Hospitality

Gulfood Day 3: Culinary Excellence, New Products and Global Trends on the menu

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event opened its doors for a third day of industry trade exchanges, and knowledge transfer amidst a spectacular culinary showcase.

Gulfood brings gastronomic superstar Chef Alain Ducasse and takes centre stage

Celebrity Chef and 21 Michelin Star Chef, Alain Ducasse from the acclaimed Ducasse restaurant in Paris and three Michelin Star Chef Romain Meder, Sapid (Paris), Alain’s right-hand man, showcased plant-powered perfection with a multi-approach interpretation on carrots using the entire product at Top Table.

Commenting on his philosophy of natural eating, Ducasse summarised. “We need to look at what is natural, be precocious and use less animal protein, less fat, sugar and salt. I am not saying that I don’t use meat rather we need to use less quantity of meat but of a better quality. The fine dining industry influences the whole business, like haute couture in fashion so with our students in our schools around the world, we teach them that vegetables can be the focus and reduce the animal protein.”

Circling to the masterclass, Meder offered, “Using the whole product, we’ll use different techniques to capture the carrot’s maximum flavour and give a concentrated flavour without salt and use the capucine leaf instead of black pepper.”

Moving on, Ducasse addressed the Food500 Summit reinstating the pivotal role of culinary arts as a driver of the industry during his first appearance in the region. A chef’s roundtable exploring culinary futurism with three Michelin Star Chef, Angel Leon and two Michelin Star Chef, Fredrik Berselius followed straight after.

F&B trading arena: Showcase continues with new product launches

A diverse range of innovative products has been unveiled at Gulfood 2025, from Estonia’s award-winning Shredded Chickenless Coconut Curry to unique creations like Spinach-Flavoured Ice Lollies by homegrown brand House of POPs, as well as bold new flavours like Date Mustard and Date Cola.

“Launching our new edible flower collection and vitality collection at Gulfood was extremely important for House of Pops. Gulfood is a global stage, and we couldn’t think of a better opportunity to showcase the best we have to offer. Winning the Innovation Award for Best Health & Wellness product is a testament to the quality and cutting-edge manufacturing we bring to the table. These pops are the first of their kind in the UAE.” Says, Mazen Kanaan, Co-founder & CEO

Food500 Summit Day 3 Agenda: Ensuring stable food trade, trends and growth opportunities, shifting geopolitics and culinary futurism

Speaking to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) role in ensuring stable food trade, Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of Agriculture and Commodities Division shared this insight. “About 80% of global trade is placed on WTO terms. Trade in food and agricultural products has increased five-fold since 2000, nearly USD 2 trillion, with many countries being able to trade their way out of poverty and enhance food security for their people such as China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

However, there is more to be done, and we need to make sure we level the playing field and create conditions that can harness innovation to have a system that has more high-quality food produced sustainably. Additionally, businesses have a vital role to play in working with governments to support stable trade in food and agricultural products.”

Trends and growth opportunities in the F&B space drove a panel discussion conversation around the evolving consumer mindset’s influence, GCC market dynamics, driving growth in a scale market and the need to master innovation to meet consumer needs.

Geopolitical factors and implications on the global food supply chain were openly addressed in a panel discussion. Key areas covered include sanctions and trade barriers’ impact on the supply chain, managing supply chain risk, collaboration amongst nations to foster engagement, and the government’s role in ensuring secure and resilient food systems.

Top Table plants ahead before moving to land and sea

Chef Khaled Allibhai, Cultiva (Kenya), alongside the restaurant’s founder, Ariel Moscardi continued with the sustainable theme bringing a garden box from farm to future. Dubai-based Executive chefs from Michelin Guide listed and Gault & Millau two toques recipient Takahisa, Takashi Namekata and Hisao Ueda, held a sushi and wagyu beef master series. Three Michelin Star Chef Angel Leon, Aponiente (Spain) emphasised the need to explore a sustainable approach when working with marine life before seeing Japanese seafood in action with Chef Pawel Kazanowski, Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

Hospitality

JD MALAT GALLERY X AFRICAN QUEEN KOJO MARFO INSTALLATION LAUNCHES DURING RAMADAN AT J1 BEACH

Published

7 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

African Queen Dubai unveils a special collaboration with JD Malat Gallery which operates in Downtown, Dubai and Mayfair, London, presenting an installation of works by Ghanaian-British artist Kojo Marfo at its J1 Beach location. Launching during the holy month of Ramadan through to summer, Marfo’s vibrant paintings enter into dialogue with the spirit of African Queen – the iconic Mediterranean restaurant founded on the French Riviera in 1969.

Installed throughout the venue, the works transform African Queen into an immersive cultural setting where gastronomy, art and atmosphere converge. From sunlit interiors to open terraces overlooking the shoreline, guests encounter contemporary African art within a space defined by Riviera elegance and cosmopolitan energy.

Born in 1980, Kojo Marfo is recognised for his distinctive AfroGenesis style – an Afrocentric “new beginning” that fuses Cubist visual language with Akan artistic traditions. His layered figurative works explore identity and spirituality, reframing African heritage through a contemporary lens. Rooted in Ghanaian artistic traditions while engaging with European modernism, Marfo’s work is expressive, symbolic and internationally resonant.

This dialogue between heritage and reinterpretation mirrors African Queen’s own story. Founded in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, African Queen embodies Mediterranean art de vivre, where cuisine, culture and celebration unfold in an atmosphere of warmth and timeless glamour. Inspired by the 1951 film The African Queen, the venue’s layered textures and design create an environment that feels transportive yet refined.

At J1 Beach, the concept transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to vibrant evening gatherings.

Throughout Ramadan, African Queen welcomes guests for sea-view Iftar gatherings, offering a curated set menu designed for sharing. The experience begins with dates and lentil soup, followed by Arabic mezze with warm bread, lamb samosa and stuffed vine leaves. A choice of lamb, beef kebab, chicken tagine or vegetarian tagine follows, concluding with seasonal fruit. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included per person.

The JD Malat Gallery and African Queen Kojo Marfo installation runs from February 2026 through summer 2026.

À la carte dining is available daily. Iftar is served from sunset throughout Ramadan, Iftar is served from sunset until 9:00 PM, with set menus starting from 296 AED per person, including welcome dates and apricot, sharing starters, a choice of main course, and dessert. The Suhoor menu is available throughout Ramadan from 10:30 PM until 1:30 AM, with last orders taken at 12:45 AM.

Hospitality

SEVA Holds Its Table Open for Community This Ramadan

Published

23 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

In moments when the wider landscape feels uncertain, SEVA Table continues to hold its doors open as a daily act of care. Guests are invited to break their fast, reconnect and regulate with Ramadan Sufra designed to gently restore after fasting. The menu features dishes that support digestion and help transition the body gradually from fasting to nourishment. Highlights include:

Adas bi Hamod, slow-simmered green lentils with Swiss chard and lemon
Salt & Date: The Elemental Platter for two, featuring soup, warm dates, beetroot falafel, green shakshouka, hummus, cashew labneh, olives, bread, and tea
Light desserts including gluten-free cinnamon rolls and saffron lime key pie for sweetness that lingers without excess.
Karak Chai infused with cardamom and saffron

Everything is prepared in-house from scratch and designed to replenish without heaviness.

SEVA continues to operate as usual. The garden remains open for those who simply wish to sit quietly, share tea, or spend time in a steady environment. The café and space remain active, welcoming, and attentive.

“The table is not a backdrop. It is the practice,” says Shadi Enbashi, co-founder of SEVA. “We lay the Sufra each day because the act of gathering, of nourishing one another with care and without noise, is itself a form of presence.”

As always, SEVA offers what it can within its means. Simply a table, set with care, open to all who wish to sit.

Hospitality

WOMEN’S DAY AT JOE’S CAFÉ: ENJOY A COMPLEMENTARY TIRAMISU WITH THE BURJ KHALIFA VIEW

Published

23 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

With stunning views, comforting cuisine and a warm ambience, Joe’s Café welcomes every woman to unwind, reconnect and celebrate Women’s Day in true Dubai style.

This Women’s Day, celebrate the spirit of ‘Her’ with an indulgent shopping-and-sipping experience at Joe’s Café. Perfectly perched inside The Dubai Mall, the café offers front-row views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the mesmerising Dubai Fountain, making it one of the city’s most picturesque celebration spots.

Whether it’s a sun-kissed breakfast, a leisurely afternoon lunch between shopping sprees, or an elegant dinner with your closest friends, Joe’s Café creates the perfect setting for heartfelt conversations and memorable moments. To make the occasion even sweeter, guests can enjoy a complimentary Tiramisu with any main dish, available for lunch and Iftar. A delightful touch to toast the women who inspire, lead and uplift every day. Gather your squad, raise a cup, and celebrate ‘Her’ where the city sparkles brightest.