WHITE ISLE REAWAKENS, AND 2025 PROMISES TO BE A STANDOUT YEAR
THE NEW HOTELS TO EXPLORE IN EUROPE THIS SUMMER
BEHIND NEGIN MIRSALEHI'S JOURNEY FROM BACKYARD BEEHIVE TO GLOBAL BRAND
THE LATEST MICHELIN GUIDE DUBAI RECIPIENTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED FOR 2025
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO DINE AT THE NEWLY CROWNED THREE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT, FZN DUBAI
editor's letter
Summer is here, and we're embracing the season with renewed curiosity and boundless enthusiasm in this new issue. We begin our journey in Ibiza, where the iconic White Isle is experiencing a dazzling revival. Discover the freshest hotspots making waves this summer and why 2025 is set to be an extraordinary year to visit. From vibrant beach clubs to chic eateries, our guide will ensure your summer is nothing short of unforgettable. Next, we venture across Europe to reveal the most enticing new hotels, promising luxurious escapes and hidden retreats perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, there's a new haven awaiting your discovery.
Our exploration continues in the bustling streets of Shanghai – a city I recently visited that left me completely captivated. The dynamic blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation challenged my perceptions and ignited my imagination about China’s exciting future. From the stunning architecture along the Bund to the vibrant energy of local markets and exceptional
Adventures in Shanghai
culinary offerings, let us guide you through the very best of this remarkable metropolis. Closer to home, indulge in Dubai’s newest culinary sensation, The Cullinan, offering superior steaks paired perfectly with unparalleled views. And speaking of gastronomic excellence, don’t miss our first-hand experience dining at FZN Dubai, freshly crowned with three coveted Michelin stars. Finally, we delve into inspiring stories behind brands making global impact – such as Gisou, where founder Negin Mirsalehi shares the journey from backyard beehives to worldwide acclaim. As always, I hope this month inspires your next great escape.
Enjoy the issue!
What's new in IBIZA this season?
Ibiza's reputation as a playground for the discerning traveller shows no signs of slowing down. This summer, the island unveils an impressive collection of new venues, from revolutionary nightclubs to luxury hotels and innovative dining concepts. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge entertainment, sophisticated accommodation, or culinary adventures, these fresh additions to the island's landscape promise to redefine what it means to experience Ibiza.
just wild flavours and sun-soaked vibes
Opening in Talamanca, this ambitious venue combines multiple experiences under one roof. The Japanese-Mediterranean restaurant offers sophisticated dining with panoramic views. A 50-metre pool with floating beds is complemented by the European debut of Seven Wellness Club, bringing holistic concepts to the island's expanding health scene.
@claphouseibiza
Tigre Morado
This new beach restaurant introduces an intriguing fusion of Peruvian Nikkei and Mediterranean flavours in a relaxed, soulful setting. The concept embraces unhurried dining with creative twists on familiar ingredients, offering guests the opportunity to discover unexpected flavour combinations while enjoying Ibiza's coastline.
@tigreibiza
CÃRNESA
Specialising in Brazilian barbecue traditions, Cãrnesa brings authentic Churrascaria Brasiliana to Ibiza's diverse culinary landscape. The restaurant serves expertly grilled meats alongside traditional accompaniments in a lively, social atmosphere that encourages sharing and celebration with the chance to explore international flavours.
@_carnesa_
Clap House | SEVEN Ibiza
SEVEN Wellness Club
morning poolside basking and sunset pastel views
Destino Five
Bonito Ibiza
This brand-new five-star hotel and lifestyle destination opens in San Antonio Bay, introducing fresh energy to the western side of the island. The property combines luxury accommodation with lifestyle experiences, positioning itself as both a retreat and a social hub for discerning travellers seeking contemporary comfort in an iconic location. bonitoibiza.com
The newly reimagined luxury resort opens for the 2025 season on the cliffs of Cap Martinet. Following extensive renovations, the property has elevated to five-star status with completely redesigned rooms and suites featuring refined aesthetics. The iconic Cherry Vista and Cherry Suites continue to offer expansive private terraces with XL pools, as well as a fire pit and an outdoor gym. destino.fivehotelsandresorts.com
SOHO Farmhouse Ibiza
Bringing the rustic-luxe aesthetic of the UK's celebrated Soho Farmhouse to Santa Gertrudis, this countryside retreat features farm-to-table dining that celebrates local produce, a world-class spa offering holistic wellness experiences, and exclusive member experiences that blend relaxation with social connection. Set in the island's peaceful interior, it provides an alternative to the coastal party scene. sohohouse.com
The Unexpected Hotel
Located in Playa d'en Bossa's Ushuaïa, this luxury hotel offers VIP services, sophisticated dining options, and unique packages. The property caters to guests seeking personalised luxury that extends beyond traditional hospitality. Its strategic location provides easy access to the island's renowned beach clubs and nightlife. @theunexpectedibizahotel
the Santa features local holistic relaxation island's alternative sohohouse.com
UNVRS
The team behind Hï Ibiza transformed the iconic Privilege venue into UNVRS (pronounced Universe), positioning it as the most forward-thinking club in the world. This monumental project blends traditional Ibizan finca aesthetics with futuristic interior design. The venue features modular architecture that transforms nightly, supporting large-scale productions rivalling iconic global stages, while maintaining the inclusive, community-focused energy that defines Ibiza's nightlife culture. unvrs.com
Valmar Corfu
Corfu's Ionian coastline welcomes Valmar, a five-star all-inclusive resort inspired by Italian Lido aesthetics. Nestled among pine hills and cypress trees, the property features clustered buildings with Venetian-influenced colonnades, comprehensive family facilities, and diverse dining showcasing healthy options alongside Greek specialties. @valmarcorfu
Summer Hideaways
DISCOVER THE NEW HOTELS
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
Orient Express debuts in Rome's historic Piazza della Minerva, where Hugo Toro has transformed a palazzo with Art Deco elegance. The hotel balances Roman heritage with contemporary luxury, offering captivating city views and positioning guests at the epicentre of cultural sophistication. @orientexpresslaminerva
Four Seasons Resort Mykonos
Mykonos welcomes Four Seasons Resort along Kalo Livadi Bay's dramatic cliffside, featuring 94 spacious rooms, villas and suites with Aegean Sea views. Amenities include an infinity pool, alfresco poolside Italian restaurant, modern Mykonian kafeneio, spa, and four dining venues for vibrant island living.
@fourseasons
@orientexpresshotels
The Lake Como EDITION
Lake Como's western shore welcomes Como EDITION, featuring a above crystalline waters. Contemporary warmth with panoramic lake and a spa incorporating local luxury experience. @editionhotels
Orient Giovannelli, Orient della Minerva, palazzo Roman captivating epicentre
Hideaways
OPENING IN EUROPE THIS SEASON
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Venice
Express debuts in Rome's historic Piazza Minerva, where Hugo Toro has transformed a palazzo with Art Deco elegance. The hotel balances heritage with contemporary luxury, offering captivating city views and positioning guests at the epicentre of cultural sophistication. @orientexpresshotels
EDITION
welcomes the sophisticated Lake striking floating pool suspended
Contemporary design meets Italian views, exceptional dining terraces, local botanicals for an unforgettable
Vista Ostuni, Puglia
Suspended between Mediterranean azure and Ostuni's white stone architecture, VISTA captures Puglia's essence with natural materials and authentic warmth. Features include spa areas extending into olive gardens, multiple pools, Ristorante Berton al VISTA, and curated experiences showcasing regional culture and natural beauty.
@vistaostuni
Rosewood Amsterdam
Amsterdam's former Palace of Justice transforms into Rosewood Amsterdam within the UNESCO Canal District. The 17th-century building houses 134 rooms blending Golden Age grandeur with contemporary luxury, featuring seasonal Dutch cuisine, Asaya Spa, and exclusive cultural experiences including private canal tours.
@rosewoodamsterdam
SHANGHAI
THE
CITY THAT WILL MAKE YOU RETHINK EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT CHINA
To the uninitiated, I wonder what connotations come up when you think of China. I certainly had my preconceptions. Where they came from, I do not know but it was only after visiting that I realised how false they were. In the conversations that followed since my return, it has become all the more clear to me that I wasn’t alone in the ideology that had formed in my mind, be it from media, film or societal narratives. They say you don’t really know a place until you’ve been there, and yet we form such clear pictures in our mind, we think we know it all. Now, don’t get me wrong, China is a big country, with a questionable leadership and a very different
culture to that of Western norms. But does that mean we shouldn’t be open to being proven wrong?
When I landed in Beijing on a bitterly cold spring morning, with no VPN, no Apple Pay and no Google Maps, I was filled with dread. “The next 10 days will be tough,” I thought to myself. But three days and a five-hour train ride later, things began to look up. I looked out the window of my DiDi (Chinese Uber) to see bright lights and skyscrapers and instantly felt at ease.
In the days that followed I fell more and more in love with this vibrant city, uncovering new neighbourhoods each day, settling into their way of doing things, waving my Alipay app around like there’s no tomorrow.
Here, I will divulge my favourite activities, restaurants, shopping districts and hotels, in the hopes that they will inspire you to think beyond your preconceptions and add this ambiguous destination to your must-visit list.
A shopper's paradise Shanghai's retail landscape is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from international luxury to local treasures. Nanjing Road stands as the city's commercial heartbeat, stretching for miles with its mix of flagship stores, traditional Chinese shops, and modern department stores. The pedestrianised section buzzes with energy day and night, where you'll find the sleek Edition hotel rising above the commercial chaos, offering a sophisticated retreat
from the frenzy below. For a more curated experience, Jiuguang Department Store deserves attention not just for its fashion offerings, but for its exceptional Asian supermarket. This sprawling food hall becomes an adventure in itself, with aisles dedicated to ingredients I'd never encountered.
Across the river in Pudong, IFC Mall represents Shanghai's appetite for luxury. This gleaming complex houses every international brand you could desire, but what struck me most was how seamlessly Eastern and Western retail concepts blend here. Meanwhile, Xintiandi offers something entirely different – an outdoor shopping district where traditional
JIUGUANG DEPARTMENT STORE
POLUX BY PAUL PAIRET
shikumen architecture has been transformed into boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The winding streets create an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the grand boulevards elsewhere in the city.
Culinary exploration Shanghai's dining scene reflects the city's position as a cultural crossroads, where traditional flavours meet international innovation. Polux by Paul Pairet exemplifies this perfectly – a French restaurant that feels distinctly Shanghainese in its approach to hospitality and presentation. Yet some of my most memorable meals came from decidedly less glamorous settings. 辣肉面大王, whose name roughly translates to "spicy meat noodle king,"
serves exactly what it promises in a no-frills environment where the focus is purely on flavour. The hand-pulled noodles arrive swimming in a rich, complex broth that manages to be both comforting and invigorating. Similarly, 半酌 introduced me to Chinese barbecue culture, where small plates of perfectly grilled meats and vegetables are shared over rounds of drinks, creating an evening that stretches well into the night.
Atelier Izakaya bridges cultures beautifully, offering Japanese techniques with Chinese ingredients in a space that feels like a secret club.
Coffee culture Shanghai's coffee scene
has exploded in recent years, and Manner Coffee represents the homegrown side of this revolution. This local chain takes specialty coffee seriously without the pretension often associated with third-wave coffee culture. Their shops are compact but efficient, perfect for grabbing an expertly crafted flat white before exploring the city.
Avec Toi, nestled in the Former French Concession, offers something more leisurely. This charming cafe occupies a restored villa where you can spend hours reading or peoplewatching from the garden terrace. The French
influence extends beyond the architecture to the pastries and light meals, creating a perfect refuge when the city's pace becomes overwhelming. Unmissable experiences
No visit to Shanghai feels complete without experiencing the contrast between old and new that defines the city.
Yu Garden transports you back centuries with its traditional Chinese architecture and carefully manicured landscapes, while the surrounding bazaar offers a sensory overload of local snacks and souvenirs. The garden itself provides a peaceful counterpoint to the energy just outside its walls.
NANJING ROAD
ATELIER IZAKAYA
IFC MALL
XINTIANDI
半酌
Wukang Mansion stands as one of Shanghai's most photographed buildings, and for good reason. This 1924 French Renaissancestyle apartment building curves elegantly at the intersection of two treelined streets, embodying the architectural legacy of the French Concession. It's become something of a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts and Instagram users alike. The Bund remains Shanghai's most iconic attraction, and experiencing it both on foot and from the water reveals different aspects of the city's character. The riverside promenade offers unobstructed views of Pudong's futuristic skyline,
while an evening cruise provides perspective on how dramatically the city transforms after dark. For an even more impressive view, Shanghai Tower's observation deck on the 118th floor showcases the entire metropolis, though booking ahead is essential. One of my favourite discoveries was cycling along the Pudong waterfront, where dedicated bike paths stretch for kilometres along the Huangpu River. Rental bikes are everywhere thanks to the city's bike-sharing system, and the ride offers constantly changing views of both the historic Bund and the ultra-modern towers of Lujiazui.
Shanghai challenged every assumption I had about China, revealing a city that's simultaneously ancient and futuristic, traditional and fiercely progressive. It's a place where you can spend the morning exploring Ming Dynasty gardens, lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, shop for both luxury goods and street food ingredients, and end the day with craft cocktails while gazing out at one of the world's most impressive skylines. Perhaps that's the real lesson here – that our preconceptions, no matter where they come from or how firmly they're held, are no match for a true, first-hand experience.
PRECONCEPTIONS, NO MATTER HOW FIRMLY HELD, ARE NO MATCH FOR A TRUE, FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE
THE BUND
YUYUAN GARDEN
SHANGHAI TOWER
WUKANG MANSION
ABOVE and beyond
Mandarin Oriental Pudong delivers on both opulence and location, proving that Shanghai's most coveted views are best enjoyed from a tub
There's something to be said for choosing the right side of the river in Shanghai. While the Bund offers undeniable historic charm, staying in Pudong puts you at the heart of modern China's most ambitious skyline, and nowhere does this better than Mandarin Oriental.
Our King Room delivered exactly what we'd hoped for: unobstructed views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund's colonial facades across the Huangpu River. The real winner, though, was the freestanding bathtub positioned to take full advantage of these views. After long days exploring Shanghai, there's genuine pleasure in soaking while watching the city light up for the evening. It's one of those simple luxuries that makes a stay memorable. One unexpected highlight came through a casual conversation with the concierge team, who invited us to join a boat
trip along the Huangpu River. Seeing Shanghai from the water provides context that's impossible to grasp from street level. Dinner at Yong Yi Ting provided a pleasant evening, though it didn't quite reach the heights of some other Shanghai dining experiences we'd had during our trip. The service was impeccable and the elegant setting created a lovely atmosphere for our meal. The hotel's location works
brilliantly for exploring this side of the city. The waterfront promenade is right outside, perfect for morning runs or evening walks, and we particularly enjoyed cycling along the dedicated paths with views across to the Bund. IFC Mall is a short walk away, which proved handy for both shopping and casual dining when we wanted something less formal than the hotel restaurants. What impressed us most was how the hotel
manages to feel both distinctly Chinese and internationally polished. The service never felt overly formal, but always maintained the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel genuinely looked after rather than simply processed. In a city where new luxury hotels seem to open monthly, Mandarin Oriental Pudong has the confidence that comes with knowing exactly what it does well. mandarinoriental.com
CULLINAN THE
Five decades of steakhouse mastery culminates in Dubai's most sophisticated new opening
The Cullinan arrived at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab with considerable fanfare, and rightfully so. As the latest flagship venture from Food Fund International (FFI), this sophisticated steakhouse represents the culmination of founder Costa Tomazos's nearly five-decade journey in hospitality, which began with a single steakhouse in Johannesburg in 1976. Having witnessed FFI's evolution firsthand over the past decade, I approached this newest addition with considerable anticipation.
What immediately distinguishes The Cullinan Dubai from Dubai's already crowded premium steakhouse landscape is its extraordinary setting. Perched within the architectural marvel that is Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the restaurant commands uninterrupted panoramic views of the legendary Burj Al Arab, creating a dining backdrop that few can match.
Our evening began on the expansive terrace, where the proximity to Burj Al Arab creates an almost surreal dining atmosphere.
The evening commenced with a perfectly chilled glass of Boschendal Grande Cuvée Brut, a South African sparkling wine that provided an elegant nod to FFI's roots. Despite intentions to avoid pre-dinner bread services, The Cullinan’s offering proved irresistible. The presentation featured three bread varieties accompanied by an array of artisanal butters, including an unexpected chocolate butter that became the evening's first revelation. The starter selection demonstrates the kitchen's commitment to both innovation and technique. Our chosen trio began with a wagyu sando, featuring MS 7+ striploin with truffle mayo, caramelised onion relish, and caviar, sandwiched between brown brioche and finished with gold leaf. The oxtail & bone marrow croquettes delivered intense umami satisfaction through their crispy exterior and impossibly soft interior, while the short rib dumplings, filled with wagyu short rib, black garlic cream, parsnip purée, and yellow pepper were equally indulgent.
Recognising our beef-heavy trajectory, we opted for the whole lobster ravioli as a palate-cleansing
middle course, which ultimately became the evening's standout dish.
The freshly made pasta, stuffed with lobster, cream cheese, and aged Parmesan, arrived in a velvety lobster bisque that elevated rather than masked the fish's sweetness. Selecting the evening's steak presented a delightful challenge given the restaurant’s extensive range of premium cuts. We opted for a 280-day grain-fed Angus T-bone, seeking a more balanced approach that would allow appreciation of classic beef flavours without overwhelming richness.
The T-bone selection proved inspired, offering both the supremely tender tenderloin and the more robust, fatty sirloin sections that define this iconic cut.
By the meal's conclusion, our appetites had been thoroughly
satisfied – perhaps overly so. The dessert course remained unexplored, providing what we diplomatically termed "an excuse to return soon."
The Cullinan successfully establishes itself as a worthy flagship for FFI's expanding portfolio. The restaurant combines the group's proven understanding of premium operations with a setting and ambition that elevates beyond their already successful ventures.
With FFI's proven track record of longevity in Dubai's notoriously challenging restaurant market,
The Cullinan appears to be firmly positioned for sustained success, and one we're excited to see play out.
@thecullinan.dubai
Bees Beauty to
How a Dutch influencer transformed her grandmother's honey into a global beauty empire
In a world saturated with beauty brands promising miraculous transformations, Gisou stands apart not through bold claims or celebrity endorsements, but through something far more authentic: a six-generation family legacy rooted in the ancient art of beekeeping. What began as Negin Mirsalehi's personal solution to damaged hair has blossomed into one of the most coveted beauty brands of the digital age, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones passed down through generations. The story begins not in a laboratory or boardroom, but in the rolling countryside of the Netherlands, where the Mirsalehi family has been tending to beehives since the 1800s. What sets Gisou apart from countless other honey-infused beauty products is the quality and sourcing of its key ingredient. The Mirsalehi Bee Garden, located on the Dutch island of Texel, produces honey that serves as the foundation for every Gisou product.
Mirsalehi's background as a successful influencer proved instrumental in Gisou's early growth. With over seven million followers across social platforms, she possessed something invaluable in today's beauty landscape: direct access to an engaged, beauty-obsessed audience. Mirsalehi documented her own hair transformation using Gisou products, sharing before-and-after photos that showcased genuine results rather than heavily filtered perfection. This transparency resonated with followers who had grown skeptical of traditional beauty marketing tactics. The timing couldn't have been better. As consumers increasingly sought clean, sustainable beauty options, Gisou offered something genuinely different. The brand's commitment to bee welfare, sustainable harvesting practices, and minimal ingredient lists aligned perfectly with the growing clean beauty movement. The brand's signature Honey Infused Hair Oil became a cult favourite, regularly selling out and spawning countless
imitation products. This success prompted rapid expansion of the product line, introducing everything from hair masks and serums to styling products, all maintaining the honeyfocused philosophy that started it all.
High-profile figures including Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley were spotted using Gisou products, generating organic buzz that money couldn't buy. These endorsements felt authentic rather than purchased, as many celebrities had discovered the brand organically. Perhaps no aspect of Gisou's success has been as visually striking as their approach to experiential marketing.
Understanding that modern consumers crave Instagram-worthy experiences, the Gisou pop-ups are masterclasses in creating shareable moments. These aren't simply retail spaces; they're experiential journeys that tell the Gisou story through multiple senses.
The London pop-up, which appeared in 2023, featured golden honey cascading down transparent walls, creating an almost hypnotic visual that proved irresistible to social media users.
Interactive elements allowed guests to learn about bee conservation while testing products in an environment that felt more like an art installation than a traditional store.
From a family beekeeping tradition to a global beauty phenomenon, Gisou's journey demonstrates the power of authenticity in an industry often criticised for superficiality, proving that the most compelling brand stories are often the ones that have been generations in the making. In a world of synthetic solutions and artificial promises, sometimes the sweetest success comes from simply sharing what nature has already perfected. gisou.com
Mirsalehi Bee Garden
Michelin Guide
DUBAI 2025
Dubai's culinary scene reached unprecedented heights at the fourth Michelin Guide ceremony, held at Address Sky View in May. The event celebrated 119 establishments across over 35 cuisine types, marking several historic firsts for the emirate and cementing its position as a global gastronomic destination. Two restaurants achieved the coveted Three Michelin Stars for the first time in Dubai's history. Trèsind Studio made global headlines as the world's first Indian restaurant to earn this highest accolade, whilst newcomer FZN by Björn Frantzén entered the guide with three stars in its debut year (see our review on page 20). This distinction highlights exceptional cuisine worth a special journey. The ceremony also recognised two new One Michelin Star recipients: Jamavar, the acclaimed Indian restaurant in Opera District, and Manāo, chef Abhiraj Khatwani's Thai concept. Five establishments joined the Bib Gourmand
category, celebrating quality dining at accessible prices and representing exceptional value for money. The new Bib Gourmand additions include DUO Gastrobar-Creek Harbour, Harummanis, Hawkerboi, Khadak, and Sufret Maryam, showcasing the city's diverse street food and casual dining excellence.
Special awards honoured industry excellence across various disciplines. Ronin received Opening of the Year for its pan-Asian concept at FIVE LUXE JBR, whilst professionals were recognised for outstanding service at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, sommelier expertise at Boca, and young chef talent. The guide now features just three Two Michelin Star establishments alongside the newly crowned three-star venues, with the complete selection representing the contributions of almost 200 nationalities living in Dubai and contributing to its unique and evergrowing culinary scene. guide.michelin.com
Manāo
Dubai-born chef Abhiraj Khatwani's Thai restaurant serves an eleven-course tasting menu of reimagined classics, staying true to vibrant, authentic culinary roots whilst showcasing innovative techniques. manao.ae
Jamavar
Dubai's Opera district outpost acclaimed Indian restaurant perfectly balanced, harmonious dishes crafted with prime ingredients in an elegant, refined setting celebrates contemporary Indian dining excellence. @jamavardubai
Tresind Studio
Chef Himanshu Saini's immersive showcases traditional dishes reimagined into vibrant, eye-catching flavoursome creations through tresindstudio.com
THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
STAY by Yannick Alléno
The renowned French chef's Dubai outpost maintains its prestigious status with expertly crafted contemporary French cuisine showcasing masterful culinary techniques and ingredients.
@stay_dubai
outpost of the delivers harmonious ingredients that Indian
immersive Indian concept dishes from various regions, eye-catching and supremely through limitless imagination.
FZN
Il Ristorante by Niko Romito
Niko Romito's elegant Italian restaurant at Bulgari Resort continues to impress with refined, contemporary Italian cuisine in an luxurious waterfront setting.
@bvlgarinikoromitodubai
Row on 45
Jason Atherton's sophisticated fine dining restaurant continues to deliver exceptional modern European cuisine with impeccable technique and innovative presentation from its elevated Dubai Marina location overlooking Ain Dubai. rowon45dubai.com
The acclaimed Swedish chef's Middle East debut offers sophisticated Scandinavian-Asian fusion cuisine, utilising finest luxury ingredients in this true destination restaurant experience. restaurantfzn.com
A closer look at
Swedish chef's Björn Frantzén first Dubai venture achieves a rare feat – debuting in the Michelin Guide with three stars.
Three must be an exceptionally lucky number for Björn Frantzén. He is now the only chef globally to concurrently operate three restaurants, each holding three Michelin stars. Though even he seemed genuinely surprised that his first Dubai venture, barely four months old, debuted in the Michelin Guide Dubai straight to three stars when he joined his team up on stage at Address Sky View. There had been much talk about its potential accolades leading up to the awards night, with some even predicting the rare achievement. See, they all had one thing in common – they’ve already dined at FZN Dubai. An evening is all you need to see how they were able to pull off such a feat. The experience begins in the Living Room. Inspired by Nordic hospitality,
guests are escorted here to be served canapés and aperitifs before a visit to the open kitchen, where a chef presents the main ingredient for the first of our nine-course tasting menu – a scallop. We’re shown how to deshell the scallop and explained the process it will go through before reaching our plate. From here we’re guided to the main dining room, which offers both counter seating and individual tables – a total of just 27 places. The space is atmospheric and unpretentious, with unclothed tables and solid wooden bar stools so heavy you need a waiter to push you in. We’re sat up at the counter watching in awe as the kitchen team, led by executive chef Torsten Vildgaard, carry out their craft. I’m taken aback by just how calm they are – a far cry from the bustling,
noisy open kitchens I’m used to in rowdy izakayas. Without ruining too much of the surprise, the langoustine will undoubtedly change your life. Laid on a bed of sushi rice, the concoction is so delicately deep fried, with the thinnest layer of crunch I’ve come across. Never normally one to pass up a wine pairing, this time I was feeling sensible and opted for the non-alcoholic selection. Served in incredible glassware, the tea-based drinks were complex and creative. The pairing felt intentional and wellplanned which truly makes all the difference.
The evening’s conclusion leads us back to the Living Room where we sat on the alfresco terrace, under the majestic glow of Atlantis, The Palm’s iconic structure. With space only for a couple of mini-Madeleines and a chamomile tea, we reflect on the evening’s impressive outcome. The hype we’d heard so often was in-fact valid, proved only a few weeks later by the Michelin Guide. The bar has been raised, and Dubai is solidifying itself as a strong player on the global culinary scene. We can only expect more to follow suit.