Connect with us

Hospitality

Keep it fresh, keep it honest, and let the ingredients shine

Published

on

Carluccio's

Interview with Chef Roberto Senese, Carluccio’s

How did growing up in Naples and learning from your grandmother shape your culinary philosophy?

In Italian homes, the kitchen is where life happens. It’s where conversations flow as meals are prepared and shared. That’s how it was for me. I grew up in the kitchen, watching my mother and grandmother cook while they talked about life. I started out doing small chores, but as I got older, I began helping with full meals.

That’s where my love for cooking began—bringing people together with food and sharing honest, unfiltered conversations around the table.

We cooked simple food at home: pasta, salads, seafood, and occasionally meat (which isn’t a big part of traditional Italian cuisine). Cooking was straightforward—lots of olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese.

That simplicity still defines the way I cook today, inspired by Antonio Carluccio’s philosophy: keep it fresh, keep it honest, and let the ingredients shine.

What does your philosophy “Minimum Fuss, Maximum Flavour” mean to you, and how do you bring it to life at Carluccio’s?

Minimum Fuss, Maximum Flavour” (MOF MOF) was the guiding philosophy of our founder, Antonio Carluccio. He believed in simplicity—using the finest ingredients, treating them with care, and embracing home-style cooking techniques to preserve authenticity and the comforting warmth of homemade food.

At Carluccio’s UAE & Qatar, Antonio’s MOF MOF philosophy is at the core of everything we do. It’s not just about how we cook; it shapes how we serve and connect with our guests. We keep things honest, genuine, and simple, following Antonio’s original recipes and maintaining the high standards he set.

While there are moments when we adapt to local tastes, we do so thoughtfully and sparingly, ensuring the heart of MOF MOF remains intact in everything we create.

How do you adapt Carluccio’s menu to cater to local tastes in the UAE and Qatar while staying true to Italian traditions?

Localization is key to staying relevant and evolving as a brand. At the same time, it’s just as important to preserve the essence of our brand philosophy.

Our menu is a blend of Carluccio’s classics and local favorites. For example, while BBQ Pizza isn’t traditionally Italian, it’s a regional favorite, so we’ve adapted it to suit local tastes—always using the best ingredients and keeping the cooking simple.

Another example is our Rigatoni Prawns & Pistachio pasta, a dish that combines prawns, pistachio, and pesto with a touch of chili, crafted specifically to appeal to the local palate while staying true to our focus on quality and flavor.

With the revamped Marina Mall branch offering vegan dishes and zero-proof drinks, how do you balance modern trends with authentic Italian cuisine?

Carluccio’s has always offered vegan options, but with the launch of our new menu, we’ve introduced a dedicated vegan section in response to growing demand and current trends. This addition reflects our commitment to catering to all guests.

We’ve also expanded our beverage offerings by introducing zero-proof drinks, providing premium options for those looking to enjoy something unique and exciting. These thoughtful additions have not only enhanced our menu but have significantly improved our dining experience, with guest feedback reflecting the positive impact on their overall enjoyment.

How does the show kitchen and iconic pizza oven enhance the guest experience?

Our goal was to showcase the authenticity, skill, and freshness that define our offerings. This is made possible by our show kitchen and pizza oven, where guests can enjoy watching their food being prepared with professionalism and the highest standards of hygiene. It’s not just a meal – it’s a visual experience that enhances the dining journey!

With elements like lemon trees and Mediterranean warmth, how do you aim to transport guests to Italy through both the food and ambiance?

In addition to enhancing our guest experience and bringing a modern touch to our interiors, we aimed to infuse subtle Mediterranean elements while staying true to Carluccio’s brand identity. This was achieved with features like lemon trees above the community table and vintage Italian-style tiling, which together create a rustic Mediterranean and Italian atmosphere.

Our food and service stay true to Antonio Carluccio’s MOF MOF philosophy, perfectly complementing each other to deliver an authentic Italian experience that is unmistakably Carluccio’s.

Hospitality

CELEBRATE TOGETHERNESS THIS RAMADAN WITH AL HALLAB’S IFTAR OFFERINGS

Published

on

Overhead view of AL HALLAB Lebanese dishes including stuffed vine leaves, hummus with chickpeas, fried spring rolls, a pita sandwich with fries, dates with boiled egg, and mixed appetizers served on patterned table.

This Ramadan, Al Hallab invites families and loved ones to come together over a generous and comforting Iftar experience inspired by time-honoured Lebanese traditions. Available across all three Al Hallab outlets and for delivery, the Ramadan offering is thoughtfully designed to celebrate togetherness with the flavours that define the holy month.

Guests can enjoy a full dine-in experience at any of Al Hallab’s three outlets, where tables are set with warm hospitality and a feast of Lebanese favorites. From comforting soups like Lentil, Chicken, or Mushroom, to cold appetizers including Hummus, Moutabal, Labneh, Fattoush, and Vine Leaves, every dish is prepared with care to celebrate the flavors of Lebanon. Hot appetizers, grilled skewers, daily mains, and fresh bread complete the spread, followed by a selection of premium Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Shaibeat, Othamlieh, Kunafa rolls, and fruits for dessert. 

For those who prefer to break their fast at home, Al Hallab also offers Iftar meal boxes for delivery, making it easy to enjoy a complete Ramadan meal in the comfort of your own space. Available for one, two, or four people, each Iftar includes dates to break the fast, comforting soups, traditional juices like Kamaredine and Jallab, a selection of cold and hot appetizers, daily main dishes, and a taste of Ramadan’s sweetest delights, including Kataef Walnut and Shaibeyat Ashta.

Al Hallab’s Iftar is more than a meal; it is an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with loved ones. Whether enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant or the comfort of home, every Iftar is a moment of joy, flavor, and heritage.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF LOOKUP ROOFTOP BAR WITH A REFINED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY

Published

on

Nighttime cityscape view from LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES showing the illuminated Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline.

La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai, Autograph Collection announces the reopening of its rooftop destination, LookUp Rooftop Bar,on 22nd January 2026. Reintroduced with a refined Mediterranean identity and a fully refreshed look, LookUp now offers a complete day-to-night experience that feels genuinely new, even for long- standing guests of the hotel.

Overlooking City Walk with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, LookUp has been reshaped into a rooftop destination with greater depth and purpose. By day, the space centres around its infinity pool and open terraces, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, swim and spend time outdoors. A strengthened food offering now plays a central role in the experience, with a full Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring wood fired pizzas and fresh sharable dishes, designed for casual dining and longer stays.

As the day moves into evening, LookUp naturally shifts in energy. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, a considered music programme and live DJs, alongside a calendar of curated experiences including fashion showcases, brand collaborations and pop ups. Morning wellness sessions such as yoga and pilates further extend the rooftop’s use beyond traditional bar hours, creating a space that works across different moments of the day.

The refreshed LookUp is designed as more than a rooftop bar. It is a lifestyle destination that brings together leisure, dining and social connection in one setting. With its updated design, stronger menu focus and varied programming, LookUp offers returning guests a new way to experience a familiar space, while welcoming new visitors into the heart of City Walk.

The reopening will welcome hotel owners, Marriott leaders, media, partners and influencers, marking the next chapter for one of City Walk’s most recognisable rooftops. With ongoing collaborations across wellness, fashion and lifestyle, LookUp Rooftop Bar is positioned as a key social destination within City Walk, offering experiences from sunrise through to late night.

Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, UAE & Levant – Premium & Select, Marriott International commented: “The return of LookUp is both timely and emblematic of Dubai’s ever-evolving social landscape. With its revitalised Mediterranean-inspired concept, the destination seamlessly combines refined charm with enhanced hospitality, embodying the city’s affinity for sophisticated and vibrant nightlife. We are confident the relaunch of this popular venue will be appreciated by local residents and international visitors.” 

Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management, Dubai Holding, added: “LookUp has always been more than just a rooftop, it’s part of La Ville’s story and spirit. This reimagining represents our commitment to continuous evolution and to creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. With its Mediterranean charm and breathtaking views, LookUp once again reflects the essence of Dubai: dynamic, sophisticated, and full of life.”

Continue Reading

Hospitality

RAMADAN IFTAR AT OASIS TERRACE & GARDEN, MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN

Published

on

Iftar dessert and fruit buffet display at MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN featuring assorted cakes, mini pastries, fresh fruit platters, and traditional Ramadan desserts arranged on a serving counter.

This Ramadan, Oasis Terrace & Garden at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments, Downtown Dubai invites guests to break their fast in a relaxed outdoor setting with a garden-style Iftar buffet designed for families, friends, and group gatherings.

The experience features authentic Arabian and regional favourites, complemented by interactive live cooking stations. Guests are welcomed with dates and water on arrival, followed by unlimited access to mezze, salads, hot mains, and signature Oasis desserts. Live stations include Shawarma, slow-cooked Ouzi, and BBQ specialities, alongside a dedicated dessert counter and mocktails with laban.

Set across the venue’s open-air terrace and garden, the Iftar offers a laid-back yet festive atmosphere ideal for both casual and corporate celebrations throughout the holy month.

With its combination of open-air seating, warm hospitality and thoughtfully curated buffet, Oasis Terrace & Garden offers a welcoming space to slow down and reconnect after sunset. The experience reflects the spirit of Ramadan, bringing together comforting flavours, shared plates and a setting designed for togetherness. Available throughout Ramadan 2026 (subject to official moon sighting, expected from 19 February 2026).

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator