AIR MILES
AIR MILES WITH
Firas Fawas
Firas Fawas is the Managing Partner of The Artisan Il Ristorante, located at the Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai W O R D S S O N I A S U LTA N
H
ow did The Artisan concept come about? Discovering new cuisines and learning about food has interested me since childhood. It then became a hobby and as time went on, it evolved into a real passion. My interest in the F&B industry started with my deep admiration for the culinary world. I saw a real opportunity, so I started to work tenaciously to bring internationally renowned chefs to the region.
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What differentiates The Artisan? The Artisan is more than a restaurant. It’s a lifestyle destination and brand. Our mission is to educate the region on the wonders of Italy and its culture through our thoughtfully curated dining experience. Our commitment to excellence and craftsmanship is reflected in the product: our ingredients are sourced from the finest suppliers in Italy, and at the bar, we serve expertly concocted drinks and cocktails including our in-house classic: The Negroni. And for the wines, we have a wide selection of labels hand-picked by our general manager and wine sommelier. How do you choose your suppliers? I have always been extremely detail oriented. In line with its namesake, The Artisan draws inspiration from real-life Italian artisans. From Tuscany, Piemonte and beyond, including Richard Ginori, one of the finest Italian tableware suppliers, our entire culinary journey – from source to table – is meticulously curated from all over Italy. How did you pivot during the pandemic when shipments were delayed? COVID-19 has brought many challenges and like most restaurants, we weren’t exempt from facing supply issues. However, we have a brilliant team and a great relationship with our suppliers or ‘artisans’ as I like to call them – they are truly an extension of The Artisan family in Italy. Together we were able to navigate the restrictions without JUNE 2022
Located in the heart of DIFC, The Artisan is an ode to the Italian peninsula
compromising the quality of ingredients. The restrictions also forced us to be more creative; for example, we added pizzas to our menu, made with the finest 72-hour fermented dough, which makes a great starter or side dish and has enabled us to offer delivery, as pizzas travel well. Which Italian region particularly inspires you? The Artisan is an ode to the entire Italian Peninsula. It is a celebration of its unique cuisine, craftsmanship, art and hospitality. Which is your favourite dish on the menu? To start with, it’s the Truffle Pizza. The dough is carefully fermented for 72 hours, resulting in a perfect light and thin crust; followed by the delicious Fassona Beef Carpaccio: the meat is sliced wafer thin, topped with a tangy rocket salad and Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s the perfect palate opener. When I am not in the mood for meat, I always order the octopus – it is slow-cooked for five hours, and the outcome is pure perfection; soft and evenly cooked on the inside with crispy skin texture on the outside. For the main course I love the homemade Agnolotti Del Plin stuffed with pumpkin, with 30 months-aged Parmigiano
Reggiano fondue and almond sticks. However, I also like the Branzino for a lighter option. For dessert, it’s the tiramisu – the ultimate Italian classic! As a successful homegrown brand, what advice do you have for budding restauranteurs in the region? Being persistent and genuine are essential for success. My journey with The Artisan has not always been easy, but I always believed in my team and trusted that we offer the best and most authentic Italian food in the region. Authenticity is the key to building any timeless concept. What’s your indispensable travel gadget? If I had to choose one, it would be my iPhone, since it has all that I need on one gadget – a camera, e-books, and a 24/7 connection to family, work and friends. What’s your in-flight entertainment pick? To fully immerse myself in the culture, history and language of the country I am travelling to, I always pick a selection of films that are either shot in or about those places. I feel it is the best way to set the mood for my trip.
