FAIRMONT THE PALM NAMES ALAIN GOBEIL AS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

-Experienced international chef to add unique flavour and Fairmont experience to resort’s collection of six award-winning dining locations-

 Fairmont The Palm, Dubai has named Alain Gobeil as its new Executive Chef, with the Canadian national bringing almost two decades’ international experience on three continents to the high profile role.

A graduate of the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Quebec, Gobeil is no stranger to the Fairmont brand, having worked at renowned locations including the Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, and Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montréal   in his native Canada, as well as at the group’s UAE flagship properties – Fairmont Dubai and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

“Alain is a highly motivated and quality-focused chef with an eye for detail and natural passion for all aspects of the food and restaurant business, both creative and commercial; as well as boasts extensive UAE market knowledge. As a resort property with six unique and award-winning outlets operating in a highly competitive marketplace, his mandate is to not only maintain our position as a culinary destination on Palm Jumeirah, but to ensure that we are trend-setters on the Dubai dining scene,” said Mark Sawkins, General Manager, Fairmont The Palm.

His early international career saw him train under the watchful eye of industry greats, the Roux brothers, during his time at the two Michelin-star Le Gavroche, London. This was interspersed with various stints both back home with Fairmont Château Whistler and at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, as well as management positions at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh.

His UAE experience also includes roles with Fairmont Dubai, where he was part of the pre-opening team involved in setting up the hugely successful Spectrum on One multi-kitchen restaurant, and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, where he was executive sous chef from pre-opening, with an active role in the recruitment and hiring process.

“Dubai foodies, and our resort guests, have a great selection of dining venues on their doorstep, and the challenge to keep Fairmont The Palm in the spotlight as a diverse and innovative hub for relaxed yet inspired dining is one that I am very much looking forward to; it’s an exciting time to be involved in the food and beverage industry in the city,” said Gobeil.

Gobeil joins Fairmont The Palm from a similar role at another luxury five-star hotel and brings with him wealth of knowledge, experience and oodles of ideas of where he wants to take the culinary experience of the popular Palm resort next.

“Alain will also spearhead the launch of new F&B concepts for the resort as we expand our well-rounded collection of venues, and keep Fairmont The Palm front of mind when it comes to hugely successful concepts like the Ultimate Family Friday Brunch at Flow Kitchen, Seagrill on 25° Restaurant and Lounge, home of our famed lobster burger and the Saturday BBQ Brunch,” noted Sawkins.

Other outlets under his remit include the popular Brazilian churrascaria, Frevo, and the popular Mashrabiya Lounge, with its award-winning Arabia-inspired afternoon tea.

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About Fairmont The Palm

Located on the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island shaped in the form of a palm tree, Fairmont The Palm is the perfect luxurious family resort in Dubai that offers 381 lavish rooms and suites with modern décor and Arabic touches overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Skyline. A choice of dining experiences await the guests including the Brazilian restaurant “Frevo”, the Mediterranean seafood restaurant “Seagrill on 25° Restaurant & Lounge” and the international dining outlet “Flow Kitchen”. Fairmont The Palm presents a wide range of leisure and outdoor activities including four outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, 450-metres private white-sand beach and a full-service state-of-the-art health club with personal training and group exercise classes. Children between the age of 18 months and 15 years, will be entertained with fun and educational activities in the indoors “Fairmont Falcons Kids Club”. This hotel presents eight event areas ideally suited for social functions, corporate events and exclusive wedding parties.  Fairmont The Palm is only 25 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and close to the main shopping malls and local attractions in the city.

For more information, please visit fairmont.com/palm-dubai

About Fairmont

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations, providing travelers with memorable travel experiences, thoughtful and attentive service and luxury hotels that are truly unforgettable. Each Fairmont property reflects the locale’s energy, culture and history through locally inspired cuisine, spirited bars and lounges and distinctive design and decor. With more than 70 hotels globally, and many more in development, the Fairmont collection boasts some of the most iconic hotels in the world, including The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company that operates more than 130 hotels and branded residential properties under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com.