Earlier in February
, Sticky Rice’s Amena Rakkuson, popularly known as “mama”, died of Covid-19 – a reminder that restaurants stand to lose much more than just business.
“Covid-19 devastated the entire Sticky Rice family, it went through 95 per cent of the team,” anonymous food critic Food Sheikh tells
The National. I hope it reminds people what destruction the virus can bring and why it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for one another.”
With new daily cases surpassing 3,000 earlier this year, the Dubai Government introduced precautionary measures, including limiting the number of seats at restaurant and cafes, and banning brunches. And experts are pleading with restaurants to abide by the new restrictions for the safety of everyone.
In the past year, the restaurant has grown from a six-table family eatery in Dubai s Jumeirah Village Circle to a new, larger outlet at Food District, The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah.
Of their decision not to offer a delivery-only option, Abedin said: It’s a difficult one since we were solely doing deliveries until we opened our second outlet on Palm Jumeirah.
In order to try to remain Covid-19-safe for both staff and customers, he says they have taken every single possible precaution imaginable and advised to [them] by the DHA [Dubai Health Authority]. Masks, gloves, sanitising, deep cleans and residual disinfection.