Dubai Food: Meet chef Shannon Bennett

Five of Australia’s top chefs are in the UAE for the Dubai Food Festival, which starts on February 25. In their own words, hear from the chefs about their careers, hits, misses and what they will be cooking in the UAE this month.

Here, Shannon Bennett (who we caught up with on a previous Dubai visit), one of the brightest stars on the highly regarded Melbourne restaurant scene, reveals what he’s cooking in Dubai. He’ll be at the Beach Canteen on February 27, while his masterclass is on February 26, 10-11.30am and costs Dh550. All masterclasses take place at Dubai’s School of Culinary and Finishing Arts (SCAFA) in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Describe your food in five words.

Local, sustainable, cultural-driven, dining-experience and original.

What has been your greatest cooking success?

Customers returning to the restaurant [Vue Du Monde].

And what has been the worst cooking disaster you’ve experienced?

A first-year apprentice used horseradish mayonnaise in a souffle instead of creme anglaise for an important Australian government dignitary.

You’ve had a great career in cooking that’s brought you far. What has been the key to that?

Hard work and the enjoyment in what I do each day.

What would you like to achieve next?

A good work-life balance. And teaching my staff to grow and bring a part of their personal career path.

You’re going to be meeting a lot of fans in Dubai at your events. What is the most unusual, funniest fan experience you’ve had to date?

A fan made a dedicated video song and posted on YouTube. [It’s the utterly brilliant Shannon Bennett, Come And Get It. Oh, Australia.]

What will you be cooking at your events in Dubai, and why did you chose those dishes?

Marron, tarragon and coral: This dish showcases the best of Australian produce. And warm chocolate orange mousse, a fan highlight in MasterChef Season seven.

Do you know your fellow Dubai Food Festival celebrity chefs?

Yes, I consider them all friends. Our careers have all grown together.