Central, the Spanish-inspired eatery at ME Dubai, the only hotel to be fully designed both inside and out by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, reveals its new breakfast menu. The collection of dishes is the vision of Chef James Knight-Pacheco, to offer something new and bold for the fresh new season. As well as packing a visual punch, each of the dishes has an exciting back-story that draws heavily on Middle Eastern and Spanish references.
Two signature items on offer are The Benedict and The Favourite; both plated on an outsized English breakfast muffin. The Benedict is built around Middle Eastern ingredients and uses a saffron hollandaise over a breakfast muffin, turkey ham, kale, and a poached hen’s egg. The Favourite is topped with house-cured salmon and kale, complete with a delicately poached hen’s egg and dill hollandaise.
The Middle East’s rich culinary heritage is also celebrated in the Falafel Waffle, Chef James’ spin on savoury waffles. Bursting with flavour, the dish consists of a falafel waffle base topped with date tahina, Shakshouka puree, pomegranate, and salad leaves over cucumber ketchup. The sweet & sour draws its inspiration from Arabian nobility, embellished with a peacock feather for a fabulous morning photo moment.
Chef James’ spirit is evident in the wide array of instagrammable highlights such as the souffle omelet and mosaic tortillas; cooked to perfection using seven different types of potatoes and more. The vanilla pancakes are a true ‘wow moment’ and easily the tallest stack of pancakes the UAE has seen.
Executive Chef James Knight-Pacheco explains; “Being a restaurant chef I have always aspired to create dishes that not only look great but also taste incredible. Central, unlike any other hotel’s breakfast space, is a restaurant-style venue that allows us to tell a story with each dish. From Middle Eastern to Spanish influences every dish teases the taste buds and takes guests on a culinary journey.”
In line with ME Dubai’s sustainability measures, all ingredients are sourced fresh daily and locally, including free-range hen’s eggs, and the organic sourdough is served with each breakfast dish. Bread and Pastries, tea and coffee, and fresh juice are also offered on a complimentary basis for a generous start to the day that will leave guests energized, fired-up, and ready to take on the best of the city on the hotel’s doorstep.