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CULINARY SECRETS OF AN INSPIRED PALETTE

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Smiling man wearing glasses and Ice Cube t-shirt in black and white photo at indoor venue

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.

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    Hospitality

    RIVA BEACH CLUB WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH UNFORGETTABLE BEACHFRONT EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

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    RIVA Beach Club swimming pool with palm trees overlooking Palm Jumeirah beach and Dubai skyline with Burj Al Arab view

    The festive season in Dubai is here, and there’s no better place to embrace the celebrations than Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Blending golden sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed spirit, Riva is turning up the fun with a sparkling lineup of events, from weekly experiences to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Early bird offers are available until 10 November 2025 – because who doesn’t love a good discount?

    Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style

    Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday classics and sweet treats, all paired with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Little ones will be thrilled with the dedicated kids’ fun zone and crafts, while adults can toast the day with complimentary wine on arrival.

    When: 25 December | 1 PM – 4 PM

    Early Bird Offer valid until 10 November 2025

    New Year’s Eve by the Beach – Countdown Under the Stars

    For those looking to welcome 2026 in style, the New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a vibrant beachfront evening with panoramic skyline views, live music, festive décor, and free-flowing drinks under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to ring in the New Year with friends and family right on the sand!

    When: 31 December | 8 PM – 12 AM

    Early Bird Offer valid until 10 November 2025

    In addition to its festive offerings, Riva Beach Club continues to host a variety of weekly experiences designed for every guest.

    UAE Resident Offer (Every Monday): Start the week with sunshine and flavour. Residents enjoy 50% off the à la carte menu, perfect for a midweek pause with Mediterranean favourites and waterfront vibes.

    Mankind Tuesdays (Every Tuesday): Turn a regular Tuesday into an adventure. Men get full beach and pool access, curated dining, up to 50% off water sports rentals with Ignite Water Sports, and 30% off at Kalm Grooming Salon – all for AED 99 per person. Paddleboards, kayaks, and e-foils bring adrenaline and fun, making it the ultimate weekday escape.

    The Great Family Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends just got better. Families can enjoy pool and beach access, curated dining, and kids’ entertainment. The package is AED 399 for two adults and AED 99 per child, with night swim access until 10 PM, because the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down. Located along Palm Jumeirah’s scenic coastline, Riva Beach Club continues to define the city’s beach lifestyle. With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, relaxed energy, and stunning views, it remains a favourite destination to celebrate, dine, and unwind for all ages.

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    Hospitality

    A MASTERPIECE RECOGNISED: ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI AWARDED ONE KEY BY THE MICHELIN GUIDE 2025

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    ME Dubai hotel illuminated at dusk with Michelin Guide 2025 logo overlay

    The iconic ME By Meliá Dubai, designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, has been awarded the prestigious One Key by the MICHELIN Guide 2025, joining the ranks of the world’s most exceptional hotels celebrated for excellence in design, service, and guest experience.

    A sculptural marvel rising in the heart of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa district, ME By Meliá Dubai is the only hotel in the world fully designed, inside and out, by Hadid herself. The property embodies her bold, futuristic vision, a fluid interplay of light, form, and emotion that transforms every stay into an experience of art.

    This new recognition by the MICHELIN Guide affirms the hotel’s position as a global icon of contemporary hospitality, where the boundaries between architecture, culture, and comfort dissolve into a seamless work of art.

    This recognition is more than an accolade; it’s a reflection of our spirit,” said Elsa Lahoude, general manager. “At ME by Meliá Dubai, hospitality is an art form. Every curve, every interaction, and every detail is crafted to evoke emotion and connection. To be recognised by the MICHELIN Guide is a tribute to our team’s creativity, dedication, and belief in reimagining the meaning of luxury.”

    Beyond its striking architecture, ME by Meliá Dubai has redefined what it means to stay in style. Its 93 rooms and 13 residences are individually designed, no two spaces alike – each celebrating personality and perspective. The hotel’s intuitive service model is built on personalisation, empathy, and spontaneity, inviting guests to become collaborators in an unfolding creative experience. Even poolside, the sense of artistry continues, with luxurious Loro Piana sunbeds designed by Dutch artist Femm, blending comfort with creative expression and offering guests an elevated space to unwind in style.

    The hotel has evolved into a true cultural hub, featuring nine acclaimed dining destinations. These include Central Restaurant, the hotel’s signature venue, alongside eight exceptional partner concepts: ROKA – visited by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Maison Dali, helmed by Tristin Farmer, a three-Michelin-starred chef; Soirée, The MAINE Land Brasserie, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, Revolver, Salmon Guru, and Sfumato. Complementing its culinary offerings are art-led experiences and fashion-forward collaborations that continue to shape the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.

    As it celebrates this new milestone, ME By Meliá Dubai continues to embody its ethos: “Contemporary Culture, By Design,” a philosophy that lives through every curve of its architecture, every personalised gesture of its service, and every creative collaboration that brings the city’s cultural pulse to life.

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    Hospitality

    Dave’s Hot Chicken Sparks Dubai Festival City Mall with Its Fourth Store in Dubai!

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    Dave’s Hot Chicken Sparks Dubai Festival City Mall with Its Fourth Store in Dubai!

    Dave’s Hot Chicken, the cult-favourite LA-born brand known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, is turning up the heat once again with the grand opening of its newest branch at Dubai Festival City Mall. This follows two recent successful openings of Dave’s Hot Chicken branches at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi and Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah.

     This highly anticipated launch marks the brand’s 4th location in Dubai and 6th across the UAE, underscoring the brand’s rapid growth and unwavering popularity among flavour seekers.

     Mohamed Ahmed, Regional Brand Manager,  Said: “We’re thrilled to open our fourth store in Dubai at such a vibrant destination as Dubai Festival City. The city’s love for bold flavours and unique dining experiences continues to inspire us. This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing Dave’s Hot Chicken’s crave-worthy menu to even more fans across the UAE.”

    Strategically located to serve both residents and visitors, the new branch at Dubai Festival City is set to become a go-to spot for those craving the brand’s signature heat. Whether you’re shopping, meeting friends, or exploring the city, Dave’s Hot Chicken promises an unforgettable experience with its energetic interiors and welcoming atmosphere.

    Known for its Hot Chicken Sliders, Tenders and Dave’s Bites, the brand offers a build-your-own-heat experience with seven spice levels, from No Spice to the infamous Reaper™, a fiery challenge that even comes with a signed waiver. Sides like creamy Mac & Cheese, fresh Kale Slaw, Top-Loaded Fries, Slushers, and loaded milkshakes round out the menu, making it a destination for flavor seekers of all kinds! 

    This opening marks another exciting chapter in Dave’s Hot Chicken’s UAE journey, with more expansions on the horizon as the brand continues to win hearts and taste buds across the region.

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