Food connoisseurs and flavor seekers are in for a remarkable treat this October as two of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Vineet Bhatia and Akira Back, come together for an exclusive Four-Hands Dinner. The highly anticipated event will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, at 8 pm at Akira Back, located in the luxurious W Dubai – The Palm. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is set to leave epicures across the Middle East mesmerized by the sheer excellence of an eight-course culinary masterpiece, curated for discerning diners with a passion for fine dining.
The Luminary Set, which launched this year with a mission to unite Michelin-starred chefs and prestigious restaurants globally, is behind this event. With an extraordinary focus on elevating fine dining to unparalleled heights, The Luminary Set aims to craft unforgettable dining experiences that showcase the best of gastronomy across continents.
A Meeting of Culinary Giants: Chef Akira Back and Chef Vineet Bhatia
This Four-Hands Dinner is not just any collaboration; it is the coming together of two culinary powerhouses, each with their own unique and acclaimed approach to food. Chef Akira Back, celebrated globally for his visionary blend of Korean and Japanese cuisine, has built an empire spanning 25 restaurants around the world. Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Chef Akira initially pursued a professional snowboarding career before turning his attention to the kitchen, where he trained at the International Culinary School in Colorado. With restaurants in Dubai, Istanbul, and Tenerife, he is a true innovator in the field, constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation.
On the other side of this dynamic duo is Chef Vineet Bhatia, the first chef to earn a Michelin star for Indian cuisine and widely recognized as the father of modern Indian gastronomy. Honored with an MBE by King Charles, Chef Vineet’s journey has taken him from award-winning restaurants across continents to creating unique pop-up dining experiences in locations as remote as Antarctica and Everest Base Camp. Known for his trailblazing fusion of traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques, Chef Vineet’s cooking has redefined Indian cuisine for the global stage.
Both chefs are prominent members of The Luminary Set, and their participation in this exclusive dinner represents a showcase of their culinary mastery, blending Japanese, Korean, and Indian cuisines to create something extraordinary.
A One-Night-Only Gastronomic Extravaganza
Food lovers in the region will have the rare chance to savor an eight-course menu that alternates between signature dishes from both chefs. Each course has been carefully curated to complement the other, offering a harmonious journey through both modern Indian and Japanese fusion cuisine. The evening is designed to take guests on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that combines bold innovation with traditional roots.
Highlights from the Exclusive Eight-Course Menu
The evening will open with Chef Akira Back’s Hamachi Tiradito, a refreshing blend of Aji Amarillo, tarragon, red pepper, and AB yuja foam. This is followed by Chef Vineet Bhatia’s Sambhar Prawns, a dish that presents grilled prawns paired with cauliflower-cashew cream, herb oil, and coconut chips, offering a fresh take on classic Indian flavors.
Guests will continue their journey with Glacier 51, Chef Akira’s iconic dish featuring anticucho miso glaze, kimchi Brussels sprouts, and potato. Chef Vineet then surprises diners with his famous Butter Chicken Momo, a modern twist on the beloved Indian dish, served with Parmesan crisp, aubergine chutney, and Makhni sauce.
The culinary excellence continues with Wagyu and Shrooms, a decadent Australian Wagyu 9+ striploin accompanied by autumn vegetables and mushrooms, courtesy of Chef Akira. Not to be outdone, Chef Vineet’s Arabica Kapi Lamb features a coffee-marinated lamb chop served with Jowar millet-pine nut khichdi and lamb jus, showcasing the richness of Indian flavors with a modern twist.
The meal will conclude with a duo of innovative desserts. Chef Akira will present his Chocolate Mille-Feuille, an intricate layering of textures of chocolate, Earl Grey ice cream, and yuzu sencha gel, while Chef Vineet will finish the evening with his Daulati Kheer Rasmalai, a delicate combination of cardamom rice pudding, saffron rasmalai, and salted caramel peanut kulfi.
The Luminary Set: Elevating Fine Dining to Unprecedented Heights
As the driving force behind this extraordinary event, The Luminary Set is committed to crafting unique dining experiences by bringing together some of the world’s most prestigious chefs and renowned restaurants. This exclusive collection features 45 Michelin-starred venues across Europe and the Middle East, offering food enthusiasts access to the finest gastronomic events. Each event hosted by The Luminary Set is meticulously planned to push the boundaries of fine dining, allowing guests to explore flavors and techniques that redefine traditional cuisine.
The collaboration between Chef Akira Back and Chef Vineet Bhatia exemplifies the philosophy behind The Luminary Set: uniting culinary innovators to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences that transcend the ordinary.
How to Be Part of This Exclusive Experience
This Four-Hands Dinner is not to be missed by anyone with a passion for gourmet cuisine. With limited seating, this is a unique opportunity to dine alongside some of the culinary world’s brightest innovators.
To secure your place at this one-night-only event, you can book now at Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm through the following link: Akira Back – W Dubai. Prices start at AED 599 for the tasting menu, with an additional AED 300 for an optional beverage pairing to enhance your experience.
- When: Thursday, October 3rd, 8 pm onwards
- Where: Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm
- What: 8-course Four-Hands Dinner featuring Chef Akira Back and Chef Vineet Bhatia
- Price: AED 599 per person; AED 300 extra for beverage pairing
