Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, the Els Club is widely known for its luscious fairways and extremely well-kept greens, but did you know it’s also home to some of the finest restaurants in the UAE, including the club’s signature steak joint, the Big Easy Bar & Grill.
Named after four-time Major champion Ernie Els, the Big Easy reflects the South African’s own eclectic tastes and his appreciation of the life enhancing benefits of wonderful food, great company and amazing beverages in a sociable, easy-going environment.
The casual dining venue in Dubai is one of only four across the globe, with the other three located in Durban, Malaysia and Miami – all four place the utmost importance on serving classic steakhouse food and top wines from the Ernie Els portfolio, all in a relaxed setting.
We caught up with Head Chef Vishal Rane to find out what makes the Big Easy such a unique and flavoursome dining experience.
Worldwide Golf: What is Big Easy Bar & Grill?
Vishal Rane: The Big Easy is an unpretentious Grill and Winebar hailing from the stunning Western Cape region of South Africa, if one term could describe Big Easy, it would be the Afrikaans word of ‘Gesellig’ – sociable with friends, friendly, convivial, cordial. The Big Easy is simply a fun relaxed place to ‘hang out with the guys’, a place to take your loved ones for a glass of wine and an unpretentious meal any day of the week. The culinary experience is inspired by the cultural crossroads of South Africa’s fresh off the grill comfort food approach to dining, combined with traditional spices, herbs and ingredients from the melting pot of the world.
WWG: Why is it called Big Easy?
VR: Hailing from South Africa, Ernie Els, who has been one of the top professional golfers in the world for almost two decades now, Ernie is known as “The Big Easy”, reflecting Ernie’s manner; big in stature, gentle in character. The same spirit is the essence of any Big Easy restaurant – bold and prominent looking, full of flavour, but at the same time a very gentle and amicable spirit that make the venue incredibly approachable and an all-round fun everyday destination.
View this post on Instagram
WWG: What is Big Easy famous for?
VR: As much as Big Easy is famous for serving the best cut of meats available in the market from across the globe, it is also popular for other house favourites such as unique South African inspired seafood and curry dishes. Our spicy lamb shank bunny chow is an absolute crowd pleaser amongst our regulars and members.
WWG: What is a must try at Big Easy?
VR: It’s a meat lover’s paradise, you are spoilt for choice from that perspective, however my personal favourites as mentioned above are the bunny chow and venison dishes. Mouthwatering!
WWG: What makes The Big Easy special at the Els club?
VR: The way things are these days you need a place to relax and unwind, the Big Easy is exactly this, a modern, quality driven fresh grill and wine bar, an outlet that represents what is important and real about life to us nowadays. The team prides itself on providing a comfortable and friendly experience whilst using the best of quality ingredients and are simply driven to ensuring you receive a genuine everyday fun experience every visit.
To reserve a table, please call +97144251000 or email the [email protected]
