Hospitality
Hospitality runs through my veins
Exclusive Interview with: Artemiy Vasilchuk – CEO, Vasilchuki Restaurant Group
In this interview, Artemiy Vasilchuk, CEO of Vasilchuki Restaurant Group, delves into his path from a family-driven inspiration to becoming a leader in hospitality at a young age. With over 40 successful restaurants across Europe and Asia, Artemiy’s vision for Chaihona No 1 in Dubai Marina marks the group’s foray into the Middle Eastern market. He shares how his family’s influence and his passion for innovation have helped shape the group’s unique fusion of Slavic, Asian, and Arabic cuisines. Looking ahead, Artemiy reveals exciting plans for expanding Vasilchuki Restaurant Group’s presence in the UAE and beyond.
Can you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to take on such a leadership role at such a young age?
My father is my inspiration and played a massive part in my journey to becoming a restauranteur. We have 40 successful restaurants in Europe and Asia, and they’re all homegrown brands that my father and uncle carefully created from scratch. Hospitality runs through my veins and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; in fact, some of my earliest memories are in our family restaurants that, for many years, were the only places I dined at while tasting and sampling new menus, dishes and concepts for Vasilchuki Restaurant Group to bring to market.
How has your experience working alongside your father shaped your approach to restaurant management and innovation?
My Father and our Group Head Chef Sergei Suschenko, are very ambitious and creative people, so being around them is inspiring as they built the Chaihona no1 by Vasilchuki brand from scratch and have such a great synergy. I’m only 23, so I bring a very fresh and young perspective to the group, which is exactly what we need in Dubai with the competitiveness of the market, but my father takes a more traditional approach. There is room for both, so we’ve worked hard in Dubai to keep the brand’s core and adapt its offering to suit this market, which has been fun to do alongside my father.
Chaihona No. 1 by Vasilchuki is your first venture into the Dubai dining scene. What makes this restaurant a luxurious addition to Dubai Marina’s culinary landscape?
There’s no other concept like ours in Dubai, so we’re a new and exciting addition to the Marina dining scene. Sergei has added an Arabic element to the menu for our Middle East launch, and it’s been so successful as our guests can try authentic Slavic food if they’d like but also enjoy Arabic dishes. Our Shawarma is incredibly popular as we serve the juicy meat on a skewer so it can be sliced and shared, which is so lovely for groups served with Hummus and baba ghanoush and a special kebab sauce and herby yoghurt dip if you fancy trying something less traditional.
How do you integrate Slavic, Asian, and Arabic flavours into a cohesive and luxurious menu at Chaihona No. 1?
Our Head Chef, Sergey, specializes in creating unique dishes and menu concepts, so he enjoyed combining all three cuisines into one menu. He has one of the world’s largest cookbook collections, with over 3000 books he’s amassed from his travels worldwide. He sought inspiration from there and did extensive trials of combining ingredients and flavours to understand what works and what doesn’t. He enjoys pushing boundaries, so we’re not surprised when he makes unusual suggestions, as more often than not, they turn out to be delicious.
Can you share any unique dishes or concepts that embody your vision of luxury dining at Chaihona No. 1?
Our dine and shop concept is a really unique as there isn’t many places that have a small market and flower shop inside them.
With over 40 restaurants worldwide, how does Chaihona No. 1 by Vasilchuki in Dubai Marina fit into the overall strategy and vision of the Vasilchuki Restaurant Group?
Our launch in the Marina was our way of introducing ourselves to the region, and now, as it’s been so popular, we’re focusing on expansion and growth.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for expanding the presence of Vasilchuki Restaurant Group in the UAE and beyond?
Our launch in Dubai Marina is only the start for us in the Middle East. We have plans to expand and operate 30 restaurants in the Middle East within the next three years and have a few more currently under construction scheduled to launch this year.
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 2-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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