Industry insiders are urging both restaurants and diners to take necessary precautions to help drive down Covid-19 cases. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Industry insiders are urging both restaurants and diners to take necessary precautions to help drive down Covid-19 cases. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Industry insiders are urging both restaurants and diners to take necessary precautions to help drive down Covid-19 cases. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Industry insiders are urging both restaurants and diners to take necessary precautions to help drive down Covid-19 cases. Chris Whiteoak / The National

What restaurants and diners should keep in mind during the pandemic, according to experts in UAE's food scene


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

Many restaurants in the UAE experienced an uptick in business over the last quarter of 2020 as homebound residents opted for dinners over travel.

This may have, in turn, lulled us into a false sense of security – but just because it's a new year doesn't mean the pandemic is behind us.

Earlier in February, Sticky Rice's Amena Rakkuson, popularly known as "mama", died of Covid-19 – a reminder that restaurants stand to lose much more than just business.

"Covid-19 devastated the entire Sticky Rice family, it went through 95 per cent of the team," anonymous food critic Food Sheikh tells The National.

"I hope it reminds people what destruction the virus can bring and why it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for one another.”

With new daily cases surpassing 3,000 earlier this year, the Dubai Government introduced precautionary measures, including limiting the number of seats at restaurant and cafes, and banning brunches. And experts are pleading with restaurants to abide by the new restrictions for the safety of everyone.

"We know that social distancing works. We know that staying away from large crowds works. We know that face masks and hand sanitisation work,” says Food Sheikh. “The fundamental purpose of the recent rules imposed on restaurants is to stop large groups of people gathering in confined spaces.”

Distanced tables at Cafe Milano at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National
Distanced tables at Cafe Milano at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National

The blogger urges restaurants to show caution and practise restraint for the time being.

"Although brunches are temporarily banned, common sense extends that rule to similar promotions, such as Friday 'long lunches', or five-course menus with unlimited drinks. Different names do not affect what they really are and it’s the end result that is the issue.”

While these restrictions may reduce the number of diners who can be seated at a table – seven in Dubai and four in Abu Dhabi – it does more good for a restaurant in the long run, says Reif Othman, chef and founder of Reif Kushiyaki.

“It’s in everyone’s interests to abide by the regulations, so that we can see a relaxation next month,” he says.

The chef has a designated member of his team that monitors changing municipality regulations and enforces them across all the restaurant's branches.

These restrictions have reduced revenue (Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in dar wasl mall is currently operating at only 40 per cent capacity), which is why he urges landlords to be more understanding by increasing outdoor seating areas, and diners to abide by regulations.

The death of Amena Rakkuson, who opened Dubai's Thai restaurant Sticky Rice with her son, Mo Abedin, shocked the food industry. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The death of Amena Rakkuson, who opened Dubai's Thai restaurant Sticky Rice with her son, Mo Abedin, shocked the food industry. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Guests should be kind and patient now, more than ever'

Another incident that surprised the food community this month was CZN Burak's temporary closure for Covid-19 breaches. The restaurant has since explained the popularity of its celebrity chef caused people to crowd around him to get selfies. But it took the closure as an opportunity to revise safety measures.

It is a reminder that the onus of being safe when dining out doesn’t just fall on the restaurant, but on everyone involved.

“Customers need to understand that restaurants bear the consequences when guests don’t follow rules. Guests should be patient and kind more than ever – not entitled,” says Andre Gerschel, chief operating officer of hospitality company Loud Table.

If not, they could risk the temporary or full closure of the restaurant itself, he says.

Samantha Wood, founder of impartial restaurant review website FooDiva.net, further reminds diners to be more understanding towards staff.

“Some restaurants are running at reduced staff levels so service could be a little slow. On top of that, due to management of food costs, not all dishes may be available,” she says.

Samantha Wood, founder of FooDiva. Courtesy Samantha Wood
Samantha Wood, founder of FooDiva. Courtesy Samantha Wood

When it comes to visiting popular restaurants, she advises reserving well in advance and, if you change your mind, cancelling with adequate notice.

“No-shows are a dirty word now more than ever," she says. “Finally, if the experience has impressed you, make sure you tip in cash. Many team members at some point over the past year have had to work on reduced salaries so every little bit helps.”

Advice for restaurants and diners

During a difficult time for small, home-grown companies, Gerschel advises restaurants to stick to their roots.

"It's easy when you're bleeding money to try and do everything or anything, but this isn't the time to create a co-working ghost kitchen Japanese fusion spa inside your burger place. Focus on your core offers."

French restaurant Couqley started Couqley at Home to deliver ingredients during the pandemic. Courtesy Couqley
French restaurant Couqley started Couqley at Home to deliver ingredients during the pandemic. Courtesy Couqley

Food Sheikh also urges restaurants to stick to their principles and standards – but be flexible under the circumstances.

“Challenge your current business model. What else can you sell? Meal kits, recipes, expertise, groceries. Think outside the box. Keep costs low but be fair to your team members. Talk to your banks, investors and landlords. Stay positive and busy.”

Meanwhile, Gerschel and Food Sheikh encourage diners to support local restaurants in any way possible. “Visit them, order from them – but do it safely so the government can get this virus under control,” says Food Sheikh.

"Every fil to a home-grown restaurant counts," says Gerschel.

Those flouting rules need to take a step back and understand that there are repercussions to their actions.

As Food Sheikh puts it: “Not only is this disrespectful and runs the risk of significant fines and other penalties, there is also the far greater risk of spreading the virus to someone who won’t be able to survive it. That is a heavy burden for anyone to carry.”

TEAMS

US Team
Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth
Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger
Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler
Kevin Kisner, Patrick Reed
Matt Kuchar, Kevin Chappell
Charley Hoffman*, Phil Mickelson*

International Team
Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day 
Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen
Marc Leishman, Charl Schwartzel
Branden Grace, Si Woo Kim
Jhonattan Vegas, Adam Hadwin
Emiliano Grillo*, Anirban Lahiri*

denotes captain's picks

 

 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Federer's 11 Wimbledon finals

2003 Beat Mark Philippoussis

2004 Beat Andy Roddick

2005 Beat Andy Roddick

2006 Beat Rafael Nadal

2007 Beat Rafael Nadal

2008 Lost to Rafael Nadal

2009 Beat Andy Roddick

2012 Beat Andy Murray

2014 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2015 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2017 Beat Marin Cilic

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA

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Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 211hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 1,200rpm

Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Price: From Dh801,800
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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While you're here
Quarter-finals

Saturday (all times UAE)

England v Australia, 11.15am 
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm

Sunday

Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm

If you go…

Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.

Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days. 

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: BeIN Sports

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma

When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Details

Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny

Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books