More than 1500 chefs from the Middle East and beyond are preparing for the Emirates International Salon Culinaire competition, the annual event held during Gulfood, the Middle East’s largest trade exhibition for the food, beverage, food service and hospitality equipment industry.
The four-day competition runs from February 21 to 24 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and Emirates Culinary Guild.
Emirates Culinary Guild president Uwe Michael commented: “The Emirates International Salon Culinaire at Gulfood is a spectacular display of culinary talent from around the world. Competition is a good catalyst for pushing the boundaries and the international recognition of Salon Culinaire encourages true excellence in the professional culinary sphere.
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“This is the most important competition of the year for chefs in the region, and a highlight on the global competition calendar,” he added.
One of the many international judges this year is Andrew Bennett MBE, Executive Chef at the Sheraton Hotel in London. “It is an inspiration to judge at Gulfood, to witness the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated through the week, and to see the consistent rise in standards and skills.”
The event consists of a series of competitions in 25 categories for professional chefs, pastry chefs, cooks and bakers, and both individual and team entries are invited. Categories range from the creation and preparation of a five-course gourmet meal to dessert plates, ice carvings and confectionery.
A new category introduced this year, Modern Arabic Cuisine, has attracted strong interest from chefs in the region.
“Salon Culinaire is breathtaking; the most beautiful section in Gulfood, with hundreds of remarkably talented chefs preparing some truly world-class food,” said Mark Napier, exhibitions director, food cluster, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“If you love food, you can’t help but be amazed by the talent and skill shown here,” He added.
This year also sees the launch of the Golden Coffee Pot Junior Challenge, an international competition developed specifically for junior culinary teams.
Participation in the contest gives junior teams an opportunity to train and develop their skills on the international culinary competition stage.
The judging panel consists of 20 internationally renowned chefs who have been mandated by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) to judge culinary events around the world.
Contestants will benefit from feedback and review from Michelin star winning chefs, who have worked in the top establishments around the world.
Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only.
Industry business professionals on the day of the show will be able to buy either a Day Pass for AED 60, or a Four Day Pass for AED 120.
Gulfood is open from 11am – 7pm Sunday 21 February 2010 to Tuesday 23 February 2010 and from 11am – 5pm on Wednesday 25 February 2010.
For more information and to register for free entry, please visit www.gulfood.com/business
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