Hospitality
Cooking is An Act of Love
Exclusive interview with Ruggiero Gissi, Head Chef – Isabella Cucina Italiana
Growing up along the Italian seaside, how has your hometown of Rimini influenced your culinary philosophy and the dishes you create today?
Growing up in Rimini, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, seafood naturally became a focal point in my culinary journey. The freshness and simplicity of local ingredients—especially fish, olive oil, and coastal herbs—shaped my approach to cooking. I believe in honouring the purity of ingredients while letting their natural flavours shine. Rimini’s vibrant food culture also taught me the importance of using seasonal produce and balancing flavours, something I strive to integrate into every dish I create today.
Can you share an example of a dish that embodies this balance between tradition and innovation?
A great example of balancing tradition and innovation at Isabella Cucina Italiana is our Seared Scallops with Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus, Truffle Brown Butter, and Balsamic Vinegar. The earthy wild mushrooms and crisp asparagus preserve the connection to traditional Italian ingredients, while the truffle brown butter introduces a luxurious and contemporary twist. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar provides a tangy contrast, perfectly complementing the richness of the scallops.
Leading the pre-opening stage at Isabella, what was your vision behind the menu, and how did you decide which dishes would make the cut?
My vision for Isabella was to create a menu that reflects the true spirit of Italy, but with a contemporary flair. We wanted to offer both comfort and adventure—familiar yet exciting for those who are passionate about Italian cuisine. The selection process was about finding dishes that were iconic and could tell a story about Italy’s diverse regions. I balanced beloved classics with unique creations that bring out the beauty of Italian culinary traditions in a fresh way.
Food safety and standards are critical in the culinary world. How do you approach training your team on these aspects while maintaining creativity in the kitchen?
Food safety is non-negotiable, and it’s something I prioritise deeply. I ensure that every team member understands the importance of hygiene, proper storage, and handling of ingredients. However, I also encourage creativity within those boundaries. The key is to foster an environment where standards are always upheld, but the team feels free to experiment and innovate without compromising safety. It’s about striking the right balance and ensuring that every dish is not only safe but also of the highest quality.
Hospitality
THE BROOKLYN CREAMERY LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SORBET BAR WITH JUST 37 CALORIES – MEET THE MANGO SORBET
Who says you can’t enjoy the taste of peak-season mango in the middle of winter? The Brooklyn Creamery, the UAE’s premier better-for-you ice cream brand, makes it possible with its newest innovation: the Mango Sorbet Bar.
A bright and refreshing celebration of mango, the 37-calorie Mango Sorbet Bar is crafted for health-conscious dessert lovers, mango enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a little sunshine in their day. Made with just five ingredients, the bar delivers indulgent fruity flavour without compromise.
“We wanted to bring the natural, juicy goodness of real mango to our fans all year round,” says Shivaan Ghai, Founder of The Brooklyn Creamery. “With just 37 calories, the Mango Sorbet Bar delivers bright, authentic fruit flavour in a clean, low-calorie format — without compromising on ingredients or quality.
The Mango Sorbet Bar is 100% natural, free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Its smooth, vibrant taste mirrors the luscious sweetness of real mango, transforming a simple sorbet into a moment of tropical escape. Perfect as a post-workout treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or light dessert, it proves that indulgence can be refreshing, simple, and better for you.
The new Mango Sorbet bar is available across the UAE for AED 9 per 55ml bar, via Deliveroo, Talabat, Noon Food, and Careem.
With this launch, The Brooklyn Creamery continues to redefine indulgence, offering flavors that surprise, delight, and deliver a creamy, satisfying experience.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS WITH SKYLINE VIEWS AND EXQUISITE DINING AT OANJO
This festive season, celebrate Christmas with a touch of sophistication and sky-high style at OAnjo, Dubai’s elegant rooftop restaurant where Japanese culinary artistry meets the vibrant spirit of Peruvian flavours. With panoramic skyline views and a specially curated three-course festive menu, OAnjo invites guests to experience the true spirit of Christmas — refined, joyful, and unforgettable.
Guests are invited to indulge in a three-course festive menu, thoughtfully curated to showcase the elegance and balance of modern Japanese cuisine with the warmth and zest of Peru. From delicate sushi creations to exquisitely grilled dishes, each course reflects OAnjo’s signature precision and flair — an ode to Japan’s culinary philosophy of harmony, simplicity, and flavour.
Guests can choose from two festive packages designed to suit every celebration:
With panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline, OAnjo provides the perfect backdrop for festive gatherings, intimate dinners, and joyful moments shared under the stars. Guests can toast to the holidays while savouring exceptional dishes and soaking in the restaurant’s stylish, serene ambiance.
Book your table today and make this Christmas one to remember — where good food, great company, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony.
Event Details
OAnjo Restaurant, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration — December 24
Hospitality
DECEMBER’S MUST-SEE MUSIC NIGHTS AT HONEYCOMB HI-FI
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is turning December into a month-long celebration of international sound. The venue has announced a trio of standout DJ nights, each spotlighting deep grooves, eclectic vibes and artists who really know what they’re doing.
The series opens on Friday, 5 December, with WASS & NESTA. Known for their dynamic, rhythm-driven sets and the ability to read the room, the duo is set to ignite the dancefloor, turning the night into a serious dialogue between DJs and the crowd.
On Thursday, 11 December, the spotlight turns to a Jazz Kissa-inspired evening featuring Dan Greenpeace, Frezidante and Amir. Each brings a distinctly different musical lens, resulting in a flowy blend of jazz influences, broken beats and soulful house.
Rounding out the month is “Italian Job” on Friday, 19 December, led by LTJ and Tommy Outside. The pair will deliver a tribute to Italy’s influential electronic music with warm textures, timeless grooves and the kind of sophisticated selections that have made Italian DJs beloved around the world.
Throughout all three nights, guests can enjoy Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s Japanese-inspired menu along with its standout drinks. Music starts from 9 pm onwards, and there’s an entry fee of AED 120, which includes a complimentary drink token, while table reservations require a minimum spend of AED 350 per person from 9:30 pm.
For those unable to join the international nights, Honeycomb Hi-Fi will still be buzzing throughout the month with its local programming. Upcoming December highlights include PEPELZ on Monday, 15 December, a MONILE guest shift with Raiza Carrera on Wednesday, 17 December, and an NYE takeover with N-You-Up on Wednesday, 31 December.
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