Latest news with #ThanosFeskos
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
From a soldier to star chef, straddling continents and cuisines
When chef Thanos Feskos touched down in Dubai for the first time last month, it wasn't for leisure. 'Just work,' he says with a shrug, reflecting on the whirlwind five-day trip that left little time for sightseeing. But what he lacked in tourism, he made up for in unforgettable culinary impact. 'It was super nice, super enjoyable,' he recalls, eyes bright. 'And the people I met—amazing. So accepting. So warm.' That, he says, is why he's already planning a return. With a spectacular 4 Hands Menu experience that saw two culinary worlds collide on a single plate Feskos charmed the audience with his food and joie de vivre. Hosted at a Shimmers restaurant, the evening paired Feskos with resident chef Emmanuel in a soulful symphony of dishes built around sharing, storytelling, and pure emotion. 'We did it together,' Feskos explains. 'One amuse bouche, one starter, one main, and one dessert each. It was about balance. About friendship on a plate.' Culinary serendipity Born and raised in Porto Rafti, Greece, Feskos didn't grow up in a kitchen dynasty. 'My story doesn't begin with my mother or grandmother teaching me to cook,' he says with a smile. 'I was studying financial accounting, but the kitchen called me during my military service.' Assigned to cook for his unit, he was a complete novice. But the soldiers loved his hearty, home-style meals. 'So I started calling my grandmother for recipes. Bean soup. Spinach pie. Roasted chicken with potatoes—comfort food. I cooked how she cooked for me.' He was soon assigned to be the Sergeant's personal chef. It was the beginning of an obsession. He enrolled in Greece's Le Monde Culinary Institute, followed by two master's degrees from the Culinary Institute of Switzerland—one in molecular gastronomy and another in European gourmet cuisine and chocolate artistry. 'Yes, I'm a pastry chef too,' he laughs. 'I even placed third worldwide in chocolate architecture.' The rise at Geranium Feskos' journey eventually took him to Copenhagen, where he joined Geranium, the legendary restaurant co-owned by Rasmus Kofoed. Starting at the very bottom, he worked tirelessly—'like two and a half people,' he jokes. But talent and persistence propelled him forward, and in 2011, he became Head Chef. Under his leadership, Geranium achieved what few ever will: three Michelin stars and the number one spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 'Earning those stars... it's a dream,' Feskos reflects. 'But there's no secret sauce. No magic. Just full focus. Full sacrifice. Full hospitality.' In 2020, Feskos returned to Greece to lead the kitchen at Delta, a restaurant redefining sustainability in haute cuisine. 'We had a farm. We composted everything. We thought about people, not just produce. Human sustainability matters, too.' Under his guidance, Delta earned two Michelin stars and a coveted Green Michelin Star—a testament to both taste and ethics. Despite the accolades, Feskos has shifted his gaze. 'I'm tired of the fine dining grind,' he confesses. 'Now, I just want to cook food that makes people smile.' This mission powers his new ventures: 3 Stripes, a street food project in Athens and Antiparos, and 4 Hands Athens, a collaborative culinary concept that brings chefs together, not just dishes. Bitter bread and sweet memories But every great chef has their kitchen scars. 'The worst moment?' he recalls. 'A mistake with the bread service. The head chef threw 250 mini loaves at me—one by one. I took the blame for a friend.' Yet the best moment outshone it all: 'I cooked for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. They cried at the table. That was it. That was everything.' When asked about his favorite dish, Feskos shrugs off foie gras or rare truffles. 'Something made with love,' he says. 'That's it. It could be beans, bread, anything. If it's made with care, it's the best thing I've ever tasted.' He's particularly fond of Indian food, recalling meals cooked by a friend's mom in Mumbai. 'Spicy, yes. I was sweating buckets,' he laughs. 'But it was so delicious—like a mother's love on a plate.' Dubai's Four-Hands magic At the Dubai event, diners were treated to a journey—not just across borders, but across memories. 'It wasn't about fancy presentation,' Feskos explains. 'It was about sharing. Family-style dishes that made people connect.' The feedback? 'Overwhelming. People came up to us after saying it felt like home, even though the flavors were new. That's what food should do.' Even with the Dubai menu leaning toward simplicity—dictated by the restaurant's concept—Feskos's fine-dining finesse shone through in flavor, warmth, and attention to detail. With new projects simmering in Greece and Asia—and another Dubai visit hinted at for late 2025—Feskos shows no signs of slowing down. 'It's not about the 'wow' anymore. It's about warmth.' Whether it's a rustic bean soup or a refined amuse bouche Thanos cooks with the same goal: to make you feel something. And judging by the empty plates and full hearts at his 4 Hands dinner in Dubai, he's doing just that.
What's On
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: New openings, pop-ups & more
New reasons to leave the house… Dubai's food game is nonstop, and if your week revolves around what's on your plate, you're speaking our language. From the latest openings to exclusive pop-ups and hidden gems, these 8 best restaurants in Dubai are making your weekdays something to look forward to. Hit the group chat. Duck & Waffle x Firetti Contemporary What: Duck & Waffle teams up with Firetti Contemporary for Beyond the Palette – an art-meets-dining moment launching Tuesday, April 29. Expect sculptures, cocktails, and a fresh way to see (and sip) something new. Vibe: Culture-forward, unexpected and a little bit surreal. Menu: Bespoke drinks inspired by artworks, like the 00' Duck Martini – a beurre noisette fat-washed vodka and gin mix paired with Paolo Nicolai's fragmented sculpture. When: From April 29 onwards Where: Duck & Waffle, DIFC. @duckandwaffledubai Shimmers, Mina Al Salam What: Shimmers presents 'Ode to Greece,' a one-off collaboration between Shimmers' Head Chef Emanuele de Leo and Chef Thanos Feskos of Athens' two-Michelin-starred Delta restaurant, creating a two-day tasting menu that dives into Greek roots with modern technique and a sustainable edge. Vibe: Laid-back coastal dining with serious culinary craft. Menu: A one-off collaboration between Shimmers' Head Chef Emanuele de Leo and Chef Thanos Feskos of Athens' two-Michelin-starred Delta restaurant, mixing tradition, creativity, and fresh produce. When: 29 and 30 April, from 12.30pm to 8pm. Where: Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam. @shimmersdubai Koko Bay What: Koko Bay brings a slice of Bali to Palm West Beach every Thursday night with Sound of Bali – a themed three-course dinner with live shows, DJs and beachfront vibes. Vibe: Laid-back luxury meets fire shows, drums, dancers, and beach beats. Menu: Balinese starters, hearty mains like Lamb Rendang, and tropical desserts like Mango Sago Pannacotta for Dhs295. When: Every Thursday, 7pm to 12am Where: Palm West Beach, Dubai. @kokobayuae Moon Slice What: Moon Slice, the cult-favourite pizzeria, lands at Dubai Mall's new District wing, bringing its signature pizzas with it. Vibe: Cool, low-key and all about quality. Menu: Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, and more. When: Now open Where: The District, Dubai Mall. @moonslicepizza Ting Irie What: Ting Irie in Downtown Dubai spices up Tuesdays with Island Catch – a seafood night full of Caribbean flavour. Vibe: Bold, colourful, and seriously lively. Menu: Expect Jamaican seafood dishes, island sides, and punchy cocktails. When: Every Tuesday Where: Souk Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai. @tingiriedxb Iris Meydan What: A new sushi night, 'Sticks & Soy', has landed at Iris Meydan. It's designed for sushi lovers who like their rolls with a side of great atmosphere. Vibe: Lively, stylish, and perfect for kicking off the weekend a little early. Menu: Expect a curated menu of sushi favourites, rolled fresh and ready to share. When: Every Thursday from 7pm onwards. Where: Iris Meydan, Dubai. @irisdubai Derwandi What: Derwandi, the homegrown Lebanese spot, has launched a weekday lunch deal that keeps things simple but full of heart. Vibe: Casual, welcoming, and ideal for a proper midday break. Menu: A three-course Lebanese lunch featuring classic, comforting dishes – fresh, generous, and packed with flavour. When: Weekdays during lunch hours. Where: Derwandi, Downtown Dubai and Abu Dhabi. @ La Vue Café and Boulangerie What: La Vue Café and Boulangerie launches a new daily business lunch, pairing laid-back Parisian vibes with hearty, French-Mediterranean plates. Vibe: Casual, charming, and a little nostalgic. Menu: Two or three courses of easy-going classics like crispy camembert, truffle rigatoni, chicken parmesan, and warm chocolate cookie with vanilla ice cream. Dhs85 for two courses, Dhs95 for three. When: Daily, 11.30am to 3pm (weekends too). Where: La Vue Café and Boulangerie, Sofitel Dubai Downtown. @lavuedubai Images: Supplied/Instagram
