What makes Aquario, at The Oberoi Al Zorah, so special?
Aquario is all about celebrating the very essence of regional ingredients and culinary techniques. Our unique cooking philosophy revolves around showcasing, enhancing and elevating flavours, to make the core ingredients of each dish shine. Quality is of paramount value, underlining every aspect of the dining experience, we source the finest ingredients. The artistry of Aquario’s reinvented menu, celebrates the essence of regional ingredients and techniques influenced by the Provençal Mediterranean coastline and Italy. With a deep-rooted commitment to sustainably sourced and line-caught fresh wild fish, Aquario takes immense pride in upholding this culinary philosophy. This year brings an expanded and elevated array of these exquisite delicacies, allowing our cherished guests to enjoy nothing but the highest quality seafood while championing our dedication to responsible culinary practices.
What inspired your menu?
Our culinary inspiration comes from two distinct sources: the Provençal Mediterranean coastline and the rich gastronomic traditions of Italy. These regions have left an undeniable mark on our menu, shaping its very essence. The culinary philosophy embraces graceful simplicity, where ingredients and preparation harmoniously combine to accentuate the inherent freshness of the master ingredient in a delicacy. Furthermore, we closely monitor the fishing process, as seasonality is of utmost importance, to ensure quality and sustainable production.
If your menu is a storybook, what kind of story would it be telling?
The tale of Aquario unfolds amidst the sea’s beauty and grandeur. Here, we envision the dining experience as a captivating sail on a culinary voyage. Every dish is a tribute to the bountiful gifts of the sea. We believe in the eloquence of simplicity, where each flavour and ingredient shines as the protagonist in our tale. The essence of our story is to allow the food to speak for itself, making it the true hero. We aspire to share this captivating legend with all our esteemed guests.
Describe Aquario in one word
Inspired – Each delicacy is inspired; inspired by one’s craft, inspired by spectacular ingredients, inspired by picturesque surroundings and finally inspired by cherished guests and team members alike.
Describe your team in one word
Heartfelt – We believe that we deliver heartfelt experiences, overall foundationally, as a team, we provide genuine and caring experiences to our guests and treat our team members with the same compassion. The guest is everything, and we personalise our service to ensure their expectations are exceeded. But our people are our key asset and with their genuine care every dining experience is elevated.
Please share your top tips for aspiring chefs out there
Having a deep-seated passion is the key. Being a chef is incredibly demanding, and it’s only possible to excel with a genuine fondness for cooking. Maintaining consistent performance is essential. Keep an open mind and a thirst for learning; the culinary world is ever-evolving. Most importantly, push for perfection, because it is achievable.
What do you love most about The Oberoi Al Zorah?
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, is a unique property that combines professionalism and a commitment to providing our guests with the most genuine and attentive care. There’s an unmistakable aura when you encounter sincere guest care, and it’s a sentiment that is most prominent throughout our entire resort, from the meticulous maintenance of the premises to the dedicated and passionate staff. Here at Aquario, we pour our hearts and souls into crafting culinary experiences that reflect this dedication. Also, the people here are truly remarkable. They are kind, have a great attitude, are team players, and always greet you warmly. This work ethic, deeply rooted in Oberoi Hotels & Resorts around the globe, resonates with me, and this is what I love most about this hotel.
