One of the big team awards of the Caterer Middle East Awards was Restaurant Team of the Year - Hotel-Managed Outlet, which was presented to La Tablita from Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights.
Receiving the award were chef de cuisine Daniel Hurtado and restaurant manager Isaac Adam from Unilever's chef David El Bitar.
The team fought off competition from: Naya, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; Noire - Dining in the Dark Restaurant, Fairmont Dubai; Ossiano, Atlantis, The Palm; and The Croft, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, with Bab El Nil Restaurant, Fairmont Nile City making it to the highly commended rank.
Officially opening in January 2016, 85% of La Tablita’s team originates from Latin America, with the majority coming from Mexico. A total of 21 team members are at the venue, with 13 front-of-house staff, and eight back-of-house.
Hurtado added that one of the secrets to the restaurant's success is employing people who understood the ethos of the restaurant.
Adam agreed and said: "It’s been challenging every day but I’d like to say that we try to maintain the authenticity of our Mexican cuisine." He said he was proud that it wasn't just Mexican customers who appreciated the team's work, but with guests from all over the world, the restaurant has struck a wider audience.
The judges were definitely impressed by the team's commitment to serving authentic Mexican food. This venue’s level of service, as well as the fact that its restaurant manager is one of the only certified master Tequiliers in Dubai struck a chord with the judges.
The Caterer Middle East Awards 2017 was sponsored by Gold sponsor DMK Group, category sponsors GEMCO, TSSC, A. Ronai, Unilever, Meat & Livestock Australia, Bragard, Aramtec, SIAL, Party Social, Newby Teas, water sponsor Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino, and beverage sponsor MMI, and took place on May 24, 2017 at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
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