The chef and restaurateur dishes on his new challenge
If you know anything about dining in Dubai, you must have heard of Chef Izu Ani.
The architect of many icons of the city’s dining scene, here is a man who doesn’t stop at just one success story. Alaya, Carine, Eunoia by Carine, Gaia, La Maison Ani, Kai Enzo and their outposts in cities like London and Monte Carlo, and the world’s number one olive oil brand Theo – he has many projects to his name, and the most recent one is his foray into Doha’s culinary world – a neighbour, a growing landscape, a blank canvas to paint on.
We sat down with the chef and restaurateur to discuss the why, the how and the future of this new chapter.
Tell us more about La Maison Ani’s Doha story – why Doha for your next chapter?
We have worked in Qatar for a number of years now, and every time I visit, I feel so inspired by the hospitality and culture of the people. Opening La Maison Ani in Doha just made sense, I wanted to share our cuisine with our guests in an elegant, idyllic setting. Somewhere guests can feel relaxed and taken care of, so that they can focus on enjoying their experience.
Would you call Doha’s F&B an emerging or developing landscape?
The beauty of the Middle East is that is always evolving, expanding and developing further. There are no limits to creativity here, which allows us to think bigger. The scale of growth in the restaurant industry inspires me, it’s an exciting place to be.
How is the establishment navigating at this moment? What are some of the ways it is extending support to the community?
Through the challenging times, it becomes even more important to come together and support each other. Sharing meals and conversations around a table is one of our oldest rituals, and we aim to provide a beautiful space and experience for everyone, whether they want a moment of escapism, or to simply to meet, laugh, dine together and feel connected.
What can patrons of the La Maison Ani brand expect to see familiar and different in the dining experience at Doha’s outpost?
The menu takes flavours and inspiration from every country I have lived in and travelled through on my journey so far. It is truly international in that sense and we aim to ensure the same signature dishes, quality and flavour in every location around the world, so that the ethos of the brand remains consistent. I wanted to create something that speaks to every culture and taste. Inspired by my time in France, every La Maison Ani around the world has a boulangerie, serving artisanal bread, pastries and viennoiseries; a botanical terrace, and an elegant brasserie, for our guests to enjoy at any time of day.
What can first-time visitors to Doha expect to experience in the city’s F&B scene that sets it apart from other cities?
When I come to Doha, I am always inspired by the art and culture, and how it is woven throughout every part of the city. Within the authentic, traditional architecture is some of the most genuine hospitality you can find, with excellent quality and a warm, welcoming ambiance.
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Deeply passionate about food, culture and community, Manaal loves telling extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Besides sniffing out a tale to tell, her favourite things to do include binging true crime documentaries, chasing cats on the streets and curating a good outfit.
