By Rafiq Vayani
RAS AL KHAIMAH: Ras Al Khaimah’s largest real estate developer, Al Hamra Group (AHG), has strengthened its hospitality and leisure subsidiaries with the appointment of renowned international culinary professional Jason Dell to the role of Food & Beverage director.
A New Zealand national, Dell mastered his craft in Christchurch graduating in culinary studies from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. He then fine-tuned his skills under the direction of esteemed New Zealand chef, Rick Rutludge Manning.
He joins Al Hamra Group after successfully launching and implementing the F&B concept for Emaar Hospitality Group’s ROVE hotels in the UAE. He was instrumental in the design and successful delivery of a range of culinary concepts in the kitchen, bars and restaurants.
“Jason’s years of hands-on experience will add extensive value to Al Hamra Group’s food and beverage outlets. We’re confident Jason has both the technical and operational know-how to take our offering to the next level and help position Al Hamra, and indeed Ras Al Khaimah, as a unique dining and must visit culinary destination,” said Benoy Kurien, General Manager, Al Hamra Group.
After initially gaining valuable experience in New Zealand, working for leading luxury hotels and standalone restaurants, Jason moved to Singapore where, for three years, he garnered an impressive reputation for his delicious, fresh, Antipodean cuisine. He then made the move to Indonesia to lead the design of the hotel kitchens for the luxurious five-star Regent Bali resort in Sanur.
This was followed by an invitation to the luxurious island resort of Velassaru in the Maldives where Dell was responsible for overseeing a spectacular portfolio of F&B outlets, in-villa dining and remote island catering. Dell also has his own cookbook, entitled: ‘SAVVY Fresh Inspired New Zealand Cuisine’.
Al Hamra Group currently has a trio of popular homegrown restaurants under Dell’s direction. Residents and visitors can choose from Pesto, an exclusive restaurant offering a true Italian culinary experience in an authentic atmosphere; the recently renovated Bay Sports Bar, a buzzing dining outlet ideal for family and friends to meet, relax and enjoy the lively hospitality and special menus; and Marina Muse which opened at the start of 2016 and overlooks the picturesque Al Hamra waterfront with a range of unique dishes based on traditional and modern classics from around the world.
“We have something quite unique in Ras Al Khaimah, particularly in our Al Hamra properties, and that’s a real sense of community. We’re selling more than just a home; we’re offering a lifestyle so it’s important every element is consistent. Clearly F&B is integral to that,” added Kurien.
