CHEF OF THE YEAR — STANDALONE RESTAURANT

Michele Spadone, Aubaine, The Dubai Mall

Aubaine’s head chef Michele Spadone was was named Head Chef of the Year — Standalone Restaurant at the Caterer Middle East Awards.

Spadone was presented with the coveted award by Fabien Firetto, director Middle East for Bragard.

Spadone began his career at Aubaine as a sous chef at central London’s Selfridge’s in 2011. The determined Spadone moved from sous chef in the UK to head chef in Dubai in just four years.

According to his nomination form, ”his talent, determination and adventurous nature led him to successfully volunteer to take on the role of head chef at Aubaine restaurant in the Dubai Mall”. 

Speaking to Caterer Middle East at the event, Spadone said: “I’m in shock. Wow. I’m overwhelmed at receiving the award. I definitely wasn’t expecting to win and I must congratulate my fellow nominees in my category.”

“This award is dedicated to my team as without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I love everyday. In the UAE, the most important thing is pleasing customers and adapting the dish to their taste buds,” he added.

Spadone saw off stiff competition in the category. Highly commended in this category was Roudy Petersen from Catch Restaurant & Lounge. Other nominees included Francesco Guarracino from Roberto’s Abu Dhabi, Louis Kenji Huang from Maki Bahrain, Shane Macneill from Novikov and Cinu Chandran from Urban Bistro.

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