Gourmet cuisine awards to be held in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Some of the world's top culinary maestros will attend the first Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2009 exhibition next month to share their experiences with the capital's hospitality industry, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

The event will host the first Gourmet Stars Awards, an international industry recognition programme which acknowledges the best talents and establishments who've made significant contributions to the food and beverage industry in the Arabian Gulf.

"This event is part of our plan to promote tourism in Abu Dhabi and will help enrich the lives of our residents and visitors. It's also a way of exchanging information and experience between the Arabian and international cuisine and we plan to do it annually from here on," Nasser Saif M. Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Division Director at the ADTA, told Gulf News.

Awards

An expert judging panel and public voting will determine winners of the gourmet awards, which honour eight categories including restaurant of the year; executive chef of the year; restaurant manager of the year and restaurant host of the year.

The 10-day event, to take place from February 5 to 14 in 13 premier Abu Dhabi venues will feature special guests from countries including France, Italy, Hong Kong, Belgium and Australia who will offer their culinary experiences.

Annie Feolde, a French chef who has become a byword for the cuisine of her adopted country, Italy, and the first woman in the Italy to be awarded a chef's finest accolade - three Michelin stars - will be at the expo.

It is Feolde's first visit to an Arab country and she tells Gulf News that she is excited to not only show off her Italian culinary specialties along with three other chefs, but to learn more about Arabian cuisine.

"I can't wait to understand more about Arabian cooking. When I arrive in Abu Dhabi on a second visit on February 8 I plan to show off my pasta, fish, meat and deserts and to work closely with Arabian chefs to learn from them too," she said.

Awards: Vote for the best

To nominate people for one of the eight awards listed in the article, visit www.gourmetabudhabi.ae The top three nominees and recipients of the awards will be announced at the Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards gala dinner on December 10, 2009.