Latest news with #Girl&TheGoose
What's On
24-04-2025
- Business
- What's On
Meet the chefs behind some of Dubai's exciting debut restaurants
The next course: This little lot is behind some of Dubai's most exciting debut restaurants. Find out what inspires them to cook in 2025, then get booking… A new restaurant in Dubai is always an optimistic thing. The sector is awash with talent and loves to embrace the positive. But opening a restaurant ain't ever easy, even without a rather fickle dining scene and the rising cost of… everything. So, what's it like to jump into the Dubai food pool in 2025? Gabriela (Gabi) Chamorro The one who's turned a supper club into a fully-fledged restaurant After a much-lauded supper club, chef Gabriela (Gabi) Chamorro is ready to settle down. Her debut restaurant, Girl & The Goose –Restaurante Centroamerica, opens in March 2025 at Anantara Downtown Dubai, with a mission to educate diners on Central American cuisine. 'Life is about growth, and while I never imagined this step at first, everything changed after culinary school in Barcelona and my 2022 kitchen takeovers,' she shares. The transition from pop-up to permanent space wasn't immediate, but momentum grew when she and her husband met Ziad and Rowan Kamel of Rosy Hospitality Group. 'We developed the initial concept and spoke to many people, but it wasn't until we met Ziad and Rowan that things really took shape.' After scouting spaces, they walked into Anantara Downtown Dubai and knew it was the one. 'Beyond Anantara's prestige, the space had everything: a prime lobby location, an open kitchen, private dining, and a stunning courtyard,' she explains. On a personal note, the choice felt serendipitous. 'Years ago, I took my mum to Anantara's Maldives resort for her birthday – a trip I had saved for a long time. That experience made Anantara special to me.' Bringing Girl & The Goose to life has been a learning curve. 'The biggest challenges? Figuring out what we wanted to create, finding the right location, managing construction delays, and not running out of money,' she admits. Surprisingly, the menu was the easiest part. 'Scaling it, setting up processes, and hiring the right team were far more complex,' she says. But seeing it all come together has been worth it. Must-order dishes? Green pipian kingfish ceviche with lychee ice-cream, yuca gnocchi with lobster bisque, and the hojuelas with white toasted chocolate and goat cheese ganache topped with papaya ice-cream and sumac Girl and the Goose, Anantara Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (0)52 772 9888. Haya Bishouty The one that celebrates the beauty of Palestine Alserkal Avenue just got a little more soulful with the arrival of Haya's Kitchen Meets Kave – a heartfelt collaboration between chef Haya Bishouty and Kave co-founder Rania. 'I never had a business plan for Haya's Kitchen – it just grew naturally,' says Haya. 'But when Rania and I talked about this step, it felt right. I trusted my gut.' Having hosted iftars, falafel pop-ups, and workshops at Kave for years, Bishouty saw the space as a second home. 'We first discussed a kitchen years ago, but the timing wasn't right. When we sat down in the autumn of last year, we knew it was now or never.' The new space blends Kave's ethos of sustainability with Bishouty's deep love for Palestinian heritage. 'Each dish is a tribute to our Tetas – what they fed us, what they foraged, what we remember.' The menu reimagines nostalgic flavours into sandwiches, salads, and breakfast plates, proving that tradition and timeless recipes are exactly what UAE diners are hankering for. Must-order dishes? Msakhan taboon, macaroni bil laban, mjaddara, chicken za'atar sandwiches and Teta's lemonade Haya's Kitchen, Kave, Alserkal Avenue, Tue to Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat and Sun 11am to 8pm, Mondays closed. @hayasktchn Nick Alvis The prodigal British one goes solo No stranger to the UAE's culinary scene, Chef Nick Alvis has just lifted the curtain on his new restaurant at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. The Beam, his latest venture following the award-winning folly by Nick and Scott, is a homegrown, bistro-style concept offering a charmingly casual, approachable dining experience in an alfresco garden terrace setting. The Beam was born when Le Royal Meridien approached Alvis with the opportunity to put his name above the door, granting him complete creative freedom. 'Having my name on the door means taking full ownership, ensuring that every detail comes from the heart and is something I truly believe in,' he says. After fifteen years in Dubai's dining scene, he saw the chance to create a concept with broad appeal – one that resonated with both food lovers and a wider audience. 'I've admired both Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and Grosvenor House since I first arrived in Dubai,' he explains. Their legacy of culinary excellence made it an ideal fit. The Beam's menu celebrates local, seasonal, and responsibly sourced produce, inspired by Europe's most beloved culinary traditions. Sustainability was a priority. 'Rather than discarding everything, we made a conscious effort to restore and repurpose as much as possible,' Alvis shares. Bringing The Beam to life required a complete overhaul. 'We stripped everything back to bricks and mortar, then started from scratch,' he recalls. Seeing The Beam's sign light up for the first time was a special moment, but for Alvis, the heart of the restaurant lies in its people. Led by Bojan Cirjanic in the kitchen and Milo Dawson on the restaurant floor, the team embodies passion and dedication. For Alvis, The Beam is just the beginning. 'The journey has been incredible, and we're just getting started,' he teases. Must-order dishes? Beer battered haddock and chips, truffle braised beef cheek and Portobello mushroom short crust pie and the artichoke risotto The Beam, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Mon to Fri 5pm to 11pm, Sat and Sun 1pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 316 5555. @thebeamdubai Ionel Catau The game-changing one that's elevating Emirati cuisine Chef Ionel Catau's journey to opening Gerbou is one of deep respect for Emirati culinary traditions, combined with a passion for innovation. 'It's an incredible honour to showcase the richness of Emirati cuisine,' he shares. 'With every dish, we hope to tell a story, preserving heritage, and adding a new chapter.' Drawing from his experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, Catau alongside award-winning Emirati pastry chef, Sahar Al Awadhi seamlessly blend local flavours with global influences, elevating classic dishes while remaining true to their origins. A standout feature of Gerbou is its Tanoor-cooked dishes, inspired by the centuries-old underground pit cooking method. 'The slow roasting infuses the meat with an incredible depth of flavour,' he explains. 'It's about patience, precision, and respecting the process.' Beyond the menu, Gerbou's striking design is a tribute to the UAE's creative talent. 'The incredible space, which honours the UAE's Bedouin culture, is all part of the immersive experience,' says Chef Ionel. Must-order dishes? Chicken machboos, prawn za'atar, seabream dhin khaneen and sago pudding Gerbou, Street 20 Nad Al Sheba 1, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm (daily breakfast from 7am to 10.30am; from 8am Fri to Sun). Tel: (0)4 222 6888. @gerbou Obaid Almulla, Mohammed Murad, Tareq Roumie, and Ray Yafi The local entrepreneurs mega collab one Tucked away in the inviting interiors of Dar Al Wasl Mall, A Normal Day is a new space designed to feel like home. Created by Obaid Almulla, Mohammed Murad, Tareq Roumie, and Ray Yafi, it blends thoughtful hospitality with a sense of familiarity. 'We want guests to feel at ease, like they're stepping into a friend's home,' the founders share. The menu, led by Chef Illia Andriushyn, is built on quality ingredients and straightforward techniques. 'It's about creating food that feels personal, like something you'd enjoy at a good friend's table,' Andriushyn says. With reimagined breakfast classics and elevated comfort food, every dish embodies simplicity with a refined touch. After hours, the space transforms into a creative test kitchen, where guest chefs collaborate on exclusive menus, ensuring that the restaurant is always evolving – just like a great conversation around the dinner table. Must-order dishes? Focaccia sandwich, beef tartare, and the breakfast bun A Normal Day, Dar Al Wasl Mall, daily 8am (9am on Sun) to 5pm (closed Mondays). Tel: (0)4 886 8380. @
What's On
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: April 7 to 10
Things to do in Dubai this week: sorted… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? There's plenty, from a cool networking event to a one-off six-hand dinner by popular chefs, a classical music festival, and more… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, April 7 Out of office: BRB In need of a quick lunch without compromising on flavour? Head to Certo at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. Here you can enjoy a super pocket-friendly business lunch for Dhs39 (yes, really) or indulge in two courses for Dhs89 or three for Dhs99. Business lunch runs from 12pm to 3.15pm. Reserve on 04 366 9187 or email Certo, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, business lunch Mon to Fri 12pm to 3.15pm, Tel: (0)4 366 9187. A Burj Al Arab special For one night only, Michelin-starred Al Muntaha at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is bringing together the talents of Chef Saverio Sbaragli, Row on 45's Chef Jason Atherton, and Trèsind Studio's Chef Himanshu Saini for an exclusive six-hands dinner. Experience each chef's unique style and expertise as they come together for a meticulously curated nine-course menu. Each chef will present three dishes on the menu, including a dessert. Your evening will be further elevated with Al Muntaha's curated wine list. If you just want to enjoy food, it's Dhs1,600 per person, or you can add on a wine pairing for Dhs1,200. Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, six-hands dinner on April 7, Tel: (800) 323 232. @ Tuesday, April 8 Unwind at Girl & The Goose Had a long day (week, or month, or yeeear)? Head to Girl & The Goose from 4pm for Tranquilo Hour. You can sit back and relax with friends over a glass of grape for just Dhs25, or a whole bottle for Dhs109. Prefer cocktails or house sips? It's just Dhs33. And of course, if you're hungry, there are starters for Dhs25, chalupas for Dhs33, and fresh ceviche for Dhs43. Tranquilo Hour, Girl & The Goose, Anantara Downtown, Dubai, daily, 4pm to 7pm, Tel: (0) 52 772 9888, @ Tea time at The Lana Sweet and savoury treats, tea prepared by certified sommeliers, and music from a grand piano – this is what you can expect from the afternoon tea at The Lana. You will be able to tuck into sandwiches such as smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg, scones with Devon clotted cream, laminated coffee brioche, and more. With temperatures rising, you can pair your meal with refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonade prepared tableside. To top off your experience, you will get to enjoy stunning views of Downtown Dubai. The Lana, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai, available daily from 1pm to 6pm, from Dhs600, Tel: (0)4 541 7755. Wednesday, April 9 Girl's night! Looking to spend time with the gals without burning a hole in your pocket? Head to Trader Vic's at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The new midweek deal at the Palm is calling out for ladies to enjoy two hours of unlimited selected drinks plus a 20 per cent discount on mains for just Dhs99. The cool two-hour deal runs from 7pm to 11pm. Trader Vics, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai, every Wed, two-hour deal from 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 230 0050. Networking time Want to meet new people? Head to The Elephants Club at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha on Wednesday. The networking night will see you expanding your contact list while enjoying five premium cocktails and two delectable sides for just Dhs250. Running from 8pm to 11pm, you are sure to run into industry professionals, seal deals, or maybe just make new friends. Win-win. Book your spot via Whatsapp on 054 996 3324. The Elephants Club, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai, every Wed 8pm to 11pm. Book via Whatsapp 054 996 3324. @ Thursday, April 10 Sticks and Soy Iris Meydan has an all-new sushi experience running every Thursday where guests can enjoy one of three mouth-watering menus. There's the Chopsticks menu at Dhs110 featuring seven dishes, Silver Sticks at Dhs175 with nine dishes, or the Gold Sticks menu at Dhs210 with a selection of 11 dishes. Expect crispy rice salmon, scallop crudo, crab gunkan, and avocado hand roll in addition to Iris signatures, crudo (The Iris Way) and Iris Special Nigiri. For an extra special touch, add-ons start from Dhs40. Reserve on 04 334 3355 or email reservations@ Iris Meydan, Meydan Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, every Thurs from 7pm, Tel: (0)4 334 3355. @irisdubai InClassica International Music Festival 2025 InClassica International Music Festival 2025 has returned, taking place from April 6 to 21 at Dubai Opera. The two-week festival will bring together an incredible lineup of world-renowned perfumers who have classical music running through their veins. As with previous editions, expect a packed line-up of astonishing young talent and the world's most established and famous musicians. Tickets are already on sale on and prices to see any of the shows start from Dhs199. Tickets for the shows are nearly selling out, so book the ones you want to see quickly. Read more here. InClassica International Music Festival, Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, April 6 to 21, from Dhs199. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. @dubaiopera
