Uwe Micheel scoops outstanding achievement award

Uwe Micheel, director of kitchens at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek and president of the Emirates Culinary Guild, won the Outstanding Achievement award at the Time Out Restaurant Awards 2012, which took place on March 25, 2012 at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City.

He was praised for his efforts in shaping the Dubai food and beverage industry over the last 20 years.

Micheel said about his win: "I feel great! This award is very special because it’s recognition for what I do, for what I love to do. This award will give new energy for the future.

"It’s not very often that I am speechless, but I am emotionally very touched. It was great to be with so many colleagues and friends who shared the happiness with me."

When asked if he had an inkling he might win, Micheel replied: "No. Most of the time you get this kind of recognition at the end of your career, and I hope I have a couple of years in front of me where I can help to develop the juniors of our industry.

"As I always say to my colleagues: the time has come to give back."

Micheel went on to praise the amount of young talent there was in Dubai's industry at the moment.

"It was great to have so many young colleagues at the awards," he said, "which really reflects the Dubai restaurant scene. There was a lot of positive energy in the ballroom and I am sure restaurant awards like these motivate a lot of colleagues to improve and aim to be up there next year."