Krasota is not just about the food on the plate, it is a theatrical spectacle that engages all the senses, a gastronomic gem under the White Rabbit Family Umbrella, located at the Address Downtown hotel in Dubai. Labelled an exclusive experience, Michelin star chef Vladimir Mukhin chose Dubai as the ideal platform to showcase innovative gastronomy, inspired by the plethora of talented chefs and cutting-edge concepts enveloping the city.

Even the most frequent visitors are continually drawn to Dubai thanks to its ever-evolving allure. From groundbreaking museums to vibrant hipster districts that seemingly materialise overnight, Dubai always seeks to surpass expectations. So, although you may have checked off the must see attractions, never assume that you have experienced it all as Dubai is perpetually dedicated to outdoing itself. Here, I present a futuristic must-try experience for your next visit to the city.

Renowned Russian chef Vladimir Mukhin’s culinary mastery lies in his ability to infuse old-style recipes with contemporary techniques and seasonal ingredients, resulting in a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. This culinary alchemist resurrects native recipes, effortlessly reinventing them for the 21st century through his artistic vision, meticulous craftsmanship, and a symbiotic fusion of age-old traditions and modern gastronomy.

It is worth noting that aside from his illustrious role in leading over 20 restaurants in Russia, Mukhin has also garnered international recognition for his culinary prowess. In fact, many may recognise him from his appearance on Season 3 of Netflix’s popular series, Chef’s Table. I had the privilege of being one of the 20 fortunate diners who embarked on a remarkable culinary journey at Mukhin’s Krasota, a captivating ‘gastronomical theatre’ in Dubai not once but twice.

I first delved into the exquisite offerings of Krasota for the début show Imaginary Art in June as a local friend’s guest. I was so fascinated by the experience that I booked for the next menu titled Imaginary Future, well in advance to celebrate my Chef Husband’s birthday in November. What truly piques my interest is the incorporation of artificial intelligence in crafting this innovative menu. It goes beyond the confines of traditional culinary creations and embraces the capabilities of AI, surpassing even the remarkable powers of ChatGPT. This fusion of human creativity and technological innovation is a compelling reason for me to eagerly anticipate revisiting this extraordinary experience.

A gastronomical theatre

Mukhin’s exploration of Dubai signifies a quest to introduce novelty and excellence to his craft. Embracing the rich culinary traditions rooted in UAE’s culture, he finds inspiration in the concept of communal dining, a reflection of the deep familial bond fostered through the sharing of a table.

The theatre has a magnificent circular table where 20 diners can gather, surrounded by projected 3D multimedia images on the curved walls and table. The team behind this extraordinary endeavour consists of talented individuals in technology, culinary arts, and visual design. Their dedication to creating a unique, immersive, and inspired dining experience is evident. The premiere show, Imaginary Art, transported the paintings of renowned artists from the late 19th and early 20th century to Dubai’s flourishing food scene.

In the Imaginary Future, dining becomes an interactive journey filled with enchantment, taking immersive dining to incredible new heights. Interestingly, Mukhin shared that the setup of this intricate concept only took a few months to complete, owing to the prior awareness generated through a similar venture in Moscow back in 2020.

Melange of Russian & local ingredients

Drawing upon his experiences, Mukhin meticulously curated a menu that effortlessly blends Russian elements with local flavours and practices, resulting in an unparalleled dining experience. To craft his creations, Mukhin endeavours to source ingredients both locally and from his native Russia. While some herbs and wild fruits are brought over from the Russian forests, he embraces the bountiful gastronomic surprises that the UAE has to offer.

During his visits to nearby farms, he discovered the UAE’s vibrant selection, including ripe tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and even seedless avocados with edible peels. From Russia, Mukhin imports distinctive ingredients such as strawberries, sea buckthorn, cloudberries, and green gooseberries, each infused with the enchantment of their untamed surroundings.

Remarkably, Mukhin observed intriguing resemblances during his travels, recognising similarities in the artful combination of flavours and ingredients. While Arabic cuisine thrives on the intense use of lemon and salt, Mukhin’s favourite ingredient, the fermented lime or Lumi superfood, adds a distinctive tang to his culinary repertoire.

The experience weaves together a rich tapestry of storytelling through eight captivating acts, ingeniously blending visual arts with the culinary realm. The result is an entirely new narrative, inviting diners to embark on an unprecedented gastronomic adventure. With the artistic groundwork laid, meticulous attention is turned towards the menu, crafted with same attention to detail as though curating different acts of a grand theatrical production.

Each dish undergoes careful trials and refinements, culminating in the final act that delights and astounds the senses. The experience extends beyond mere consumption. Like actors on a stage, waiters don costumes that perfectly align with each act, transforming the service into a choreographed performance. Scenography, characterisations, sounds, and captivating performances all play their parts, immersing guests in a tactile and sensory feast.

As the curtains draw to a close on this mesmerising performance, I am left in awe of Mukhin’s unrivalled ability to transport guests beyond the realms of the ordinary. Throughout the seven-course extravaganza, Mukhin effortlessly demonstrates his culinary virtuosity, painting a poetic canvas with each carefully curated dish.

The show portrays a futuristic world where humans and artificial intelligence work together to explore space. It took me on a thrilling journey to Mars and beyond, where interplanetary civilisation flourishes.

The performance explores intriguing themes like new food customs, innovative plant production, the quest for time control, and a society ruled by cyberpunks with never ending parties and vibrant neon nights. It also showcases the incredible advancements in technology, from AI to ocean exploration. With each act, the show unfolds seamlessly, enabling to weave their way through a narrative that thrusts into a futuristic world brimming with wonder and imagination.

From the enchanting rituals surrounding food to the innovative cultivation methods employed, each act immerses guests in a surreal realm where time and technology intertwine. But amid the awe-inspiring spectacle, Mukhin remains rooted in his commitment to heritage and tradition. He skilfully weaves age-old practices with cutting-edge techniques, creating a harmony between the past and the future.

It is this delicate balance that imbues each dish with a sense of familiarity, even as it pushes the boundaries of convention. In the wake of this extraordinary culinary odyssey, Krasota has firmly established itself as a beacon of innovation and excellence. It is a place where dreams are nurtured, where the imagination is set free, and where culinary boundaries are fearlessly pushed. To venture into this mesmerising world is to embark on an adventure that lingers long after the final act concludes.