Having opened back in January, it’s safe to say Twiggy Dubai has been the go-to hotspot for Mediterranean dining in the emirate.
Offering idyllic views of the skyline, you get a true taste of the south of France right here in Dubai.
The alfresco spot is the ideal place for any occasion, be it a late lunch, dinner with friends or a luxury beach day.
While the setting is impressive, the food is also exceptional. Highlights on the menu include the king crab avocado, burrata pizza with fresh black truffle, the lobster cannelloni and the seabass fillet, just to name a few.
Emirates Woman sat down with talent and brains behind the menu, Chef Fabio Luz, to discuss all things Twiggy Dubai and the story behind his impressive career in the F&B industry.
Can you talk us through your career history?
I was born and -raised in the south of Portugal and, started my journey in a small restaurant close to my hometown, not long after I decided to move to Lisbon to try my luck in one of the best Restaurant in Portugal, called Fortaleza do Guincho. That’s when I have realized that cooking was my fuel. After three years of intense hours of work moved around between London, Miami and France.
Where does your love for food and cooking come from?
My family is very connected to the hospitality industry and this was definitely a very important big influence in my life. It did not take me long to realize that I belong to this world, decided to join the culinary school at 17 years old.
What do you love about what you do?
Like every passionate chef, I love food! So being able to simply transmit to others my love for food is the biggest reward.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
Word of mouth I would say. I was always looking for new challenges and when this opportunity came up, I could not say no. Even now after 6 years, I can certainly say that I could not have a better choice for my career.
What does the food and beverage industry here differ from other places around the world?
Our industry here is more challenging than anywhere else, mostly because of the speed of how this city grows. Amazing restaurants opening every day, making the competition even harder.
What are the hero dishes in your opinion at twiggy?
I would say that our sliced Yellow Fin Tuna and the octopus salad have a strong presence in our clients’ table, as well as our Shellfish Pappardelle pasta where you can just top up with as much Shellfish as you desire.
What has it been like opening a restaurant, in the middle of a pandemic?
We definitely had some challenges like every opening, but yet, relatively smooth. Thanks to the effort of the whole team, we have been almost fully booked every day since we opened.
What is the inspiration behind Twiggy?
Our inspiration is driven by fresh product that will remind you of the great gastronomy found in many Mediterranean cities.
What are the hurdles you have been experienced during your career?
I can now say that the beginning of my career was definitely the hardest time of my career. I had been working with a very tough chef for three years, and he made my life very difficult! But thanks to him I can easily say that he played a big part in my development.
On the opposite end of my spectrum, what are the milestones?
I have been part of La Cantine since day one and I could not be happier. Being able to run the kitchen with 30 chefs for the first time, seemed an impossible task for me, but I received strong support, that the group built over six years, so it made everything easier for me.
What do you see next for twiggy Dubai?
The strong relationship that La Cantine and Park Hyatt is building currently, is something that will only bring us great achievements. We are already planning some exciting enhancement for the venue.
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