'Salon Culinaire' draws over 1,300 chefs from the UAE

The four day Salon Culinaire organized by the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), the UAE's governing body for the association of professional chefs, concluded today with over 1,300 junior and senior chefs participating from across the UAE.

The Salon Culinaire is one of the world's largest independent culinary events. It has been established and headed entirely by volunteer chefs. Internationally certified chefs from around the world gather in Dubai every year to join the panel of judges and share their expertise. This years Salon Culinaire consisted of 24 categories ranging from three-tier wedding cakes, five-course gourmet dinner, new Arabian cuisine to butchery and ice carving. The main emphasis in most categories was on practical cookery.

"Fonterra is very priviledged to be part of the Salon Culinaire here in Dubai. One of Fonterra Foodservice's objectives is to support new and upcoming talent in the industry. This event is a true learning experience for all chefs. The most important part of these demonstrations and competitions is the constructive feedback given to all participating chefs, post judging. This is a great educational tool, enabling them to take on board new methods and techiniques that are fundemental to their growth within the industry."

said Chef Peter.

The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG) is a non-profit-making organization dedicated solely to the advancement of the culinary art of the UAE. The ECG is a member of the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS), the governing body of the 52-nation alliance of chef's associations worldwide. All of the international judges at ESC 2009 where WACS approved.

Chef Peter is a senior member of the ECG and a level five WACS certified judge. As advisory chef to the Fonterra Brands M.E Foodservice division, his expertise and passion lies in training and development.

"I can easily say with a lot of pride that we have an astounding team of chefs that show support and team work for all of our projects. Nowhere in the world have I ever seen so much enthusiasm and encouragement from a group of executive chefs" said Chef Uwe Micheel, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild. "We have grown every year, not only in quantity but quality. Our winners can compete on a worldwide level."