Abu Dhabi chefs encouraged to cook global, use local

The new Gourmet Stars Awards -part of the annual Gourmet Abu Dhabi culinary festival - is presented by the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre (ADFSC) - an Abu Dhabi government education and extension resource for 24,000 farmers in the emirate.

It has been introduced to spread awareness of, and promote the use of, Abu Dhabi's growing food product range, for which ADFSC represents 42 product lines under its Local Harvest brand ranging from fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, honey and dates.

"We're very excited about what this could do to highlight the diversity and dynamism of local produce," said Chris Hirst, ADFSC's Chief Executive Officer. "When you pair the raw talent and ambition of these chefs with the freshness and quality of Local Harvest produce, the future of Abu Dhabi dining looks very promising."

"All Local Harvest products are grown and raised with respect for food safety, the environment and worker well-being and are also available at ADFSC Souq supermarkets and major retail chains throughout the UAE. In addition, field-to-consumer traceability guarantees knowledge of the source of all products guaranteeing that it is the freshest, safest and most consistent produce available," added Hirst.

The new award is open to all Abu Dhabi chefs and food professionals who are able to demonstrate the best use of local produce in their menus and dishes.

"This is an accolade that celebrates sustainable commitment within our local hospitality talent and reflects a progression in the range and quality of fresh produce available to them, grown by dedicated farmers in Abu Dhabi," said Noura Al Dhaheri, Leisure Product Development Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which annually presents the 16-day Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival.

Gourmet Abu Dhabi will run across 20 of the UAE capital's finest restaurants from February 5-20 and has a star-studded cast of international masterchefs, special guests and celebrities from 14 countries. They work alongside the local hospitality industry stars to serve up an extravaganza of culinary excellence.

In an exciting enhancement to this year's festival, budding gourmands can witness a string of international masterchefs engage in non-stop activities in the highly anticipated Culinary Creation Stages - where Local Harvest products will provide the inspiration for dishes.

Tickets for the 8-9 February demonstrations at the five-star Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa can be booked at www.gourmetabudhabi.ae .

Entry to the 'Best Use of Local Produce by a Chef' award is still open, and the eventual winner will be selected by a judging panel.

Winners of the Gourmet Stars Awards will be announced during the glittering gala dinner on 20 February at the five-star, beachfront The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi that draws the curtain on the festival's landmark fifth showing.