Mimi Kakushi is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nora Heerah as the restaurant’s new sommelier, the promotion of Imir Lloja, from Assistant Bar Manager to Bar Manager, and the promotion of Bar Manager Manja Stankovic to Group Bar Manager.
Heerah hails almost a decade of experience in some of the world’s most renowned hospitality venues, and brings a profound knowledge of wine and a refined approach to the art of pairing. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Mimi Kakushi’s wine program, further enhancing the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. Lloja’s promotion showcases the venue’s commitment to growth and development of their employees. Having joined Mimi Kakushi during its pre opening times, Lloja has grown and developed the bar programme extensively, under the guidance of Manja Stankovic. Manja Stankovic’s promotion to Group Bar Manager showcases his talent and commitment to excellence, now with a role overseeing the bar programme across RIKAS Group – however retaining a special attention on Mimi Kakushi.
Nora Heerah – Sommelier
Nora began her sommelier career in 2015 at the Sugar Beach Hotel in Mauritius as a commis sommelier, where she developed her foundational skills and passion for wine. Her talent quickly led her to join the Constance Hotel, one of Africa’s largest wine sellers, where she excelled in her role as a Commis Sommelier Level 1. After nine months, Nora’s exceptional knowledge and skill earned her a promotion to Level 2 at Constance Maldives, where she studied extensively and became familiar with more than 50,000 wine labels.
In 2018, Nora advanced her career as an Assistant Head Sommelier at Four Seasons Seychelles, curating unforgettable wine experiences for discerning guests. When the global pandemic struck, Nora relocated to the UAE and played a pivotal role in launching Jubilee Restaurant for Expo 2020, a venue that hosted over 30 Michelin-star chefs. She also spearheaded the opening of Amelia in Dubai, where she independently crafted the entire wine list, showcasing her expertise and creative vision.
In 2023, Nora further expanded her experience as a sommelier at Lucia before joining RIKAS Hospitality Group in 2024. At Mimi Kakushi, she now oversees the restaurant’s wine program, focusing on creating unique and memorable pairings for guests.
“We are excited to welcome Nora Heerah to the Mimi Kakushi team,” said Mathieu Chauvaux, General Manager of Mimi Kakushi. “Her impressive background and passion for wine perfectly align with our vision of offering an unparalleled dining experience.”
Guests can now experience Nora’s carefully curated wine selections, perfectly complementing Mimi Kakushi’s contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Imir Lloja – Bar Manager
Since joining Mimi Kakushi during its pre-opening in March 2021, Imir has steadily risen through the ranks, progressing from Bartender to Head Bartender, Bar Supervisor, and Assistant Bar Manager. His passion for mixology, extensive knowledge of spirits and wines, and a strong background in team leadership have been instrumental in establishing Mimi Kakushi as a premier destination for fine cocktails and exceptional service.
Imir has played a significant role in helping Mimi Kakushi achieve numerous accolades, including being ranked No. 40 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list and No. 1 in the Middle East and Africa in 2023 and retaining this position in 2024. Other notable awards under his tenure include Best Cocktail Bar UAE (2021), Best Restaurant UAE and Best Japanese Restaurant UAE (2022), and Best Bar Team at the Caterer ME Nightlife Awards (2024).
In his new role, Imir is responsible for crafting new signature cocktails inspired by Japanese culture, overseeing hiring and training for the bar team, and fostering a positive, welcoming environment for both guests and staff. His other duties include managing inventory, optimising beverage stock, designing beverage menus, training front-of-house staff on a range of cocktails and spirits, and organising guest bartender events.
Lloja’s own achievements in the field include placing in the Top 5 of the World Class Bartender UAE competition in 2022, winning the Metaxa UAE competition in 2022, and reaching the Top 5 in the Metaxa Global Competition the same year. He also holds certifications in WSET Level 2 Wines and Spirits. Additionally, he has represented Mimi Kakushi at several prestigious international bar collaborations, including at Danico in Paris, ranked No. 51 on the World’s Best Bars list.
“Imir’s dedication and talent have been invaluable to our team,” says Manja Stankovic, Group Bar Manager “He brings creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to excellence in every aspect of his work. We are thrilled to see him continuously grow and take on this new role and are excited for the future of the bar under his leadership.”
Imir’s promotion reflects Mimi Kakushi’s commitment to retaining and growing exceptional talent and delivering an unparalleled bar experience.
Manja Stankovic – Group Bar Manager
Manja Stankovic joined Mimi Kakushi in 2021 as Bar Manager and rapidly created its extensive bar program, which is now known for its unique fusion of contemporary mixology and Japanese-inspired artistry. His work has garnered multiple accolades and has contributed to positioning Mimi Kakushi as one of the Middle East’s most celebrated bars.
RIKAS Hospitality Group is proud to announce the promotion of Manja to Group Bar Manager, a new role in which he will oversee all bar programs across RIKAS Group’s prestigious venues and new openings. Manja’s leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in Mimi Kakushi’s success, helping the bar achieve international acclaim, including a recent ranking as the No. 40 world on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, retaining its position from the 2023 list. Mimi Kakushi was also named the #1 bar in the Middle East and Africa, cementing its reputation as a leading destination in the global cocktail community.
“Manja’s remarkable leadership has made Mimi Kakushi into an icon in the bar world, and we’re excited to extend his expertise across our entire portfolio,” said Rizwan Kassim, CEO & Founder of RIKAS Hospitality Group. “His new role aligns with our goal of redefining the bar experience across RIKAS Group and consistently delivering world-class service.“.
As Group Bar Manager, Manja will bring his expertise to all RIKAS venues, implementing consistent standards of excellence and fostering creativity and talent across each bar team. His primary focus will remain on maintaining Mimi Kakushi’s momentum on the world stage while introducing new innovations and programs throughout RIKAS Group.
This appointment reflects RIKAS Hospitality Group’s dedication to growing its talents and its ongoing commitment to setting new benchmarks for the industry.
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