Flamingo Room by Tashas, situated on Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle lagoon, invites guests to embark on a journey of playful sophistication, through its alluring design and interiors. Conceived as an ode to the “boundless beauty of Africa,” its menu showcases simple classics with South African flavours accompanied by a selection of delectable cocktails.
The Tashas Group, founded in 2005 by South African entrepreneur Natasha Sideris, operates 24 locations under its six concepts: tashas, Flamingo Room by tashas, Avli by tashas, Galaxy Bar, and Bungalo34. The group also has joint venture partnerships with Collective Africa (a unique retail concept) and 1701 (an artisanal nougat brand).
Flamingo Room was the second concept launched by the Tashas Group. The first venue opened in 2015 at Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg, and two years later, the second venue opened in Dubai.
The menu features contemporary takes on classic recipes, with an emphasis on seafood and homemade pastas such as Lobster Linguine, Exotic Mushroom Open Lasagne and Calamari Mozambique. Other highlights include Beef Carpaccio, Seared Foie Gras and Classic Caesar Salad. Desserts include the old-school classics such as Baked Alaska or the Pavlova Bomb, cracked open at the table to reveal its berry-jewel and gold-leaf filling.
The restaurant’s selection of Signature Cocktails, featuring exotic African botanicals and spices, are presented in slender-legged crystal glasses and dusted with a pink flamingo. Highlights include Flamingo Room Cocktail, El Karoo, The Pink Gibson, Baobab Spritz, and Cheeky Monkey, among others.
Flamingo Room’s interior seamlessly blends vibrant colours, beautiful décor, and enchanting installations that celebrate the beauty of Africa’s diverse flora and fauna. From the moment guests step inside, they are embraced by a colourful backdrop that sets the stage for the culinary journey.
A highlight of the venue’s design is the hand-blown glass installation, crafted by renowned South African artist, Mike Hyam. Reminiscent of the fleeting flowers of the Baobab tree, this masterpiece creates a beautiful reflection along the whole restaurant, mesmerising guests and infusing the space with an ethereal and enchanting atmosphere.
Flamingo Room’s commitment to showcasing African artistry extends beyond the glass installation. Design collaborations with artists, such as the work of sculptor Donald Greig, or the bronze meerkats and monkeys positioned throughout the space add a touch of playfulness to the venue. Each detail within the venue has been meticulously curated to enhance and highlight its personality.
The timeless design of Flamingo Room has been instrumental in establishing the venue as a destination beloved by residents and visitors alike. This success has led to new venues set to open in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh later this year.
“The intention behind creating a timeless design was to craft a legacy brand that remains both timeless and familiar to our loyal customers,” says Neydine Bak, the interior architect behind Flamingo Room. “By taking our design concept to other locations, we aim to create a sense of continuity and provide guests with the same enchanting experience they have come to expect.”