Dubai Food Festival s list of Emirati, International and globe trotter chefs Dubai Food Festival Image Credit: Images sourced from Facebook.com/DubaiFoodFest
Dubai Food Festival 2021 is celebrating ‘Made in Dubai’ entrepreneurs, and has shortlisted homegrown eateries built by visionaries who have given the city unique menus, cafes, restaurants and dining concepts.
These selected eateries have been born and bred in Dubai by Emirati, international and globetrotter chefs (chefs who have travelled widely), who have demonstrated exemplary entrepreneurial and culinary skills.
With more than 200 nationalities in Dubai, it is no surprise that the list includes eateries that serve cuisine from all over the world, some with Emirati adaptation. Not only this, these food entrepreneurs have also contributed to Dubai’s rapid hospitality growth and development.
Destination Dining
Joey GhazalFounder, The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill
Inspired by summers he spent on America s East Coast, Joey Ghazal founded The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill in 2015 – Dubai s first homegrown New England style seaside brasserie. The restauranteur s love for the hospitality business started at the age of 18. He worked his way up the ranks from busboy to head of concept development and marketing at one of Canada s most prolific restaurant development companies before starting his own culinary empire.
Nick Alvis and Scott Price Founders, folly by Nick & Scott
Over the past decade, longtime friends Nick Alvis and Scott Price have played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s dining scene. Following two prior successful restaurant ventures in the city, the duo launched folly in 2017 through a partnership with Gates Hospitality. Alvis and Price developed the concept from scratch – guests will spot their signature style not just in the menu here but in the decor, musi