The 2008 edition of the Middle East Junior Chef Awards took off to a colourful start as around 700 chefs from all over the GCC converged in Dubai for the acclaimed contest.
The event, part of the Mega Events during DSS, was inaugurated by Ibrahim Saleh, general co-ordinator of Dubai Shopping Festival Office in the presence of officials from the regional hotel industry, in addition to local, regional, and international media.
Ibrahim Saleh said, “The Junior Chef Awards has set the benchmark in culinary contests in the region and as part of the DSS itinerary, the event is yet another example of variety activities organized during the region’s biggest summer event.”
“While attracting the some of the finest chefs in terms of contestants and judges, DSS visitors will be delighted to have a close view of this keenly-contested culinary event,” he added.
Chef Uwe Michel, president of the Emirates Culinary Guild and director of Kitchens at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek said the Emirates Culinary Guild has been associated with DSS in a significant way over the past years and had succeeded in presenting innovative events through culinary shows and workshops during this period.
"The award is one among the highest recognitions accorded to chefs in the Middle East today and we are endeavouring to maintain that status through our events during DSS."
"Visitors will have a unique opportunity to watch some really fine culinary skills live during the Junior Chef Awards," he noted.
"Around 700 chefs from around the GCC are participating in the exciting show of culinary expertise. Chefs of the rank Chef de Partie or below are allowed to participate in the competition that will have 22 categories," Michel added.
According to him, the highlight of the competition is the screening to choose the 2008 Middle East Chef of the Year.
"Eligibility for this honour means chefs will have to take part in three contests; the first involving the preparation of a five-course meal, the second involving a starter and a dish made from a local catch of fish, and the third where the participant will have to prepare a starter and a main course dish of chicken.
The awards will include categories that test the creativity and pure culinary talent of participants. Pastry showpiece, chocolate carving, fruit and vegetable carving, five-course gourmet dinner menu, new Arabian cuisine, and ice carving are part of the competition.
The jury for this year includes master chefs from around the world such as Alessandro Haab, Gavin Duthie, Heinz Kohler, Hubert Oberhollenzer, Raman Khanna, and Bien Chavez, all of whom are renowned authorities in the culinary industry.-TradeArabia News Service