Flamingo Room by tashas, a space where African glamour meets elevated dining and innovation, is proud to spotlight the excellence that extends across its locations in the UAE. Reflecting on the past 7 years, Flamingo Room celebrates the culinary team of Head Chefs that lead the kitchen across the two venues within the UAE – Head Chefs Darren Vasiljevic and Dennis Erol Luke, across their Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations respectively.
Offering a world of playful sophistication, Flamingo Room by tashas provides guests an elevated dining experience, along with exceptional service and an unparalleled ambience. The restaurant’s standout dishes feature a menagerie of vibrant flavours, such as the Butternut Carpaccio, Calamari Mozambique, and the biggest crowd pleaser: the Lobster Pasta. Under the guidance of Jill Okkers, Culinary Director at tashas Group, the two Head Chefs have collaboratively come together to ensure the Flamingo Room experience and vision is translated across both venues, each one bringing their expertise to the team. Their different paths converged with a shared dream, leading them both to Flamingo Room by tashas.
Darren Vasiljevic, Head Chef at Flamingo Room by tashas, Dubai
Leading the Flamingo Room kitchen in Dubai is Darren Vasiljevic, originally hailing from South Africa. Vasiljevic’s journey began working as an assistant cook in a small cafe outside of Johannesburg, following his childhood passion for hospitality. Climbing up the ranks, Vasiljevic joined the tashas Group as Chef de Partie in 2019 for Avli by tashas, making it to Sous Chef within 2 years at the restaurant. Following his success at Avli, in October 2022, Vasiljevic was appointed as the Head Chef of Flamingo Room by tashas in Dubai, overseeing the kitchen and managing a team of over 40 chefs and stewards. Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, he emphasises, “I am driven by my passion for food and cooking; that has always been the guiding light throughout my career. I thrive on sparking creativity, nurturing talent, and crafting dining experiences that guests won’t forget.” He firmly believes in leading by example and fostering an environment where each team member is empowered to reach their full potential.
Dennis Errol Luke, Head Chef at Flamingo Room by tashas, Abu Dhabi
Dennis Errol Luke, who also has South African roots, is the Head Chef of Flamingo Room Abu Dhabi. Luke is a visionary with a wealth of experience across esteemed establishments such as Pearl Social Doha by Jason Atherton and Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. His journey began with a childhood passion for cooking, cultivated under his grandmother’s guidance. Despite initial doubts, Luke pursued his dream to become a chef and has vowed to earn accolades. Renowned for his innovative approach to cuisine and commitment to team empowerment, Luke leads Flamingo Room Abu Dhabi with a philosophy centred on collaboration and excellence. His dedication to creating a supportive environment where creativity flourishes has earned him recognition as a respected leader in the F&B industry.
Behind the scenes of Flamingo Room’s magic lies a tale of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Across two vibrant locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, Head Chefs Darren Vasiljevic and Dennis Erol Luke lead their teams with passion and precision, ensuring that each guest experiences the essence of Flamingo Room’s playful sophistication.
As pillars of creativity and leadership, these chefs exemplify the spirit of teamwork and support. Whether conceptualising new dish launches or navigating the daily operations of their respective kitchens, they stand united in their commitment to excellence. Through their collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, they continue to shape the F&B landscape, inspiring both their teams and guests alike.
