< Previous110 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 “ W E L O V E D T H E B O N E S O F T H IS 19 3 0 S AP AR T M E N T AN D KE P T M U C H O F IT I N T A C T ” A d a m R o l s t o n A striking focal point – a portrait of Adam based on the John Singer Sargent portrait Madame X, takes centre stage HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11005/12/2023 11:46 Your LIFE 111 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 Every design ingredient has character, adding a unique fl avour to the collective ambience HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11105/12/2023 11:46 Your LIFE From top: Adam Rolston in his eclectic home; Unobstructed windows allow the Hudson River to truly shine through in all its aquatic glory, while its blue tints appear to fl ow within the space “A trip to Havana infl uenced us,” he says; a place where the pair were struck by two things – the way the Cubans live with plants and the way they paint their homes. “Th ere was an unostentatious old-world care taken in the private spaces we visited, which has been lost in the supercharged consumerism expressed in so much of what is called sophisticated ‘interior design’ today,” adds Adam. To refi ne the space and bring the interior design to life, the existing maple fl oors were bleached, while the kitchen millwork and appliances were upgraded with restaurant supply fi nishes, including a stainless-steel refrigerator, sliding uppers, a bar sink, and butcher block counters. Th e space was painted in two tones, with what Adam calls a “poor man’s plaster”, which is a regular joint compound mixed with paint. Th is fi nish added a storied richness to the space. “I am obsessed with an obscure and decidedly New York City designer from the late ’70s and early ’80s – the living room coff ee table, the bedroom credenza, the bedside tables and the headboard are all Jay Spectre designs,” Adam enthuses. “His work is imbued with the glamour of the 1930s in New York City but seen through the lens of the 1970s.” Th e designer has also featured several pieces from INC’s growing product portfolio in his home, including the living room wing back chair, the desk chair, the ottomans, and a highly popular, 100 per cent wool, teal, green, and mauve Paint Pour rug. “We develop our objects and furniture directly for and out of the needs and constraints of our projects,” he reveals. Th e biggest challenge for the architect was to properly celebrate, and even extend the quirky character of the unit, working against the architecture to open and connect the small spaces with arches and new openings to allow for fl ow and openness. An avid artist and collector, Adam features much of his art in his home, as well as work made by fellow artists and friends, including a self-portrait in a performance of John Singer Sargent’s famous oil-on-canvas painting of ‘Madame X’. But the real connection to his artistic practice, he shares, can be seen in the faux tapestry behind the bed. Th e tapestry works at the architectural scale of the room to anchor the bed within the space. “But it is also a photograph I took out of the window of the Palisades, rendered in a paint-by-numbers style Warhol mimicked in the 1970s, which has been digitally printed on raw canvas,” he explains. “Th e tapestry format was also inspired by the world-famous Unicorn Tapestries of the Met Cloisters Museum.” INC’s work has gone global in recent years, with the studio working initially across the United States, to later undertaking projects in Europe and Asia, and even garnering recent interest from the UAE. “We are also working on our fi rst monograph to celebrate our upcoming 20th anniversary,” Adam adds, signifying a space to most defi nitely watch. “ A T R I P T O H A V A NA IN F L U E N C ED U S ” Ad a m R o l s t o n Refl ective elements and carefully chosen appliances maximise the kitchen space 112 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11205/12/2023 11:46The home captures an appreciation for unique, individual expression HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11305/12/2023 11:47“T H E R E I S S O M E T H I N G PO ET I C A B O U T E N G A GI N G W I T H SU N L I G H T AT V A R I O U S PO I N TS T H R O U G H O U T TH E D A Y ” Ad a m R o l s t o n 114 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11405/12/2023 11:47Your LIFE Adam’s bedroom harbours soothing purple tones and comforting solid wood notes, which balance into a haven of repose HBI_059_106-115_Adam rolstons_13093856.indd 11505/12/2023 11:47THE LIFESTYLE Alongside stunning terrace views of Dubai, Fi’lia serves up a tantalising menu HBI_059_116-117_CHEF Celine_13086428.indd 11605/12/2023 11:50Relatively small in size, yet undoubtedly infl uential while aptly promising unrestricted potential; much like her favourite ingredient, lemon, Célia Stoecklin is not only a disruptor, but she is also here to add much-needed zing to a male-dominated profession. Celebrated today as one of Dubai’s key female leading forces in the culinary scene, Célia has always been a wonderkid, who found her life purpose at the bottom of her grandmother’s cooking pan. “I have always loved food from a very young age,” reminisces the chef with a mischievous smile. “I grew up watching my grandmother cooking the vegetables that my grandfather grew in his garden. I still remember spending time with her in the kitchen, making ‘Bouchée à la Reine’ and then eating all the meatballs before dinner. Today I go back to those happy memories all the time while I am in the kitchen doing what I enjoy the most, cooking.” With the intention to make everyone experience the same joy, warmth and comfort through her food, Célia took her fi rst step towards an illustrious career at the early age of 14, when she became an apprentice at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le 7ème Continent. With cooking being her way of storytelling, Célia honed her skills at a series of restaurants, including Michelin-starred Il Cortile and Guy Savoy, before moving to Dubai to join Al Muntaha, then French Riviera. “Dubai opened great opportunities for me. Coming to Dubai was one of the key milestones in my career and taking the head chef position at Fi’lia was another,” Célia explains. “Your fi rst head chef position is important, but I believe it is even more important to choose the right place to do it.” Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023 Award for the second year, Fi’lia is the region’s fi rst female-led restaurant and Célia’s current playground. Used to overcoming obstacles that were forced upon her for being a young woman in a highly demanding and competitive fi eld, the chef is determined to set biased stereotypes straight. “I believe in the importance of empowering women, especially nowadays as we have the possibility and opportunity to prove that we are as talented as men. We certainly deserve our righteous place in this fi eld,” says the chef. Using the new menu as a soapbox to advocate her powerful agenda, Célia chose to create recipes that tell eloquent stories from Italy. “Th e new recipes we now have on the menu were all based on my love for Italy and memories from my previous trips and past experiences – it is certainly Italian food, but with French, Mediterranean infl uences.” Words by NAYERA YASSER Photography by EFRAIM EVIDOR CUL I N A RY MI S SION Born to empower and set stereotypes straight, head chef of Fi’lia, Célia Stoecklin, is a determined advocate for the future of females in the fi eld 117 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 Laser-focused on the task at hand, Célia is determined to build an unforgettable legacy at Fi’lia. “At the moment I am focusing on the future of the beautiful project I have at Fi’lia. I really want Fi’lia to become the fi rst place that comes to mind when Italian, Mediterranean food is mentioned,” she smiles, leaving us hopeful for what’s to come: “As the sky is the limit, I have very big and ambitious goals for this place.” Clockwise from top left: Chef Célia in her element; Lemon and asparagus risotto with fontina foam; A chef boldly carving her own path; Mozzarella salad starring beetroot and arugula; Warmly glamorous interiors at Fi’lia HBI_059_116-117_CHEF Celine_13086428.indd 11705/12/2023 11:50From going underwater to bringing the magic of theatre closer than ever, these Dubai-based culinary gems are not to be missed TOP TABLES DREAM DUBAI Some look for a good meal, others seek an experience like no other – and this is exactly what Dream Dubai excels in: curating a dreamlike fantasy world. From ambitious performances to quixotic art and 3D projections – the restaurant promises loyal visitors a dinner and show with a side of a new escapade every single time. Whether you are an avid fan of the Swan Lake or the acrobatics of the travelling circus, there is certainly a Dream show made with just you in mind. In parallel, the chefs excel at putting the art of Mediterranean cookery and the wizardry of mixology on full display. Fancying smoked truffl e beef tartare, Bourgogne snails, marinated lobster or even coff ee caviar tiramisu? Rest assured, all culinary dreams are attainable at Dream Dubai. +971 4 220 0224, letsdreamdubai.com HBI_059_118-119_TOP tABLES_13060036.indd 11805/12/2023 11:51 The LIFESTYLE 119 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 THE GUILD A picturesque ode to the vibrant brasseries of Europe and New York, The Guild’s cosy allure immerses diners in a sensorial haven. From the widespread greenery to the wooden interiors, the venue transports you to its very special universe – where service is exceptionally homey and food tantalises all senses. Inviting guests to three realms of artisanal culinary excellence, courtesy of the masterful chefs, the restaurant off ers a trio of equally captivating experiences. This includes the Nurseries’ bohemian authentic charm drawing from New York’s Tribeca, the Rockpool’s mesmerising spectrum of seafood, sustainably sourced from the seven seas, and fi nally, The Salon’s grand fl ame- grilled and roasted dinners. +971 54 279 6826, theguilddubai.com OSSIANO Located in Atlantis, The Palm, Ossiano literally takes a deep dive into the sea and everything it has to off er. The famed restaurant serves up an immersive fi ne-dining experience. Minimal décor redirects the spotlight towards the surrounding hypnotising aquarium. Diners have the unique company of stingrays, sharks and fi shes of every size and colour. Chef Grégoire Berger prioritises seasonality and sea foraging to ensure sustainable ingredients. +971 4 426 0770, atlantis.com/ dubai/dining/ossiano MIMI KAKUSHI Proving that time travel can be quite real, Mimi Kakushi brings back the exuberant and eclectic vibes of the 1920s in none other than Osaka, Japan. A place for those who admire jazz, food, and life in general, the restaurant off ers a unique blend of traditional fl avours reimagined through a progressive perspective. Named after an asymmetric hairstyle introduced in 1922, Mimi Kakushi’s menu brings traditional global favourites such as sashimi, sushi, tempura and gyoza, but with a quirky twist. The dimmed lights coupled with the soothing music and wide diversity of tailored drinks can certainly stimulate all appetites and ensure unforgettable nights – be it a night out with the girls or a special celebratory date. +971 43 794 811, mimikakushi.ae WORDS BY NAYERA YASSER, IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE RESTAURANTS HBI_059_118-119_TOP tABLES_13060036.indd 11905/12/2023 11:51Next >