51 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
F&B MANAGER OF THE YEAR Daniel Follett Atlantis The Palm Since Atlantis, The Palm opened in 2008, it has firmly established itself as the place to go for an unrivalled, exciting and diverse culinary experience. With 31 individual restaurants, bars and lounges, guests can enjoy everything from a world class meal at Michelin- starred celebrity chef restaurants by Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Locatelli, to an inimitable fine dining experience at the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. With a vibrant nightlife, guests can choose from all-in- one destination Wavehouse, which serves up fun for all ages, or WHITE Beach & Restaurant, the region’s newest and most sought-after beach club: perfect for laidback lounging and sunset sessions. 52 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
PEOPLE HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME HOSPITALITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Naim Maadad Gates Hospitality “It is marvellous to have been recognised by the industry amongst the trying times of the pandemic. Very gratifying that the efforts put in have been fruitful and the challenges faced during the last 14 months are slowly course-correcting into recovery mode. Thank you for the special recognition. Looking forward to the challenges in times to come and to being a trendsetter by sharing my experience for the betterment of the industry. Despite all the challenges of the pandemic times, it is really heartening to note that the signs of recovery for the food and beverage sector are fairly and clearly visible. Thanks to the remarkable support and cooperation from the Government, Ministries and all stakeholders – our efforts are synergising to steer the culinary industry into a zone of recovery. A truly gratifying moment to be able to contribute my bit in the fight against the pandemic…” 53 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
54 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM HOSPITALITY HEAVYWEIGHT OF THE YEAR Giacomo Puntel Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort “It is a real pleasure to have been shortlisted along with other very solid hoteliers in the region and even more astonishing to be selected and walk away with such a prestigious award. Without a doubt, it is a wonderful feeling to be recognised as the Heavyweight of The Year and to be the one who is known in the industry for his expertise in this important sector, in particular during the extremely challenging and difficult times that we are slowly overcoming. I can’t thank my team enough for the continuous support and for standing by my side during the unprecedented times that the entire world experienced. It is a great feeling to come out on the top! The hospitality sector in the UAE is gearing up and it will reach, most probably by end of the year 2021, the same numbers as pre-Covid times.”
HOSPITALITY MARKETING TEAM OF THE YEAR Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk ZEYNEP ODEN AGAGIL Cluster Commercial Director, Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk “I am proud of our achievement for being awarded the Hospitality Marketing Team of the Year, which has contributed to Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk winning the Leading New Hotel. It is undoubtedly a true testament to the passion, dedication and creativity of the marketing and communications team. It was a long journey, as the team was involved from concept development to bringing to life The Obelisk of Dubai, while simultaneously managing the communications of Raffles Dubai amidst the pandemic. This is a well-deserved award that recognises team efforts in building great awareness to the new hotel, as well as successfully capturing local and international business while creating stand-alone restaurant experiences with the launch of Brasserie Boulud and Taiko.” PEOPLE HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME 55 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
56 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM HOTEL CHEF OF THE YEAR Sudqi Naddaf Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates If you have ever had a clay pot artistically shattered into pieces in front of you at the dining table, or eaten off a “flying buffet” held up by 100 helium-filled balloons, it is highly likely you have experienced the artistry and brilliance of Chef Sudqi Naddaf. Chef Sudqi is in his 15th year with Kempinski Hotels. He’s been with the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, his fifth property, for six years. The Executive Chef is an evangelist of great service, unforgettable menus and perfectly staged artistic settings. In turn, recognising and valuing Chef Sudqi’s artistic genius, Kempinski fuels his passion and provides him with the freedom and resources to be creative.
HOTEL TEAM OF THE YEAR Radisson Blu Hotels Dubai Waterfront & Dubai Canal View At the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, guests will find outstanding facilities and friendly, professional service. The “Yes I Can!” philosophy means guests will always receive outstanding service with a smile. From rooms to restaurants and everything in between, the team at the hotel guarantees an unforgettable Dubai hotel experience. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View features friendly and professional service, and a convenient location; the hotel offers much more than just great accommodation. PEOPLE HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME 57 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
RISING STAR OF THE INDUSTRY El Mehdi Khei Address Sky View El Mehdi Khei is Head Coach of Hotel Operations at Address Sky View, a panoramic city viewpoint gracing Dubai’s skyline with two resplendent towers conjoined at the summit by an architecturally marvellous Sky Bridge, in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Here, guests and visitors are warmly welcomed to a confluence of attractive propositions. The rooms, suites and residences at Address Sky View reflect careful attention to every nuance of comfort and elegance, while matchless perspectives of the city beckon from the infinity pool above. Innovation and culinary finesse are essential ingredients that elevate each of the novel dining experiences, while wellness is delivered holistically via spa and fitness experiences characterised by new-age thinking. HIGHLY COMMENDED Jane Masale, Media One Hotel Media One is an inspiring destination with a whole lot of personality. With nine great restaurants and bars, it is the best place to catch up with your friends or colleagues during and after work. Weekends are relaxing with great lunch, dinner and brunch offers. Located just minutes away from the palm, JBR, marina and Expo 2020, in the middle of Media City this hotel has everything guests need. According to our judges, Jane Masale has come a long way from housekeeping room attendant to front desk receptionist, but whatever position she was in, she has generated a lot of great mentions by name in online reviews. Looks like she’s on the right course to achieve big things… 58 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Mahmoud Sakr Jumeirah Zabeel Saray “I am extremely honoured to be recognised within this prestigious category. Thirty-four years have passed in the blink of an eye and it’s a true testament to living my passion every day. A special thanks to my lovely family who have stood by me and supported me throughout the years and not forgetting all my teams who have contributed to this success. It has been a great journey, thus far filled with many memorable moments.” PEOPLE HOSPITALITY’S CRÈME DE LA CRÈME 59 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021
60 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM CELEBRITY CHEF HCNME
61 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 M ichael Mina’s story is one of two decades. With the October 2010 opening of Michael Mina, his eponymous signature restaurant in San Francisco, Michael is at the helm at the same location (formerly AQUA) and city where he first established his culinary reputation 20 years ago. With accolades including James Beard Foundation “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage” inductee in 2013, Bon Appétit Chef of the Year 2005, San Francisco Magazine Chef of the Year 2005, as well as the International Food and Beverage Forum’s Restaurateur of the Year 2005, Michael continues to dazzle the culinary world with bold dining concepts that have contributed to San Francisco’s reputation as a world-class epicurean destination and made him an integral part of the dining scene across the country. Michael’s culinary and business vision led to the founding of Mina Group, with partner Andre Agassi in 2002. Under the auspices of Mina Group, he has opened almost 40 operations, including Firebird Diner, Michael Mina, Clock Bar, Rn 74, Bourbon Steak, Arcadia, Stonehill Tavern, Strip Steak, Wit & Wisdom, Pub 1842, The Handlebar, Michael Mina 74, Pabu, The Ramen Bar, Bourbon Pub, Locale Market and Bardot Brasserie. Located at the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, MINA Brasserie is a modern, bustling brasserie for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a selection of hearty dishes, in partnership with award- winning celebrity Chef Michael Mina. Chef Michael, your journey has been extraordinary! What would you advise aspiring chefs who would like to become this successful? I’m definitely fortunate to have had this spectacular journey, and it’s a privilege to be able to offer my dishes across land and sea in Dubai! My advice to aspiring chefs would be to pay attention to every single detail. It’s crucial not to skip any steps. The saying ‘there’s no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs’ rings especially true for the culinary world. Try to get into great kitchens and work in kitchens that are ran very professionally, don’t skip any steps along the way and ensure you are coherent —always remember that ultimately, you are not cooking for yourself, you are cooking for your guests and they deserve your absolute best. Once you apply this sort of ethos consistently it will drive your day-to-day work in the kitchen and help you realise your full and utmost potential. CHEF MICHAEL MINA INFLUENCE, PASSION AND ACHIEVEMENT
62 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM CELEBRITY CHEF HCNME How has your childhood contributed to your passion for food? I grew up in a Middle Eastern household in the United States with my parents hailing from Egypt. There were always a lot of people at meal periods and food and eating was such an important part of our social experience. A regular lunch or dinner at our house would have around 30 family members. The table was laid out all day with some of my favourite foods. We would spend hours there, talking, laughing, arguing and most important of all, connecting. Middle Eastern food is very bold in flavour, with rich spices and a wide variety of vegetables and fruits forming the backbone of the cuisine. The mixture of spices, acidity and sweetness ensured my palate was trained at a very young age. My mother has been the core inspiration for my cooking and techniques. Growing up in an Egyptian household, she taught me the technique for many of the dishes at MINA Brasserie. My favourite thing I’ve learned from her is her falafel recipe – something we use for the falafel croutons in our new lamb chop dish at MINA Brasserie. Where do you draw inspiration from when crafting your dishes? It’s usually the origin or country from where the dish originates from. This is combined with what produce is available depending on the season and then I put my own twist on it – it’s important for me to create dishes that are innovative and always push the culinary envelope. Inspiration can come out of anywhere. What you have to do is be open to receive it. For chefs, this doesn’t have to be a process that’s kept for the kitchen. I’m always inspired by design, architecture and art. You could be looking at a piece of art and it could trigger an idea for a special dish presentation, or you could smell something that reminds you of a dish you loved as a kid, and suddenly you have the drive to do something with it.
63 HOTELNEWSME.COM | MAY 2021 CELEBRITY CHEF | MICHAEL MINA “IT’S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO CREATE DISHES THAT ARE INNOVATIVE AND ALWAYS PUSH THE CULINARY ENVELOPE.” I often glean inspiration from my guests and diners as well and love to hear their feedback. Whether I’m cooking for the President (I’ve cooked for Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama) or my diners at MINA Brasserie, their feedback always inspires me to create new and innovative recipes in the kitchen. What are some of your most popular creations and why do you think diners keep coming back for more? I love putting fun and whimsical touches on classic dishes and they seem to really resonate with our guests too. Classic dishes with my signature twist like our Lobster Pot Pie, a rich dish that offers a vast range of flavours that satisfy every palate from the flaky pie dough to the creamy lobster sauce, my original Tuna Tartare that is one of our staples, or the Caviar Parfait which is a go-to for our guests who are looking for that extra indulgence. I’ve always put a very large emphasis on balanced flavours— it’s important for food to have a good balance of acidity, sweetness, spice and richness so the dish doesn’t get boring. In addition to this, consistency is also imperative – a combination of both is the key for our guests to keep coming back for the same dish. Tell us more about MINA Brasserie, and how it differs from your other global outposts. MINA Brasserie differs in the sense that we always cook for our guests, so I would say it might be the most natural for me to cook here because the palates are very similar to what I grew up with. Dubai is such a multicultural place, and MINA Brasserie is an amplification of this. Did you know that we’re a team of 26 at MINA Brasserie? Out of these 26 lovely, passionate team members, we have a total of 23 nationalities! I was born in Egypt and grew up in the U.S.A so my early years and career have been shaped by being exposed to many cultures. You can feel this from my dishes which are rooted in cuisines from different places, yet they all have a touch of inspiration from my heritage. Why have you decided to pop into Dubai in March and what menu do you have in store? I have added six new dishes that utilise a lot of the spring and summer vegetables that really lighten the food and menu up. The new citrus salad is a testament to that. Other new offerings like the grilled Mediterranean seabass, baked camembert with berry jam and the grilled lamb chops with fava beans and pea puree are also some of my favourite spring inspired dishes that I’m sure our guests would really appreciate. What are your plans for GCC projects? I would absolutely love to open additional projects in the region. Stay tuned!
64 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM THE BUSINESS HCNME RICHARD BLEAKLE MULTI-PROPERTY GENERAL MANAGER, MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL When has your hospitality journey began? From a young age, I never planned to work in the hospitality industry. However, during my university placement year in 2000, I began working for Marriott in Germany. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience; however, my dream was to work in a more sales- oriented setting. As a result, a career in hotel sales seemed like a natural fit, and here I am 22 years later. Tell us more about the properties you’re currently handling. Currently, I manage Marriott Al Jaddaf, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf, Marriott Al Jaddaf Creek, and the newly opened Element Al Jaddaf. Located in the heart of the city, Marriott Al Jaddaf provides a five-star hotel experience. The stylish property is perfectly fit for both business and leisure travellers, as situated near iconic at- tractions such as the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and numerous business hubs. The hotel offers many dining options, which boast an array of international cuisines, suited to every taste. Furthermore, the stunning Element Al Jaddaf is also positioned near to many of Dubai’s key locations and attractions, includ- ing Downtown, DIFC, and Al Seef, to name a few. Inspired by Westin® Hotels & Resorts, our studios and one and two-bedroom apartments are contemporary and beautifully appointed. The ho- tel also houses a breath-taking rooftop pool featuring panoramic views over the Dubai skyline and a cutting-edge gym. As for Marriott Executive Apartments, Creek, business travel- lers will deem the property as the perfect choice for long-term stays, if they ever choose to relocate to Dubai. The hotel is just five minutes from Dubai International Airport and displays spec- tacular views of the city, overlooking the tranquillity of Dubai Creek. What are some of your top F&B offerings? We have various F&B venues in all three properties which pre- sent excellent menus. Marriot Al Jaddaf has three venues to choose from, serving deli- cious meals including The Market Place, the hotel’s all-day dining scene which offers dishes from across the world. Guests can choose their favourites from our menu, or sample international delights from the expansive lunch and dinner buffets. Patrons can join our specialty evenings, such as Seafood and Grills, Ka- bobs and more. Another great spot is BnB (Bar Nights Bites) where diners can unwind and watch their favourite sports whilst sipping on signa- ture drinks and indulging in some mouth-watering bites. For a more casual setting, guests can head down to the Lobby Lounge to fuel up for the day with a cup of freshly brewed Illy coffee and a light snack. The hotel lounge boats complimentary Wi-Fi and is the perfect spot to meet with colleagues for a meal after a long day of meetings. Marriott Executive Apartment, Creek’s Skye & Walker, located in the heart of old Dubai, is an urban ecological neighborhood eatery for globetrotters and savvy foodies. The restaurant’s key characteristic is the use of reused, recycled, and environmentally sustainable materials. At Element Al Jaddaf we have the all-day dining restaurant, Café 26. For a healthy start to the day, guests can enjoy a complimentary Rise® breakfast offering nutritious morning staples and the a la carte menu featuring delectable dishes for both lunch and dinner. To offer more choice, and with our guests’ health and wellbeing being front of mind, we made sure that Element Al Jaddaf is a dry hotel, that offers an ample selection of juices, smoothies, coffees, and teas. The Marriott FOUR
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66 MAY 2021 | HOTELNEWSME.COM NON GREAT TASTE ENTICING SOURCE 100% OF PROTEIN SIZZLE ON THE GRILL GMO SOY PROTEIN PLANT-BASED & JUICY TEXTURE G M H E N L I G H T E N E D F O O DS NOW SERVING PLANT-BASED SWEET EARTH ® AWESOME BURGER BURGER BURGER BURGER Register now to receive your free samples Connect with us on social media Contact Nestlé Professional UAE: 800 595950 | Visit: www.nestleprofessionalmena.com