Welcome to the ‘Oscars’ of the local hospitality industry.
An integral part of Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the awards feature 12 hotly-contested accolades, all decided by a judging panel endorsement following public voting. The awards recognise individuals and restaurants that have contributed most to the capital’s hospitality sector and reward the use of local produce and sustainability while celebrating Emirati or Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.
‘Over the years the awards have become increasingly contested, with standards soaring on an annual basis in line with the destination’s increasingly impressive F&B offering,’ says Noura Al Dhaheri of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the festival organiser. ‘In these days of customer-generated reviews, we are particularly keen to acknowledge excellence in our ever-growing hospitality industry and honour those that have struck a chord with the dining public.’
Ten of the awards are open to public voting, divided into three categories – Chef, Service and Restaurant – and include: Aqua Panna & S. Pellegrino Restaurant Chef of the Year, Executive Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Regional Cuisine Chef of the Year, A. Ronai LLC Food & Beverage Manager of the Year, Regional Cuisine Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Host of the Year, Regional Cuisine Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year as well as Restaurant of the Year. Voting for the Best Use of Local Produce and Best Sustainability Practises awards is reserved for a specially selected industry judging panel.
All winners will be revealed at the Gourmet Stars Awards gala dinner and ceremony on February 19, for which reservations can be made at www.gourmetabudhabi.ae.
The judges
The judging panel consists of: F&B professionals and suppliers, fine food and châteaux merchants, members of the media, restaurant critics and reputable personalities who enjoy fine cuisine and vintages.
