Chef Izu has taken over the entire food and beverage operations at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai.
Chef Izu Ani is a man who requires no introduction. The accomplished chef and restaurateur responsible for the likes of Carine, GAIA, and Izu Burger has built an impressive empire upon the notion of fine food.
The month of May saw the opening of La Maison Ani, a beautiful new concept boasting a restaurant, boulangerie and patisserie, inspired by the daily rituals of French culture. But while all eyes were on Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, the always charismatic Izu surprised Dubai diners with another opening at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai.
The Vibe
Ani’s latest opening is a French-Mediterranean restaurant named Eunoia by Carine. Derived from the Greek word that translates to ‘beautiful thinking’, Eunoia’s design is sophisticated and quietly understated. A laurel green and warm white colour scheme combines perfectly with textured wood tones, natural materials, and copper accents. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out across the hotel’s swimming pool to reveal a backdrop of spectacular ocean views.
Known for his straightforward, ingredient-led approach to cooking, Ani’s sharing-style menu offers diners a true taste of the Mediterranean. The à la carte breakfast boasts all of the signature dishes from sister restaurant Carine at Emirates Golf Club, so you can get your fix of fluffy French toast (we challenge you to find a better version in Dubai) alongside shakshuka or fried eggs and foie gras. Bonus: breakfast at Eunoia is available seven days a week.
@dscvr.ae Beautiful French-Mediterranean cuisine in Dubai! 😍🇫🇷 #dubai #indubai #dubaifood #fooddubai #discover #fypシ #fyp #dscvr ♬ Tonight – ToTheMoon & Mougleta
The Food
Our visit coincides with a leisurely lunch and we’re presented with one of those menus where you don’t know what to order as it all sounds so good. Conveniently split into salads, hot and cold entrées, main courses and dishes from the Josper oven, we begin with a beautiful carrot salad with pistachio and tarragon (AED 55). It may not sound like the most exciting choice, but trust us when we say that it is a textural marvel that perfectly balances sweet and savoury notes. The creamy burrata with cherry tomatoes, capsicum and pesto (AED 103) is another standout choice, effortlessly combining beautifully presented ingredients that linger with every bite. Like its predecessor, Eunoia by Carine’s success lies in simple yet elegant cuisine that prioritises premium ingredients.
Because of the sharing-style menu, there’s no need to get caught up in the separation between appetisers and main courses. We happily munched our way through a delicate tuna tartare with avocado (AED 173), the beautifully zesty red prawn crudo with grapefruit (AED 198) and succulent grilled tiger prawns with garlic butter and smoked tomato relish (AED 225).
When it comes to Chef Izu’s creations, you simply can’t skip dessert, especially with so many great options on offer, including tiramisu, creme brûlée and pistachio milk cake. We opt for the raspberry cheesecake (AED 50) and the apple Tarte Tatin (AED 110). The Tarte Tatin is mind-blowingly modest yet bursting with delicious flavours.
The Verdict
From long family breakfasts to leisurely lunches and romantic date nights, you will find yourself returning time and again to Eunoia by Carine. Thanks to a combination of thoughtfully sourced ingredients and expertly executed dishes, Chef Izu has once again found the recipe for success.
DSCVR: Eunoia by Carine, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, La Mer Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai (04 302 1241). @eunoiabycarine
