Chef Krushnath Ramesh Jadhav, Chef de Cuisine at a five-star UAE hotel, describes himself as a “very simple, small town boy” in India, who chased a dream that led him to Mumbai, where he got his college degree in hospitality and tourism management, then on to London, where he studied international culinary arts from Ealing Hammersmith & West London College before finally kicking off his career at Gordon Ramsay London. 

“Gordon Ramsay has been my inspiration right from the beginning; I have been lucky enough to kick-start my journey from Gordon Ramsay London,” award-winning Chef Krushnath tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

And he is just getting started.

“There still is a lot to learn in my culinary journey, and by true leadership and management, I would like to see myself become a successful executive chef,” he says.

Asked about what drove him to embark on his journey, Chef Krushnath, couldn’t be more precise: “Fire in my belly, passion for excellence and an eye for detail.” 

“Creativity continuously developing culinary techniques to offer innovative dining experience keeps me going,” Chef Krushnath said.  

Chef Krushnath says he believes in quality over quantity. 

“For me, cooking is all about five elements put together to make a fantastic dish. These are salt, fat, acid, heat and spices,” he says. 

Chef Krushnath also loves to share his knowledge, learned from mentors like the famous Chef Indrajit as well as Chef Angad, and teach new talents. “I want to see them grow and become successful chefs themselves,” he said.

Chef Krushnath continuously develops culinary techniques to offer innovative dining experience.   He has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, confidently managing all-day dining, in-room dining, banquet and club lounge in fast-paced settings, producing high-quality food.  

A certified personal trainer and fitness model who was originally from Alexandria in Egypt, Mohamed Naeem Salama had wanted to join the army.

“I was a super-skinny guy; and at the age of 14, I started to work out because I wanted to be an army officer. But it wasn’t meant to be . So, I continued and take it to modeling,” he tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

Since then, Mohamed joined competitions and now has bragging rights to a string of awards and titles –  second runner-up Mr. Dubai 2014; Mr. Fitness Dubai 2016; and Top 15 fitness model in Las Vegas 2018, among others.

“I have done a lot of commercials and been featured in different magazines and newspapers. I have also been a brand ambassador for international companies,” says Mohamed.

“We always need to believe in our gifts and even if only 1% of the people believe in you, that is already more than enough. I have learned that we always need to be grateful for what we have and help each other,” he said.  

Mohamed said it is all about dreaming big, working hard and setting goals.

“Also,” he said, “I believe everyone has a gift, so my advice is for them to find this gift and link it to education and a dream.”

Mohamed said he plans to keep going and invest in himself, work hard and to enjoy life.

“We only have one life, so we need to enjoy it to the maximum,” he says. 

By Jojo Dass

Most hotel general managers begin their journey to the swivel chair from below – either as a concierge, front desk staff or luggage guy. 

Jan Hanak, general manager at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, went through almost all these “hardship posts,” as they are oft-called, while at the same time pursing his studies in Prague – a Disneylandish place nicknamed “City of a Hundred Spires,” and popular among tourists for its UNESCO sites, baroque buildings and the Old Town Square.

“I started in the hospitality (industry) as a luggage porter in 1998 in Prague,” Hanak tells Dubai Vibes Magazine, referring to his first hotel job, which was at Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel in Prague.

“Then,” he added, “I went through various positions in front desk as receptionist…night manager… night auditor.”

Through all these, Hanak, who was born in Prague, as well the birthplace of one of the 20^th century’s literary giants, Frans Kafka, successfully pursued a degree in Economics with a major in Finance at the Czech University of Life Sciences’ Faculty of Economics and Management.

“I wanted to move toward that field, actually,” recalls Hanak. “(But) at the time, the hotel offered me the revenue management post,” he said.

Following this, Hanak was transferred to London as revenue manager at Radisson SAS Portman Hotel from 2005 until 2008 before being promoted as executive assistant manager in 2009. 

First GM assignment

Hanak’s first assignment as general manager was at Radisson Blu in Belfast, Ireland, where shortly thereafter he also became head of Park Inn Belfast. He was 32.

Hanak was then assigned to Russia where he oversaw a successful renovation project at the 842-room Park Inn Sheremetyevo Airport Moscow. He became the cluster general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport and the Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovo Airport St. Petersburg.  

Following this, Hanak flew to Dubai three years ago where he took the helm at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek as general manager.

His primary task: Oversee the big renovation project at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, the city’s first five-star hotel, which was built in 1975. 

“Being in a hotel of this kind, the oldest five start hotel in Dubai, is an honor and also a responsibility,” said Hanak.  “As a team, we always make sure that we meet the guests’ expectations, which are very high,” he said.

Hanak said the project was halted last year due to Covid-19 quarantine measures.   

“We paused it because of the situation. But this year, I am happy that we can start refurbishment very soon and we expect that to be finished in the third quarter,” said Hanak.

Day begins

Most people probably wonder how a hotel GM’s day begins.

Hanak’s starts with a “little sport,” as he calls it.

“Probably swimming,” he said, “then have a healthy breakfast with the family…have a little chit-chat with the kids before they go to school because not always could I manage to be home before they go to bed.” 

Arriving at work, Hanak would buckle down with the team for the daily morning briefing. “We would discuss the successes or challenges of the previous day to see what we could have probably done better or improve. We would also discuss the agenda for the day to make sure that everything goes well,” he said.

Dubai has been gathering steam and so they have to keep up or be left behind.

“I love Dubai. I have also been looking after the Middle East market when I was in London. At the time, I have been coming to Dubai very often and used to stay in this hotel (Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek).

“I remember chatting with my colleagues who would asked if I would be willing to move here,” recalls Hanak.

He described this expat city as a “dynamic place full of changes… (where) a lot is always moving.”

Rebound

Like most hoteliers, Hanak said he believes Dubai is definitely on the rebound.

“When I see different industry reports and our internal ones as well, I could clearly see that Dubai is on the route to recovery well ahead of the other markets,” he said.

He further explained: “I think due to the fact that Dubai took a very pragmatic approach in terms of the necessary precautions coupled with the focus on vaccination and the promotion of the market, the city is shaping up well; and with Expo 2020 coming,  I am sure Dubai will soon be recovering fully.”

Advice

Looking back, from tending to luggage and now running a hotel, Hanak believes he would not have made it without resolve.

His advice?  “Do your best and do not be afraid to ask questions. Bring new ideas to the table and do a little bit extra than what is expected from the job.

“I believe that by doing these the opportunities will be available.”

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, which was built in 1975, is the city’s first five-star hotel.

Golden meal

As such, it is also home to the city’s oldest and most authentic Persian restaurant, Shabestan, described by Hanak as their “jewel of the crown,” which is celebrating it’s 37^th anniversary this year with a special golden menu.

Built in 1984, Shabestan has been a favorite of many royal families, including Dubai’s very own ruling family. 

Chef Abol Fazl Shirazi, head of the culinary team, curated a special menu infused with 23-carat gold.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is set within the cultural and art districts of the city and located next to traditional souks such as the gold and spice markets. It also is a few minutes away from the Burj Khalifa, shopping malls, and the iconic Dubai Frame.

The latest craze in town is Holly Organico, a vegan restaurant along the Al Wasl strip – Wasl Square to be more precise.

And in the kitchen is Chef Ramayana Bringel, 28-year-old Brazilian, born in Rio de Janiero and raised in the quaint town south of Minas Gerais. 

She has been an entrepreneur since 2010 and has successfully established at least five vegan restaurants. 

Along with her Mother Claudia Bringel, Ramayana set up the first vegan and organic bakery in Brazil, supplying products to different sized businesses across the country. 

Having been vegan for seven years now, Ramayana always observed good eating habits and had a vegetarian upbringing since she was born. Her main motivation for creating vegan dishes is based on her core philosophy to stop animal suffering and use the Earth’s goodness to prepare high quality and flavored dishes. The main recipes were created in her home kitchen for family and friends who were always surprised and delighted by her special skills. 

What started out as door-to-door sales in a small town, quickly progressed to become a successful homegrown business and her fame grew through local organic fairs to supplying and launching restaurants!

Ramayana’s passion for healing with food led her to study vegan nutrition and she attended three technical courses all over Brazil. She has taken many courses including courses in local cuisine development in Europe and Asia. 

As a nature lover, she continues to travel the world and explore their unique cuisine to bring culinary flavor to her vegan dishes. She thrives on creating new dishes and offering a variety of choices for healthy and pure eating, finding ways to use only organic ingredients to prepare her food – at Holly Organico.

Holly Organico Kitchen’s commitment to your health and well-being is evident in our organic, fresh, and natural meals which are custom-made using the highest quality ingredients to fulfil your body’s health requirements, without compromising on great taste.

Holly Organico is more than a place to eat deliciously organic food; it is a rewarding experience that invites you to join us on a journey to better health, wellness and harmony between mind and body.

The restaurant has many options: traditional Brazilian cheese bread, tapioca, scrambled tofu, omelette, focaccias, classic stuffed croissants, waffles, and tartlets for Breakfast.

For lunch, there is a new daily dish of the day prepared and served. Popular orders are Feijoada, Stroganoff, Paella, to mention a few.  

For the afternoon tea, you will find many wonderful options of fresh cakes and pies straight out of the oven that will surprise and delight you! Be sure to try our infamous milkshakes and the Brigadeiros! The appetizers are also great to accompany your coffeetime or tea break. For savoury we also offer the traditional Brazilian coxinha, cheese balls, kibbeh, falafel and esfihas.

For dinner, there are options for special dishes of the house like Lasagna, risottos and the incredible traditional Brazilian Moqueca. 

Holly Organico also does catering services. Whether you are looking to host a personal dinner, corporate event, party, or a wedding, the highly dedicated and professional team will prepare a 100% deliciously plant-based/vegan menu that is globally inspired and prepared carefully with love. 

Led by Chef Ramayana, Holly Organico will make your special event come to life flawlessly and create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. 

The world has gone through worse trials, says Gopal Sudhakaran, media and marketing manager at a diverse 40-year-old, UAE-based consumer retail and trade company.

“We have had the 1918 Spanish Flu that lasted two years in four waves and killed up to 100 million people around the world and they made it back then,” he said.

“How much more today with the coronavirus pandemic where we have become so advanced and moved by leaps and bounds? This is not the end of the world. There is always a bright side. This will come to an end. It is just a matter of time,” Gopal added.

Gopal, an Indian national who obtained his MBA from the prestigious University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, said travelling used to be a hobby.

“I love to explore different destinations, experience different cuisines and understand cultures. Now, I’m waiting for the world to be back on track,” Gopal said.

The pandemic, says Gopal, “happened just so out of the blue.” And it tested humankind’s resilience and survival instincts, he said.

From the business perspective, Gopal said the pandemic actually caused their company – which is into a range of consumer products from photography, IT and medical field to electronics, travel, beauty accessories and even a one-stop coffee shop – to fast-track its digitalization process.

“We were already working on our digitalization prior to the pandemic. Now, we have a full-fledged e-Commerce platform,” he said.

Gopal arrived in Dubai around 2003. “I have seen the whole transformation of the city, which is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

He has been with the same company since circa 2005-06.

By Jojo Dass

Dubai is where people from all over the world gravitate to, working “smart and focused.”

“I have been visiting this city since 2009. I have seen it growing more and more. There is no place in the world like this. The no nonsense mentality to create whatever the dream is. It motivates me,” 42-year-old Danny Hendrikus, born and raised in the Netherlands, tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

Dubai, he says, “belongs to the few places in the world where it all happens.”

“If you make it here, you can make it everywhere. The people here are all smart and focused. They come here for a reason. Everyone here came with a purpose. And that is what you feel when doing business here. 

“The money question is normal to ask. How much will it cost? Here, I learned this is very useful. Instead of talking too much about the bees and birds, it’s about, ‘Can we work… yes or no?’ I like that direct approach,” Danny, who’s been staying in the city full time in the past five years, added. 

And it pretty much fits into the equation.

Danny, who has ventured into running his own business, a networking application called “Socios Member Club” connecting individuals willing to invest time and money and get rewarded, already got it tailor-made for him the moment he learned to understand numbers when he was a kid.

“From the day I could calculate, I always knew I was going to do my own business one day,” said Danny, who graduated at the Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia when he was 21.

Danny learned to speak many languages as he was growing up in the Netherlands, which made it easy for him to blend in Dubai’s international set-up. “I know the European way of business and here (in Dubai) with Russians, Asian, Arabs, Americans and so on, you just keep absorbing this positive energy,” he says.  

Danny wastes no time going for it whenever he sees an opportunity, he says, but indicating, at the same time, that the ride has not been less bumpy at all. At the moment, his heart beats with Socios.

“Taking the risks yes: winning and losing. But every year making sure you grow. Financially and or personally. I also know how it is to lose. Business that you worked on for years with heart and soul and then all changes. But, I think that’s all part of the journey. Right now is my time with Socios. I know it is going to succeed. I believe in it and it’s  my job to serve the public with it,” he says. 

Danny had been a boxer in the ring, too – something that has taught him vital lessons he now hangs on to as a businessman long after the bell has stopped ringing the final round.

“I am a fighter. Literally I am. I have done 18 professional fights in the ring. For me this is also a lifestyle. When you are inside the ring, it’s up to you. Did you do your homework?  Are you prepared? It’s glory when you win, but what if you lose?” says Danny.

He shared how he once went through a Thai boxing match in Australia with an opponent.

“After he fell,” Danny says, “I went to the corner and got my last minute of rest before we fought the last round. I was super tired. My ears were stuffed, body bruised and it was mentally tough. 

“My coach passed me the water and told me the words that I will never forget. He said: ‘Dig Deep and show who is boss.’ I got the energy back and fought the last round. That quote, I like to carry. Hard times are fine, they are all part of the journey. Just continue and don’t give up.”

And so, Danny, the boxer, is just not about to throw in the towel; he won’t. 

“I love my freedom. Work from wherever I am, with whoever I want. I am trying to have a good lifestyle. Focus on work, meeting people and training a lot. Right now, my fun part of the business starts. 

“The last two years, I was working behind the scenes. I am not a technical IT guy. I have people for that. As since recently the app’s first release was ready, now I can promote it and talk about it, making deals to benefit the members. I hope I can make a lot of people happy. That’s the real bonus,” he says. 

Socios, which means partners in Spanish, aims to link investors, influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to become millionaires, live a luxurious life, and make money while enjoying the company of like-minded people.  

“We are all addicted to our phones. We scroll through our phone at every single moment we have. I thought that what if I could bring an app to the phone that actually makes us money? An app we consider as working. This, every single moment of looking at your phone could actually be of some value. 

“We developed Socios for the eager men and women of today who are focused on leveling up. Those who would build and grow their network wherever they are, whenever they want to. An online club for the money makers, for the hunters out there looking for opportunities. Whether you’re seeking an investor to fund your business plan or looking for influencers to promote your brand, Socios will connect you with other members based on your interest. That way, you can build viable relationships that make money,” Danny says. 

A combination of Instagram, Linkedin, and Signal Messenger, Socios is globally present, allowing members to connect instantly. Just download the app, create your profile, explain what you are looking for, and get connected.  

By Jojo Dass

Dr. Sharadchandra Prasad, specialist urologist from India, arrived in 2016 to practice his profession.

“I deal with diseases of the urinary tract mainly kidney stones, prostate problems, urinary infections, infertility and male sexual problems. I get to help people and alleviate their sufferings,” he tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

“In terms of experience, medical college was very satisfying as you would be exposed to diagnosing common to rare conditions and offer treatment in a multidisciplinary team,” he shares. 

“We were heading the renal transplant team. It was gratifying to help patients with renal failure and provide them with various methods of treatment including renal transplant. Medical college is a place of great energy, wherein you are surrounded by inquisitive students, and learning is the main focus of many,” Dr. Sharadchandra said.

Dr. Sharadchandra have worked as an associate professor at the medical college in India. “This exposed me to the actual problems of the society and to work hard for its betterment,” he said.

The doctor says Dubai, being an expat city, provided him with an excellent platform to work with an international crowd and help solve their health problems. 

“Dubai is the first city I have stayed in outside of India. It is an amazing place with the best city infrastructure. It is lively and vibrant with people of different nationalities staying together in a systematic and organized manner. It’s been like a home away from home. People here are very friendly and live in perfect harmony with each other,” he said.

“It also allows you to understand different cultures and beliefs,” he added.

Dubai is second home to people from over 250 countries. 

Residing in Deira, Dr. Sharadchandra said he loves the place as he is constantly reminded of the old times – the Creek waterfront, museum, fort the gold and spice souks… “you have it all here,” he said.

“The marina, on the other hand is the one of the best that Dubai can offer and reminds you how much the city has changed in such a short time.” Dr. Sharadchandra said.

He said that being surrounded by “forward-looking, positive-hearted people is a great motivation to continue staying here. 

“I enjoy my work and am always ready to help,” he said.

By Jojo Dass 

Marseille-born Emilie Goldstein Mikulla arrived in Dubai 13 years ago, having been travelling for many years as part of her job and, in the process, having as well moved to different places 28 times in her life, living and working all over the globe, including in South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia and the US.

“Because of my upbringing, I’ve always been interested in the world and different cultures. I worked for many years as a travel journalist and absolutely loved discovering places off the beaten track and encountering people I would have otherwise never met,” Emilie tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. 

“In parallel, I spent a lot of time studying human anatomy and decided to change careers and dive into the human body! But I still do have a bad case of wanderlust,” she added.

And as it has been the rage these days, coupled with veganism as more and more people come to terms with themselves to live healthily Emilie got herself into yoga.

“I have found that combining movement, manual therapy and education is a powerful way to get people to change their perception of pain (if they are in pain), and also to keep injuries at bay; generally, to feel better in their bodies and minds,” Emilie says. 

Dubai is the city that Emilie has lived the longest in. “To me, it’s is special because it’s where I met my husband and where my two boys were born,” she says. 

Her husband, Marc Mikulla, is CEO at a broadcast and digital Studio portal; and the two boys are Max, who is 10 years old, and Leo, five. 

“When I first moved here in 2008,” recalls Emilie, “I was so grateful that it was such an easy place to make friends. 

“Everyone is a stranger here and so it’s easy to find like-minded people and form strong bonds. But because it’s an expat city, it’s tough to see people leave all the time.”

Dubai, being a world-class city, is not cheap. “That’s true,” says Emilie. “But I found that you get a lot for your money – large homes, great food, lots of activities. And it’s still very well possible to live well without burning a hole through your wallet – you just have to be in the know,” she added.

Her mantra? “Give more than you take,” she says.

The much-awaited Expo 2020, which kicks off barely two months from now, promises something for everyone – from the latest in technology to the best in culinary art as celebrity chefs and more than 200 restaurants transform the sidelights into a world-class gastronomic fair.

“It’s universally agreed that one of the best ways to discover a country is by sampling its cuisine, and at Expo 2020, visitors are able to eat their way around the world without leaving the UAE… Many of the 191 participating countries will also be serving authentic dishes and drinks at their pavilions,” Khaleej Times (KT) quoted Marjan Faraidooni, chief visitor experience officer at Expo 2020, as saying.

In its latest report, KT said among celebrity chefs gracing the event are David Myers, Matthew Kenney and Mory Sacko. Moreover, several internationally-acclaimed restaurants will also make their Dubai debut at Expo 2020.

American’ Gypsy Chef’ David Myers will combine classic American fast food with an international influence at Adrift Burger Bar, and celebrated Armenian-American chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, is set to debut The National Bar & Dining Rooms, offering modern bistro cuisine from breakfast to dinner. Both restaurants are brand new concepts making their debut at Expo 2020 Dubai, according to the KT report.

Other highlights include Lifestyle guru, Matthew Kenney, who will amaze diners with marvelous versions of American, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, while Mory Sacko, whose Mosuke restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in just two months, will shoecase his signature African-Japanese fusion cuisine.

Rohit Ghai, one of the culinary world’s most in-demand chefs, brings his acclaimed restaurant Kutir from London’s Chelsea to Expo 2020, the KT report said.  

Dining concepts will also be at the sidelights of Expo 2020, including Alkebulan African dining hall, curated by former opera singer-turned-restauranteur Alexander Smalls, and will feature 11 chef-led concepts from across the African continent; Taste of the Gulf, which celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage; and Talabat, a cloud kitchen with a fleet of riders from the food delivery platform; delivery robots and robotic baristas, said the KT report.

There will also be cuisines from India to Ireland, including classic UAE brands such as Arabian Tea House; Al Farwania, an Indian gem; Dampa Seafood Grill, a Filipino hotspot; Lebanese stalwart Al Reef Bakery; and Hanon Feras Sweets, renowned for its traditional Middle Eastern dessert, kanafa, the report added.

Expo 2020  will also welcome Ravi Restaurant, a Pakistani street food go-to,; Maraheb Yemeni Restaurant; Chicken Tikka Inn; biryani specialists Al Farwania Restaurant; and Sarouja Restaurant & Café, a popular Syrian and Mediterranean spot, still according to the KT report.

Dubai, UAE – Lola Taberna Española, the Spanish restaurant and tapas bar located at TRYP by Wyndham Barsha Heights, presents an exciting line-up of daily offers for residents who are staying in the UAE over the summer and want to feel like they are on holiday without travelling.

The restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a great hang-out spot for the neighborhood where families, group of friends or even workmates can gather together to savour traditional Spanish recipes and dishes, made from fresh ingredients and produce.

Lola transports guests to the streets of Southern Spain with its taberna culture, where people come to eat great food, socialise and have fun any time of the day, especially on weekends when the place hosts brunches which are often sold-out, making it the talk-of-this-part-of-the-town.

Guests can start with a selection of tapas-style bites, select some classic staples or try the paella – with six versions – as well as other delicacies that Spanish nationals and visitors have enjoyed for generations.

Daily promotions and weekend packages are available for guests to choose from. To book a table please call +971 4 247 6688, +971 55 843 2611, or email info@lolataberna.com.