Simply Abu Dhabi VIII

1 0 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Tell us about how your grandfather, Mr Giuseppe Cipriani, started in the restaurant business in 1931, with Harry's Bar. In 1931 my grandfather openedHarry's Bar on the first floor of an abandoned rope warehouse, off a dead end street in Piazza SanMarco, Venice. In the 80 years that followed, the Cipriani business expanded into a global hospitality brand, managing a range of venues including restaurants, event spaces, luxury residential properties and hotels. With their notable achievements including introducing the world to the Bellini cocktail in the 1940s and Beef Carpaccio in the 1950s, four generations of the Cipriani family have fashioned a global brand that is renowned for providing some of the world’s most sought after social experiences. My grandfather laid solid foundations right from the beginning: he was consistently dedicated to simplicity of food and service. This is how he wanted it from the start, and this is how it will always be. An authentic approach, completely free of affectation. A reputation based on quality of produce and luxury in simplicity. My grandfather always strived to provide customers with ‘The Good Life’ – Cipriani style! Growing up, were you always involved in the restaurants? I was not a very good student, and I have been living and breathing the restaurant business since I was very young. I guess I didn’t have much of a choice. What was your first job within the restaurant? Bussing tables under my father’s eyes. YAS MARINA CIRCUIT – CIPRIANI / ALLURE When you were looking to expand, what drew you to Abu Dhabi? The UAE is a very unique destination: exciting, multicultural, diverse, and high energy. It’s close to Europe and has easy access from all parts of the world. The state- of-the-art infrastructure, its warm climate and a hospitable environment make it a very attractive spot for ‘jet setters’ and affluent consumers. I have travelled extensively to Abu Dhabi and the UAE and always considered it to be a world class destination. We chose Abu Dhabi, and in particular Yas Island, because it is a growing location and we wanted to be here from the beginning. The Abu Dhabi Government has always been visionary, and when they expressed their interest in Cipriani we were delighted to be a significant part of the master plan. Abu Dhabi as a whole is aspiring to become a major tourist destination, with a goal of attracting 2.3 million visitors in 2012 alone. I also think the Formula One track here is the best in the world. Considering my own personal passion for racing cars and F1, Cipriani Yas Island could not be in a more prime location! With the fantastic location of Cipriani in Yas Yacht Club overlooking Yas Marina Circuit, the F1 Abu Dhabi must be a very important time for you. The F1 race weekend is our busiest time of year, when all of our regular followers join us from all over the world. Everyone knows that Cipriani is the place to be and, as a result, the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi F1 is a very special time for us. We have been working very hard to offer great Cipriani classic cuisine, where it’s all about the simplicity of food and service. People come to us because they know they will find what they are looking for: simple and authentic food. Do you attend the Abu Dhabi F1? Of course! I am a former Formula 3000 team owner and currently a driver with Durango in the European Championship Auto GP. Needless to say, I have a passion for car racing! Tell us about the teamof Cipriani AbuDhabi chefs. Our chefs have been working for the company for many years. They are very experienced and put a lot of love and passion into what they do. Unlike other restaurants, it is not about them in particular but about the flavours they bring to the table day after day. It’s also about the emotions they evoke with their food: always providing customers with a unique and memorable experience. What are Cipriani signature dishes? Cipriani classics include the Baked Tagliolini, our local Fish Alla Carlina, and of course our famous Vanilla Creme Meringue. We are the original creators of Beef Carpaccio, and this dish is by far our all-time best-seller. During the last F1 we served over 1000 plates of it! Do you have a favourite among these fabulous dishes? I guess it depends on my mood. Our Baked Tagliolini always puts a smile on my face; and a Venetian "Baccala Mantecato" reminds me of when I was a child – I could go on and on... How would you describe the décor of Cipriani Abu Dhabi? The Cipriani restaurant employs the colours and materials that have come to define the brand: mahogany, white, blue, and polished steel. It’s an enclave of old-school glamour straight out of a billionaire’s yacht. The Florentine architect Michele Bonan drew his inspiration from the Arabian Gulf, ensuring that the décor and furniture were all in line with a nautical theme. Allure by Cipriani is one of the world’s finest nightclub venues, and a playground for the rich and famous. What factors do you think make it so successful? Allure by Cipriani is all about introducing a new era of social interaction and escapism from typical nightlife. We achieve this through animation, production, choreography and music. This blend inspires our visitors to smile, and visit us over and over again. I personally like to end my evening with good friends in a great club, where you can listen to great music – preferably not too far away from the restaurant where we have just eaten dinner. This is Allure, a beautiful nightclub with fantastic views – perfect for continuing festivities till late in the evening. FUTURE PLANS/DEVELOPMENT You have restaurants all over the world. Are there any dream locations you are looking to expand into? We are always open to new opportunities in theMiddle East and in other parts of the world. Last year, we opened a new hotel and restaurant in Los Angeles, Mr C Beverly Hills, and a new restaurant in Mayfair, London. We have a lot on our plate right nowwith two new openings in Europe in May: one in Monte Carlo and the other in Ibiza. Within a couple of months, a new restaurant will also be coming up in Miami. Should we be expecting any other Cipriani restaurants/venues across the other Emirate States? Let's just say that we are working on it. PERSONAL In your free time, how do you relax? I like running, which gives me a great sense of freedom. I also like to spend time with my friends. But ultimately, I don’t think of work and rest as being separate. Rather, they are so connected that I do not even ask myself now when one finishes and the other takes over. They are both just part of a great life. I can imagine that you are constantly travelling – but where do you choose to travel in your free time? I am lucky to be travelling for work in places that I like a lot, but I also always try to add a few days in Punta del Este at the end of the year. Also, I opened a project in Ibiza this summer. I have to say that I do enjoy spending time there during the off-season. There is a sense of freedom that the island gives me, something which is quite unique. Where are you based? I spend several months in Ibiza and some time in London – the rest of the time I am travelling. Are your sons involved in the family business? Three generations of our family are involved in the business: myself, my father and my children. Like me, my sons Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani were exposed to the ‘hospitality life’ since childhood: it’s second nature to them. Both boys are currently handling the business operations of Cipriani, and have just recently launched their own independent hospitality concept: Mr C Hotels Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. As the family hospitality business has been going for four generations, it would be hard for them not to be involved – but they love it! AND LASTLY... What do you think of our Simply Abu Dhabi Publication? I had a chance to see this publication during the most recent F1 event. It’s classic, elegant and a solid read!