Rhodes claims Taste of Dubai best in the world

Tickets for Taste of Dubai 2010 have gone on sale with Gary Rhodes claiming it is the best taste festival in the world.

Commenting on last year’s edition, Rhodes said it was “a fantastic occasion where everyone who loves food can get together and celebrate”.

“There are now Taste festivals in other parts of the world but I believe that this one, here in Dubai, is the best and it just going to continue to get better.”

The festival, which takes place from March 17-20, is looking to build on its previous two editions with cuisine prepared by the city’s most talented chefs.

International celebrity chefs including Rhodes, James Martin and Vineet Bhatia will be present at the event as well as an extensive variety of cuisine from some of the hottest new restaurants including Awtar, iZ, Mirai, The Wharf and Zheng He’s.

Taste of Dubai event director Paul Croft said the festival was “truly a food lover’s paradise, where visitors can literally eat their way around Dubai’s best restaurants in less than a day”.

“Taste of Dubai is firmly on Dubai’s social calendar – it’s simply a fantastic day out. Nowhere else will foodies and restaurant goers be able to savour such an extensive array of cuisine, pick up gourmet ingredients and enjoy a wide range of beverages in this up market festival setting.”

Visitors to the festival at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre have the chance to customise their ideal menu from a selection of 50 sample-sized dishes created by some of Dubai’s most renowned and award-winning restaurants.

Starters include Rhodes Mezzanine’s famed white tomato soup to seared scallops from The Wharf followed by entrees such as lamb tagine from Almaz by Momo and The China Club’s Beijing duck.

For dessert, visitors can indulge in sticky toffee pudding from Rivington Grill – or if they’re looking for something lighter – Zheng He’s chilled lemongrass jelly.

As well as sampling food, visitors also have the opportunity to learn new recipes and watch Dubai’s culinary talent as well as Michelin-starred masters and chefs create dishes in the Tefal Chefs’ Theatre.

The Philips Cookery School is the place for visitors to don aprons and learn new culinary techniques by creating dishes under the guidance of leading chefs; each participant is given a cooking station, utensils and ingredients to try their hand at some amazing recipes.

The Marketplace has expanded this year and visitors have the opportunity to buy an expansive selection of gourmet food and beverages and see the latest must-have culinary equipment designed to make cooking a pleasure.

The ever popular MMI Beverage Theatre offers visitors food and drink pairing sessions as well as the chance to enhance their knowledge of beverages with a wide programme of guided tastings from leading connoisseurs.

Visitors can enjoy a selection of delightful mocktails created by expert mixologists in the Blu Water Lounge, using Blu’s array of flavoured waters.

The Momotaro Sake and Sashimi Lounge invites visitors to take a culinary journey through Japan in a relaxing lounge atmosphere.

Tickets are on sale now via www.tasteofdubaifestival.com or Time Out Box Office.