Picture a future where humans and artificial intelligence live harmoniously together, traversing Mars and the depths of space. In a cyberpunk-dominated world with perpetual neon night celebrations, imagine experiencing a time when boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Now, envision witnessing all of this while enjoying fresh culinary masterpieces.
This is just a glimpse of what awaits you at Krasota, the latest culinary sensation in Dubai from the White Rabbit Family, a global restaurant alliance.
Located within The Address Downtown Hotel, Krasota offers a multisensory encounter where Russian Haute Cuisine intersects with state-of-the-art technology. This upscale dining experience, offers patrons an immersive journey featuring interactive installations, mesmerising 3D technology, AI artwork, and of course, world-class gastronomy.
At the heart of this culinary revolution is Anton Nenashev, co-owner of Krasota and the visual artist orchestrating an immersive dining experience like no other.
“Our goal was to create a unique statement in the industry,” says Nenashev. “Dubai, being a hub for innovation and creativity, became the perfect canvas for our culinary artistry.”
According to Nenashev, the genesis of Krasota sprang from his many travels around the world. “After exploring the dynamic restaurant scenes in cities like Shanghai and Tokyo, I had a lightbulb moment to merge two seemingly disparate worlds – the vibrant, visually-driven realm of video design and computer graphics with the sensory experience of gastronomy,” he says.
Behind the scenes, the work to make every experience at Krasota a success entails a dynamic and multi-disciplinary process that weaves together culinary artistry, visual design, and technological innovation. Nenashev highlights the pivotal roles played by the restaurant’s founder and owner, Boris Zarkov, underscoring his success in crafting restaurant concepts; and Chef Vladimir Mukhin, renowned for his culinary expertise showcased on Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
However, crafting the gastro-theatre at Krasota was no small feat. Reflecting on the technical hurdles faced in bringing this innovative concept to life, Nenashev explains that one of the main challenges was the integration of technology to achieve this immersive dining experience.
“We aimed to create an environment where content seamlessly flows around an infinite round table. We achieved this by stitching together 10 projectors onto cylindrical walls requiring precise projection mapping to ensure a seamless and coherent visual experience,” he says.
‘Imaginary Future’
Offering a preview of Krasota’s ‘Imaginary Future’ show, Nenashev describes it as a unique and unforgettable fusion of gastronomy, technology, and storytelling. “It will provide diners with an opportunity to not only savour a carefully curated menu but also to engage with a vivid and imaginative exploration of the future,” he says.
The audience can expect seven visually stunning acts that push the boundaries of imagination and creativity, paired with a meticulously crafted seven-course meal, each course designed by award-winning Chef Mukhin. The ‘Imaginary Future’ menu delves into the realm of future gastronomy, exploring the question: what will food be like in the future? To answer this, guests can expect an array of innovative dishes that tantalise the taste buds and challenge culinary norms.
AI and multi-sensory experiences
The integration of AI and advanced technologies is a transformative force at Krasota, reshaping the way guests engage with the dining environment. Nenashev explains, “Leveraging innovation used in museums and construction, we’ve curated intricate and compelling content. This blend of technology ensures that each visit leaves a lasting impression, crafting emotions that endure over time.”
Each guest is equipped with a high-precision projector, creating a personalised, high pixel-density display on the table in front of them. Machine vision cameras enable real-time content interaction, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. “The overarching aim is to combine great taste, pixel-perfect visuals, and narrative storytelling in a mind-blowing tango,” he says.
Addressing concerns about authenticity, Nenashev reassures that Krasota is not just a spectacle of technology but a genuine culinary experience. “The intertwining of gastronomy leaves an impression in our memories,” he says.
He points out that the menu curated by Chef Mukhin synchronises genuine cuisine with the highest quality visual art. “We transform art pieces into captivating dioramas, ensuring a multi-sensory creation,” Nenashev adds.
Looking ahead, the company’s founder, Boris Zarkov, reveals that the White Rabbit Family has a number of plans for Dubai including the launch of its flagship White Rabbit restaurant and its Mediterranean restaurant.
Moreover, Nenashev emphasises that Krasota will continue its commitment to innovation in the realm of immersive dining. “This may involve further advancements in technology, such as incorporating the latest in augmented reality or virtual reality to elevate the sensory experience for diners,” he says.
