Abu Dhabi: will become a foodie’s paradise this weekend as the capital’s biggest al fresco food festival – Taste of Abu Dhabi – opens on November 10.
Culinary doyens from various parts of the world will be in town to take part in the three-day event being held at Zayed Sports City.
Some of the region’s celebrity chefs including Mohammad Orfali and Tarek Ibrahim will also be part of the headlining acts, cooking up a storm on the Chefs Theatre and Cooking Challenge, alongside one of India’s most famous chefs Sanjeev Kapoor, top British chef and restauranteur Ed Baines and Taste of Abu Dhabi’s favourites South African Jenny Morris and Josh Stanzl from the UK.
Visitors can see their favourite chefs in action, learn their kitchen secrets, try their hands at cooking classes or learn a thing or two about beverage pairing at the Etihad’s Chef Theatre featuring demonstrations, culinary challenges, entertaining tutorials and Q & A sessions.
The gastronomic line-up will feature some of Abu Dhabi’s latest, greatest and most exciting restaurants including Teatro, Sho Cho, Flooka, Bu Trinity!, Tamba, Punjab Grill, Catch, Loca, Velocity, Melius, JW Steakhouse, Al Fanar, Bakers Kitchen, Bar Fly, Nolus, Royal Orchid and The Sportsman’s Arms.
Björn Again, the famous tribute act of Swedish pop group ABBA, will add a musical flavour to the festival’s Thursday opening night, as they take to the stage at 9.30pm. Designed as a light-hearted satirical ABBA spoof, the enduring appeal of ABBA is reflected in the ongoing success of the Björn Again show having amassed 5,000 performances in 71 countries in 28 years.
The entertainment stage at Zayed Sports City will also feature a line-up of local bands, musicians and DJs throughout the three days of the festival.
As the global airline partner for the event, Etihad Airways’ inflight chefs will offer visitors an insight into beverage pairings with dishes.
“We are delighted that Etihad Airways has chosen our Taste Festival in its home city, Abu Dhabi, to unveil this exciting new international culinary extravaganza,” said Chris Fountain, managing director of event organisers Turret Media. “Their commitment to being the world’s leading culinary airline is a great fit for our event, and we look forward to working together to provide an unforgettable and delicious experience for all of our guests.”
Beckoning foodies from outside the capital, official hotel sponsor Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi will offer an exclusive package including an overnight stay with breakfast for two and entry tickets to the Taste of Abu Dhabi.
The festival will run from 4 to 11pm on Thursday, noon to 11pm on Friday and noon to 10pm on Saturday.
Tickets are available at: www.tasteabudhabi.com
