Depending on your perspective, a mood board that automatically detects and responds to your energy can be either quite cool or rather creepy. Fortunately, at Zenon, the artificial intelligence (AI) that 'feels' your vibe and uses it to create and project images on the walls comfortably falls into the former category. Located at Kempinski Central Avenue Hotel, the restaurant features cosy interiors often illuminated by the shifting patterns and pictures projected on the walls. One moment you might see a Greek-inspired statue, the next a geometric pattern, and then bright lights.
Zenon's menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean with a touch of exotic Asian flavors. The menu is updated approximately four times a year. Chef Lorenzo Buccarini, Executive Chef at Zenon, explains: "We typically update the menu seasonally, about four times a year, to reflect the availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients and to introduce new culinary trends and inspirations. Additionally, we regularly feature special dishes and limited-time offerings to keep our guests excited and engaged." This isn't your ordinary cook-and-plate establishment; it prides itself on crafting stories with every bite. The experience is immersive, and cooking for it, as the chef confirms, is different. "Cooking for an immersive experience is quite different. It goes beyond just preparing delicious food; it's about creating a multi-sensory journey for our guests. Every element, from the presentation and plating to the interaction between the dish and the dining environment, plays a crucial role. The goal is to captivate all the senses and create memorable moments that leave a lasting impression."
To leave a lasting impression, a restaurant must excel not only in chopping, cooking, and serving but also in the quality of the food. Chef Buccarini is committed to ensuring the food is not only of good quality but also served impeccably. "My biggest pet peeve in the kitchen is inconsistency. Ensuring that every dish is prepared to the same high standard is crucial for maintaining the quality and reputation of our restaurant. Inconsistent seasoning, overcooked or undercooked proteins, and lacklustre presentation can undermine the dining experience we strive to provide," he explains. The chef, classically trained in Italy and having worked across the globe before settling in Dubai, draws his passion from the 'creative process'. "The thing that I enjoy most about cooking is the creative process and the ability to bring joy to people through food. I love experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine to create something unique and memorable. Seeing the delight and satisfaction on our guests' faces when they enjoy a dish is incredibly rewarding," he says. His eclectic habits of tasting and experimenting with different kinds of food have enriched his flavor profile. "My culinary journey began in Italy, where I developed a deep appreciation for traditional flavours and techniques. Over the years, working in various countries like Morocco, France, and now the UAE, I've incorporated diverse influences into my cooking. This journey has shaped my approach to creating innovative dishes that honour tradition while embracing modernity," he explains. And in true Dubai form, the restaurant sources fresh catch and food from across the world to its kitchen, featuring a variety of highly sought-after species, including dentex, pagre, Dover sole, and pagellus, all sourced directly from Greece and Spain to ensure the highest quality and freshness for our guests.
There are many immersive food experiences in Dubai, from dinner in the dark to Le Petit Chef, where you engage with theatre as you dine. Now, Zenon uses AI to enhance your food experience, transporting you to a different world. The word indulgence comes to mind when you enter Zenon, with its thickly carpeted floors, Voss bottles of water handed out to all tables, and walls that glow and change pattern every so often. This is AI at its best. The restaurant also uses projections to keep various wall sculptures colored and looking surreal, creating a Matrix-like world. The food is served in batches, gentle bites that still pack an explosion of flavor. First, there's flounder fish carpaccio, fresh and citrusy with edible flower petals; then the melt-in-your-mouth burrata with tomatoes; and fried feta, which is a bit like a crispy cutlet. The next round brings truffle and mushroom risotto, warm, creamy, and earthy, followed by lemony grilled chicken with asparagus, perfect for a warm summer day. To end the evening, you bite into a lava cake oozing melting chocolatey goodness and cooling your tongue with vanilla ice cream. This is where food and AI come together to create an evening to remember.
Three other tasty immersive experiences to try in Dubai include Arte Museum, where you can enjoy a tea bar with a floral immersive experience surrounded by digital art; Krasota at Address Downtown Hotel, a cool place with a celebrity endorsement offering immersive gastro theatre; and Le Petit Chef at Andaz Dubai The Palm, where you'll likely end up giggling at the virtual experience of being served by an animated little French chef, accompanied by a four-course meal featuring flavors from around the world.
