A WORD WITH OUR WINNERS...

2023-04-01 -

PENELOPE DIAZ

Founder of Fusion Ceviche

“I feel very blessed and honoured to win Homegrown Restaurant of the Year...”

Do you have a standout moment from the awards?

Being named the winner of the Best Homegrown Restaurant, surrounded by my family, my son Marcell, my team, and my friends, had to be the best moment from the night.

When people visit Fusion Ceviche, what do you hope is their lasting impression?

I always hope they arrive at the restaurant with that emotion of trying Peruvian food but homemade cuisine; I hope that people leave happy and tell me they will return. I hope they feel my restaurant is like home.

What one dish should everyone order?

The classic ceviche.

RAMIE MURRAY

Founder of Dibba Bay Oysters

“I’m really proud to win Sustainable Restaurant of the Year at the What’s On Dubai Awards 2023...”

When you began with the oyster farm, were restaurants always part of the plan?

It was important for us to create a space where people can come and have a platter of oysters directly from the people who have grown it for an accessible price.

What can we expect to see in the next 12 months from Dibba Bay?

We’re continuing to grow and expand our farm to increase production capacity to 600,000 oysters a month. We will be opening more licensed farm to table concepts in Dubai and other Emirates. We will also be launching a project where we will build wild oyster reefs along the Fujairah coast using empty Dibba Bay Oyster shells.

SOLEMANN HADDAD

Founder of Moonrise

“I’m blown away to win Chef of the Year at the What’s On Dubai Awards 2023...”

What are you most looking forward to this year?

We’re really hyped to push harder than ever this year – we’re looking forward to travelling to discover new flavours and ingredients, and working on some very exciting developments for our beverage programme. We will continue pushing the boundaries with what we create at Moonrise and also want to keep shouting to the world about what makes Dubai cuisine so exciting.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

‘Trip to Masafi’, which is inspired by my trips to Fujairah. It evokes the memories of the Masafi market where I would snack on grilled corn, and the Khorfakkan fish market where I would stop to purchase grilled fish seasoned.

IDA GARPHAGEN

General Manager of Sushisamba Dubai

“It feels amazing to win Restaurant of the Year...”

When people visit Sushisamba, what do you hope is their lasting impression?

Apart from the food I think the ambience as a whole is just, wow. When you enter Sushisamba you’re instantly transported into a world of vibrant colors, music, interior, beauty. The true essence of Sushisamba is in the walls, the staff, the concept, the full package.