LIVE BLOG: Latest on Expo 2020 Dubai here
Dotted around Expo 2020 Dubai are restaurants hand-picked by the organisers to show the best of international cuisine.
One occupying a prime position next to Al Wasl Plaza is Baron, a local star from the Beirut culinary scene serving fusion food heavily influenced by the region.
Ruby El-Chaer, 28, from Lebanon, is the general manager, a former head chef running her first restaurant.
She joined the team in mid-August, and got straight to work with only six weeks to go before Expo 2020's October 1 opening date.
"Hiring everyone, deciding on all the branding and all the uniforms, setting up the menu, figuring out Expo's policies. It was all organised at pretty short notice," said Ms El-Chaer, who previously worked as head chef for the Dubai restaurant Kismet.
Baron's profile and popularity soared after the eatery was voted as one of the 50 Best Discovery Restaurants for the Middle East.
The neighbourhood restaurant is known for its sharing plates and unexpected sauces, plus the signature whole roasted head of cauliflower in spiced butter, yoghurt tahini tartare, walnuts and pomegranate.
The Expo pop-up shares many of the same principles – the food is a fusion of flavours, and the staff are a real melting pot as well.
"Oh, you cannot imagine what a mix. We have staff from Kyrgyzstan, we have Lebanese, we have Brazilian, we have Moroccan," said Ms El-Chaer, who has lived in Dubai for three years.
"Communication is on fire. We're trying to get everyone involved with the same level of communication and it is going to take a while.
"The only challenge is that we are only open for a short time, so we have to be cracking on all the time."
Many of the staff working at Baron had to flee Beirut after they lost their jobs in the Lebanese financial crisis, and the restaurant opening at Expo was a lifeline for them and their families.
Once the world fair finishes on March 31, they will still have six months left on their visas to find new jobs in the UAE.
In the interim, Ms El-Chaer is determined to try everything Expo has to offer.
"I recommend Al Wasl Plaza, and if you walk around you will see Jubilee Park, which is a very nice concept," she said.
"And what shook my mind was the sushi counter at the Japanese pavilion, which was pretty yummy, pretty affordable, and really busy all the time."
Expo 2020 Dubai - best photos
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The interior of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Visitors enter the Spain pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Expo visitors take a rest at the foot of a striking artwork in the Philippines pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National. -
Dubai opened Expo 2020 with a dazzling ceremony featuring fireworks and light displays. AFP -
A young guest enjoys the spectacular light show at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National -
The flowing contours of the UAE pavilion. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors follow a foggy path to the summit of the Switzerland pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National -
The France pavilion features a projection of 'The Rose', a 13th-century stained-glass window from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Tricolours to the fore as France marks its Expo celebration day. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Qabooli with lamb shuwa by chef Nader at Rising Flavours in Jubilee Park. Victor Besa / The National -
The Saudi pavilion lit up at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Qatar pavilion features a holographic display about the 2022 World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors watching a spectacular audio-visual show at the Russia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National -
A young visitor checks out the Expo's popular water feature. Pawan Singh / The National -
Students from Abu Dhabi Police Academy at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National -
French astronaut Thomas Pesquet speaks to UAE and French representatives on a live feed from space to Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National -
A replica of Michelangelo's 'David' in the Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National. -
A visitor takes a picture of the spectacular Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditional performers outside the Thailand pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
An aerobatics team pass above the Pakistan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Live music from Sierra Leone performed at Al Wasl Plaza. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The Women's Pavilion by Cartier. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Visitors to the Garden in the Sky get a panoramic view of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
My Butterfly Kites at Al Forsan Park, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
As the sun sets on another day at Expo 2020, visitors enjoy the activities. Antonie Robertson / The National
