Richard Sandoval's Maya Dubai to undergo refurb

The Mexican restaurant, Maya, at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, will close for refurbishment in May 2012, and reopen with a new, casual look, by the end of September, Richard Sandoval told Caterer at Taste of Dubai.

The refurbishment will be carried out at the same time as Maya New York and the finished results will be similar, with the New York restaurant having a slightly more ‘urban’ feel.

California-based chef Richard Sandoval, who owns 18 restaurants across the world, said: “A team of New York designers, from Parts and Labor design, are going to make the restaurant more casual. We’re going away from the tablecloths. They’re a very urban company so it will be a dramatically different look.

“We’ve all seen that the dining scene has changed dramatically over the last few years,” he continued. “The fine dining scene has taken a turn – people are looking for more sharing small plates, and music. Mixologists are very big now and cocktails are a very important part.”

Sandoval believes that people used to go to restaurants purely for the food, but now they are seeking out a whole dining experience.

“ Today it’s all about the music, the design and the food.”