< PreviousLAND&Sea As chef de cuisine over the last six years at the renowned As chef de cuisine over the last six years at the renowned Ossiano restaurant in Dubai, Ossiano restaurant in Dubai, Chef Grégoire Berger shares the pivotal moments in his career which shaped shares the pivotal moments in his career which shaped his humble approach to cookinghis humble approach to cooking French-born Chef Grégoire Berger’s passion for culinary art was instilled in him from a very young age, with his grandmother’s home-cooked food being one among many initial inspirations. “My grandmother was the most amazing cook and the food at home was always delicious,” he reminisces. “She used to make this amazing Rhubarb Tart and I still remember the smell. It’s my oldest memory and something I’ve recreated in my kitchen many times.” The path of pursuing a career in the culinary fi eld was initially a slow and steady one. “In my early years, I did not consider cooking as a career and while I loved food, I was never that bothered about making it,” he admits. “However at the age of 16, a friend of mine started working at a local restaurant and asked me if I wanted to have a job too. So, I started as an apprentice and the moment I walked into the kitchen, it was like everything fell into place. The smell, the hum, the energy, the vibrations. I just watched them create this art from simple ingredients and it blew my mind. That was it for me.” Grégoire’s culinary narrative, in a nutshell, is rooted in expressing memories through his exquisite creations, which he humbly refers to as ‘the metamorphosis’. “Every dish tells the story of my travels around the world and key moments throughout my life through a sensorial experience,” he says. “In order for guests to enjoy the journey to its fullest, dishes are kept secret and then revealed, with a little added theatre, to bring the narrative to life at the table.” One of the many core beliefs that the chef follows is using the most sustainable and freshest ingredients from the land and sea to deliver an experience centred around evoking emotion. “We generally conceptualise through emotion and this is transcended visually and through taste, sound, temperature and narrative,” he reveals. “Sometimes dishes happen instantly and sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error, but there are no rules really.” Some of the memorable experiences that Grégoire has THE LIFESTYLE HBI_048_70-73_Lifestyle_Chef Gregoire_11441188.indd 7026/11/2020 06:55:53 PM71 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 LIFESTYLE The Chef Grégoire Berger in his element HBI_048_70-73_Lifestyle_Chef Gregoire_11441188.indd 7126/11/2020 06:56:04 PMbagged for himself include having worked for some of the fi nest eateries such as Le pressoir in Bretagne, a Michelin-starred restaurant in France, and Paul Bocuse’s Bistrot de Paris in Florida, where he worked alongside the renowned late French chefs Paul Bocuse, Roger Vergé and Gaston Lenôtre. Grégoire’s fruitful career has also seen him work in Casablanca, Morocco before heading to Dubai and securing the role of chef de cuisine at seafood restaurant Ossiano in Atlantis. “Being listed amongst the top 50 chefs at the Best Chef Awards 2019 takes things to a whole new level,” he smiles. “Winning this award has absolutely been a highlight of my career. I have put 100 per cent into everything I do and professionally, I am always seeking to challenge myself, to constantly achieve my goals and consistently raise the bar. It also served as an amazing opportunity to meet and be inspired by the world’s best chefs.” These include the likes of David Muñoz, the creative force behind Madrid’s three Michelin-starred restaurant DiverXO, and chef Björn Frantzén from Stockholm’s Frantzén/Lindeberg. Being able to express himself under his current role at Ossiano over the last six years has been a rewarding learning curve for Grégoire. “The fact that we cook for people from over 226 countries and territories means you have to learn to be extremely fl uid,” he shares. “We try and tackle this by ensuring my manager Badr and I are always on the same page and we have the same vision about how guests want to feel in Ossiano. I love to see how my dishes are interpreted and understood from people from different cultures and backgrounds. On some nights we have 25 tables and sometimes we have 25 different nationalities in one night!” When asked about the best advice he would like to impart to aspiring chefs, he answers, “Learn the basics from the best, because that’s the foundation of your career. Training is very important. I also think the most important contribution to being a great chef is just be yourself. Don’t follow any trends, don’t get too obsessed with Instagram, critics or stars, just be true to yourself and believe in your craft and vision.” atlantis.com Chicken liver pebble by Chef Grégoire Berger COOK LIKE CHEF GRÉGOIRE BERGER CHICKEN LIVER PEBBLE Ingredients Chicken liver Pâté - 750g of fresh chicken liver - 300g of cream - 15g of sugar - 7g of salt - 6 gelatine sheets - 3 egg whites Green olive glaze - 1L of green olive juice - Green colour - 50g of SOSA vegetal gelatine Method 1. Make the liver in a hot pan. Don’t cook it, we just want the brown colour. 2. Melt the gelatine with the cream and put all the ingredients in the Thermomix. 3. Mix until it reaches a temperature of 50°F. 4. During this time, whip the egg whites until it forms soft peaks. 5. Strain the liver mix and cool it down, adjust the seasoning and add the whipped egg and mould it. Keep in the chiller. Mould in pebble mould and let it set in the deep freezer. 6. Finally, glaze the pebble with the olive glaze. Bon appétit! 72 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 LIFESTYLE The WORDS BY ATHWIFA SALEEM PHOTOGRAPHY BY AASIYA JAGADEESH HBI_048_70-73_Lifestyle_Chef Gregoire_11441188.indd 7226/11/2020 06:56:13 PM From top: Tuna tacos with bell pepper sorbet and raspberry; Cancale oysters with seaform by Grégoire Berger 73 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 HBI_048_70-73_Lifestyle_Chef Gregoire_11441188.indd 7326/11/2020 06:56:19 PM The LIFESTYLE 74 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 TOP TA B L E S We select four of the chicest dining destinations in Dubai to relish this al fresco season SAL Set in the beautiful Burj Al Arab boasting calming Arabian Gulf views, the newly opened Sal serves some of the most delectable dishes derived from Southern Mediterranean cuisine, which diners can savour in a fabulous beach lounge or in one of the luxe cabanas. Favourites on the à la carte menu include the Seabass carpaccio, made with Vongole jus, lemon, tomato, Tuna Tartare with caviar and the Rigatoni Manchego, made with candied tomato, Manchego cheese and fresh basil. +971 4432 3232, jumeirah.com An interior view of SAL restaurant located in Burj Al Arab Main course and dessert from SAL HBI_048_074-075_Top Tables_11439196.indd 7426/11/2020 06:57:00 PMWORDS BY A THWIF A SALEEM The LIFESTYLE 75 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 ARMANI/HASHI Nestled in Downtown Dubai amid gorgeous views of the Burj Khalifa’s sky-piercing spire and The Dubai Fountain, an al fresco dining experience at Hashi is one for the books. The chef’s modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine includes the Wagyu rib eye with foie gras, seaweed and truffl e teriyaki; the Gillardeau oyster with enoki mushroom, lime and tonkathu sauce, and warm coconut cake with ginger caramel stuffi ng and vanilla foam, to name just a few. +971 4888 3666, armanihoteldubai.com 99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT An international franchise serving a fresh take on Japanese food (which can literally be described as ‘edible works of art’) within a stunning space boasting black and gold structures, silhouettes and fl oor-to-ceiling windows, the latest branch of 99 Sushi located in Address Downtown, Dubai is a must-visit spot for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Blue Fin Tuna Carpaccio. +971 4547 2241, 99sushibar.com MISSIPPI’S DUBAI Located in a rooftop setting, the newly opened Missippi’s Pool Bar & Social Hub emanates a Bali-meets-Miami vibe with plush, wooden four-poster cabanas surrounded by lush foliage extending around aqua waters. The colourful, playful interiors make the spot one of the most Instagrammable in Dubai. The new venue offers diners an elaborate selection of delectable tapas with inspiration from global cuisine, as well as live DJ performances and entertainment. +971 5526 9735, missippisdxb.com An interior view of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Interior view of Missippi’s Dubai Interior view of Armani/ Hashi Interior view of Armani/ Hashi HBI_048_074-075_Top Tables_11439196.indd 7526/11/2020 06:57:09 PMCREDIT HERE 76 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 THE ESCAPE ENCHANTED DUNES Settled among the dunes, the low-lying Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai is a beautiful destination for dreamy desert nights, especially now with the cooler weather. The resort combines serenity and nature with warm hospitality and luxury, with plenty of on-site activities. Book a ‘Magic Eleven Escape’, a grand staycation package featuring desert adventures, or ride camels across the dunes facilitated by the ‘Weekday Desert Escape’ package. You can also soak up the sun by the tranquil infinity pool with the ‘Private Cabana Experience’. The resort is welcoming the festive season with the launch of their new desert- themed festive market, which will take place daily from 12 to 20 December, from 6PM to 10PM. babalshams.com HBI_048_076-077_Escape News_11434402.indd 7626/11/2020 06:58:12 PM77 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 WORDS BY REEF AY A NOOR TA J IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS SNOWY FANTASY Ski your way into winter at Montage Big Sky resort by Montage International. Located in the majestic Spanish Peaks of Colorado, spanning 3,530 acres of land and adorned with pristine white snow, the space is set to open in 2021. The deluxe getaway features 150 guestrooms, suites and 39 Montage Residences all inspired by the natural setting of regional woods and stones. Big Sky is truly a mountain paradise escape overlooking endless dreamy white snow. (866) 551-8244, montagehotels.com ON THE GO The Addict Lip Maximizer gives maximum volume, infused with hyaluronic acid spheres for plumpness, comfort and a 3D shine effect. Dior. Dhs175AED, dior.com ON THE GO TIMELESS RED Red purses are timeless, but when it’s a leather square red bag the game is different. The ‘Portia’ bag by Lilian Afshar truly exudes opulence and modernity, only meant for the unique woman. L’AFSHAR. Dhs2,498. lilianafshar.com GOLDEN TOUCH Feel festive with Gafl a Jewellery’s Thumani rings, carved in rose gold, white gold with diamonds, and yellow gold. The playful look of these rings features an edge that will complement any outfi t. Gafl a. From dhs2,090, gafl ajewellery.com WARMLY YOURS A Max Mara lady is a dreamer, and she dreams of bundling herself up in a luxurious coat for winter. She exudes class donning Max Mara’s signature camel coat, perfect for the harshest seasons. Max Mara. Dhs9,300, Maxmara.com WALKING BEAUTY Opt for a cute cyan pair of heels this winter to add that extra pizzazz to any room you walk into. The Attico. Dhs2,736, theattico.com HBI_048_076-077_Escape News_11434402.indd 7730/11/2020 03:44:28 PMI am constantly inspired by people’s lived experiences and the knowledge and wisdom gained from the choices made. Those experiences can then become learning sets to share with others and can help formulate the right arguments for any given situation, especially for designers and creatives. In the design process this is highly important as it offers a more humancentric design as well as a contextual approach to solving problems that will create relevant designs and not only generic ones. At this point in my life, I have developed a clearer understanding of my profession’s impact and personal vision and how my choices - be it in my design work or curatorial work - could affect others, especially younger creatives. This clarity is applied in my design curatorial work where the same values are applied across different projects, with the focus on inclusivity, participatory approaches to decision-making and collaborative work. I am most proud of the current youth, especially in marginalised communities and countries in crisis, who are enduring a huge amount of stress and rapid changes on a daily basis, yet still resilient and vocal about their beliefs presenting a level of awareness towards their surroundings and the state of the world we live in. As an educator, I had the chance to engage with younger students and I was happily surprised to see how they tend to be more accepting, tolerant and supportive of each other. In every place I travelled to or relocated to, there is a sense of home with places we connect to and people we familiarise with. The concept of home is very relative to each; home could be the body, or a smell of a certain food. My home is all of that but mostly remains where most of my life-lasting connections and friendships have been shaped: Beirut. I love to travel to cities where people’s relationship with public space is respected, matured and encouraged. Public spaces have a big infl uence on the wellbeing of individuals and can offer a very clear understanding of the quality of life in a given space. When people are allowed to coinhabit a public space, it gives them ownership over their city and urban space and engages them in the decision-making process of how they want to shape their space and subsequently, their lives and futures. Design is important because it is inherently connected to any desired positive change and for its capacity to converse and engage multiple disciplines while providing a solution to any given problem. Design DNA DNA MY DESIGN MY TOP DESIGN PICKS: 1. Fata Morgana pavilion for Abwab 2020 2. The rich and ambitious group of designers represented this year in the UAE designers exhibition at Dubai Design Week 2020 3. Meshary AlNassar x Cosentino collaboration for Dubai Design Week 2020 Creative Director of Dubai Design Week 2020 Ghassan Salameh on the power of design, the resilience of today’s youth and the concept of home 3 1 2 HBI_048_078_Design DNA_ Ghassan Salameh_11433230.indd 7826/11/2020 06:59:27 PM79 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Art &DESIGN FIRST UNVEILED IN 2016 AT DUBAI DESIGN Week, Hexalite, by conceptual artist and designer Zeinab Al Hashemi, comprises 1,145 Swarovski crystals represented through geometric repetition, forming a kaleidoscopic mirage. The interactive installation is designed to challenge perceptions of reality through the refractive crystal light and the changing refl ections. The 33 hexagonal mirrored-steel structures depict harmony, unconditional love, healing energy and the balance of power, prompting transformative thinking and emanating a fl ow of spiritual energy. Zeinab notes inspiration from her Emirati roots, the abstract, geometric shapes of urbanism and the organic forms associated with the UAE’s natural landscape. As she wrote in the 2019 publication Geometry and Art in the Modern Middle East: “The infl uence of geometry in my work, from Fibonacci’s sequence to the golden ratio in nature to the sacred geometry in architecture, to Mandelbrot set, all the way to Islamic geometric patterns and Leonardo Da Vinci’s use of sacred geometry, geometry exists all around us, starting with sound vibrations that cause a fl ow of repeated patterns the naked eye cannot capture.” As part of World of Fashion, in partnership with Mall of the Emirates, BAZAAR hosted a series of virtual and in-person interviews with esteemed guests across the fashion and art industry. For the second interview of the event, we spoke to Zeinab on-stage alongside Hexalite (2016). During the discussion the artist shared the infl uence of numerology and geometry in her work, the importance of intuition and the role of space, time and repetition in art. “The artist in me is an introvert, and the designer in During World of Fashion 2020, Emirati conceptual artist and designer Zeinab Al Hashemi spoke to Ayesha S. Shehmir about the relationship between art and design, as she showcased her interactive Swarovski installation entitled Hexalite GEOMETRY & ART Bazaar’s Ayesha S. Shehmir in conversation with Zeinab Al Hashemi at World of Fashion 2020 me is an extrovert,” she explained during the interview. “I think by knowing yourself more and your own medium and ideas, you start building your identity.” Zeinab Al Hashemi’s solo exhibition, which will unveil a new body of work, is yet to be announced. zeinabalhashemi.com Zeinab Al Hashemi at World of Fashion with Hexalite at Mall of the EmiratesPHOTOS COUR TESY OF ITP IMAGES HBI_048_079_News_Zeinab Al Hashimi_11420711.indd 7929/11/2020 04:48:37 PMNext >