Pullman Dubai JLT hires chef and F&B director

Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers has appointed an executive chef, Ala’a Mustafa and director of F&B, Bassel El Kontar.

The appointments, Pullman says, will signify a shift in the property’s approach to its food and beverage offerings.

Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers general manager Fadeel Wehbe said: “The appointments of Mustafa and Kontar puts us in good position to revise, and consistently review our food and beverage offering at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers.”

He added: “Their experience of the UAE market puts them in strong position to introduce new opportunities for the hotel.”

Mustafa, has been picked from the Sofitel The Palm, Dubai, where he worked as junior executive sous chef, and has been in the United Arab Emirates for more than 10 years, across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Jordanian national specialises in Arabic cuisine, however, his expertise in banquets has allowed him to develop a broad range of culinary skills with seafood, steak and Italian cuisines.

Mustafa said: “This new role at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers will allow me to expand my creativity, and showcase my culinary abilities. The restaurants here offer a broad range of cuisine, and I look forward to the challenge that it brings.”

Meanwhile, Kontar packs in more than 15 years of experience and has joined the JLT-based property from the Beach Rotana Hotel in Dubai. The Lebanese national has also worked at the Shangri-La in Dubai and Hilton Abu Dhabi.

He has spent his entire career in the food service industry both in hotels and stand-alone restaurants.

Kontar said: “Dubai has a vibrant food and beverage scene, and we’re lucky at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers that our outlets can showcase a world of cuisine choices, catering to the community’s diverse population.”