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Cooking is An Act of Love

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Isabella Cucina Italiana

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

BAB EL BAHR COMBINES FLAVOR AND FUN FOR THE ULTIMATE SUHOOR THIS RAMADAN

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Overhead view of a BAB EL BAHR Suhoor table featuring freshly baked Arabic bread, scrambled eggs, hummus, foul medammas, labneh, pita bread, olives, herbs, and mixed Levantine dishes served with tableware and a lit candle.

This Ramadan, Bab El Bahr by Al Hallab invites guests to embrace the spirit of tradition, flavor, and togetherness with its authentic and indulgent Suhoor experience. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, the restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated a la carte Suhoor menu designed to celebrate the pre-dawn meal in style, comfort, and warmth.

From classic Levantine favorites to contemporary twists, Bab El Bahr’s Suhoor menu caters to every palate. Guests can start with cheese selections such as Shilal, Kashkaval, and Baladiyeh, paired with grilled halloumi or eggs cooked to order, whether sunny side up, scrambled, or as an omelette. Traditional dishes like shakshuka, egg with soujouk, and egg with awarma add hearty, flavorful options for those looking for a protein-packed start to the day.

For those seeking authentic Levantine flavors, Bab El Bahr also serves foul medammas, balila, labneh, goat labneh with walnuts, makdous, and hummus-based dishes, including classic fatteh hummus and fatteh hummus bil lahme. The à la carte menu further highlights mini manakeesh (zaatar, cheese) and kaake traboulsieh (Akawi cheese or smoked turkey & kashkaval).

No Suhoor is complete without something sweet. Bab El Bahr offers jam and butter selections, ashta with honey, Nutella flatbread with bananas and toasted hazelnuts, cheese kunafa, fried katayef, Um Ali, and a seasonal fruit platter, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors to satisfy every craving.

To elevate the communal spirit, the restaurant provides backgammon boards, Jakaru boards, and playing cards, allowing guests to enjoy lighthearted games and connect with family and friends while savoring the pre-dawn meal.

Bab El Bahr’s Suhoor experience combines culinary authenticity, elegant presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both traditional family gatherings and casual nights with friends during Ramadan.

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Hospitality

COUNTER CULTURE CAFÉ INTRODUCES LIMITLESS COFFEE OFFER

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A freshly prepared latte topped with delicate leaf‑style latte art is served in a pink cup and saucer at COUNTER CULTURE CAFÉ. Placed on a wooden table, the coffee is accompanied by a breakfast platter in the background, featuring a selection of light bites, creating a relaxed café setting ideal for coffee breaks or casual dining.

Counter Culture Café at Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites invites coffee enthusiasts and remote workers to experience its new Limitless Coffee offer, available daily from 10:00 AM onwards

Perfect for those looking for a productive workday or an extended stay in a cozy setting, the offer is priced at AED 32 and includes unlimited coffee and tea selections, plus an exclusive 25% discount on food when opting for the Limitless Coffee package.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of hot and iced beverages, including Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Mocha, Frappuccino, Hot Chocolate, and the full selection of Tchaba teas and iced teas, all served in the café’s relaxed and contemporary environment.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, terrace seating is available, and pets are welcome, making it the perfect spot for guests who want to bring their furry friends along.

Located within Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Counter Culture Café offers a welcoming space ideal for remote working, casual meetings, leisurely coffee breaks, or simply relaxing in the heart of Dubai Marina.

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Hospitality

BESH TURKISH KITCHEN UNVEILS “FLAVORS FROM THE SILK ROAD” RAMADAN IFTAR INSPIRED BY TURKEY, THE MIDDLE EAST AND BEYOND

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Guests in traditional Middle Eastern attire share a Ramadan iftar table at BESH TURKISH KITCHEN, with assorted Turkish mezze, grilled kebabs, bread, juices, and lanterns on a patterned table.

 This Ramadan, Besh Turkish Kitchen invites guests on a culinary journey along the Silk Road to savor the rich flavours of Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia. Available daily throughout the holy month, the “Flavors from the Silk Road” Ramadan Iftar is served buffet-style with rotating menus, offering something new throughout the holy month. Perfect for repeat visits with family and friends.

The spread begins with dates and water, followed by a selection of cold mezze and salads, including hummus, moutabal, fattoush, tabbouleh, warak enab and kisir, alongside marinated vegetables and regional cheeses. Hot dishes feature Arabic lentil soup, meat kibbeh, freshly baked Turkish pide and lahmacun, shawarma made to order, and a rotating selection of grilled kebabs. Main courses span multiple cuisines with highlights including lamb ouzi at the carving station, Adana kebab, butter chicken, chicken biryani, seafood tagines, fish sayadieh, as well as beef stroganoff, mac & cheese, fried rice and vegetable noodles, plus plenty of vegetarian options.

Desserts are equally generous, featuring kunafa, baklava, Umm Ali, Turkish delight and sütlaç, alongside Arabic pastries, international cakes, and traditional Indian sweets.

Set within Besh’s warm, Anatolian-inspired interiors on the 5th floor of Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, the Iftar offers a relaxed and welcoming setting to gather, share, and celebrate after sunset.

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