Flamboyant showbiz chef Gary Rhodes is taking over an exclusive Dubai restaurant - sparking a battle among some of the world's biggest culinary names for business in the bustling emirate.
Alongside British Gary Rhodes, 47, is Michelinstarred celebrity Gordon Ramsey, 41, who runs Verre at the Hilton Dubai Creek.
Emirates Today can exclusively reveal that the original enfant terrible of the kitchen and Ramsay's biggest rival, Britain's Marco Pierre White, 46, will open a branch of Frankie's Italian Bar and Grill - a favourite with Britain's Chelsea football team - with jockey Frankie Dettori.
Ramsey, who runs nine restaurants in the UK, two in the United States and one in Tokyo, is also hold ing discussions with the authorities here to open a fivestar resort in Jumeirah with condominiums and a fine dining restaurant.
And Spanish Ferran Adria from El Bulli in Spain, known as the most exclusive eatery in the world because it has a waiting list of ar ound one year, has also expressed interest in Dubai and is rumoured to want a piece of the action.
Rhodes's Mezzanine at the Grosvenor House Hotel in the Marina will go head-to head with Verre to offer residents the best fine dining in the region.
And the rivalry bet ween the chefs is sure to create great competition and lift the i standard of food available in the country.
Rhodes has been one of the few chefs to avoid a tongue lashing from Ramsey, who made his name on British TV reducing celebri ties to tears during the Hell's Kitchen show.
Ramsey has a grudging res pect for him but once said "he's not a patch on me" and likes to mock his trademark spiky hair.
At one time White was Ramsey's mentor, but when Ramsey struck out on his own, a feud erupted and now they are not even on speak ing terms.
Mezza nine is Rhodes' eighth res taurant, adding to his two on cruise liners, one in Dublin, Ireland, and one on the Caribbean island of Granada.
Speaking about the project, he said: "Dubai is a wonderfully vibrant city with an eclectic mix of cultures all fused together in harmony.
"Since opening, Mezzanine has become one of Dubai's most-renowned restaurants, and I look forward to building on this solid foundation to create a truly exceptional culinary destination.
"Food connoisseurs, both living in and visiting Dubai, are able to sample the delights of an array of delectable foods from across the world.
"I am really looking forward to wooing the customers in Dubai and challenging their perceptions of modern British cuisine." Rhodes did not want to comment on the rivalry between the chefs but com petition can only be good news for food lovers in the emirate.
By Primrose Skelton
© Emirates Today 2007
