Dubai gets set for sizzling chef cook-off

The respected Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Black Box Culinary Challenge is set to take place once again, with young chefs from around Dubai showcasing their talent in a heated culinary battle.

Teams of junior chefs from 15 five-star Dubai hotels will compete in the challenge, which is supported by the Emirates Culinary Guild and the World Association of Chefs Societies.

Running from May 31-June 1, the event will be hosted by Madinat Jumeirah and has been endorsed by The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

The DTCM’s operations and follow up director and events deputy director, Arwa Al Ghammai, dubbed the event “a worthy addition to the emirate’s constantly upgraded government-backed, annual events calendar”.

Lachlan Bowtell, regional manager for Meat and Livestock Australia — Middle East and North Africa, added that MLA appreciated the support that had been shown for the competition.

“We are confident that the Challenge will yet again provide a great platform to reward culinary excellence and gastronomic innovation of the highest calibre and pedigree in Dubai and the UAE,” he said.

“This event is yet another indication of MLA’s commitment to optimising standards in the culinary industry in Dubai, and showing support for young chefs in the UAE.”

Christian Gradnitzer, resort executive chef for hosting venue Madinat Jumeirah, has competed on several occasions and even represented the UAE as part of the Burj Al Arab team at the 3rd Global final held in Brisbane, Australia, in 2004.

“We are delighted to be hosting such a prestigious culinary challenge which showcases the talents of young chefs here in Dubai,” noted Gradnitzer.

“Madinat Jumeirah’s involvement in this competition demonstrates Jumeirah’s commitment to the local hospitality industry and Dubai as an international culinary destination.”

Competition rules allow the teams one hour to create a four-course menu based on a “black box” of mystery ingredients, which will be revealed on the morning of May 31.

The ingredients will include Australian beef and lamb, as well as other items from international and local foodservice companies sponsoring the event.

On June 1, the teams will showcase their skills by preparing their menu to be served to the judging team, and subsequently at an exclusive gala dinner for invited members of Dubai’s hospitality industry.