Food connoisseurs and flavour seekers alike are soon to become mesmerised by sheer culinary excellence as The Luminary Set announces its first Four-Hands Dinner in the Middle East. This exclusive event will feature two of the region’s most celebrated chefs, Vineet Bhatia and Akira Back. Set to take place on Thursday, October 3rd from 8pm onwards at Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm, this dinner is a must-attend for epicures across the region. Guests will have the unique opportunity to savour an extraordinary eight-course menu, available for one night only, promising an unparalleled gastronomic experience for discerning diners.
The Luminary Set was launched this year with a mission to curate unparalleled dining experiences by bringing together the world’s most prestigious chefs and restaurants. By uniting luminaries like Chef Akira Back and Chef Vineet Bhatia, the collection aims to elevate fine dining and showcase culinary mastery across the globe. Both chefs are celebrated members of The Luminary Set, which comprises a handpicked selection of Michelin-starred venues and acclaimed restaurants known for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy.
Two Culinary Powerhouses Join Forces
Chef Akira Back is a globally acclaimed culinary innovator known for blending his Korean heritage with Japanese cuisine to create the most stunning dishes. Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Akira Back initially pursued a professional snowboarding career before turning his passion to the kitchen, honing his skills at the International Culinary School in Colorado and quickly rising to prominence, opening cutting-edge restaurants worldwide. His empire spans 25 locations across the globe, with more on the horizon, solidifying his status as a true visionary in the culinary world.
Chef Vineet Bhatia MBE, the first ever chef to receive a Michelin star for Indian cuisine, is widely recognised as the founding father of modern Indian cuisine. Honoured with an MBE by King Charles, his illustrious career spans award-winning restaurants across continents, with Michelin stars in both London and Geneva. His pioneering approach has led him to create pop-up experiences in extraordinary locations, from Everest Base Camp to Antarctica, as well as gracing the skies with his cuisine as a Culinary Ambassador for British and Qatar Airways. Renowned for his daring fusion of traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques, Chef Vineet has redefined Indian cuisine on the world stage.
Both the talented chefs are celebrated members of The Luminary Set, with their renowned restaurants included in its prestigious collection. Chef Akira Back’s global empire includes his namesake restaurants in Istanbul, Tenerife, and Dubai, with Akira Back Dubai being recognised as a MICHELIN Guide Dubai recommended venue in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Chef Vineet Bhatia also brings his culinary expertise to The Luminary Set through his acclaimed restaurants in the UAE, including Indego by Vineet, a MICHELIN Guide recommended venue, and Indya by Vineet, which was recently awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award 2024.
Eight Courses of Innovation
The mouthwatering eight-course menu will feature alternating signature creations from both Michelin-starred chefs, allowing guests to savour the distinct styles and culinary philosophies of each chef. Each course will be meticulously crafted to complement the other, creating a harmonious journey through modern Indian and Japanese fusion cuisine. Guests can expect a symphony of bold, innovative flavours as Chef Vineet Bhatia and Chef Akira Back present a culinary experience that masterfully blends tradition with cutting-edge gastronomy, promising to elevate the dining experience to new heights.
The evening will begin with Chef Akira Back’s Hamachi Tiradito, a refreshing combination of Aji Amarillo, tarragon, red pepper, and AB yuja foam, followed by Chef Vineet Bhatia’s Sambhar Prawns, featuring grilled prawns paired with cauliflower-cashew cream, herb oil, and coconut chips. Guests will then be treated to Glacier 51, Chef Akira’s signature dish with anticucho miso glaze, kimchi Brussels sprouts, and potato before Chef Vineet brings his signature twist to Indian cuisine with Butter Chicken Momo, accompanied by Parmesan crisp, aubergine chutney, and Makhni sauce.
Other standout dishes include Wagyu and Shrooms, a decadent Australian Wagyu 9+ striploin with mushroom and autumn vegetables by Chef Akira, and Chef Vineet’s Arabica Kapi Lamb, an Arabica coffee-marinated lamb chop with Jowar millet-pine nut khichdi and lamb jus. For dessert, guests will indulge in Chef Akira’s Chocolate Mille-Feuille, featuring textures of chocolate, Earl Grey ice cream, and yuzu sencha gel, followed by Chef Vineet’s Daulati Kheer Rasmalai, a delicate cardamom rice pudding with saffron rasmalai and salted caramel peanut kulfi.
The Luminary Set aims to unite the world’s most renowned chefs and dining establishments to craft unforgettable experiences. Comprising an extensive collection of Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and the Middle East, The Luminary Set is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fine dining and giving food lovers access to some of the rarest and most exciting gastronomic events across the 45 venues in its collection.
Don’t miss this one-night-only opportunity to dine with two of the culinary world’s brightest gastronomic innovators. Book now at https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/akira-back-w-dubai-the-palm-dubai to reserve your place at this exceptional Four-Hands Dinner as seating is limited. Prices start at AED 599 for the tasting menu, with an optional beverage pairing for AED 300.
When: Thursday, October 3rd from 8pm onwards
Where: Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm
What: 8-course four-hands dinner featuring Chef Akira Back and Chef Vineet Bhatia
Price: AED599 per person; AED300 extra for optional beverage pairing
*For reservations, visit https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/akira-back-w-dubai-the-palm-dubai
For more information, follow the Luminary Set on Instagram @theluminaryset or visit theluminaryset.com
