Hospitality
We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers
Exclusive interview with Romil Ratra, The Brooklyn Creamery
Highlights of your journey in the hospitality industry and how it has shaped your leadership approach?
My journey in the hospitality industry began at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, leading to a diverse career trajectory. Over the past 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of moving through the ranks from a corporate management trainee to managing established ventures.
Hospitality, as an industry, is fast paced and keeps one on their toes, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and innovation by design and requirement.
My leadership approach is deeply influenced by my early experiences in luxury hospitality, where attention to detail, exceptional service, and a relentless focus on guest satisfaction were paramount. Today, the same translates into going above and beyond for a great customer experience, focusing on delivering the right product and making sure that service channels are exceptional and we are where our consumers are.
The Brooklyn Creamery offers a unique range of ice creams with health-conscious ingredients. How do you ensure these products stand out in a competitive market?
The Brooklyn Creamery stands out in a competitive market by prioritizing health without compromising on taste. We understand that consumers are increasingly looking for better-for-you options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.
Our approach combines cutting-edge food science with an unwavering commitment to quality. We use natural ingredients, avoid added sugars, and focus on creating products that are not only delicious but also nutritious. By staying attuned to global health trends and continuously innovating, we ensure that our ice creams not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers.
What inspired your new product line of latest guilt-free protein ice cream bars?
We have been noticing the shift in consumer sentiment towards protein rich diets and snacks.
Protein has taken a center stage in health conversations and across age groups, our TG is focusing on understanding protein needs through different life stages – it is visible everywhere – in gyms, in health centers, in influencer communities, on social media. It is no surprise that the global growth in the protein ice cream market is predicted to grow at 11% per year to 2030.
The Brooklyn Creamery is driven by these mined insights and what our consumers tell us and thus, came in the protein ice cream bars. The format is stickless, as we understand that a big percentage of usage is post/pre-gym and/or as a snack and we wanted to keep it easy to consume. As a company, we focus on all touchpoints and not just the product or the health benefit.
Can you share an example of a recent innovation at The Brooklyn Creamery?
One of our recent innovations that I’m particularly proud of is the 99-calorie fudge sundae.
We launched it in February 2024, and it sold out within 25 days, which speaks volumes about its popularity and the market’s readiness for such innovative products. The UAE market in particular, is very receptive to trying new formats, and this motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries. The success of this product underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and delivering products that not only meet but exceed their expectations.
How do you ensure that your products bring happiness to your customers while aligning with their dietary goals?
We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers. Ice cream is universally perceived as a product that brings joy, whether it’s part of a family gathering, a date night, or a quick treat to uplift your day. With The Brooklyn Creamery, we ensure that this happiness comes without any guilt but added health benefits. Our products are designed to align with dietary goals, being low in calories and free from added sugars, so our customers can indulge without worry. By offering delicious, healthier alternatives, we provide the best of both worlds—happiness and health.
As an avid gastronome, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery?
My personal culinary interests and experiences impact the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery when it comes to new product development and flavors and to some extent, I’d also like to say global trends as I’m an avid traveler too.
I have a deep appreciation for fine foods and innovative culinary techniques, which inspires me to push the envelope in our product development. Whether it’s experimenting with new flavors, textures, or health-conscious ingredients, my passion for gastronomy drives our commitment to excellence. This personal touch ensures that our products are not only nutritious but also delightfully flavorful, offering a unique culinary experience to our customers. Having an experienced RnD team, food technologists to execute the vision or an idea is a blessing!
Hospitality
JUNGLEBOWLS BRINGS THE ENERGY OF THE JUNGLE TO DUBAI WITH AN ALL-DAY BREAKFAST EXPERIENCE


Inspired by the rhythm, colour and abundance of the jungle, JungleBowls welcomes guests to enjoy breakfast at any hour, with a menu filled with fresh ingredients, bold flavours and Japanese-inspired touches.
Founded by Italian restaurateur Salvatore Pisanzio, JungleBowls captures the spirit of nature and brings a fresh dining concept to Dubai. The menu celebrates vibrant bowls, comforting favourites and playful drinks, all created around flavour, freshness and balance.
Available throughout the day, the breakfast selection reflects JungleBowls’ mastery of wholesome food with personality. Guests can discover Japanese-inspired favourites including the Tamago Egg Sando, served on soft Hokkaido shokupan with creamy egg salad, Kewpie mayonnaise and a touch of sriracha, or the Jap Omelette topped with avocado, salmon gravlax and furikake for a rich umami finish.
For a more filling choice, the Halloumi Bowl combines grilled halloumi, poached egg, crispy enoki mushrooms, kale, barley and hummus. Turkish Eggs bring together poached eggs, whipped labneh, kale and aromatic miso chilli butter.
The sweeter side of breakfast comes alive through colourful creations including the Açaí Bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola, Chia Granola with coconut chia pudding and mango, and the signature Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – soft, airy and made for a little morning indulgence.
Alongside its breakfast offerings, JungleBowls serves creative beverages throughout the day. Guests can enjoy ceremonial-grade matcha, roasted hojicha, specialty coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, including favourites such as the Citrus Espresso, Mango Matcha and Blue Spirulina Smoothie, each inspired by the colours and flavours of the natural world.
From a quick breakfast stop to a relaxed catch-up over coffee, JungleBowls invites guests to enjoy a fresh, colourful and flavour-filled escape in the heart of the city, with dishes.
Details:
- What: Japanese-Inspired All-Day Breakfast Experience | Where: JungleBowls, Index Tower, DIFC, Dubai | When: Daily, 8:30am to 10:30pm
Hospitality
MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS OPENS IN THE HEART OF JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS
Marriott Executive Apartments, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, announces the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Developed by Orra Hotel Apartments LLC, the new property is designed to meet the evolving needs of long-stay business and leisure guests seeking flexibility, connectivity and residential comfort in one of Dubai’s most strategic business districts.
Located within Orra The Embankment, a premium mixed-use development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), the property enjoys a prime position between Dubai Marina and Uptown Dubai, with convenient access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Metro and major commercial districts including Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah and DMCC.
“Marriott Executive Apartments Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai has been designed for today’s global professionals who value space, privacy and flexibility alongside trusted service,” said Mina Hanna, General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. “Located in the heart of JLT, the property offers a strategic base for extended stays with seamless access to Dubai’s key commercial hubs.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai offers 150 thoughtfully designed, fully furnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, created to support productivity alongside everyday comfort. Each apartment features a premium bedding, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, high speed internet, contemporary workspaces and modern entertainment, making longer stays feel effortless and well considered. Private balconies and city views further enhance the sense of space, reinforcing a genuine home away from home experience.
Guests have access to a considered mix of amenities designed to support both work and wellbeing, including an all day international dining restaurant, a fully equipped fitness centre, paddle court, outdoor swimming pool, sauna and steam facilities, a children’s play area, dedicated concierge services and meeting and conference spaces suited to executive meetings and small corporate gatherings.
The property also integrates keyless entry, high speed internet access and advanced guest room and energy management systems, supporting seamless, secure and efficient stays.
Hospitality
FLAVOUR AND THE SOUL OF LEÑA
Exclusive interview with Chef Dani García at Maxx Royal Bodrum
Leña by Dani García at Maxx Royal Bodrum
Conceived by acclaimed chef Dani García, Leña by Dani García, redefines the traditional grill through a gastronomic concept where fire and live embers take centre stage, transforming primal cooking techniques into a refined, cosmopolitan dining experience. The restaurant’s contemporary interiors echo its culinary philosophy, featuring warm, earthy tones and rich wood finishes that reinforce the connection to fire, while creating an inviting, stylish atmosphere. The menu strikes a confident balance between tradition and modernity, showcasing signature dishes that have become synonymous with the brand, from the iconic grilled avocado and its emblematic burger to expertly selected cuts such as aged ribeye from mature cattle. Together, they embody Leña’s unmistakable identity: a celebration of precision, flavour and a modern approach to steakhouse culture on an international stage.
Attributable to Chef Dani García:
Leña is built around fire as both technique and emotion. How would you describe the restaurant’s identity in one sentence beyond the idea of a steakhouse?
Leña is a celebration of living through fire. It’s a place where technique, emotion and sharing come together to create unforgettable moments around the table. We are much more than a steakhouse; we are a restaurant where fire becomes a language.
- You achieved three Michelin stars and then made the rare decision to close your restaurant at its peak. What mindset drives a decision like that?
I have always believed that gastronomy is about evolution and taking risks. Closing a three-Michelin-star restaurant was not about leaving something behind but about opening new doors. I’m driven by curiosity and by the desire to keep creating experiences that connect with more people around the world.

From Smoked Room’s rapid Michelin recognition to Leña’s global expansion, what connects all your culinary chapters?
The common thread is emotion. Whether it’s a tasting menu at Smoked Room or a dinner at Leña, my goal is always the same: to move people through flavour, hospitality and storytelling. Every project has a different expression, but the soul is identical.
What makes Turkey’s Bodrum coastline a meaningful setting for Leña’s philosophy?
Bodrum has a unique energy. There is a deep connection with the sea, with nature and with the joy of gathering around a table, and that fits perfectly with Leña’s philosophy. Fire feels very natural here. The Mediterranean lifestyle, the beauty of the coastline and the relaxed sophistication of Bodrum make it an extraordinary destination for our concept.

You’ve built a career on combining traditional Spanish ingredients with global techniques. How do you know when a dish has found the perfect balance between heritage and innovation?
When innovation doesn’t hide the ingredient or the memory behind it but elevates it. A dish works when it surprises you while still feeling familiar. Respect for the product and emotion are always the final judges.
Rapid Fire Questions
What is your personal favourite cut or ingredient to cook over fire?
I love cooking red prawns over fire. It’s a delicate ingredient that completely transforms with smoke and heat while preserving its essence.
What is the most memorable dining moment you’ve experienced as a guest, not a chef?
There have been many, but the moments I remember most are those where I felt genuine hospitality and emotion. Great food is important, but the feeling a restaurant leaves with you is what stays forever.
If you could host a dream fire-cooking dinner anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On a secluded beach in the Mediterranean, with the sea in front of us and a long table shared with friends, producers and chefs from around the world.
Is there a flavour profile that you find yourself returning to repeatedly, regardless of the concept or location?
Acidity and smokiness. I love the tension between freshness and fire. It’s a combination that appears in many of my dishes in one way or another.
Leña operates within luxury hospitality environments. How important is collaboration between hotel experience and restaurant identity?
It’s essential. The guest doesn’t separate the restaurant from the hotel experience; they remember the emotion of the whole journey. In places like Bodrum, where hospitality is taken to another level, that collaboration becomes even more important and allows us to create something truly memorable.
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