By Peter Townson

Dana al-Fardan and Lisa Lavie at the celebration of Maze’s one year anniversary at the Pearl-Qatar last night. PICTURE: Thajuddin
Maze, renowned chef Gordon Ramsey’s first restaurant in Qatar, celebrated its first anniversary last night with a VIP reception where guests were treated to a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes as well as musical entertainment from YouTube sensation, Lisa Lavie.
Head of marketing for Alfardan hospitality, Dana al-Fardan said that the first year of operations has been very successful for the restaurant, and looked forward to the future of what she described as one of Qatar’s “most happening locations.”
“Maze has emerged as a truly global centre for culture, arts and fashion,” said al-Fardan, adding “our clientele’s tastes demand multicultural, creative and hip experiences, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of these changes in the hospitality sector.”
Al-Fardan said: “Qatar is experiencing a huge explosion in the arts, and we want to be a part of that.”
“We want to create a hub for the arts, for fine art and modern art, and that is a major part of the relaunch of our identity here,” she said, noting “this is a sophisticated place to hang out, with a great atmosphere and quality food.”
To relaunch the restaurant, celebrate its first anniversary and highlight its status as a hub for the arts and music, Maze has brought in LA-based Canadian singer, Lisa Lavie to perform as part of the celebrations at the restaurant.
The 27-year-old pop star, whose debut album ‘Everything or Nothing,’ reached number 20 on the iTunes pop chart and number 70 across all iTunes music categories, performed last night at the restaurant, and will be singing over the weekend with her last performance to take place on Sunday evening.
Lavie has already received some 1.5mn views on YouTube, and has recently been chosen to tour with Yanni on his world tour as his lead vocallist.
The singer told Gulf Times: “I love it here – it is amazing.  I have visited the region once in the past and was eager to return, and I love it in Qatar.”
Known for her online videos which show her singing both famous cover songs and her own material, the singer describes herself as a cross between Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis and Alicia Keys.
And without doubt, the singer does justice to her influences with her own expressive voice and quite incredible range.
She was obviously pleased to be at the Pearl-Qatar, adding “it seems like a magical place to me!”
Lavie will be performing at Maze over the weekend, but when she leaves on March 13, her place will be taken by Anthony Black.
Maze manager, Suzanna Parry added: “Our performers Lisa Lavie and Anthony Black are world class acts and the chance to see them in such remarkable settings is a rare occasion. I urge our clients to book in advance!”