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Arab News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Recipes for Success: Chef Tomlin George Graham offers advice and a tasty jerk chicken recipe
DUBAI: Chef Tomlin George Graham began his career 16 years ago, but his love for cooking started long before that — at home in Jamaica. Graham was raised in a family where recipes and techniques were passed down through generations, and he discovered his passion for food early. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Graham's career has taken him across the globe, from working for Carnival Cruise Line in the US to leading kitchens in Qatar and serving as a private chef to the governor general at King's House in Jamaica. He also played a key role in opening a Jamaican restaurant in Qatar. He is now based in the UAE, serving as head chef at Ting Irie, which has branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and bills itself as the country's first Jamaican restaurant and lounge. When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? Not following recipes in the proper order. The end results were always less than ideal, but, honestly, also quite amusing. What's your top tip for amateur chefs? Taste frequently while cooking. It helps you understand how flavors are formed and will also help you become experienced at adjusting herb and spice amounts. Also, keep an open mind and soak up as much knowledge as you can from other cooks. What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish? Garlic. It's rich and aromatic and it can be used in multiple forms — raw, sautéed, roasted, powdered or fermented — at different cooking stages. What's your favorite cuisine or dish to order? I actually tend to dine out to find inspiration for my dishes. Exploring different cuisines keeps my palette fresh and can spark creative ideas in the kitchen. Japanese cuisine, in particular, is a treasure trove. The clean but complex flavors, the seasonal ingredients, the care in presentation… it always inspires me. What's your go-to dish if you must cook something quickly at home? Fried chicken is a true delight. It hits all the right notes. It's crispy, savory, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. The contrast between the crunchy, seasoned crust and the tender, flavorful meat is almost irresistible. What customer behavior most annoys you? I'm doing something I love, so I don't usually get annoyed. However, customers being disrespectful or aggressive makes it harder for everyone to do their job. Customers who misunderstand their dietary restrictions can also be tricky to navigate. For instance, someone might say they're a strict vegetarian, but then mention they eat fish — implying that they're actually a pescatarian. What's your favorite dish to cook? I have a few: Caribbean-style curried goat, jerk chicken and roasted fish. Each one carries unforgettable flavors, but also memories of home, family gatherings, the people I love and the moments we've shared together. For me, food is much more than nourishment; it's a way of staying connected to my roots, my culture and the ones who matter the most. And that's part of the reason why we also integrated those dishes into the Ting Irie menu. What's the most difficult dish for you to get right? With any dish, it's all about understanding the ingredients and how they work together. Once you get that, following the recipe becomes second nature. For me, pâté is challenging. It requires precise technique, delicate ingredients like liver or foie gras, and a time-consuming preparation process. Traditional pâtés often involve curing, baking and resting over several days. As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Do you shout a lot? Or are you more laid back? I run my kitchen with discipline and intensity. I believe a kitchen, much like the military, relies on structure, clear communication and accountability. I might raise my voice when necessary — but it's never out of ego; it's to uphold standards and keep the team focused during high-pressure moments. There is a deep camaraderie that forms when you're creating under pressure, and I make sure that passion and pride are always part of the process. Chef Tomlin's jerk chicken Ingredients: Whole chicken - 1500g Pimento -20g Scotch bonnet-10g Cinnamon powder -5g Ginger -15g Fresh thyme-20g Escallion-15g Garlic-10g White onion-10g Soya sauce-10ml Chicken spice -10g White vinegar -15ml Method: Remove the tail from the chicken, then cut the chicken in half vertically, having the breast, wing, thigh and leg on each half. Wash the chicken and set it aside Measure all herbs and spice and set them aside Wash the thyme, escallion, garlic, ginger, white, onion, scotch bonnet and add them all to a blender with 15g of pimento, 15g thyme, soya sauce, chicken spice, cinnamon and blend for 1 minute. Add the blended mixture to the cut chicken and gently rub and marinate the chicken until it is fully coated (for the best taste, leave to marinate for at least 24 hours before cooking). On the grill turn on medium heat, add the remaining 5g pimento, 5g thyme and add the chicken on grill for smoking. Close the grill and let the chicken smoke. Turn the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with sides of your choice.


Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Celebrate UAE Mother's Day with these 6 offers and activities
With UAE Mother's Day around the corner, here are some of the best offers and activities you can make the most of: Indulge in an exclusive dessert Kaspia Dubai, the iconic Parisian dining spot in DIFC, invites guests to celebrate Mother's Day in style on March 21. Offering an elegant culinary experience, the restaurant presents a refined menu featuring luxurious sharing-style starters like Homemade Piroshki and Olivier Salad, along with indulgent mains such as Grilled Australian Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Tortiglioni with Caviar Kaspia. To mark the occasion, Kaspia introduces two exclusive treats: the delicate Pink Pavlova dessert (Dh65) and the refreshing Reverence mocktail (Dh50), crafted with lychee puree, blackberry syrup, rose water, and grapefruit soda. Skin and hair treatment offers Give your mothers the gift of radiant beauty this UAE Mother's Day with the latest in Korean skincare at Zieda Aesthetics Clinic and Beauty Lounge in Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Specialising in the coveted Korean Glass Skin, the clinic offers advanced, customised treatments to enhance skin and hair health. Book an appointment at 04 492 0300 or 050 213 7074. Fine dining experience Celebrate Mother's Day with an unforgettable fine dining experience at the one Michelin-starred Ossiano, located in Atlantis, The Palm. Offering a progressive 10-course tasting menu inspired by the ocean and coastal lands, Ossiano takes guests on a sensory journey through exceptional global ingredients. With an intimate setting for just 54 diners, the restaurant's breathtaking underwater ambiance, set 10 meters below one of the world's largest aquariums, creates a truly immersive experience. Open daily from 6pm to 11pm, it promises an extraordinary celebration of motherhood. Complimentary dessert This Mother's Day, Ting Irie is treating moms to a complimentary dessert when they dine in on March 21, from 12pm to 2am. Known for its vibrant flavours and island-inspired dishes, Ting Irie offers a selection of indulgent Jamaican desserts, including Plantain Tarts, Granny's Pudding, and the Crunky Monkey chocolate tart. With a lively atmosphere and a menu full of bold Caribbean flavours, mothers and their loved ones can enjoy a unique and heartwarming celebration, the Jamaican way. And some more dessert This Mother's Day, TOTÓ Vini e Cucina, Dubai's premium Italian dining destination, invites families to celebrate with a heartfelt gathering on March 21. Mothers dining at TOTÓ will be treated to a complimentary sharing Tiramisu, a rich and indulgent dessert made with espresso-soaked savoiardi, velvety mascarpone, and cocoa. Known for its authentic Italian flavors and warm ambiance, TOTÓ offers signature dishes like Ravioli TOTÓ and Filetto TOTÓ, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Relax and rejuvenate with a beachfront staycation Celebrate Mother's Day in luxury at Banyan Tree Dubai with a serene beachfront staycation, available until March 23. This exclusive offer includes the best available rates, daily breakfast at Alizée, and dinner at Demon Duck, Alizée, or Tocha. Guests can enjoy 20 per cent off dining and spa treatments, early check-in, and late check-out. The experience features indulgent spa services, including the Royal Banyan massage, private treatment rooms, vitality pools, and a 500-meter private shoreline for relaxation. Treat your mother to a rejuvenating escape with world-class dining and holistic wellness. For reservations, call 04 556 6666.


What's On
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: February 7 to 9
All the fun to be had in Abu Dhabi this February… If you clicked on this, you wanted a quick, neat list of fun things to do in the capital. February is here, with the promise of great fun and even greater choices. These are all the amazing things you can do in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Friday, February 7 Catch the last of the Mubadala Tennis Open It's a slam-bang week on the courts. This week has seen some of the top tennis stars in the world descend on the courts at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which will be contested until Saturday, February 8. Catch stars like Ons Jabeur, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Daria Kasatkina and more. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Feb 1 to 8, 2025, from Dhs25, @mubadalaabudhabiopen Celebrate Bob Marley's birthday in style View this post on Instagram A post shared by PON DI BEACH (@tingirieauh) Ting Irie, the UAE's first Jamaican restaurant & lounge with locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi , has planned a celebration for Bob Marley's 80th birthday in both locations with an unforgettable experience. The evening will be filled with soulful reggae tunes, vibrant island vibes, and a specially curated exclusive menu featuring Jamaican classics like the jerk chicken. Tuck into three courses and three drinks to celebrate this icon. Ting Irie, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Fri, Feb 7, from 7pm, Dhs225, Tel: (0) 2 886 7786, @tingirieauh Try a brand new spot Popular London-based hotspot NAC has brought its newest outpost to the UAE capital, and they've just set up shop at Abu Dhabi Marina Mall. Ideal for brunch, lunch, dinner or even desserts, you can enjoy small plates of chicken sliders, classic appetisers including the charred honey sweet potato and flamed aubergine, as well as brunch highlights like the Turkish style eggs, and sweet options including the ricotta pancake with dulce de leche and banana. NAC, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, Al Kasir, Abu Dhabi, @marinamallad Saturday, February 8 Explore Strawfire's newest dining room View this post on Instagram A post shared by Strawfire (@strawfireabudhabi) Strawfire by Ross Shonhan introduces the Toyama Private Dining Room, named after Toyama, a region in Japan renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges and exceptional sushi crafted with the freshest seafood from Toyama Bay. At the heart of the room lies the world's largest synthetic Shimenawa rope, a 7.3-meter, 830kg handcrafted masterpiece deeply rooted in Japan's Shinto heritage. Symbolising protection, sanctity and a connection to the divine, this extraordinary rope was created by master artisans from Nawawaseya in Toyama, specialists in crafting Shimenawa for sacred spaces. Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (0) 2 690 7999, @strawfireabudhabi Watch art in motion at Louvre Abu Dhabi In 1929 production Frau im Mond, Fritz Lang brings you the story of a tenacious scientist who blasts off for the moon in pursuit of riches he believes he'll find there. Will he or won't he? Head to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi to find out. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Feb 8, 7.30pm, @louvreabudhabi Check out a limited-time beach club View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fahid Beach Club By Barbossa (@fahidbcbybarbossa) There's the limited-time Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa that will disappear once summer comes around, so you'll want to enjoy this while it lasts. Open every Friday and Saturday from midday, this child-friendly, pet-friendly venue is brought to you by the minds behind Yas Bay favourite Barbossa, with reservations available for families with children until 6pm, while pets are allowed at beach tables and sunbeds until 7pm. Fahid Beach Club, Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 10pm Fri and Sat, from Dhs150, fully redeemable, @fahidbcbybarbossa Sunday, February 9 Tuck into an Indian Sunday roast View this post on Instagram A post shared by Punjab Grill Dubai (@punjabgrilldubai) Punjab Grill, the Michelin-recognised Indian fine-dining restaurant, is offering Sunday roast with an Indian twist, with a menu that combines the best of both worlds. Whether you're after a hearty lamb shank, fragrant fish polichattu, juicy tandoori chicken, or a vegetarian feast with paneer tikka and tandoori subzi, there's something to please everyone. Choose from plenty of sides and beverages. Punjab Grill, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, Sun, starts at Dhs120, Tel: (0) 50 668 3054, @punjabgrillabudhabi Destress with The Smash Room View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Smash Room Abu Dhabi | ذا سماش روم ابوظبي (@thesmashroomauh) You might also like These top Abu Dhabi restaurants made the MENA 50 Best list for 2025 The Smash The Limits package is what you need to leave your weekly stressors behind and start your new week on a relaxed note. Designed for those ready to shatter any obstacles standing in the way of their goals, this experience is all about pushing past limits and embracing self-care through the thrill of destruction. Here's what's in the package – smash 40 glass items, 1 TV, 1 CPU and 1 printer for Dhs200 per person. The Smash Room, Nahil Building, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Thurs, 12.30pm to 10pm, Fri to Sun, 12.30pm to 11pm, Dhs200, @thesmashroomauh Catch the last of the Al Hosn Festival Al Hosn Festival is the perfect way to experience Emirati culture firsthand, taking place in a significantly historical site at Qasr Al Hosn. The festival will allow visitors to have a true authentic experience of Emirati traditions, where you'll be completely immersed in the full culture, including food, hospitality, dress, customs, performances, and crafts. Visit the souks and take a look at the products of local suppliers, and appreciate the care and passion gone into each item. Explore the amazing food, the performances, interactive exhibitions and workshops. Al Hosn Festival, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, Jan 25 to Feb 9, 4pm to 11pm, @alhosnfestival Images: Supplied/Social/Getty