Busaba Eathai is coming to Dubai. The new Thai restaurant will open at The Beach, opposite JBR. Busaba Eathai is a franchise founded by Alan Yau, who also founded Hakkasan, Wagamama and Yauatcha. The signature Thai dishes include massaman duck curry, ginger beef stir fry, chargrilled duck breast in tamarind sauce, Thai calamari and sen chan pad Thai. The casual eatery was founded in London in 1999. This is the first Busaba Eathai in the Middle East. The official opening is scheduled for the end of February. www.busaba.com

Barry Callebaut, a leading chocolate manufacturer, has just opened its flagship Chocolate Academy in Dubai. The first-of-its-kind training centre will teach professionals the art of chocolate making and facilitate the sharing of technical skills between chocolate professionals. This is the Chocolate Academy's 17th branch worldwide. French chef Philippe Marand is the head of the new Academy. There are a variety of chocolate classes on offer for the general public as well as professionals. The Chocolate Academy is located in Business Bay. www.chocolate-academy.com/ae/en

A French bistro from the UK will soon open in Dubai. Cafe Rouge will open at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah in February. The 1920s-inspired Parisian bistro has been in the UK for more than 20 years. The restaurant will offer French classics such as steak frites, tarte tatin, duck pate and baked salmon with asparagus and cream. The cafe will be open by Valentine’s Day and is offering a special romantic dinner for two that will include three courses including chocolate fondant for dessert. The set menu is Dh450 for two. Cafe Rouge is located in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. For reservations, call 04 554 6438.