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    SUSHISAMBA shares what it takes to stay relevant in the gastronomy world

    Lifestyle

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    We talk to Ida Garphagen, General Manager at SUSHISAMBA on being ahead of the game in an ever-changing industry
    What is the inspiration behind the restaurant – tell us more?
    The concept and idea of SUSHISAMBA came to light in early 90’s when our founder Shimon Bokovza travelled to Brazil and fell in love with the vibrant culture and diversity of the country. SUSHISAMBA is based on the food and culture born out of the emigration of thousands of Japanese to South America in the early 20th Century. Fast forward a few years, and the first ever SUSHISAMBA opens in New York in 1999 – it was the place to be back then, and I believe everyone is familiar with the famous SUSHISAMBA’s “Pink Cosmo” from Sex and the City. SUSHISAMBA is one of the very first restaurants that embraced the lifestyle offering and made the dining experience fun and multi-dimensional in every city.
    How does SUSHISAMBA Dubai differ from the other four global locations?
    SUSHISAMBA is recognized worldwide, yet every location is unique with its own concept. They are all different from one another, providing guests with a new and immersive experience at each as they travel globally.
    What are the must-try hero dishes?
    Our bite size yellowtail taquitos are very popular, and I can see why – they are the perfect size to enjoy with a pre-dinner drink. My personal favourite is the seabass anticucho glazed in sweet miso and grilled over the robata – anyone that walks through the doors of our restaurant can’t leave without trying them. Our SAMBA Dubai roll, which is a lobster maki roll, is always special since it is exclusive to Dubai only.
    How does the F&B industry in the UAE differ from other cities globally?
    With big cities, comes high competition as the option for consumers become endless. Here in Dubai, we have guests visiting from all over the world, and this helps when consumers recognize chain names – global brand names tend to perform better than smaller local brands. But this, of course, trickles down to the preference of residents and visitors and the overall experience provided. Nowadays, consumers want to know that they are not only savouring delicious food but are gaining an overall dining experience, and when they are bombarded with so many options, opting for a global brand name is always a safe choice. This is exactly why, we must never take our customers for granted, and need to stay relevant in this ever-evolving market.

    You have a stunning 360-degree view, was this the plan from the outset?
    We wanted to make sure we would represent the brand in the best way possible, knowing SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower in London is offering a breathtaking view overlooking London’s most iconic landmarks. Here at SUSHISAMBA Dubai, you can see 360-degree views of the entire Palm Jumeirah, the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, the skyline of Dubai Marina and if the day is clear, the Burj Khalifa is visible as well. And what better location to see the city than an afternoon here, savouring the delicious flavours of Japan, Brazil and Peru all under one roof while sipping on a glass of champagne.
    You recently launched the afternoon Sky Tea at SUSHISAMBA, can you elaborate on this experience?
    At SUSHISAMBA, we want our guests to enjoy more of what we have to offer and take advantage of our wonderful SAMBA room, which has tantalizing floor to ceiling views of the Palm Jumeirah. Guests can indulge in a delicious selection of sweet and savory bites that are beautifully displayed on a three-tier spiral tree accompanied by a wide selection of loose teas, fine Japanese teas, coffee, or bubbly. I can’t think of a better location to watch the sunset in Dubai while Bossa Nova tunes set the perfect ambiance.
    What piece of advice can you give someone starting out in the hospitality industry or looking to start their own business?
    It’s always best to start from the bottom up and build the experience needed for any position you’re planning on joining. If you’re looking to start your own business, it’s always great to learn from existing organizations and then applying the lessons learned to your own model. If you want to be a CEO for example, then you must understand all aspects of the business before you start at the top – it’s recommended to break it down into smaller compartmentalized areas first, so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Lastly, don’t be scared to roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work hard for what you want. And in times of difficulty, always ask for help and never give up.
    What are the plans for growth and what’s next for SUSHISAMBA?
    We are expanding the brand with openings in Riyadh, Edinburgh, and Bahrain in 2023, Milan is due to open in the second quarter of 2024 – major expansions for SUSHISAMBA in the following years to come. As for the venue in Dubai, we will continue to enhance our guest experience and focus on our most recent activation, Sky Tea at the SAMBA room.
    This is The Style Issue. What does style mean to you?
    Style is something subjective and personal – everyone has their own understanding of what is fashionable and will try to make it unique to their own identity. Which is why,being your most authentic self is the best and only way one should present themselves.
    March’s – The Style Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram  More

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    Sheikh Mohammed gives Dubai’s SushiSamba another royal stamp of approval

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    The UAE’s royals most definitely know where to dine in Dubai.
    Today, Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai paid a visit to one of the emirate’s most popular hotspots, SushiSamba.
    With not just one but two royal visits this year, this restaurant continues to stay on top of Dubai’s unending list of fine-dining havens this year. After Sheikh Hamdan visited the restaurant, Sheikh Mohammed who is regularly seen at the city’s various F&B spots followed to try the food out for himself today.
    The page even shared a photo on their Instagram of Sheikh Mohammed posing with the team and captioned it, “It was an honour to welcome HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for lunch today.”

    The venue is a must-visit for visitors and residents in the UAE with its glistening views of Dubai’s skyline and its multifaceted menu which seamlessly combines Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences. With evocative interiors and a tropical ambience, the restaurant brings an artful mix of culinary delights such as ceviche, tempura, Brazilian churrasco and more, making it a memorable experience for all, after already establishing itself in London and Las Vegas.

    Other A-listers earlier this year were spotted at this fine-dining haven. The famous tennis player Roger Federer visited the restaurant in October with the renowned actor Martin Lawrence who was seen posing with the Director of Culinary, Chef Kyungsoo Moon.

    Shortly after the restaurant opened and made a mark for itself in Dubai this year, Fazza thought it fit to host one of his most famous friends at the restaurant. The emirate’s Crown Prince was seen visiting the hotspot with famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year and the restaurant’s team described it as an “honour” to welcome this Dubai royal and even shared a photo from his visit on their feed, as the duo enjoyed all the delectable dishes with the rest of the entourage.
    Located on the 51st floor of The St. Regis, The Palm, this fine-dining spot should be added to your celebrity-approved places to visit next.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @sushisambadubai More

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    Tennis player Roger Federer dines like Sheikh Hamdan in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    When it comes to dining, the Dubai royals always know the best places to go.
    This week, the famous tennis player Roger Federer visited the globally known SushiSamba, which is also known to be a hotspot Sheikh Hamdan loves.

    The restaurant posted a picture of the Director of Culinary at SushiSamba, Chef Kyungsoo Moon happily posing with both Federer and the renowned actor Martin Lawrence and shared how it was “a pleasure” to have the both of them visit.
    The venue is a hotspot for visitors and residents in the UAE with its glistening views of Dubai’s skyline and its multifaceted menu which seamlessly combines Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences.

    Shortly after the restaurant opened and made a mark for itself in Dubai, Fazza thought it fit to host one of his most famous friends at the restaurant. The emirate’s Crown Prince was seen visiting the hotspot with famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year and the restaurant’s team described it as an “honour” to welcome this Dubai royal and even shared a photo from his visit on their feed, as the duo enjoyed all the delectable dishes with the rest of the entourage.
    With evocative interiors and a tropical ambience, the restaurant brings an artful mix of culinary delights such as ceviche, tempura, Brazilian churrasco and more, making it a memorable experience for all, after already establishing itself in London and Las Vegas.
    Located on the 51st floor of The St. Regis, The Palm, this fine-dining spot should be added to your celebrity-approved places to visit next.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @sushisambadubai More