Director of Food and Beverage – Maurice Fitzgerald
Maurice joined Anantara The Palm Dubai in June 2014 as Executive Chef, managing a team of 110 Chefs and 3,000 daily covers. During his time in that role, he created Anantara’s first culinary book, launched in 2018, landed the hotel in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s largest Thai mango sticky rice dish, and won several awards, including Best Steakhouse and Best International Restaurant for Bushman’s Bar and Restaurant in 2017 and Best Beach restaurant for The Beach House in 2018.
He began his career in his native country, Ireland, before coming to Dubai to join Jumeirah in 2004, where he spent almost a decade delighting diners at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah.
Maurice also has a passion for nurturing talent within the Anantara group, which inspired the launch of an internal culinary school where young chefs can flourish.
Executive Chef – Michael Pearson
Chef Michael Pearson is a new addition to the Anantara team, where he will take over the role of Executive Chef.
Dual national of Britain and New Zealand, Chef Pearson has had a successful culinary career that stretches back over 30 years. He trained in the UK, before moving to Bermuda for a Sous Chef role. From there, he has worked in kitchens in New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, China, Oman, and other properties within the UAE, cementing a reputation for innovative cuisine and a positive work ethic while working with international teams.
He left his role as Culinary Director in Rosewood Phnom Penh in Cambodia, overseeing six food and beverage outlets, to join Anantara The Palm Dubai, where his prowess and attention to detail are welcomed.
Assistant Director of Food and Beverage – Julia Maragariti
Moving from Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Julia Maragariti takes on the role of Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at the Palm property.
Julia’s gained a diploma in Culinary Arts in Greece, before completing a degree in Hospitality Management in the U.K. After learning the ropes during several roles at high-end properties in the UK, Julia moved to the UAE in 2012 to assume a restaurant management position in Ras Al Khaimah. She joined Qasr Al Sarab in 2014 where she managed several large events for premium brands such as Mubadala, Sephora, and Porsche.
During her tenure as Sales, Events, and Catering Manager at Qasr Al Sarab, the team and property won several awards and Julia managed 160 team members.
Maurice, Michael, and Julia are welcomed by the team at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Their combined experience and leadership qualities will have a fantastic impact over the coming months and keep visitors returning to Anantara The Palm Dubai for quality dining moments.
