Hospitality

What You Serve Your Family Should Be Good Enough for Your Guests

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Chef Xaris Xygkakis, Bordo Mavi

How did your grandmother’s kitchen influence your culinary passion?

My grandmother’s kitchen was a haven of quality, far from the city’s hustle. We enjoyed the freshest produce and boldest flavors, creating meals that were simple yet profound. Though she wasn’t a professional chef, she taught me the true essence of cooking from the heart and the importance of generosity. Her belief that what you serve your family should be good enough for your guests has stuck with me. These invaluable lessons, rooted in love and care, are something you can’t always learn from professional chefs.

How will you incorporate your diverse culinary experiences into Bordo Mavi’s seafood menu?

Every cuisine offers unique styles and techniques that hold valuable lessons. From the vibrant ceviche of Peru to the Nordics’ minimalist approach and their delicate use of herbs to enhance fish, I’ve come to deeply respect these diverse traditions. At Bordo Mavi, I aim to blend the best of many worlds, ensuring that each dish honors its ingredients and the techniques that bring them to life.

Your career has spanned various cuisines and techniques, from Nordic to South American so how do you integrate these diverse influences into your current role at Bordo Mavi?

At Bordo Mavi, I blend extraordinary techniques from diverse cultures into our dishes. Take our ceviche, for example—we use ingredients from the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, creating a fusion that is both unique and respectful of the original methods. This approach allows us to honor tradition while crafting something truly special.

Can you share a few of your signature dishes that you’re excited to introduce at Bordo Mavi, and what makes them special?

I’m particularly proud of our new baby squid chickpea casserole, inspired by the Aegean. The ingredients harmonize beautifully, creating a delightful culinary experience. Another standout is the Nemo, our unique take on seabream, which truly captures the essence of the ocean and brings it right to your table.

Bordo Mavi’s menu features 200-year-old recipes, so how do you balance preserving these traditional dishes while introducing innovative culinary techniques and flavors?

Our goal is to honor tradition while keeping it vibrant and alive. When traditional recipes are altered too much, they lose their integrity and beauty. Any changes we make are done thoughtfully, preserving the essence of each dish. We want our guests to taste, feel, and experience these cherished traditions. True evolution comes from respecting, not overshadowing, tradition.

As August is the month of happiness, how do you ensure that the dining experience at Bordo Mavi brings joy and happiness to your guests?

We’re dedicated to sourcing only the highest quality, in-season ingredients. If something isn’t at its best, we simply won’t serve it. My grandmother instilled in me the belief that what we serve our family should be good enough for our guests. This unwavering commitment to quality ensures that every dining experience brings joy and happiness to our guests.

Hospitality

SAVOUR MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS AT TIMO GOURMED SATURDAY BRUNCH

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Step into the weekend with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired brunch at Timo Restaurant, where great food meets live entertainment in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. This exclusive brunch experience showcases a curated selection of traditional Mediterranean dishes, with flavours spanning Syria, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Morocco, celebrating the region’s rich culinary and viticultural heritage.

Expertly crafted by renowned chef Chadi Saloum, the menu is designed to elevate the dining experience, positioning Timo as a destination for authentic and sophisticated Mediterranean gastronomy. Guests can indulge in a vibrant selection of high-quality Mediterranean dishes, brought to life through interactive live cooking stations featuring freshly prepared specialties and chef-led culinary experiences. A dedicated kids’ menu ensures younger guests are well catered for, complemented by wholesome, fresh produce and a wide range of engaging activities. Vegan and vegetarian options are also thoughtfully incorporated, offering something for every guest to enjoy.

From hot Mediterranean favourites to flame-grilled creations prepared using a Josper oven and BBQ stations, every element is thoughtfully curated to deliver both flavour and theatre. Paired with free-flow beverages, live music, and dedicated kids’ activities, this brunch offers the perfect setting for families and friends to unwind and connect over a lively weekend experience.

Offer Details
Date: Every Saturday | Time: 1 pm to 4 pm | Price: Soft package: AED 125 per person | Bubbles package: AED 225 per person Activities: Live entertainment and dedicated kids activities
Location: Timo Restaurant, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel | For reservations, please call 04 596 2222 or visit the hotel website.

Hospitality

SUNDAYS DONE RIGHT WITH A BAVARIAN BRUNCH AT BRUNO’S BIERGARTEN

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Sundays just got a whole lot more fun at Bruno’s Biergarten, where the lively outdoor venue at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach brings its signature energy to a Bavarian-style brunch designed for families, friends, and even furry companions. With its relaxed, pet-friendly setting and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to round off the weekend.

At the heart of the experience is a generous sharing-style menu paired with live grill stations, perfect for laid-back afternoons and group dining. Guests can tuck into hearty Bavarian favourites, from schnitzels and rotisserie chicken fresh from the carving station to platters of sausages and baked mushrooms, all served alongside warm pretzels, garden salad, and traditional Bavarian potato salad.

The live grill keeps things interactive with freshly prepared bratwurst, German-style beef steak, and corn on the cob, while the overall experience is designed to be as social as it is satisfying.

Little ones are in for plenty of excitement too, with Bruno making special appearances throughout the afternoon, alongside a dedicated kids’ buffet featuring hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. A cookie-decorating station led by the chefs and an adjacent outdoor play area ensure there’s never a dull moment.

Even four-legged guests are part of the experience, with a dedicated pet-friendly approach and a special menu available, making this a truly inclusive Sunday outing. (Kindly c onfirm)

Whether you’re gathering the family, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a relaxed and lively weekend plan, Bruno’s Bavarian Brunch delivers the perfect mix of comfort food, entertainment, and good times.

Date: Every Sunday | Time: 1 pm to 4 pm | Price: Soft Package: AED 149 | House Package: AED 269 | Kids (6–12 years): AED 75. Kids under 6 years of age dine for free.

Enjoy the flavours of Bavaria with 3X ALL Accor Reward points and an exclusive 20% off for Accor Live Limitless members.. All prices are subject to applicable terms and conditions. (Kindly confirm)

Hospitality

MARRIOTT HOTEL AL JADDAF PRESENTS NEW SEASONAL HAPPENINGS ACROSS STAYS, DINING AND CATERING

Published

3 days ago

April 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf introduces a collection of seasonal happenings, bringing together staycation offers, workspace retreats, casual dining moments and bespoke outside catering services. Set at the crossroads of old and new Dubai, the hotel offers a well-connected base with a series of experiences designed for families, friends and residents looking to break from routine and make the most of their time in the city.

THE ULTIMATE WORKSPACE RETREAT

What: The Ultimate Workspace Retreat is a staycation designed for those seeking a seamless balance between productivity and relaxation, where a well-appointed workspace meets the ease of a hotel escape. Guests can enjoy a deluxe room or suite, daily breakfast, unlimited coffee throughout the day, and access to business centre facilities, alongside thoughtful additions such as two hours of meeting room access per day, complimentary laundry and evening drinks.

When: Valid for a limited time, subject to availability

Time: Check-in from 12:00pm and check-out until 4:00pm, subject to availability

Where: Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf

Price: Rates start from AED 299 per night (advanced reservations are required), inclusive of daily breakfast, 25% off food and drinks, unlimited coffee, two hours of meeting room access per day, complimentary drinks from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and 40% off spa treatments

Subject to availability and advance booking. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Taxes are additional.

EXCLUSIVE STAYCATION OFFER FOR UAE RESIDENTS OFFER

What: A staycation designed for UAE residents, offering a comfortable stay with added value across dining. Guests can enjoy well-appointed accommodation and exclusive savings on food and beverage experiences.

THE ART OF DOING NOTHING

What: A daily poolside experience designed for slow moments and easy afternoons, where guests can take a break from the pace of the city and unwind at their own rhythm. Set on the pool deck of Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, the offering invites guests to enjoy a relaxed day by the pool, with fully redeemable credit to be enjoyed across food and beverages.

DINING HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE HOTEL

SUN & SIP AT TERRAMAR

What: A daytime poolside experience at TerraMar, featuring refreshing drinks, light bites and stunning views overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa. Ideal for easy afternoons, it offers a laid-back option to unwind by the pool.

TARDEOMAR AT TERRAMAR

What: An evening poolside offering with wine and snacks, set in a laid-back setting as the day winds down. Designed as an easy, accessible option, it brings together relaxed views, simple bites and great value for a casual evening out.

COMBO CELEBRATION AT BNB SPORTS BAR

What: A range of food and drink combinations designed for easy, casual dining throughout the day. With options like pasta and wine, brew and wings, or brew and burger, the offering brings together well-priced favourites in a relaxed sports bar setting, ideal for catch-ups at any time.

KICKOFF HOUR AT BNB SPORTS BAR

What: A daily offer tailored for Al Jaddaf residents, featuring drinks from AED 35 alongside 25% off selected food items. Set in a relaxed sports bar setting, it offers an easy and well-priced option for casual catch-ups throughout the day.

OUTSIDE CATERING SERVICES

What: A bespoke outside catering service bringing five-star hospitality to venues across Dubai, with tailored menus and well-executed event experiences. From intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions, the team delivers customised setups influenced by Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape. Supported by experienced culinary and service professionals, each event is delivered with consistency and attention to detail.