Atelier House Hospitality and Tashkeel have revealed plans to open the homegrown, sustainable, farm-to-table restaurant Gerbou, which means “welcome to my humble abode” in Arabic. Kristina Zanic Consultants designed the restaurant, opening in January 2024. It explores Arab and Emirati culture with recipes by Emirati chef Sahar Al Awadhi.
At the helm of this restaurant is Chef Ionel Catau, who curates a culinary journey highlighting Arab, Emirati, and international cuisines. He places great importance on utilizing locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Chef Catau’s culinary expertise seamlessly blends a variety of cooking techniques with the rich tapestry of Arab and Emirati culture. The result is an exceptional dining experience designed to captivate the discerning palates of our guests. The restaurant pays homage to UAE’s rich heritage while catering to contemporary tastes. The culinary team intends to incorporate outdoor underground pit cooking, infusing dishes with smoke-infused flavors reminiscent of Emirati traditions.
“Atelier House Hospitality and Tashkeel are proud to have chef Ionel Catau lead the culinary direction of this concept. His commitment to exploring the origins of Arab and Emirati cuisine and dedication to sustainability, aligns with Gerbou’s core values. We are confident that, under his guidance, the restaurant shall set a new standard for dining in the UAE,” said Panchali Mahendra, president of Atelier House Hospitality.
Chef Catau added: “I am truly honored to be part of this restaurant and to lead this culinary endeavor. My journey in Michelin-starred restaurants has instilled in me a commitment to excellence. I am excited to present a sustainable menu that showcases the best of Arab and Emirati cuisine while respecting cultural traditions.”