The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has endorsed this year’s edition of the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Black Box Culinary Challenge in recognition of the Australian Meat industry’s contribution to Dubai’s culinary development and excellence through this unique event.
“DTCM always supports standards-enhancing initiatives designed to promote Dubai’s leadership in tourism and food related industries and the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge is a worthy addition to the emirate’s constantly upgraded government-backed, annual events calendar,” said Arwa Al Ghammai, Operations and Follow up Director and Events Deputy Director at DTCM.
Teams of young chefs from 15 five-star Dubai hotels will compete in the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge, which is supported by the Emirates Culinary Guild and the World Association of Chefs Societies. The event, which is also sponsored and hosted by Madinat Jumeirah, will take place during May 31st – June 1st 2010.
“The Australian Meat and Livestock industry sincerely appreciates the endorsement of MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 by the Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing Department. We are confident that the Challenge will yet again provide a great platform to reward culinary excellence and gastronomic innovation of the highest calibre and pedigree in Dubai and the UAE”, said Mr. Lachlan Bowtell, Regional Manager, Meat & Livestock Australia – Middle East&North Africa. “This event is yet another indication of MLA’s commitment to optimising standards in the culinary industry in Dubai, and showing support for young Chefs in the UAE”, he added.
Christian Gradnitzer, The Resort Executive Chef for Madinat Jumeirah who has competed on several occasions and also represented the UAE, with the Burj Al Arab team at the 3rd Global final held in Brisbane, Australia, in 2004, said:“ We are delighted to be hosting such a prestigious culinary challenge event which showcases the talents of young chefs here in Dubai”. “Madinat Jumeirah’s involvement in this competition demonstrates Jumeirah’s commitment to the local hospitality industry and Dubai as an international culinary destination”, he added.
According to the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge competition rules, the teams will be given one hour to create a four-course menu based on a “black box” of mystery ingredients which will be revealed on the morning of May 31. The ingredients will include Australian beef and lamb, and other ingredients from international and local foodservice companies sponsoring this event.
On June 1, the teams will display their creative skill in preparing their menu to be served to the judging team and subsequently at a gala dinner for invited guests representing all sectors of Dubai’s hospitality sector.
The challenge will not only expose Dubai chefs and industry to the first-class quality and variety of Australia’s red meat products, but will also create an opportunity to seek out excellence and innovation in their culinary craft using quality produce.
