Hospitality
Hospitality runs through my veins
Exclusive Interview with: Artemiy Vasilchuk – CEO, Vasilchuki Restaurant Group
In this interview, Artemiy Vasilchuk, CEO of Vasilchuki Restaurant Group, delves into his path from a family-driven inspiration to becoming a leader in hospitality at a young age. With over 40 successful restaurants across Europe and Asia, Artemiy’s vision for Chaihona No 1 in Dubai Marina marks the group’s foray into the Middle Eastern market. He shares how his family’s influence and his passion for innovation have helped shape the group’s unique fusion of Slavic, Asian, and Arabic cuisines. Looking ahead, Artemiy reveals exciting plans for expanding Vasilchuki Restaurant Group’s presence in the UAE and beyond.
Can you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to take on such a leadership role at such a young age?
My father is my inspiration and played a massive part in my journey to becoming a restauranteur. We have 40 successful restaurants in Europe and Asia, and they’re all homegrown brands that my father and uncle carefully created from scratch. Hospitality runs through my veins and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; in fact, some of my earliest memories are in our family restaurants that, for many years, were the only places I dined at while tasting and sampling new menus, dishes and concepts for Vasilchuki Restaurant Group to bring to market.
How has your experience working alongside your father shaped your approach to restaurant management and innovation?
My Father and our Group Head Chef Sergei Suschenko, are very ambitious and creative people, so being around them is inspiring as they built the Chaihona no1 by Vasilchuki brand from scratch and have such a great synergy. I’m only 23, so I bring a very fresh and young perspective to the group, which is exactly what we need in Dubai with the competitiveness of the market, but my father takes a more traditional approach. There is room for both, so we’ve worked hard in Dubai to keep the brand’s core and adapt its offering to suit this market, which has been fun to do alongside my father.
Chaihona No. 1 by Vasilchuki is your first venture into the Dubai dining scene. What makes this restaurant a luxurious addition to Dubai Marina’s culinary landscape?
There’s no other concept like ours in Dubai, so we’re a new and exciting addition to the Marina dining scene. Sergei has added an Arabic element to the menu for our Middle East launch, and it’s been so successful as our guests can try authentic Slavic food if they’d like but also enjoy Arabic dishes. Our Shawarma is incredibly popular as we serve the juicy meat on a skewer so it can be sliced and shared, which is so lovely for groups served with Hummus and baba ghanoush and a special kebab sauce and herby yoghurt dip if you fancy trying something less traditional.
How do you integrate Slavic, Asian, and Arabic flavours into a cohesive and luxurious menu at Chaihona No. 1?
Our Head Chef, Sergey, specializes in creating unique dishes and menu concepts, so he enjoyed combining all three cuisines into one menu. He has one of the world’s largest cookbook collections, with over 3000 books he’s amassed from his travels worldwide. He sought inspiration from there and did extensive trials of combining ingredients and flavours to understand what works and what doesn’t. He enjoys pushing boundaries, so we’re not surprised when he makes unusual suggestions, as more often than not, they turn out to be delicious.
Can you share any unique dishes or concepts that embody your vision of luxury dining at Chaihona No. 1?
Our dine and shop concept is a really unique as there isn’t many places that have a small market and flower shop inside them.
With over 40 restaurants worldwide, how does Chaihona No. 1 by Vasilchuki in Dubai Marina fit into the overall strategy and vision of the Vasilchuki Restaurant Group?
Our launch in the Marina was our way of introducing ourselves to the region, and now, as it’s been so popular, we’re focusing on expansion and growth.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for expanding the presence of Vasilchuki Restaurant Group in the UAE and beyond?
Our launch in Dubai Marina is only the start for us in the Middle East. We have plans to expand and operate 30 restaurants in the Middle East within the next three years and have a few more currently under construction scheduled to launch this year.
Hospitality
C2 Licensed District at City Walk Welcomes 3 New Casual Dining Hotspots
City Walk, Dubai’s premier lifestyle destination by Merex Investment, has added three new restaurants to its licensed dining district, C2, providing even more diverse options for family and friends to enjoy quality time together. As the weather gets better, it’s the perfect time to spend lively evenings outdoors on alfresco terraces with loved ones.
Since its debut in January 2024, C2 has quickly established itself as the city’s go-to destination for elevated dining experiences, with its eight original culinary concepts – Baku Cafe, Brass Monkey, Daikan Izakaya, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Mythos Urban Green Eatery, Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar, Primi Cucina Italian, and Rare Cocktail Bar & Modern Brasserie – setting the tone for diverse and memorable dining.
Adding to the vibrant culinary landscape of C2, two new hotspots have already opened their doors, each offering a unique and globally inspired dining experience. La Serre enchants visitors with its Parisian-style boulangerie, café, and bistro, delivering the charm of European farm-to-table dining right to Dubai. Nox offers a dynamic blend of laid-back dining with high-energy parties, creating the perfect atmosphere for unforgettable nights with friends.
The excitement continues as Myata Platinum is set to open in the coming weeks, promising a sophisticated lounge experience with a diverse international menu crafted to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
These new additions create the perfect setting for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant evening gatherings. To experience these culinary journeys firsthand, diners can enjoy a range of theme nights and offers.
City Walk brings together retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, wellness, and automotive services, making it the desired location for visitors seeking unique and memorable experiences. Serving as a hub for the surrounding neighbourhoods of Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Business Bay, it offers diverse dining options that seamlessly transition from day to night. With the addition of C2, its licensed dining district, City Walk provides an ideal urban setting to relax, recharge, and enjoy quality time.
Hospitality
Get Ready For Sur.Dubai: The Ultimate Destination For Seafood Lovers Coming Soon
Sur.Dubai, Dubai’s newest upscale seafood restaurant, is set to make its mark on the region’s diverse dining scene this November. Specializing in seafood and more, the restaurant masterfully blends the authenticity of Mediterranean and coastal cuisines with a contemporary twist. Offering a fresh, innovative take on beloved regional favorites, Sur.Dubai promises a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on discerning palates.
Located in the vibrant UPTOWN/DMCC district, one of Dubai’s premier new destinations, Sur.Dubai is poised to become a must-visit for food lovers in search of bold, flavorful dishes. Inspired by Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, the restaurant masterfully blends coastal seafood with herbs and spices, offering diners a modern interpretation of timeless culinary traditions. By combining high-quality ingredients with creative culinary techniques and presentations, Sur.Dubai promises to deliver classic dishes with a distinctive flair, ensuring each plate reflects the freshness and lightness that define Mediterranean cuisine.
Guests can look forward to a flavorful adventure at Sur.Dubai, featuring an extensive selection of mouthwatering seafood dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From Grilled Fish and Seafood Mezze to Succulent Seabass and Tender Octopus, each dish is expertly crafted to deliver an extraordinary culinary journey that brings the taste of the sea to the heart of Dubai. For those non-seafood eaters, Sur.Dubai also caters to every palette, offering perfectly grilled lamb chops, flavorful baby chicken, and an exquisite selection of diverse, mouthwatering meats.
Ahmet Serdar Korukcu, President of Dorak Holding, expressed his enthusiasm for Sur.Dubai’s opening, mentioning. “We are delighted to introduce Sur.Dubai to the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Dubai. This is a major milestone for Dorak Holding as we expand our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic culinary and cultural landscapes. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our plans for taking Sur.Dubai global, leveraging our expertise in tourism to bring this unique concept to new markets. Thank you for being part of this journey as we continue to push boundaries and deliver exceptional, world-class experiences to our valued customers worldwide.”
Hospitality
Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA Announces New Hotel Openings
Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA proudly announces the successful unveiling of its latest developments at Future Hospitality Summit World 2024. The summit, held from September 30 to October 2 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, attracted over 1,500 industry leaders from across the world. The summit, held from September 30 to October 2 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, attracted over 1,500 industry leaders from across the world, marking it as one of the largest gatherings of hospitality professionals to date.
“We were delighted to participate in Future Hospitality Summit World 2024,” said Mr. Konstantinos Michail, Chief Commercial Officer, Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA. “The event provided a valuable platform for us to announce our expansion plans, connect with industry leaders, share our expertise, and explore new growth opportunities.”
Major Announcements
The two new properties announced by Millennium Hotels & Resorts at FHS are Studio M Airport Muscat and Millennium Residences Saadiyat Island. These strategic additions to the company’s portfolio further solidify its presence in the Middle East and Africa region.
Millennium Residences Saadiyat Island
Just a minute’s walk from the pristine white sandy beaches of Saadiyat Island, Millennium Residences offers an invigorating retreat for families, couples, and solo travellers seeking both short and extended stays. The property features an infinity pool, a fully equipped gym, and 85 beautifully designed studios, alongside spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Studio M Airport Muscat
Nestled in Al Seeb, just 11 KM from Muscat International Airport, Studio M Airport Muscat presents a stylish urban retreat for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel masterfully combines modern design with innovative technology and is conveniently located near City Centre Mall and various attractions, including beaches ideal for wakeboarding and Al Mouj Marina for diving and sailing.
-
Tech News4 months ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
Tech Interviews8 months ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News8 months ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Features5 months ago
Security in the Cloud Age: Combating Risks with Hybrid Cloud Solutions
-
Tech Features5 months ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement
-
VAR2 months ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Automotive8 months ago
Al-Futtaim Automotive Builds On 23-Year Legacy of Trust & Leadership in UAE’s Pre-Owned Car Market to Sell Over 25,000 Used Vehicles in 2023
-
Tech News11 months ago
Senet enters MENA’s Competitive Gaming Scene with ‘skill-to-earn’ Platform