Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has appointed Geoffroy B. van Hasbroeck as its executive Chef, the Belgian native comes with 20 years of culinary experience ‑ half of those spent working in Michelin Star restaurants in Paris, Monaco and Brussels.
Prior to joining Kempinski Mall of Emirates, Hasbroeck held executive sous-chef positions in some of Dubai’s finest hotels, including the One and Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah where he worked with Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Before moving to Dubai in 2013, Hasbroeck travelled and worked throughout Europe, earning his stripes in some of the world’s top Michelin star restaurants, including Il Cortil in Paris, where he worked with the famed Chef Alain Ducasse, and in Vistamar at Hotel Hermitage, Monaco.
His culinary career began in Brussels where he also grew up, starting with a degree in Culinary and Hotel management and later assisting a brigade of 13 chefs in one of the city’s French restaurant’s, Le Chalet de la Forêt, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars.
Speaking about his new position at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of Emirates, he said: “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have my culinary career take me to different countries and while I started my career rooted in French cuisine, travelling the world has allowed me to experience new flavours and cooking techniques from Asia to the Middle East.” – Geoffrey B. van Hasbroeck.
Chef Hasbroeck’s has introduced a series of menu changes to mark his arrival, starting with a new all-day dining menu in Aspen, the hotel’s lobby lounge, adding classic Italian and French favourites such as Panzanella and Octopus and Artichoke Salad, Black Truffle Pizza and Milanese Veal Cutlets with Mediterranean vegetables.
He has also upgraded their afternoon tea experience from 3pm – 6pm daily. Nothing beats a delicious, quintessentially, British afternoon tea – and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates knows exactly that, which is why they have collaborated with London Tea Exchange, the royal tea supplier, making Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates the first hotel to offer this product globally including a wide selection of gourmet teas from across the globe with distinctive flavours such as Pistachio Truffle and Pomegranate Blossom sitting alongside classics like Earl Gray and Organic Chamomile. Guests can also indulge in the art of brewing with the most delicate and distinctive teacup extremely sought after by tea connoisseurs at Aspen by Kempinski.
The afternoon tea includes a mouth-watering spread, which includes finger sandwiches, think smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese – and also classics such as homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, macaroons and hazelnut chocolate fudge, as well as mini pastries with fresh berries, Orange Blossom Mille-Feuille and Yuzu Cheesecake.
In addition to an array of teas on offer, enjoy a selection of niche hot and iced-coffees, healthy juices or a delicious Après Ski Spritz mocktail for those looking to make their experience that little bit extra special.