Restaurants

One of Dubai’s most popular and long-standing restaurants and bars closed for business last week.

The Hard Rock Café was established in 1997 and obtained an alcohol licence through its relationship with the neighbouring Palm Hotel.

Last year the land on which the hotel and restaurant stood was sold property developer Tameer. The hotel closed in June resulting in the Hard Rock Café losing its alcohol licence.

Management promise that the Hard Rock Café will open at a new location in Dubai ‘soon’.

Ruby Tuesday has opened a restaurant at the Dubai Mall. The restaurant is the third branch in Dubai of the popular American dining chain. Other branches are located at the Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Jumeirah Beach Plaza.

The Grosvenor House hotel at the Dubai Marina has added another Michelin starred chef to its ranks.

Garry Hollihead, who earned the first of his three Michelin stars at Sutherland’s restaurant in London, has been appointed Executive Chef of Grosvenor House.

Pam Wilby, General Manager of Grosvenor House said, ‘Garry has extensive experience in the industry and brings with him a strong and passionate philosophy about food and restaurant hospitality which will add to our guest promise; to maintain excellence in everything we do.’

Restaurants at Grosvenor House include Gary Rhode’s modern British restaurant Mezzanine and Vineet Bhatia’s Indego.

The Coral Deira hotel in Dubai has re-launched its renowned Indian restaurant, Rasoi.

The newly-designed restaurant has been completely redesigned by French fashion designer Francois Desroches to celebrate the glory of the Mughlai era. It was opened by Bahraini chef Aysha Bahlool, a critically acclaimed chef and food writer.

Pieter Stapel, General Manager of the Coral Deira hotel said, ‘Rasoi not only serves the finest and most authentic Mughlai cuisine in town but offers a slice of the glorious Mughal history and culture. The richly evocative interior conjures up the legendary Mughlai era. The Mighty Mughals ruled India from 1526 to 1858 and left a rich legacy of architectural splendour and gourmet cuisine aside from a wealth of art and ornaments. From the colour code of its drapes and furniture, down to the utterly cultural traces deliberately left on the walls by the Mughals’ memorabilia, each element in Rasoi is unique.’

The Rasoi restaurant is open daily from noon to 3 pm and 7 pm until midnight. In the evening, entertainment is provided by Saif Umar singing Bollywood hits.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the famous New Orleans upscale dining chain, has opened its first restaurant in the Middle East.

The Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Monarch Hotel in Dubai opened to the public on January 24 2009. The restaurant can accommodate 120 diners and in addition the main dining room, features a semi-private dining area and a lounge.

The chain was founded in New Orleans in 1965 and now operates more than 100 locations, mainly in the US.

The restaurant specialises in prime steaks, seared at 1800 degrees and served on plates heated to 500 degrees. Just before serving, butter is added, causing the meat to sizzle.

Caprice Holdings has opened a new restaurant at the Souk Al Bahar in at Downtown Burj Dubai.

The Rivington Grill offers a retro-style British menu and boasts impressive views of the Burj Dubai. The restaurant is open daily from noon.

Caprice Holdings operate some of the most successful restaurants in London. Its portfolio includes The Ivy, Le Caprice, and Daphne’s.

The group plans further openings in Dubai.

Leisurecorp has announced a partnership with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver that will see him open two restaurants at their Jumeirah Golf Estates development. Both will be located in the Water neighbourhood of the golf-orientated mixed-used project.

The announcement coincided with the sales launch of residential properties at Water. The chef has also worked with luxury kitchen brand Poggenpohl to design their kitchens.

Lebanese restaurant chain Zaatar w Zeit (ZwZ) has followed up on the success of its existing locations in Dubai and opened another restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Residence.

CEO Walid Hajj said ‘What distinguishes ZwZ from other restaurants is the great service and friendly atmosphere; it’s like a home away from home. Everything is ‘Aa tari’tak’, meaning as you like it.’

Zaatar w Zeit first opened in 1999 in Sodeco Beirut. Other outlets in Dubai are found on Sheikh Zayed Road, at the Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City.

The Dubai Municipality have announced that smoking restrictions will come into effect on May 31, World No Tobacco Day. Under Phase 1, commencing May 31, smoking will be banned in government buildings, while phase 2, beginning on September 16 will see smoking banned in schools, hair salons, offices, health clubs and internet cafes. Shopping malls will be required to have designated smoking areas. Under phase 3, starting November 15, smoking restrictions will be introduced in restaurants and cinemas.

The second tower at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City is now open, bringing the total number of rooms at the hotel to 246. Its opening also sees a new restaurant, the Chef’s House.