Fairmont The Palm, Dubai, a luxurious resort in the UAE emirate, has named Alain Gobeil as its new executive chef.

A Canadian national, Gobeil brings almost two decades’ international experience on three continents to the high profile role.

A graduate of the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Quebec, Gobeil is no stranger to the Fairmont brand, having worked at renowned locations including the Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, and Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montréal in his native Canada, as well as at the group’s UAE flagship properties – Fairmont Dubai and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

“Alain is a highly motivated and quality-focused chef with an eye for detail and natural passion for all aspects of the food and restaurant business, both creative and commercial; as well as boasts extensive UAE market knowledge. As a resort property with six unique and award-winning outlets operating in a highly competitive marketplace, his mandate is to not only maintain our position as a culinary destination on Palm Jumeirah, but to ensure that we are trend-setters on the Dubai dining scene,” said Mark Sawkins, general manager, Fairmont The Palm.

His early international career saw him train under the watchful eye of industry greats, the Roux brothers, during his time at the two Michelin-star Le Gavroche, London. This was interspersed with various stints both back home with Fairmont Château Whistler and at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, as well as management positions at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh.

His UAE experience also includes roles with Fairmont Dubai, where he was part of the pre-opening team involved in setting up the hugely successful Spectrum on One multi-kitchen restaurant, and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, where he was executive sous chef from pre-opening, with an active role in the recruitment and hiring process.

“Dubai foodies, and our resort guests, have a great selection of dining venues on their doorstep, and the challenge to keep Fairmont The Palm in the spotlight as a diverse and innovative hub for relaxed yet inspired dining is one that I am very much looking forward to; it’s an exciting time to be involved in the food and beverage industry in the city,” said Gobeil.

Gobeil joins Fairmont The Palm from a similar role at another luxury five-star hotel and brings with him wealth of knowledge, experience and oodles of ideas of where he wants to take the culinary experience of the popular Palm resort next.

“Alain will also spearhead the launch of new food and beverage concepts for the resort as we expand our well-rounded collection of venues, and keep Fairmont The Palm front of mind when it comes to hugely successful concepts like the Ultimate Family Friday Brunch at Flow Kitchen, Seagrill on 25° Restaurant and Lounge, home of our famed lobster burger and the Saturday BBQ Brunch,” noted Sawkins.

Other outlets under his remit include the popular Brazilian churrascaria, Frevo, and the popular Mashrabiya Lounge, with its award-winning Arabia-inspired afternoon tea. - TradeArabia News Service