Altamarea Group Announces Their Entrance To The UAE With Michelin-Starred, New York Restaurant, Marea, At The Dubai International Financial Center, DIFC

NEW YORK, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Altamarea Group announced, this past Sunday, March 31st, the debut of their flagship concept, Marea, in Dubai. This is the first Altamarea Group U.S. conceived brand to land in the Middle East market and will be located in the renowned DIFC Dubai. DIFC is internationally known as the leading financial center in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and also home to many special fashion, art and entertainment venues.  

"Following 10 years of great success in New York city, we are delighted to bring the first Marea outside its New York home to the Middle East and return to my own roots," said Altamarea Group CEO & Owner, Ahmass Fakahany.  "New York and Dubai are two exciting global cities, and we look forward to hosting our international clientele in both, bringing a little New York vibe to the Emirates."

Marea, meaning "tide" in Italian, is a chic Italian restaurant with a New York vibe. Marea's dinner party-feel and energy makes it a favorite among business, fashion and entertainment clients. It has consistently received 2- stars by the Michelin guide; recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best New Restaurant in America; regularly rated Best Italian Restaurant in New York by Zagats; highly awarded by Forbes Travel guide; and globally recognized across several continents from all the top magazines, newspapers, and food & beverage writers.

The culinary program will be led by multi-Michelin starred Chef, Michael White, and Altamarea Group's Corporate Chef, Lauren De Steno.  Marea New York's General Manager, Sean Smith, has relocated to Dubai after helming Marea in New York for 9 years to lead Marea in Dubai. Marea Dubai will hire local talent but also bring in its own well trained culinary team.

"Marea New York and Dubai will be run as integrated units, regularly sharing ideas, resources, and recipes to make the client experience all it should be," added Fakahany.

The predominantly coastal seafood menu highlights the best of the sea, and beyond, and is known for the freshest crudo selections, special antipasti dishes, award-winning handmade pastas made daily onsite, composed and whole fish preparations, and select prime grilled meats. The menu will have some of New York's signature dishes including the Astice appetizer (with lobster, stracciatella cheese, and pickled eggplant), the well-known Fusilli pasta (with baby octopus and bone marrow), and the salt-baked whole Branzino fish for two. Some dishes have been created in Dubai's honor including the Passera Di Mare, a fluke fish crudo, topped with caviar and gold leaf.  All dishes are complemented by Marea's exquisite beverage program, which features a wide selection from around the world.

The décor emphasizes Marea's signature understated elegance, including a vibrant onyx bar similar to the one in New York; sleek and warm lighting; and a European hand-blown crystal installation to stimulate the senses around the sea. The venue will also feature art by two London based artists, including oil paintings by renowned artist Nasser Azam on the upper floor, while the lounge will take a modern approach with custom made pieces by Massimo Agostinelli.

Marea Dubai can host up to 210 people with 125 on the first floor, an outdoor seating area in the vibrant DIFC accommodating 20, and 65 seats in the downstairs Marea Lounge, allowing guests to enjoy a more relaxed and up-tempo experience late into night.

ABOUT MAREA NYC
Marea NYC is Altamarea Group's first and flagship restaurant in New York City, located on elegant Central Park South. Marea, meaning "tide" in Italian has consistently risen above the tide, creating a luxury lifestyle venue that stands out in a sea of New York restaurants.  Marea NYC has received consistent praise and accolades for menu, design, service, and is globally recognized by top publications and media as a premier culinary destination.

ABOUT ALTAMAREA GROUP
Altamarea Group (altamareagroup.com) is a world-renowned hospitality company with a global presence. Founded in 2009 by Ahmass Fakahany and chef/partner Michael White, the group currently owns and operates 17 restaurants worldwide in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and internationally in Hong Kong, Istanbul and, now in 2019, in Dubai and Riyadh. Its restaurants and brands include Marea NYC, Ai Fiori, Vaucluse (including Omar at Vaucluse,) Morini Brands (Ristorante and Osteria), and Nicoletta Brands (Counter and Italian Kitchen). Altamarea Group also operates three delivery operations in New York City: Nicoletta Pizzeria, the Italian steakhouse Costata Delivered and Pasta on Demand by Chef Michael White.

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SOURCE Altamarea Group