Desert Palm wins two awards at Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2009

Rare won 'Best Steakhouse Restaurant' and also came 'Highly Commended' in the 'Best New Restaurant' category, while Epicure was named 'Best International Restaurant'.

The Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards are widely recognized as the benchmark for culinary excellence in Dubai. Each restaurant in Dubai is visited anonymously by Time Out critics, who pay for every meal, in order to arrive at their decisions.

The judging process takes into account not just the quality of food, but presentation, service, ambience and value for money. The Time Out Dubai awards are 100% independent - the only awards in the city that can make this claim. To obtain recognition at the awards ceremony is to achieve something outstanding.

Axel Jarosch, General Manager of Desert Palm, commented:

"We were up against some of the most established and well known restaurants in Dubai. For both Rare and Epicure restaurants to win awards in their respective sections within the first year of operation is a tremendous achievement for the team and a magnificent reflection on the quality of our cuisine and service. This is just the beginning of the culinary experience here at Desert Palm and we will be building on this achievement with even more imaginative and creative menus, dinners and events over the coming year."

Commenting on the winning restaurants, the Judges said of Rare, "Rare's focus on game and steaks, its wonderfully creative menu, and its scenic setting on the southern outskirts of the city threw it straight into the mix."

While they confirmed that, "Epicure surprised the judges with its healthy and interesting choice of dishes from around the world. Throw in a picturesque setting and a stunning interior and we have a runaway winner for 2009."

The Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2009 were held at the Park Hyatt on Tuesday 31st March and was attended by leading General Managers, Directors, Head Chefs, Food and Beverage directors, marketing directors and managers from many of the city's top restaurants.

Desert Palm is a Per AQUUM Resort & Spa set on a 150 acre private polo estate. Rare and Epicure restaurants overlook the main polo field where the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge was held on the 27th March 2009 for the fourth consecutive year. Desert Palm also offers Red bar, an extensive wine cellar, LIME Spa, 13 suites and 13 villas with private pools.