16-day Abu Dhabi food festival to begin February 4

The opening ceremony of the 16-day-long food festival, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, will take place on the beachfront Falcon Lawn of the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi.

On that evening, nine international masterchefs from the festival's star-studded line up will grace the occasion. Gourmet Abu Dhabi will take place across various hotels and restaurants in the UAE capital from February 4-19, 2014.

The chefs who will be present on the opening night include: the USA’s Christopher Kostow; Italy’s Marco Sacco; South Korea’s Edward Kwon (who used to be head chef at the Burj Al Arab); Australia’s Russell Blaikie; Denmark’s Henrik Yde Andersen; Britain’s Michael Caines; India’s Sanjeev Kapoor and French master patissier, Fabrice David.

“This is a powerful opening night cast,” said Noura Al Dhaheri of the Gourmet Abu Dhabi organising committee. “It’s truly international in profile and represents some of the most authoritative names in the business. It’s a chance for opening night goers to get better acquainted with the superchefs who’ll be serving up some of the best cuisine possible during the festival’s 16 days.”

In addition to the masterchefs, the opening ceremony will also feature food stations from Gourmet Abu Dhabi hosting venues and chefs from: The Forge, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; 18° Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi; Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi; Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi; Pachaylen, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara; Brasserie Angélique, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi; Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, Café D’Alsace by Royal Catering and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Entertainment for the evening includes UAE’s very own SAMA Quartet, the Emirati Barber’s shop acappella group, and jazz musician, UAE’s Afif Jazz.

Tickets for the gala opening are AED480 per person and dress code is national or chic lawn attire. Tickets are available from www.gourmetabudhabi.ae or by calling +971 2 4181 401.