Joey Ghazal. Photo: Courtesy The Maine
Close to a decade ago, Lebanese-origin gastropreneur Joey Ghazal gave Dubai what would become its hottest seafood spot: The Maine, a New England-inspired brasserie that quickly earned itself cult status in the culinary world. Tucked inside a loading dock at the edge of the city’s coastline, the very first branch of The Maine in JBR was a labor of love through-and-through, bringing to life Ghazal’s memories of summers on the East Coast one dish at a time. It comes as no surprise, then, that it wasn’t long before The Maine found itself taking over Dubai with two more spaces—and a taco truck—and in 2022, a much-talked-about Mayfair location in London.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
Ten years since he first started out on this journey, Ghazal now has one more milestone to celebrate: the opening of The Maine’s very first outpost in Ibiza. All soothing white exteriors, rustic decor and dark wood accents, the new restaurant is a completely outdoor location that isn’t just pleasing on the eyes, but is a flavorful delight as well. “It feels very gratifying that people are enjoying this new iteration,” the culinary pro tells Vogue Arabia in an interview. “The positive response has been overwhelming and most of the feedback we’re getting from our Dubai and London regulars is that it feels deeply familiar with its signature Maine ambience, food and service, and yet wholly unexpected.”
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
Offering up signature Maine dishes like the world-renowned Crispy Fish Tacos, the Ibiza menu also stands out for its special attention to locally grown ingredients, with must-try numbers including the Fatty Tuna Belly, tomato carpaccio, courgette salad — and a new fan favorite, the chargrilled artichokes. For Ghazal, the choice of location was a natural one. “I’ve been personally coming to Ibiza for over 20 years,” he explains. “It was just a matter of time and finding the right location. We couldn’t have picked a better spot than where we are now. The beauty and tranquillity of the Salinas Natural Park takes your breath away, and juxtaposed with the sight of planes, landing and taking off at the airport nearby fill the air with this excitement and energy that’s hard to explain.”
As The Maine Ibiza continues to delight guests, we sit down for a deeper chat with the man of the moment to discuss his first steps into the world of food, the biggest moments in his career so far, and the future of his most prized project.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
You’ve had a long journey in the culinary field. What does food mean to you?
Food is a ritual, an opportunity for friends to come together, laugh over a glass of inspiration, make memories and celebrate life. Good food has the power to change the DNA of a city or in this case, an island.
Tell us about your first defining memory related to food.
When I was about 10 years old, my father took me to the sushi restaurant at the Sheraton Grand hotel. I remember very clearly sitting on the sushi counter watching the chefs treat food with such precision, as if it was jewelry. I remember feeling like an adult for the first time. It was probably the first time I tried my first oyster.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
How did you first think of launching The Maine in Dubai? What was the experience like for you — exciting, scary, stressful, exhilarating?
All of the above. The Maine in JBR was also a moment of total clarity, and a culmination of so many learnings and experiences developing and opening restaurants for 10 years prior. Maine Ibiza reminded me of that experience, when I had a tight budget and no time, it was just done with pure love and it felt like I was channelling from source.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
Take us through the interiors of The Maine Ibiza and its highlights.
It’s the first restaurant in the group that is fully outdoors, under the stars and covered in candlelight. It is housed in an 18th century Parrochio (parish) by the church of Sant Francesc, which was a big inspiration for the monastic and brutalist design of the space. Designed to be dark and moody, with a color palette of browns and black with handmade pieces and colonial accents.
If you could pick one dish from The Maine as your all-time favorite, which one would it be?
I would have to say our Crispy Fish Taco, because its deceptively simple and yet, anytime anyone eats one in front me, the look of elation on their face and their reaction always brings me so much joy.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
Over the years, what is the biggest compliment you have ever received for your work?
That it makes people feel like they’re coming home.
After Ibiza, what’s coming up for The Maine? Where in the world can we see it next?
We’re always looking at new ways for the brand to evolve and grow and there are always new opportunities in the pipeline, but nothing we can announce just yet. We will take this time to focus on what we have.
Photo: Courtesy The Maine
