As of July 1st, 2023, the third chapter in Ossiano’s story was released by Grégoire Berger. He introduced his 11-wave menu titled “Escale.” The menu, translating to “stopover,” invited diners to join Chef Grégoire on his new adventures, departing from his travels around Nantes, Bordeaux, and the Pyrenées, which concluded with the previous experience called Metanoia. The Escale menu left behind the landscapes of Grégoire’s youth and retraced his visits to international waters, where the young chef discovered the tastes and flavors of the world.
Running until Winter 2023, the Escale menu of 11 waves continued to celebrate the riches of the sea and coastal land. All ingredients used were sourced sustainably from the oceans or within 50km of a coastline. As guests accompanied Grégoire to each location, they had the opportunity to savor a variety of seasonal ingredients and local favorites unique to each area. Every course offered surprises and delightful sensory experiences, ranging from Japanese sweet shrimp to unconventional candle-inspired dishes.
One memorable moment occurred at the start of the meal, where guests were welcomed into a curtained room to join Grégoire in his departure from the beloved French coastline, accompanied by the sounds of crashing waves against rocks. This part of the story unfolded through an extraordinary glowing plankton experience.
Another noteworthy moment titled “Cultures blend, traditions meet” transported diners to Grégoire’s first visit to the bustling streets of New York City, where the bounties of the French coast blended with the vibrant flavors and cultures of the city. This fusion was showcased in an unexpected form—an American “Hot Dog”… or was it?
Lastly, the “Looking through the prism of the past” experience invited diners to join Grégoire in the Canadian North. There, they enjoyed nights filled with music from strumming guitars and the inviting aroma of marshmallows roasting on the fire. Surprisingly, this experience was presented through a dish featuring onion, buckwheat, and marshmallow, bringing diners closer together through the prism of the past.
Situated in Atlantis, The Palm, Ossiano offered a unique and breathtaking dining experience, accommodating only 54 guests per evening. The restaurant was renowned as one of the country’s most exceptional and beautiful dining destinations. Upon arrival, guests were transported far from their initial moment as they descended into the subterranean dining room, immersing themselves 10 meters below the surface of one of the world’s largest aquariums. Inspired by this distinctive dining environment, Ossiano provided a visual and sensory journey to the depths of the ocean.
Reservations for Ossiano’s Escale were available from Tuesday to Sunday, between 6:00 pm and 1:00 am (last seating at 9:00 pm). The dining experience consisted of 11 waves and was priced at AED 1,250.