Hospitality
Crafting Caribbean Excellence at Ting Irie
Exclusive Interview with Tomlin George Graham, Head Chef, Ting Irie
How has your culinary journey across Jamaica, the USA, and Qatar influenced your approach to Caribbean cuisine at Ting Irie?
Having traversed culinary landscapes in these countries, my approach to Caribbean cuisine at Ting Irie is deeply enriched. Each location has exposed me to different techniques and flavours, enhancing my understanding of how to blend traditional Jamaican recipes with global influences. This diversity allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the authenticity of Caribbean cuisine.
From private chef to culinary consultant, what key lessons from these roles do you bring to your work at Ting Irie?
Transitioning from a private chef to a culinary consultant has taught me the importance of adaptability and creativity. At Ting Irie, I leverage these lessons by creating a menu that not only showcases classic dishes but also incorporates innovative twists. Understanding client preferences and dietary needs has also equipped me to cater to a wider audience.
How do you plan to add your unique touch to Ting Irie’s menu while staying true to traditional Jamaican flavors?
My goal at Ting Irie is to respect the roots of Jamaican cuisine while infusing my own creativity. This means experimenting with presentation and flavour pairings without straying from the traditional essence. By using familiar ingredients in unexpected ways, I aim to surprise and delight our guests while remaining true to the authentic flavours of Jamaica.
What new dishes or flavors can Ting Irie guests look forward to under your leadership?
Guests can look forward to an exciting array of dishes that celebrate Jamaican flavours with a twist. For instance, I’m exploring fusion dishes that incorporate local UAE ingredients, creating a unique culinary dialogue. Expect to see innovative uses of classic staples, like jerk chicken served with a modern side or desserts that play with traditional Jamaican sweets.
How does imported, authentic elements elevate the dishes you create?
Importing specialty ingredients like Scotch Bonnet Peppers and Pimento seeds is crucial. These authentic elements not only provide the genuine flavours of Jamaica but also elevate the overall dining experience. They allow me to create dishes that resonate with cultural significance and depth, ensuring each plate tells a story.
This is your first role in the UAE. What excites you most about introducing Jamaican flavors to such a diverse, cosmopolitan crowd?
Introducing Jamaican flavors to a diverse, cosmopolitan crowd is incredibly exciting. The UAE’s multicultural environment means there’s a great appreciation for culinary exploration. I look forward to sharing the vibrant tastes of Jamaica and engaging with guests from different backgrounds, making Caribbean cuisine accessible and enjoyable for all.
Hospitality
From the French Riviera to Abu Dhabi: La Môme Makes Its Grand Debut with an Exclusive Four-Day Race Weekend Takeover

This December, the French Riviera comes to Yas Marina as La Môme makes its Abu Dhabi debut, in partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group, with an exclusive four-day takeover during race weekend. From 3 to 6 December 2026, the celebrated Cannes-born restaurant brings its signature mix of exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, Riviera glamour, and lively entertainment to the capital, creating a sophisticated yet vibrant setting for race-weekend dining and celebrations, minutes from the circuit.
With an established presence at the Monaco Grand Prix, where La Môme Monte-Carlo hosts a rooftop dining and hospitality experience overlooking the famous race circuit, the brand has a longstanding connection to the glamour and excitement of international motor racing. Now, La Môme brings that same spirit to Abu Dhabi, offering a sophisticated setting for long lunches, elegant dinners, and lively evenings.
At the table, La Môme’s approach is generous, expressive, and unmistakably Mediterranean. The menu celebrates quality ingredients and balanced flavours, with starters such as Artichoke Salad and Wagyu Carpaccio with Black Truffle, alongside a refined selection of Oysters and Caviar. Signature pastas and main courses include Tagliolini with King Prawns, Rigatoni with Truffle, and Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin.



In the evenings, Sounds of Riviera, a roaming live band from the French Riviera, will move through the restaurant performing French and Italian classics alongside international favourites. Daily DJ sets will move from laid-back Dolce Vita sounds to late-night house music.
Guided by L’Art de Recevoir signé La Môme, the French art of hospitality, the team ensures thoughtful, personalised service, genuine warmth, and attention to detail. Guests are made to feel equally at ease whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at the table or celebrating late into the evening.
Daily lunch is served from 12PM to 7PM, followed by dinner from 7PM onwards. While guests can dine à la carte on Thursday, 3 December, minimum spends apply from Friday, 4 December to Sunday, 6 December:
- Indoor Dining: AED 500 per person for lunch; AED 1,000 per person for dinner | Terrace Dining: AED 650 per person for lunch; AED 1,200 per person for dinner.
With its combination of refined dining, a vibrant atmosphere, and a prime Yas Marina location, the takeover promises to be a highlight on the city’s social calendar and an essential stop for race-weekend gatherings.
Full prepayment is required to confirm reservations. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, while cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability and the applicable minimum spend.
Hospitality
The Best Festive Turkey Takeaways in Abu Dhabi This Christmas
Christmas dinner without the hours in the kitchen? Yes, please! From perfectly roasted turkeys with all the traditional trimmings to indulgent festive sides and delicious desserts, some of Abu Dhabi’s finest hotels and restaurants are taking care of the cooking this Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or planning a cosy celebration at home, these festive turkey takeaway offers make it easy to serve up a memorable Christmas feast without the fuss. Here’s our pick of the best turkey takeaways in Abu Dhabi for Christmas 2026.
Hawksbill Restaurant Festive Turkey Takeaway

Bring Christmas home with Hawksbill Restaurant’s Festive Turkey Takeaway, freshly prepared for an easy festive gathering around the table. Whether planning Christmas lunch with the family, hosting friends over the festive period, or simply leaving the cooking to someone else this year, the takeaway brings together everything needed for a classic Christmas feast.
A whole roast turkey comes with a selection of traditional seasonal sides and all the trimmings, ready to collect and serve at home.
Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8). AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Advance booking is required.
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31st December 2026, 12pm – 11pm
For more info, call +971 56 660 8780 or email fnb.sbgc@viyagolf.com
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Festive Turkey Takeaway
Bring The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal to the Christmas table with a festive turkey prepared by the hotel’s culinary team and ready to enjoy at home. The whole roasted turkey comes with traditional stuffing, rich gravy, and roasted root vegetables, leaving more time to spend around the table with family and friends.
Available from Monday, 21 December 2026, to Saturday, 2 January 2027, orders should be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
Price: AED 750 per turkey hamper (serves 6 to 8)
When: Monday, 21 December 2026, to Sunday, 2 January 2027. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance
For reservations, call +971 2 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com
Villa Sèléne Festive Turkey Takeaway

Take care of Christmas lunch with Villa Sèléne at Yas Links Abu Dhabi’s Festive Turkey Takeaway. Prepared by the culinary team and ready for collection, the whole roast turkey comes with a selection of classic festive sides and accompaniments, leaving little more to do than gather family and friends around the table and enjoy it together.
Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8); AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Advance booking is required
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31 December 2026, 12pm – 11pm
For more info, call +971 54 990 4246 or email villa.selene@viyagolf.com
Roots Bar & Kitchen Festive Turkey Takeaway

Bring the festive feast home with Roots Bar & Kitchen’s Festive Turkey Takeaway, made for Christmas gatherings with family and friends. Serving approximately six to eight guests, the package includes a generous 5-6 kg whole roast turkey, freshly prepared and ready for collection, alongside all the classic trimmings.
The turkey comes with chestnut stuffing, seasonal vegetables, roasted carrots and potatoes, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy for a traditional Christmas spread at home. For a little extra around the table, additional sides can be added to the order, including herb and bread stuffing, bread sauce, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and more.
Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8); AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance
When: Monday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31 December 2026, 12pm – 10pm
For more info, call +971 50 757 4808 or email dining.yagcc@viyagolf.com
InterContinental Abu Dhabi Festive Turkey Takeaway
Take the stress out of Christmas entertaining with a traditional festive turkey, freshly prepared by the culinary team at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Available to order from either the hotel or residences, the generous whole roasted turkey (5–7kg) comes with all the classic accompaniments, including traditional bread stuffing, roasted baby potatoes, buttered seasonal vegetables, rich turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce. For a sweet finish, guests can add a pumpkin cheesecake, apple cinnamon pie or pecan and caramel tart, each serving approximately five to six people.
Price: AED 550 per whole roasted turkey (5–7kg) and accompaniments; optional desserts: Pumpkin Cheesecake AED 200, Apple Cinnamon Pie AED 180, Pecan & Caramel Tart AED 230. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
When: Thursday, 26 November 2026, to Friday, 25 December 2026.
For InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel turkey takeaways, order and collect from Piano Lounge; for InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi turkey takeaways, order and collect from Bistro 81. For more information or bookings call Piano Lounge +971 56 409 4980 or Bistro 81 +971 50 391 5271
Hospitality
Qatar Airways Connects Doha to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia with First Flight
Qatar Airways has inaugurated its new twice-weekly service connecting Doha with Caracas and Bogotá. The service represents a significant milestone for the airline, as Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate nonstop services from the Middle East to both Bogotá and Caracas.
The new route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening global connectivity for the region and is operated on Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.
Qatar Airways flights to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG)
Qatar Airways’ flight schedule has been designed to provide smooth onward connections through Hamad International Airport to key markets including Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. This offers passengers greater flexibility and seamless transfer options across Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations.
Departing every Wednesday and Sunday:
Doha (DOH) to Bogotá (BOG) – Flight QR783: Departure 07:35; Arrival 16:25
Bogotá (BOG) to Caracas (CCS) – Flight QR783: Departure 17:55; Arrival 21:00
Caracas (CCS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR783: Departure 23:30; Arrival 20:35
The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Brazil’s São Paulo.
The airline has recently expanded its partnership with LATAM to include LATAM Airlines Colombia, offering travellers greater access to the region. Qatar Airways will place its code on LATAM-operated flights between Bogotá and key domestic destinations including Cartagena, Armenia, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cúcuta, Ibagué, Leticia, Medellín, Montería, Neiva, Pereira, Pasto, Riohacha, San Andrés Island, Santa Marta, and Yopal.
Qatar Airways continues to strengthen global connectivity, serving more than 170 destinations this winter. Bookings can be made at qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app.
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