Hospitality

It’s Never Just About the Food

Published

5 months ago

May 29, 2025

Exclusive interview with Chef Daniela Sfara, Ciao Bella at Media One Hotel

I like to share that, the more intuitively we cook – that is to understand how to connect with our ingredients and polishing the know-how of sensory cooking without the rigidity of measurements – we learn to make better decisions in our lives as this method transcends the kitchen. Cook slowly, connect and truly enjoy the process – very much as we would building a business, and spending time with our loved ones.

How does it feel to return to Ciao Bella and Larte for another round of your soulful supper clubs?

I feel deeply moved truly. For me, it’s not just an invitation, it’s a recognition of the connection that was created the first time. It feels like returning to a place that understands the essence of what I bring. Being here again, surrounded by guests who value the depth, the history, the emotion behind every dish—it’s a quiet affirmation that what I’m doing matters. It’s never just about the food; it’s about the conviviality and carrying forward of legacies – shared moments, the stories, the beauty of culture passed from one heart (and kitchen) to another.

You bring a beautiful blend of heart and heritage to your cooking. Can you share a bit about your journey into the culinary world and how your Italian-Canadian background influences your style?

I’ve been cooking since I was a child. I wasn’t even three years old yet when I began learning from my mother, and I had the influence of my mother, my grandmother, aunts, uncles and the many young-at-heart men and women across Italy from whom I’ve been invited into their kitchens—to learn from, to be shared stories of tradition, culinary culture, and excellence with. And to me, quite literally, it’s just how I live. Now, representing the Italian diaspora, it’s become even more layered—because it’s not just about technique or taste in my cooking style, it’s about memory, legacy, and an instinctive knowing. It’s how I connect what I do today with past generations: the knowing of ingredients, the land they come from, the rhythm of cultivation, the reverence of harvest. That deep relationship with the earth and its offerings shows up in everything I create and share with those at my table. And at the heart of it all is authenticity—not in the performative sense, but in the honest simplicity of the dishes themselves. After all, it is the humblest dishes we carry in our hearts the longest.

Your supper clubs are described as intimate, nostalgic, and full of “amore.” What makes this dining experience so special for you — and for the guests?

Absolutely, amore. For me, it’s a natural connection to people—that’s how we live. Our door was always open and now in my adulthood, it’s still open at my own home. People knock once, say ‘permesso’ (may I come in?) and they’re in—espresso brewing, stories flowing, time slowing down. That spirit is the heartbeat of my supper clubs. It’s more than just dinner—it’s about creating a space where people feel like they’ve been taken to Italy for the evening – whether in their nonna’s or mamma’s kitchen, or to discover the beauty Italy offers. They feel the warmth, the ease, the unspoken understanding that food is just the beginning. It’s the catalyst for laughter, conversation, and real connection. When everyone’s gathered at one table, something shifts. I often step back and watch—not just the clinking of glasses, but the emotion, the sparkle in people’s eyes, the strangers who suddenly feel like long-lost friends. That’s the magic. That’s why it’s so special.

The menus take guests on a journey across Italy — from the seafood of Sicilia to comforting classics of Emilia-Romagna. What inspired the curation of this year’s menu?

Well, you know, it’s difficult for me to focus on just one region—every part of Italy has its own soul, its own ingredients, its own stories rooted in the people, the place, the land, the terroir. Each region speaks a different dialect through its food, and I love that. So, for me, curating this year’s menu was about taking people on that journey—north to south, coast to countryside. I get to share these places, share stories they may have never heard, and bring them into corners of Italy they might not even know exist. They’re tasting not just the flavors, but the feeling of being in a home in Sicilia, or at a family table in Emilia-Romagna. It’s intimate, it’s real, and it’s the closest thing to traveling with me through the country.

The wine pairings are a big part of the supper club evenings. How do you go about selecting the perfect pairings to match the emotional tone of each dish?

Very much like food, wine has its own identity tied to place. There’s a natural rhythm between what grows in the soil and what is shared on a plate or in a glass. When you pair a dish from a region with a wine from the same place, there’s an unspoken harmony—because they’ve grown up together, side by side, shaped by the same climate, the same land, the same hands. It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the nuance, the history, the balance, the way the wine lifts the dish and vice versa. The grapes, the ingredients, the cultivation—they’re all part of the same environment. So, pairing becomes intuitive. It’s a natural marriage between the flavors, the textures, even the emotional tone of the dish. And of course, we work with what’s available, but even then, we stay aligned with that deeper sense of connection between place and palate.

Hospitality

A Normal Day Rolls Out a Fresh Menu at Dar Al Wasl’s Neighbourhood Bistro

Published

2 weeks ago

October 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

A Normal Day launches new menu at Dar Al Wasl bistro, featuring globally inspired dishes and neighbourhood dining.

Located in the heart of Dar Al Wasl, Jumeirah, A Normal Day has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s most talked-about neighbourhood dining spots. Conceived by a team of locally raised creatives, the bistro strikes a balance between sophistication and ease – somewhere you can drop by for a quick coffee and pastry in the morning, linger over lunch with friends, or settle in for dinner that feels both relaxed and refined.

The new menu builds on that philosophy, introducing a line-up of dishes that are inventive yet grounded, drawing inspiration from both global flavours and local tastes, while embracing the spirit of everyday eating and easy eating.

Breakfast has been refreshed with new favourites including Turkish Eggs, with poached eggs, tzatziki, and crunchy citrus oil served with pizza bread; Mushroom Toast, where sourdough is layered with truffle provolone, sautéed mushrooms, chewy onions, and macadamia nuts; and the Sour Cherry Muffin, a
fresh-from-the-oven bake with white chocolate, sesame, and a side of raspberry butter.

For lighter bites and starters, the menu brings bold sharing plates: Foul Madames Dip with fava beans, tahini, cumin, and spices; classic Tzatziki with fresh cucumber and herbs; Charcuterie Chips, pairing house-made crisps with salami, pickle chilli, mayo, paprika, and parmesan; and Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Nuts, combining baked beetroot with smoked feta, caramelised walnuts, and rocket.

New main courses showcase the bistro’s playful, globally inspired approach: Casarecce with Trapanese Pesto and burrata; the Kimcheesburger, with kimchi cabbage, kimchi mayo, cheddar, and fries; crisp Chicken Schnitzel with herb butter and coleslaw; and the Focaccia Sandwich, stacked with beef mortadella, fresh figs, pesto, and stracciatella.

To close, Date Pudding takes its place on the menu permanently – making a comeback from their Test Kitchen Series. It’s a moist date cake with toffee sauce and ice cream, offering the perfect sweet ending. With art-lined walls, warm interiors, and a buzzing energy that flows from morning to late, A Normal Day
continues to redefine what dining out in Dubai feels like: creative, comfortable, and always memorable.

Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

Published

2 weeks ago

October 3, 2025

Integrator Web-Admin

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead. With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen. In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

Published

2 weeks ago

October 2, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.