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    How this Beirut hotspot Amelia has made its mark on Dubai’s culinary scene

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    Situated in the heart of Downtown at Address Sky View, this hotspot Amelia offers a delectable menu of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.
    Embracing a theme of retro-futuristic revelry, Amelia’s cocktail menu is a testament to the artistry and skill of its mixologists. Known for its insatiable appetite for bringing people together, it focuses on warm service in an uplifting atmosphere to invoke all senses.
    Overall, the the fine-dining lounge restaurant at Address Sky View presents an exquisite selection of cocktails that embodies a journey through innovation. The restaurant provides an experiential culinary experience with a difference, hence it promises to take guests on a journey unlike any other.
    To see how the restaurant continues to innovate, Emirates Woman spoke to Rayan Nicolas, the CEO of Amelia Dubai on preserving and furthering culinary expression and innovation.
    Tell us about your background.
    My background began with an engineering education, but my curiosity for the F&B sector and entertainment scene blossomed during college. This interest led me to start with a small restaurant in Beirut and venture into event management, specializing in musical events and concerts. Over a span of 15 years, I expanded our portfolio to include over 10 restaurants and lounges in Beirut, as well as managing hotels and resorts. In 2018, we launched Amelia Lounge, which quickly became a local sensation. However, Lebanon faced significant challenges from 2020 onwards, including financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut explosion.
    These events prompted us to explore new markets, and after extensive research, Dubai emerged as the most promising opportunity. Recognising the risks and intense competition in Dubai, we decided to expand Amelia from Beirut to Dubai, scaling up to meet the city’s grandiose standards. It was a daunting task, but we meticulously studied the market’s nuances to ensure our concept aligned with Amelia’s established identity and principles.

    The concept hails from Beirut – what inspired you to bring it to Dubai?
    The story of Amelia revolves around adventure and transcending boundaries in all aspects, particularly in architecture, mixology, gastronomy, and music. Our menu takes guests on a culinary journey inspired by Japanese and Peruvian origins, showcasing a finely articulated blend of Nikkei cuisine with Mediterranean hints. This fusion reflects an intense intercultural exchange and expresses a rich diversity of flavours. Bringing the Amelia concept from Beirut to Dubai was inspired by the city’s vibrant and cosmopolitan food scene. Dubai is a global hub known for its appreciation of diverse and high-quality dining experiences. We saw an opportunity to introduce our unique blend of Nikkei cuisine and steampunk-inspired design to a market that values innovation and cultural fusion, enhancing the culinary landscape with a new and exciting offering.
    The chefs take guests on a Japanese and Peruvian culinary journey – what are the key dishes to try?
    The key dishes to try at Amelia include, Salmon Ponzu Truffle Ceviche: Fresh salmon combined with the rich umami of truffle and the tangy brightness of ponzu, the Wild Sea Bass with Coconut Tiger Milk which is A creamy, tropical twist on classic ceviche, highlighting the delicate texture of sea bass. The Rollo De Camarones: A delightful combination of shrimp, halloumi cheese, avocado, kimchi, and Togarashi. This is one of our cooked sushi dishes and one that is favourite amongst our diners and the Flammkuchen A la Truffa (Truffle Pizza): Crispy, thin crust with the luxurious flavor of truffle, creating a unique and indulgent experience.
    The interiors shed light on aviation – tell us more.
    The interiors of Amelia shed light on aviation by paying homage to Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator. The design includes aviation-inspired elements such as a majestic airplane atop the main bar and abstract representations being submersed underwater in the mezzanine area. These elements celebrate Earhart’s adventurous spirit and the golden age of aviation, creating an ambiance that transports guests into a world of exploration and discovery.
    The restaurant journeys deep into the retro-futuristic steampunk-inspired theme – how did the theme begin?
    The inspiration behind the steampunk-retro design concept for Amelia is deeply rooted in the adventurous spirit of its namesake, Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Drawing parallels between her boldness and the restaurant’s theme, Amelia embodies a fusion of her adventurous spirit and timeless elegance, marrying aviation-inspired decor with subtle nods throughout the menu. The design concept is a homage to the retro era of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by the industrial revolution and art deco movements, intertwined with elements from the aviation industry.
    Steampunk serves as the overarching theme, infusing the space with surrealism and a twisted fairy tale ambiance, all brought together in a modernized manner. This eclectic combination of styles serves as the perfect backdrop for Amelia’s culinary offering of Nikkei cuisine. Just as the design concept blends different eras and influences, Nikkei cuisine similarly represents a fusion of cultures and flavors, modernized and elevated to create a unique and harmonious dining experience. The rich tapestry of influences and the innovative approach to both design and cuisine align seamlessly, embodying the spirit of exploration and creativity that defines Amelia.
    Amelia’s private room “Voyage by Amelia” is a hidden gem – talk us through the concept.
    “Voyage by Amelia” is a hidden gem that offers an exclusive and immersive experience, set to transport guests to the 1920s through a sensorial journey. Accessed via a private elevator, this secret spot is designed for those in the know, making it the perfect venue for special occasions and private gatherings. The journey begins with the opening of the pendulum-inspired door on the first floor, leading guests into a surrealist interior that depicts strong themes of travel and adventure. The room is designed to portray the inside of a clock, complete with gears and spirals, enhancing the sense of being transported to another time and place. A vintage train station-inspired bar sits centrally, surrounded by walls framed with retro windows and dreamlike art.
    The dedication to the 1920s steampunk era continues with plush velvet, vintage-inspired furniture that resembles retro pieces of luggage, heightening the senses of space and time. Open every Thursday to Saturday from 11pm until the early hours, “Voyage by Amelia” features a musical focus on deep house, ensuring the vibe is always on point. A lineup of resident and international DJs dictates the audio tempo, with sultry sounds paired with an extensive drinks menu of the finest serves. This eclectic design and carefully curated atmosphere set the stage for evenings of master mixology and incredible music, making “Voyage by Amelia” a must-visit for those seeking a unique and exclusive experience.
    Guests can experience a blend of cultures at Amelia – what is the main theme?
    The main theme at Amelia is the fusion of cultures, particularly through our Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. This fusion is reflected not only in our diverse menu but also in the design and overall dining experience. We aim to provide a journey through different cultures, offering a unique and memorable experience that celebrates diversity and innovation.
    How has the F&B scene evolved since Amelia’s launch?
    Over the past two years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of Nikkei concepts emerging in the UAE, reflecting a growing awareness and appreciation for this unique culinary fusion. However at Amelia, we offer more than just food; we provide a comprehensive dining experience that includes expertly crafted cocktails, engaging music, and impeccable service. Our patrons have wholeheartedly embraced this holistic approach, consistently praising the quality of our food and the immersive atmosphere we create.
    From the very beginning, our guests have expressed their love for our cuisine and the overall experience we offer. Our guests appreciate the innovative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, as well as the attention to detail in every dish. From day one, our guests have expressed their love for our cuisine and the immersive experience we provide. It’s been a rewarding journey, albeit challenging at times, to satisfy such a diverse range of tastes. Since Amelia’s launch, the F&B scene has continued to evolve with a growing appreciation for fusion cuisines and unique dining experiences and Amelia has set a new standard for culinary and experiential dining in Dubai. Our success has inspired other establishments to explore similar innovative concepts, enriching the local food scene.
    What sets Amelia apart from other restaurants in Dubai?
    Amelia sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to culinary innovation, immersive design, and exceptional guest experience. At the heart of our identity is a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, meticulously crafted by our team of world-class chefs. The Nikkei cuisine, harmoniously marries the delicate precision of Japanese culinary techniques with the bold, vibrant flavors of Peruvian ingredients. Our menu features an array of exquisite dishes, from fresh sashimi and sushi rolls to inventive ceviches and tiraditos, each offering a delightful journey for the palate. Stepping into Amelia, guests are immediately transported to a different world, thanks to our captivating steampunk-inspired ambiance. Our interior design is a masterful blend of elegance and industrial revolution aesthetics, featuring exposed gears, brass fixtures, and vintage mechanical elements.
    This unique setting, with its warm, moody lighting and richly detailed decor, creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and adventurous, inviting guests to relax and lose themselves in the experience. Moreover, Amelia prides itself on meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering dedication to high-quality service. From the moment guests walk through our doors, they are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. Our staff, trained to anticipate and cater to every need, ensures that each visit is seamless and enjoyable. Whether it’s a personalized menu recommendation, a perfectly timed wine pairing, or a special accommodation for dietary preferences, every aspect of the service is designed to exceed expectations. In addition to our culinary and design elements, Amelia frequently hosts exclusive bar events, with guest shifts from bartenders not only based in the UAE, but from around the world.

    What lies ahead for Amelia?
    Looking ahead, Amelia plans to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary and experiential dining, constantly striving to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Central to our future vision is the introduction of new and exciting menu items that further explore and celebrate the dynamic fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Our culinary team is dedicated to ongoing experimentation and creativity, ensuring that our menu remains fresh, innovative, and reflective of the latest trends and techniques in the culinary world. Guests can look forward to seasonal dishes that highlight the finest ingredients, as well as inventive takes on classic favorites. In addition to our food offerings, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new cocktail menu.
    This carefully curated selection of beverages will feature unique, handcrafted cocktails that push the outer boundaries of mixology with an almost chemical precision. Utilizing a range of exotic ingredients and artisanal spirits, our mixologists will craft drinks that not only complement our dishes but also stand out as exceptional experiences in their own right. Each cocktail is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. Enhancing our immersive design elements is another key focus for Amelia’s future. We plan to further develop our steampunk-inspired ambiance, incorporating even more intricate and captivating details.
    Expansion
    Moreover, Amelia is poised to expand its presence into other vibrant markets, bringing our unique dining concept to new audiences. We are exploring opportunities to open additional locations in key cities known for their culinary diversity and appreciation for innovative dining experiences. Each new venue will retain the core elements that define Amelia while incorporating local influences to create a distinct and authentic experience for our guests in different regions.
    This expansion will allow us to share our passion for culinary fusion and immersive design with an even broader audience, establishing Amelia as a leading name in the global dining scene. Our goal is to keep evolving and innovating, providing our guests with unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the fusion of cultures and the spirit of adventure. By consistently pushing the envelope in both our culinary offerings and our overall guest experience, Amelia will continue to set the standard for excellence in the world of experiential dining.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @amelia.dubai More

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      How Soul Kitchen has become the first multi-room experience in the UAE

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph26 mins ago Launched by Factory People, the most influential experiential group in the MENA region, Soul Kitchen highlights alternative culture, art and talent beyond its fine-dining concept.From carefully curated dishes to expertly crafted cocktails, each element on the menu focuses on Levantine influences as the concept of migration inspires creativity at the restaurant.Having opened in the heart of Business Bay, Soul Kitchen pays an ode to the Arab diaspora, which brings hints of elements from Buenos Aires to Mexico Levantine cuisine.So, to understand more about the concept, Emirates Woman spoke to Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada on how it all began and how the restaurant has already made its mark on Dubai’s dining scene.Talk us through the concept.When Factory People moved to Dubai, we were among many other Lebanese creatives, companies, and people, who after enduring life threatening events in our home country, looked to do what we do best in a new country, a new home. But this wasn’t the first-time people from the Levant had to leave in flocks, As the influence of Levantine cuisine quickly spread across the whole continent, these dishes became popular as it borrowed from its surroundings and continuously reinvented itself with the ingredients of every region it migrated to. From Shawarma inspired Tacos al pasto to Halawa inspired marzipan and Sambosic inspired Empanadas. The concept of migration is at the heart of our culture, in the Levant, “El Ghorba” is a word we hear over and over again growing up. The concept of migration is at the heart of Soul Kitchen’s story too, which is why the interior is an ode to Soul Kitchen’s spirit animal: The migratory Bird.Already a popular restaurant in Beirut from Factory People, what inspired you to bring it to this part of the world.We created Soul Kitchen in Beirut around seven years ago in order to have a space to let loose, have amazing cocktails, and curate music that we listen to at home. It was a first of its kind cocktail bar nested in The Grand Factory, our very first club in Beirut. We wanted to build a place where we belonged, and where our friends could meet up, while still being in a club where some of the biggest artists and DJs in the world are performing on a weekly basis. Soul Kitchen quickly became a space that had a major influence on how we dressed, how we danced, it influenced our drinking culture, and a soul kitchenesque style was established. In Dubai, it serves a very similar purpose: listening to beautiful and interesting curated sounds, having a gorgeous cocktail bar experience, but most importantly: serving delicious food.The interiors boast a bold look with millennial pink walls, bar, ceiling and flooring – talk us through the inspiration / How does the Dubai location take subtle hints from its OG Lebanese location?When designing the interior, I really didn’t want to stray too far away from the original Soul Kitchen’s essence, so I kept green as a predominant color, and trees and plants around the place to add life via organic elements, this is contrasted by the warm and cozy terracotta color, along with the very geometric structures and patterns in the woodwork that allows for a more imposing elevated look. Aside from the colors, the geometric “msharrabiya” in the ceiling is an element I purposefully installed throughout one of the ceilings, this also borrowed from the aesthetics of the Beirut Soul Kitchen, and Lebanese architecture as well.The menu features a myriad of flavors along with Arab and South American flavours – what are the key dishes available?We are very passionate about the dishes that were carefully created by our Chef Margarita Vaamonde. The Hummus Chimichurri, a revisited levantine Hummus plate using actual green chickpeas and a delicious chimichurri sauce hailing from Argentina and Uruguay. The White Fish Tabboule Ceviche is actually my mother’s tabboule recipe mixed with Chef Margarita’s ceviche, it is one of our most delicious dishes. Our Wagyu Kafta is inspired by the Lebanese Arayes, our take on this dish is with a kafta made of Wagyu beef, served inside an Arepa, a very traditional corn meal bread originally from Venezuela and Colombia.Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala MortadaMusic plays an important role at the venue – tell us how the restaurant stays on top of this?Behind our music programming is my partner Wassim Bou Malham, a rockstar producer and musician who is very passionate about music from all around the world. He makes sure we stay on top of the game in terms of sounds that keep Soul Kitchen a space for discovery, of inspiration and of collaboration with interesting artists. Our Monday Jazz nights have taken Dubai by storm, giving our guests the opportunity to be transported by alternative jazz bands from different countries that are redefining the new jazz sounds of today. We also invite diggers and curators from around the world to share their sounds on specific nights. Our latin Sunday nights allow our guests to discover a different Latin American country’s sounds in every edition, last edition was an ode to Colombia and the next one will be about Peru. The weekends are predominantly having a more groovy and dance affair after dinner, making Soul Kitchen a place where our community can perform, listen, eat, drink, or just dance the night away.Guests can explore Arab migration through installations by acclaimed artists – what are some of the famous art installations?Behind the bar, is an ever-rotating mechanical installation depicting a flock of birds, designed by myself (Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada), and creative director Hamza Mekdad. The idea of the installation is to tell the story of the last hundreds of years of people endlessly having to leave their homes in the Levant, in search for inspiration, safety, and a feeling of home. Overarching the green room, stands Rumi Dalle’s installation “Feathers of migrating birds”, where each of the 150 feathers carries the story of a migrating artisan, from Beirut to Dubai, feeding into the concept of Soul Kitchen. Rumi Dalle is an acclaimed artist from Beirut, behind works she handcrafts for Hermes and Iwan Maktabi to name a few. The walls are adorned with carpets curated by Iwan Maktabi, as part of a semi permanent installation that will keep reinventing itself with new collaborations every 6 months, to exhibit works by artists and curators we admire.What lies ahead for the brand?A month on from its opening, Soul Kitchen has already established itself as a communal space and an intersection point for the many scenes and subcultures of Dubai. As the space is taking its own positioning in the scene, our offering is also adapting to the latter. Our favorite places are ones that evolve with their guests, we have just recently opened up our terrace, we’re creating a lounge experience and tequila bar in the green room, we are opening a club next door in order to host more sounds and nights that will be mostly centered around music, and bar bistrot on the other side of the restaurant to invite people to have a more relaxed day time experience in the premises as well. We are very excited about the next steps, and about experiencing Dubai through Soul Kitchen’s eyes.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      The Hadid’s Palestinian heritage and Middle Eastern roots

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      With a pool of these talented family members residing from a Palestinian heritage, you might not be aware of the Hadid’s lineage and the details of it.
      As the supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid have often been spotted on the runway, their father and renowned property mogul has constantly instilled a sense of Palestinian identity in his children as he has opened up about his roots on several occasions.

      Also read: Mohamed Hadid pays tribute to his mother from royal Palestinian Lineage
      After being born in Nazareth and spending most of his childhood in refugee camps, Mohamed Hadid expressed his love for the country in an interview according to The National at the Arab Conference at Harvard saying ‘My parents always embedded in us that we are Palestinians, we’ll always be Palestinians, so my home has always been that virtual home, where my mum, my dad, my kids were learning to roll grape leaves with their grandma.”
      Also read: Bella Hadid pays tribute to her Palestinian heritage with two new tattoos
      Having previously lived in Damascus, Beirut and Tunis before moving to the US, the property mogul has only lived in Palestine for few months of his life, however, he notified that this will always be his heritage.
      While also having recently claimed that his late mother descended from royalty, as was also written for the caption on his recent Mother’s Day Post. He also said “Her great grandfather was the Prince of Nazareth – King of Galilee in the 18th century Daher Al-Omer The Ruler,”

      In addition, to carrying on this passion of Mohamed’s culture, he ensured that his five children had Arabic names as he continues to instill their Middle Eastern heritage to his grand-daughter too with her name being Khai which also has a special meaning behind it in Arabic, as in some terms it means “crowned”, “the chosen one” or “strong”.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image: Instagram & Feature Image: Getty Astrid Stawiarz  More

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      The ultimate visitors guide to Beirut

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Two years following the devastating blast, Beirut is still on its way to rebuilding itself.
      However, with the spirit of Lebanon’s people and as a city with a rich heritage, it’s a place that continues to be a go-to destination for visitors the globe over.
      From handicrafts to restaurants with seafront promenades, the city presents a host of activities for all those to be experienced with friends and family.
      So, for your next trip to Beirut, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the must-visit hotspots to add to your itinerary.
      Restaurants
      Amelia

      Guests are taken on a culinary journey born of Japanese and Peruvian origins. With freshly baked pizza and a host of must-try cocktails, this fine-dining haven is the perfect way to unwind in a regal setting. Located on Armenia street in Mar Mikhael, this restaurant is sure to please your taste buds.
      Em Sherif Café

      To rediscover culinary traditions, this luxe restaurant serves sumptuous bites and delectable delicacies with authentic flavours. With a first-class dining experience, this restaurant serves dishes in a cosy environment with a wide variety of mezze and food. Located in Minet El Hosn, Downtown, this café is open from Monday to Sunday 9am to 3am.
      emsherif.com
      Clap

      This fine-dining Japanese restaurant authentically presents culture through its omakase-style menu. From grilled umami chicken wings to black cod miso, there are a host of dishes to try in an intimate environment. Located in Martyr’s Square, Annahar Building, this restaurant lies in the heart of the city.
      clapbeirut.com
      Yamas

      For traditional Greek cuisine with an artistic twist, this restaurant brings exciting classic flavours and a fun ambience. From stunning sunset views to a carefully curated menu, there’s enough and more to feel at home at this restaurant. Located at Aishti by the sea, at Atelias Seaside Road in Lebanon, it’s open daily from 5pm to 2am.
      Hotels
      Hotel Albergo

      Emulating an old-time charm, this sophisticated sanctuary delivers old-fashioned service with boudoir-style suits, antique hunted pieces and dead sea amenities for the ultimate luxe escape. Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood in East Beirut, this chic property lies at the epitome of peace.
      For more information visit albergobeirut.com
      Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge

      Whether you’re on the lookout for a sunny day by the pool or escape with a lavish beachfront, this hotel is the place to be. The rooms offer a panoramic view of the city with beach lounge access to unwind. From VIP areas to private jacuzzis, this luxe getaway offers the perfect escape on your next visit.
      rivierahotel.com.lb
      Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort

      By bringing the most refined European experience to the heart of Beirut, this luxurious property gives visitors a break from the bustling city life. This five-star resort is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea with a labyrinth of pools, private jacuzzi bungalows and an ideal getaway for creating memories worth a lifetime.
      Kempinski.com
      Activities
      Visit the Pigeon Rocks

      This famous natural structure is situated close to Ramlet el-Bayda and is open to the public to experience its clifftop walks, natural harbours and 60-metre rocks reminiscent of a bygone era. For those who wish to get a closer look, they can take a boat trip to witness this wonder closely.
      Sursock Museum

      For an insight into Lebanese art, this museum is an inviting space that supports artists within the country. Born out of Lebanese collector Nicholas Sursock’s commitment to art, this contemporary haven showcases International artists, Japanese engravings and Islamic art with over 800 pieces on display. Located in Achrafieh, this museum’s structure gives visitors an insight into Lebanon’s classic architecture.
      sursock. museum
      Discover the Ancient Roman Baths

      As a meeting house for local people, these major thermal complexes have become an archaeological site for tourists and residents to visit. Situated 15 minutes away by walk from Saifi Village, it is now used as a concert venue and a section is transformed into a home for medicinal plants that were used during Roman times to nourish and heal the skin.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @lebanonalacarte More