Welcome to an exclusive discussion with Courtney Brandt, a newly appointed Luxury Lifestyle Awards Food & Beverages Advisory Board member. With over eight years of experience in the Middle East’s fine dining and hospitality scene and 15 years living in the region, Courtney brings a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective to the panel. 

Join us as we delve into her insights, experiences, and vision for the future of luxury dining and beverage experiences.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Congratulations on your appointment as a Luxury Lifestyle Awards Food & Beverages Advisory Board Member! With your extensive experience in the Middle East’s fine dining and hospitality scene, how do you envision bringing a unique perspective to the board?

Courtney Brandt: Having been adjacent to the Middle East’s fine dining and hospitality scene for several years, I’ve witnessed the maturity of an exciting gastronomic scene. Having dined out both locally and globally, for every review and visit, I carefully look at menu development, service standards, guest experiences, and the uniqueness of menus offered. Over the years, I believe this experience has granted me valuable insights into market trends, the overall competitive landscape, and challenges in the region’s dynamic culinary landscape.

Many fine dining and hospitality establishments in the Middle East attract a diverse clientele worldwide. I can help understand the needs and expectations of international guests and leverage this insight to enhance the organization’s worldwide appeal and competitiveness. Overall, the Middle East increasingly attracts culinary tourists seeking authentic, immersive food and beverage experiences. Luxury establishments can capitalize on this trend by showcasing locally developed talent and delivering world-class hospitality to discerning travelers.

LLA: Your portfolio boasts an impressive array of publications and media appearances, including Vogue Arabia, Food&Wine, and BBC5’s “The World’s Most Luxurious Hotels” program. How do you believe your media background enhances your ability to assess and advocate for excellence in the food and beverage industry?

CB: Great question; thank you! My favorite thing to do is communicate and discover. That means being active during visits or reviews and speaking with chefs, GMs, sommeliers, or others involved in leadership roles in hospitality. As I’ve grown in the industry, I’ve built relationships with diverse stakeholders, including those in the kitchen and various industry experts, influencers, and KOLs (key opinion leaders) like myself. My network is valuable for advocating for excellence in the food and beverage industry by connecting with key players, sharing best practices, and collaborating on initiatives to improve quality standards and promote innovation. Finally, I prioritize transparency in my interactions by clearly stating the sources of information and disclosing any biases or invitations. I think this step is critical in all of my interactions, and I hope other professionals will commit to the same levels of disclosure.

LLA: You’ve been actively engaged in various conferences and events within the hospitality and food industry, such as Gulf Host and The Restaurant Show. Could you share some key insights or trends you’ve observed in the luxury dining sector?

CB: I live in a dynamic city, Dubai, where things constantly change, and there is always a new outlet opening, conference, award show, or platform to bring those in the industry together. Furthermore, what I might have spoken about with people in 2016-2019 aren’t the same topics in 2024. Overall, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability within the luxury dining sector. Consumers are increasingly concerned about their dining choices’ environmental and social impact. This leads to a demand for sustainable practices such as locally sourced ingredients and minimal food waste. I also feel that luxury diners seek more than just a meal; they want memorable experiences to engage all the senses. This has led to the rise of experiential dining concepts such as immersive tasting menus, interactive culinary experiences, and multi-sensory dining events that stimulate creativity and delight diners. Fortunately, in the UAE, we have plenty of restaurants to choose from and a rotating list of the world’s top culinary talent coming through the city for pop-ups and collaborations. This high level of exchange elevates the already high levels delivered across the city.

LLA: Being appointed as a judge in the Deliveroo 2023 Awards highlights your expertise in evaluating culinary excellence. What criteria do you typically prioritize when assessing the quality and innovation of food and beverage establishments?

CB: Among other activities where I’ve served as a jury member or judge, I first remember the importance and impact I can have on a team’s career or business. A meal, dish, or degustation represents an entire kitchen’s hard work and potentially months of R&D, so I take things seriously. Dishes and beverages’ taste and flavor profiles are paramount, as are innovative flavor combinations and balanced flavors. The visual appeal of food and drinks – the camera always eats first – can significantly enhance the overall experience. Furthermore, the mastery of culinary techniques and precision in preparation are indicators of a high-quality establishment. Consistency in cooking methods, proper execution of recipes, and attention to cooking times are essential for delivering consistently excellent results. 

Innovation in menu concepts, ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and beverage offerings sets apart establishments. Exceptional service and hospitality are integral to the dining experience. Attentive, knowledgeable staff who anticipate diners’ needs, provide recommendations, and create a welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to the perceived quality of the restaurant.

Finally, the ambiance of a venue can significantly influence the dining experience. Factors such as interior design, lighting, and music selection contribute to the overall enjoyment and perception of quality. And yes, while luxury dining may prioritize quality over price, value for money is still essential. Like others, diners expect fair pricing relative to the quality of the establishment’s food, drinks, and overall experience. Consumers increasingly consider the environmental and social impact of their dining choices. Discerning customers may favorably view establishments prioritizing sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmentally conscious practices.

LLA: As someone who contributes significantly to Google Maps with over 114 million views, you greatly influence diners’ choices and perceptions. How do you navigate the responsibility that comes with such a large platform to promote authenticity and excellence in culinary experiences?

CB: Believe it or not, Google Maps is my most successful platform. Through uploading photos to the website, I strive to present a balanced perspective by highlighting my authentic experience at the restaurant. In showcasing often unedited photos, this approach fosters authenticity by sharing exactly what the restaurant offers. Through my images, I hope to help build trust with users. Essentially, I take many photos when I’m out dining, and I want to present an honest version of a restaurant – its interiors and what the dishes look like. Potential diners can then decide where they want to go and what they want to order. 

LLA: Staying ahead of trends and innovations is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry. How do you stay informed and adapt to emerging developments in fine dining and hospitality, and how do you foresee these trends shaping the future of luxury food and beverage experiences in the Middle East and beyond? 

CB: Basically, every day is a school day! Mostly, I gather information from reputable industry publications, websites, and blogs covering fine dining, hospitality, and culinary trends. These sources provide insights into emerging developments, innovative concepts, and best practices in the field. I analyze discussions and insights shared by professionals in the fine dining and hospitality industries through online forums, social media platforms, and professional networking groups. Engaging with industry experts lets me stay abreast of emerging trends and developments. I track culinary events, expos, and trade shows where leading chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals showcase the latest innovations and trends in fine dining and hospitality. Attending or monitoring these events helps me stay informed about emerging developments and industry trends. I also routinely dine out 2-3 times weekly and attend press trips to different countries. By traveling, I can compare the local culinary scene with the trends available worldwide. Information is everywhere; we just need to find the correct source.

LLA: With your extensive travels and experiences, you must have encountered some memorable dining moments. Can you share one of your most unforgettable culinary adventures with us and what made it stand out for you?

CB: That’s a huge question. Throughout my travels and in my career, I have been fortunate and privileged to have dined at some truly incredible locations and sat with some of the best chefs in the world. However, one of my early favorites was the Test Kitchen in 2017. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, it simply blew me away. Although it is (sadly) no longer open, the team brought guests first into a “dark room” for snacks and chilled-out vibes, before walking them into the main kitchen and experience. What also struck me was the absolute pride the team had in the menu. As the dishes and wine program showcased the best of South Africa, I was impressed by all the country and its people had to offer.

LLA: As someone deeply entrenched in the world of fine dining and luxury hospitality, if you had the chance to create your dream dining experience, what elements would you incorporate, and where would it be located?

CB: Here are some elements I would incorporate – first of all, the location! I’m not super serious about any particular city or country, but the setting would have to be in a picturesque environment, such as a cliffside overlooking the ocean or a rooftop with panoramic city views. Inside, I would aim to strike a balance between elegance and comfort with warm lighting, plush seating, and tasteful decor, without being too over the top. Live music, such as a jazz quartet or classical ensemble, would add to the atmosphere without overwhelming conversation (with a DJ for late nights and a room for karaoke for late, late nights). The menu would feature a curated selection of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared with precision and creativity. Each dish would be a work of art, showcasing innovative flavor combinations and meticulous attention to detail. Ideally, during the courses, guests could interact with the chefs and learn about the ingredients and techniques. It would be important to me to ensure all team members had a moment with guests.

A carefully curated beverage program would complement the dining experience, featuring an extensive wine selection, artisanal cocktails, and non-alcoholic options tailored to each course. A knowledgeable sommelier or mixologist would guide guests through the beverage pairings, enhancing the flavors and elevating the overall sensory experience. Impeccable service is essential to a dream dining experience, with attentive staff who anticipate guests’ needs, provide seamless execution, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Service would be discreet yet personalized, ensuring every guest feels valued and cared for throughout the meal. To cater to individual preferences and dietary restrictions, the dining experience would offer customization options such as personalized tasting menus, nutritional accommodations, and special requests – I want everyone to feel welcome. 

My dream dining experience would be a harmonious blend of culinary excellence, exceptional service, and unforgettable ambiance, set in a stunning location that enhances the overall experience. 

Thank you, Courtney! 

Brandt’s wealth of experience, coupled with her passion for culinary excellence and dedication to promoting authentic experiences, positions her as a valuable asset to the Luxury Lifestyle Awards Food & Beverages Advisory Board. We look forward to partnering with her

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