FireLake: A taste of Minnesota

Allow us to introduce you to the FireLake dining experience. Born in the heart of Minnesota, FireLake combines the best of the American Midwest's great food and drink heritage: open-flame cooking and unique cocktail creation. Add in a buzzing atmosphere and some local touches and you're left with the essence of a fantastic restaurant: great tastes in a great space. Learn more about the FireLake experience below and discover our key locations.

The flavor of the flame

FireLake's culture, name and style come from its original heartland in North America's Land of 1000 Lakes, Minnesota. As many of the dishes as possible are either wood, flame-grilled or smoked. In fact, the ‘Fire' in the name reflects the use of traditional, flavor-filled wood and flame-based cooking techniques. And not that we're looking to douse the flame, but FireLake also prides itself on their talented mixologists. Cocktails here are seen as a celebration, so expect to be delighted by some new flavors. More into the hoppy stuff? You won't be disappointed by our selection of handcrafted beers.

Rooted in the USA with a pinch of local flavor

Although the basis of FireLake cuisine is deeply rooted in North American style cooking, we always make sure there are plenty of local touches to ensure we're serving up the freshest locally grown products (albeit, wherever you are, always with a Midwest twist!). In fact, it's interesting to note that with an increase in immigration from abroad, Minnesota's culture appropriated traditions from Scandinavian and German heritages, thus adopting some of their traditional dishes such as lefse, lutefisk, gravlax, krumkake, kransekake, sausages, and sauerkraut.

At the Fire Lake Grill House & Cocktail Bar in Dubai, your options go from a succulent braised lamb shank served with chickpeas, kale and yoghurt and herb purée to the Omaha beef burger to fisherman's pie to the American camping favorite dessert, S'mores! And you can also go for a Dubai Sharing Board. So whether you're looking to go for local, or are seeking that smoky American palette, you're sure to find something that tickles your taste buds.

And at the FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre, meat is cooked on a Josper charcoal wonder-grill which gives it a unique tender texture and sealed-in taste. Locally grown food is also sourced and you can savor some of the finest Yorkshire artisan cheeses.

Stunning terrace views

While all our FireLake locations serve up some succulent dishes, the FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar in Dubai really does have something unique: its colossal outdoor terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa. A stunning terrace, cool beats, and incredible views mean this is definitely the place to be in when you're in Dubai. Join for Happy Hour to savor the sunset over the city skyline with a delightful cocktail and then retreat to your room with a view at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront.

This view is snapped right from the camera atop the hotel!

A Nordic inspired design concept

FireLake's restaurant concept is of course from Minnesota, but the Nordic influence can be seen as much in the cuisine as in the interior design. For Americans, as in many world cultures, BBQ is much more than spices, sauces and meat. It is something that connects us to our roots and shows that we've all made the food in the same way since the first dawn of time. From the beginning of mankind the Norwegian Viking fire or “Eldr” as the Vikings called it has been the most important element for survival, for warmth and for social gathering. It was not only the main technique of preparation for food, but a crucial element for heat, discussions, friendship, unity and folklore.

For the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger, FireLake is not only a tribute to fire, but also to the majestic Norwegian nature. This is an important element for the food culture in Norway as well as the source of inspiration for much of what we are familiar with today as Scandinavian design. Note for example the earthy tones and use of wood at this FireLake restaurant.

The Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy Hotel Moscow's Firelake restaurant also offers inspiring interiors with a Nordic design touch. But if you're looking to taste the local food, don't worry. Here you'll be able to taste seasonal, organic, and local Moscow specialties.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B18O7QVI98o/ A taste of the Midwest

From the aroma of hickory-smoked meat to the warm and inviting atmosphere, everything at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at the Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown is designed to give you a full sensory experience. Discover the hearty farm-to-table dishes prepared by Chef Keven Kvalsten. What's more, you can watch your dinner being created before your eyes with the open show kitchen. A perfect way to discover Midwestern cooking techniques. If you're really looking to try something local, you'll want to try Walleye. Often found battered and deep-fried, Walleye is the state fish of Minnesota which is prominent among the state's freshwater lakes. Order the Walleye Fritters if you're there for dinner, and when there for lunch try the Fried Cheese Curds, also a local favorite.

Interested in combining a shopping day out with some tasty local treats? Make the Radisson Blu Mall of America your base when staying in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Shop til you drop at the Mall of America and then gather with friends for appetizers, drinks and a game of pool at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar.

Share your FireLake experience on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #RadissonBlu! What was your favorite dish?