International Cantonese restaurant sensation, Hakkasan, created an evening to remember for select UAE guests last night. Combining memorable entertainment with stunning décor and Hakkasan’s own mouthwatering menu, this was a night to remember.
Over 250 of the UAE’s socially elite arrived at Hakkasan’s private entrance situated in the east wing of the Emirates Palace, yesterday evening. Greeted by valet and Hakkasan hostesses, guests were escorted up the steps of cascading blue carpet, made to match the interior décor of Hakkasan’s signature blue.
The restaurant terrace was transformed into a pond decked with lilies and surrounded by fire features. A simulation of a mystical Oriental paradise was attained with elements of nature brought to life as guests crossed the man-crafted pond on stepping stones that led to the main door.
Traditional Chinese lion dancers, which symbolize luck and prosperity, entertained and welcomed the crowd. Canapés floated about the restaurant showcasing Hakkasan’s most prized dishes, including classics such as the Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar; steamed dim sum platters; and grilled Wagyu beef with king soya sauce. Hakkasan’s exclusive, soothing incense flowed through the air, while the contemporary lounge music compilation of London’s very own DJ Francis set the mood.
“Hakkasan is a major part of London and Miami’s elite restaurant scene and we are excited to embark on a new era with Hakkasan Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace. We are proud to be part of Abu Dhabi’s lime light and hope to integrate into the dining culture as more than just a restaurant, but as a haven where the UAE’s residents and visitors will come to escape the mundane,” said Hakkasan spokesperson.
Mr. Hans Olbertz, Emirates Palace General Manager, said: “The Hakkasan restaurant will be an extraordinary experience for our hotel guests and visitors. Yesterday evening’s grand opening raised the bar for UAE’s culinary world and we look forward to welcoming food-lovers and pleasure-seekers alike to come and enjoy the Hakkasan experience.”
The Emirates Palace’s newest restaurant takes Abu Dhabi’s luxury dining scene to a new level. The 165-cover restaurant, which features a unique take on modern Chinese, has four private dining rooms with spectacular luxurious architecture that seat between six to twelve guests.
Situated on the main entrance level of the hotel, the restaurant benefits from its own private entrance in the east wing, with valet parking available for dinners. Anchoring the kitchen is Chef Lee Kok Hua, from Hakkasan London, who has worked under the guidance of Hakkasan Head chef Tong Chee Hwee for five years. He brings his own flair to the menu with new dishes that have been specifically designed for the UAE market sitting alongside Hakkasan classics such as the Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar; steamed dim sum platters; and grilled Wagyu beef with king soya sauce.
The extensive beverage offering includes a wide array of teas from the best producers in Taiwan. Dragon Well green tea and High Mountain Oolong’s will be available to enjoy alongside the finest 50-year-old teas. All are brewed and served to precise instructions while observing detailed etiquette to deliver the best flavour.
An instant hit when it opened in London in 2001, Hakkasan arrived as a Chinese restaurant like no other. In possession of an instant glamour, it broke the mould with a modernity that combined opulent design and nightclub ambience with ambitious Cantonese cooking and accomplished service.
In 2004, Hakkasan was the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star and remained the owner of that title for four consecutive years. Hakkasan will be open daily to the public starting from 12th June from 6pm-2am for dinner, drinks and bar snacks, with last dinner orders taken at 12am. Please call +971 2 690 7999 for reservations.
About Hakkasan
Hakkasan is a Michelin starred oriental restaurant in London’s West End, with a sister Hakkasan restaurant at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and a new opening at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in Spring 2010 followed by an opening later that year in Mayfair, London. The Hakkasan group is owned by Abu Dhabi’s property investment company Tasameem which also owns Michelin starred dim sum restaurant Yauatcha in London. Hakkasan opened to critical acclaim, achieving a Michelin star in 2003, and was the only Chinese restaurant in Europe to receive such an accolade that year. Hakkasan has since established itself as a world class luxury brand with an association to a first class dining experience. For further details, please contact +44(0)207 297 8999.
About Emirates Palace
Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travelers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service. Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre. Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with up to 1,100 seats, the ballroom for up to 2400 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre and outdoor venue capacity for up to 20,000 guests. As a world-class leader in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events market, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar including host for the Middle East International Film Festival, the largest Hotel Art Gallery with regular exhibitions, popular and classical music concert programme. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City’s winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action including the annual Lashings Cricket Festival. For further details, please visitwww.emiratespalace.com; www.kempinski.com. For reservations please call: +971 2 690 7999.
