Culinary Arts Group, the visionary Singapore-based restaurant collective, is set to redefine Dubai’s dining landscape with the launch of its first Middle East ventures. The group introduces Revolver, a Michelin Select modern grill from Singapore, known for its theatrical open-fire kitchen and Maison Dali, a home-grown concept merging Mediterranean flavours with Japanese techniques.
Leading the group’s expansion into the region is dynamic leadership trio: Stephane Heard, Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Tristin Farmer, Culinary Director and Partner and Jitin Joshi, Chef Partner. Together, they bring a remarkable synergy of expertise, creativity and a shared vision for innovation.
With over 20 years of leadership experience across global destinations such as New York, Miami and Singapore, Stephane Heard, Chief Operating Officer of Culinary Arts Group, has led F&B operations for renowned brands, including Atlantis The Royal, One&Only, COMO Hotels & Resorts, and Nobu restaurants. At Atlantis The Royal, he managed a team of 900 and successfully launched 17 venues, featuring concepts by culinary icons Heston Blumenthal and Nobu Matsuhisa. His extensive expertise in delivering excellence at scale makes Stephane a driving force behind the Culinary Arts Group’s Dubai launch.
Tristin Farmer, the only other chef from Scotland after Gordon Ramsay to earn three Michelin stars, helms the Culinary Arts Group as Culinary Director. With over two decades of excellence, Tristin’s journey has been shaped by legends like Gordon Ramsay and Björn Frantzén. He has led Michelin-starred establishments across London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai—including earning the title “Middle East Chef of the Year” at Marina Social—solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s finest chefs. Under his leadership, Zén in Singapore ascended to three Michelin stars, cementing his legacy in modern gastronomy. Now back in Dubai, Tristin channels his exceptional vision into Maison Dali with his signature cooking style, flavour-forward menus and a bespoke non-alcoholic beverage programme. From double-fermented kombuchas to layered infusions of fruits, vegetables and fine teas, each creation is thoughtfully designed to perfectly complement every dish and elevate the dining experience.
At Maison Dali, Tristin will unveil a reimagined Afternoon Tea in the exclusive Dali Supper Club. Featuring a premium tea trolley with selections from HAIYATEA showcasing the finest teas from Japan, China and Taiwan alongside herbal infusions, the menu features Japanese Sandos, matcha cream scones and flavour-packed pastries, offering a refined blend of tradition, minimalism and indulgence.
Taking charge of Revolver’s culinary vision is Jitin Joshi, Chef Partner, whose 27-year career across Michelin-starred kitchens has redefined the boundaries of exceptional dining. A gold medallist from Delhi’s prestigious Oberoi School, Jitin honed his craft at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze as Head Pastry Chef, and at Benares in Mayfair where he led the team to achieve a Michelin star. Known for blending French techniques and Indian flavours, Jitin has helmed marquee venues like Amal at Armani Hotel and Atmosphere in Burj Khalifa. As the former Executive Chef of the now two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana in London and at Taj Dubai, where he launched and managed 10 F&B concepts, he has earned accolades like “Ethnic Chef of the Year” from the Craft Guild of Chefs.
In addition, he has showcased his expertise in ‘Spice Masterclasses’ at Sauce by The Langham, London, sharing the same stage as renowned Chef Michel Roux Jr. At Revolver, Jitin will bring together his expertise and innovation to curate a truly unique dining experience.
Jonathan White, Director of Restaurants, joins Culinary Arts Group with over 15 years of hospitality leadership. Formerly General Manager of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Dubai, Jonathan played a pivotal role in the restaurant’s pre-opening success, securing a Michelin star within four months. His previous roles at Dinner by Heston London and Malmaison Hotel, Newcastle, underscore his commitment to creating remarkable dining experiences. In his new role, Jonathan will oversee the launch and operations of Revolver and Maison Dali.
Elevating the beverage experience is Vitor Lourenço, Beverage Director, whose 16 years of expertise has shaped award-winning programmes across Europe and the Middle East. As Head of Rosewood London’s Gin Bar, Group Beverage Manager at EatX, Dubai and Bar Manager at Cloud 22, Atlantis the Royal, Vitor has demonstrated mastery in mixology, curation and brand collaborations. His recent collaborations with Diageo and his role as Campari ambassador reflect his innovative spirit. Vitor will work closely with the chefs to design bespoke beverage programmes for Revolver and Maison Dali. At Revolver, he channels the elements of nature—fire, wind and light to design a dynamic and harmonious experience that enhances the flavours of the bold, spiced and smoky menu; while at Maison Dali, Vitor draws inspiration from the Seven Arts to develop a sensory-led beverage program that perfectly complements the umami-driven, ingredient-focused menu.
With over a decade of international experience, Veronika Zakharchuk joins as Head Sommelier. Formerly Assistant Head Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, she managed an extensive wine list of 1,500 labels and led a 6,000-bottle cellar. Her expertise extends to curating Russia’s largest champagne selection at Gvidon and creating unique wine pairings for Gorynich by the White Rabbit Family. At Revolver and Maison Dali, Veronika will craft notable wine lists and cultivate an unparalleled sommelier programme.
Housed in the iconic Opus by Dame Zaha Hadid in Business Bay, Revolver and Maison Dali mark Culinary Arts Group’s dynamic foray into Dubai.
