The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (Grif), which is part of the Annual Dubai Food Festival, will kick off on February 16 with a dynamic and informative culinary tour of Dubai, providing real insight into investments in the global food and beverage (F&B) industry.

The first stop on the culinary tour will be Coya Dubai, at the Four Seasons, where a South American-inspired lunch would be hosted for the attendees. With a modern Peruvian fusion menu at the centre of Coya’s culture, a sample of palate teasing dishes will transfer guests to the essence of Peru. Guest Speaker Diego Salazar, a journalist and food critic from Lima will reveal the trends of South America in an exclusive 20-minute presentation.

The next stop on the tour will be at Nusr.Et, where the brainchild of Turkish entrepreneur, butcher and meat specialist, Nusret Gökçe Nusret, will deliver signature dishes including Asado ribs, beef spaghetti, grilled meatballs and the 'Nusret Special.'

The finale of the culinary tour sees Grif’s sponsor, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai (JRG Dubai), host guests for an exclusive culinary journey through some of its signature outlets: D&A, Tortuga, Pierchic, concluding with the Grif opening reception hosted by JRG Dubai at Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse (P&B’s). All four outlets are examples of JRG Dubai’s newest home-grown concepts, which are being showcased at GRIF for local and international expansion opportunities.

At each JRG Dubai venue, the group will be hosted by the general manager and head chef and led through a tasting of signature dishes and beverages highlighting the authentic experience offered by each of the four brands.

Starting off at D&A, situated on the ground floor of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, guests will enjoy a menu of British classics given a modern twist, as well as samples of craft hops- not yet available in the UAE.

Located at the waterfront of Mina A’ Salam Hotel, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Bar welcomes attendees on a culinary journey to the traditional Mexican home, inspired by the philosophy ‘mi casa es su casa’.  The menu delivers vibrant flavours and promises authentic Mexican dining at its best.

Pierchic is JRG Dubai’s flagship restaurant. Located at Al Qasr Hotel, it is a mesmerising water-bound haven with 360-degree views unmatched anywhere in Dubai.  Following a tour of the restaurant, delegates will enjoy a signature beverage at the newly constructed Chic Bar pod, located off the side of the pier - the ideal location to experience the stunning Arabian Gulf sunset.

The tour will end with Grif’s opening reception at Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse, a brand new casual dining concept located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, inspired by America’s Deep South barbeque heritage.  At the reception, F&B industry experts will have the opportunity to taste a selection of delicious meats smoked over nine different wood chips providing a range of mouth-watering flavours.

Jumeirah Group senior vice president F&B and Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai managing director Jean-Luc Naret said: “We are delighted to partner with Grif and welcome delegates to our new home-grown restaurant concept, Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse. We are extremely proud of this project, which is one of several recently new standalone restaurant brands launched by Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai. During Grif, we look forward to showcasing these four iconic brands.” 

Leading restaurant Clé Dubai will host the second Networking Reception for Grif on February 17.  Located at Al Fattan Currency House, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Clé Dubai will unlock the experience of contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, as showcased by Michelin-starred chef and author Greg Malouf, as well as a journey of discovery through the space itself.

Culinary Tour and Networking Reception places are limited and open to registered attendees only.  To register for GRIF please visit www.restaurant-invest.com. – TradeArabia News Service