HORECA Kuwait proves force to be reckoned

The annual three-day event was a platform for immediate business opportunities and a launch pad for future business prospects.

Rabee Baadarani, Universal Business Solutions Company (UBS), General Manager, commented on the show: "The event was indispensable for any hospitality-related business that deals with hospitality in its various aspects." "It was beyond anyone's expectations. A series of deals were signed and contracts finalized during the show," added Joumana Dammous Salamé, Managing director of Hospitality Services, the show's organizer.

A multidisciplinary event, the third HORECA Kuwait attracted a growing number of visitors this year, as compared with the previous two editions. Visitors had the chance to meet the market's elite and get a closer in-depth look at new trends, products, and services. Exhibitors showcasing their services described the event as a most fulfilling experience that allowed them more exposure and market awareness and generated more business. Labeling the show a success in many ways, exhibitors confirmed their participation in the 2008 edition of HORECA Kuwait.

To observe this success, Baadarani and Dammous handed out Certificates of Appreciation to all participants on the closing day of the show. They promised that next year the hospitality forum "will be even bigger and more diversified," to meet the ever expanding F&B industry.

Culinary art show

An array of activities and events highlighted the third edition of HORECA Kuwait. The Culinary Art Show, for instance, diversified the show and gave it a lively spin through a series of contests. It included:

Gala dinner and table-setting decoration. gold medal went to Mr. Aala Aalameh from Holiday Inn Downtown, Three-plate set dinner menu, gold medal went to chef KMS Priyashanta from Safir International Hotel, Chef Razu Gomez from Royale Hayat Hospital and Chef Rajneesh Jugun from Royale Hayat Hospital, Live Traditional Arabic Mezza, silver medal went to Chef Janie Rashid and Chef Mazen El Khamry from Diva's Restaurant . With a series of live demonstration during the three days event.

Moreover, Illy Barista held a coffee preparation competition that enlivened contestants and visitors in the search for a most fulfilling coffee serving. Feliciano Habana of Le Meridien Hotel snatched the first prize, winning a coveted trip to the prestigious "Illy" Coffee University at Trieste, Italy. Zoilo De Guzman of Haagen Dazs Café in Kuwait, Dedi from the Royal Hayate Hospital, and Arvin Sanchez of Chocolate Bar were the first through third runner-ups, respectively.

HORECA also played dinner host to the show's sponsors at the Middle Eastern Sarai Restaurant. During the dinner, Nouhad Dammous, the regional delegate of the French Cuisine Academy and the Head and Founder of the Lebanese Hospitality School, decorated Chef Semaan Hilal with the Active Member honors at the Kuwait chapter of the academy.