Q1 2020 EDITION
VOLUME 1
THE CREEK CHRONICLES HERITAGE, HISTORY, HOSPITALITY. THE 1ST FIVE-STAR HOTEL IN DUBAI, PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS SERVICE SINCE 1975
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
*Hotel breaks Guinness World Record! *New Superbrunch gets launched *A wanderlust's guide to Deira Creek
Remembering the past, looking forward to the future.
RADISSON BLU HOTEL DUBAI DEIRA CREEK T + +971 4 222 7171
|
INFO.DEIRACREEK.DUBAI@RADISSONBLU.COM
/ @RADISSONBLUDXB
A
MESSAGE
GENERAL
FROM
THE
MANAGER
Welcome to the first ever edition of 'The Creek Chronicles,' the official newsletter of the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, which will be published quarterly.
our hotel. Get to know about our people, a bit of food & beverage news, what's happening around the city, and so much more.
Our history began in 1975, when the UAE welcomed its first international five-star hotel in Dubai. Ever since then, we have collected numerous stories and experiences both from our people, and from you, our guests.
2020 is quite monumental for all of us here at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek. This year we would be celebrating our big 45th birthday and with that said, we would like to thank you for your continued patronage and for being with us through all these years.
This publication now aims to tell you stories about our rich past, as well the experiences you can look forward to having within and around
Stay tuned for a lot of exciting renovation projects in the hotel, innovative food concepts, exciting events, and meaningful occasions to commemorate. Happy reading!
Jan Hanak General Manager ABOUT JAN Jan, a Czech national, has been with the Radisson Hotel Group for over 22 years. He started his career as a porter at the Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel in Prague, and has since moved across the ranks within various RHG properties in Europe. Jan has been the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek since May 2018 and continues to be one of the company's greatest leaders. 02
THE CREEK CHRONICLES| 1ST EDITION 2020
1ST EDITION 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS
It's a bird... It's a plane... No, it's
SuperBRUNCH!
THE FOOD & DRINKS TEAM LAUNCHES NEW 'SUPERBRUNCH' CONCEPT
Friday brunch has become quite an institution in
SuperBrunch is definitely worth a visit if you
Dubai and the Radisson Blu Deira Creek is one of
are looking for a family-friendly place to go to
the first hotels that contributed to this dining
on a Friday afternoon, There is a blissfully huge
revolution in the city.
area dedicated for all kids' activities & entertainment including face painting,
This year, the hotel has come up with an all-new
computer games, balloon-bending, and movie
theme to its legendary brunch. All recent box
screenings.
office hits breaking the 1 billion dollar mark have one theme in common: superheroes. With this in mind, the hotel team decided to created a brunch concept within those lines; a concept that also resonates well with people of all ages. Hence the birth of 'SuperBrunch.' SuperBrunch is every Marvel and DC
If you are wondering what superheroes do on the weekend, come to the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek for a truly action-packed Friday afternoon! You’ll find the young and young-at-heart building up their appetites for a delicious feast, great entertainment, and a lovely atmosphere.
fans' paradise. From the food and beverage stations, down to the
Packages from AED199 per person
entertainment, kids' activities,
Every Friday from 12:30pm to 4:00pm
and decor, everything is themed with famous superhero
2nd floor at Fish Market/ Aseelah/ The Pub/ Minato
movies. The hotel's award-winning culinary team has also doubled their efforts. Over 200 dishes will be served from all of the hotel's eight signature restaurants. From Japanese, to Emirati, Persian, Southeast Asian, British fare, and other international flavors, the extensive spread of food & beverages will surely satisfy even the most discerning palates.
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THE CREEK CHRONICLES | 1ST EDITION 2020
Fish Market launches new menu Fish Market seafood restaurant at the Radisson Blu Deira Creek first opened in 1989, and has since served over one million kilos of fish, 600,000 kilos of prawns, and has shucked over 150,000 oysters. The restaurant’s interactive market concept has proven to be incredibly successful throughout these years - with patrons loving the fact that you can choose the freshest catch of the day, and the chef cooks it as you like it! This dining experience still remains, but now the team behind the historical seafood restaurant has launched a brand new menu, which features several main course and platter options, too. Moreover, this new menu balances fresh, vibrant and on-trend health food movements as well. This includes all-time favorites and a selection of sharing plates and some indulgent, ingredient-lead items. Some beautiful dishes to look out for include the Red Snapper in Fish Market Signature Sauce (highly recommended by the Chef!), Lobster Thermidor, the Singaporean-style King Crabs, and of course, the Fish Market Special Platter for friends & family to share.
Fish Market became the first member of the World Wildlife Fund Sustainable Seafood program in Dubai. The focus of the restaurant has & will always be to serve locally & sustainably sourced seafood.
Not only will you be having a delicious meal, but when you dine at Fish Market, you are also supporting responsible fishing and sustainably sourced seafood. "Fish Market became the first member of the World Wildlife Fund Sustainable Seafood program in Dubai. The focus of the restaurant has & will always be to serve locally & sustainably sourced seafood, supporting responsible fishing and the aim to harvest with zero environmental impact." says Chef Uwe Micheel, Director of Kitchens & President of Emirates Culinary Guild. You can try the new menu and visit the legendary Fish Market on the 2nd floor at the Plaza Wing of the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.
- Chef Uwe Micheel, Director of Kitchens & President of Emirates Culinary Guild
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THE CREEK CHRONICLES | 1ST EDITION 2020
1ST EDITION 2020 | MEETINGS & EVENTS NEWS
Bandhan
WEDDINGS BY RADISSON BLU HOTEL DUBAI DEIRA CREEK A wedding is a magical occasion which involves a lot of gruesome preparation and coordination. Weddings celebrated in Indian subcontinental countries however, are a whole different level. Apart from the usual event logistics, weddings celebrated by Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, and Sri Lankans, implicate numerous traditions, rituals and ancient practices. Indian weddings in particular, are known for their style, grandeur, food, rituals, and magnificence. A traditional Indian wedding for example, lasts an average of three days the opening rituals on the first and second day, and the third day where the main ceremony and reception take place. With all these rituals, logistics, and expectations in mind, the meetings & events team at the Radisson Blu Deira Creek unveils 'Bandhan' Weddings by Radisson Blu - a concept which specializes in accommodating elaborate weddings of such size, grandeur, and length. Bandhan [pronounced bahnd-HAN] is a Hindi word which means "bond." This concept was created with the intent to craft unique and personalised wedding experiences, that come alive with great food, fabulous venues, exquisite dÊcor and above all, unparalleled service levels. Bandhan Weddings feature custom packages which include not just the venue and food, but also a bridal suite, complimentary cake & room for the couple, special room rates for the couple's family and friends, and preferred rates with wedding suppliers. "Our team does more than ten large-scale Indian weddings every year. We know that it is not only about the bride and groom, but also about the unification of two families. We understand that you will be judged by the venue you choose, the food on the table, and finally the brand you work with. I am proud to say that our team has been in the events and catering business for almost 45 years. Our credibility speaks through the portfolio of high-profile and lavish occasions that we have done over the years, " says Sreejith Purushan, director of food & beverage at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.
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THE CREEK CHRONICLES | 1ST EDITION 2020
1ST EDITION 2020 | MEETINGS & EVENTS NEWS
The Radisson Blu Deira Creek has become the trusted caterers of several government entities due to their excellent food quality and service. They cater any number, from intimate gatherings of ten, to events as large as 5,000 guests. In terms of venues, the hotel has two grand ballrooms and a huge outdoor space that can host up to 1,000 people. Alternatively, if you fancy a destination wedding in the desert or in your private villa, the team is well experienced in hosting and organizing events outside the hotel. Indian weddings are indeed supposed to be lavish but at the same time well budgeted. This is why there is a dedicated Weddings & Events Centre right inside the hotel, and a wedding specialist available on hand to assist the couple with everything from looking for the perfect venue, creating bespoke menus, price negotiations, down to referring clients to preferred wedding suppliers. While there are certainly numerous wedding planners and venues to choose from in Dubai, Bandhan Weddings by Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek is a guaranteed onestop shop for every bride who dreams to make her fairytale wedding come to life. For all weddings, events, catering and meeting inquiries, you can email the Meeting & Events team at banquets.dxbza@radissonblu.com or visit the Wedding Centre located at the ground floor of the hotel in the Plaza Wing.
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THE CREEK CHRONICLES | 1ST EDITION 2020
A WANDERLUST'S GUIDE TO EXPLORING DEIRA CREEK 1. Cross the creek The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of the city for generations and continues to entice visitors today. For just AED1 (US$0.27c), you can hop aboard one of many traditional boats or abras to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre. You can truly admire the spectacle of old and new Dubai from the traditional houses, towers and minarets that you pass by on an abra.
2. Go shopping at the Gold & Spice Souk markets Wander around the traditional markets selling gold, textiles, and spices. These old souks in Dubai are home to hidden gems and rare finds, often at unbeatable prices. Retailers are more than up to the match with haggling. But be fair with your price – there are lots of bargains to find.
3. Immerse in Emirati culture Transport yourself to old Arabia, and walk among the wind towers of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (one of the city’s oldest heritage sites and a proposed Unesco World Heritage Site). Meander to the Dubai Heritage Village or stop by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where visitors can learn more about Arabic culture, beliefs and lifestyles. which holds regular talks on UAE traditions and heritage, Emirati breakfasts and storytelling sessions. It conducts 90-minute tours of the district, as well as tours of Jumeirah Mosque.
5. A taste of the Middle East After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to a traditional Emirati meal at the hotel’s Aseelah restaurant. Try the hearty lamb harees where coarsely-ground wheat is mixed with tender meat and spices, and the fish machboos that sees locally-caught sustainable fish served with Arabic rice. A local food tour would not complete without dining at award-winning Shabestan, the Persian restaurant famous amongst the royal family.
4. Explore Arabian artistry
Wander around the art galleries that display Arabian calligraphy as well as modern art. Check out XVA, a unique art gallery that is also a café. Make sure you check out the Dubai Museum, inside the city’s oldest intact building, Al Fahidi Fort. Built in 1781, the carefully preserved historic building houses galleries and exhibits featuring historic Arab houses, mosques, souqs, and artefacts from Africa & Asia, as well as finds from several archaeological digs that date back to 3 B.C. 07
THE CREEK CHRONICLES | 1ST EDITION 2020
BREAKING NEWS: Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek beats Guinness World Record! Proud to announce that we are #OfficiallyAmazing according to the Guinness World Records! Our very own Boulevard Gourmet, one of the oldest cake shops in Dubai, took part in beating the Guinness World Record of displaying the largest variety of desserts – a total of 2,586! “Our desserts were created to represent the world, and we selected countries and regions from all continents so we could have the broadest range of ingredients and styles,” says veteran Dubai Chef Uwe Micheel, president of the Emirates Culinary Guild and director of kitchens at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek. He’s not exaggerating. Not only did every dessert contain at least two ingredients, and three or more servings – for 10,056 servings in all – the buffet table was weighed down by three tonnes of eggs, sugar, flour and butter, whipped up by 57 hotels, restaurants and caterers from all seven emirates.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 4. Serves appetizing Pan-Asian dishes from Thailand, Indonesia, and more! 7. What is the name of this hotel? 9. This Persian restaurant is very popular among the UAE royal family 10. You can watch live sports games and eat delicious pub grub from here DOWN 1.Where our famous Indo-Chinese Hakka set is served 2. Korean restaurant located on the Ground Floor 3. Radisson Blu Deira Creek's new Friday brunch 5. What is the name of our Japanese restaurant? 6. The name of our interactive market-style seafood restaurant 8. Our award-winning Emirati & Middle Eastern restaurant