Global Restaurant Investment Forum

GRIF Content Library

Global Restaurant Investment Forum reveals culinary tour and networking receptions

Published 19 November 2017

Following success of its 2014 debut, the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) is combining culinary tours and networking receptions with thought-provoking and honest content presented by leaders of the F&B industry.

The conference will open with a culinary tour for registered GRIF attendees on Monday 16 February. The first stop will be the Coya, at the Four Season which will host the welcome lunch where attendees will be welcomed to the spirit of South America. With a modern Peruvian restaurant at the centre of Coya’s culture, a sample of palate teasing dishes will transport guests to the essence of Peru.  Guest Speaker Diego Salazar, a journalist, editor and food critic based in Lima will reveal the trends of South America in an exclusive 20 minute presentation.  The tour will then proceed to Nusr.Et, The brainchild of Turkish entrepreneur, butcher and meat specialist, Nusret Gökçe.  Nusret, will deliver signature dishes including Asado ribs, beef spaghetti, grilled meatballs and the 'Nusret Special.' 

The finale of the culinary tour sees GRIF sponsors, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai (JRG Dubai), which creates, operates and franchises a portfolio of more than 50 restaurant and bar brands, hosting guests for an exclusive culinary journey through some of its signature outlets: D&A, Tortuga, Pierchic, culminating with the GRIF opening reception hosted by JRG Dubai at Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse (P&B’s). All four outlets are examples of JRG Dubai’s newest home-grown concepts, which are being showcased at GRIF for local and international expansion opportunities.

At each JRG Dubai venue the group will be hosted by the General Manager and Head Chef and led through a tasting of signature dishes and beverages highlighting the authentic experience offered by each of the four brands. Starting off at D&A, situated on the ground floor of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, guests will enjoy a menu of British classics given a modern twist, as well as samples of craft hops not yet before available in the UAE. Located at the waterfront of Mina A’ Salam Hotel, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Bar welcomes attendees on a culinary journey to the traditional Mexican home, inspired by the philosophy ‘mi casa es su casa’.  The menu delivers vibrant flavours and promises authentic Mexican dining at its best. Pierchic is JRG Dubai’s flagship restaurant; located at Al Qasr Hotel, it is a mesmerising water-bound haven with 360º views unmatched anywhere in Dubai.  Following a tour of the restaurant, delegates will enjoy a signature beverage at the newly-constructed Chic Bar pod, located off the side of the pier - the ideal location to experience the stunning Arabian Gulf sunset.  The tour will end with GRIF’s opening reception at Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse, a brand new casual dining concept located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and inspired by America’s Deep South barbeque heritage.  At the GRIF opening reception, F&B industry experts will have the opportunity to taste a selection of delicious meats smoked over nine different wood chips providing a range of mouth-watering flavours.

Jumeirah Group Senior Vice President F&B and Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai managing director Jean-Luc Naret said: “We are delighted to partner with GRIF and welcome delegates to our new home-grown restaurant concept, Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse.

“We are extremely proud of this project, which is one of several new standalone restaurant brands launched by Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai in recent months. During GRIF, we look forward to showcasing these brands, including authentic Mexican Kitchen and Bar, Tortuga, and the seafood standard, Pierchic, as well as our established international brand, the noodle house.”

Clé Dubai will host the second Networking Reception for GRIF on Tuesday 17th February.   Located at Al Fattan Currency House, Dubai International Financial Center, Clé Dubai will unlock the experience of contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, as expressed through Michelin-starred chef and author Greg Malouf’s eyes, as well as a journey of discovery through the space itself. Chef Malouf will also be onsite for an exclusive interview as well as a stunning performance by Cirque Éloize, the world-renowned contemporary circus company.

Culinary Tour and Networking Reception places are limited and open to registered attendees only.  To register for GRIF please visit www.restaurant-invest.com .

Notes to Editors

Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF)

GRIF is the premier restaurant investment conference, attracting many prominent restaurant owners, investors, financiers, management companies and their advisers.  It is organised by Bench Events (www.benchevents.com) which is known for producing, alongside Questex Travel + Hospitality and MEED Events, several top-level hotel conferences around the world including Berlin (IHIF), Dubai (AHIC), Istanbul (CATHIC), Moscow (RHIC) and Africa (AHIF)

To register, go to http://www.restaurant-invest.com/register; save with the early bird discount

About Dubai Food Festival

Dubai Food Festival is a citywide culinary celebration that showcases the Emirate’s emergence as a gastronomy destination through a 23-day programme of food-related consumer and trade events, activities, promotions and appearances by food celebrities. The Festival promotes the diversity, creativity and multicultural nature of Dubai’s culinary offering – from five-star gourmet dining to everyday restaurants and cafés for all budgets; international brands to a burgeoning scene of home-grown concepts influenced by traditional Emirati cuisine and the flavours of the 200 nationalities that live in Dubai.


Dubai Food Festival is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM); and is part of a broader strategy to develop a year-round programme of citywide festivals that acts as a major contributor to the ongoing growth of the tourism and retail sectors.