Slow-cooked seafood dreams
Lila & Friends is back — and this time, it’s serving a dish made for lingering lunches and communal tables. This Saturday, 10 January, the beloved pop-up returns to the Farmer’s Market at Alserkal Avenue with a mixed seafood paella, slow-cooked, generously portioned and designed to be shared.
This one-day-only collaboration sees BOCA’s Chef Patricia Roig join forces with Lila Molino for a market-style lunch worth circling your calendar for.
Cooked from noon onwards at 9 Farmer’s Market, the paella champions bold flavours and seasonal comfort, using seafood sourced fresh from Jumeirah Fish Market. Expect a celebration of local produce, thoughtful sourcing and the simple joy of pulling up a chair with good company.
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At the heart of Lila Molino is Chef Shaw Lash, whose culinary journey spans Mexico, the US and Europe. A dedicated steward of authentic Mexican cuisine, Lash honed her craft alongside Rick Bayless in Chicago and New York, helping shape some of the most influential fast-casual Mexican concepts in the US.
Her passion for preserving traditional techniques runs deep. Lash also studied under legendary ethno-gastronomer Diana Kennedy, gaining a profound understanding of the history, complexity and regional nuance of Mexican cookery — knowledge she now brings to Dubai through Lila’s thoughtful, flavour-driven menus.
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This week’s Lila & Friends collaboration sees Chef Shaw joined by Patricia Roig, head chef at BOCA. A modern Spanish restaurant tucked away in Dubai’s cultural district, BOCA is widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability and ingredient-led cooking.
BOCA is a 2025 MICHELIN Green Star recipient, ranked #12 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and winner of The Sustainable Restaurant award 2025 — accolades that reflect both its ethos and execution.
Chef Patricia brings over 20 years of global experience, with stints at ROKA London, Lima London, and Michelin-starred kitchens in Spain including Abantal and Lillas Pastia. Her cooking philosophy centres on respect for produce and allowing natural flavours to shine — a perfect match for a market-led paella cooked in the open air.
Why You Should Go
This is not a restaurant opening or a ticketed dinner — it’s a relaxed, one-day market moment that brings together two powerhouse chefs, local sourcing and a dish that rarely disappoints. Come hungry, support homegrown talent and settle in for a Saturday lunch that feels both effortless and special.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
