Dubai: Gusto, a Mediterranean inspired restaurant, and a brand new boutique Beach Club called Al Shalal Beach Club recently opened on the shores of the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Both Gusto and Al Shalal Beach Club are managed by the 5 star luxury hotel, Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort.
Featuring authentic cuisines from sun-drenched locales including Southern France, Italy, Greece, Spain and the Levant, Gusto offers a relaxed, beachside dining experience with unmatched views. The name of the restaurant is a play on the Italian word for 'taste' which also means 'vigorous enjoyment' in English.
With both al fresco and indoor dining spaces, Gusto offers lunch and dinner options within a contemporary chic styled interior, with a flavour of Italian design. Guests can enjoy superior 5 star service with views of the Arabian Gulf, Burj Al Arab and infinity swimming pool, while dining outside in a relaxing and chic marine influenced environment. Poolside refreshments and snacks are also available from the Gazebo lounge.
Presenting authentic flavours across an array of dishes, Mustapha Benhadou has assumed the role of head chef at Gusto. A 15-year veteran of Mediterranean cooking, Mustapha's style is best described as modernized 'classic' cooking. With an emphasis on market-fresh ingredients, Mustapha has developed expertise in all Mediterranean food from West to East - with a robust knowledge of history, culture and flavours of the various Mediterranean cuisines. He loves to play on aroma, herbs and sauces and makes a point of cooking based on seasonal availability and classic recipes.
"Gusto should give guests the feeling of a Mediterranean beach experience within a distinctly Dubai seascape. We only use fresh ingredients, believing in the power of premium products, making a point of serving the highest quality of food based on what is available in the market. A healthy lifestyle begins from eating fresh food with both the taste and enthusiasm of the Gusto name," said Mustapha.
"Gusto's patrons will take a virtual culinary journey around the Mediterranean. A range of dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto, to grilled meats and spices from Levant countries will greet visitors on a night out or for a relaxing outdoor lunch," added Mustapha.
Darrell Sheaffer, General Manager of Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort commented: 'we are thrilled to open Gusto, our first food and beverage venue on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Gusto is an excellent culinary centrepiece for the Al Shalal Beach Club that is certain to be enjoyed by Club members and Palm Jumeirah residents alike."
The Al Shalal Beach Club is destined to be an exclusive Beach Club, offering members a diversity of beach club services, access to a state-of-the-art gymnasium, heated infinity pool, sun decks, a pool lounge and a beach with complementary programs and activities managed by Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort at the highest standard of service.
The Al Shalal Beach Club aims to become the most boutique, personalized and highest quality beach club in Dubai. Apart from adult and children's activity programs, the Beach Club will also feature celebrity guest events where members will have the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from leading lifestyle gurus, celebrities and enjoy exclusive activities within the Club.
Opening Hours:
Restaurant: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Gazebo Poolside Lounge: 10:30 am to 9:30pm
Contact Number:
Tel: (971) 430 9466
Location:
Gusto and the Al Shalal Beach Club are located on Palm Jumeirah between Shoreline Apartment Buildings Al Nabat and Al Haseer (buildings 7 and 8).