The floating hotel QE2 Dubai has launched its signature restaurant, the Queen’s Grill, with the introduction of a 1969 tasting menu and one of the largest gin collections in Dubai.
The new tasting menu replicates the Queens Grill’s menu from 1969, the year the QE2 first sailed, with exclusive ingredients that are flown in from the UK.
QE2 Dubai says these classic ingredients are combined with modern cooking techniques to take guests on “a nostalgic culinary journey from the QE2’s maiden voyage”.
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The menu gives Dubai residents and tourists the chance to sample dishes enjoyed by former presidents, heads of state, international artists and members of the British Royal Family.
Original Queen’s Grill plates and cutlery have been restored for use aboard the QE2 Dubai.
Meals such as Sous Vide of Dover Sole and Butter Roasted Halibut – amongst other classics including Foie Gras Parfait, Milk Fed Lambs Loin and Malt Chocolate Tart, were designed by Chef de Cuisine, Rama Samy – a former member of the QE2’s culinary team.
Again mixing the classic with the contemporary, Samy’s traditional approach to gastronomy is complemented by British Sous Chef, Murry Lane’s modern cooking style.
QE2 Dubai’s Gin Bar is directly adjacent to the Queen’s Grill with one of the most expansive collections of gin in the region.
“Not only is it an honor to be back on board in this iconic restaurant – but to have the opportunity to serve our passengers with the same menu that they would have enjoyed when the QE2 first took to the waters in 1969 is very exciting,” said Samy.
“We have kept it as true to its origins as possible in terms of ingredients and presentation – however we have infused this with our new cooking techniques to meet the ever evolving tastes of today’s discerning expectations,” he added.
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The Queen’s Grill is one of three main dining rooms aboard the former Cunard ocean liner. The Queen’s Grill was once reserved exclusively for first class passengers, with second and tourist class passengers dining in the Princess and Britannia Grill restaurants respectively.
When Cunard Line discontinued its class system, the Queen Grill remained only for ‘Queen’s Grill’ stateroom occupants, a tradition that remain in place now aboard the cruise lines current ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
Because of this heritage, QE2 Dubai says the Queens Grill is Dubai’s most authentic British restaurant that has been restored to offer its former quintessential design features.
Vintage fabrics and antique furnishings are complemented by soulful jazz music and ambient lighting to recapture the true essence of the Queen Elizabeth 2.
The nine-course 1969 menu is priced at AED 875 per person, or AED 1,475 with paired beverages.
Alongside the 1969 menu, passengers can also enjoy a six-course tasting menu that features the very best in modern British cuisine.
The vegetarian option costs AED275 per person with the standard costing AED375 per person. Wine pairing packages are also available.
The 80-seat restaurant is open daily from 7pm until 11pm for dinner, with plans in the pipeline to launch a premium brunch. Located on the Boat Deck, in-house guests and members of the public above the age of 7 are welcome and a strict dress code means that gentlemen must wear a jacket.
Categories: Middle East Cruise News