BOCA presents
CELLAR TAKEOVER: 7 SOMMS IN 7 WEEKS
Extraordinary Sommeliers Take Over BOCA’s Coveted Wine Cellar
Following the success of last year’s 7 CHEFS IN 7 WEEKS and 7 MIXOLOGISTS in 7 WEEKS series, MENA’s 50 Best and MICHELIN Green Star restaurant BOCA proudly introduces its latest takeover schedule: 7 SOMMS IN 7 WEEKS, hosted in our coveted wine cellar.
Commencing this month, the event features seven top talents from renowned establishments in the city, including 1* and 2* MICHELIN Star restaurants, 5* luxury properties, and industry icons.
Each week, for one night only, a sommelier from this power list will collaborate with Chef Patricia Roig, BOCA’s Executive Chef, and Shiv Menon, Head of Hospitality & Wine, to curate a menu of five courses paired with five wines, presented exclusively to 12 guests in BOCA’s private cellar. The menu will reflect the journeys, expertise, and personalities of the sommeliers, weaving narratives from diverse terroirs, grape varieties, and appellations.
Emphasizing BOCA’s commitment to sustainability, the event will spotlight stories of winemakers excelling in conservation efforts.
The evening includes a welcome reception, five-course meal, and wine pairings, starting at AED 595++ per person, with limited seating for 12 guests.
SOMMELIERS SCHEDULE
▪ Annika Vorster | Banyan Tree Dubai | 5* luxury hotel| MAY 27 | See details and menu HERE
▪ Alba Torres | 99 Sushi | 1* Abu Dhabi MICHELIN Guide 2023 | JULY 10
▪ Lilla Farago | Joel Robuchon | Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2023 | AUGUST 6
▪ Lauren Kline | VP, The Riedel Group | SEPTEMBER 3
▪ Danijela Tesic | STAY by Yannick Alleno | 2** Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2023 | OCTOBER 1
▪ Marla Saba | Advanced Court of Master Sommelier Candidate | OCTOBER 8
▪ Tatsiana Makarevich | Advanced Court of Master Sommelier Candidate | DECEMBER 3
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
▪ Sommelier takeovers will take place from May to December 2024.
▪ Each sommelier will feature for one night: seven weeks, seven sommeliers.
▪ All takeovers take place in BOCA’s wine cellar and seating is limited to 12 guests.
▪ Reception from 19:00, dinner served at 19:30
▪ Menus feature five courses and five wines subject to change.
▪ Menus are published close to the date of each takeover.
▪ Menus start at AED 595++ per person.
▪ Confirmed bookings and prepayment are essential.
▪ Guests can book through 04-3231833, WhatsApp +971 52 160 7507, or email hola@boca.ae, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook through /BOCADubai
Annika Vorster
Banyan Tree Dubai, 5* luxury hotel
May 27th, 2024
Annika hails from the picturesque wine region of Stellenbosch, South Africa, often compared to Bordeaux for its stunning vineyards. Growing up on the nearby West Coast, Annika discovered her passion for wine while waitressing during her studies. With a gentle nudge (or perhaps a forceful push) from her mother, Annika enrolled in a beginner’s course at the Cape Wine Academy. Despite initial reservations, Annika’s interest in wine blossomed, leading her on a successful eight-year journey.
Today, Annika finds herself as the Head Sommelier at Banyan Tree Dubai. Annika attributes her success to a combination of dedication, a love for the finer things, and a touch of serendipity. She thrives on sharing her knowledge of food and wine pairing, eager to guide others in exploring the delightful dance between these age-old companions.
Alba Torres
99 Sushi, 1* MICHELIN, Abu Dhabi MICHELIN Guide 2023, Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2023
July 10th, 2024
Mallorca’s Binissalem vineyards nurtured Alba Torres’ love for wine, instilled by her grandfather’s tradition of expressing love through food and drink. Sharing a table with loved ones, good food, and exquisite wine is her passion. A life-changing sip of L’Astre by David Leclapart at London’s Bubbledogs (gourmet hotdogs with grower champagnes!) sparked her sommelier journey. Here, she learned the power of unconventional pairings.
Alba honed her skills at acclaimed London restaurants before venturing to Dubai. She currently leads the team at 99 Sushi Bar, having previously held prestigious roles at Burj Al Arab.
Beyond hospitality, Alba’s adventurous spirit takes her to the beach for kitesurfing and scuba diving.
Lilla Farago
Joel Robuchon, Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2023
August 6th, 2024
Lilla Farago’s love affair with food and drink began in her youth, where she cultivated a keen palate for exceptional flavors and experiences. This passion led her to Florence, Italy, where she honed her skills in hospitality management with a focus on Food & Beverage.
Lilla’s career blossomed at Bvlgari Dubai, followed by a transformative year in the MIT (management in training) program at SLS Dubai, specializing in wine management. This experience laid a strong foundation for her future success. After MIT, Lilla joined 111 Management, overseeing the wine program at Kaspia while managing restaurant service. Her dedication was rewarded with a promotion to Head Sommelier at the prestigious Joel Robuchon.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Lilla thrives in Dubai’s dynamic F&B scene. The city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape provides her with a constant stream of exciting new trends and discoveries to explore.
Lauren Kline
Vice President, The Riedel Group
September 3rd, 2024
Meet Lauren Kline, Vice President of Sales at The Riedel Group. Originally hailing from San Francisco, Lauren’s culinary journey began in the bustling atmosphere of a hotel pastry kitchen, where her passion for food and beverage first took flight. Fueled by her enthusiasm, Lauren pursued studies in hospitality and business at Cornell University. Her career then led her to prestigious roles as a restaurant manager, serving at renowned establishments including Four Seasons and under the guidance of Daniel Boulud in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Eager to deepen her expertise, Lauren delved into the world of wine and sommelier at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, a pivotal experience that anchored her in France. Today, as Vice President of Sales for The Riedel Group, Lauren’s focus extends to managing export development across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where her passion for fine beverages continues to drive her success
Danijela Tesic
STAY by Yannick Alleno, 2** MICHELIN, Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2023.
October 1st, 2024
Danijela Tesic, the vibrant wine virtuoso, currently serves as the esteemed Head Sommelier at Stay by Yannick Alleno, nestled within the luxurious One and Only The Palm. Yet, her path to becoming a wine maestro is a captivating odyssey.
Hailing from Belgrade, Serbia, Danijela’s early years didn’t hint at the sommelier she was destined to be. Initially drawn to the skies, she pursued studies at the Aviation Academy before her true calling beckoned.
In 2017, serendipity intervened when she found herself at Pampour wine bar in her hometown, mentored by Djuro Tosic and a team of wine enthusiasts. Amidst swirling aromas and clinking glasses, her passion for wine ignited.
Over four transformative years, she honed her craft, mastering the art of wine selection and service. Each uncorked bottle and satisfied palate fueled her passion further. But destiny had grander designs for Danijela.In 2021, she embarked on a new chapter, joining Ossiano restaurant in Dubai under Chef Gregorie Berger’s visionary leadership.
This move would redefine her career. The stars aligned in 2022 when Ossiano earned its first Michelin star shortly after her arrival. Danijela’s remarkable talents were recognized with the historic “Sommelier Award by Michelin 2022,” a first for an Arabic country. She made waves globally, reaching the finals of the Gault&Milllau Best Sommelier 2022 award and earning a spot among the finalists of the esteemed “Corriere della Sera Wine List” in Italy. Her meteoric rise led to a well-deserved promotion to Assistant Head Sommelier.In 2023, Danijela’s excellence persisted, as she once again found herself on the Gault&Milllau Best Sommelier award shortlist. This year marked her ascent to Head Sommelier at the prestigious Two Michelin-starred restaurant, STAY by Yannick Alleno. With her expertise, she orchestrates culinary experiences, transforming each meal into an unforgettable journey.
Marla Saba
Advanced Court of Master Sommelier Candidate
October 8th, 2024
Meet Marla Saba, a seasoned sommelier with a passion for wine that ignited at a young age. Graduating from Glion hospitality school in Switzerland, Marla has accumulated 12 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, spanning from prestigious luxury hotels to independent restaurants.
Driven by her love for wine, Marla dedicated herself to advancing her knowledge and career in this field. In 2015, she achieved her WSET 3 certification, followed by earning her Court of Master Sommeliers America certification in 2019. Currently, Marla is diligently preparing for her Advanced exam with the Court of Masters, further solidifying her expertise and commitment to the world of wine.
Tatsiana Makarevich
Advanced Court of Master Sommelier Candidate
December 3rd, 2024
From childhood, my curiosity for flavors and aromas was insatiable—whether savoring traditional Belarusian dishes, inhaling the scents of seasons, or indulging in wines reserved for special occasions. As I grew, so did my fascination with the art of blending these sensory experiences. Venturing into the aviation industry after school left me craving something more fulfilling than numbers and calculations. Thus, alongside pursuing my aviation degree, I immersed myself in the hospitality realm, starting humbly as a waiter in 2006. Over three enriching years, I navigated through various roles in restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos, each step fueling my ambition for personal and professional growth.
Hospitality taught me the essence of connection—whether with guests seeking the perfect wine pairings or in fostering camaraderie among friends over shared bottles.it was during one such gathering in 2015 that a question lingered: why not pursue sommelierhood?
Undeterred by Belarus’s limited sommelier opportunities, I opted for the challenge of Dubai in 2018, transitioning from bartender to exploring the world of wines. Amidst the trials of 2020’s pandemic, I delved deeper, authoring a book on vintages and labels while honing my palate through tastings at home.
The allure of the Court of Master Sommeliers beckoned in 2021, leading to successful completion of the Intro and Certified levels. Today, I stand on the threshold of the Advanced level, driven by the belief that the journey of wine education is boundless—a testament to the adage: the more you know, the more you realize there is to learn.
IMPORTANT NOTE & BOOKINGS
Prices are inclusive of 5% VAT and subject to 7% authority fees and 10% service charge. Bookings and prepayment are essential. For bookings guests can contact 04-3231833, WhatsApp on +971 52 160 7507, email hola@boca.ae.
ABOUT BOCA
Tucked away in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, BOCA is a Modern Spanish restaurant with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
In addition to sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local farmers and fishermen, BOCA has stepped up efforts to reduce waste with the help of its own Waste Officer. The restaurant continuously audits kitchen operations, refuses single use plastic from suppliers and to customers, operates a demand-driven inventory, and prefers working with like-minded partners across the value chain. In its location in DIFC, Dubai, BOCA runs on 100% renewable energy and has just published its first carbon emissions report detailing its impact on the environment.
BOCA is a MENA 50 Best, Dubai MICHELIN Guide Restaurant, MICHELIN Green Star, and Gault&Millau 2023 UAE “Sustainable Kitchen of the Year” Restaurant.
OPERATIONAL HOURS
BOCA, located in Gate Building 6, DIFC, is open all week from 12:00pm to 3:00am.
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MAILING ADDRESS
BOCA, Gate Village 6, DIFC, PO Box 506772, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
