A theatrical dining experience with Antonio Lopez
With a mantra of “life is short, do what you love,” Antonio Lopez, Teatro Restaurant’s executive sous chef, did just that. He left a career in engineering to pursue his passion for culinary arts, finding his place at Rotana Abu Dhabi’s star restaurant. Here, he gives us a glimpse into Teatro and what makes it such a phenomenal success.
A Jun’s breeze with chef Kelvin Cheung
Kelvin Cheung, a celebrated Chinese-Canadian chef and partner at Jun’s, spent his early years exploring flavors. In an exclusive interview with HN, the third-generation chef discusses how he spent the majority of his youth preparing for a life of travel and working with Asian foods in foreign kitchens.
A drink with W Abu Dhabi‘s mixologist Kevin Lee
In an exclusive interview, Kevin Lee, W Abu Dhabi’s mixologist and bartender, tells us about his career and Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene.
Pastel vibes with Karim Jaber
Karim Jaber’s love of soft colors led him to found Pastel, a cosmopolitan brasserie and bar in the beating heart of Beirut. We discover more about the concept.
Changing the food narrative with Emma Banks, Hilton’s VP of F&B strategy and development EMEA
As a seasoned hotelier and F&B expert, Emma Banks, VP of F&B strategy and development EMEA at Hilton, tells us how the brand is securing a better future for professionals thanks to initiatives.
Hot franchises
We list several leading franchises in the region, with details on their owners by and where they can be found.
9 influential restaurateurs at the table
We asked a group of successful restaurateurs to share their insights, philosophies and upcoming projects with Hospitality News Middle East. Here’s what they had to say.
Homegrown Akiba Dori expands beyond the GCC
Dubai homegrown Japanese concept Akiba Dori has kicked off its fifth anniversary with a franchise development agreement for 30 locations in India. Following the restaurant’s successful expansion streak, with five branches launched in the GCC within the last five years, Akiba Dori’s modern Japanese street food and Tokyo-style pizza have been enjoyed over the last five years in the UAE and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.
5 minutes with Jordanian top chef Ali Ghzawi
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, Ali Ghzawi, Jordanian patron chef of Alee restaurant and former winner of MBC Arabia’s Top Chef (2019), shares his story and ambitions for the future.
F&B growth in the region
These days, the Middle East is serving up innovative flavors to consumers from all over the world. Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder of Gates Hospitality, discusses the region’s dynamic F&B sector and why the number of award-winning restaurants keeps on rising.