Emirates Hotels & Resorts opens new restaurant
Released
on: August 22, 2008, 5:50 am
Press
Release Author: Chiara Sarzi Amadè
Industry:
Food
& Beverage
Press
Release Summary: Emirates Hotels & Resorts opens the doors
of new restaurant az-u-r at The Harbour Hotel & Residence
in Dubai Marina
Press
Release Body: The Harbour Hotel & Residence, Emirates’
city-based hotel located in the Dubai Marina, opens the doors
of its new restaurant az-u-r, Dubai’s first
‘farm-to-fork’ restaurant, delivering
the kind of food which has made Mediterranean cooking the world’s
most popular dining choice.
az-u-r
(read 'as you are') is inspired by the cooking styles
from countries around ‘The Med’, from Spain and Morocco
in the west to Lebanon in the east. In addition, it serves many
of those great traditional dishes for which French and Italian
cooking have become famous.
Tony
Williams, Senior Vice President, Emirates
Hotels & Resorts said: "We really wanted
to mirror the authentic food experienced in regional Mediterranean
towns and villages where local produce is provided fresh on a
daily basis, and immediately used in traditional menus, often
following family recipes. As a result the food is distinctive,
giving guests a tastier, ‘made-to-order’ and
homemade ‘farm-to-fork’ dining experience.”
Executive
Chef, Chris Baker, who put together the culinary team
at The Harbour, commented: “There are several key aspects
to Mediterranean cooking, and each one has been tackled with equal
passion. The first challenge was to trace authentic, family-tradition
homemade recipes. We then met personally with many of the fresh-produce
suppliers to small, regional restaurants in the Mediterranean.
In doing so, we have uncovered some of the world’s best
organic food producers, and certainly some of the highest quality
produce I have seen in years. 'Farm-to-fork' became our motto
- we travelled extensively, visiting fruit and vegetable farms,
local bread mills and bakeries, and even fish-markets.
"The
effort was time-consuming, but certainly worth it. For example,
we even source our own wheat and wholegrain flour for the bakery,
baking all our own bread every day using fresh eggs and quality
butter. Preparing food from scratch makes a huge difference. Our
bread is now so popular that we bake extra so that local residents
can come and collect their bread at Counter Culture, our deli-style
restaurant on the ground level.”
az-u-r
is on the pool-deck of the Harbour
Hotel & Residence, and aligned with the Timeless
Spa on the same level. To complement the Spa, the
restaurant offers a range of healthy menus, from cheeses to wholesome
salads, which predominantly use organic products. The az-u-r
kitchen is open in design, giving guests easy access
to the chefs and the experience of a cosy, informal atmosphere.
More
than 70 per cent of the produce served at az-u-r
has been organically sourced. The staff have been trained by organic
expert Dave Friend, who also assisted in the selection
of food, sourced according to the seasons. Produce comes from
as far a field as Spain, Italy, Lebanon, and France.
An
extensive choice of wines and mineral waters accompany the culinary
options, with az-u-r offering a selection of
over 70 wines, including Vega Sicilia Unico, Tignanello, Sassicaia,
Chateau Musar and Chateau Cheval Blanc, alongside a collection
of organic wines.
az-u-r
has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, integral to the restaurant’s
dining offering. An easy place to meet for an aperitif, the venue
is comfortable, with direct views of the Marina. From the spacious
terrace, guests can feel immersed in the ultimate Dubai experience
and al-fresco dining options are available.
About
the Harbour Hotel & Residence
The 52-storey luxurious Harbour Hotel & Residence, a USD141
million investment for Emirates, opened its doors in November
2007. Located at the gateway entrance to the Dubai Marina, the
hotel is set within Dubai’s most fashionable and sought-after
lifestyle districts.
The
Harbour Hotel & Residence is part of Emirates Hotels &
Resorts, the premier hospitality division of Emirates Airline.
The division manages a portfolio of award-winning luxury conservation
resorts and spas, as well as a Dubai-based fully-serviced luxury
apartment complex.
Web
Site: http://www.emirateshotelsresorts.com/
Contact
Details: Chiara Sarzi Amadè
Emirates Corporate Communications
The Emirates Group Headquarters
P.O. Box 686
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
(+9714) 708 2171
2009
