Hospitality

The Secret Ingredient is Teamwork (and a Centralized Kitchen)!

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

Exclusive Interview with Katarina Filipova, Founder, Mondoux UAE

Mondoux is known for its affordable luxury culinary experience. How do you balance affordability with high-quality ingredients?

What helps us achieve this balance is sustainability. We have a centralized kitchen, where all things are delivered, prepared, and packed precisely in one place. In this way, there is no risk of waste. Above all, cook well so that customers like the food and nothing is wasted.

Since opening your first branch in Dubai Creek Harbour, you’ve expanded to Downtown and JBR. What factors do you consider when choosing new locations for Mondoux?

Each of our locations caters to a different type of customer, where some branches serve tourists and others serve residential communities. One of our most pivotal factors when choosing a location is a space where time feels like it passes differently, which is a very challenging task when assembling the experience of Mondoux.

What is your process for developing new dishes and ensuring they meet your brand’s standards?

Quality is paramount. We select the best suppliers and centralize the production of our products, like in our JBR branch, which has a central bakery. Additionally, we are selective with the spices and marinades we use, and we don’t add any onion or garlic because it can overpower the freshness of the natural produce.

Furthermore, our house team across all branches is ingrained with the principle that any dish served must represent essential Mondoux values—fresh flavoUrs, minimalism, and the health-driven focus we live and breathe. For instance, we introduced Central European delicacies like ‘busty’ prepared from scratch using real yeast, a rarity in the market. Similarly, we use organic chocolate to offer patrons a decadent and authentic flavour that is not overly processed.

The work culture in Dubai differs from Slovakia, with a strong emphasis on teamwork. How do you foster this culture within your team?

We highlight our team by showcasing our kitchen and floor staff in engaging videos. This fosters community within our organization and creates a vibrant work culture that resonates with our employees. Likewise, we’ve always tried to be supportive of every family situation. For example, when Chef Luisa was hired, her baby was only four months old, so together, we agreed on a split shift, allowing her to spend more time with her little one.

What is your favorite dish at Mondoux, and why? Is there a special story or inspiration behind it?

My favorite dishes would be desserts like French brioche and homemade cakes. These dishes were a part of the initial menu when we opened 11 years ago and were selected from my cherished home recipes. These specific desserts now continue to serve as the foundation for all our restaurants.

How do you design and maintain an environment that promotes happiness and well-being for your guests?

Design is a hot topic with us at the moment. Our rules have been about using solid wood, warm, inviting materials, and creating a dynamic café and comfortable space.

“For me, happiness lies in having passion and love for what I do. Only through this passion and love can one truly savor the sensual experience of food and drinks. This same passion and love drive me to ensure my customers always remain happy and satisfied.”

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: