Hospitality

Crafting Caribbean Excellence at Ting Irie

Published

1 year ago

December 17, 2024

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

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH NEWBY TEAS

Published

2 days ago

March 4, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, honour the remarkable women who shape our lives with a gift that invites reflection, connection, and quiet celebration.

Moon Box

Moon Box – This year, International Women’s Day falls within the holy month of Ramadan. Just as the crescent moon marks a new beginning, women continuously nurture, guide, and support us through life’s many cycles. Our Moon Box is a heartfelt way to honour the incredible women who illuminate our lives, just as the moon lights the night sky.

The Gate Calendar

The Gate Calendar – Women open doors to love, wisdom and boundless possibility. Step through an enchanting gate and unlock the magic within, as the majestic doors reveal 30 days of tea indulgence.

Newby Zodiac Collection

Newby Zodiac Collection – Inspired by the timeless fascination with the stars, the Zodiac Collection pairs each sign with a carefully selected luxury tea chosen to reflect the character and personality associated with its constellation. Presented in elegant midnight-blue caddies adorned with Swarovski® crystal constellations, each blend offers a distinctive expression of the zodiac.

Crown Assortment

Crown Assortment – The jewel of Newby’s gifting collection, the Crown Assortment offers an exceptional introduction to the world of tea. Thoughtfully curated, it presents a harmonious selection of black teas, green teas and tisanes, or a combination of all three, each chosen for its depth, character and balance.

Van Gogh Tea Collection

Van Gogh Tea Collection – Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, this exclusive trio of bespoke tea blends is inspired by the celebrated works of Vincent van Gogh. Beautifully presented and available exclusively online, it makes a refined and artistic gift.

Mathew Williamson

Mathew Williamson – Designed by Matthew Williamson, this vibrant collection celebrates Color, craftsmanship and indulgent tea moments. Each blend offers a sensory journey through carefully layered aromatic ingredients. Available individually or as a complete set of three.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

4 days 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

7 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