With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, Dubai is rapidly re-emerging as the global gateway to the best in dining, hospitality, and entertainment.
Raspoutine
Photo: Courtesy of Raspoutine
If only Raspoutine’s signature red velvet and baroque chandeliers could talk. The decadent dinner-and-party scene that has entertained the world’s most notable and notorious celebrities has landed in Dubai’s DIFC. Serge Gainsbourg, the Aga Khan, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kanye West are said to have been among Raspoutine’s regulars over its 50 years that has also seen successful openings in Los Angeles and Miami. In Dubai, the rich decor is relatively the same and the new menu includes Russian classic dishes with a French flair, such as spaghetti and caviar, Wagyu beef pirojkis, and duck and foie gras pelmeni. Named after one of history’s most notorious villains, Raspoutine’s international presence began to broaden under the vision of Logan Maggio and Alexander Ghislain, the two operating partners who fell in love with the brand’s magic and hypnotic allure. “We chose Dubai for the development of the Raspoutine brand as the city represents one of the most exhilarating premium entertainment destinations in the world,” comments Ghislain.
Jass Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Jass Lounge
It’s Saturday night in Dubai and the Cuban congas, bongos, timbales, and claves are creating a steady rhythm after sundown. With Latin jazz, funk, soul, blues, and oud-inspired regional sounds playing on any given week, Jass Lounge is another DIFC hotspot with opulent decor and a sensory menu. Known as the first authentic jazz experience in the heart of Dubai, the club leaves the stage open to local talent to perform live jazz classics.
Tiki’s Rooftop at the Canary Club
Photo: Courtesy of Tiki’s Rooftop
Dubai has no shortage of amazing vistas, but the Canary Club’s new rooftop deck is like visiting Malibu, Bora Bora, and the UAE all at the same time. Overlooking the JLT and Marina Skyline, in addition to DJ sets and good vibes Tiki’s hosts sunrise yoga, book release parties, pop-up shops, and creative collaborations, all slated for the ongoing season.
Tàn Chá
Photo: Courtesy of Tàn Chá
Aiming to set a new benchmark for contemporary Chinese cuisine in Dubai, Tàn Chá quickly found its place in the inaugural Dubai Michelin
Guide following its launch in February 2022. Conceptualized by restaurateur Alberto Barbieri, it features five distinct dining areas where guests can experience chef David Pang’s exceptional creations paired with an inspired drink offering, followed by a curated after-hours program, complete with a soundtrack. The restaurant also offers an ultra-exclusive private dining experience named Table 8, where the culinary meets theatrics in an 18-piece sensorial menu, served in an intimate space behind carved timber screens and plush curtains that seats eight to 12 guests.
Couqley
Photo: Courtesy of Couqley
The Beirut brainchild of Ziad Kamel, Patrick Cochrane, and chef Alexis Couquelet, Couqley marked the opening of its second location in Dubai at the Pullman hotel this year. The restaurant prides itself as a friendly and casual French bistro that serves classic yet fuss-free dishes in a warm and welcoming ambiance. Highlights of its menu include the steak-frites in a signature sauce, tuna tartare, escargots, truffle-mushroom pasta, and for dessert, the pain perdu.
Black Flamingo
Photo: Courtesy of Black Flamingo
The new spot on the Palm’s Radisson Beach Resort aims to bring Miami to Dubai with a celebration of Latino Hispanic & Caribbean Creole cultures, food, and music. The specially curated menu brings together the best flavors from the many islands and cities in the Caribbean and the Americas, while entertainment features a balanced and well-tailored mixture of Afro beats, Reggaeton, Latin, HipHop and RnB from all eras and generations. “Stepping foot in Black Flamingo will transport you to a world that’s 12 thousand kilometers away,” says CEO of 7 Management Rabih Fakhreddine. “When you walk out of here and people ask you where you were last night, you might as well say Miami, because that’s what Black Flamingo is.”
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