Greg Malouf left Cle Dubai in late 2015 to pursue his own projects, including writing his eighth book, in collaboration with his ex-wife and long-term writing partner Lucy Malouf.
During a recent interview with Caterer Middle East, the Australian-Lebanese chef gave further insight into his reasons for leaving the restauarant.
“The restaurant was moving in a different direction, toward entertainment and cabaret. That’s just not me. I’m here to cook,” Malouf told Caterer.
Malouf revealed he does not yet intend to open a second restaurant in the region. “I still struggle with the perception of food here. So I need to deal with that first. The perception being that, a lot of dinners are out for a lot of reasons, besides eating.”
“Location is crucial, a location which allows for alcohol. There are two other crucial things. Produce and staffing which is equally important. Whether that is in the kitchen or front of house."
Malouf is currently documenting many of the recipes he designed for Cle Dubai, in preparation for his new book, which Malouf hints may focus on pastry. He has also been working on pop-ups across the region, including at the Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, in April, where Malouf cooked for Bill Gates.
Next month, Malouf will collaborate with the W Doha to create an iftar menu. There is also potential, Malouf told Caterer, for a pop-up event, which may take place in Beirut during July.
Read the full interview with Greg Malouf n the June issue of Caterer Middle East
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