As the sun sets, the infinity pool at Al Raha Beach Hotel reflected upon the food stations that were lined up and geared to provide guests attending the closing reception of Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010 with an unforgettable time. It was an evening of great music, even greater food and beverage to mark the closing of another successful gourmet celebration at this emerging global and gourmet capital of United Arab Emirates, and perhaps the Middle East too.
The tables were set and the vintages uncorked. Diners descended upon Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi's award-winning French restaurant as two French gourmet extraordinaires got together to present a dinner of gourmand proportions. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Chateau Figeac and three-Michelin-starred Chef Alain Passard.
Even the weather knew it was a day of good fun and great food! At this year's Gourmet Golf Experience, not only were the golfers and hosting establishments ready to celebrate a game of golf and a feast of delectable food, the weather joined in the fun too with a bright and sunny day. All that was needed is just a hole in one!
Perhaps one of the most respected culinary geniuses of his time, Chef Charlie Trotter is the epitomy of a chef. Talented, humble, generous, willing to share, passionate and all these and more. Chef Trotter is a visionary and a master of his craft. A lesson with him in his masterclass provides you with an insight of his brilliance.
With a hint of modernity in his cuisine, double honoree of the one-Michelin-star, Chef Vineet Bhatia has two restaurants - one in England and another in Switzerland. He cooks Indian cuisine and while keeping to the traditions, he injects a breath of fresh air into it, combining the essense of traditional Indian food and a touch of modern infusion.
This one-Michelin-starred chef is no stranger to doing things against the norm. Never one to conform, Chef Masayasu Yonemura may be Japanese but his cuisine just hints a little of his heritage. Cooking French with a touch of Japanese, Chef Yonemura’s masterclass speaks volume of his passion for his craft.
One is a famous chef from United States while the other is famous for its exquisite vintages from France. Together, they joined forces and worked together to present a dinner of game cuisine and phenomenal vintage. They are, of course, Chef Charlie Trotter and Gruaud Larose respectively.
After a successful first session, Melina Yong returned for a second session, presenting to a group of ladies on the art of fine dining, far eastern style. Immediately following Chef David Thompson's class on Thai cuisine, the guests got an opportunity to see how fine dining is done the Asian way.
Having just attended his masterclass earlier in the morning, so many of the ladies were enthralled with the culinary ingenuity of Chef David Thompson, they decided to stay on for his exclusive ladies only session. And to ensure he did not repeat himself, they were all in for a treat as he prepared two other dishes, as delicious as ever.
An Australian who does Thai cuisine better than a Thai would and one who won a Michelin-star for his culinary ingenuity. That's Chef David Thompson for you. Presenting a masterclass of Thai cuisine to a packed audience, he made everyone happy with his sheer culinary brilliance and gorgeous dishes of true Thai tastes and flavours.
A feast that challenges the norm of the culinary industry and of our palates. Presenting a dinner that showcased the versatility of chocolate and the cocoa bean, master patissiers Carles Mampel, Frederic Bau, Hugues Pouget, Loretta Fanella, Pierre Herme and Vincent Bourdin created dishes that definitely got everyone talking! The next time someone tell you chocolates are only meant to be eaten sweet or bitter, tell them you’ve had it savoury!
It was a forum that provided an insight to the hospitality industry here in the Middle East as speakers from different walks of life get together to present a talk that definitely got everyone’s attention. Thomas Norberg, Khulood Al Atiyat, Emiel Van Wegen, Khalid Butti Al-Shamsi, Didier Gusching and Etienne Haro delivered speeches that gave everyone a better understanding of the culture here.
He is known for taking bold moves and he is one that never fears of taking risks. And he is the vegetable magician, the culinary maestro and the source of inspiration for many young chefs today. He is, of course, the incomparable three-Michelin-starred Chef Alain Passard. At his masterclass, he displayed all these and more.
Two-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Winkler’s masterclass was a sensational display of art and flavours. Demonstrating two dishes that made up of scallops and tuna, it was a treat for the guests who attended. A chef who has travelled the world over through his culinary career, Chef Winkler is definitely one of the most passionate around.
It was a night of splendor and glamour as Abu Dhabi witness the second annual Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Award, recognising the best individuals and establishments from the food and beverage (F&B) industry. And it was a night of grand feasting too with 14 masterchefs joining forces to create a spectacular reception and dinner. All in all, it was a night of stars and celebration.
With a spectacular view of the grand mosque as its background, the Plaza Bar of Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi was transformed into a night of Arabian feast. With overflowing of food and beverage, guests who attended the event were promised a good time, complete with Middle Eastern music. One night that many will remember for awhile.
For those with a sweet tooth, it does not get any better than this! The chocolate and pastry workshop is essentially a dessert lover’s paradise. What with a parade of the world’s best pastry chefs congregate together to present a culinary class unlike any other. From Bau to Bourdin, Fanella, Herme, Mampel and Pouget, nothing beats a day of pastry and chocolate learning with the best.
Dubbed the best of Australia, the chateau dinner held at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi’s Finz, Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Award’s Restaurant Of The Year 2009, saw the perfect marriage of the exquisite vintages of Yering Station and superb cuisine of Three Chef Hats chefs Greg Doyle and Grant King. It was indeed an unforgettable treat for everyone who attended the event.
They say the French know their vintages and cuisine and I say, this statement is relatively true. Guests who were at Etoiles got the grand opportunity to witness and regal in one of the best the French can offer. Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné provided the vintages for the night while three-Michelin-starred Chef Regis Marcon presented some of the best dishes.
A masterclass held in the opulent Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi speaks volume of luxury and good taste. And a perfect match too! Dr N K Yong, food and beverage (F&B) connoisseur and château representative from Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Christophe Brunet presented the finest vintages through a guided tasting complete with useful oenological information.
Five individuals who share the common thread of having the same passion in introducing the cuisines of the Middle East to the world – Raman Khanna, Joe Barza, Mehmet Gok, Tarek Ibrahim and a pastry chef from AL DAR Sweets. They joined hands and presented a gastronomic forum and cooking demo to showcase to the world what their region have to offer. And to a rousing approval too.
Who would have thought learning to make the alphabets could be so much fun? Ask the ladies who were there with Chef Loretta Fanella when she conducted her exclusive ladies’ session and they’ll tell you that they have never felt so cheerful before. What with the vivid colours of the dessert that was demonstrated that afternoon. It sure perked up everyone’s day!
The longevity of one-Michelin-starred Chef Dieter Kaufmann’s culinary career speaks volume of his passion and fervour for his career. Anyone who attended his masterclass as well as dinner would agree with me when I say Chef Kaufmann cooks and presents the best classic dishes – simple yet ravishing, all cooked to perfection.
Perhaps one of the most decadent dinner on the Gourmet Abu Dhabi line-up, the foie gras dinner that featured the exceptional vintages of Egon Müller – Scharzhof and sheer culinary talent of Chef Dieter Kaufmann was unbelievably good. Everything worked perfectly fine, from the pairing to the service, a good job was delivered!
Famous for its exquisite white varietals, Egon Müller – Scharzhof is known the world over for its superb Riesling. At the masterclass conducted specifically and dedicated to this château, guests got the chance to try some of the best vintages.
One-Michelin-starred Chef Martin Fauster is every bit the humble and generous chef. Always willing to share, his masterclass gave the students a glimpse of what his cuisine is all about. And not only do they get to see how it’s all done, they also got the chance to try his food, definitely an indescribable experience.
One is the world coffee barista champion while the other two are two of the world’s most successful and talented mixologists. Presenting together in a masterclass that spoke volume of talent, creativity and fast paced action, Branislav Beronja from Maromas LLC and Thomas Anostam and Ben-David Sorum from Flow Cocktail Ltd brought coffee drinking and beverage mixing to a whole new level.
He’s French but his restaurant is in England, London to be exact. Two-Michelin-starred and known the world over for his progressive French cuisine, Chef Claude Bosi is in a culinary class of his own. With a focus on the ingredients and how they can be manipulated to enjoy to the fullest, Chef Bosi’s masterclass is one experience anyone will never forget.
Two-Michelin-starred Chef Alfonso Iaccarino is known for his gorgeous classical Italian creations and he did not disappoint any of his fans as he cooked up a storm at his masterclass. Presenting to a full audience, those who missed the opportunity to taste and experience the culinary ingenuity of this chef, there’s still the opportunity as his epicurean promotion at BiCE, Hilton Abu Dhabi lasts until 14 February.
One is a two-Michelin-starred chef while another is from an award-winning château. Put them together and the Domaine Michel Gros With Chef Claude Bosi Dinner is what you’ll get. Renowned culinarian Chef Claude Bosi shared center stage with Michel Gros as they bring the guests through a series of wonderfully plated dishes paired with sensational vintages.
Without doubt, one session you won’t be disappointed with would be Domaine Michel Gros’ masterclass. With the best vintages to choose from, everyone who attended the masterclass had a ball of a time. Both Michel Gros and food and beverage (F&B) consultant, Dr N K Yong, hosted this event that is filled with oenological knowledge and treasures.
The true epitome of a chef, three-Michelin-starred Chef Régis Marcon is not only superbly talented but he is generously humble as well. Full of humility, guests at his masterclass were treated to the best of classical French cuisine and who knew Chef Marcon was the one serving them the tasting portions. What more can one ask for?
A culinary tour de force to be reckoned with – the best and most apt description to describe the culinary pairing of Greg Doyle and Grant King. They flew all the way from Australia to join the guests in Abu Dhabi and presented a masterclass that attracted one of the biggest audiences. Hosted at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, they’ll also be pairing with Yering Station to present a dinner dubbed “the best of Australia”.
Take three of Spain’s best and put them together and this is what you’ll get – exceptional cuisines of utmost excellence paired with award-winning vintages. Dominio De Pingus, two-Michelin-starred Chef Paco Roncero and master pâtissier Carles Mampel joined forces to present an unforgettable evening of feasting at Yas Island Rotana.
One of the most widely acclaimed vintners in the oenology world, Dominio De Pingus is known the world over for its exquisite vintages. And Abu Dhabi paid witness to the glorious selections from this château at a special masterclass conducted by Peter Sisseck and Dr N K Yong.
The most exciting of the so many talented and skilful Spanish chefs around, one-Michelin-starred Chef David Muñoz is a force to be reckoned with. He may be Spanish but his cuisine is definitely far from that. This phenomenal chef who is only 30 years old, makes some of the world’s most delectable dim sum and that’s just one of the many things that he’s doing so well. Feast your sense and get to know this culinary wonder who could pass off as a rock star easily.
With chef toques and aprons tucked away, chefs changed into their casual best and headed down to a kitchen party that many would remember for a long time to come. At the banquet kitchen of InterContinental Abu Dhabi, with the speakers pumping loudly and the best of food laid out, guests joined chefs to have a taste of how these talented and famed culinarians de-stress and unwind after a long day slaving over the hot stove.
Acclaimed cookbook author and food consultant are the hats out of the many that Melina Yong dons. Now, you can add masterclass presenter to that illustrious list. Showcasing her talent and knack for fine art and fine dining, Yong spoke to a packed audience, giving tips and guidance on how to create the perfect dinner, continental style.
Exclusively for the ladies only, Chef Suzanne Tracht conducted her masterclass to a packed audience, all eager to learn from her. And she didn’t disappoint! With a step-by-step guide and easy to follow instructions along with an engaging and warm personality, the audiences were in awe with the culinary brilliance of Chef Tracht. And best of all, they even got the opportunity to try her food at the end of the session. Now that’s something anyone won’t want to miss but unfortunately, the men will never stand a chance though!
Perhaps one of the most celebrated and most innovative chefs of his time, two-Michelin-starred Chef Paco Roncero showcased his culinary skills to a packed Abu Dhabi audience at his culinary masterclass. Playing with liquid nitrogen as well as other molecular gastronomy extravaganza, it was a class filled with fun, surprises and excitement! And it involved a lot of audience interactivity as well. Now this is definitely one masterclass you won’t want to miss for the world!
Never judge someone by their appearance because looks can be deceiving. Chef Tam Kwok Fung may be petite but for those who’ve met him before would agree with me when I say he is one chef with a big personality and an even bigger smile. His packed culinary masterclass was enjoyable and very engaging for all his eager students. Bringing a taste of Chinese cuisine to Abu Dhabi, Chef Tam managed to impress the audience with his charm, cheerful disposition and culinary expertise.
Solve this equation – what do you get when you have superb cuisines and gorgeous vintages served at a magnificent island? But of course, the gourmet safari on Yas Island. Guests trekked through three restaurants (Blue Grill, Filini Restaurant & Bar and Stills Bar & Brasserie) for a culinary experience unlike any other.
For those who had the grand opportunity to attend this masterclass, it was definitely a treat. Bob Blumer, the surreal gourmet himself, had the audience in stitches as he conducted his masterclass with pomp and circumstance. From chicken popsicles to faux fries, the guests had a ball of a time.
With a commanding presence and an even more commanding personality, two-Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton is the epitomy of an Italian chef. Whipping up delectable Italian dishes the way mama does is what Chef Berton does best and he had the opportunity to showcase his expertise to a group of enthusiastic students.
Japanese by birth, Chef Roy Yamaguchi is the famous American chef who is known the world over for his Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Many are known to make special trips to his restaurant. Chef Yamaguchi presented to a packed audience who were all eager to learn the trade secrets from the chef who is a part of Iron Chef America.
Salads from a flower pot? White chocolate mousse and passion fruit purée combined harmoniously together to form an egg? How about blue cheese cappuccino? Or tuna and cucumber gazpacho presented as a snow cone? No, this is not the meal you would have in a fairytale but instead a meal guests who attended a surreal evening with Bob Blumer at Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi Yas Island got to enjoy. Peculiar, interesting, mind boggling and delicious all rolled into one!
A celebration of all things Italian, the château dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s magnificently decorated Italian restaurant, Boccaccio lived up to its expectation with superb vintages from Pio Boffa alongside sensational cuisines courtesy of two-Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton. Vintages after vintages, courses after courses, guests were treated to an impressive dinner of pure Italian dolce vita.
Glasses were lined and various vintages were uncorked, all ready for an early evening of oenology appreciation. Pio Boffa, Pio Cesare’s acclaimed vintner along with famed food and beverage (F&B) connoisseur, Dr N K Yong, were in attendance to lead the session.
All the elements were in full force to celebrate the dawn of Gourmet Abu Dhabi. Strong gust of winds blew breezily as the courtyard of The Yas Hotel was transformed into the party of the year as guests arrived to the loud roars of the GP2 racing that was going on at the same time. VIPs, masterchefs, sponsor partners, hotel representatives and invited guests strolled down the red carpet to be greeted by a sprawling lawn of food stations that promised to give everyone a very delectable start to this gourmet extravaganza. Definitely an evening to remember!
