El Sur, Dubai's First Contemporary Spanish Restaurant, Opens its doors at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi

Vibrant and sophisticated bar and restaurant offering contemporary Spanish cuisine, classic cocktails with a modern twist, breathtaking sunsets and upbeat sounds

Dubai, UAE: 13 November 2013: El Sur, Dubai's first contemporary Spanish restaurant, has today opened its doors at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. A vibrant, lively and sophisticated bar and restaurant, El Sur showcases the skills of world-class chefs with an innovative menu that brings together classic Spanish favourites with contemporary twists and the finest ingredients from around the world.

Inspired by the new global trend of modern Spanish gastro bars and restaurants, El Sur offers contemporary Spanish cuisine that pushes the culinary boundaries and raises the standard of new age gastronomy currently available within the UAE. Its unique food offering is complimented by an extensive drinks menu that has been created by a team of award-winning mixologists who combine innovative techniques and natural ingredients to elevate classic cocktail recipes and re-imagine modern mainstays.

Innovative recipes across the menu truly stimulate the senses – from the presentation through to the dynamic combinations of flavours and ingredients. Ideal for groups or more intimate dining occasions, the sharing style menu has been designed to create a fun and interactive experience, and with a wide range of dishes on offer, there is always something new to try.

Highlights from the starter menu include Spanish classics such as Croquetas and Patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy tomato sauce) and Jamón Ibérico de Guijuelo con Pan Tumaca (Iberico ham with brushed tomato bread) as well as contemporary dishes such as Tiradito de dorada con cilantro (tiradito of sea bream with coriander) and Berenjena a la miel de soja con requesón (eggplant with soy honey and requesón). Meat lovers will delight over dishes such as the Pollo de corral a la naranja con maiz (free-range orange roasted chicken with corn) and Chuletón con pimientos de Padrón (Grade 6 Wagyu Ribeye with Padrón green peppers), while those who prefer dishes from the sea will enjoy Pargo con ñoquis de calabaza (red snapper with pumpkin ñoquis) and Dorada con sepia y mojo (sea bream with cuttlefish and mojo sauce). Finally the array of mouthwatering desserts on offer will more than satisfy those with a sweet tooth, with Texturas de Chocolate con Helado de Sesamo Negro (chocolate textures with black sesame ice cream) and Torrija con helado de limon (caramelized brioche with lemon ice cream) to name but a few of what's on offer.

The restaurant's décor creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere making it the perfect setting for an evening. Handpicked from around the world, the venue showcases a range of materials from ethereal woods through to deep concrete walls. There is also a Living Wall – a botanical mix of different plants that vary in heights and textures to give a really unique and three-dimensional look – in the bar area, alongside stunning communal tables made out of four-meter oak logs. Last but not least, the stunning terrace is perfect for al fresco dining offering incredible sunset views over the ocean.

In pride of place in the main dining area is a breathtaking six-meter piece of art by Spanish illustrator Gabriel Moreno, specially commissioned for El Sur. The art is complemented by a stainless steel wire sculpture of a bull-headed matador custom-made by international design firm Equinoxx.

Commenting on the launch, co-founder Antonio Gonzalez, who has vast experience in developing food & beverage outlets, said; “Modern Spanish gastronomy has been a leading force in New York, Singapore, London and Hong Kong for some time, yet we have not, until now, seen this trend hit Dubai.  We see Dubai as a culinary global destination and El Sur will further enhance this offering. We have brought together some of the world's most talented and experienced Spanish chefs, who have worked in restaurants such El Bulli and Can Roca, to ensure that our diners really are wowed by the food they will experience at El Sur.”

Co-founder Kunal Lahori, based in Dubai for the last 30 years with a diversified family conglomerate and a keen business acumen, concludes: “We have created a vibrant and sophisticated venue where people can have a fun evening enjoying the best in modern Spanish cuisine and beverages. Personally, having spent a lot of time in Los Angeles, where the area is heavily influenced by new-age cuisine, I felt there was an evident gap in the market and a lack of quality modern Spanish restaurants. We are excited to take our guests through the varied styles and possibilities of our menu that synergizes between old-school classics and contemporary twists as our chef calls them. Our music style is influenced by “El Sur” or “the south” of Spain, which brings a relaxed yet upbeat vibe. We have created a venue for any occasion, any night of the week”.

El Sur is located in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. To make a reservation, please email reservations@elsurdubai.com or call 04 399 7700 / 050 9449440.