Hospitality

A FRESH EXPRESSION OF ITALIAN DINING AS CUCINA LAUNCHES A NEW MENU BY CHEF MARCO DERIU

Published

4 months ago

November 17, 2025

Cucina, the popular Italian trattoria on Palm West Beach, unveils its most exciting culinary adaptation yet with the launch of a completely refreshed food and drinks menu led by the dynamic Italian duo: Chef Marco Deriu and General Manager Emanuele Rizzo.

Marking the venue’s most significant evolution since opening, the new season at Cucina is a heartfelt expression of Italian culinary culture, rooted in Chef Marco’s Sardinian heritage, enriched by regional traditions from across Italy, and shaped together with Emanuele’s passion for authentic hospitality. The result is a menu that blends nostalgia and creativity with the soulful simplicity of Italian dining, presented in family-style, single, and sharing dishes that encourage guests to explore, connect, and experience the warmth of Italian hospitality.

Celebrating food that tells a story, the menu moves harmoniously between rustic comfort and refined flair. Hero dishes include Battuto di Manzo, an elegant interpretation of a Sardinian classic with finely chopped beef served alongside crisp pane carasau brushed with aromatic herbs; and the Insalata Prosciutto e Melone, a sun-drenched ode to Italian summers, reimagined with layered textures and vibrant flavours.

The Fregola Sarda pays tribute to Marco’s roots, featuring toasted pasta pearls simmered in a rich, aromatic broth that nods to the historic culinary exchange between Sardinia and Catalonia. For something indulgent, the Filetto Cacio e Pepe pairs tender beef fillet with handmade pasta filled with creamy cacio e pepe, finished with a silky beef jus. Meanwhile, Polpette della Nonna brings home-style comfort with slow-cooked meatballs over parmesan fondue, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Alongside the new dishes, Cucina’s beverage programme steps into the spotlight with a bold, reimagined lineup crafted by the newly appointed Beverage Manager, Rafael Coelho. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s timeless drinking culture, Rafael took to the resort’s state-of-the-art beverage lab to develop an EPIC new offering that goes far beyond the expected. Guests can look forward to inventive Negroni expressions, playful twists on the classic Spritz, and signature cocktails designed to mirror the soul of the kitchen – from Viaggio in Italia, a rum-and-mint nod to the Italian summer, to La Vita È Bella, a sparkling celebration of life with Aperol and pomegranate, and I Limoni D’Inverno, where limoncello and lemon sorbet meet a whisper of chocolate.

Chef Marco Deriu, Chef de Cuisine of Cucina The Palm, said: “This menu is deeply personal. It carries the flavours of my Sardinian upbringing, the experiences that shaped my journey as a chef, and the emotions that come with cooking from the heart. My hope is that guests feel that same warmth in every bite.”

General Manager Emanuele Rizzo added: “Marco and I share a love for Italian cooking that is rooted in tradition but never afraid to evolve. This new season at Cucina is about honouring our heritage while giving guests something new to discover.”

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

11 hours 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

3 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

3 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: