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Hospitality
CULINARY SECRETS OF AN INSPIRED PALETTE
Exclusive Interview with Vladimir Chistyakov, Brand chef & restaurateur, Himitsu
Questions:
We’ve heard that your journey started with a moment of inspiration – where did this happen and what was it about that experience that truly changed your perspective on food?
It all started in my hometown, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. I grew up surrounded by honest, simple food, such as baked potatoes, pickled mushrooms or smoked fish. It wasn’t about luxury; rather the food symbolised care, emotion, and connection. Later, I realised that true gastronomy isn’t about complexity, it’s about truth, and the kind of flavour that brings you back to a memory and can capture you in nostalgia.
You’ve built restaurants that feel personal in story and style. How do you bring this style and individuality into the collective rhythm of a kitchen?
A kitchen is a living organism. It breathes with rhythm, emotion, and trust. I try to build a culture where creativity doesn’t belong to one person. We talk, taste, argue, grow and learn together. When the team understands not only how to cook a dish, but why it exists, individuality naturally becomes part of the collective rhythm.
What’s the wildest flavour pairing you’ve experimented with that actually worked?
Birch smoke and blackcurrant. It happened by accident, where the aroma of burnt birch met the berry’s acidity and created an unexpected harmony. Sometimes nature whispers solutions before logic does.
You’ve lived and worked across different cultures. What’s one culinary philosophy from Russia that continues to shape your approach?
Respect for the product. In Russia, especially in Siberia, people have always cooked with what they had and it teaches care and gratitude for your ingredients and produce. When you treat nature’s gifts with appreciation and honour, the dish will always find its balance.
Dubai’s culinary scene is buzzing with innovation, what excites you most about being a chef here right now?
Freedom. In Dubai, you can experiment without boundaries. People are open, curious, and ready to experience food emotionally. For a chef, it’s the perfect place to grow — creatively and personally.
Himitsu means “secret” in Japanese. What is the secret ingredient that becomes essential to creating unforgettable dining experiences?
Attention. Not just to ingredients, but to people, sound, light, the mood of the evening and overall ambiance. The secret lies in harmony, when everything feels effortless, yet deeply intentional.
Quick Questions:
One word that best describes your cooking philosophy?
Cooking philosophy: Honesty.
First dish you made that made you think, “I’m a chef now”?
The first dish that made me think, “I’m a chef now” was a Black Sea white fish — simply roasted, served with millet porridge and fermented root vegetables. Minimalism with character
A secret ingredient for turning dishes into exquisite flavours?
Secret ingredient for flavour: Time, patience that allows flavours to unfold.
Your signature dish, and the story behind it?
Meat smoked on birch bark with bone marrow sauce and pickled peppers. A dish that symbolises my background, my future and my creativity – fire, tradition, and character.
The one technique you think every chef should master?
Roasting: it teaches you timing, temperature, and intuition.
Hospitality
THE BROOKLYN CREAMERY LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SORBET BAR WITH JUST 37 CALORIES – MEET THE MANGO SORBET
Who says you can’t enjoy the taste of peak-season mango in the middle of winter? The Brooklyn Creamery, the UAE’s premier better-for-you ice cream brand, makes it possible with its newest innovation: the Mango Sorbet Bar.
A bright and refreshing celebration of mango, the 37-calorie Mango Sorbet Bar is crafted for health-conscious dessert lovers, mango enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a little sunshine in their day. Made with just five ingredients, the bar delivers indulgent fruity flavour without compromise.
“We wanted to bring the natural, juicy goodness of real mango to our fans all year round,” says Shivaan Ghai, Founder of The Brooklyn Creamery. “With just 37 calories, the Mango Sorbet Bar delivers bright, authentic fruit flavour in a clean, low-calorie format — without compromising on ingredients or quality.
The Mango Sorbet Bar is 100% natural, free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Its smooth, vibrant taste mirrors the luscious sweetness of real mango, transforming a simple sorbet into a moment of tropical escape. Perfect as a post-workout treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or light dessert, it proves that indulgence can be refreshing, simple, and better for you.
The new Mango Sorbet bar is available across the UAE for AED 9 per 55ml bar, via Deliveroo, Talabat, Noon Food, and Careem.
With this launch, The Brooklyn Creamery continues to redefine indulgence, offering flavors that surprise, delight, and deliver a creamy, satisfying experience.
This festive season, celebrate Christmas with a touch of sophistication and sky-high style at OAnjo, Dubai’s elegant rooftop restaurant where Japanese culinary artistry meets the vibrant spirit of Peruvian flavours. With panoramic skyline views and a specially curated three-course festive menu, OAnjo invites guests to experience the true spirit of Christmas — refined, joyful, and unforgettable.
Guests are invited to indulge in a three-course festive menu, thoughtfully curated to showcase the elegance and balance of modern Japanese cuisine with the warmth and zest of Peru. From delicate sushi creations to exquisitely grilled dishes, each course reflects OAnjo’s signature precision and flair — an ode to Japan’s culinary philosophy of harmony, simplicity, and flavour.
Guests can choose from two festive packages designed to suit every celebration:
With panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline, OAnjo provides the perfect backdrop for festive gatherings, intimate dinners, and joyful moments shared under the stars. Guests can toast to the holidays while savouring exceptional dishes and soaking in the restaurant’s stylish, serene ambiance.
Book your table today and make this Christmas one to remember — where good food, great company, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony.
Event Details
OAnjo Restaurant, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration — December 24
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is turning December into a month-long celebration of international sound. The venue has announced a trio of standout DJ nights, each spotlighting deep grooves, eclectic vibes and artists who really know what they’re doing.
The series opens on Friday, 5 December, with WASS & NESTA. Known for their dynamic, rhythm-driven sets and the ability to read the room, the duo is set to ignite the dancefloor, turning the night into a serious dialogue between DJs and the crowd.
On Thursday, 11 December, the spotlight turns to a Jazz Kissa-inspired evening featuring Dan Greenpeace, Frezidante and Amir. Each brings a distinctly different musical lens, resulting in a flowy blend of jazz influences, broken beats and soulful house.
Rounding out the month is “Italian Job” on Friday, 19 December, led by LTJ and Tommy Outside. The pair will deliver a tribute to Italy’s influential electronic music with warm textures, timeless grooves and the kind of sophisticated selections that have made Italian DJs beloved around the world.
Throughout all three nights, guests can enjoy Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s Japanese-inspired menu along with its standout drinks. Music starts from 9 pm onwards, and there’s an entry fee of AED 120, which includes a complimentary drink token, while table reservations require a minimum spend of AED 350 per person from 9:30 pm.
For those unable to join the international nights, Honeycomb Hi-Fi will still be buzzing throughout the month with its local programming. Upcoming December highlights include PEPELZ on Monday, 15 December, a MONILE guest shift with Raiza Carrera on Wednesday, 17 December, and an NYE takeover with N-You-Up on Wednesday, 31 December.
THE BROOKLYN CREAMERY LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SORBET BAR WITH JUST 37 CALORIES – MEET THE MANGO SORBET
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS WITH SKYLINE VIEWS AND EXQUISITE DINING AT OANJO
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