Valentine’s Day pop-up at INKED. Courtesy of Inked
From the heart of Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, Inked is leading a cultural movement. Ahead of its debut Iftar series this Ramadan, Kenza Jarjour, Inked’s Morocco-born, Canada-raised and Dubai based co-founder, takes Vogue Arabia behind the scenes of the city’s most innovative social platform.
#1: It was written in the stars
I met Patrick, my Turkish-Lebanese husband, in Montreal at school, when we were 15. We were good friends but I don’t think either of us saw a romantic connection, we were just so unbelievably different that it wasn’t on the agenda. Fast-forward 18 years, and we both suddenly realized that there was no space for anyone else in each other’s lives.
#2: Inked Dubai owes it to Berlin
Inked was born out of a trip to Berlin, where we experienced the city’s dynamic culinary culture. We discovered alternative ways of dining, freedom of expression through food, and a willingness for experimentation, which we found very inspiring. This led to us working on a blueprint for a food-led innovative platform, which, like ink, would leave an indelible mark.
The Salvador Dalí cookbook inspired the Plaisirs Supreme pop-up at Inked in March. Courtesy of Inked
#3: Causing a commotion
When I think of Inked’s mission statement, I keep coming back to the word “disruptive.” To be disruptive, we also need to be creative. What makes us stand apart is our unfaltering passion. As a team, we share a singular appetite for continually challenging ourselves.
#4: Inked is a blank canvas
We turned to Beirut-based studio FaR Architects to create a spatial envelope within Alserkal Avenue’s aluminum warehouse. Helmed by Karine Fakhry and Diane Sawaya, the award-winning practice is in the news for its research-based contextual design process and a distinct interdisciplinary approach that brings together the best of architecture, interior and landscape interventions, media installations, and product design. The result is a split-level space punctuated with the use of large-scale black metal structures that nod to the heritage of the warehouse; a sinuous industrial staircase leading to a neon-red chocolate room on the mezzanine level; and oversized white wood wall panels that alter your sense of scale and context.
Chocolate and cocoa nibs soil, berries, and coffee ice cream as served at Inked, Dubai. Courtesy of Inked
#5: Chef Hadrien Villedieu is our (not so secret) weapon.
Having worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, notably Joel Robuchon, Alain Passard, and Jean-Pierre Vigato, Hadrien has learned from the greats while bringing his own aroma to the table. From leading an army of chefs, to consulting and being the executive chef of a leading international culinary school, he has been on the front lines of the culinary world around the globe.
#6: A Berber iftar
The Berber tribes of North Africa have both a history and current culture that is relatively unknown, especially in this region. At Inked, we always want to look to the unique, not necessarily the always obvious. Seeking out unexpected socio-political observations of culture is one of the passions that drives us. Isn’t this what inherently fascinates us all? Such projects also put us into research mode – we learn new techniques, and we find ways to expand our culinary potential, our knowledge, and expertise. Through it all, we’re discovering how to pay homage to this culture and tradition.
Iftar is served every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during Ramadan from iftar time. For more information and bookings, visit Inked.
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