aGreatChef.com Blog – Food Blog of Chef Robert Conaway

Have you ever created something when you really were not planning on it? For those of us in the food industry, and for those who make a lot of coffee (cappuccino in this case) it seems that creating something, even when you are not trying to comes with some ease.

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It’s a slow summer day here in Dubai. Summers here are hot and with Ramadan upon us the days are long as no food or drink can be consumed during daylight hours. Idle hands and time makes a chefs mind wander and today it is about the term organic.

Back in 1997 when I was running one of 2 breweries in the Bay Area we had a custom blended organic mesculin type salad mix on our menu. Custom designed by myself and Chef Jeff, we munched our way through Stone Free Farm trying to find that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, salty and neutral flavors. The term organic was not used much outside salad greens and some vegetables that were, for the most part out of the reach of restaurants like the one I was running, except for daily specials or special menu’s/events.

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We are finishing our menu tasting and plating trails and with the hard work, dedication and support of Chef Edi, Chef Sal, Chef Anston and both the FOH and BOH staffs of the restaurant we are on the verge of something big…

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Summertime is the time of year when everyone gets outdoors. After a cold winter (for most of us) and a spring that can alternate from wet and rainy to snow flurries and bits of sun through the fog, summer brings the “p” in partay right to your door. Sun, fun and for the most part great weather to be outdoors enjoying some cold beverages, a weekend or mid-week BBQ with friends, taking in an afternoon hike on Mt. Tam to watch the sunset or dining al fresco in the Gaslamp after a baseball game. Here in Dubai, summer changes everything, and I mean everything….

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…and so it begins…

If you have been reading my posts as of late you will know that we are opening Dubai’s newest steakhouse @ the Oceana hotel and spa called West 14th, New York Prime. The restaurant opens in the end of June, 2010 and will feature some amazing beef straight outta Texas along with some other surprises (stay tuned for new menu pix in the coming weeks). This post is a quick update on what has passed and what is coming up for us in the coming 2 to 3 weeks, so please read on…

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So the ATM (Arabian Travel Market) came and went in Dubai and it was, from all accounts a great success. On the first night of the multi-day event we @ West 14th hosted a BBQ party @ the Marina Bar directly outside the restaurant. This was the first event of its kind and we were able to show off some of the products that we will be serving, along with the great view and vibe of the venue. Click for more photos!

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New restaurants are so much fun, if you’re a chef that is! The concept is started in someone’s head, ran through the mill a few times to get a consensus, plans, drawings on bar napkins and an endless amount of chatter gets you to a point where you are finalizing menu’s, looking at staff levels and getting ready for the launch parties and soft openings. Now as much as I love designing, picking out lamps and looking at paint swatches as I did @ the Glass Door in San Diego, I have missed that boat here in Dubai. My sole focus is getting the culinary side of things in line and ready for opening.

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So I made it…with 16+ hours of traveling, settling into a new job with some great people in a wonderful city, I have to say it has been quite a week. Now that the week has come to an end, Thursday is the “new” Friday here it’s time for a wee bit of a break to get out and check out my new city…

I did go out the other night and hung out with the opening F&B staff for a couple of drinks. What do ya think of the view?

chefRob

I am happy and excited to announce that I am moving to Dubai to open the West 14th Steakhouse at the soon to be opened Oceana Hotel & Spa by Movenpick hotels.

With commanding views of downtown Dubai and located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah island, Oceana and the West 14th Steakhouse are setting the new standard of dining in Dubai. Wanna see more? Check out this link to see a bit about the hotel, West 14th Steakhouse Oceana hotel Dubai .

I’ll be writing about my departure from San Diego and my arrival in Dubai, along with opening this new project so stay tuned!

chefRob