In this edition of Homegrown Tables, Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez of BRIX Café shares her approach to purposeful dining, team culture, and creating meaningful guest experiences

What made you decide to keep the restaurant open during this time?

For me, the decision comes from a sense of responsibility and purpose. What we do goes beyond serving food – we create moments of connection, reflection, and sometimes even comfort. In times of uncertainty, those moments become even more meaningful. Dubai has given me a place to grow, to express myself, and to build a community, so staying open is also a way of giving something back.

Have you noticed guests approaching dining out differently lately?

Yes, there is definitely a shift. Guests seem more present, more aware of the experience as a whole. It feels less transactional and more emotional. People are not just coming to eat – they are coming to feel something, to disconnect for a moment, or to reconnect with others. There is a deeper appreciation for the time spent around the table.

Any shifts in orders – are guests gravitating toward dishes or flavours that feel more comforting or familiar?

I think people are naturally drawn to flavours that feel grounding – those that evoke memory or a sense of familiarity. But at the same time, they are open to interpretation. At Brix, we don’t serve traditional comfort desserts, but we reinterpret those emotions through texture, temperature, and storytelling. So it’s less about the exact dish and more about the feeling it creates.

Is there a dish on your menu right now that feels especially meaningful to you?

There is a dish inspired by the sea, which reflects the origins of the UAE. It uses very humble ingredients, like salicornia and elements from the sea, but presented in a refined and unexpected way. For me, it represents resilience and transformation – how something simple can carry deep meaning when you look at it differently. It feels very connected to the moment we are living.

How are you and your team showing up for each other during this time—what steps or gestures help keep morale strong?

For me, it starts with creating a respectful and supportive environment. We focus a lot on communication, understanding where each person is, and allowing space when needed. Small gestures make a big difference – checking in, sharing a meal together, keeping a sense of normality in the kitchen. It’s about reminding each other that we are a team and that we move forward together.

What would you like to say to your community in the UAE at this moment?

I would say thank you. The UAE is a place that brings people together from all over the world, and that sense of community is something very special. Even in uncertain moments, there is a feeling of strength, generosity, and care for one another. I feel very grateful to be here, and I hope we can continue supporting each other with kindness and resilience.

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