Michelin chef wows Abu Dhabi gourmands

THREE-Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno hosted one of the most well-attended events at the third Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the 16-day culinary festival that ended recently with 17 international masterchefs – with 22 Michelin-stars and three Chefs Hats between them - featured across 29 host venues in 14 of the emirate’s leading hotels. Chef Alléno, who hosted the four-day Epicurean Promotion at ‘Bord Eau’, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri as well as a sold-out masterclass at the Armed Forces Officers Club, attracted a sizeable portion of the spotlight.

Commenting on the UAE’s culinary history, the head chef of ‘Hotel Le Maurice’ in Paris, said: "Over the centuries, the Emiratis have brought influences from many continents. The country is now a place where culture and food products cross each other; there is meat from Australia, spices from India, and cooking techniques from Europe. It’s very interesting to discover such a diversity of tastes, flavours and colours. Traditional Emirati dishes are centuries old - untouched and undiscovered, I really appreciate this."