Michelin-star Chef Vikas Khanna has announced another culinary collaboration with UAE-based hospitality group JA Resorts & Hotels, with the opening of new seasonal restaurant ‘Ellora by Vikas Khanna’, at JA Beach Hotel in JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach Dubai.
Situated in Dubai’s largest experience resort – JA The Resort, Ellora by Vikas Khanna is described as ‘a seasonal culinary experience inspired by the traditional flavours of India’. The new restaurant will be open from August 2020 as a seasonal experience, while signature restaurant Kinara by Vikas Khanna will be temporarily closed throughout the coming months.
Ellora by Vikas Khanna will feature new dishes with seasonal hero ingredients such as green mango, passionfruit and watermelon, as well as the firm fan favourites from the original Kinara menu.
‘Ellora’, meaning caves in Sanskrit, was named by Khanna himself to represent a beacon of positivity and light that shines through darkness. Symbolising the creativity that may be borne of challenging times, the name reflects Khanna’s optimism and commitment in opening a new venture despite the current circumstances.
The menu will feature authentic regional Indian dishes, imaginatively crafted with a modern twist. Lead by Vikas Khanna’s protégé in Dubai, Chef de Cuisine Ashish Kumar; the seasonal dishes include the Tandoori Pineapple with sesame curry, saffron crisp and coconut cream, Tawa Salmon- Pan-seared Salmon, pistachio crust, rainbow carrot and watermelon curry and the Achari Lamb.
Vikas Khanna said of the new venture: “As we were planning the opening of Ellora by Vikas Khanna, I was simultaneously coordinating the Feed India initiative, whereby we organised a supplier network of food and rations and delivered more than 25 million meals to Indian families in need. I was feeling deeply enveloped in the power of food and nourishment on a new level and wanted this emotion to permeate Ellora. I’m truly feeling blessed for both the creations.”