Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- Meraki restaurant, the authentic Greek concept restaurant in Riyadh, hosted an unforgettable culinary event titled “An Evening with Chef Sanjay” on Tuesday, 9th May 2023. The event took place at the iconic Meraki restaurant located in Al Faisaliyah Tower, Riyadh’s culinary hub. A remarkable gathering of guests and media was treated to an extraordinary dining experience featuring Meraki’s signature dishes, expertly crafted by the esteemed Culinary Director, Chef Sanjay Dwivedi.
The evening began with a warm welcome as attendees were greeted with a selection of delightful welcome drinks. The Hera, a refreshing combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry, cinnamon, and ginger, set the tone for an exquisite dining adventure.
The culinary journey commenced with the Bread Basket, featuring a tempting selection of pita bread, followed by the Meraki’s Platter, a delightful assortment of seabass ceviche, tzatziki, kopanisti, taramosalata, and beetroot carpaccio. The Tiropita, a delectable Portobello mushroom pie with honey, filo, and sesame, was a crowd favorite. The Smoked Aubergine, with chimichurri tahini, crispy kale, pecan, and yoghurt, tantalized the taste buds.
Continuing the feast, the Prawn Saganaki showcased the exquisite flavors of black tiger prawn, tomato, feta cheese, and chive. The Seafood Giouvetsi, a masterpiece of wild lobster, crispy calamari, salmon, orzo pasta, basil, tomato, and lemon, transported guests to the Greek islands. The Beef Fillet ‘Souvalaki’, featuring grilled beef, florina pepper, yoghurt, chili, and chive, showcased Chef Sanjay’s culinary expertise.
To accompany the delectable main courses, guests savored the vibrant flavors of Broccolini, enhanced with lemon, vinegar, and lemon salt. The indulgence continued with the dessert offerings: the Chocolate Fondant, a delightful blend of ‘Igias’ chocolate, fennel, coconut, and roasted pistachio ice cream, and the Loukoumades, Greek-style doughnuts drizzled with honey, pecan, and served with ‘Mastiha’ ice cream.
“We are thrilled to have hosted Chef Sanjay Dwivedi at Meraki Al Riyadh for this spectacular public dinner,” stated Peter Waney and Olivier Eynard, co-founders of Meraki. “His culinary expertise and visionary approach have elevated the Meraki experience to new heights, and we are excited to share it with the public. It was an honor to welcome guests to our restaurant and provide them with an unforgettable evening of Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, where they had the opportunity to interact with Chef Sanjay and savor his signature dishes.”
Chef Sanjay Dwivedi, an internationally acclaimed culinary master and the creative force behind the iconic fine-dining destination Coya, has been the driving force behind Meraki’s culinary innovation since joining the team in April 2022. Renowned for his inventive approach to gastronomy, Chef Sanjay Dwivedi has previously worked at top restaurants across London, showcasing his exceptional talent and passion.
Meraki, established in 2017 in the heart of Fitzrovia in central London, has garnered a global following and expanded its reach without boundaries. With successful openings in Riyadh in 2021 and Mykonos in 2022, Meraki has become synonymous with its Greek-influenced, Mediterranean-style menu.