Where Restaurateurs Eat: Column 3
Natasha Sideris, CEO & founder of Tashas Group that owns Avli, Bungalo34 and Flamingo Room amongst many restaurants, shares her favourite haunts.
If you’ve recently joined me on this Substack journey, you might like to check out the first two ‘Where Restaurateurs Eat’ columns to give you some context before reading the recommendations from this month’s super woman.
I would love your nominations for aspirational female restaurateurs leading their businesses. They might not be on my radar - and could land themselves a feature here.
Google Maps link here with these UAE restaurant recommendations - populated monthly as each column is published. All interviews are linked HERE.
Before we delve into the interview, a heads up. I am jetting off on holiday this weekend to the Philippines for my first ever visit. Manila for a couple of tasting menu concepts - and then working it all off with a wellness retreat at bucket-list resort The Farm At San Benito. Can’t. Wait. I am hoping to digitally detox as well, but am sure I’ll end up posting on Instagram stories. After a record five newsletters in less than three weeks, enjoy the email recess! I know I will. Until next month. Happy summer travels to those escaping.
And now let’s meet…
Natasha Sideris - CEO & founder of Tashas Group that owns Avli, Bungalo34 and Flamingo Room amongst many others.
Top three go-to, favourite restaurants in the UAE:
When the weather is great, I love the laid back atmosphere of Arabian Tea House - and they have the BEST bread!
My go-to for sushi is Goldfish, especially the crab roll and salmon nigiri. And, of course, the Chilean sea bass hot pot.
If I am looking to impress visitors, Tresind Studio is just incredible. The journey; the off-beat music; the flavours; the service. It’s world class.
A special mention to LPM. Although an obvious choice, it’s always consistent. The menu is uncomplicated and timeless, and even their food delivery is done with ‘je ne sais quoi’.
One home country restaurant:
La Perla in Cape Town is an all-time favourite. I remember going with my dad when I was a youngster. The food can be hit-and-miss, but there are some classics that I love, one being the lobster thermidor.
One restaurant located elsewhere internationally:
I have to give two!
Papaioannou in Kavouri, Athens for the best seafood you have ever had. On the water’s edge of my favourite city.
Seychelles Restaurant, also in Athens, for innovative Greek food that’s still very real. The quaint building feels like someone’s home.
If you’ve recently joined me on Substack, you may have missed…
My welcome launch newsletter.
A special edition newsletter in support of all things Palestinian.
Two opinion pieces: Michelin Dubai guide & MENA 50 Best Restaurant Awards.
Recent restaurant reviews: Osteria FunkCoolio; Rare.
My Where Restaurateurs Eat monthly column.
Culinary guide to Baku. Plus do’s & don’ts of restaurant travel research.
Past newsletters: November; December; January; February; March; April; May; June; July.
My 2024 guide to Dubai’s top restaurants. A record 45 homegrown concepts. Paid subscribers also receive a PDF of this guide.
I update My Little Pink Lifestyle Book with new finds every month.
A private one-hour Zoom call with me to pick my brains. More info here for F&B industry enquiries - and here for foodie/ diner queries.
Looking for a gift for a foodie friend? Perhaps consider an annual subscription to this newsletter, breaking news and the added perks. You’ll have my forever love.
I sign off with continuous wishes for a free Palestine 🇵🇸🍉🕊️
FooDiva. x