Gourmet Summit takes shape on a grand scale

The Grand Gourmet Summit, an event created by Grand Hyatt Dubai running from 13-18th November 2005 has confirmed the participation of even more major players from the world of gastronomy and associated fields. The Summit is set to be the most ambitious culinary event seen so far in the Dubai hospitality industry and will provide a meeting place for leading chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, cigar specialists and hospitality experts to share the latest in international trends to guests and food connoisseurs in the region.

In the beverage field, top French wine makers Pascale Jolivet and Jean-Charles Cazes have confirmed participation, as well as the Canadian connoisseur tea brand T Blend. Pascale Jolivet is a regular visitor to Grand Hyatt Dubai, having most recently launched his brand 'Exception' in Dubai at the hotel. The House of Pascale Jolivet is one of the youngest and the most dynamic in the Loire Valley, and has rapidly become famous for its classically styled Loire whites.

In contrast to the house of Jolivet, Chateau Lynch Bages, under the direction of Jean-Charles Cazes is one of France's most established vineyards, dating back to the early eighteenth century producing wines of the highest quality.

From wine tasting to tea tasting, Grand Gourmet Summit visitors will be treated to an insight into the simple luxuries of White, Green Oolong, Black and Herbal teas from T Blend. Traditional hand blending and scenting makes T Blend, exclusive to luxury hotel and fine dining clients, the ultimate experience in a teacup.

Chef David Thai, of the Ana Mandara Hotel, Vietnam will also be taking part in the Grand Gourmet Summit. Located on the Nha Trang beach, this traditional Vietnamese village style resort is famous for its open-air restaurant serving the finest in Vietnamese cuisine. Chef David will be preparing 'Colonial Vietnamese' style dishes, merging traditional ingredients and cooking methods with that introduced to Vietnam by the French colonialists.

'The Grand Gourmet Summit will be a fascinating insight into the world of gastronomy, and visitors will have the opportunity to witness cooking demonstrations, attend seminars and dining events hosted by our team of master chefs & world renowned winemakers. Alongside them, we will have other personalities from the culinary world, including cheese producers and chocolatiers complemented by cigar experts. Ultimately, the summit will allow visitors to completely indulge themselves in the fascinating world of culinary arts,' commented Peter Fulton, Regional Director/General Manager, Grand Hyatt Dubai

The final programme of events and Michelin star studded line up of chefs and personalities from the world of cuisine has yet to be finalised, but it is estimated that more than 12 internationally renown chefs, winemakers and connoisseurs of the luxury dining industry will be participating in the six day event, making it this year's hot event in the region for those in the hospitality industry and food lovers alike.