Before and after the guest shifts, the trips, the sound of shakers, the music, all the spectacle, both in front of and behind the bar, what truly matters is what people leave with you. Out of these events, real and profound relationships are often born—connections that move far beyond the professional sphere and touch something much deeper in life.
That was the case with Alain from the very beginning. We met two years ago during a tour across Milan, Rome and Florence, which gave us the chance to genuinely connect on a human level. I immediately came to appreciate the wonderful person he was, his infectious laughter, and his wonderfully irreverent way of taking things in stride.
He always had a kind word for everyone, an incredible energy, and a deep belief in what he did: hospitality, welcoming others, and making people feel good.
Yesterday, when I learned of his passing, I felt an immediate sense of emptiness and an overwhelming sadness. At the same time, I also felt grateful to have had him in my life and to have been able to call him a friend, even if only for such a short time.
So, to honour all the joy and warmth he gave to each of us, I’d love to leave a space open here for everyone to share their favourite memories with him, so that his memory remains alive, filled with the happiness he brought into so many lives.
Dubai has lost so much in recent months, and with Alain’s passing, a void has opened that will be incredibly hard to fill.
