Folly chefs Nick & Scott to helm new restaurant in Dubai's Media City

Verve will be headed up by beef specialist Jorge Grande, who's currently serving his notice at Meatlicious in Bangkok

Verve will open its doors in Dubai's Media City mid-April. Courtesy Gate Hospitality

Even as they plan out Folly's first-ever brunch, due to be held on February 15, Dubai chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price are also gearing up to launch a brand-new restaurant.

Verve Bar & Brasserie is set to open its doors at the Grand Plaza Movenpick in Dubai Media City in April, the foodie duo have announced. In keeping with the chefs' penchant for a live kitchen, diners will be able to see some of the restaurant's more innovative dishes being prepared at or from their tables.

A lamb dish at Folly by Nick & Scott. Courtesy Folly

The 80-seater venue will also host brunches, business lunches and bar snacks, all stamped with Nick & Scott's signature gourmet touch. The duo began their careers working for Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's in London, and since moving to Dubai in 2010 have partnered on the now-defunct Table 9 and Taste Kitchen and, more recently, Folly at Madinat Jumeirah and The Lion at H Dubai.

Verve will also offer private dining rooms, a central bar, live music and a menu designed for the intrepid foodie, which will use simple, fresh and nutritious produce.

Folly was quick to respond to the growing demand for organic, vegan and sustainable produce in the UAE, with chef Price telling The National: "We have always made sure that we put as much time into the no-meat, no-fish dishes on our menus to give all of our guests a selection of interesting and exciting flavours to try."

Meat eaters need not fear, though, for Verve is being headed by Jorge Grande. The Honduras-born chef has carved his name as a beef specialist. He's worked across Latin America as well as at the Meatlicious kitchen in Bangkok, and trained under Indian-born, Thailand-based chef Gaggan Anand.

Given Verve's "less is more" ethos and a menu that we're told is "designed to impress and surprise", we can't wait to see what messieurs Alvis, Price and Grande have planned for their latest Dubai venture.

Nick Alvis and Scott Price. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

The five-star Movenpick in Media City, slated for a March 1 opening, is located in the heart of Dubai Media and Internet City, offering views of The Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Golf Club. It’ll feature 235 rooms and suites, as well six new food and beverage outlets, which includes all-day dining spot Slice – The Neighborhood Deli and Twenty-Three Rooftop Bar.