MICHELIN STARRED CHEFS LAUNCH A NEW AUTHENTIC JAPANESE MENU AT MATAGI
Matagi, located in the palatial, five-star beachfront property Raffles The Palm Dubai, is taking a new culinary direction by introducing authentic Japanese cuisine created by two Michelin-starred chefs and a Japanese Sushi Master.
The bold new menu, that combines innovation and tradition, brings an elevated dimension to the venue. In the kitchen is Chef Shimoda, a Kappo Master Chef who brings over 40 years of expertise and has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most skilled and respected chefs. Working alongside him is Chef Kitana, a Master Chef who is known for combining authentic techniques such as Kappo and Kaiseki with a contemporary touch. Rounding out the team is Chef Kenji, a Sushi Master Chef and the youngest in the team but nevertheless, brings almost 20 years’ experience and an unmatched joy and passion for innovation and flavour.
Every dish features the freshest and highest quality ingredients, many sourced directly from authentic Japanese markets and suppliers, from kombu, a speciality seaweed, to dried bonito, a dried and smoked tuna, which are expertly used in authentic cooking, to create unforgettable dishes. The culinary team, who are committed to embracing seasonality, will ensure the menu showcases the finest ingredients at their peak, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving dining experience.
To start, diners can tuck into traditional Japanese dishes including the flavourful Tuna Tataki, served with charcoal seared Japanese Spring tuna with house-made ponzu, or Sashimi Moriase, a traditional yet fresh sushi selection including akami, salmon, chu-toro, scallops and yellowtail. Signature starters also include the Crispy Japanese Squid sprinkled with toragashi, and the artful Matagi Tuna Burger prepared with toro taku, monaka, kristal caviar and bafun uni.
The new main course menu features the traditional yet ever-popular Black Cod Robata, a saikyo miso marinated black cod with sesame and mitsuba, while signature dishes include the Grilled Rossy Sea Bass with rice cake and topped with jelly dashi, a dish which pays homage to a recipe first invented by Chef’s Shimoda’s mother; and a succulent Australian A5 Wagyu Beef Tenderloin with tasty yakikniku sauce, which can be enjoyed with a variety of colourful sides like asparagus coated with sesame dressing and Japanese rice.
Plant-based diners are also well catered to, with a colourful vegan and vegetarian menu. Small bites include Edamame, Misu Soup, Vegetable Gyoza, Veggie Maki and Fried Eggplant with rice cake, shiitake mushroom and kombu sauce, with main courses such as Japanese Tomato Fruit with avocado and tofu salad, as well as the comforting Kombu Dashi Udon Noodles Soup, accompanied by a choice of tasty side dishes, like Vegetables Tempura, Grilled Aubergine with miso glaze, Green Asparagus with mustard and sesame sauce.
To complement the appealing new menu, the Matagi bar will serve a wide range of authentic sakes, along with bold flavoured, Japanese inspired cocktails such as the Matagi Mule, continuing the authentic feel at every sip.
Traditional Japanese flavours come bursting through in the inventive dessert menu in dishes, such as the distinct Flavors of Black Sesame and Japanese Mandarin, and Gozen Matcha Marshmallow with white chocolate and macadamia.
For reservations and more information, guests can call 04 248 8888 or visit www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com .
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About Raffles The Palm Dubai:
The palatial beach resort occupies a prime location on the Palm Jumeirah Island and offers 387 luxurious rooms, suites and villas. The resort features spectacular sea views, a private white sand beach, an indoor and outdoor pool and a selection of restaurants such as Matagi, Piatti and Sola Jazz Lounge. The property encompasses a range of facilities with Raffles’ quintessential standards of service, including a 24-hour Raffles Butler and the private Raffles Lounge. With classic furnishings, the hotel opens up into the grand Blüthner Hall and a dedicated Raffles Patisserie serving chocolates and pastries. Visitors can pamper themselves in the Cinq Mondes Spa, offering 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites, scrub rooms, hammams and fully equipped gym and yoga classes. The resort has also partnered with Virtuoso, a global network of agencies that craft bespoke trips and create unique experiences for guests around the world.
Find out more here: www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At each landmark address, distinguished guests and residents will find a world of elegance and enchanted glamour, where Raffles’ renowned legacy of gracious service knows no bounds. As the authentic heart of a destination, Raffles champions fine art and design, and fosters culture in all its forms, guiding guests to make discoveries in their own time and way. Raffles’ commitment to local communities is expressed through diverse initiatives with a unified mission to actively support the arts and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston, Macau and Bahrain in 2023. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
