Next week’s Global Restaurant Investment Forum 2017 will host two exclusive, not-to-be-missed networking receptions for its 300 delegates.

GRIF, which will be held on April 10th-12th at Fairmont the Palm, will host its opening reception at Lima Dubai at City Walk, the urban, living destination by Meraas.

Since opening its doors in London in 2012, Lima has led an exciting culinary tradition, with Lima Fitzrovia being the first and only Peruvian restaurant to win and retain a Michelin star. 

The flagship was followed by Lima Floral in London’s Covent Garden two years later, with Lima Dubai representing the first venue outside of the United Kingdom.

Ryan Baird, general manager of Lima Dubai, said he was thrilled to be working with GRIF 2017: “Hosting the guests from GRIF is a great platform for all business leaders and industry professionals to come and experience the first licensed venue in City Walk.

“Lima is a brand with an international culinary story from Peru to London and now Dubai, a concept created by Virgilio Martinez, the Michelin starred chef, currently ranked world’s number four by San Pellegrino and managed by Meraas, a journey that we are sure will be of great interest to our GRIF guests.

“We look forward to an exciting evening with everyone.”

On the second day of GRIF, delegates will be treated to an evening reception at folly by Nick & Scott, the highly anticipated new opening from restaurateurs Nick Alvis, Scott Price and Viktorija Paplauskiene, in partnership with Gates Hospitality.

Located at Madinat Jumeirah, folly by Nick & Scott is a concept home-grown in Dubai offering a contemporary menu driven by quality produce and ingredients.

Naim Maadad, chief executive of Gates Hospitality, said: “Gates Hospitality and folly are partnering GRIF 2017 as Gold Sponsors with the prime objective to generate awareness of the brand amongst industry colleagues.

“I strongly believe that much more than advertising, it is word of mouth brand publicity that goes a long way to enhance recognition and long-lasting loyalty.

“It is our earnest endeavour to change the future of the food and beverage industry of Dubai in particular and the GCC region in general.

“The best way forward is to generate the enthusiasm amongst industry professionals to launch the momentum.”

GRIF 2017 will feature a stimulating conference programme that will provide a macroeconomic overview of the food and beverage industry and tackle issues such as concept development, finance and lending, investment feasibility, scaling up for sustainable growth, creating a food culture and catering to the digitally-focused customer.