Two new foodie destinations by RIKAS Hospitality Group on the premises of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates add to the culinary variety at the iconic hotel in the heart of Dubai
Well known for its culinary concepts such as Salero Tapas & Bodega and famous Levante cuisine restaurant Olea, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, is now home to two more emblematic restaurants: Eugène Eugène and Xu. These outstanding additions run by RIKAS Hospitality Group establish the hotel as a gastronomic destination within Dubai’s bustling food and beverage scene.
Eugène Eugène is an innovative brasserie “Chic & Unique” offering a bespoke culinary experience that promises to captivate Dubai’s thriving dining scene. As a lush oasis in the heart of the city, this new restaurant draws inspiration from greenhouses and international market halls. The space features a green marble bar, an inviting conservatory and comfortable rattan sofas, creating a perfect blend of casual comfort and refined elegance.
With a meticulously crafted menu overseen by award-winning Corporate Chef Gilles Bosquet and curated by Head Chef Yannis Sgard, guests can indulge in a range of dishes prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients, each with a modern twist. “We aim to transport our guests, where flavors tell stories and meals become memories,” says Chef Yannis Sgard. “Eugène Eugène is a manifestation of my culinary journey and passion for a cuisine inspired by my legacy”.
Food lovers will indulge in dishes such as Beef carpaccio or Beetroot salad as starters, Bavette à L’échalote served with french fries or a Seabream filet with its special vierge sauce as mains and may round off their meal with a Fondant au Chocolat or an Exotic lime sorbet with coconut crumble.
Eugène Eugène offers versatile spaces for various occasions, from leisurely afternoon teas to creative workspaces and business lunches, making it an ideal destination for lifestyle and social events.
Half hidden away on the second floor of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, XU is Dubai’s newest and most enigmatic restaurant. As a brand new creative concept that blurs the lines between a culinary destination and a secretive dining experience, XU offers Cantonese-inspired cuisine with additional Southeast Asian flavours, promising diners an escape from the ordinary.
Guests can either lounge by the open kitchen and bar on animal-print velvet banquettes or eat at more intimate tables, including outdoors on the secluded terrace. In a setting adorned with lanterns, neon lights, crimson-tiled walls and mirrored ceilings, XU is a place of opposites and intrigue, shadows and light, acting as both a place to be seen as well as an escape from prying eyes. This intimacy is reflected in the sharing plate menu, with appetizers such as crispy lemongrass chicken, Asian-style buttermilk prawn, and charcoal grilled Wagyu beef ribeye with spicy peanut sauce. A dim sum selection includes har gow (with tiger prawn) and chicken shumai. Mains feature an osmanthus plum baked Chilean seabass, a corn fed chicken with a spicy peanut sesame sauce. Both diver caught scallops and Canadian lobster are also available on request. Desserts are satisfyingly indulgent and influenced by western flavours and techniques.
An extensive wine list is complemented by signature cocktails inspired by Chinese pop culture. Favourites include the Bruce Lee inspired Be Water with a gunpowder infused vermouth, the tequila-paloma Year of the Dragon. Serving dinner only, XU promises diners a late night escape far from the ordinary and the mundane.
