MasterChef's George Calombaris coming to Abu Dhabi Gourmet

A world-renowned Australian chef, a judge of MasterChef Australia and a successful restaurateur is making his way to the capital for one of the city's biggest culinary events this weekend.

Dubbed an architect of modern Greek cuisine, 33-year-old George Calombaris — who has gained international recognition thanks to his mentoring and judging role on the hit TV show Masterchef Australia — will host classes and dinners as part of Abu Dhabi Gourmet, which started Wednesday and runs until February 23.

18 master chefs from 12 countries, 25 Michelin stars between them

Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012 will showcase an assembly of 18 master chefs from 12 countries with 25 Michelin stars between them. They will host a range of over 50 events that include free-to-attend masterclasses, masterchef dinners and special themed dinners.

Calombaris is already fond of Abu Dhabi and its culture.

"I visited Abu Dhabi for the first time last year. What a city! I can't believe how young it is, yet how rich in tradition. It is a real cultural city — and that's something that really resonates with me," he told tabloid!.

Rich variety

Calombaris was born and grew up in Melbourne, Australia, but his Greek heritage and its rich variety of foods was the central influence in the style of cooking that became his trademark.

He was inspired by his mother and grandmother, who he describe as "two brilliant cooks".

"My food is about my background and my training," he said. "It represents a time and place. It is a story about my Hellenic heart and my Australian way. It's about respecting the ingredients and where they come from," Calombaris explained.

At the young age of 27, Calombaris opened his flagship, The Press Club Restaurant and Bar, which solidified his place as a culinary star for his "modern Greek cuisine", something Melbourne, described as Australia's culinary city, had not seen before.

The Press Club was named Best New Restaurant 2008 and Calombaris was also awarded Chef of the Year 2008 and, later the same year, The Age Melbourne Magazine named him among its Top 100 Most Influential People.

Success didn't come easy to him. He shares his experiences with those he inspires and those who aspire for careers in culinary arts.

Started sweeping floors

"I started sweeping floors in my dad's grocer shop. He taught me to never forget where we come from and to work hard. It's the ethics that are important in business," said Calombaris.

"There are two sides to a restaurant: the businesses side and the emotional side. Those two are very important and must balance. So, it is important to plan, believe and listen."

Calombaris also gives back to the society that propelled him to success.

"I am part of many charities. I believe it's important to give back and support those who are less fortunate. I am a big supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia as my grandmother died from it and my dad has had it twice," he said.

Asked how he winds down, the chef said: "Family is everything to me. I love playing soccer. The UAE team has some Australians playing for it, one of them Marco Bresciano, a great player," he added.

Don't Miss it

George Calombaris will host a celebrity dinner at the Yas Island Rotana on February 10, the Armed Forces Officers Club on February 11 and a Chateau Dinner at the Yas Viceroy Hotel on February 12. For more details on the events at the festival, visit gulfnews.com. Tickets for the celebrity and chateau dinners can be bought online at gourmetabudhabi.ae. Dh750.