Restaurants

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.

Renowned Chef Richard Sandoval has opened the Maya Dubai restaurant at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. The restaurant offers modern Mexican cuisine and hopes to capitalise on the success of the Maya brand in New York and San Francisco.