By FoodeMagdxb
We are huge fans of Taste of Abu Dhabi and as soon as the program is published, we spend time checking out what’s on and what we want to see and do. This year looks to be a busy show as there’s a lot going on and plenty to see and do. In our opinion it’s worth taking some time ahead of the day to plan your visit so you don’t miss a thing!
Here’s a summary of what to expect:
Chefs
There will be 31 different Chefs taking part in the show. Regular Taste of Abu Dhabi hosts, Reza Mohammad, Sanjeev Kapoor and Jenny Morris, Richard Sandoval and Shelina Parmalloo (BBC MasterChef 2012) are the billed Celebrity Chefs. There’s also a line up of Italian Chefs in the Italian Taste Pavillion. For those who love Michelin stars some of the Chefs at the show work in restaurants with Michelin Star Credentials (remember the accolade goes to the Restaurant and not just the Chef). Want to meet some new talent? Eight Chefs have flown in as part of Taste The World by Etihad. For the more familiar there will be 11 Chefs from local restaurants from the Capital.
Restaurants
This is a great chance to try some of the signature dishes from the different restaurants at the show with over 75 signature dishes on offer. We find this a great way of exploring the cuisine without busting our pockets (or bellies). Do take a stroll along the restaurant area, read the menus and then return with a plan to try some favorites and new finds. We also take a look at what others are eating to see what’s popular.
Italian Taste Pavilion
The Chefs will be cooking in the Chef’s Theatre as well as giving demonstrations. Get involved in masterclasses, be entertained by live pasta making, watch the acrobatic pizza chef and of course some burrata making (we’ll be there for that one!) and much more.
Taste The World
The chefs will be showcasing the finest dishes the world has to offer, with Chefs from global restaurants as far afield as London to Toronto, Sydney to Paris. There’s also a chance to meet Etihad’s inflight Chefs with grape pairing tips from their F&B managers.
Get Cooking
Put your creative cooking skills to the test as you cook alongside celebrity chefs and compete against other challengers to win prizes! This one is bound to be popular! There are over 20 different sessions at the al Ain Dairy Cooking Challenge with a range of different Chefs taking part. Tip : Places are allocated on a first come basis, so get there early and sign up for a session. All sessions are free.
Entertainment
Tony Hadley is the headline act for Opening Night and other entertainment comes from Mark Zitti ei Fratelli Cottelli, 4TheMusic, DJ Krish, The Maplejacks and Down Home. Editor’s note: We’re tempted to go to opening night, just to relive some teenage memories of Tony Hadley in Spandau Ballet #BackInTheDay
Kids Zone
There’s plenty for the kids to get involved with from arts and crafts, a zip line, bungee jumping, meeting mermaids, pizza making and cupcake decorating & face paining etc. But do take your wallets and be prepared as additional charges may apply fro most activities ranging from 10/aed to 25/aed for each activity or there’s a Golden Ticket option at 100/AED.
Shopping
Take your wallet and some cash (there are onsite ATM’s too). There’s always plenty to buy from food and drink snacks and take home products through to cookbooks, kitchen gadgets and accessories and a hundred and one other things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them …
And Relax ..
Leave the hustle and bustle of the public area behind you and Visit The Hub (VIP Ticket) for those with VIP tickets or Carriage Premier Lounge (Premier Lounge Ticket) an alcohol, family friendly zone , or if you are in the know and have the connections, the Corporate Hospitality Section.
To Travel or Not?
There’s going to be plenty of free parking at the Du Arena and it’s easy to find. Public transport is also available and the queues were not too bad at my last visit. For a worry free option consider booking a car transfer service or alternatively why not consider making a weekend of it and plan a StayCation.
Details :
Taste of Abu Dhabi 9th – 11th November – Du Arena, Yas Island.
Thursday 9th November: 4pm-11pm Friday 10th November: 12pm-11pm
Saturday 11th November: 12pm-10pm