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Hospitality

BREWED TO PERFECTION

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2 months ago

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Michael Aldendorff, Managing Director of Sage, professional black and white portrait photograph

Exclusive Interview with Michael Aldendorff, Managing Director, Sage

  1. From its Breville heritage to the Sage identity today, how has the brand’s philosophy evolved, especially when catering to professional kitchens, homes and hotels alike?
  2. Our heritage lies in Breville’s engineering-led approach to creating appliances defined by precision and performance. When the Group expanded globally, it introduced the Sage® brand in markets such as the UK, Europe and the Middle East, since the Breville name was already owned by a third party in these regions. This gave us a company-owned identity that delivers the same global innovation while resonating with local consumers.

Coffee has always been at the center of that journey. What began as engineering for performance has evolved into what is now known as third-wave coffee at home, where origin, flavor integrity and ritual matter as much as caffeine. Guided by our “Food Thinking” ethos, we work with baristas, chefs and consumers to translate challenges into “Simple Moments of Brilliance.”

Today this means “Mastery in a Box”: intuitive appliances that empower people to achieve café-quality results at home and “Master Every Moment” with family and friends.

  • As Managing Director, how do you identify emerging trends in hospitality and dining that could inspire the next generation of Sage products?
  • The most important thing is to spend time in our customers’ kitchens, listening, observing and learning. Trends do not appear overnight; they grow from cultural and lifestyle shifts. In coffee, the growing focus on wellness has meant cleaner flavors, less sugar and a stronger emphasis on origin and brewing style. At the same time, entertaining at home has become more experiential, with the kitchen increasingly acting as the stage.

We also look closely at the café world, since what happens behind the bar often sets the tone for what people later want at home. Guided by our “Food Thinking” ethos, we translate those insights into innovations we describe as “Mastery in a Box.” By the time cold brew or plant-based milk became mainstream at home, Sage had already anticipated the shift, giving consumers the ability to create café-quality experiences with confidence in their own kitchens.

  • Sage just rolled deep into the UAE market with the Luxe Precision Brewer and Oracle Jet with cold functions—so tell us, what’s the vibe behind bringing such café-level tech into hospitality ecosystems here?
  • The UAE is one of the most dynamic coffee landscapes in the world, where tradition and innovation exist side by side. Consumers here are highly discerning, well-traveled and passionate about food and drink, and their expectations at home are shaped by the quality they encounter in specialty cafés. Introducing products like the Luxe Precision Brewer and the Oracle Jet with cold functions is about making that same level of craftsmanship accessible in domestic kitchens.

Ultimately, it is about elevating the domestic ritual. A guest visiting your home in Dubai might expect their morning coffee to be just as refined as the one they would order in a café. By bringing this level of technology into the home, Sage helps people transform everyday routines into memorable experiences, whether it is a family breakfast or an evening with friends.

  • Cold beverages have become central to menus in the Middle East’s climate. How do Sage’s latest innovations answer this growing hospitality trend?
  • In the Middle East, cold coffee is not just a seasonal refreshment but a year-round staple. What began as a niche has quickly become a central part of home coffee culture. Consumers now expect more than a simple iced coffee; they want cold brews, iced lattes and flash-brewed pour-overs with the same flavor integrity and depth as hot coffee.

Our latest machines, particularly the Oracle Jet, were designed with this in mind. They do more than brew coffee that is later chilled; they deliver extractions tailored to cold beverages, ensuring that flavor remains vibrant and authentic. For home entertainers, this versatility is transformative. One machine can produce a perfect morning espresso, a refreshing iced latte in the afternoon and a clean, balanced cold brew for dinner guests. This flexibility allows people to explore their creativity, expand their repertoire and surprise their guests while keeping the process simple and consistent.

  • Coffee in the Middle East isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about flavor notes, from earthy to savory. How do Sage machines ensure these subtler profiles are preserved?
  • Coffee in this region is cultural, artisanal, and steeped in tradition. It’s less about the caffeine hit and more about the flavor journey. Preserving those nuances is at the heart of our engineering.  Sage machines employ technologies like PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and adjustable flow rates to ensure precise and repeatable extractions. These details may sound technical, but they translate into something very tangible at home: the floral notes in an Ethiopian roast or the earthy richness of Yemeni beans can shine through rather than being lost.

We also focus heavily on grind precision and milk texturing. Many of the subtler flavor profiles are diminished when paired with poorly textured milk or an inconsistent grind. By controlling these variables, our machines protect the integrity of the bean and the craft of the roaster. For home users, that means confidence—whether they’re making a quick morning coffee or hosting a tasting evening, every cup lives up to its promise.

  • What role do you see Sage playing in shaping coffee tasting menus—where coffee is paired with specific courses, desserts, or even savory dishes in fine dining?
  • This is one of the most exciting trends we are seeing: coffee moving beyond the end of the meal and becoming part of the broader hospitality experience at home. More and more people want to explore coffee in new ways, treating it as something to be discovered, shared and celebrated.

Sage’s role is to make this exploration accessible. Our machines allow users to fine-tune every variable, from grind size to temperature to extraction time, so they can highlight flavor notes and create moments that feel truly personal. For some, this might mean experimenting with pairings, while for others it is simply about elevating the daily ritual.

For us, success is when coffee becomes more than a beverage. It becomes a tool for creativity, connection and shared experience in the home.

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Hospitality

 SEASONAL DINING HIGHLIGHTS AT AL JADDAF ROTANA   

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44 minutes ago

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January 22, 2026

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Two tier afternoon tea stand with assorted pastries, teacups, teapot, and red roses on a glass table at Al Jaddaf Rotana.

SCARLET AFTERNOON TEA

Introducing the Scarlet Afternoon Indulgence in collaboration with Nicoli, the luxury fashion house renowned for its artistry and craftsmanship.

The afternoon tea offers a vibrant balance of savoury delights, sweet indulgences, and aromatic seasonal teas, designed to awaken the senses and set the stage for cozy gatherings.

Our Scarlet Season Afternoon Tea celebrates the transition from autumn’s richness to the magic of the festive season. With flavours inspired by berries, spices, and jewel-toned ingredients, this experience is designed to be as visually striking as it is delicious – perfect for marking the most heartwarming time of the year.

The collaboration with Nicoli adds a touch of glamour and sophistication, blending culinary artistry with the brand’s signature elegance, making Scarlet High Tea a truly unique and stylish experience.

Date & Time: Daily | 12pm to 9pm | Location: The Tea Room, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel 

SUNDAY FAMILY LUNCH

Sundays are made for family, and there’s no better way to gather than over a table filled with flavour.

Join us every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and indulge in a beautifully curated Mediterranean buffet, crafted to delight every palate. For AED 250 per couple, enjoy an afternoon of exquisite dining complemented by the soothing sounds of our live singer. To make the day truly special, children under 12 dine with our compliments when accompanied by their family.

Little ones will be entertained with engaging kids’ activities, ensuring a joyful experience for the entire family. Celebrate Sundays with a perfect blend of delicious cuisine, live music, and cherished family moments.

Date and time: Every Sunday from 1 to 4 PM | Location: Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana | BBQ-Dinner at Timo – Every Friday

Fridays are for flame-grilled flavours and easy weekend vibes at Timo Restaurant, Al Jaddaf Rotana. Every Friday from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM for a smoky Mediterranean-inspired BBQ dinner. Enjoy signature Butcher Board selections, fresh seafood picks, and crowd-favourite hand-helds, all thoughtfully crafted for sharing and savouring. Gather your friends and family for a relaxing evening filled with flavour, warmth, and the perfect weekend vibes.

Date & time: Every Friday, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM (from 12 December onwards) | Location: Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel

A Bavarian Escape this winter at Bruno’s Biergarten

As the winter weather sets in, plan the perfect Bavarian escape with your loved ones at the newly opened Bruno’s Biergarten at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. Authentically German in its menu, brews, and music, the venue captures the true essence of Bavarian culture, that of sharing, laughter, and togetherness.

Located in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant beachside destination, The Walk at JBR, Bruno’s Biergarten welcomes friends, families, and even pets to its charming outdoor haven. With its relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to unwind after work, meet for drinks, or cheer for your favorite team.

This season, guests can enjoy exclusive dining offers that perfectly pair traditional flavours with refreshing brews:

• Bruno’s Bite & Brew  

• Bruno’s Big Bite & Brew 

Each dish is crafted with authentic Bavarian flair and best enjoyed in good company. Whether a beer enthusiast or a foodie at heart, Bruno’s Biergarten with its rustic décor and upbeat ambiance promises the perfect setting for the season.

Offer Details:

Location: Bruno’s Biergarten, Second Floor, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach | Hours: Daily, 5 PM to 1 AM | Live-Entertainment: Thursdays to Saturdays | Children’s Policy: Children below 6 years accompanied by an adult dine for free | Pet Policy: Pets are welcome

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Hospitality

CELEBRATE TOGETHERNESS THIS RAMADAN WITH AL HALLAB’S IFTAR OFFERINGS

Published

18 hours ago

on

January 21, 2026

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Overhead view of AL HALLAB Lebanese dishes including stuffed vine leaves, hummus with chickpeas, fried spring rolls, a pita sandwich with fries, dates with boiled egg, and mixed appetizers served on patterned table.

This Ramadan, Al Hallab invites families and loved ones to come together over a generous and comforting Iftar experience inspired by time-honoured Lebanese traditions. Available across all three Al Hallab outlets and for delivery, the Ramadan offering is thoughtfully designed to celebrate togetherness with the flavours that define the holy month.

Guests can enjoy a full dine-in experience at any of Al Hallab’s three outlets, where tables are set with warm hospitality and a feast of Lebanese favorites. From comforting soups like Lentil, Chicken, or Mushroom, to cold appetizers including Hummus, Moutabal, Labneh, Fattoush, and Vine Leaves, every dish is prepared with care to celebrate the flavors of Lebanon. Hot appetizers, grilled skewers, daily mains, and fresh bread complete the spread, followed by a selection of premium Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Shaibeat, Othamlieh, Kunafa rolls, and fruits for dessert. 

For those who prefer to break their fast at home, Al Hallab also offers Iftar meal boxes for delivery, making it easy to enjoy a complete Ramadan meal in the comfort of your own space. Available for one, two, or four people, each Iftar includes dates to break the fast, comforting soups, traditional juices like Kamaredine and Jallab, a selection of cold and hot appetizers, daily main dishes, and a taste of Ramadan’s sweetest delights, including Kataef Walnut and Shaibeyat Ashta.

Al Hallab’s Iftar is more than a meal; it is an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with loved ones. Whether enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant or the comfort of home, every Iftar is a moment of joy, flavor, and heritage.

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Hospitality

LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF LOOKUP ROOFTOP BAR WITH A REFINED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY

Published

19 hours ago

on

January 21, 2026

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Nighttime cityscape view from LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES showing the illuminated Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline.

La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai, Autograph Collection announces the reopening of its rooftop destination, LookUp Rooftop Bar,on 22nd January 2026. Reintroduced with a refined Mediterranean identity and a fully refreshed look, LookUp now offers a complete day-to-night experience that feels genuinely new, even for long- standing guests of the hotel.

Overlooking City Walk with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, LookUp has been reshaped into a rooftop destination with greater depth and purpose. By day, the space centres around its infinity pool and open terraces, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, swim and spend time outdoors. A strengthened food offering now plays a central role in the experience, with a full Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring wood fired pizzas and fresh sharable dishes, designed for casual dining and longer stays.

As the day moves into evening, LookUp naturally shifts in energy. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, a considered music programme and live DJs, alongside a calendar of curated experiences including fashion showcases, brand collaborations and pop ups. Morning wellness sessions such as yoga and pilates further extend the rooftop’s use beyond traditional bar hours, creating a space that works across different moments of the day.

The refreshed LookUp is designed as more than a rooftop bar. It is a lifestyle destination that brings together leisure, dining and social connection in one setting. With its updated design, stronger menu focus and varied programming, LookUp offers returning guests a new way to experience a familiar space, while welcoming new visitors into the heart of City Walk.

The reopening will welcome hotel owners, Marriott leaders, media, partners and influencers, marking the next chapter for one of City Walk’s most recognisable rooftops. With ongoing collaborations across wellness, fashion and lifestyle, LookUp Rooftop Bar is positioned as a key social destination within City Walk, offering experiences from sunrise through to late night.

Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, UAE & Levant – Premium & Select, Marriott International commented: “The return of LookUp is both timely and emblematic of Dubai’s ever-evolving social landscape. With its revitalised Mediterranean-inspired concept, the destination seamlessly combines refined charm with enhanced hospitality, embodying the city’s affinity for sophisticated and vibrant nightlife. We are confident the relaunch of this popular venue will be appreciated by local residents and international visitors.” 

Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management, Dubai Holding, added: “LookUp has always been more than just a rooftop, it’s part of La Ville’s story and spirit. This reimagining represents our commitment to continuous evolution and to creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. With its Mediterranean charm and breathtaking views, LookUp once again reflects the essence of Dubai: dynamic, sophisticated, and full of life.”

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