UAE hosts world's young chef challenge

The UAE will be represented by Jumeirah Beach Hotel, winner of last year's Black Box competition in the UAE.

Other teams will be representing leading hotels from around the world - from the Willard Intercontinental Hotel Washington DC to the Hotel Equatorial, Ho Chi Minh City, Salt by Luke Mangan (Japan), The Westin Beijing (China), The Grand Hyatt Amman (Jordan), Swissôtel The Stamford (Singapore), Disney Hollywood Hotel ()Hong Kong), and others.


"Dubai's multicultural environment and cosmopolitan setting is the ideal background for this highly prestigious international event; one that aims to reward culinary excellence and gastronomic innovation of the highest calibre and pedigree", said Ian Ross, MLA Regional Manager - Middle East and Africa Region. "This event is yet another indication of MLA's commitment to the culinary industry in the UAE and region's market", he added.

This unique two-day event will be sponsored and hosted by Madinat Jumeirah. The resort's Executive Chef, Leslie Stronach, has competed on several occasions in the past and will be one of this year's judges.

"We are delighted to be hosting such a prestigious culinary challenge and I am of course delighted to see that Jumeirah Beach Hotel will be representing the country" said the Chef, "Madinat Jumeirah's involvement in this competition further highlights Jumeirah's continued commitment to STAY DIFFERENT and demonstrates that Dubai is truly an international culinary destination".

According to the Challenge's terms, the 19 teams will be given one hour to create a four-course menu based on a box of mystery ingredients which will be revealed on the morning of 13 May.

The ingredients will include Australian beef and lamb, Norwegian seafood and other quality ingredients from international foodservice companies sponsoring this event.

On 14 May, the teams will display their creative skill in preparing their menu to be served to the judging team and subsequently at a gala dinner for 570 guests including WACS World Congress delegates and VIPs.

The challenge will not only expose international chefs and industry to the first-class quality and variety of Australia's red meat products, but will also create an opportunity to seek out excellence and innovation in their culinary craft using quality products.