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JUNOON TO MAKE DUBAI DEBUTAS FIRST EXTENSION OF CULINARY BRAND

Manhattans Acclaimed Contemporary Indian Restaurant to Open at UAE Citys Shangri-La Hotel

NEW YORK, MAY 15, 2014 Junoon, New York Citys Michelin-starred contemporary Indian restaurant
known for its elegantly modern take on traditional dishes, will open its second location this fall as a 5,000
square foot, 145-seat United Arab Emirates (UAE) outpost in Dubais five-star Shangri-La Hotel. New York
based restaurateur Rajesh Bhardwaj, who founded Junoon as an expression of his passion for the food and
culture of his native India, made the announcement at the restaurants third anniversary celebration on
Wednesday evening, May 13. He stated the new Dubai location will set the stage for future expansion of the
Junoon brand; one internationally acclaimed for its exploration of Indian cuisines infinite gastronomic
possibilities under the guidance of Corporate Chef Vikas Khanna, one of the subcontinents most renown
culinary talents and cookbook authors. A brand that has been awarded a coveted Michelin star annually since
Junoon opened in 2011.

We feel strongly Junoon can be a global brand and have been researching cities that would be a good fit for
our first foray into expansion. One of the worlds fastest growing cities and travel destinations, with a large
Indian ex-pat community, Dubai stood out as the site of the second Junoon, Bhardwaj explained. Dubais
dynamic culinary scene, with the worlds most celebrated chefs opening restaurants there, was another draw.
Having a presence in Dubai is increasingly important to the future international growth of a restaurant brand.

Bhardwaj also cited the original Junoons popularity with business travelers from the UAE as a factor in
deciding on Dubai, along with the restaurant being frequented by some of the Middle Easts royal families.
Consequently, he considers the Dubai opening a first step to toward the possible establishment of additional
locations in the region.

As the first Junoon (passion in Hindi) brand extension, the Dubai restaurant will incorporate many elements
of the Manhattan original, but will also reflect its Arabian Peninsula address with food, beverage and
decorative nods to the regional culture. The menu will be rooted in Junoons culinary philosophy of focusing
on high quality sustainable ingredients that have an affinity for Indian cuisine, prepared with elevated cooking
techniques to yield contemporary interpretations of Indian food. Some 65 percent of it will replicate the New
York menu, the remaining devoted to new items created for Dubai diners, including dishes based on the
grouper and massive prawns for which the local waters are so famous.

Similarly, the beverage program will follow Junoon New Yorks lead with a superior wine selection,
representing the best of old and new world production. And by cocktails of classic origins, as well as
contemporary mixology concoctions utilizing ingredients from the kitchen to lend a food and drink flavor
consistency. However, in Dubai, mocktails will be showcased by a large array of non-alcoholic concoctions
inspired by the kitchen to further enhance Junoons comestible and beverage confluence.

For Dubai, architect and designer Tarik Currimbhoy is fashioning a contemporary space where ancient Indian
artistry and stylish elegance seamlessly converge as he did for New York. The Manhattan Junoons tree of
life theme will be conveyed with bronze palm trees symbolic of Dubai, the centuries old Burma teak arches
from an Indian mansion acting as stunning counterpoint to their modern motif throughout the restaurant

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resplendent in a richly theatrical palette of purple, red and gold hues. The restaurants dining room and open
kitchen (another New York hallmark) will merge as one, woven together by the palm arches to foster a sense
of dining in an interactive museum setting celebrating food and drink.

Dubais Junoon will be situated on the third floor of the luxurious 302-room Shangri-La, at 1 Sheikh Zayed
Rd. Opening in the fall of 2014, it will join the hotels impressive collection of eight restaurants and bars.

The original Junoon is located at 27 W. 24thy St, New York, NY 10010. For more information, please call
(212)490-2100 or visit www.junoonnyc.com.

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