Dry ice, vintage grape, truffle foam and caviar: it’s time to sink your teeth into the capital’s biggest culinary extravaganza, Gourmet Abu Dhabi.
Celebrity chefs, molecular gastronomy and an opera dinner – you guessed it, Gourmet Abu Dhabi is back.
Now in its sixth year, the culinary festival is more creative and refined than ever – and once again you’ll have chance to experience exclusive recipes designed by some of the world’s best chefs.
From Feb 4-19, celebrity chefs, bakers and pâtissiers will be kneading, marinating and drizzling to recreate their signature dishes, and wow you with some unique ones.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) launched the gastronomic event in February 2009 to promote the Emirate as a global culinary destination. The master plan worked, and this year, 25 culinary experts and 20 restaurants will participate – so it’s safe to say Gourmet Abu Dhabi is causing quite a stir.
Noura Al Dhaheri from TCA Abu Dhabi is on Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s organising committee. She says, ‘This year’s festival caters to all tastes. A stellar line-up of culinary stars and international masterchefs will participate in 28 cooking demonstrations, educational workshops and themed dinners in the sixth edition of Gourmet Abu Dhabi, demonstrating our confidence in Abu Dhabi’s rising culinary stature.
‘Over the 16-day festival, you can join events as diverse as hands-on Star Struck Cook & Lunch with Australian masterchef George Colombaris, share a gastronomic dinner with Gary Rhodes, hit the high notes at an
Italian-inspired operatic performance with masterchef Massimo Bottura or simply join a chateau dinner at premium establishments across the UAE’s capital.’
The festival’s grand finale will be an awards ceremony over a gala dinner at The St Regis Abu Dhabi. The Oscars of the foodie world, the awards recognise the chefs and restaurants that have contributed most to the city’s hospitality sector. Following two rounds of public voting in 2013, four judges will spend the fortnight touring the shortlisted venues to cast their votes. Ten winners will take home golden chef statues on the night for accolades ranging from executive chef and pastry chef of the year, while the capital’s best restaurants will compete for the coveted restaurant of the year gong.
Got a taste for the festival? If you don’t want to miss out, then swot up on which VIPs will be attending – and sign up for events now.
Gala opening
This glamorous red carpet event will see award-winning masterchefs, distinguished vintage producers and special guests come together to kick off the sixth edition of Gourmet Abu Dhabi. Expect to see hosting chefs demonstrate their skills at food stations.
When: February 4, 7pm-10pm
Where: Falcon Lawn, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
How much: Dhs480
Culinary demonstrations
Demo & luncheon with Christophe Muller
Don’t miss this opportunity to let the executive chef of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse wow and seduce you with his stellar culinary creations.
When: February 12, 10am-2pm
Where: Silk & Spice, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
How much: Dhs400
Demo & luncheon with Fabio Pisani
See the master of plate presentation at work as Italian Chef Pisani demonstrates why he believes each dish must entice with aroma and be a surprise to the palate to be truly unforgettable.
When: February 17, 10am-2pm
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi Banquet Kitchen
How much: Dhs400
Bread baking workshop & breakfast
Raise your baking skills to the next level as master bread baker Chef Rainer Scharold presents traditional country bread-making techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
When: February 8, 10am-2pm
Where: Royal Catering, Cafe D’Alsace, Yas Marina
How much: Dhs200
For reservations, email info@cafedalsace.ae or call (050 811 5414 / 02 496 3412).
‘Star struck’ cook & lunch with George Calombaris
With limited seating for 24 guests, this is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Australia’s most famous culinary talents as he takes guests through three of his recipes, before sitting down with the audience to sample the dishes for lunch.
When: February 15, 10am-2pm
Where: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara
How much: Dhs600
Culinary promotions
With Edward Kwon
International masterchef Edward Kwon, who hails from South Korea, is set to host promotions at Teatro restaurant at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi for four days. The talented chef has worked across the world, including in the UAE where he was head chef of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab.
Where: Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
For reservations, call (02 657 3333).
With Marco Sacco
The emerging international masterchef will be hosting promotions at 18° at the Hyatt Capital Gate hotel for four days in February. Starting with success in the Cook of the Year 2000 competition, Chef Sacco has participated in interviews and articles in major specialty publications, TV programmes and international food festivals, drawing diners to his Piccolo Lago restaurant.
When: February 5-8
Venue: 18°, Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
For reservations, call (02 596 1440).
With Michael Caines MBE
Here’s your chance to meet the two-Michelin-starred international masterchef, who will be hosting promotions at Brasserie Angélique in the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel from February 5-8. Having wowed diners at Devon’s exclusive Gidleigh Park country house hotel in the UK since 1999, Chef Caines is considered one of the best of his generation, and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the hospitality industry.
When: February 5-8
Venue: Brasserie Angélique, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
For reservations, call (02 811 5666).
Chateaux dinners
With masterchef Ho Chee Boon & Château Miguel Torres S.A.
East meets West at favourite Asian restaurant Hakkasan when a host of modern Chinese dishes are creatively crafted by Chef Ho Chee Boon and accompanied by world-class vintages from Spain.
When: February 9, 7pm-11pm
Where: Hakkasan, Emirates Palace
How much: Dhs950
With masterchef Christopher Kostow & Colgin Cellars
Enjoy the combination of the innovative cuisine of Christopher Kostow, the head chef of Meadowood, with the vintages of Colgin Cellars.
Where: The Forge, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
How much: Dhs1,200
With masterchef Bruno Ménard, Damien Le Bihan & Pol Roger bubbly
Foie gras lovers will be able to taste the delicate ingredient as it’s skilfully incorporated into a meal by Chef Bruno Ménard. Expect an indulgent evening complete with exclusive bubbly vintages by Pol Roger.
When: February 10, 7pm-11pm
Where: Al Nojoom Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
How much: Dhs1,100
Themed dinners
Italian opera dinner featuring masterchef Massimo Bottura
Sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, who have paid homage to Luciano Pavarotti with a limited-edition bottle dedicated to him and Italian opera as a whole, this special dinner will involve exclusive opera performances as well as fine food prepared by three-Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura. Expect performances by sopranos Christine Belbelian and Maria Glück, together with accompanist Stanislav Fedyuk.
When: February 8, 7pm-11pm
Where: Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace
How much: Dhs1,500
Latino barbecue
Celebrate all things Latin American at this exclusive barbecue party-by-the-pool night at The Westin, accompanied by Latin American performers.
When: February 13, 7pm-11pm
Where: The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
How much: Dhs600
Other gourmet events
Gourmet Golf Experience
While the first Gourmet Golf Experience day on February 5 is invitation-only, the second day is open to the public, with registration starting at 11am for tee-off at noon. It’s an exclusive tournament that sees golf paired with fine cuisine and quality vintages.
When: February 6, 11am-9.30pm
Where: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
How much: Dhs800
Awards gala dinner
Sit down for a delicious dinner and discover who the winners are of this year’s fiercely contested Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards, which recognise and celebrate local talents and restaurants for their world-class service and contribution to the capital’s dining scene.
When: February 19, 7pm-11pm
Where: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
How much: Dhs800 per person, Dhs6,400 per table
