Hospitality

Precision, Passion, and Fresh Produce – That’s My Recipe

Published

1 year ago

October 2, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Interview with: Mohamad Albalkhi, Executive Chef, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts

What inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary arts, particularly in the luxury market?

My culinary journey began on the family farm, surrounded by fresh and organic produce. From the age of 13, I was captivated by the joy of cooking, preparing meals with the fresh produce from our farm. Although I initially worked as an accountant, my passion for cooking never died. When my workplace launched a culinary school offering a three-year diploma, I took the opportunity to turn my love for cooking into a career. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating exquisite dishes and sharing them with others.

How has your experience working with a variety of cuisines—Arabic, Italian, French, and Indian—shaped your approach to creating unique dining experiences?

My journey through Arabic, Italian, French, and Indian cuisines has significantly shaped my approach to crafting unique dining experiences. Each cuisine has brought its own lessons: French cooking taught me the art of precision and elegance, Italian cuisine highlighted the value of simplicity and quality, and Indian flavors introduced me to the complexity of spices. Combining these diverse influences allows me to create dining experiences that blend different traditions, resulting in truly memorable meals for our guests. Of course, my deep connection with Arabic cuisine forms the heart of my culinary approach. Having grown up surrounded by these vibrant flavors and cooking them from a young age, I bring an authentic touch to every dish, ensuring that our Arabic offerings are both heartfelt and exceptional.

As an Executive Chef at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, what are your key priorities for the dining outlets under your leadership?

As the Executive Chef, my main goal is to ensure that each dining experience at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is both distinct and unforgettable. I am dedicated to upholding the highest culinary standards across all our venues, ensuring each restaurant offers its own unique identity and flavor profile.

Our approach to dining revolves around crafting seasonal menus that highlight the finest ingredients and showcase a variety of cooking styles. We blend traditional techniques with modern innovation to create dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful. From artfully prepared contemporary classics to inventive twists on global cuisines, every dish is designed to offer a memorable culinary experience.

We emphasize a thoughtful approach to cooking, with each menu reflecting a deep understanding of flavor combinations and presentation. Whether it is through the use of refined techniques or the introduction of bold, new flavors, our goal is to provide a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. By focusing on these elements, we ensure that every meal at our hotel is a distinctive and exceptional part of our guests’ stay, creating a culinary journey that is both enjoyable and memorable.

Can you share an example of a new trend or dining style you’re excited to introduce at Mövenpick?

One trend I am excited to introduce at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is the focus on sustainable, farm-to-table dining. We are embracing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that reduce our environmental footprint. For instance, we have developed a menu that features organic produce and locally sourced seafood, paired with innovative cooking techniques that highlight the natural flavors of these ingredients. This approach not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also delivers a fresh and authentic dining experience that our guests will truly appreciate.

How do you approach mentoring and developing your culinary team to ensure both their growth, and the success of the hotel’s dining experiences?

I mentor my culinary team by creating a dynamic and nurturing environment where personal growth and culinary excellence go hand in hand. I emphasize hands-on learning and encourage experimentation with new techniques and ideas. Regular feedback and personalized training help each team member enhance their skills while staying motivated. By setting clear, achievable goals and offering opportunities for career advancement, I aim to cultivate a passionate and skilled team that consistently elevates our dining experiences and contributes to the hotel’s success.

How do you foster a collaborative environment among your team?

Fostering collaboration is all about promoting open communication and a sense of shared purpose. I organize regular team meetings to discuss ideas and address challenges, making sure everyone’s voice is heard. Encouraging a culture of mutual respect and support helps build trust and camaraderie. I also implement cross-training, so team members can learn from each other and appreciate different roles within the kitchen. This collaborative spirit not only boosts creativity and efficiency but also strengthens our collective drive to deliver outstanding dining experiences.

Hospitality

CELEBRATE KOREAN LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH SMOKI MOTO’S EXCLUSIVE SEOLLAL MASTERCLASS

Published

23 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Split image showing a chef preparing Korean dumplings and dough with ingredients on a table, alongside SMOKI MOTO restaurant interior with reception desk and a colorful bull sculpture.

Smoki Moto marks Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, with a unique culinary experience that brings one of Korea’s most meaningful traditions to Dubai. On Monday, 16th February 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Smoki Moto invites guests to take part in a Tteock Mandu Guk Masterclass, a three-hour session centred around the symbolic New Year dish (rice cake and dumpling soup) that represents longevity, renewal and good fortune.

More than a lesson in technique, the afternoon offers insight into the customs and rituals that define Seollal, when families gather to share food and welcome a fresh start.

The experience begins with an introduction to the significance of Tteock Mandu Guk, the rice cake and dumpling soup customarily eaten to mark the New Year. Guests will then watch a chef-led demonstration on creating a clean, balanced broth before stepping into the kitchen. There, they will prepare elements such as egg garnishing (jidan), classic toppings and signature Korean dumpling-folding techniques. Each guest will go on to cook their own bowl of soup, with guidance on timing, seasoning and final assembly to bring the dish together beautifully.

The session concludes with a traditional Seollal dining moment, where guests enjoy their Tteock Mandu Guk, alongside Korean side dishes such as seasonal namul and house-made kimchi, the perfect way to honour the spirit of the holiday.

Seollal Masterclass: Tteock Mandu Guk

What: Cultural cooking masterclass led by Smoki Moto’s Korean chefs
When: Monday, 16th February 2026
Where: Smoki Moto, Palm West Beach
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Hospitality

CELEBRATE TOGETHER AT THE TABLE WITH MISTER BAKER’S RAMADAN GIFTINGS

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Ramadan in the UAE is all about putting the phone down and gathering around a table overflowing with family, friends, and food. This year, homegrown favourite for more than three decades, Mister Baker is bringing that feeling to life with its 2026 Ramadan campaign, “Together at the Table,” offering treats priced from AED 16 to 199. The collection isn’t just about sweet indulgence, it’s about celebrating the little ways we say, “I’m glad you’re here.” From neighbourhood Iftars to late-night Suhoors, Mister Baker makes sure nobody arrives empty-handed.

The Standout Stars

Designed to dazzle both your Instagram feed and your taste buds:

Moon Cakes

Showstoppers: Two stunning cakes that double as edible art, perfect for your Majlis centrepiece.

Milk Cakes – The Crowd-Pleasers: A trio of Milk Cakes (Vanilla, Saffron, and Rose) that feel like a warm hug in a bowl

Cheesecakes – The Modern Twist: Date & Speculoos Cheesecakes, and the Saffron Cheesecake, which give traditional flavours a contemporary glow-up.

Mini Cupcakes – The Gift-Giver’s Dream: Mini cupcakes to make corporate gifting or hosting feel effortless.

From a solo indulgence to a table full of treats for friends, family, or colleagues, there’s a flavour for everyone.

Hospitality

CURATED MOMENTS FOR TWO: SUNRISE TO SUNSET EXPERIENCES AT SUN SIYAM VILU REEF

Published

2 days ago

February 5, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Couple relaxing in a beachfront hammock, a luxury yacht cruising at sunset, and a private beach dining setup by turquoise waters at Sun Siyam resort

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, romance is woven into the rhythm of the island itself, unfolding gently from the first blush of sunrise to the soft glow of moonlight. This Valentine’s season, the boutique Maldivian hideaway invites couples to rediscover connection through a collection of immersive experiences crafted exclusively for lovers. Whether beginning the day with a serene lagoon breakfast at dawn or ending it beneath a starlit sky, every moment is designed to honour intimacy, celebrate togetherness and transform ordinary hours into unforgettable memories.

Sunrise lagoon breakfast is a must have experience to commence your day in an unparalleled setting. The Sunrise Lagoon Breakfast features an inimitable breakfast layout delivered directly to the water, a setting where you can bask in the healing warmth of the first sunrays and the flawless sound of the waves. This experience is designed for couples who wish to savor an intimate and visually stunning start to their day.

As the Maldivian sun dips below the horizon, retreat into the Tranquility Package, curated exclusively for couples seeking intimate rejuvenation. This ultimate indulgence unfolds in one of the resort’s picturesque outdoor cabanas during the serene golden hour. The intimate ritual initiates with a warm, traditional Foot bath Ritual to melt away stress. Guests then choose a full-body treatment, either a soothing Balinese Massage or an invigorating Asian Blend Massage, complemented by a relaxing Fancy Foot Massage.

The close of day marks the start of an exclusive date night. Our brand signature experience Cinema by the Moonlight transforms the evening into a romantic, tailor-made event. Couples can choose from floating cinema on a “dhoni”, Sunset cruise with movie and dinner with magical settings, blending cinematic romance with Maldivian luxury. This showcases the magic of the Maldivian night sky and offers a choice of personalised settings and menus, making it one of the most intimate ways for couples to spend another romantic evening.

In addition, this Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef transforms into a sanctuary of Coastal Blush. Explore our Valentine’s Collection, a series of bespoke moments designed to ignite the senses. From a Floating Breakfast to the tropical flair of our Sip of Love cocktails, every detail is crafted for connection. Rejuvenate with our dedicated Valentine’s Spa Rituals, indulge in a private Lagoon Feast, or lose yourself in a Starlit Movie Night. Throughout February, experience a timeless celebration of your unique love story.

Each intimate experience is curated for couples seeking calm, harmony and stillness with every detail designed to deepen the magic of your escape and reconnect at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.