She’s the woman behind two healthy eateries in Dubai: Comptoir 102 and Wild & the Moon. Meet Emmanuelle Sawko, a true Parisian when it comes to food, design, or fashion!
Emma is always current and has built a reputation as a global tastemaker in Paris, New York, and Dubai. Apart from being an accomplished businesswoman, she is also a Yogi and health enthusiast who has been nominated as French Elle Magazine’s 70 Influential Women of the Year. Emma has displayed the best of design, art, fashion & food that their respective industries have to offer and as know it, through Comptoir 102 and Wild and Moon, has made Dubai and the world a little more beautiful (& healthy!) for all of us.
How did your quest for a healthy lifestyle begin? How did Wild and Moon and Comptoir 102 happen?
I was born and raised in a “healthy family”. My mother has always been making conscious healthy food choices and taught us the importance of good nutrition. But when I lived in New York City, I discovered a new way of eating; more plant based, with superfoods and cold pressed green juices. I really embraced this new lifestyle and wanted to bring it to Dubai.
Why would one eat at Wild and the Moon?
Wild and the Moon is a 100% plant based restaurant. Not only our products are organic, vegan, cruelty free, ethically, and locally sourced, but we are also using age-old techniques of preparation: soaking, germinating, cold-press, fermenting… to preserve all the goodness. We are aiming to offer food that is the absolute best and purest form of nutrition you can give your body.
Tell us about the Wild and Moon concept of eatwise.
We are working with a team of raw vegan chefs, nutritionists, and food lovers to create our recipes. Each recipe uses a combination of ingredients meant to work in synergy for health and taste. We want to create food that is not only good for you, good for the planet, but also delicious.
If you were a customer in your own cafe, what would you order from the menu?
I am quite partial to the avo’ toast served on raw dehydrated linseed and vegetable pulp crackers, and the raw apple tatin tart is to die for. But for the juices, i can’t choose just one; it simply depends on the mood or need of the day.
Describe your venue in 4 words.
Creative Lush Bohemian Energizing
Aside from running your business, what are the hobbies or activities that you enjoy?
I practice muay thai and yoga.
When I need time off to recharge or let go, I go to the beach and take a walk there at sunset. I also like to pause and read a book or cook for my family.
What is a day in the life of Emmanuelle like?
I wake up early and prepare breakfast for my kids before starting the day with one hour of sport -either muay thai or yoga- I can’t start the day without it.
If I’m in Dubai, I will go to my office in Comptoir 102 and take my breakfast there; usually a raw cacao or spirulina smoothie with homemade almond milk which will keep me going all morning. I share my time between Comptoir 102 and Wild and the Moon. After work, I try to catch the sunset on the beach before going back home. I leave all the worries of the day there and come home refreshed to spend time with my family.
What is Emmanuelle’s kitchen like?
Big enough to cook surrounded by my family and friends. It is the heart of the house. I love to cook and chat with a glass of wine.
What are the must haves and never-haves in your kitchen larder?
I have plenty of seeds (flax, poppy, chia, hemp, sesame…), nuts and raw nut butters, and they end up being sprinkled, tossed, and laced in every single dish I prepare. I also love seaweeds (wakame, hijiki, dulse, agar) which I use in salads or soups, and other japanese ingredients like umeboshi paste, miso or soba noodles. My local treasures are tahini, pomegranate molasses, rose water, zaatar and sumac, which I can’t live without now!
I never buy sweets or ready-made food. Most of the items you’ll find in my kitchen have a single ingredient on the package.
Do you cook daily?
Yes. I don’t find the time to meditate but I always make the time to cook and it’s kind of the same.
What is your breakfast like?
On weekends, I take time to make a Budwig cream for my family, but during weekdays, it’s a raw vegan smoothie at work.
Do you have cheat days on the weekend? Or do you cheat often?
I don’t cheat because i don’t diet. Food is about pleasure. I have as much pleasure in having a delicious salad or a piece of cheese.
What is your go-to food on a busy day?
Smoothie again! I’m a smoothie addict 🙂
What is your favourite kitchen gadget?
Can’t live without my Vitamix but I’m having fun with my spiralizer too!
What is your personal fitness routine like?
I used to do Muay Thai every day with my trainer and love the intensity of a boxing workout. However, with the years, I’m starting to feel the need for something more gentle and also more spiritual. My yoga teacher in Dubai, helped me develop sequences I can do everywhere to help me recharge, relax or re-energize and it is now a part of my daily routine.
What are your tips for a healthy life?
Sleep (a lot), (drink) Smoothies, Sport (everyday), (wear a) Smile, (a bit of) Sun, (a lot of) Sea… What else comes with S?
Written by: Viki Shah
About Comptoir
Launched in 2012, Comptoir 102 has established itself as one of the best concept stores in the city, known for healthy eating and a hidden treasure for discerning shoppers with its curated eclectic mix of fashion, jewelry, interior design and furniture from around the globe. The philosophy behind the café is to share the joy of a healthy meal with friends.
Website: www.comptoir102.com
About WILD & the MOON
Wild & The Moon is a lifestyle movement based on the simple belief that food should be good for you, good for the planet, and delicious. The Parisian outpost is now open in the burgeoning, creative hub of Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.