La Serre Bistro and Boulangerie has been awarded the Snail of Approval by Slow Food Dubai, making it the first restaurant in the Middle East to be recognised as slow food compliant.
In response to the news, La Serre chef Izu Ani said: “Being the first restaurant in the Middle East to receive the Snail of Approval is a great privilege for myself and the whole team. The ethos of the Slow Food Movement mirrors my own personal attitude towards cooking completely. Having a true understanding of your ingredients gives you respect and a better understanding of what can be developed.”
Slow Food Dubai has launched the Snail of Approval Award System as a catalyst for improvement. The organisation hopes that establishments may increase sustainable practices and the use of local and seasonal products, in the hope to qualify for the award.
It is a member-driven process, with a local committee made up of volunteers, all qualified and experienced in the food & beverage trade and in what Slow Food represents. Establishments can either nominate themselves or can be nominated by anyone who lives in or visits Dubai.
Once awarded the Snail of Approval, establishments will be able to become part of a growing movement of restaurants, bars, markets, supermarkets and food artisans around the world, who are dedicated to providing food and drink that is sourced from good, authentic and sustainable sources: locally, regionally and internationally.
“We understand the complexities and challenges of running a sustainable, profitable business that adheres to Slow Food core values in the UAE. The principles and ethos of Slow Food are included as guidelines and no establishment in the UAE is expected to meet all of these practices or principles. But the intent should be there and visibly making a difference,” said Laura Allais-Maré, president of Slow Food Dubai.
"The Snail of Approval is for food establishments in the UAE who want to declare ‘we care about the food we source, we care about the food we serve and we care about our planet’. It's a recognition of their efforts in providing food that is in sync with the values of Slow Food International. We feel that residents and visitors to the UAE deserve to know about such efforts and we expect that the Snail of Approval will encourage establishments to adhere to these principles since it will definitely influence dining choices," added Allais-Maré.
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In addition to restaurants and cafés, growers and producers and artisans such as bakers, chefs and farmers canalso be considered for the Snail of Approval award.
In order to be considered for the award, at least 50% of the staff members of the establishment must be members of Slow Food International.
The Snail of Approval award is valid for 12 months and is not automatically renewed. Furthermore, after being awarded the Snail of Approval, the integrity of the restaurants is monitored through ongoing feedback from Slow Food members.
As part of the membership to the Snail of Approval programme, Slow Food Dubai also offers training sessions throughout the year to staff members of the establishments that have been awarded the Snail of Approval. The sessions will discuss the ethos of Slow Food and the importance of applying it when it comes to making daily decisions about the food that is purchased, prepared and consumed.
The second restaurant to receive recognition will be Signor Pomidor Italian Restaurant later this week.
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