{"id":13637,"date":"2021-02-10T08:11:04","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T08:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bateel.com\/blog\/?p=13637"},"modified":"2021-04-20T04:22:33","modified_gmt":"2021-04-20T04:22:33","slug":"introducing-bateels-culinary-director-nicholas-cuadrado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bateel.com\/blog\/recipes\/introducing-bateels-culinary-director-nicholas-cuadrado\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing Bateel\u2019s Culinary Director Nicholas Cuadrado"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Evolving as the world\u2019s only gourmet date grower, producer and seller to a leader in the international luxury food sector, Bateel presents a culinary experience like no other. This commitment to fine, fresh flavours and culinary savoir faire is perhaps most evident at Caf\u00e9 Bateel. The first Caf\u00e9 Bateel launched in Dubai in 2007, impressing gourmands with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine and Middle Eastern twist. Today, guided by culinary director Nicholas Cuadrado, there\u2019s much more to savour.<\/p>\n

CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chef Cuadrado has drawn on his illustrious 25-year career and extensive hospitality experience to create a new chapter in Bateel\u2019s legacy, taking charge of the culinary development of Caf\u00e9 Bateel, while also overseeing the management of Bateel\u2019s exceptional kitchens in Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh.<\/p>\n

With his roots in the United Kingdom, chef Nicholas began working with some of the world\u2019s most illustrious Michelin-starred chefs and multi-award winning independent restaurants, before moving to the United Arab Emirates to join the prestigious homegrown hospitality brand, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. This was followed by an instrumental move to the hospitality consultancy company TGP International\/Qoot Co, that saw him manage an array of high-profile concepts as the Corporate Culinary Director.<\/p>\n

Today, with his international expertise in culinary master planning, innovation and concept development, Cuadrado is adding brand new flavours to Bateel by conceptualising signature dishes and memorable new menus.<\/p>\n

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chef Cuadrado and the team work hard to maintain the highest standards of quality and creativity, and every new dish at Caf\u00e9 Bateel is crafted with perfection in mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Caf\u00e9 Bateel, every dish on the menu is carefully thought out. We\u2019re inspired by travels around the world and the latest culinary trends. Once we have an idea of what we want to create, we research and rainstorm different flavour profiles and ingredients, then test until we craft the perfect recipe for our guests,\u201d explains Cuadrado. \u201dWe are proud that Bateel presents menus that innovate, rather than just imitate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Championing sustainability, ingredients are carefully sourced from small artisan suppliers across Umbria in Southern Italy, as well as Spain, France, Lebanon and Belgium. Meanwhile, fresh fruits and vegetables are supplied straight from the UAE during the nation\u2019s abundant harvest season, which also reduces environmental impact and ecological footprints.<\/p>\n

One of the signature dishes from Bateel\u2019s new menu is the Lobster Spaghettini, which brings together plum tomatoes from Italy and Spain, and live lobsters from cool Canadian waters. For its execution, every detail is carefully orchestrated for the final result \u2013\u00a0take, for example, the humble tomato.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes this dish uniquely special is the way we confit the San Marzano plum tomatoes. The secret to our simple yet flavourful and robust tomato sauce is the fact that the tomatoes are slow-roasted overnight until semi-dry, and then covered in a blend of salt and herbs to intensify this aromatic flavour,\u201dsays Cuadrado. \u201cOur exquisite dishes are always handmade to perfection for our guests to enjoy wholesome recipes, crafted using only the finest ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC<\/strong><\/p>\n

The seasoned chef has already revealed a brand new Cafe Bateel menu that will debut in May 2021, paying homage to a region close to his heart \u2013 the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been cooking, traveling, and working in and around the Mediterranean since I was a child \u2013\u00a0after all, my family have run and owned Mediterranean restaurants in Barcelona and the UK for many years,\u201d explains Cuadrado.<\/p>\n

The new dishes are all inspired by the region\u2019s classical flavours and produce, while also honouring Bateel\u2019s local roots. Ingredients are sourced straight from the Mediterranean, which makes every dish sing with authenticity. The decision to look beyond what\u2019s generally available in the markets to instead seek out new and interesting artisan products to import exclusively for Bateel is an aspect that\u00a0 Cuadrado remains especially proud of.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe menu\u2019s inspiration came from my culinary trips to the countries around the Mediterranean. I have spent the last 15 years curating very specific culinary trips targeting Michelin star restaurants, vineyards, farmers markets and visiting many artisan farmers and growers. My family lives in Barcelona \u2013 which I feel is the center of the Med. I use this as a base to travel around the entire region, staying in agriturismo<\/em> (authentic working farm) and in Italy masserias<\/em> (walled farm complex) discovering traditional local cuisine,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Embark on a new culinary adventure and taste your way around the Mediterranean at Caf\u00e9 Bateel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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