Hospitality

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

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

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

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

2 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

5 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

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: