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Dubai's renowned dining portfolio will be further diversified with
the arrival of some of fashion's biggest names who have announced
plans to open restaurants this year as part of a new phase of
landmark projects in the emirate. The 'season' starts with the
world's first Armani Hotel, which opens on 18 March 2010 at the heart
of the recently opened Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest tower. The
hotel will house a fusion of tastes with authentic Italian, Japanese,
Mediterranean and Modern Indian restaurants located across different
floors.
Other designers launching restaurants in Dubai hotels over the coming
months include Gianni Versace at Palazzo Versace - which will
showcase a range of local and international cuisine across different
restaurants spearheaded by the exquisite Vanitas fine-dining
experience. In addition, Lebanese designer Elie Saab's boutique hotel
development at the Tiger Woods' Al Ruwaya project in Dubailand will
house a three starred Michelin chef, Guy Savoy, in its signature
restaurant. They will join fellow fashionista foodie, Roberto Cavalli
who opened his eponymous Cavalli Club at the Fairmont Dubai last
year. This unique 'lifestyle club' concept includes a prestigious
Italian restaurant and sushi bar, alongside a lounge bar and boutique
offering specialist lines.
Dubai is already recognised as a global culinary capital, showcasing
world-class cuisine from around the world. Competition in 2009's Time
Out Dubai Restaurant Awards was fierce as restaurants across the
emirate fought for the accolades. It was the luxury French
restaurant, Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire which emerged victorious as
the Best Restaurant in Dubai. Located within the InterContinental
Dubai Festival City, this was the first of a trio of gongs for the
restaurant which also took home Best Contemporary European and Best Newcomer.
From informal meals to fine dining, Dubai offers a wealth of
opportunities to visitors keen to treat themselves during their stay.
They've even thought of the perfect solution for those indecisive
diners: The Palace - The Old Town invites visitors to sample a course
at each of its three premium restaurants: the award-winning Thiptara
Thai restaurant, the lively Argentine grill Asado and the relaxing
Ewaan poolside lounge. Or why not try food prepared by world-famous
chefs, whether it's Gordon Ramsay's Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek, Gary
Rhodes' Mezzanine at Grosvenor House or Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio
Locatelli's eponymous restaurants at Atlantis, The Palm.
The iconic Burj al Arab, now in its tenth year, is also home to some
top eateries such as the sky-high Al Muntaha which stands a massive
200m above sea level with diners able to drink in views of Jumeirah
Beach, The Palm and The World islands. Back on terra firma on the
ground floor, Al Mahara offers world-class seafood served alongside
an aquarium filled with an array of colourful, tropical fish, which
are definitely not on the menu!
But Dubai isn't all about set-piece occasions: there are plenty of
opportunities to enjoy lighter meals at prices to suit all pockets!
Left Bank at Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, for example, offers bar
food in a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere, while nearby Neos (part
of The Address Downtown Dubai) serves light meals alongside panoramic
views of the city and the record-breaking musical waterworks of Dubai
Fountain from its position on the 63rd floor.
Many of Dubai's cafes and restaurants are also perfectly suited to
the scores of families that visit the emirate each year. The
Boardwalk at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has been welcoming
guests of all ages for many years, serving up international cuisine
as guests look out over the abras and dhows meandering across the
water. The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is also a thoroughfare of
casual eateries, with its unique promenade layout allowing visitors
to wander, absorbing the tastes and cultures. While Madinat
Jumeirah's Al Muna offers a mix of dishes from around the world, as
well as expertly cooked local cuisine amid relaxed surroundings with
panoramic views of the beach.
Ian Scott, director UK and Ireland for the Government of Dubai,
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said:
"Unparalleled hospitality is at the heart of Dubai's appeal to
visitors - whether they're couples enjoying a romantic city-break or
families having a beach holiday. With such a cosmopolitan population,
Dubai has been able to absorb tastes and flavours from around the
world, which has informed its broad culinary appeal. As Dubai's
popularity has increased, so its hospitality offering has evolved,
with affordable eateries offered alongside some of the industry's
shining stars such as Gordon Ramsay. And with a catalogue of
prestigious developments due to open, Dubai will continue to dish up
a diverse array of dining options to visitors."
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