This week’s Into-yous features Jamaican expats Kari & Chef Lij Heron.

Tell us a little about yourself
We are a husband and wife team on an epicurean journey, trying to balance kitchen and bathroom scales. As we like to say, “Food is medicine but that doesn’t mean it ought to taste like it!” We are food bloggers of the popular Dubai blog  Chef and Steward.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
Chef Lij came for work 6 years ago and Kari joined for love 4 years after.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Chef Lij has studied and worked in the USA, and lived in Malaysia. Kari was an expat in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Expect the unexpected It is important when we travel as expats not to have a pre-formed expectation of how things will be. You never know until you go. Just go with an open heart and with a willingness to learn about new cultures.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
I am surprised how much I genuinely love the place. I came without expectation and am pleasantly surprised. I really love Dubai.

What area do you live in?
Al Quoz

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
The Sheikh’s Palace

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Te she rafna “Nice to meet.” This is because it is truly wonderful to meet so many wonderful people here.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Shukran and Mabrook!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Being a part of the fast growing food blogging community and the aggregate blog at fooderatiarabia.com

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
We are tossing up between Jamaica (home) and Cuba. We may just do both since they are only 90 miles apart.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
Our best friends.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
The Rib Room at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Otahite apples

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
On an abra on Deira Creek to Spice Souk, Food grazing at the Shindigha Fish Market, Shopping in Karama, Dinner at Al Mallah in Satwa, Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab’s Al Muntaha and Flooka for dinner and shisha. We are consummate food lovers, can you tell?

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please complete our 5 minute interview and submit your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format).