Foodies rejoice! Gourmet Abu Dhabi is back again, bringing with it Michelin star chefs, explorations into the finer things in life, and food... lots and lots of food.
The two-week festival, which begins tomorrow, will run until February 19 and is a whole five days longer than its highly successful debut run last year.
Here's a quick look at what to expect at Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010.
Michelin star chefs
The rulers of the kitchen are coming to not onlywow your tastebuds, but also show you how to be amaster in your own kitchen. Admission to master classes is free, but requires reservation.
Alain Passard
Passard took the cooking world to new heights with his introduction of a completely meat-free menu in 2001. He is returning once again to Abu Dhabi to prove that cooking with vegetables can be fun and creative. Passard will be hosted at Bord Eau, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, and will give a master class on February 16 at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.
Heinz Winkler
He is the youngest chef ever to have been head of a restaurant with three Michelin stars, at 32, and was also the first German chef to be given that honour. In addition to amassing an impressive line-up of awards and accolades, Winkler also owns his very own two Michelin star restaurant. He will be hosted at Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace Hotel, and will give a master class on February 16 at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.
Masayasu Yonemura
This critically acclaimed Japanese chef has wowed those who have tasted his unique fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Known for his unique approach to food, some of Yonemura's dishes include cod meuniere and soy milk blanc manger. He will be hosted at Kazu, Yas Hotel, and will give a master class on February 17 at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.
Meet Blumer
Chef, artist, television host, author and culinary adventurer are just some of the adjectives that could be used to describe Bob Blumer (left). Well-known for his television series Glutton For Punishment and The Surreal Gourmet, it is hard to believe that Blumer had once had a career in the music world. Not only will you be able to enjoy his unique creations at A Surreal Evening with Bob Blumer on February 7 (Dh750), but you could also try to create your own surreal dishes during his masterclass on February 8 at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel. Admission is free.
Events
Gala Opening
In true luxury fashion, the red carpet will be rolled out for special guests at the grand opening of Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010. Offering a glimpse of the 15-day long gastronomic extravaganza, this is surely a celebration of the finer things in life.
February 5 [Yas Hotel Dh580]
Arabian Feast
An event to showcase Arabian heritage through cuisine. This gastronomic journey is the most delicious way to explore Arab culture.
February 14 [Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri Tickets: Dh550]
Awards Gala Dinner
A dinner and awards ceremony rolled into one to recognise and celebrate the efforts of various individuals and establishments in food and beverage industry in Abu Dhabi and the Gulf.
February 15 [Al Raha Beach Hotel. Dh2,080 per person or Dh17,400 per table of 10.]
Gourmet Barbecue
What better way to end the second instalment of Gourmet Abu Dhabi than with a barbecue for all with dishes created especially by hosting establishments of Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010.
February 19 [Al Raha Beach Hotel Dh550]
