From happy hour six nights a week to some of Dubai’s most unusual signature dishes, Rhodes W1 restaurant has been surprising and satisfying most of us for the last 10 years. A staple of Grosvenor House, what you didn’t know is that there is more to this fine-dining establishment than first meets the eye. This is according to Rhodes W1 restaurant founder, legendary Chef and restaurateur Gary Rhodes OBE. So, in the eatery’s lead up to its 10th birthday in October, Chef Rhodes reveals eight things you might not have known about the impressive Rhodes W1 restaurant.
8 Things to Know About Rhodes W1 Restaurant
The Secretive W1 White Tomato Soup aperitif
A very distinctive part of the dining experience at W1 is the aperitif, which is a delicious white tomato soup. When asked about how it is made, Chef Rhodes is totally secretive: “There’s a method of drawing all of the natural juices out of the tomato. These juices, which are clear, are where all the flavor is. People taste it, expecting it to be red in color and wonder – how do they do this?
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Signature Ingredients
Rhodes W1 has a few signature ingredients on its menu. “Our salmon starter with candied lemon and spring onion risotto is absolutely sensational to eat,” says the chef. “The lemon takes hours to prepare because of the sugar content we’ve got to marinate like a syrup. When you eat it, you get that slight bitterness and zestiness but it’s not too bitter, mostly sweet. That works into the risotto with the salmon on top to create a double combination of smoked and fresh. It is an attractive dish and the flavors are absolutely divine.”
W1 Rhodes Restaurant Closes for 5-6 Weeks in the Summer
The restaurant ‘hibernates’ for 5-6 weeks in the summer (it only re-opened in August). During this time, chef Rhodes experiments in the kitchen with food to create new dishes. He reveals that it can take up to six months to perfect a single new dish.
Ambiance is that of the English Countryside
If you have not been to W1 Rhodes Restaurant, then know that the moment you set foot inside, the decor will easily transport you to a summer’s day in the English countryside (or something similar). W1 is set in contemporary surroundings, with wooden floors, sleek furnishings, and splashes of color and greenery. Perfect for British expats, or anyone who enjoys travel to the UK.
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Panoramic Views of Dubai Marina
W1 Rhodes terrace has panoramic, uninterrupted views of Dubai Marina, and on a winter’s evening, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day doing whatever you do best. According to Chef Rhodes, in the evenings, when the Marina is lit up, and boats are coming up along the water and you’re sitting out on the terrace, enjoying a cold drink – you’ll most likely be thinking – this is heaven.
4-hour/6-days Happy Hour
The bar and restaurant have a happy hour that lasts for four hours, six days a week (music to my ears). From 7.30pm – 11.30pm, diners or bar-goers can indulge in a wide selection of beverages from just 25 AED each. The happy hour bar menu is also not to be missed, with a range of gourmet mini-bites to share.
W1 Can Easily Transform into an Event Space
More often than not, Rhodes W1 restaurant transforms into a spectacular and unique event space for up to 90 people. “It’s great for events,” Rhodes comments. “You have all of your own space, totally private, and not open to anybody. Of course, having the terrace and two bars – one inside one outside – means there’s entertainment all around.”
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Ambassador and Judge of the Middle East Hospitality Awards 2017
For those who don’t know it yet, Chef Rhodes is an Ambassador and Judge of the Middle East Hospitality Awards 2017 – which makes him more of a celebrity Chef (I think). And if you want to see him in cool action, join the awards show at Palazzo Versace Dubai on the evening of 18th September 2017.
Well, I guess that’s enough of what you didn’t know about Rhodes W1 restaurant, the rest you’ll have to find out for yourself over a glass of bubbly during happy hour.
xoxo
About the Author
- Esther Lackie
- Aesthetics enthusiast, in love with running; marketing and PR pro during the day, an amateur chef and wine taster behind closed doors.
2 Comments
Oh wow its beautiful. Last time we came it was Ramadan and we stayed with family so didn’t get to go to any of these places. Next time I’m going tourist style!
Total Awkward
Yeah, it’s an amazing place… tourist style is always the best 😉
thanks for stopping by…