Homegrown concepts in the GCC with Naveed Dowlatshahi, COO of Gastronomica
As the GCC dining sector evolves rapidly, Naveed Dowlatshahi, COO of Gastronomica, discusses how local restaurant groups such as his are shaping dining culture through regional tastes, flexible formats and locally driven hospitality approaches.
Sommelier Natalie Lumpp decodes the new rules of wine
Natalie Lumpp, wine expert and sommelier at Wein erleben!, is among Germany’s award-winning sommeliers and a pioneering industry female figure.
An authentic expression of Tuscany with MICHELIN-starred chef Matteo Temperini
MICHELIN-starred chef Matteo Temperini, executive chef of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, is celebrated for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine rooted in authenticity. With a deep respect for Italian culinary heritage, he brought a taste of Tuscany to Rosewood Abu Dhabi briefly.
Stephan Schupbach on Chedi Hospitality’s unbound approach to luxury hospitality
In a buoyant regional market, Chedi Hospitality is expanding its presence through a growth strategy rooted in authentic luxury and cultural stewardship. CEO Stephan Schupbach tells HN how the group is curating experiences that go beyond simple stays to give high-end guests a deeper sense of connection and place.
A taste of home sealed in friendship with cheffe Sandra Sfeir of Almas restaurant
Sandra Sfeir took an unconventional path to the kitchen. After earning a degree in graphic design, she moved to Paris to train in French cuisine. She once intended to return to Lebanon to manage her father’s restaurant but chose instead to build something of her own in Paris. At Almas, friendship became as central as heritage, shaping a concept rooted in shared memories and collective storytelling. She tells us more.
Clovis Khoury, the Lebanese chef who refused to be defined by Michelin
Clovis Khoury, owner and head chef of SAS Lyle Maison Clovis, turned his back on Michelin acclaim to pursue true culinary freedom. Rooted in simplicity and devoted to local producers, he is now shaping his most daring chapter yet. We discover the story behind his bold vision.
Redefining the hotel’s next chapter with Andre Saade, GM at Radisson Blu Minhal
Andre Saade, general manager at Radisson Blu Minhal, shares how strategic rebranding, culinary precision and renewed event focus reshaped the hotel’s market position.
Meet Mazen Assaf, the olive oil sommelier with a vision
Founded by olive oil sommelier Mazen Assaf, The Olive Oil Guy revives Mediterranean craft by sourcing exceptional oils and empowering people to taste, cook and live better. From the Levant to London, Mazen Assaf is leading an olive oil renaissance rooted in Arab heritage and global excellence.
“The Power To Say Yes!” with Christine Assouad
Christine Assouad is a serial entrepreneur with 28 years of experience across food, beverage, retail, investment and leadership. Published author, head of The Catalyst of Growth, founder of Dunkin Lebanon, Semsom and a Shark Tank Lebanon judge, she mentors entrepreneurs across MENA and beyond. From boardrooms to Shark Tank, she explains why saying yes became her most powerful leadership move.
