Recipes for Success: Chef Hadi Saroufim offers advice, shares a recipe for orange cake

Recipes for Success: Chef Hadi Saroufim offers advice, shares a recipe for orange cake
Hadi Saroufim is the executive chef at Dubai’s Beirut-import Bar Du Port. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 July 2024
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Recipes for Success: Chef Hadi Saroufim offers advice, shares a recipe for orange cake

Recipes for Success: Chef Hadi Saroufim offers advice, shares a recipe for orange cake

DUBAI: Hadi Saroufim, executive chef at Dubai’s Beirut-import Bar Du Port, has been cooking since the age of 10, but he truly fell in love with the culinary world once he began training in professional kitchens. 

“The more I worked in the industry, the more I loved it. I feel lucky to do what I do — it just feels right,” he tells Arab News. 

“One of my earliest food memories is modernizing a traditional Lebanese dish, kibbeh, from my village, Zgharta, in Lebanon. I turned it into a kibbeh roll with ice-cream yogurt, cucumber jelly, and dry ice,” he says. 




Bar Du Port. (Supplied)

His current favorite dish from the Bar Du Port menu is the grilled octopus with dried chorizo, tomato tartare, and smoky bell pepper coulis. “It uses simple ingredients but packs a punch,” he says. “This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine —fresh, bold, and delicious.” 

Here, Saroufim discusses burned onions, annoying customer habits, and the magic of vinegar. 

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? 

I often burned onions and garlic during preparation. In a professional kitchen, even if you’re assigned to a specific section, you have to multitask and work under tight time constraints. The pressure to juggle various tasks simultaneously can be overwhelming, especially for a new chef. Balancing the preparation of different components while keeping an eye on cooking times and techniques is a skill that takes time to develop. Those early days were tough — but essential for learning how to manage everything. 

What is your top tip for amateurs? 

Always use the best fresh produce available. Quality ingredients can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. When you start with fresh, high-end produce, the natural flavors shine through. I’ve always admired how Chef Alain Ducasse emphasizes “naturalité” in his cuisine, focusing on the purity of ingredients and letting their natural qualities speak for themselves. This philosophy has influenced my approach as well. Whether you’re cooking a simple meal or an elaborate dish, the quality of your ingredients will always make a significant difference. 




Thinly sliced yellowtail with burnt orange, passion fruit sauce. (Supplied)

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish? 

Vinegar, such as Xeres vinegar, instantly enhances any dish by adding a burst of flavor. Just a splash can elevate the dish and bring out its best qualities, making it a must-have in any kitchen. I particularly recommend it for risotto or salad dressing. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

I definitely pay attention to the food, but I try not to be too critical. One thing I often notice is an overuse of sauces. While sauces can enhance a dish, too much can overpower the main produce and mask the natural flavors.  

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

I particularly enjoy French and Japanese cuisines. I also admire the craftsmanship behind quality beef dishes, like the carpaccio at Nobu, which inspires our own menu innovations. 




Green lentil salad with rainbow cherry tomatoes, pomegranate, and yoghurt sumac dressing. (Supplied)

What customer behavior or request most annoys you? 

I love innovating and being creative — it’s all part of the craft. For example, our avocado mash has a unique twist compared to a traditional guacamole recipe, and that once sparked a ‘friendly debate’ with a guest about its preparation. While I always value guest feedback, it can be annoying when customers insist on dishes matching their exact home recipes, leaving little room for creativity. 

What’s your favorite dish to cook? 

I’m passionate about cooking fish because of its delicate nature and the precision it demands. Getting the timing just right is crucial to preserve its freshness and flavors. One dish I particularly enjoy preparing is butterflied sea bass. I love how simple yet elegant it is — seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, and served with a refreshing courgette tartare. It’s a dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients and allows me to express my creativity. 




Burrata with kalamata olives, heirloom tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and basil pesto. (Supplied)

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right? 

One of the most challenging dishes for me is the traditional French foie-gras terrine — a classic of French cuisine. It demands meticulous technique, especially in layering the foie gras correctly. Precision is key; a slight misstep can cause the layers to blend together, compromising both the dish’s texture and presentation. Mastering the terrine requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of ingredients, making it technically demanding yet highly rewarding. 

As a head chef, what are you like? Do you shout a lot? Or are you more laidback? 

My focus is on maintaining calm and organization in the kitchen. On our busiest nights, we can serve up to 1,200 covers in our relatively small kitchen, so it’s important that everyone follows the rules. With a team of 15, discipline is crucial, but I avoid shouting, as it’s counterproductive.  

Chef Hadi’s orange cake recipe




(Supplied)

INGREDIENTS 

For the orange cake: 

340g eggs; 470g sugar; 360g flour; 10g baking powder; 230ml whipping cream; 160g butter (melted); 70g orange juice; 7g orange zest 

For the orange syrup:  

60g orange juice; 30g water; 30g sugar 

For the meringue: 

3 egg whites (100g); 200g sugar  

Additional: 

50g orange 

INSTRUCTIONS  

(Note: A bain-marie is required) 

For the orange cake: 

1. Preheat oven to 160C. 

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Add the eggs and beat well. 

3. Add the orange juice and whipping cream. Mix thoroughly. 

4. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until there are no clumps. 

5. Add the melted butter and mix well. 

6. Pour the batter into a cake tray. Draw a straight line of melted butter on top. 

7. Bake for 55 minutes. 

8. Remove from the oven and pour the orange syrup over the cake. Allow it to cool. 

For the orange syrup:  

1. In a small saucepan, over very low heat, combine the orange juice, water, and sugar. 

2. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. 

3. Remove from heat. 

For the meringue: 

1. In a bain-marie, heat the egg whites to 65C. 

2. Transfer the egg whites to a mixer. 

3. Gradually add the sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form. 

Assembly: 

1. Once the cake has cooled and absorbed the syrup, serve slices with a dollop of meringue and (optional) garnish with fresh orange slices and a scoop of orange ice cream. 


Backstreet Boys returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in October

Backstreet Boys returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in October
Updated 07 August 2024
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Backstreet Boys returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in October

Backstreet Boys returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in October
  • After a presale on Thursday, tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at noon; prices start at 295 dirhams
  • The concert comes less than 18 months after their previous concert at the venue, which was part of their DNA World Tour

BEIRUT: Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will welcome back American group the Backstreet Boys on Oct. 23, less than 18 months after their previous concert there in May last year.
Tickets for the 2023 gig, which was part of their DNA World Tour, sold out within six hours, making it one of the fastest-selling arena shows in the UAE.
Emirati newspaper The National reported on Wednesday that Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean and Brian Littrell will perform but fellow member Kevin Richardson will be absent because of scheduling issues.
Presale tickets will be available on the Live Nation website on Thursday before general sales begin at noon on Friday. Prices start at 295 dirhams ($80).
In our review of last year’s DNA World Tour concert, Arab News described it as a polished show with high production values that was flawless from start to finish. We said the vocals were pitch perfect, the harmonies deep, strong and vibrant, and the dance moves smoother than butter. Band members also took plenty of time between songs to talk to the audience and among themselves, and the chemistry between them was clearly still strong.
At one point, Carter, who stole the show with his incredible solo showcases, especially on “Shape of My Heart,” stopped the show and said: “I have to say something. Honest to God, coming from me, Abu Dhabi is probably the most beautiful place I’ve been to in the entire world. We love it here. I think I’m going to buy a house here.”
In January the group, which formed in 1993 in Florida and found fame with debut album “Backstreet Boys” in 1996, were on fire when they performed in Riyadh, headlining the Diriyah E-Prix after-race concerts. They enthralled the crowd with their infectious energy, signature harmonies, and a set list packed with timeless tracks.


Princess Rajwa of Jordan leaves hospital with newborn Princess Iman

Princess Rajwa of Jordan leaves hospital with newborn Princess Iman
Updated 07 August 2024
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Princess Rajwa of Jordan leaves hospital with newborn Princess Iman

Princess Rajwa of Jordan leaves hospital with newborn Princess Iman

DUBAI: Princess Rajwa of Jordan was discharged on Wednesday after giving birth to Princess Iman on Aug. 3.

Rajwa, who has Saudi origins, left the hospital accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, and their newborn daughter.

 

 

The family was greeted by the hospital staff and members of the public as they departed.

The princess wore a long, flowy dress featuring a blue and white floral pattern. The dress had a shirt-style design with a collared neckline and long sleeves, giving it a casual yet elegant appearance.

The waist is slightly cinched, which added structure to the otherwise relaxed fit of the dress. Rajwa paired the dress with white sneakers.

The Yazidi nightmare
Ten years after the genocide, their torment continues
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Jessica Kahawaty showcases luxury watchmaker in latest collaboration

Jessica Kahawaty showcases luxury watchmaker in latest collaboration
Updated 07 August 2024
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Jessica Kahawaty showcases luxury watchmaker in latest collaboration

Jessica Kahawaty showcases luxury watchmaker in latest collaboration
  • Current tie-up is with leading Swiss manufacturer
  • Australian Lebanese model works with top brands

DUBAI: Australian-Lebanese model and entrepreneur Jessica Kahawaty has added another brand campaign to her portfolio, this time with Breitling.

This week, she took to Instagram to share photos from her collaboration with the Swiss luxury watchmaker. In the series of images, she is seen wearing the brand’s Superocean Automatic 36 watch.

This product features a white dial with multicolored hour markers, including shades of yellow, orange, green, blue, red and purple. The case is crafted from stainless steel, while the unidirectional rotating bezel is accented with rose gold.

The watch includes rose gold hands with luminescent material, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions. The second hand is green, aligning with the green text on the dial. The timepiece is fitted with a white rubber strap designed for comfort and durability.

The Superocean Automatic 36 offers water resistance up to 300 meters, making it suitable for diving.

“If summer was a watch, it would be the Superocean Automatic 36. A smaller, colourful and sunnier dial,” Kahawaty captioned her Instagram post.

In the pictures, Kahawaty wore a sleeveless crop top featuring a vibrant floral print in bold colors, paired with a high-waisted, long white skirt. The skirt is detailed with two large fabric roses on the hip.

She accessorized her outfit with a wide-brimmed white hat and white open-toe sandals featuring a bow detail.

The model has featured in campaigns for numerous international brands, including Boss, Versace, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Tod’s and Boucheron.

Her most recent collaboration was with the British luxury cosmetics label Charlotte Tilbury.

The model appeared in a video campaign promoting the brand’s Love Frequency perfume, which is described as a floral woody musk fragrance for women and men.

Earlier this year, she unveiled her latest project with Boss. In March, she shared polaroid-style pictures from the shoot with her Instagram followers and wrote: “Double B, Every Me. Because there’s more than one way to be a BOSS.”

 

 

That same month, Kahawaty also showcased her collaboration with Versace for Ramadan, just days after working on a similar campaign with the New York-based label CH Carolina Herrera.

The Yazidi nightmare
Ten years after the genocide, their torment continues
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Review: Debut novel of Palestinian writer explores exile, displacement through the female body

Review: Debut novel of Palestinian writer explores exile, displacement through the female body
Updated 07 August 2024
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Review: Debut novel of Palestinian writer explores exile, displacement through the female body

Review: Debut novel of Palestinian writer explores exile, displacement through the female body
  • Yasmin Zaher’s ‘The Coin’ delves into power imbalances, consumerism, elitist nature of fashion and wealth

JEDDAH: The 2024 novel “The Coin,” is the dizzying debut of Jerusalem-born Palestinian writer Yasmin Zaher, which hones in on the female body, and is written in a stream-of-consciousness narrative style.

Titled after a shekel coin the unnamed female protagonist believes she swallowed as a child, and is rusting and decomposing in her, the novel is essentially about an affluent yet displaced woman’s exploration — on her own terms —  of the pain and pleasures of life.

Zaher writes about the unraveling, or rather the becoming, of a Palestinian woman who moves to New York City with the hope of starting life afresh as a schoolteacher.

The coin is “resurrected” here, amid the dirt and poverty that plagues the American city, which the protagonist describes as: “How could the devil be the dream?” It seems to manifest as discomfort, linking the traumas of the past to her present.

The narrator befriends a homeless, yet elegant man whom she gets embroiled with in a Birkin scam. This is an exploration of the cosmopolitan city life’s obsession with consumerism and materialism, as well as the performative and elitist nature of fashion and wealth.

With a closet full of designer pieces, the woman’s refined taste in fashion is a ruse to help her navigate societal expectations against the call of her inner self. She asks herself: “I wondered what my true essence would be, if I were solitary, in nature, untamed and unconditioned?”

She is from Palestine, which she describes as “neither a country, nor the third world, it was its own thing.”

Moving to the Big Apple in pursuit of home and her ideal self, this triggers obsessive cleaning rituals because the city “embraced the dirt like it was an aesthetic.”

As a woman from a country under occupation, her own body becomes the site of power struggles, a site of cleansing rather than being ethnically cleansed out.

Her protagonist says “the women in my family placed lot of importance on being clean … perhaps because there was little else they could control in their lives.”

The narrative is mercurial in its depiction of her cleansing rituals that are juxtaposed with glimmers of violent and disturbing psychopathic thoughts, making her not just an intriguing protagonist to read, but an elusive one.

The Yazidi nightmare
Ten years after the genocide, their torment continues
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Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry

Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry
Updated 06 August 2024
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Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry

Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry
  • ‘Barzakh’ stirred a controversy in Pakistan when some viewers said they considered its themes ‘provocative’ and anti-Islam
  • The show stars Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Salman Shahid, Nighat Choudhry and Uzma Beg

ISLAMABAD: Indian entertainment channel ‘Zindagi’ announced on Tuesday that it would be removing its popular series, ‘Barzakh,’ from YouTube Pakistan amid a public outcry over the content of the fantasy drama series.
The show stars Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Salman Shahid, Nighat Choudhry and Uzma Beg. It premiered on July 19.
Directed by Asim Abbasi, the drama stirred a controversy in Pakistan when many viewers said they considered its themes “bold,” “provocative” and against Islamic values. 
“In light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have made the decision to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024,” Zindagi said in an Instagram post.
“This decision underscores our dedication to honoring our audiences without causing alienation.”
The channel extended its gratitude to its global audience for their support for Barzakh, a show it said was “created to bring people together everywhere.”
The final episode of the fantasy drama is scheduled to air at 8pm on Tuesday. People in Pakistan can watch the show on YouTube until August 9.
The story of the show centers around a reclusive 76-year-old man who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for an unusual event – his wedding to the ghost of his first love, prompting reflections on life’s mysteries, the afterlife and the enduring power of love. The series tackles themes of mental health, postpartum depression, generational trauma and gender inclusivity. It also explores the role of folklore in human experience. The controversy began when two of the male leads in the series nearly share an intimate moment.