New culinary initiatives, a focus on traditional Emirati dining and local ingredients and a re-energised programme of events underpin the landmark fifth showing of Gourmet Abu Dhabi - the UAE capital’s annual haute cuisine festival – when the 16-day extravaganza rolls out across more than 20 of Abu Dhabi’s leading restaurants (February 5-20, 2013).
Chef Shinichiro Takagi – dubbed by media as ‘one of Japan’s hottest young chefs’ – is the first international A-lister to sign up for the festival’s fifth anniversary showing.
At the festival, Chef Takagi will demonstrate his specialty – expertise in the art of ceremonial Japanese Kaiseki cuisine – during a special guest spot at Teatro, the five-star Park Rotana’s award-winning international restaurant (February 6-9). Chef Takagi will also take part in the festival’s revamped masterclass programme, where he will share his kaiseki expertise – with not a sushi or sashimi in sight. Chef Takagi says he can’t wait to get to Abu Dhabi after being mesmorised by Arabian cuisine during a recent fact-finding visit to the UAE capital.
www.gourmetabudhabi.ae