Hospitality

Let the Ingredients Do the Work—We Are Just Cooks

Published

10 months ago

April 16, 2025

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.

Hospitality

JOE’S CAFÉ DUBAI ELEVATES THE RAMADAN EXPERIENCE WITH ICONIC BURJ KHALIFA VIEWS

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

A table at JOE’S CAFÉ DUBAI set for Iftar, featuring assorted dishes including lentil soup, avocado quinoa salad, grilled skewers, a beetroot and greens starter, slow‑cooked lamb shank with rice, bread slices, and a mint drink, all arranged on a patterned red tablecloth with small lanterns and warm natural lighting.

This Ramadan, Joe’s Café Dubai invites guests to gather for a moment of togetherness in one of the city’s most elegant dining settings. Nestled within Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall and overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Joe’s Café presents a luxury Iftar experience that blends British heritage with the warmth and spirit of Ramadan.

Built around the theme of “A Moment of Togetherness”, the Ramadan experience at Joe’s Café is thoughtfully designed for families, friends, and corporate groups to break their fast at sunset. The specially curated Iftar menu reimagines British classics with Ramadan warmth, featuring a selection of premium and balanced flavours.

Joe’s Café’s specially curated Ramadan Iftar menu is priced at AED 320 per person and showcases a refined selection of signature dishes designed for both comfort and indulgence.

Guests can begin with warming lentil soup, followed by starters such as Calamari Fritti or a fresh Avocado Quinoa Salad. The main course highlights include the slow-baked Lamb Shank served with aromatic lamb rice and yoghurt, perfectly grilled salmon with pea purée and ratatouille, garlic-flavoured grilled chicken with steak fries, and the much-loved Risotto Al Mare featuring calamari, prawns, and hammour in Joe’s signature pink sauce. Traditional Ramadan beverages including Jallab, tamarind, mixed dates and dry apricot drinks complement the experience.

As the call to prayer marks the end of the day, guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of refined comfort, attentive service, and understated luxury, where Iftar feels both elevated and familiar. With its fashion-heritage roots, skyline views, and lifestyle-led dining philosophy, Joe’s Café Dubai stands out as a must-visit Ramadan destination for those seeking an Iftar that is both culturally resonant and luxuriously composed.

Hospitality

Love Is on the Menu at Luciano’s

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Valentine’s Day, be transported to the heart of the Mediterranean at Luciano’s, where romance meets vibrant coastal flavors in an atmosphere brimming with charm and warmth. Celebrate love with an unforgettable dining experience that captures the true essence of Mediterranean cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to delight the senses and set the mood for a magical evening.

Guests will enjoy a specially curated sharing-style Valentine’s menu, starting with an amuse-bouche of Pescado Rojo salsa with tuna, spicy salsa, and avocado purée, followed by ricotta ravioli with pumpkin, feta, hazelnut, and crispy leek. The main course features slow-cooked ribs with beetroot, parsnip, and wild mushroom jus, while dessert showcases Valrhona raspberry chocolate with hazelnut cake, fleur de sel, feuillantine, and mignardises.

Adding a romantic touch to the evening, each lady will be presented with a rose and chocolate, making the occasion even more special. Whether raising a glass of bubbly or soaking in the lively ambiance, Luciano’s offers the perfect setting to celebrate love in style.

The Valentine’s Day experience is priced at AED 595 per couple, inclusive of soft beverages, or AED 695 per couple, including a glass of bubbly upon arrival.

Date: Valentine’s Day
Location: Luciano’s, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection.

Hospitality

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON – VALENTINE’S DAY

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Skyline Symphony: A Love Story in 360° at Level 43

Celebrate Valentine’s Day high above the city at Level 43, where romance unfolds against breathtaking 360° panoramic skyline views. Designed for romance and exclusivity, the evening pairs elevated cuisine with premium sparkling selections, offering couples a choice of three thoughtfully curated packages, each crafted to create unforgettable moments as the city lights come alive.

Valentine’s Night Dining | Skyline Symphony Packages

The Horizon Classic: Four-course fusion menu with a bottle of house sparkling wine | AED 1,100 per couple

Venue: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Dubai

For more information, please contact +971 56 414 2213

Candlelight & Strings: Valentine’s Day at Publiq

Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with Candlelight & Strings at Publiq. Enjoy an intimate evening featuring a specially curated three-course Valentine’s set menu, complemented by live string music and a bottle of sparkling wine. A perfect setting for couples to celebrate love in a warm, romantic ambiance.

Details:

Date: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Venue: Publiq European Bistro, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

A Playful Valentine’s Night at Purani Dilli, SZR

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a vibrant and quirky twist at Purani Dilli, SZR. Known for its lively atmosphere and gimmicky, Instagrammable food and beverage experiences, the venue sets the stage for a fun-filled evening that’s perfect for couples who love bold flavours and share-worthy moments. The special Valentine’s dinner features a four-course set menu, complemented by a glass of bubbly, served in an energetic and colourful setting that blends nostalgia with modern flair.

Details:

Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: AED 279 per couple (including a glass of bubbly)
Venue: Purani Dilli, SZR

Valentine’s Night with 90s Romance at Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai

Step back in time this Valentine’s Day with a nostalgic twist at Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai. Enjoy a live 90s romantic song performance while indulging in a specially curated Valentine’s buffet made with premium ingredients. Each couple will also receive two glasses of bubbly, making it the perfect way to celebrate love in a lively yet intimate setting.

Details:

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai

DJ Valentine Bash at Tipsy Tikka

Turn up the energy this Valentine’s Day at Tipsy Tikka with a high-octane DJ Valentine Bash. DJ Pepz will spin a mix of romantic, Bollywood, and commercial hits, creating the perfect soundtrack for couples and friends alike. Open to singles and groups, the night comes with unlimited alcoholic beverages and cocktails, promising a fun-filled, lively celebration.

Details: