More than 1,500 chefs from the Middle East and beyond are preparing for the Emirates International Salon Culinaire competition, an annual event held during Gulfood, the Middle East's largest and most important trade exhibition for the food, beverage, food service and hospitality equipment industry.
The four-day competition runs from 21 - 24 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and Emirates Culinary Guild.
One of the much anticipated attractions during Gulfood when the halls gather extra momentum and culinary colour from the hundreds of chefs racing against the clock and each other, Salon Culinaire showcases the prowess and skills of entrants from as far afield as Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Taiwan, and Turkey.
Uwe Michael, President of Emirates Culinary Guild, 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."
"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 hospitality division of Dubai World Trade Centre has received the highest number of medals for a single establishment for the past three consecutive years at Salon Culinaire, and the team of chefs are more determined than ever to break their record.
"Salon Culinaire at Gulfood is the true test of a chef's ability," said Chef Raimund, Salon Culinaire team leader from the Dubai World Trade Centre. "Our team spends many months practicing for this event, and the experience that we gain from the competition helps us to deliver the best possible service and outstanding cuisine for our highly discerning Dubai World Trade Centre customers."
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."
This year also sees the launch of the Golden Coffee Pot Junior Challenge, a cost-friendly international competition developed specifically for the junior culinary teams of the world. Participation in the contest gives junior teams an opportunity to train and develop their skills on the international culinary competition stage.
The importance and stature of Salon Culinaire is reinforced by the judging panel which 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. Gulfood is open from 11am - 7pm Sunday 21 February 2010 to Tuesday 23 February 2010 and from 11am - 5pm on Wednesday 25 February 2010.
