bringing vision to life !
Identity
Stephan Benkendorff is a renowned hospitality professional for more than 20 years with extensive experience in award-winning hotels and restaurants across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Inspired by his family’s culinary heritage, he began his career at Hyatt Regency Cologne and refined his skills in Switzerland’s Michelin-starred and Gault Millau awarded kitchens, including the 2-star Restaurant Fischerzunft by André Jaeger.
His culinary journey took him to the Middle East, where he led Blue Grill at the Yas Island Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi, and held key roles at Kempinski Hotels in Bahrain and Qatar.
At Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, he collaborated with Chef Wolfgang Puck to elevate the "Re Asian" restaurant into one of the region’s top dining destinations.
Stephan later spearheaded the launch of JW Steakhouse with Marriott International in Abu Dhabi, achieving widespread acclaim. He then expanded to Asia, leading the creation of innovative Spanish and Filipino dining concepts in Manila.
As the founder of Culinary Moments by SB™, a consultancy, catering & event partner operating in the Philippines and Switzerland, he and his team are committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences driven by best quality ingredients, cultural diversity and guest satisfaction.
"Cooking is more than just a craft - it’s an emotional, universal language that connects and brings joy to people."
" One of the most dangerous things for creativity is routine. "
- René Redzepi -
Reviews
2016 October
2017 March
2017 July
2017 July
2017 August
2017 August
2017 November
2017 December
2018 May
2018 November
"Chef de cuisine Stephan Benkendorff has assembled a fine team of chefs in the kitchen who certainly have put meaning behind the word 'contemporary'. Their subtle variations on certain dishes show a deft balance between respecting tradition and innovation."
"...but I still couldn’t resist the master Kobe “AA9” tenderloin from “The Cuts” menu. The manageable
cylinder of meat was predictably tender. The real boon, however, was my choice of spiced date jus, which added an excellent Middle Eastern touch."
"For not only is the food wonderful, but the mixology and interactivity help to add to Chef Stephan’s distinct vision. One that understands food can be emotive and tries to seek a connection between the dish and its imaginative presentation."
"I really enjoyed meeting Chef Stephan and chatting to him about his concept, his creativity and imagination for his craft is oozing from his every pore. I recommend you try this culinary journey for yourself..."
"This whole evening has been about confounding expectations, about taking the guest on a journey and just when the guest thinks he or she has it figured out, a surprise comes."
"What a night! The food was sensational, the company even better and the passion of the man behind the steak, Maurice Kettyle, was inspiring. We learnt so much!"
"A truly creative menu. I love the unexpected! Certainly, while dining at a steakhouse, I wouldn’t expect to find an eight-course Chef’s Menu, and yet here one is. I don’t want to give away too many surprises. However, I will say that you should expect a ‘journey’ of some kind (and yes, that journey does include delicious beef)."
" The turning point of André was when I was no longer afraid to push boundaries. "
- André Chiang -
Awards
2001 - 2004
Guide Michelin
2007
Gault Millau
2005 - 2007
14/20
2007
2007
18/20
14/20
2008
13/20
2008 - 2010
14/20
2012 - 2013
14/20
2020 - 2022
14/20
(first entry)
2015 - 2016
Time Out MENA
-
Best South East Asian Restaurant
-
Restaurant of the year
-
Best Bar Concept
2016 - 2018
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Best Steakhouse of the year
FACT Magazine
2017 & 2018
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Favorite Steakhouse of the year
2017
ZOMATO MENA
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Best Steakhouse of the year
-
User choice award
BBC Good Food
2017
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Best Fine Dining Restaurant of the year
" The most powerful social media... it is not the internet, it is not facebook - it is food. This connects all human beings. "
- Alex Atala -
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