Following success of its 2014 debut, the Global Restaurant Investment Forum is combining culinary tours and networking receptions with thought-provoking and honest content presented by leaders of the food and beverage industry.

The conference will open with a culinary tour for registered GRIF attendees on Monday February 16th.

The first stop will be the Coya, at the Four Season which will host the welcome lunch where attendees will be welcomed to the spirit of South America.

With a modern Peruvian restaurant at the centre of Coya’s culture, a sample of palate teasing dishes will transport guests to the essence of Peru. 

Guest Speaker Diego Salazar, a journalist, editor and food critic based in Lima will reveal the trends of South America in an exclusive 20 minute presentation. 

The tour will then proceed to Nusr.Et, the brainchild of Turkish entrepreneur, butcher and meat specialist, Nusret Gökçe. 

Nusr.Et, will deliver signature dishes including Asado ribs, beef spaghetti, grilled meatballs and the ‘Nusr.Et Special.’

The finale of the culinary tour sees GRIF sponsors, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai, which creates, operates and franchises a portfolio of more than 50 restaurant and bar brands, hosting guests for an exclusive culinary journey through some of its signature outlets: D&A, Tortuga, Pierchic, culminating with the GRIF opening reception hosted by JRG Dubai at Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse.

All four outlets are examples of JRG Dubai’s newest home-grown concepts, which are being showcased at GRIF for local and international expansion opportunities.

At each JRG Dubai venue the group will be hosted by the general manager and head chef and led through a tasting of signature dishes and beverages highlighting the authentic experience offered by each of the four brands.

Starting off at D&A, situated on the ground floor of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, guests will enjoy a menu of British classics given a modern twist, as well as samples of craft hops not yet before available in the UAE.

Jumeirah Group senior vice president food and beverage and Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai managing director Jean-Luc Naret said: “We are delighted to partner with GRIF and welcome delegates to our new home-grown restaurant concept, Perry & Blackwelder’s Original Smokehouse. 

“We are extremely proud of this project, which is one of several new standalone restaurant brands launched by Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai in recent months.

“During GRIF, we look forward to showcasing these brands, including authentic Mexican Kitchen and Bar, Tortuga, and the seafood standard, Pierchic, as well as our established international brand, the noodle house.”

Clé Dubai will host the second Networking Reception for GRIF on Tuesday February 17th. 

Located at Al Fattan Currency House, Dubai International Financial Center, Clé Dubai will unlock the experience of contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, as expressed through Michelin-starred chef and author Greg Malouf’s eyes, as well as a journey of discovery through the space itself.

Chef Malouf will also be onsite for an exclusive interview as well as a stunning performance by Cirque Éloize, the world-renowned contemporary circus company.