La Petite Maison is renowned for its refined Mediterranean cuisine of the French Riviera. It’s a restaurant where every corner welcomes you with its own magnetic energy (read part one of the feature here). After spending time behind-the-scenes in the kitchen, apron tied, knife in hand, cooking with the restaurant team, I was immersed behind the bar. This is what happened next. 

La Petite Maison – Behind The Bar

Something interesting happened when I left the kitchen and made my way to the bar. The contrast between the two spaces couldn’t have been more striking. In the kitchen, it’s all about focus and precision — a choreography of movement where every gesture has purpose and every detail is considered. There’s a quiet intensity, a kind of backstage electricity where every move beats to a synchronized rhythm.

The bar, on the other hand, is entirely exposed. It’s animated and charismatic. A place where drinks are crafted in plain sight, and connection happens in real time. Behind every cocktail is a face, a story, and a chance to engage. A shift in rhythm, yes. But still very much in tune with the spirit of La Petite Maison.

What’s even more fascinating is how the bar and kitchen mirror each other, blending in perfect harmony. Both start with the Riviera as their inspiration. Both require the same precision. With a deep respect for ingredients, the chef, the bartender and the sommelier ultimately share the same goal – to surprise and to elevate, whether on the plate or in the glass.

After my cooking session with chef Michael, the kitchen buzz began to fade. I untied my apron and thanked the team, still on a high from cooking in that iconic kitchen. By the time we savored our last spoonful of crème brulée, the day had somehow slipped into night.  

The Bar

Naturally, I made my way to the bar. The lights were dimmer now, the mood looser. The energy was magnetic. What started in the heart of the kitchen was about to move into the pulse of the room. While it might be tempting to view the bar as a simple interlude – a place to wait and unwind – don’t be fooled! This place is not a sideshow. It’s a destination all on its own.

I met with Zoltan Agh, La Petite Maison’s bar supervisor, who welcomed me with a knowing smile before giving me a quick rundown of what the drinks we would be making. But before we started shaking and pouring, the new cocktail menu caught my eye. Styled like a vintage magazine with legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot gracing the glossy cover, how could it not? A fashionable nod to the Golden Age of the French Riviera, it has a sultry, sun-drenched, cinematic tone that epitomizes carefree summer decadence. With an open invitation to celebrate joie de vivre glamour, this is no ordinary menu. Sign me up!

The Tomatini

We began with the Tomatini – a cocktail so iconic, it’s been sipped across La Petite Maison’s around the world since it was first created in Dubai in 2010. Crisp, cool, and kissed with the sweetness of vine-ripened tomato, the Tomatini captures the essence of the restaurant in a glass. 

Created as an homage to the tomato as a fruit of summer rather than a savory staple and is made with white balsamic, vodka, and a touch of simple syrup. Elegant, refreshing, and light. Think of it as the Bloody Mary’s sexy cousin.

Zoltan graciously walked me through each step — from crushing the cherry tomatoes (so fragrant I could’ve eaten them right then and there) to straining the liquid into a chilled glass.

A dash of black pepper from a mill that matched the drink’s soft shade of red brought it all together.

Lettre à Coco

My curiosity piqued with our next cocktail Lettre à Coco. The name alone had me intrigued. Inspired by a series of letters sent from 20th century playwright and poet Jean Cocteau to his muse, Coco Chanel – the letters conveyed respect and admiration for the revolutionary designer.  

A fragrant mix of Ketel One Vodka, Champagne cordial, jasmine, bergamot, and rose, the cocktail arrived with a pastel envelope stamped with a wax-seal. I glanced at Zoltan as he sprayed the envelope with a mist of Chanel N°5 – the icon’s signature perfume. What a lovely touch! As the scent permeated the air, Zoltan placed the letter in front of me. I opened it with anticipation, and read Cocteau’s famous words “tu est irremplaçable, car tu est differente”. You are irreplaceable because you are different. It was intimate, transportive, and laced with feminine energy. For a moment, it felt like I was slipping into someone else’s story.

A single round sphere of ice swirls within delicate floral notes that meet you with every sip. As Zoltan walked me through each layer, I realized that this cocktail was rooted in nostalgia and fantasty. And at the risk of sounding cliche, this drink is poetry in a glass.

A note on wine

Just when I thought the evening had come to a close, the wine list reminded me otherwise. An integral part of La Petite Maison’s story, their wine philosophy leans towards discovery. While the list includes globally recognized houses to satisfy seasoned palates, it’s the unexpected that leaves the biggest impression. With a soft spot for rosé (they’ve even coined the phrase la vie en rosé), there’s a spotlight  on small producers with stories to tell that invites guests to discover something new and unforgettable. 

Final thoughts

What struck me most about stepping behind the scenes at La Petite Maison was the synchronized rhythm between the kitchen and the bar. Two distinct spaces, each with its own pulse, yet perfectly in tune. I discovered that the full experience is bound by a philosophy of generosity, sharing, and surprise. One that flows seamlessly from the kitchen, into the bar, and finally, into your glass.

I’ll drink to that.

Acknowledgements

Special Thanks to the team Maurizio Pace, Michael Koffi, Zoltan Agh, Natalie Bormann, Tibor Krascsenics and the team at La Petite Maison Dubai

Words — Lidija Abu Ghazaleh

Photography — Esma Gok

Glam — Maria Doyle at Celui

Assistant — Belinda Lee

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