NEW RECRUIT: Fine Dining Ltd GM Ghazi Azzabi

Ghazi Azzabi, the new general manager of Fine Dining Ltd, the owning firm of the Ruth’s Chris franchises in the Middle East, tells us why everyone is a star in his eyes

What are you bringing to the table?
I started in the industry as a teenager in the US where I lived for 10 years. My first job was that of a bus boy in a Mexican restaurant in northern Virginia, I then became a waiter and by the age of 18 worked in a trendy bar in DC as a bartender, I also had a part time job with Glorious Food, which in those days was the best catering firm in DC, catering to the White House, embassies and international organisations.

The Dubai scene is solid, and although the lifestyle element has only really set in the last eight years, the F&B industry here is very quality oriented, it also caters to a very cosmopolitan and discerning clientele who are accustomed to luxury and service.

Why were you drawn to the role at Ruth’s Chris?
Ruth’s Chris is a great brand worldwide in a city that is vibrant, and exciting, what better for Dubai and Ruth’s Chris to compare with other cosmopolitan US cities like Chicago, New York or L.A?

In addition, the great clientele and the number of return clients who simply adore our menu, the conviviality spirit of our team of associates, the smile on the face of our patrons and their promise to come back soon, and nothing beats a great drink in our Prime bar before dinner.

What are your favourite things about the restaurant?
The great playlist, the buzz of our clientele enjoying itself over a great dinner, nothing beats the pleasure of listening to clinking glasses and jovial conversation.

You’ve worked with some big international airlines in the past, how will this role vary?
The service industry’s focus is always the customer and his relationship to the offering, the latter can only be vectored into a business through seamless interaction that is driven by passionate people.

That is what Emirates was and is still about and that is also what we do. We may serve USDA Prime Steaks amongst other things, but it’s the wide menu that we have covering many choices beyond beef, and our service standards that drive the business. We love our customers and they return it to us in kind.

How will you ensure Ruth’s Chris stands out from the rest?
While we specialise in USDA Prime Steaks our menu is extensive and versatile, chef Paul’s Sea Bass in crusted herbs, or his grilled free range poultry are world class dishes and show the diversity of our cuisine.

Ruth’s Chris’s ability to offer such a quality menu and a great setting, like the Jazzy Weekends is how we differentiate ourselves from the rest.

Is the UAE is on par with the rest of the world when it comes to knowledge about the perfect steak?
The UAE is definitely on par with the rest of the world, there are many steak house brands and the market and suppliers offer many beef varieties from South America, to France and Australia.

Our clients are also well travelled and have tried nearly everything, but when they are back in Dubai they know that the best steak is ours! The US has always been a world leader in this domain, and steak is a mainstay of the American diet, the bovine industry is historically linked to the growth of the US economy.

Is there anyone famous you would like to serve a piece of steak to? 
In my previous career I served famous fashion icons like Roberto Cavalli, artists like Liz Hurley, J-Lo and Hugh Grant, politicians like Berlusconi, and Benazir Bhutto, to name but a few, the one moment I particularly cherished is serving UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at the first Dubai Airshow in 1988. He is a man I admire for his vision and exemplary demeanour, and I am sure more will cross my path.

But with time I realised that all my clients are famous, to me at least, and there is no bigger joy than being in that special place in their heart! When one realises that some travel all over the world and before arriving to Dubai call ahead to make a reservation, for me this element of my job beats any other factor hands down.

Anyone who comes to see us at Ruth’s Chris, is a star!