Standing as one of the best high-end restaurants in the city, Conrad Cairo Hotel’s award-winning Oak Grill is just about to get even better, with the news that it is taking on a new concept under the direction of Lebanese celebrity chef, Joe Barza.
Though the cult of the celebrity chef in the Middle East isn’t quite at the same level as it is abroad, foodies will understand what a huge feather in the cap it is for the Conrad to have someone of the stature of Barza working with the Chef Khaled Mohamady and the Oak Grill team.
But what will Barza bring to Oak Grill? Well, Oak Grill by Joe Barza, as it will henceforth be known, will tackle Lebanese cuisine in a completely unique and modern way, which will come as welcome, mouthwatering news for fans of Lebanese cuisine in Cairo. Bringing a contemporary Arabian-Mediterranean touch to the menu, new signature dishes have been created and developed, including Shrimp Freekeh Salad, Oak Smoked Chicken Tawouk and Date & Cardamon chocolate fondant.
“Arabian cuisine, especially Lebanese, has always been and will remain my passion. We have a wealthy heritage of mouthwatering dishes that we should celebrate and develop for the whole world to experience,” Barza has said in addressing his new adventure in Cairo, continuing, “I’m thrilled to be joining OAK Grill’s team. Conrad Cairo is one of the city’s leading luxury hotels, which makes it a perfect spot for luxurious Lebanese delights.”
With over 25 years experience, Barza is credited with having a hand of raising the profile of Middle Eastern cuisine on a global stage, thanks to his trademark rebellious approach to his craft. His unconventional treatment of local ingredients and dishes has won him many and award and he’s also a member of the Academie Culinaire de France, the President of the Lebanese Chefs Association and sits on the organising committee of the Lebanese Salon Culinaire HORECA. In addition, he is a consultant for GET GROUP in Qatar, Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah and the Hilton in Jordan, to name but a few.
The reason most will have heard of him, however, is that he has appeared on string of different TV shows over the years, including as a co-host of the Middle East version of Top Chef. He’s also appeared regularly on LBCI’s Sofra Deymeh and MBC’s Star Chef, as well as Rotana Café.
His impact hasn’t been limited to the Arab world, though, having taken part in some of the biggest food events in the world, including Festival de Mougins, Slow Food in Terra Madre, Six Senses in Maldives, La Route des Etoiles in Portugal, the Sydney International Food Festival and many more.
The new Barza-led menu will be introduced in a special VIP event on Sunday 28th August, before becoming available publicly that week.
For more information, check Conrad Cairo Hotel on Facebook or call 02-2580-8000.
