The cream of Dubai’s culinary scene was out in force last night for the Time Out Restaurant Awards 2010.
In a glittering ceremony at the Address Dubai Marina, top performers across a range of culinary categories were celebrated— with Rhodes Mezzanine at Grosvenor House Dubai taking home the coveted Restaurant of the Year title.
The restaurant, Gary Rhodes’ first venture in the UAE, also won the Best Contemporary European title.
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Speaking exclusively to Caterer Middle East, head chef Paul Lupton said the whole team was delighted with the achievement.
“After three years of hard work and dedication, it’s great that our passion, ideals, consistency and sense of value have been recognised, with both of these awards,” he said.
“There have been instances in the past where we’ve been highly commended in the category and had to walk away disappointed — but that has always encouraged us to up our game, and it’s a wonderful feeling to have got there at last!”
Lupton added that the Time Out Restaurant Awards were a valuable asset for the emirate’s restaurant community.
“They’re big, they’re respected, it’s what everyone wants to win. They are a great way to recognise the industry’s efforts as well as encouraging outlets to achieve even more,” he noted.
Other big winners at the event included Pierchic at Al Qasr, which took away the Best Seafood and Best Romantic awards, while last year’s major winner Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire won the Best French title.
Reflets restaurant manager Etienne Haro commented: “We are delighted to have won the French Restaurant of the year.
"The celebration is certainly different than after the amazing three awards we won last year, but remaining at the top of our category shows how hard the team has worked over the last 12 months, improving on many levels and constantly giving its best throughout a hard trading period for the industry.
"We are very happy as well to be Highly Commended for our business lunch which is a great opportunity to sample what we do in a simpler format, and will celebrate these achievements when Chef Gagnaire visits Dubai from the 15th to the 19th of April!”
Best Steakhouse was awarded to The Exchange Grill at the Fairmont Dubai, which was highly commended in the category last year.
The property’s director food and beverage Sunny Joseph commented: “This win clearly demonstrates the caliber of our signature restaurant during its five years of operation at the Fairmont Dubai.
“We won this award for two consecutive years (2007 and 2008) and to regain the title speaks volumes about the importance placed on continuous training and team development, combined with the consistency and quality of our product offering.”
The Restaurant Awards, now in their 5th year, aim to recognise the very best of Dubai's vibrant dining scene.
For the full list of winners, please click through to the next page…
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Mar 24, 2010 , United Arab Emirates
Very well done to all the staff of Gary Rhodes restaurant. Very well deserved after years of consistency.