JANUARY 2022 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION THE FUTURE IS FREE The non-alcoholic sector gets a fresh start with Lyre’s THE MOST IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE MOST EXCITING COUNTRY ON THE PLANET. VISIT CATERERMIDDLEEAST.COM/SAUDI-ARABIA NEWS. INSIGHT. FEATURES. INTERVIEWS. CATERERSAUDILAUNCHindd2023/12/202115:02:54In this issue 3 January 2022 caterermiddleeast.com Specials 20 An in-depth interview with Lyre's founder Mark Livings 24 More on the rise of non-alcoholic drinks in the Middle East 28 How restaurants are striving to become more sustainable 34 Finding out more about the F&B brands moving to Saudi Arabia Sustainable dishes at Atlantis, The Palm Livings out loud ON THE MENUIn this issue caterermiddleeast.com January 2022 4 The barman keeping Miss Lily’s ticking How this chef spends his days Why Aura Skypool Lounge is on everyone’s lips Mains 6 Trending 12 Careers 18 In conversation 42 Suppliers 46 Recipes 48 Instant classic 50 .LWFKHQFRQŒGHQWLDOEditor's Letter 5 January 2022 caterermiddleeast.com Yousra Zaki, editor Hello, As someone who chooses a sober lifestyle, writing about the the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic spirits was an eye-opening experience. As we enter a new year, many people will have ‘cut back on drinking’ high on their resolution list, and research shows that more money will be spent on premium, zero-alcohol beverages in 2022 than ever before. So, in this issue, we speak to the suppliers behind the new non-alcoholic drinks available in the region to find out why bars and restaurants should stock them. Sticking with the theme of embracing change, we discover more about the latest plant-based products on the market and speak to some of the restaurateurs doing their bit to be more sustainable to make a difference this year and beyond. The teams at the likes of Atlantis, Boca and Hilton are leading the way, and hopefully others will follow suit for a greener and cleaner future. I’d drink (a premium, non- alcoholic cocktail) to that. Published by and © 2022 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London & Mumbai ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Group Editor Paul Clifford Editorial Deputy Editor Yousra Zaki Tel: +971 4 444 3255 email: yousra.zaki@itp.com Reporter Josh Corder Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: josh.corder@itp.com Advertising Commercial Director Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Manager Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Sales Manager Shrief Ali Tel: +971 4 444 3989 email: shrief.ali@itp.com International Sales Manager Amanda Stewart Tel: +44 7908 117 333 email: amanda.stewart@itp.com ITP Live General Manager Ahmad Bashour Studio Art Editor Gerald Du Designer Junemar Tulipas Cover Photographer Juliet Dunne Location Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai Photography Senior Photographers Efraim Evidor, Adel Rashid Staff Photographers Aasiya Jagadeesh, Fritz John Asuro, Ajith Narendra Production & Distribution Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Mahendra Pawar Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Circulation Distribution and Circulation Manager Evijin Pathrose Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Director of Awards and Marketing Daniel Fewtrell ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Daviescaterermiddleeast.com January 2022 6 The record-breaking outlet serves pan-Asian sharing dishes with views of the city WHAT’S HOT... Aura skypoolTrending 7 January 2022 caterermiddleeast.com or even early dinners, rather than ‘a la minute’ like at hotels. This has been lovely so far. Overall, I fi nd working in a pool lounge much more relaxed and fl owing, but of course, we are serious about providing sophisticated plating and top-quality food. “Working at Aura has been a great turning point for my career. I managed to be very creative with fl avours and created a whole menu from scratch based on the concept of the venue, which has allowed me to expand my cooking skills and get out of my comfort zone. So far, AURA has been a great success based on reviews and our guests’ feedback.” Breakfast in the sky at Aura The venue is open from 10am to sunset. With the early start, Best thought it important to keep guests sustained with some breakfast. The Rise & Shine is available daily between 10am and 11.30am. Dishes include Japanese pancake, with caramel and vanilla chantilly, an Asian brunch bowl, comprising of a poached egg, kimchi, avocado and seeded cracker and a blueberry acai bowl. To accompany breakfast, guests will be served two types of cocktails, including the ‘Bloody AURA’ and ‘Cala Mosa’, as well as a range of smoothies. Guests can choose to book their sunbeds from three timeslots. Prices vary depending on which ‘zone’ the guest opts for including an orange zone, green zone and a VIP Island. Prices start from AED170 per person and can go up to AED600 per person. Diners can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, or sunset drinks from 10am to 7pm without the purchase of a sunbed, however, F&B is not included in the price. Each morning (10am to 2pm) and afternoon (3pm to 7pm) lounge entry is AED150. S uspended 200 metres in the air, Aura Skypool is the world’s fi rst and highest 360-degree infi nity pool. The destination showcases uninterrupted views of Dubai landmarks including Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai, Sunset Hospitality is behind the venue, which has a 750 sq m pool deck and an indoor-outdoor lounge and bar serving high-end Asian cuisine. The à la carte is divided between snacks, bowls, fl atbreads, yakitori, land, sea and sweets, and each dish is inspired by the cosmopolitan vibe of iconic Asian cities. Caterer Middle East spoke to Craig Best, who previously worked for the Gordon Ramsey Group and is now the head chef at Aura Skypool Lounge. The 34-year-old Londoner said: “Our guests have responded really positively to the quality of our dishes, as well as the presentation. They have commented on the sophistication of the menu, and how it’s ideal for an outdoor attraction.” The dishes include wagyu striploin, grilled teriyaki chicken, miso salmon, gochujang caulifl ower popcorn, and desserts such as matcha mousse milk cake and Malaysian strawberry mess. Best added: “Some of our best sellers have been the yakitori skewers featuring Balinese satay chicken with a peanut sauce and Singapore chilli prawns accompanied by a sweet chilli dip. The caulifl ower popcorn has also proven a popular surprise and the miso salmon and pineapple relish is a light-yet-refi ned option for a late lunch, either in our lounge or pool deck.” Located on the 50th fl oor of Nakheel’s Palm Tower, the venue gives guests the chance to dine while up in the air. The chef said: “Our guests are nicely spread out over the course of the day and have late breakfasts, late lunches, “It’s relaxed but we are serious about our food“caterermiddleeast.com January 2022 8 NEWS SLS Dubai has added another venue to its collection – Privilege Nightclub. Located on the 75th fl oor, standing 325 metres in the sky, Privilege is set to become the highest nightclub in the world. According to Spencer Hayato Wadama, general manager of SLS Dubai, the new club will take the party scene in the UAE to a whole new level. Hosting a series of themed nights at the new SLS Dubai club, the events kick off on Thursdays, where the outlet will broadcast Ibiza Global Radio live from the club, with plenty of house tracks. Friday evenings will see the club transform into a hip hop and R&B night and on Saturdays, the hotel will host DJ Slim as he takes guests through the evening with a curated set to end the weekend. SLS Dubai launches Privilege, the highest nightclub in the world Pickl has offi cially opened its doors in the capital of the UAE. Unveiling the brand’s largest, and fi rst beachfront, property at Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The Abu Dhabi outlet will offer the usual Pickl favourites including chicken sandos, smashed burgers as well as exclusive menu items for Abu Dhabi. The outlet will also offer limited specials like the Big Bad John and Buffalo Sando, alongside a dedicated section of Pickl apparel including t-shirts, hats, bags, skate decks and basketballs. Opening hours are 11am to 1am from Saturday to Sunday and until 2am on Thursday and Friday. Pickl launches in Abu Dhabi9 January 2022 caterermiddleeast.com Now in its 26th edition, Gulfood will return to Dubai next month as the fi rst major F&B event of the new year. Held in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), it will bring together chefs, suppliers, and trade visitors to not only push the boundaries of the industry but to meet face to face and rekindle partnerships. Running from February 13 to 17, Gulfood’s 2022’s calendar features 185 countries, 4,000-plus companies, 200-plus speakers, 21 halls of awe-inspiring food exploration and 100-plus award-winning chefs, business leaders and government heads. This year Gulfood will also host the Gulfood Innovation Awards, where it will recognise the world’s most innovative companies Akiba Dori Jeddah marks a proud moment for founder Samer Hamadeh. The Dubai-born Japanese street-food restaurant’s opening in Saudi Arabia marks the international expansion of the brand. Located in the new urban destination, Jeddah City Yard, also home to The House Hotel, Akiba Dori Jeddah presents a modern store-front styled space. The design is inspired by the food halls of Japan. Akiba Dori founder Hamadeh, said: “The thought process behind the expansion is to continue to deliver on the promise we made, when we opened our doors in Dubai, Dubai-born Akiba Dori launches in Jeddah Gulfood kicks off next month in Dubai www.delameredairy.co.uk For more information and stockists, please contact sales@delameredairy.co.uk 97ml cows’ milk in a glass bottle (1.5% fat) New Designed for hotel room trays and fridges Ambient product from UK company. 2-3 portions of milk in 1 bottle creating less plastic waste, when compared to single serve portions. Resealable cap for easy reuse. On trend glass bottle provides a premium looking product. Fully recyclable glass bottle and lid. Perfect for hot drinks and cereals. New product in development - 97ml plant-based oat drink. UK company Visit us at stand number B2-20 three years ago. Our goal was to make Japanese food as accessible as possible to everyone in Dubai and beyond.” Next >