A Jun’s breeze with chef Kelvin Cheung
Kelvin Cheung, a celebrated Chinese-Canadian chef and partner at Jun’s, spent his early years exploring flavors. In an exclusive interview with HN, the third-generation chef discusses how he spent the majority of his youth preparing for a life of travel and working with Asian foods in foreign kitchens.
A drink with W Abu Dhabi‘s mixologist Kevin Lee
In an exclusive interview, Kevin Lee, W Abu Dhabi’s mixologist and bartender, tells us about his career and Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene.
Pastel vibes with Karim Jaber
Karim Jaber’s love of soft colors led him to found Pastel, a cosmopolitan brasserie and bar in the beating heart of Beirut. We discover more about the concept.
Morocco: more than meets the eye
With its unique culture, landscapes and culinary riches, Morocco is among the world’s most enchanting countries. Hala Matar Choufany, president for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at HVS, describes the hospitality scene in the North African jewel and what makes it such an intriguing tourism destination.
Horeca Lebanon makes a comeback
As Lebanon’s largest hospitality and foodservice exhibition, HORECA Lebanon is set to return to Beirut’s Seaside Arena in just a few months’ time. Here’s what to expect.
Hot franchises
We list several leading franchises in the region, with details on their owners by and where they can be found.
View from the top with Eleni Tsolakou, GM of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
As general manager of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, Eleni Tsolakou knows what it takes to lead a team. We spoke with the seasoned hotelier to find out what’s trending in the hospitality landscape.
Taking the lead with Mark Patten, senior VP of food & beverage at The First Group
An internationally award-winning chef and highly respected food and beverage operations specialist, Mark Patten is leading The First Group’s fast-growing F&B division. His track record in creating successful, cutting-edge F&B concepts in the UAE, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK is a testament to his optimism, hard work, hands-on attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Here, Patten tells us more about the group’s expansion.
Homegrown Akiba Dori expands beyond the GCC
Dubai homegrown Japanese concept Akiba Dori has kicked off its fifth anniversary with a franchise development agreement for 30 locations in India. Following the restaurant’s successful expansion streak, with five branches launched in the GCC within the last five years, Akiba Dori’s modern Japanese street food and Tokyo-style pizza have been enjoyed over the last five years in the UAE and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.
F&B growth in the region
These days, the Middle East is serving up innovative flavors to consumers from all over the world. Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder of Gates Hospitality, discusses the region’s dynamic F&B sector and why the number of award-winning restaurants keeps on rising.