And they’re both concepts by chef Izu Ani…

After paying the newly opened Fika at Jumeirah Beach Hotel a visit last week, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai has been spotted visiting two other restaurants – and they’re both concepts by acclaimed local chef, Izu Ani.

First up, Sheikh Hamdan, fondly known as Fazza, paid a visit to Aya. The Asian restaurant has just opened its doors in City Walk, replacing British restaurant Galvin.

Alongside Fika, Aya is one of two new openings by chef Izu. Chef Izu says of the restaurant, “We wanted to take Asian cuisine to a different level with the most important elements being imbedded deep in the tastes of the menu.”

Over the weekend, Sheikh Hamdan also stopped by another restaurant by chef Izu – enjoying lunch at Carine at Emirates Golf Club.

 

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The venue took to Instagram to share an image of the team with Sheikh Hamdan, describing the visit as an “incredible honour”.

Named after chef Izu’s wife, Carine serves up an array of Mediterranean plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner, overlooking the golf course at Emirates Golf Club.

It’s no secret that Sheikh Hamdan is a fan of Izu’s restaurants. When the Crown Prince paid his new restaurant in Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Fika, a visit last week, Izu took to Instagram to say “it’s always a great honour to have him try out my new restaurants.”

And while Fazza may be a big fan of chef Izu, it’s clear the feelings mutual. Speaking to What’s On in December 2018 after Sheikh Hamdan was spotted at Gaia, chef Izu said, “I truly admire his polite and kind nature, and his down-to-earth personality, and this is something I strive to achieve in my day to day life. He is an inspiration, and I am so grateful that he took the time out of his schedule to visit us and support our latest project.”

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Images: Instagram