The master chef credited with pioneering the ‘Cuisine Vitale’ concept which led to the emergence of spas with healthy food, is on his way to Abu Dhabi to share his unique gourmet creations.

Heinz Winkler, the German culinary legend who professes a basic tenet of using the finest quality ingredients with a strong emphasis on herbs and aromatic plants to unleash their powerful anti-ageing properties, is among the star-studded cast lined up for Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010 – the region’s most expansive and sophisticated culinary arts festival.

Chef Winkler will serve up a unique epicurean promotion in the award-winning Mezzaluna restaurant of the UAE capital’s iconic Emirates Palace hotel from February 16-19 and will be conducting a ‘Cuisine Vitale’ masterclass at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, said a spokesperson.

Chef Winkler, who trained under the inspirational Paul Bocuse, recognised as one of the greatest chefs of all time, is something of a culinary evangelist touting the credo that nature in its simplest form has powerful anti-ageing properties and are a foundation for physical and spiritual well-being.

“Only a balanced and natural diet can create a healthy, happy person,” says the man behind Bavaria’s famed Residenz Heinz Winkler, now rated as one of the world’s best restaurants.

“While the role of plants in physical health is often emphasised, too often their place in good mental and spiritual health is neglected. Many plants seem to have the ability to fend off stress and depression, to treat psychological disorders, and so on. They contain active ingredients that have a direct biological effect on the body, gently rebalancing energies on the physical, mental and spiritual levels.”

Chef Winkler, a two-starred Michelin master of European cuisine, believes everything happens for a purpose and that everything on earth grows for a cause. He calls it “the power of nourishment” and has made it his mission.

“Enjoying food while losing weight doesn’t need to be a contradiction, these two goals are perfectly complementary,” said Chef Winkler whose restaurant has been frequented by European and Asian royalty, Hollywood stars and international statesmen and women. “Gourmets are entitled to indulge as they slim down with delicious menus and herb-flavoured dishes.”

Chef Winkler’s contribution to Germany’s gastronomic image has been recognised with the bestowal of the ‘Bundesverdienstkreuz,’ an order of the Federal Republic. He has achieved the highest score ever given in the Gualt Millau, one of the most influential French restaurant guides, and a five-star diamond award.

French cuisine remains Chef Winkler’s passion, working with black truffles, oysters and seafood.

“Chef Winkler will bring an intriguing dimension to Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s expanding profile,” said Ahmed Hussein, deputy director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

“We anticipate considerable interest in his very unique style of cuisine and his masterclass which will be one-of-a-kind for the region. Given Arabia’s traditional use of herbs and spices in its own cuisine and the indigenous interest in utilising natural products for well-being, Chef Winkler will feel totally at home in Abu Dhabi.”

Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010 will run for 15 days from February 5 to 19. Special themed dinners will take in more venues than ever including the new five-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and the signature Yas Hotel which overlooks Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, home of the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And, following attendee feedback, a number of ladies' only masterclasses are being built into the programme.-TradeArabia News Service