Gourmet Abu Dhabi, which brings together acclaimed chefs, industry experts, restaurateurs and those with a discerning palate, will be showcasing the best of Middle Eastern fare, as well as the finest global cuisines. This year the 16-day culinary festival will be bigger than ever. There’ll be 17 international masterchefs – with 22 Michelin-stars and three Chefs Hats between them – six master pâtissiers and a number of celebrity guests including British chef James Martin, all lined up in a programme that includes epicurean promotions, culinary masterclasses, château dinners, an Emirati royal dinner and much more.

It’s tough to choose as our stomachs rumble, but here are just a few of our highlights...

Culinary masterclass

by James Martin
Martin, the pin-up star of popular UK television shows ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’, ‘Saturday Kitchen’ and ‘Kitchen Invaders’, is hosting a free masterclass. The British chef will be demonstrating how to prepare curried monkfish with mussels and saffron cream, roasted pumpkin risotto with sage and frizze, and a mille feuille with clotted cream and raspberry sauce.
Date: February 3
Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
Cost: Free admission though reservation is necessary

Culinary masterclass on foie gras

by Bruno Ménard
Three-Michelin-starred Chef Bruno Ménard heads up Toyko’s L’Osier, which has been voted one of the top 10 French restaurants outside of France, so he’s sure to cook up a storm here. A firm believer in ‘neo-classic’ French cuisine, Ménard will show off his take on foie gras with demonstrations involving smoked foie gras with custard and sorrel espuma.
Date: February 9
Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
Cost: Free admission though reservation is necessary

Gourmet golf experience

Only in the United Arab Emirates could the worlds of golf and fine cuisine combine. Guests will feast on the greens and prepare for a culinary tee off with invited masterchefs and special guests. After a round of golf, there’ll be a dinner buffet, specially created for the occasion by the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
Date: February 10
Time: 1pm-9pm
Venue: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Cost: Dhs550

Gourmet brunch

An institution in its own right, the Friday brunch is an expat favourite. To celebrate 2011 Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the brunch at Park Rotana on 11 February will feature epicurean masterpieces from Al Raha Beach Hotel, the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Hilton Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Park Rotana and Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri.
Date: February 11
Time: Noon-4pm
Venue: Park Rotana
Cost: Dhs550

Chocolate and pastry workshop

Enjoy a unique dinner where this delicious treat is the main ingredient for each course, prepared by master pâtissiers including Angela Pinkerton and Janice Wong. Chocolate delice with blood orange jelly, white chocolate and a flowery jasmine, mango ivory dessert and many other choice dishes will be demonstrated in this yummy class.
Date: February 13
Time: 9.30am-2.30pm
Venue: Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
Cost: Dhs200

Barista masterclass

People in Abu Dhabi now have the chance to learn the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee from master barista Andrea Lattuada and flair barista Ludovic Loizon. These two renowned specialists will share their knowledge on how to create great brews with demonstrations on ‘round trip’, ‘tuscany dream’ and ‘cheese coffee’.
Date: February 15
Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
Cost: Free though reservation is necessary

Feast of Middle Eastern cuisine

Enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern feast that showcases the Arabian heritage and food. There’ll be the classics as well new tastes such as saffron hummus with pomegranate foie gras, peking duck wraps with mini saj breads, saffron cheesecake and cardamom chocolate mousse.
Date: February 15
Time: 7pm-11pm
Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Cost: Dhs500