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Hospitality
Let the Ingredients Do the Work—We Are Just Cooks
Exclusive Interview with Joey, Culinary Director at Foodie Holdings
You’ve worked in Michelin-starred and rosette-awarded kitchens in London. How has that shaped your approach to fine dining in Dubai’s dynamic food scene?
Coming from the world of Michelin-starred restaurants to catering is a completely different challenge—there’s no direct comparison. I wanted to push myself in a new environment, learn different operational skills, and work across a wide range of demographics and themes. Joining Foodie Holdings was an exciting opportunity because the company already had a strong reputation in the catering world. I was able to take my fine dining background and adapt it to the diverse environments we work in. It’s an exhilarating process—I’m constantly creating new dishes and evolving ideas every day.
You redesign Dish’s menu every year. How do you stay ahead of global culinary trends, and what inspires your creativity?
I’m always exploring—whether it’s traveling, dining out, or scrolling through Instagram and TikTok (even my son keeps me updated on trends). I constantly take photos of dishes that inspire me and log flavors throughout the year. When it comes time to refresh the menu, my team and I analyze the balance of flavors, the visual impact of the dishes, and how we can execute them at the highest level. It’s about blending creativity with flawless execution to deliver an unforgettable experience for our clients.
What’s one culinary trend you’re excited about right now, and how are you incorporating it into your menus?
I love revisiting classic dishes and bringing them into the modern world. Some timeless flavors deserve a fresh perspective. Take tiramisu—it’s a traditional Italian dessert that has made a big comeback. I reimagined it as a Tiramisu Cannoli canapé—fun, exciting, packed with bold flavors, and visually stunning. It’s all about respecting the classics while giving them a new life.
When creating a bespoke menu for an event, how do you balance client expectations with your own creative vision?
It all starts with understanding the client’s vision. I gather as much detail as possible—mood boards, cuisine preferences, colors, even plating styles. Then, I research modern techniques and presentation ideas while considering the operational side. I keep an open mind and work collaboratively with clients to bring their vision to life, guiding them through the process while ensuring the dishes are both visually striking and full of flavor.
What are the unique challenges of catering for large-scale events compared to traditional restaurant service, and how do you manage them?
In a restaurant, service is staggered throughout the day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—allowing chefs more time to focus on each dish. Catering is completely different. We have to create stunning plates with intense flavors at scale, in a short time frame. My approach is to build maximum flavor into the mise en place stage, so when it comes to execution at the event, the process is smooth, efficient, and delivers the same level of quality as a plated restaurant dish.
As Ramadan approaches, how do you approach crafting special menus that reflect the spirit of the season while adding your own creative touch?
For Ramadan, I honor Arabic flavors and classic dishes but always with a creative twist. I also draw inspiration from across the Middle East—incorporating Moroccan, Turkish, and even Serbian flavors. Each region has its own unique spices and techniques, and blending them into classic Arabic dishes creates something fresh and memorable. It’s about celebrating tradition while adding an unexpected flair.
Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced its Ramadan Iftar offering, “Ramadan Nights: Iftar Under the Stars,” available throughout the holy month at La Piscine.
The Iftar is priced at AED 245 per person on weekdays and AED 260 per person on weekends. Children aged 5 to 12 years receive 50% off, while children below 5 years dine complimentary.
Guests can enjoy favourites such as Arabic hot and cold mezzeh, an Ouzy corner, and an Arabic mixed grill and carving station. The experience is hosted at La Piscine’s beachfront and poolside outdoor restaurant lounge, featuring private gazebos and a relaxed, open-air setting.
A range of special offers is available during Ramadan. Guests can enjoy 15% off with the Early Bird offer when bookings are confirmed with a deposit before the start of Ramadan. For group bookings, one guest dines complimentary for every 10 full-paying adults.
Hospitality
ROHINI AT MÖVENPICK JLT PRESENTS A REPUBLIC DAY SET MENU, FEATURING TRICOLOUR-INSPIRED DESSERTS
This Republic Day, Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is adding a cheerful tricolour moment to the table with three new desserts inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag. Created especially for the Republic Day weekend, the desserts bring a playful and visually striking element to the dining experience, giving guests a fresh reason to stop by.
Drawing from familiar Indian sweets, the dessert selection offers a lighthearted nod to the occasion. The trio includes Tiranga Kalakand, Pistachio Malai ke Motichur, and Jalebi with Kesar Rabdi, adding a sweet finish that feels both nostalgic and timely. Served as part of Rohini’s Republic Day set menu, the desserts stand out as a highlight worth saving room for.
Available from 24th to 26th January, the Republic Day set menu also features a well-rounded selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains. Guests can choose from popular favourites such as Dahi Bhalla, Zafrani Murgh Tikka, Dal Makhni, Rajasthani Laal Maas, Paneer Methi Malai, and Purani Dilli-style pulao, offering plenty of choice across classic Indian flavours.
A familiar name for Indian dining in JLT, Rohini offers a comfortable and welcoming setting for those dining out over the long weekend. With its Republic Day set menu and tricolour-inspired desserts, it makes for an easy and enjoyable way to mark the occasion.
Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.
“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”
For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”
Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit
- CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.
- Surf Abu Dhabi
On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.
- teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.
- Yas Waterworld
Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.
Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.
RAMADAN NIGHTS: IFTAR UNDER THE STARS AT LA PISCINE, AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA
AARK DEVELOPERS APPOINT ONE BROKER GROUP AS EXCLUSIVE SALES PARTNER FOR KARL LAGERFELD BEACH RESIDENCES IN AL MARJAN ISLAND
ROHINI AT MÖVENPICK JLT PRESENTS A REPUBLIC DAY SET MENU, FEATURING TRICOLOUR-INSPIRED DESSERTS
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