Orange Hospitality sets a new benchmark for sophisticated and forward-thinking restaurant concept with the opening of Josette, a revolutionary Parisian dining concept at ICD Brookfield Place.
Mon chéri,
I am pleased to unveil that my doors have officially opened at ICD Brookfield Place, in the heart of DIFC, and it was the biggest « Soir de première » the city has ever seen! Dubai food connoisseurs can now experience the joie de vivre seven days a week, from lunch to dinner. Magnifique!
Think timeless 1920s Parisian glamour, impeccable food, charming cocktails, and world-class acts for 180 diners. I cannot wait for my guests from the city and around the globe to gather as we all share exquisite French cuisine surrounded by art, unique acts and a charming waitstaff. After all, sharing every dazzling moment is the true raison d’être.
High glamour was the order of the day at my « Soir de première » that took place on Sunday 28th January: celebrities and guests decked out in 1920s glitz & glamour walked on a fabulous green carpet as they were greeted by my very dapper doorman. Brilliant lights beamed through the sky, making the whole DIFC and Sheikh Zayed Road aware about the ongoing soirée. The grandiose party set-up was of course designed by Dubai-famous Events Chic company.
Fabulous cover stars joined Omar Saideh, Luke Edward Hall, and I in toasting to the momentous occasion. A taste of things to come was showcased at the glittering Parisian-inspired party, with canapés including gougère, oyster and caviar next to an impressive ice sculpture, foie gras terrine on brioche toasted, entrecote café de Paris sauce, potato millefeuille with truffle, and duck croquet served with my very own Josette champagne and delectable concoctions from the cocktail menu.
Josette is the brainchild of the renowned artist Luke Edward Hall, who has a brilliant eye for colour and exploded my love for fantasy and extravagance all over the interiors. It was also an exceptional collaboration with award-winning architectural firm, Studio 63.
Luke’s playful style is evident across various design elements, including his 30 colorful hand-painted illustrations displayed on the pastel pink-coloured walls, and a carefully curated range of ceramics. The spectacular green marble entrance with the wooden revolving door, and a retro look, leads the guests into a special place with a strong eccentric female character.
The overall décor of my space is sprinkled with storytelling, from one-of-a-kind table lamps to three fanciful color changing blown-glass chandeliers in the main dining area. It is also marked by two big domes, giving guests a stunning view of the skies above.
Full of charm, the interior design transports guests to the alluring vintage bistros of France. Marble floors, gorgeous chairs, and velvet green banquettes add to the restaurant’s whimsical character, while the mirrored columns complete the overall extravagance.
And what’s a party without a sumptuous menu? All beloved classics were reimagined for modern tastes, including my indulgent plateau de Josette, l’artichaut, soupe a l’oignon, escargot and foie gras. In addition to the daring menu, Dubai diners will be wowed with some culinary theatrics as the chefs prepare and serve a signature crêpe Josette in a special trolley. Josette brings rôtisserie back to its French roots with a special poulet roti prepared daily in a rôtisserie oven. The restaurant is helmed by the fabulous chef Burcu Cracknell, who brings years of experience cooking at a handful of acclaimed French restaurants in Dubai and around the world.
Guests will also be taken on a on a Traversée de Paris, with my range of artisanal craft cocktails inspired by my favourite spots in Paris. Expect a sophisticated execution of trailblazing creativity with an array of beverages that aspire to be a work of art. The bygone era of Parisian grandeur and glamour of Josette is surely not complete without my very own Champagne label. Our exclusive Chardonnay blend, sourced from more than 70 crus and vinified in small vats to preserve freshness. Josette Champagne is perfectly aged and balanced. The wine list houses more than 300 offerings, with a special focus on French wines as well as the finest selection from around the world.
A first-of-its-kind afternoon high tea experience also awaits my guests, four days a week, from 3 pm to 5.30 pm with a well-curated combination of decadence and flair which is not only delicious, but also tells a story. The royal affair called “Sparkling Afternoons”, is served in the elegant Le Moulin Rose room and features freshly baked scones and sweet treats i.e tarte caramel, lemon meringue, rose marshmallow, cheesecake Josette and many more, crafted by talented pastry chef Jibu K. Mohan. Guests can delve into an array of savoury petit fours, i.e. croissant caviar, homard brioche and jambon fromage, all served on stylish multi-tiered platter, accompanied by my custom-blended herbal tea and coffee selection. The special menu is a representation of marriage between glorious French and abundant Arabic flavours that are as tempting as they are indulgent. Lovers of classic afternoon tea can explore the option for the Champagne package, with a simple push of the “Press for Champagne” button, or a traditional non - alcoholic package. The “Sparkling Afternoons” are set to charm diners as my friends from the opera, the phenomenal quatuor, serenades them throughout. The Josette Quatuor is an exceptional collaboration between Josette and Dubai Opera: a testament of the savior-faire at the heart of Orange Hospitality.
With a spacious interior, the restaurant sets the perfect stage for a theatrical dining experience unlike any other, inviting everyone to step into my colourful world and embark on a journey of nostalgia with unparalleled entertainment, from refined cabaret shows and tap dancers to lavish soirées that evoke the spirit of vintage Parisian glitz and glamour. À couper le souffle!
Sebastien Agius, our very own artistic director, stage director, and also a performer has formed a group of seven versatile French artists who come from the best theatres and shows in Paris and developed an entertainment program that crosses different eras, dance styles, aesthetics, and overall repertoire. “We’ll have some opera vibes, some burlesque, and some cabaret. I want the evening to feel like travelling through time, from 1920s and the Années Folles to today”, said Sebastian, winner of the inaugural season of the French X Factor series in 2009. Every night, the ambiance is taken up a notch with unique live shows, art and entertainment that ignite mischief and temptation.
Beautifully situated in the new ICD Brookfield Place, we’re bringing a whole new level of culinary experience in Dubai’s aspirational financial district, among the city’s most exciting food destinations. “We are extremely proud to welcome Josette to ICD Brookfield Place. Josette will offer visitors a show-stopping experience and is set to shake up Dubai’s dining scene with their sumptuous interiors, gastronomy, and enthralling entertainment”, said Rob Devereux, CEO
of ICD Brookfield.
Omar Saideh, Founder of Orange Hospitality, shares “We are extremely excited to introduce Josette to the world, a never-before-seen dining experience and our most revolutionary concept to date. In bringing Josette’s world to life, we’ve collaborated with the industry’s best, including Luke Edward Hall, Desselle Partners, Studio 63, ICD Brookfield Place and Event Chic. Every aspect of the restaurant has been meticulously thought through, from the impressive décor and layout to the striking color palette and furniture, elevated menu, bespoke beverage program, and spectacular entertainment. Josette promises to bring Parisian culture back in fashion while also challenging its roots and the status quo, ultimately redefining the F&B scene as we know it.”
All my love,
Josette
About Orange Hospitality. Crafted, curated concepts.
Headquartered in London, Orange Hospitality (OH) is an integrated F&B operator with 6 award-winning restaurant concepts in the UK and the UAE. Specialising in curated concept creation and franchising opportunities that challenge the status quo, we pride ourselves on developing storytelling and ends with an original and authentic culinary journey. At OH, we create concepts that provoke, that impression on our customers; ensuring that each visit is as memorable as their last.
