RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is set to host the second edition of the Michelin Guide Food Festival from November 22 to 24, 2024, at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
The gastronomic delight brings together some of the world's most renowned chefs and offers a unique blend of culinary experiences that celebrate both local and international flavours.
The festival is a part of Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, an initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to highlight the emirate's vibrant food scene.
This year's festival will feature chefs from 20 Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, including several with prestigious Michelin stars.
Attendees can look forward to specially curated menus, exclusive dishes, and a variety of culinary masterclasses.
Among the participating chefs are culinary luminaries such as Jesús Sánchez, Kotaro Meguro, and Luiz Filipe Souza.
Sánchez is a celebrated Spanish chef and the culinary genius behind Cenador de Amós, a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in Villaverde de Pontones, Cantabria.
His journey in the culinary world is marked by numerous accolades, including the National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef and the Elle Gourmet Top Chef Award.
He began his culinary career with a strong foundation in traditional Spanish cuisine.
Over the years, he honed his skills and developed a unique style that blends innovation with respect for local ingredients.
His dedication to his craft earned him his first Michelin star in 1993, just a few years after opening Cenador de Amós.
The restaurant was awarded its second Michelin star in 2016, and in 2019, it achieved the coveted third Michelin star, solidifying its place among the world's top dining establishments.
It is also recognised with a Green Star by the Michelin Guide, highlighting its efforts in sustainable practices.
Meguro is a distinguished Japanese chef renowned for his innovative approach to cuisine and his dedication to sustainability.
He is the head chef at Crony, a prestigious restaurant in Tokyo that has been awarded two Michelin stars, reflecting its exceptional quality and culinary excellence.
He began his culinary journey in Japan and, in 2018, Meguro opened Crony in Tokyo, aiming to create a dining experience that emphasises sustainability and innovation, receiving its first Michelin star shortly after opening.
The restaurant was awarded a second Michelin star in 2021, further cementing its status as one of Tokyo's top dining destinations.
Meguro's ability to combine traditional Japanese elements with modern culinary techniques has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.
Souza is a prominent Brazilian chef known for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine and his dedication to culinary excellence.
He is the head chef and owner of Evvai, a celebrated restaurant in São Paulo that has earned two Michelin stars.
His journey into the culinary world began with training at renowned Italian restaurants such as Fasano and Piselli in São Paulo, and Reale in Castel di Sangro, Italy.
In 2017, Souza opened Evvai in the upscale Jardins neighbourhood of São Paulo. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim for its unique concept of "Oriundi cuisine," which celebrates the culinary heritage of Italian immigrants in Brazil.
This innovative approach blends traditional Italian flavours with contemporary techniques and local ingredients, creating a distinctive dining experience.
The restaurant earned its first Michelin star shortly after its opening. In 2021, Evvai was awarded a second Michelin star, solidifying its reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Latin America.
These chefs, along with others from around the globe, will showcase their signature dishes and innovative culinary techniques, providing festival-goers with an unforgettable dining experience.
One of the festival's highlights is the series of culinary masterclasses, where attendees can learn from the best in the business.
These sessions offer a rare opportunity to gain insights into the chefs' creative processes, cooking techniques, and the stories behind their dishes.
The festival will feature exclusive menus crafted by the participating chefs that will be available at the Michelin Stars Table, a special dining area where guests can savour a multi-course meal prepared by different chefs each night to experience a diverse range of flavours and culinary styles in one sitting.
Local chefs from Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, such as 99 Sushi Bar, ERTH Restaurant, and Hakkasan, will also be showcasing their talents.
The festival will also feature a marketplace where local producers can showcase their products.
From fresh produce to artisanal goods, the marketplace offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural and culinary traditions.
Visitors can sample and purchase a variety of local products, supporting the community and discovering new flavours.
With live music and entertainment, the event is designed to be a family-friendly experience, with activities and attractions for all ages, where children under the age of 12 can enter for free.
The inaugural Michelin Guide Food Festival was held in Abu Dhabi in December 2023.
It featured chefs like Lee Kok Hua from Hakkasan (one Michelin star, Abu Dhabi), Luigi Stinga from Talea by Antonio Guida (one Michelin star, Abu Dhabi), and Alvin Leung from Bo Innovation (two Michelin stars, Hong Kong).