Thursday, Oct 20, 2011

Gulf News

Dubai: Gordon Ramsay may have left a hole in the citys dining scene when he announced this week he would not be renewing his contract to operate a restaurant at the Hilton Dubai Creek hotel, but the two chefs he left behind have the backing of the hotel to open their own concept, it was announced on Tuesday.

Award-winning Ramsay proteges Nick Alvis and Scott Price, who for the last 18 months have run the kitchen at Verre, the British super-chefs Dubai outpost, will take over the restaurant space with their own venture, called table 9 by Nick and Scott.

You are all aware that the very successful 10 years of Gordon Ramsay has ended, Alvis said on Tuesday night, at a press event where they handed out mini versions of the dishes they will be serving up at the restaurant. When we saw an opportunity [to bid to replace Verre] we threw our hats into the ring. After weeks of debate we are delighted that the Hilton has accepted our concept for a home-grown concept in Dubai.

The restaurant will open on November 9 with 20 tables and will serve more casual versions of the modern European cuisine Ramsay is known for, in smaller portions that allow for more dishes to be tried in a meal, said the chefs. Prices were still being confirmed at the time of going to press, but Alvis indicated larger portions would start at Dh120.

Support for duo

Mike Nalborczyk, general manager at Hilton Dubai Creek, said the hotel group was excited about the new concept and wholeheartedly supported the duo.

Theyve got talent, and its more than raw talent they have business acumen too. What excites us is these guys are in the kitchen and its a true Dubai concept. Its not about finding a niche they are doing what they want to do. We havent wavered from the original idea they pitched to us.

The idea for the restaurant came about a year ago, when Nalborczyk asked Price and Alvis, What would you do, given the opportunity? When it became clear Ramsay would not renew his contract, that idea became reality.

The timing was perfect, said Nalborczyk. We looked at all sorts of options, and everyone said this is the best option, hands down. Our owners are very excited.

Potential

With Gordon we have had an excellent partnership for 10 years. He knows theyre talented and Scott and Nick have worked in some of Gordons finest restaurants. He told me, I know these guys are good. If Gordon thinks theyre good enough, that means theres potential.

The perception that Verre had suffered because of its location in Deira is false, said Nalborczyk.

We were growing. 2007 was the high point, but weve grown 18 per cent year on year since then. There are parts of town that will do better than others, but weve been growing and that doesnt happen unless these guys are doing something right.

Sherif Shafie, director of communications for the Middle East and North Africa at Nielson, a global provider of consumer insights, said there was already evidence home-grown concepts could be very successful, citing furniture store THE One as an example. I applaud the hotel for putting their trust in the chefs, he said. They have the standards set by Ramsay, and the youth have the edge, he said, adding Dubais dining scene was still thriving despite consumers cutting spending on dining out.

Its more?than raw talent they have business acumen too. What excites us is these guys are in the kitchen and its a true Dubai concept.

By Natalie Long, tabloid! Editor

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