Raffles Dubai: Epicurean delights

Raffles Dubai inaugurated its first epicurean event in the Middle East on Tuesday evening, the extraordinary Raffles Wine, Food & Arts Experience, a four-day celebration bringing together three Michelin Star chefs, sommeliers and other luminaries from around the globe, in an annual showcase of cuisine, wine and living par excellence.

Distinguished guests were personally invited to experience the enchanting world of Raffles and treated to a lavish cocktail reception to mark the official opening of the event. One of the spotlights during the evening was the collection of stunning visuals displayed by Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), Berlin, one of the oldest and finest producers of porcelain in Germany.

Hagop Doghramadjian, General Manager, Raffles Dubai, commented: “We have no doubt Raffles Dubai's Wine, Food & Arts Experience will further enhance Raffles Dubai's standards of culinary excellence. Our chefs are looking forward to the opportunity of working with these renowned Michelin Star chefs and will strive to create an inspiring event for our guests.''

One of the three participating culinary masters, Atul Kochhar, India's only Michelin Star chef said: “I have always been excited about Middle Eastern culture and especially Dubai, due to its ties with India and Britain. I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be at Raffles Dubai this November and I am truly looking forward to cooking for the food savvy crowd of this great city''.

Chef Phil Howard added: “One has to assume that a destination as ambitious in its development as Dubai will see one of its top hotels host a spectacular event and one that I am very much looking forward to participating in. Working alongside world class chefs is always humbling''.

Chef Nicolas Le Bec also shared his expectations, adding: “I am thrilled to visit Dubai for the first time as, amongst all the places I have already visited, Dubai remains a foreign territory for me. It is as well a pleasure to be associated with the Raffles brand, synonymous with excellence and to collaborate again with the prestigious vineyard Jaboulet''.


Set in the luxuriant Raffles Botanical Garden, the cocktail reception was the perfect backdrop to unfold the details of the upcoming event, while an orchestra playing soft music in the background added to the magical atmosphere. The three prestigious Michelin Chefs Atul Kochhar, Nicolas Le Bec and Phil Howard, renowned wine makers and a representative of the leading porcelain company KPM were introduced by Raffles Dubai's General Manager Hagop Doghramadjian during the opening speech, while guests nibbled on appetizing canapés, a preview of the Michelin star chefs culinary expertise and enjoyed free-flowing vintage Moet & Chandon 2000 all evening.

The three celebrated chefs will dazzle Dubai's residents with their signature cuisines at lunch, dinner and afternoon samplings mostly at Fire and Ice – Raffles' cellar and grill while special members of The Club will have the opportunity to see and taste first hand Chef Nicolas Le Bec's inspiringly quirky dishes.

On Friday, November 21 there will be a traditional afternoon tea with the star chefs along with a private book signing. Guest's will have the opportunity to buy personalised cook books at the event.

The crowning glory of the festival will be a gala dinner with a five course Michelin Star menu accompanied by choice beverages at Dh.1750 per person.