Hospitality

It’s Never Just About the Food

Published

9 months ago

May 29, 2025

Exclusive interview with Chef Daniela Sfara, Ciao Bella at Media One Hotel

I like to share that, the more intuitively we cook – that is to understand how to connect with our ingredients and polishing the know-how of sensory cooking without the rigidity of measurements – we learn to make better decisions in our lives as this method transcends the kitchen. Cook slowly, connect and truly enjoy the process – very much as we would building a business, and spending time with our loved ones.

How does it feel to return to Ciao Bella and Larte for another round of your soulful supper clubs?

I feel deeply moved truly. For me, it’s not just an invitation, it’s a recognition of the connection that was created the first time. It feels like returning to a place that understands the essence of what I bring. Being here again, surrounded by guests who value the depth, the history, the emotion behind every dish—it’s a quiet affirmation that what I’m doing matters. It’s never just about the food; it’s about the conviviality and carrying forward of legacies – shared moments, the stories, the beauty of culture passed from one heart (and kitchen) to another.

You bring a beautiful blend of heart and heritage to your cooking. Can you share a bit about your journey into the culinary world and how your Italian-Canadian background influences your style?

I’ve been cooking since I was a child. I wasn’t even three years old yet when I began learning from my mother, and I had the influence of my mother, my grandmother, aunts, uncles and the many young-at-heart men and women across Italy from whom I’ve been invited into their kitchens—to learn from, to be shared stories of tradition, culinary culture, and excellence with. And to me, quite literally, it’s just how I live. Now, representing the Italian diaspora, it’s become even more layered—because it’s not just about technique or taste in my cooking style, it’s about memory, legacy, and an instinctive knowing. It’s how I connect what I do today with past generations: the knowing of ingredients, the land they come from, the rhythm of cultivation, the reverence of harvest. That deep relationship with the earth and its offerings shows up in everything I create and share with those at my table. And at the heart of it all is authenticity—not in the performative sense, but in the honest simplicity of the dishes themselves. After all, it is the humblest dishes we carry in our hearts the longest.

Your supper clubs are described as intimate, nostalgic, and full of “amore.” What makes this dining experience so special for you — and for the guests?

Absolutely, amore. For me, it’s a natural connection to people—that’s how we live. Our door was always open and now in my adulthood, it’s still open at my own home. People knock once, say ‘permesso’ (may I come in?) and they’re in—espresso brewing, stories flowing, time slowing down. That spirit is the heartbeat of my supper clubs. It’s more than just dinner—it’s about creating a space where people feel like they’ve been taken to Italy for the evening – whether in their nonna’s or mamma’s kitchen, or to discover the beauty Italy offers. They feel the warmth, the ease, the unspoken understanding that food is just the beginning. It’s the catalyst for laughter, conversation, and real connection. When everyone’s gathered at one table, something shifts. I often step back and watch—not just the clinking of glasses, but the emotion, the sparkle in people’s eyes, the strangers who suddenly feel like long-lost friends. That’s the magic. That’s why it’s so special.

The menus take guests on a journey across Italy — from the seafood of Sicilia to comforting classics of Emilia-Romagna. What inspired the curation of this year’s menu?

Well, you know, it’s difficult for me to focus on just one region—every part of Italy has its own soul, its own ingredients, its own stories rooted in the people, the place, the land, the terroir. Each region speaks a different dialect through its food, and I love that. So, for me, curating this year’s menu was about taking people on that journey—north to south, coast to countryside. I get to share these places, share stories they may have never heard, and bring them into corners of Italy they might not even know exist. They’re tasting not just the flavors, but the feeling of being in a home in Sicilia, or at a family table in Emilia-Romagna. It’s intimate, it’s real, and it’s the closest thing to traveling with me through the country.

The wine pairings are a big part of the supper club evenings. How do you go about selecting the perfect pairings to match the emotional tone of each dish?

Very much like food, wine has its own identity tied to place. There’s a natural rhythm between what grows in the soil and what is shared on a plate or in a glass. When you pair a dish from a region with a wine from the same place, there’s an unspoken harmony—because they’ve grown up together, side by side, shaped by the same climate, the same land, the same hands. It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the nuance, the history, the balance, the way the wine lifts the dish and vice versa. The grapes, the ingredients, the cultivation—they’re all part of the same environment. So, pairing becomes intuitive. It’s a natural marriage between the flavors, the textures, even the emotional tone of the dish. And of course, we work with what’s available, but even then, we stay aligned with that deeper sense of connection between place and palate.

Hospitality

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

Published

16 hours 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

16 hours 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

18 hours 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: