The restaurant will open its doors early next year, fusing together contemporary dining and Arabic tradition under the guidance of Emirati chef Sahar Al Awadhi
25 August, 2023
3 min read
Food is a universal love language that transcends borders. The concept of welcoming guests with a hearty meal to show appreciation for a visit – insisting that no one leave hungry or, at the very least, take a few snacks for the journey home – isn’t particularly unique to the region, but it’s certainly one that Emiratis excel at.
Those of us with friends from the UAE know that it’s nearly impossible to visit without being offered a bite to eat, a little something to quell any rumbling tummies – and it’s this very spirit that lies at the heart of Gerbou. The new farm-to-table concept restaurant by Atelier House Hospitality – the culinary masterminds behind 11 Woodfire and Marea – and Tashkeel, a visual art and design consultancy and incubator rooted in the United Arab Emirates, aims to put a fresh twist on homegrown recipes.
Set to open its doors in early 2024, Gerbou has tapped Emirati chef Sahar Al Awadhi to help bring the concept to life, fusing together contemporary dining with Arabic tradition.
Overseen by Chef Ionel Catau who boasts years of experience in award-winning kitchens, each dish will be comprised of locally sourced, sustainable and organic ingredients.
“Chef Ionel Catau’s passion for exploring the roots of Arab and Emirati cuisine and his dedication to sustainability perfectly align with the values of Gerbou. We are confident that under his guidance, the restaurant shall set a new standard for dining in the UAE,” says Panchali Mahendra, President of Atelier House Hospitality.
“I am truly honoured to be part of this restaurant and to lead this culinary endeavor,” says Chef Ionel Catau. “I am excited to present a sustainable menu that showcases the best of Arab and Emirati cuisine while respecting cultural traditions.”
Gerbou will be housed in a renovated 1987 Dubai building, with interiors designed in collaboration by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants and Tashkeel, along with the designers who have passed through the Tanween by Tashkeel mentorship programme.
An outdoor underground cooking pit will utilise age old cooking techniques to enhancing dishes with age-old flavours, looking back to the time-honoured traditions of Emirati gastronomy.
“The restaurant shall offer an indoor-outdoor setting, with exterior elements shaded by indigenous Ghaf trees that have witnessed decades of UAE history,” says Tashkeel’s Senior Design coordinator, Salim Ahmed. “From the location to the name and the concept, Gerbou fully reflects all that Tashkeel and Dubai are – a welcoming, soulful, experimental and an uplifting location and designed space where a person can experience exceptional food either at the weekend with family and friends, or in the evening for business in a formal dining setting with the additional advantage of visiting the contemporary art gallery next door. “
From bespoke décor, that highlights the true essence of indoor-outdoor dining, to reimagined Arabic classic dishes, guests are in for a treat when paying a visit to Gerbou.
Check back soon for more details.
30 August, 2023
2 min read
