There are certain invitations that feel personal, like an opening into someone’s private world.

For Chef Kim Joinié-Maurin, that world begins in the kitchen. It started in the southwest of France in the warmth of his grandmother’s home and continued through the markets of Nice into some of Europe’s most exceptional kitchens. Today, as Executive Chef at Jumeirah Al Qasr, those regional influences remain close: the gentle heat of Espelette pepper, the vibrancy of Mediterranean produce, the understanding that food carries feeling as much as flavour.

The Meet the Chef Experience, designed for Jumeirah One Platinum Members, invites diners into the chef’s kitchen and culinary world. Over the course of the evening, Chef Kim guides through four of the resort’s signature restaurants, each revealing a different expression of his craft. As the locations shift, he shares the inspiration behind each plate - from childhood memories to refined technique. It is a rare opportunity to step beyond the pass and connect personally with the region’s chefs, where heritage and craftsmanship meet at the table.

The journey begins at Al Fayrooz. Infused with Arabian elegance, the lounge provides a poised first setting, the terrace becomes the natural place to sit, with uninterrupted views of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab as Chef Kim meets his diners for the first time.

Guests are welcomed with a drink and the evening’s first bite - an amuse-bouche served at the table. Compressed watermelon with feta and basil oil, chilled gazpacho layered with king crab, or delicately crisp lobster kunafa. Each dish reflects the discipline of his classical French training, refined through years in kitchens.

From there, it’s a leisurely walk to Al Nafoorah, where the rich aromas of Levantine cooking greet you all at once. Chef Kim introduces the starters as they arrive: smooth hummus finished with lemon-roasted pine seeds, grilled halloumi dressed with olive oil and za’atar, and a bright, nourishing salad. Plates are passed, conversation unfolds naturally, and each dish feels more personal with the chef who conceived it guiding the experience.

To reach the next setting, step aboard a traditional abra. The wooden boat glides along the winding waterways - a tranquil interlude before arriving at French Riviera Beach, or indoors at French Riviera depending on the evening. Here, the evening unfolds further as the main course is served.

Bouillabaisse à notre façon arrives as the centrepiece, inspired by his grandmother and shaped by memories of socca in Vieux Nice and evenings at Les Pêcheurs, specialising fresh seafood whilst overlooking the old port. His reimagined interpretation takes a lighter lobster bisque form with prawn, langoustine, scallop and seabass, finished with Espelette pepper, orecchiette, lemon zest, French olive oil and basil - a deeply personal homage. Guests may also choose coquelet au vin with potato fondant and mushrooms, or artichaut barigoule with truffle, parmesan and coriander oil.

French Riviera Beach serves as a canvas for Chef Kim’s memories and heritage and is home to two of his most beloved creations. The French Toast Crème Brûlée reinterprets his mother’s every-second-Sunday French toast, once made from leftover baguette, here prepared as house-made brioche soaked in custard and caramelised with cassonade. Vacherin recalls childhood afternoons spent cracking oversized meringues for his mother’s homemade version, reimagined with vanilla Chantilly, basil sorbet and strawberry, finished tableside with coulis.

The evening concludes at Pierchic, where Chef Kim is joined by the restaurant’s Head Chef, Beatrice Segoni. Set above the Arabian Gulf, the restaurant extends over the water, providing a striking setting for dessert. A classic tiramisu layered with espresso-soaked ladyfinger biscuits and mascarpone cream, or semifreddo di miele e pinoli - honey and pine nut semifreddo served with raspberry and crumble. A final Italian flourish to a beautifully curated experience.

For Chef Kim, cooking is a language of emotion, shared openly through this Meet the Chef Experience. Created for Jumeirah One Platinum Member, it offers a level of access few are invited to experience. Discover the journey with Jumeirah One.