Download the file - The Emirates Culinary Guild

SEPTEMBER 2011From us, for us.antasticourFMeet the force spearheadingour Abu Dhabi chapter

From theDear Fellow Chefs, Ladies and Gentlemen,Welcome to the September issue of GulfGourmet, the first from our new team.Mrs. Umaima is not involved with Gulf Gourmetanymore; Mr. Amaresh Bhaskaran and Mr. AquinGeorge are handling our Magazine now. Pleasedo send them as much information as possibleand do try to reply fast if anything is required. Iwould like to thank both of them and wish all ofus all the best and an even better Gulf Gourmet.Hope all of you had a good summer and yourfamilies and yourselves had a safe trip backhome to the UAE.We do have a busy schedule till the end of the year,the biggest being La Cuisine Du Sial 2011 from21st – 23rd November 2011 in Abu Dhabi, with theRegional Finals for the Hans Bueskens Trophy andthe Global Chef. Before that we will have the UAEFinals, to find out who will represent us.We have as well two workshops planned withMrs. Lina and Mr. Bassam from the AMFI Beirutoffice. The workshop will be organised andhosted by US Poultry Export Association. Theworkshops will be in October from 15th to 18thwhere we will work with US chicken parts andin November from 10th to 13th where we willwork with US turkey products. Right time to getready for great Christmas recipes. Both theseworkshops will be held in Palm Grill Restaurant atRadisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.Our Chefs Vivek, Sudu, Ammar, Salvatore andVinod have just returned back from SouthAfrica where they represented the UAE at theChefs Tour against Hunger. We do thank themfor their support.Please do look at the Friends and Members ofthe Guild pages to check out all our supporters,and make sure to support them when we can.Also please do look at profiles of our new andrenewed Corporate Members.Finally, I would like to thank all the colleagues whotook part in our two DSS Events, which we hadorganised together with our friends from DTCM inBurJuman Centre. And a big Thank you to ChefNugi and the team from Banyan Tree Hotel in RasAl Khaimah for hosting our last meeting.Culinary regards,Uwe MicheelPresident of Emirates Culinary GuildDirector of KitchensRadisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira CreekGulf Gourmet | September 2011 3

4 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 5

6 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 7

8 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 9

From us, for us.Contents03 From the President’s Station04 Friends of the Guild12Cover StoryThe revival of ECG’sAbu Dhabi chapterp. 3644 NewsA quick round up ofwhat’s been happening46 EventsSnapshots from Jakarta andEgypt Salon Culinairep. 225062Rules & RegulationsBriefs on the classes forentry and the rules forLa Cuisine Du SialMember DirectoryA listing of all ECGcorporate members22Rising StarChef Tarek of FujairahRotana selects a risingstar from his team2831Industry ReportWorld Menu Reporthighlights growingconcern over food wasteMy Favourite IngredientChef Nasser Slaibe of PaulUAE, reveals a dark secret36 RecipesThai treats from SangwonKonluk, chef de cuisine atFusion40Master ClassLearning royal culinaryskills from Chef Noreumolp. 28The Emirates Culinary GuildUwe Micheel, PresidentT: +971-4-340-3128F: +971-4-347-3742E: theguild@emirates.net.aeCreated and produced on behalf ofThe Emirates Culinary Guild byAquin George andAmaresh BhaskaranP. O. Box 72280, Dubai, UAE.T: +971-50-504-5033EditorAquin Georgeeditor@gulfgourmet.netSenior WriterLaila SharafContributorsLee JonesSuzanne SharmaPhoto EditorAmaresh Bhaskaranamaresh@gulfgourmet.netDesignPeeCeeSalesSridharsridharan@gulfgourmet.net10 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 11

Cover StoryCapitalCamaraderie in theThe Abu Dhabi chapter of the Emirates CulinaryGuild has got a shot in the arm as four executivechefs take a vow to enhance the level of fellowshipamongst professional chefs in the city. AquinGeorge chats up the fabulous fourFrom left to right: Chef Daniel Nuss,Chef David Harnois, Chef AlanPedge and Chef Peter de Kauwe12 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 13

Cover StoryIt is past 8pm and I have just finished asumptuous iftar at the Al Raha BeachHotel in Abu Dhabi. As I head out of thepacked restaurant and into the lobby,I see Alan Pedge, the hotel’s ExecutiveChef, rightfully resting after a hard day’s work.He is smoking his favourite brand of tobaccoand is deeply engrossed in a conversation withPeter de Kauwe, the Executive Chef at The Club.Chef Alan and Chef Peter are veterans not justin their field of expertise but also in the region.They were promoting the country as a culinarydestination while I was still learning my ABCs. Ijoin the two in their conversation while waitingfor Daniel Nuss, Executive Chef at the soon-toopenSt. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and DavidHarnois, Executive Chef at the Radisson BluHotel in Yas Island to join the party.Chef David and Chef Daniel reach a few minutesapart and instantly the four executive chefsbreak out into a delicious conversation that hasa fine, careless rapture in tone. Each chef bringsto the table the latest – from trends to gossip –about what’s going on in the hospitality industry.I am thankfully oblivious to the four during thefirst 10 minutes. It gives me the opportunityto realise that underneath the enthusiasticexchange lies sheer enthusiasm amongst all fourto do something for the city.Yes, professional chefs in the capital will bepleased to know that these four executivechefs have revived the Abu Dhabi chapter ofthe Emirates Culinary Guild. The key word herebeing, “revived”. The Guild has had a dormantAbu Dhabi chapter for over a decade now.The initiative back then fizzled quickly whileDubai took centre stage. Now, as the oil-richemirate promises a whole slew of propertiesopening up in the coming months, the fabulousfoursome have been working hard over thepast few months to make the Abu Chapter asuccess.EXPONENTIAL GROWTHChef Alan, who’s also the Vice President ofthe Abu Dhabi chapter, says that the city iswitnessing an influx of professional chefs thanksto new properties.He is right. Properties expected to throw openits doors to visitors include, St. Regis Hotel andResidences Saadiyat Island, Jumeirah at EtihadTowers, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, WestinHotel & Spa Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Rocco Forte,Dusit Thani, Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Park HyattAbu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Monte Carlo BeachClub, Regent Emirates Pearl, W Hotel Al BateenOur active membersinclude pastry chefs,a kitchen artist, a souschef from the airport,we encourage everyone.From junior levelonwards, membership isopen to all categoriesWharf and not to mention plans for a MandarinOriental and Four Seasons.THE REVIVAL PROCESSChef Peter, the Secretary of the Abu DhabiChapter, reminisces over the history of thechapter. He says, “We have had the Guild inAbu Dhabi for 10-12 years now. Back in theday, I was the Vice President of the Abu Dhabi14 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 15

Cover Storychapter and we were active. We had organizedthe Junior Cooks Competition before I quit andmoved to Australia. When I came back to thecity, the chapter was all in tatters. Basically, noone took over.“That’s when Raman Khanna approached meto revive the Guild. I spoke to Alen Thong andwe got the ball rolling. First came Alan Pedge,then Daniel, then David and we brought it alltogether. Later Alen Thong informed us of theinaugural SIAL and that’s when we got the idealopportunity.”Chef Alan says, “For the SIAL last year, weneeded to meet regularly. This is because wehave to step in from the point of getting theentry forms out to the individual chefs, rightdown to putting the tables and the table clothson and standing at the back door telling theboys, ‘Right, what’s your number? You go put iton that table.’ Now, obviously we can’t do thatunless we know each other and that’s basicallyhow we pushed for our first meeting.”Chef Daniel, the Social Secretary of the AbuDhabi chapter, says, “We held our first meetingat the Yas Hotel. We invited everybody weknew and eight people turned up for it (laughs).This was a year ago. However, we kept themomentum going.”Members of the Guild meet almost every monthnow with over 65 people on the mailing list. Thechapter is pretty much represented in mosthotels and even outside the hotels, to the airportto ADNEC and some of the royal palaces.“Our last meeting had around 28-30 chefs and thenumbers are only increasing. What is encouragingis that we’ve now got quite a few regulars includingchefs from hotels that are yet-to-open. So we aregetting a message out there to the new chefs whoare coming in,” says Chef Alan.THE CHAPTERChef David, Event Secretary of the Abu Dhabichapter says, “The Guild is the ideal forum fornew chefs to find out information about suppliers,how to employ people, just about anythinga professional chef needs to know. With somuch going on around the year, if anyone has aproblem, one phone call and it is sorted. It doeshelp to be a part of such a group.”His comments are echoed by Chef Daniel.“Today, if I need something I just call the guysup,” he says, adding, “It’s a good relationshipbetween all of us. We may all come fromdifferent backgrounds, but we all have the samecore business. We want to work together andwe want to do something for the people.”Chef Alan says, “As you can see, it’s quite lateand I am not even out of my uniform yet. For anew person coming into town such long hourson the job can be quite lonely. When you knowthere are others doing the same job as you andyou can go and have a cup of coffee or pick upthe phone for advice, it’s wonderful. This is whatit’s all about.”Chefs David and Alan also talk about the need toinvest time and commitment, which as anyoneknows is not easy. Chef Alan says, “Daniel isworking on the opening of a new hotel, that’s abig headache. Peter is under renovation. I amunder major renovation. Yet, we make it a pointto meet. We are not just committed to our jobs;we are also committed to the chefs in a largeway. We are willing to give our free time for this.”WHO’S INVITED?“We are not limiting the Guild to just chefsfrom 5-star hotels or only executive chefs.Our active members include pastry chefs, akitchen artist, a sous chef from the airport, weencourage everyone. From junior level onwards,membership is open to all categories. We’renot bothered where you’re from; if you’re aprofessional chef you’re welcome,” says ChefAlan.Chef David says, “With all the new hotels comingup we are seeing new blood and that gives ourrevival a whole new meaning as people fromdifferent backgrounds are coming to the ballgame again. Dubai chapter is well settled andwith the Abu Dhabi chapter starting here, youknow, it’s great to have a new mix of people.”Chef Daniel rubbishes the perception somechefs about the Guild being elitist. “There areyoung chefs out there who would like to meet16 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 17

Cover Storyfor advice because they know of the high-endsystems run by our companies. So we adaptour rules to make it applicable and workable inindependent cafes and restaurants,” says ChefAlan.Earlier in the year, authorities approached theGuild for chefs to judge the LIWA date festival.Rather than going to individual chefs they wentto the Guild, which was a first. “This is gettingour message out through the hotels to the citythat the Guild is here. We are part of the city andthat’s again what it’s all about.”NURTURING TALENTNurturing talent is one of the key goals for theGuild. “You will probably a junior chef in ourmeeting sitting in a corner,” says Chef Alan, “AtSIAL he will be walking around observing seniorchefs and what they do. Few years later he isan executive chef at 4-star hotel and then a fivestar. You know, you’ve given him tools to reachthere.”The younger sous chefs are actively involved inthe activities of the Guild. “Ten years from nowthey will be in these chairs and that’s part ofwhat we’re trying to do,” says Chef Peter.“Every executive chef in this country startedby peeling onions but someone gave thema chance to do so. We want to give the nextgeneration the chance to peel the onions (soto speak). Danny at Yas Island was my chefde partie in Lebanon. Now he is the executivechef at Crowne Plaza in Yas Island and it isembarrassing when he calls me Chef. I have tosay Danny stop it. But it gives me immense prideto say that one of my guys is the executive chefover there,” says Chef Alan.Chef David too agrees with this. “It is also greatto see one of your guys come from a small hoteland go to a big hotel with a better position. Mostof us see it as great job done. And that creates awillingness to train new people.”“I get angry at people who leave for jobs not upto their potential; for example, when someonejoins a hotel apartment for just 100 bucks more.Why, you silly lad? Go to a big hotel even if it isfor a little less, the money will eventually come,”says Chef Alan.WHY JOIN?As the interview wraps up, I ask the each chefto sum up in a sentence why a professional chefreading this article should join the Guild.David’s instant response is, “For friendship, trustand help.”Daniel follows it up by saying, “To widen yournetwork, keep abreast of what’s happening inthe city and to improve your confidence.”Peter, who hasn’t spoken in a while, says, “Tosupport juniors and to nurture their careers andmake Abu Dhabi a culinary destination.”Alan says, “In addition to all that’s been said,you should join the Guild to get that sense ofbelonging and to be part of a team that’s thesame as your kitchen but on a bigger scale.”20 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 21

RISING STARNow open!Carving up aStormThe Dubai MallGround FloorA unique French ‘art de vivre’We find out why Tarek Mouriess, the ExecutiveChef at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, believeshis award-winning Kitchen Artist, JanakaSahabandu, is the rising star in his teamCould you tell us why you have chosen ChefJanaka for this coveted title?Janaka deserves the Rising Star title becausehe is an exceptionally talented chef andknows his job really well. If you are goodat what you do and rise to the occasionconstantly, you will be noticed. Janaka alwaysrises to the occasion.He also works hard at enhancing his skills. Forme, a real star is someone who introspects,realises their limitations and works hard atovercoming them. Janaka is disciplined andorganised; two critical attributes needed forany chef to rise to the top. He likes to learn,he enjoys challenges and he never ceases toamaze me.22 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011MoE: 04 341 4844 - DCC: 04 295 8404 - Burjuman: 04 351 7009 - Mercato: 04 349 9115 Wafi City: 04 327 9669 - JBR, The Walk: 04 437 6494Mirdif City Center: Tel. 04 284 3223 - The Dubai Mall: Tel. 04 339 8036 - Dubai Airport - T3: 04 220 3360 - Dubai Int’l Airport - T1: 04 224 5526

RISING STARWhat makes Chef Janaka stand out fromthe rest?Janaka is a reliable and trusted individualand is always there to assist the team. He issomeone you could count on to get the jobdone. Also, he is an artist and a very creativeone at that. His carvings are much acclaimedand have bagged prominent regional awardsin recent years. These attributes help himstand out from the rest.What are Chef Janaka's strong points andwhich are the fields he still needs to master?Janaka’s real strength lies in the fact that heis very good in his current job. He enhanceshis skills as appropriate and can adapt tonew situations easily. As he moves along, heneeds to improve the brilliance of his work.We need him to look more into art work andbring new ideas to life.Ten years from now, where do you see himgoing?Janaka is an enterprising individual withunrelenting energy. Ten years from now I seehim having his own pastry shop or an eventmanagement company.Being an Executive Chef, what are thequalities you look for before includinganyone on your team?I look for people who are strong at deliveringthe results that a role demands. Someonewho consistently meets expectations, knowsthe intricacies of the job well, and enhancesnew skills as appropriate. I look for teammembers who can adapt to new situations,have the resilience to cope with stress ina positive manner and those who do notpanic. It is important that the person providesstability and keeps the business running.People with the potential and the ambitionto move up the ladder, is a plus. It is alsoimportant that the person loves his or herwork, is a good listener, and is capable ofstepping into a new role or take on a majorproject overnight. Simply put, it is someonethat our competitors would like to poach.24 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011

RISING STARChat with Janaka SahabanduHow do you feel being chosen by yourExecutive Chef for this coveted title?I am extremely proud of the fact that myExecutive Chef has chosen me as the RisingStar. It is an honour and a privilege and Iwill do my very best to keep delivering highquality results.Why did you decide to become a chef?I love working in the kitchen. I believe thatcreativity within the kitchen can be anexcellent medium of communication.You are able to communicate with peopleby cooking for them or creating a work of artthat brings happiness. This is why I decidedto become a chef.What kind of cuisine do you specialize in?I specialise in two things – pastry and artwork. Both of these are immensely satisfyingfor me and I am absolutely passionate aboutmaking a mark in the industry in either ofthese two specialisations.Have you won any awards in any culinarycompetitions?I won the gold at the Junior Chefcompetition 2008, won one silver and onebronze at the Emirates Salon Culinaire2007, got two bronze medals at theEmirates Salon Culinaire 2009 and a silver inChocolate Carving in 2010.I try and readmore on myfield of work. Iknow what mylimitations areand I try to focuson improving myproblem areas.There is a lot ofknowledge outthere that I aspireto learnWhat, according to you, are your strengthsand weaknesses as a chef?I agree with what my chef said earlier aboutmy strengths and weaknesses. I am good as akitchen artist, I am always looking for ways toenhance my skills and I can comfortably adaptto new situations. However, I need to take myart to the next level and bring new ideas to life.I need to push the boundaries of creativity.How are you trying to better your skills?I try and read more on my field of work. I knowwhat my limitations are and I try to focus onimproving my problem areas. There is a lot ofknowledge out there that I aspire to learn.What kind of food do you love?I love all types of cooking. However, it’s mymom's home-cooked food that I love most.What, according to you, is essential to be asuccessful chef?Like my chef said before, a successful chefneeds to have many qualities to rise abovethe rest. I agree with every point that hemade including the need to perform underpressure and being flexible in order to keepthe business stable. I also believe that as achef you must be sincere in whatever you do,both for your team and for your guest.Your Executive Chef has placed a lot of trustin you and has shown high expectations fromyou, how will you endeavour to fulfil these?I will keep doing my best to assist the team.I believe listening more and reading morewill also help. I would like to thank all of myteam members including my Chef for theunrelenting support they have shown me.In our kitchen, it is really the team workthat pays off, not just me. I am successfulbecause I am part of a successful teamheaded by a Chef who loves bringing ustogether. We call it the ‘V’ formation whereeveryone must help and support.26 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 27

Industry ReportSustainableKitchensUnilever Food Solutions’ second World Menu Reporthighlights the growing global concern with food wastewhen eating out-of-home.In its second World Menu Report tobe published in 2011, Unilever FoodSolutions has helped provide powerfulinsights into the out-of-home eatinghabits of consumers and their growingconcern with food waste in professionalkitchens.Globally, consumers have made it clear theycare about food waste when eating out ofhome. Nearly 80% of those surveyed (eightout of 10 people) in Western countriesexpressed concern about professional foodwaste and 87% of respondents in developingcountries echoed this opinion.A further 66% of people in the West saidthat knowing the way in which food waste isdisposed of is important to them, and 70%of those questioned in non-Western regionssaid that they would pay more to eat inplaces that are implementing environmentallyfriendlyfood waste disposal methods.The research, which was conducted byinterviewing 3,500 people from USA, UK,China, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Poland andTurkey, further suggests that consumersbelieve this to be an issue that needs to beaddressed by either businesses themselvesor the government.Commenting on the report, Jonathan Porritt,sustainability expert and founder of Forumfor the Future, says, “A focus on wasteminimisation has become commonplace inmany sectors of the economy over the lastdecade. Wherever entrepreneurs have beenable to make good money out of somebodyelse’s (or their own) waste, market forcestend to get the job.“Interestingly, however, there’s been ratherless focus on food waste. As this reportdemonstrates, there’s a huge amount of foodwasted in professional kitchens, both in theway food is ordered and prepared and interms of what’s left on customers’ plates,”says Porritt.According to UNEP, over half the foodproduced in the world today is lost, wastedor discarded as a result of inefficiencies in thehuman-managed food chain i.e. restaurantsand food retailers. This is clearly illustratedin a recent study by the National RestaurantAssociation (NRA), in which it was revealedthat in the UK restaurant industry 65% of foodwaste occurs at preparation stage comparedto just 30% left on consumers’ plates.The overall findings from this reportdemonstrate strongly that food waste inprofessional kitchens must be reducedto meet consumer needs and, essentially,enable businesses to keep their guestssatisfied.There are clear benefits for the industry ifit collaborates on reducing food wastagesuggests the report, which is released biannuallyto measure people’s attitudes andbehaviours to eating out as well as helps tocompare and contrast changing tastes andmarket behaviours.% of respondents1009080706050403020100UK8279USA77Germany91ChinaBrazilRussiaTurkeyReducing the amount of food that is thrown away every day96699283Poland% of respondents1009080706050403020100UK8072USA75Germany94ChinaReduced food waste means a reductionin disposal costs, increased kitchenefficiency and, ultimately, a reductionin the foodservice’s carbon footprint.Small, incremental steps can result in bigdifferences. Better stock management, menuflexibility, portion sizes, seasonal awarenessand many other elements involved in thejourney from farm to fork feed into thisproblem and need to be tackled.Porritt says, “It’s only in the last few yearsthat food waste in the Western world hasreally begun to grab people’s attention. Iknow from my own experience how shockedpeople in the UK were to discover that up toa third of all purchased food ends up beingthrown away before being eaten.”According to the report, Unilever FoodSolutions is stepping up to the plate with its“United Against Waste” global campaign. Forthe campaign, Unilever Food Solutions willcollaborate with food industry colleaguesand external partners to help address thisconsumer concern by encouraging coalitionsacross the world.The coalitions, which will be established in74 countries, will consist of a group of localindustry experts; working together to tacklefood waste. Uniting partners and consumersto ‘wise up on waste’, these coalitions willwork together to find effective solutions toreducing food waste across the globe.As well as encouraging the formation ofcoalitions Unilever Food Solutions will belaunching a new Your Kitchen service called96Brazil72Russia95TurkeyDisposing food waste in an environmentally-friendly way83Poland28 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 29

Industry ReportMy Favorite Ingredient‘Work Smart Wise Up on Waste’ in 2011. WiseUp on Waste service will benefit the industryby helping to reduce waste and increasebottom line; encourage industry responsibilityand in turn attract new guests by telling thewaste story; and increase kitchen efficiency.In the long term, consumers will feel goodabout eating out of home in environmentallyresponsible establishments.“It is only leadership of this kind which canbreak these “circles of blame” – where’sthere’s always someone else to pass offresponsibility onto. With support of thiskind (and encouragement from those of uswho benefit so much from the produce ofprofessional kitchens), there’s no reason whythe food industry the world over shouldn’ttake the lead in this global call to wise up onwaste,” says Porritt.RESTAURANT& CANTEENOPERATORSGOVERNMENT% of respondents0 20 406080100334236222323223340332964535562Star10090807060504064615893 93789384FOODSERVICESUPPLIERS2113161011841Power304% of respondents% of respondents201001009080706050403020100UKUK38USA47USAGermany40GermanyChina81China68Brazil51Russia79TurkeyI would pay more for meals in places that are implementing food waste/disposal schemes to limit food waste and adverse environmental impactBrazilRussiaThere should be more transparency about thesustainable practices of places to eatTurkeyPoland59PolandCONSUMERSNON-GOVERNMENTALORGANISATIONS3911365533381137969UKUSAGERMANYCHINABRAZILRUSSIATURKEYPOLANDChef Nasser Slaibe,Executive Chef at PaulUAE, discloses the secretelement he uses whenhe’s in the mood to createsomething specialWhat is your specialty?French, Modern Australian & Thai/Asiancuisines.Could you tell us a bit about your previousexperience?I have been in the business for a fair few years.I started my career in Melbourne, Australia withChef Lanse Rosen (now owner of the awardwinning restaurant, Rusk, in Melbourne) at ahotel restaurant at the age of 19. I have sinceworked with major hotel groups like the GrandHyatt, Radisson, Hilton and Westin. My worktook me to a variety of places like Melbourne,Phuket and Sierra Leone. I moved to Dubai 4years ago as a corporate chef with LeadingFood Concepts. I now work as the ExecutiveChef of Paul, UAE.30 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 31

My Favorite IngredientCONFIT DUCK LEG with Portobello mushrooms,flageolet beans, Beef bacon & Parmesan frittata,Confit tomato with star Anise scented JusWhile cooking, what is your favoriteingredient?My favorite ingredient is Star Anise.Why do you like this ingredient so much?For it’s incredible aroma and versatility.How does this ingredient enhance the dishesyou create in terms of flavor, color and taste?This ingredient particularly affects the flavorand taste of the food rather than the color. It isextremely versatile, for example, in its powderform it can be made into vinaigrette or in itsoriginal form; it can be infused in liquid to makesauces and desserts. It imparts a wonderfularoma and taste to food and it’s nearlyimpossible to get the same flavors with anyother ingredient.How were you first introduced to thisingredient?I first came across them in Thailand where Iwas working a few years ago. And, as I keptexperimenting with Star Anise, I found that Icould get more and more flavors out of it.From where do you get the best qualityproduct?Star Anise originally comes from China. To get itlocally, it’s best to go with quality suppliers likeFresh Express. A friend, however, has suppliedthe current batch that I have used to create therecipes.How versatile are Star Anise and in how manykinds of dishes and cuisines can these beused?It’s extremely versatile. It can be used fromstarters to desserts and is used in a varietyof cuisines ranging from Modern French toModern Australian cuisines. It’s also widelyused across the Middle East and Asia.If, for some reason, you cannot get thisingredient, then is there a substituteavailable?Well, the closest replacement for Star Anise isthe Chinese five spices. It is definitely not anexact replacement.How important or indispensable are StarAnise in your culinary scheme of things?Personally, Star Anise is not an ingredientthat I use daily. Rather, I use it once in a whileto create something special. In my opinion,professionally, chefs in the region should useit more often in their cooking. I would like tointroduce it in the Paul menu soon.Personally, Star Aniseis not an ingredientthat I use daily.Rather, I use it oncein a while to createsomething specialConfit duckIngredientsRock salt½ orange zest1/2 lemon zest5 grams fresh ginger1 grams star anise ground1 grams coriander seeds crushed1 gram black peppercornsDuck legsDuck fatMethod• Trim the knuckles from duck legs• Blend salt, spices and zest in the bar blender.• Sprinkle salt mix on a tray, gently press ducklegs on the salt and cover with• Remaining mixture. Leave for 18 hours.• Rinse of salt and pat dry• Heat the duck fat in a rectangular pan toapproximately 80 degrees• Add duck legs and slow cook for around 1.8hours• Remove duck legs from fat after slow cookingand cool downBeef Bacon & Parmesan FrittataIngredients30 grams beef bacon strips3 eggs30 ml cream65 grams Parmesan cheese grated1-gram white pepper10-gram butter20 grams red onion1 grams garlic2 grams rosemaryPortobello mushroomsIngredients90 grams Mushrooms3 grams ButterSalt & pepper to tasteFlageolets beansIngredients100 grams beans1 grams garlic5 ml lemon juice2 grams chopped fresh parsley5 ml olive oilSalt & pepper to tasteStar Anise JusIngredients1-liter veal jus150 ml red vinegar50 grams sugar4 pcs star anise1 onion brunoise2 carrots brunoise2 sticks celery brunoise1 bay leaf5 peppercorns10 ml oil10 grams fresh thyme32 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 33

My Favorite IngredientNATURAL OYSTERS with fennel &tomato salsa & Star Anise vinaigretteSTAR ANISE PANNACOTTA with glazedfigs pistachio nuts and a Lavender sauceNATURALOYSTERSIngredients½ dozen oysters50 grams fresh fennel30 grams tomato2 grams fresh dillMethod• Remove open oysters fromshell• Cut the fennel & tomatosmall dice• Fine chop dill• Toss well except oysters, ina bowl• Season with salt & pepper• Serve on rock salt• Lemon wedges for garnish,optionalStar AniseVinaigretteIngredients30 grams star anise ground140 ml lemon juice75 ml grape seed oil75 ml olive oilSalt & pepper to tasteMethod• Add all ingredients together• Whisk till well combined• Check seasoningPannacottaIngredients500 grams cream250 ml milk90 grams honey4 pcs Star Anise4 Pcs gelatin leavesMethod• Heat the cream and milk (Do not boil)• Add honey & star anise• Allow the star anise to infuse• Soak gelatin in water until soft• Squeeze out the water• Add to mixture• Pass through a fine sieve• Pour into molds and allow to setGlazed FigsIngredients2 pcs of fresh figs cut in halfIn a hot pan add butter,Place the figs body downAdd little brown sugarGlazeLavender SyrupIngredientsLavender oil100 grams caster sugar200 ml waterMethod• Make a light sugar syrup, cool• Add Lavender oil to flavor• ReserveSauceMake up simple basic Anglaiserecipe• Sauce Anglaise with drizzle lavendersyrup34 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 35

RecipesThaiTasteKai takri(Marinated minced chicken on a lemongrass skewer)“This is a specialty from central Thailand. You can feel the lemon grass and lemon leaf with theminced chicken and it is served with sweet chili sauce to add a different dimension to the taste.”Kai takriSangwon Konluk, the chef decuisine at Fusion, Le Royal MeridienBeach Resort & Spa Dubai, sharessome of his favourite recipes withour readers…Chef Sangwon was born inChang Mai in Thailand.He began his career in 1980as a commis at the ThongThai Restaurant, moved onto the Phet Gardens Restaurant and thenworked at the Asia Hotel in Bangkok whereSangwon was promoted to demi chef departie.In 1988 he worked his way up to becomethe executive chef at the Felix Hotels andResorts.After two years, Sangwon joined thefamous Thai resort, The Empress, in ChiangMa as chef de partie.He was tasked withoverseeing all food preparation throughoutthe hotel.Three years later, Sangwon joined the WestinChiang Mai as Thai Chef for Banqueting,before heading to Dubai to the next phaseof his career.Since 1995, Sangwon has been workingat Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spaas chef de cuisine at Fusion, His signaturedishes include specialties from the Thai,Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. ChefSangwon tells us that he loves the cuisinefrom central Thailand, which includes thetom yum soup and the famous Thai curries.“The food from central Thailand is normallyspicy and mainly includes such ingredientsas chili, garlic, cumin, galangal and lemonleaf.”For our readers, Chef Sangwon has chosenthree very well-known Thai specialties – astarter, a main course and a dessert.Ingredients150gmsminced chicken breast50gmslemongrass15gmsGogi flour10mlwhite soya sauce15mlseasoning sauce20gmswhite sugar1 eggSalt & pepper to tasteMethod• Blend the minced chicken breast with the rest of theingredients.• Cut the lemon grass into a 5” long stick and bind themixture to the stick to make a lollypop and deep fry inoil.• Serve hot with the sauce.• and garnish with sesame seeds and coconut cream.36 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 37

RecipesKraprow Ped ob(Roasted duck with hot basil)“The duck is very tender and melts in the mouth. It has a sugarseasoning to add a sweet touch. It is served with steamed rice.”Khaow noew ma- maung(Sweet sticky rice with mango)“This is a traditional dessert, which is a signature dishfrom Thailand.”Khaow noew ma- maungIngredientsKraprow Ped obIngredients250gms10gms10gms5gms10ml10ml10ml10ml10gms20gms20ml10gmsSalt to tasteRoasted DuckGarlicThai Red ChilliThai Green ChilliOyster SauceWhite Soya SauceSeasoning SauceBlack Soya SauceSugarBasil LeavesCorn OilChinese SpiceMethod• For the roast duck marinate the meat with theChinese spice, coriander roots, garlic and roast inthe oven for 30 minutes• Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the garlic beforeadding the sliced duck and cook for 2 minutes• Add the Thai chilli, oyster sauce, white soya sauce,seasoning sauce, black soya sauce, sugar and hotbasil leaves and cook until done.• Serve hot with steamed rice.150gms80ml20gms2gms50gms100gms20gmsSticky RiceCoconut MilkPalm SugarSaltWhite SugarFresh MangoCoconut Cream PowderMethod• Steam the sticky rice for 30minutes.• Boil the palm sugar, coconut milk,white sugar and coconut creampowder till it becomes a thickpaste.• Add the sticky rice to the mixtureand stir well.• Mould the sticky rice on a plate,place the sliced mango on the sideand garnish with sesame seedsand coconut cream.38 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 39

MasterclassMasterclass withChef NoreumolThis month, AmareshBhaskaran meets ChefNoreumol at Benjarong, thesignature Thai restaurant at theDusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, fora Master class in Thai cuisine.Here’s what he learnt...Chef Noreumol is a highlyexperienced chef fromThailand. Visiting Thai Royalsoften rely on her culinary skillsto tantalise their palates. Herspecialty in Thai Royal cuisine and she haseven cooked for Her Highness, the Queenof Thailand, when she lived in Bangkok.So justifiably, I was a bit nervous before themeeting. She was going to spend someof her precious time teaching me (in allprobability a lost cause) the fundamentals ofher cuisine and her cooking.I needn’t have been nervous. If I were todescribe her in one word, it would be calm.She put me at ease immediately and wasgenuinely enthusiastic to talk about her lifeand her cooking.Chef Noreumol was born in Bangkok,studied Home Economics at University butwas taught to cook by her Grandmother.She also taught herself to cook fromcookbooks.She started her career at the first Benjarongrestaurant at the Dusit Thani, Bangkok, aspart of the kitchen crew where she wastaught the fundamentals of Thai royal cuisine– a difficult cuisine to master particularly dueto the emphasis on delicate flavours andmasterful presentation. She has since carveda niche for herself and has worked in China,Thailand and now in Dubai.The DishChef Noreumol chooses a dish that she saysis quintessentially Thai. It’s called Choo CheeGoong and is basically fried tiger prawns inred curry sauce. She explains her choice bytelling me that this dish includes ingredientsthat are the heart and soul of Thai food.PrepChef Noreumol is very organized in herapproach to cooking. She lines up theingredients neatly in front of me. Everything’s40 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 41

Masterclassfresh. Everything’s properly weighed (quiteunlike how I cook at home). She makessure all her dishes taste consistent at therestaurant and she has to make themquickly!IngredientsThe ingredients are traditionally Thai. It alsoincludes the Fish Sauce, better known asnam pla, that’s used in Thai cuisine amongstother commonly used ingredients likecoconut milk & kaffir lime leaves that will givethis dish its distinctive flavour and aroma.Tiger prawns450 gramsRed curry paste60 gramsCoconut milk200 ml.Straw mushroom60 gramsKaffir lime leaves3 gramsFish saucePalm sugarDeep-fry oilRed chiliAll purpose flour10 ml.08 grams200 ml.15 grams80 gramsCookingIn the kitchen, Chef Noreumol is all business.There’s no mucking around at all! First,she quickly peels, cleans and deveins theprawns. The prawns are then coated withflour and kept aside.With a few deft moves Chef Noreumol putsthe sauce together. She brings the coconutmilk to a boil and then adds the red currypaste. She then seasons it with palm sugarand fish sauce; and adds straw mushroomsto thicken the sauce. Meanwhile, she deepfriesthe prawns and, before I know it, thedish is ready for plating!PlatingThe prawns are plated following which theChef pours sauce over it. This is then toppedwith coconut milk, red chili and finely slicedkaffir lime leaves to complete the dish.Chef’s Tips• For sauce heat until thick and then reduceheat to bring out the rich colour.• Do not deep-fry prawns for too long or they’llend up too hard.• Instead of prawns you can use fish, chicken orany meat. For meat, there’s no need to deepfry;just cook it in the sauce.This beautifully presented dish tastes as goodas it looks and smells. The sauce in particularhas barrels of taste that are so well balancedthat I could not have enough of it. It’s a rathersimple dish on paper but getting it right isdefinitely anything but! I would like to try tocook this at home and now if you can excuseme, I’ve got to look for some friends toexperiment it on…42 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 43

eventTBC Chef Training andTheme NightsAn All-Texan Culinary Journeygot into its stride in the UAEwith Texas Beef Council (TBC)Chef Training Workshops andTheme Nights. Forty-five chefsrepresenting Dubai’s most prominent food andbeverage operators enthusiastically took part inhands-on class sessions conducted by GuestChef Jay McCarthy who came all the way fromUSA to share his U.S. beef expertise with UAEchefs and diners.Organised in collaboration with the EmiratesCulinary Guild (ECG), the TBC chef events wereimplemented in cooperation with the Office ofAgricultural Affairs – U.S. Consulate General inDubai.During two full days of extensive training andsix Texas Beef Theme Nights, TBC and the U.S.Meat Export Federation (USMEF) promoted thequality image of Texas beef and the profitableuse of underutilized U.S. beef cuts in thehospitality industry and among the import/distribution sectors.44 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 45

eventJakarta SalonCulinaire 2011We are delighted to announcethe fantastic effort made bythe team with members fromThe Address Downtown andRaffles Dubai. Travelling attheir own expense, they showed true courageand commitment in competing at the salon asCulinary Ambassadors for the UAE.Special thanks go to Chef Uwe, the President,for sanctioning the support of the team.For supporting their boys in this venture, specialthanks go to:Chef Cameron Balladine, Executive Chef at TheAddress Downtown DubaiChef Andrew Whiffen, Executive Chef at RafflesHotel DubaiDaniel Edward - Best Chef Individual HotCooking Challenge Salon Culinaire 2011Silver Medal - Tabasco Seafood ChallengeSilver Medal - US Beef and US Potato ChallengeSilver Medal - Inspiring individual hot cookingchallengeDedy SupriadySilver Medal - Five Course Gourmet DinnerMenu - Fine DiningBronze Medal - Practical Cake decorationHeru Purwanto - Best Team Hot CookingChallenge Salon Culinaire 2011Gold Medal - Team Hot Cooking ChallengeSilver Medal - Five Course Gourmet DinnerMenu - Fine DiningAhmad Gojali - Best Team Hot CookingChallenge Salon Culinaire 2011Gold Medal - Team Hot CookingChallengeSilver Medal - Five Course GourmetDinner Menu - Fine DiningIndra NovaGold Medal - Five Course Gourmet DinnerMenu - Fine DiningA Salon toRememberThis year's Egyptian Salon Culinaire2011, organized by the EgyptianChefs Association (ECA), andhosted by the InterContinentalCairo Citystars, was successfullyheld in conjunction with the WACS Africa &Middle East Forum.Chef delegates of regional WACS membercountries, including Chef Uwe Micheel and ChefOsama El Sayed from the UAE, were in Cairoto attend the Forum and take part in a tourismpromotion for Egypt.The Forum was a great occasion for regionalexchange and networking and a chance to showthe world that Egyptian tourism is alive and well.All the delegates enjoyed their splendid stay atthe hotel and were also very impressed with theexcellent service of American Express TravelEgypt who provided all the transport, escorts andguides throughout their stay.46 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 47

LA CUISINE DU SIALBriefs of the Classes for EntryResume of Classes for EntryClass No. Class Description01 Cake Decoration - Practical02 Wedding Cake Three-Tier03 Four Plates of Dessert04 Pastry Showpiece05 Baked Bread Showpiece06 Friandises Petites Four Pralines Nougatines07 Chocolate Carving Showpaiece08 Fruit & Vegetable Carving Showpiece09 Open Showpiece10 Five-Course Gourmet Dinner Menu11 Tapas, Finger Food and Canapés12 New Arabian Cuisine13 An Arabian Feast14 Individual Ice Carving15 Ice Carving Team Event16 Practical Fruit & Vegetable Carving17 Arabic Mezzeh - Practical Cookery18 Sustainable Fish - Practical Cookery19 Beef - Practical CookeryPractical PastryClass 01: Cake Decoration - Practical1. Decorate a pre-baked single cake base of the competitor’s choice.2. Two-and-a-half-hours duration.3. All decorating ingredients must be edible and mixed on the spot.4. No pre-modelled garnish permitted.5. Chocolate and royal icing can be pre-prepared to the basic level, e.g.. temperedchocolate can be brought.6. Competitors must provide all ingredients, cake base, utensils, and smallequipment required.7. The cake base must a minimum size of 30cm X 30cm or 30cm Diameter.8. A standard buffet table is provided for each competitor to work upon.9. Water, electricity and refrigeration might not be available.10. All cakes will be displayed until the end of the Salon and will be disposed of by theorganizer.11. The cake will be tasted as part of judging.12. The Judges will cut the cake.Pastry DisplaysClass 02: Three-Tier Wedding Cake1 All decorations must be edible and made entirely by hand.2 Pillars or stands may be inedible but, unless decorated by hand, must be plainand unadorned.3 Fine, food-quality wiring is allowed for the construction of flowers and the like, butmust be properly wrapped and covered with flower tape or paste.4 Royal icing, pastillage, pulled sugar, etc., may be used in the construction, but thefinished display must not be dependent on these items.5 The bottom layer of the cake must be edible.6 Inedible blanks may be used for the two top layers.7 Typewritten description and recipes are required.8 Maximum area w60 cm x d75 cm. Maximum allowable total height (including socleor platforms) is 75cmClass 03: Four Plates of Dessert1 Prepare four different desserts, each for one person.2 Each dessert presented singly on an appropriated plate.3 Presentation to include a minimum of one hot dessert (presented cold).4 Typewritten description and recipes are required.5 Tasting will be part of the judging process if deemed necessary to determinequality and authenticity.6 Maximum area w90 cm x d75 cm.Class 04: Pastry Showpiece1 Freestyle display.2 Edible media, marzipan, pastillage, sugar, pulled-sugar, croquant, etc., may beused, singly or in mixed media.3 Written description required.4 Maximum area w90 x d75cm.5 Exhibit can be no more than 90cm. in height including base or socle where used.The Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies48 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 49

Class 05: Baked Bread Showpiece1. Freestyle display of a bread showpiece.2. Maximum area w90 x d75cm.3. Exhibit can be no more than 90cm. in height including base or socle where used.Class 06: Friandises Petites Four Pralines Nougatines1. Five varieties.2. Six pieces of each variety (30 pieces total).3. Freestyle presentation.4. Required one extra piece of each variety on a separate small platter for judges’tasting.5. Written description mentioning the theme is required.6. Typewritten recipes are required.7. Maximum area w90 cm x d75 cm.Artistic DisplaysClass 07: Chocolate Carving Showpiece1. Free-style presentation.2. No frames or supports.3. Natural colouring is allowed.4. Minimal glazing is allowed.5. No moulded work.6. Maximum area: w80 cm x d75 cm.7. Exhibit can be no more than 75cm in height including base or socle where used.Class 08: Fruit & Vegetable Carving Showpiece1. Freestyle presentation.2. Light framing is allowed, but the construction of the piece must not depend upon it.3. Maximum area w60 cm x d75 cm.4. Exhibit can be no more than 55 cm in height including base or socle where used.Class 09: Open Showpiece1. Freestyle presentation.2. Only showpieces made of edible food material will be accepted for adjudication.3. Maximum area w90 cm x d75 cm.4. Exhibit can be no more than 75 cm. in height including base or socle where used.Gastronomic CreationsClass 10: Five-Course Gourmet Dinner Menu1. One dish must contain a sustainable species of UAE fish as a main component.2. Present a plated five-course gourmet meal for one person3. The meal to consist of:• A cold appetiser,• A soup,• A hot appetiser,• A main course with its garnish• A dessert.4. Hot food presented cold on appropriate plates.5. Food coated with aspic or clear gelatin for preservation.6. Total food weight of the 5 plates should be 600/700 gms.7. Typewritten description and typed recipes required8. Maximum area w90 cm x d75 cm.Class 11: Presentation of Tapas, Finger Food and Canapés1. Produce eight varieties.2. Six pieces of each variety (total 48 pieces)3. Four hot varieties4. Four cold varieties5. Hot food presented cold6. Food coated with aspic or clear gelatin for preservation7. Presentation on suitable plate/s or platter/s or receptacles.8. Eight pieces should correspond to one portion.9. Name and ingredient list (typed) of each variety required.10. Maximum area 60cm x 80 cm.Class 12: New Arabian Cuisine1. One dish must contain dates as a major component.2. One dish must contain sustainable UAE fish as a major component.3. Present a plated five-course gourmet menu for one person.4. Free style presentation.5. All menu ingredients used must be those found in the Arabian Gulf area.6. To be prepared in advance, and presented cold on appropriate plates.7. Food coated with aspic or clear gelatin for preservation.8. Dishes are to be presented in an up-to-date setting and decoration.9. The meal to comprise:• A cold appetiser• A soup• A hot appetiser• A main-course with appropriate garnish• A dessert.10. Total food weight for the entire menu should be 600/700 gms.The Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies50 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 51

11. Typewritten description and recipes are required.12. Maximum area 90w cm x 75d cmClass 12: An Arabian Feast1. Present a traditional Arabian wedding feast as it would be served at a five-starhotel in the UAE.2. Suitable for 10 people.3. Free-style presentation4. The presentation to comprise the following dishes (both cold food and hot foodpresented cold).5. Six cold mezzeh6. Three hot mezzeh.7. A whole Ouzi presented with rice and garnish8. A chicken main course (Emirati Cuisine)9. A sustainable species of UAE fish main course (Emirati Cuisine)10. A lamb main course11. A vegetable dish12. Three types of kebabs, one of chicken, one of lamb, one of beef, each withappropriate accompaniments.13. One hot dessert (presented cold)14. Three cold desserts.15. Two of the above desserts (competitors choice) must be typically Emirati16. Only the above dishes are to be presented, no other dishes are to be added.17. Maximum available space for presentation is 180 cm x 75 cm.18. Competitors must ensure their exhibit is presented neatly so as to fit the availablespacePractical ArtisticClass 14: Individual Ice Carving1. Freestyle.2. 90 minutes duration.3. Hand carved work from one large block of ice (provided by the organisers).4. Competitors to use own hand-tools and gloves.5. A non-slip mat is mandatory.6. Before the competition starts, competitors will be allowed 30 minutes to arrangeand temper the ice block.7. The use of power tools is forbidden.Class 15: Ice Carving Team Event1. Freestyle.2. Two persons per team3. 120 minutes duration.4. Hand-carved work from three large block of ice (provided by the organisers).5. Competitors to use own hand-tools and gloves.6. Non-slip mats are mandatory.7. Great care must be taken with health and safety considerations. If an exhibitbecomes in any way unstable or dangerous to competitors or public, it will bedismantled and destroyed by the organizers.8. The use of power tools is forbidden.Class 16: Practical Fruit & Vegetable Carving1. Freestyle.2. 120 minutes duration.3. Hand carved work from competitor’s own fruit\vegetables.4. Competitors to use own hand-tools and equipment.5. No power tools permitted.6. Pre-cleaned, peeled material is allowed, but pre-sliced/carved will result indisqualification.7. Each competitor will be supplied with a standard buffet table on which to work.Class 19: Beef - Practical Cookery1. Time allowed 60 minutes2. Prepare and present four identical main courses using beef as the main proteinitem.3. Present the main courses on individual plates with appropriate garnish andaccoutrements.4. Typewritten recipes are required.Practical CookeryClass 17. Mezzeh – Practical Cookery1. Time allowed: 60 Minutes2. Prepare and present for four persons: Three types of hot mezzeh and three typesof cold mezzeh.3. Only one (if any) of the following types of mezzeh may be displayed: hummus,tabouleh, babaganough, fatouche, moutabel.4. The mezzeh can be representative of any of the following countries:• Lebanon• Syria• Jordan• Morocco• Egypt• TunisiaThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies52 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 53

5. Dishes must represent a variety of cooking methods and the use of ingredients asused in the Arabic restaurants of the UAE.6. Present the mezzeh in four equal portions.7. Two portions will be served in the public restaurant and two portions will bepresented to the judges.8. Typewritten recipes are required.Class 18: Sustainable Fish - Practical Cookery1. Time allowed 60 minutes2. Prepare and present four identical main courses using sustainable species of UAEfish as the main protein item. (see http://www.choosewisely.ae/uae_consumer_guide.pdf)3. The species allowed to be used in this class are:• Anfooz (Yellow Bar AngelFish)• Ebzimi (Black Streaked Monocle Bream)• Faskar (Two Bar Sea Bream)• Jesh Um Hala (Orange Spotted Trevally)• Naiser (Ehrenbergs Snapper)• Shari Eshkeli (Pink Ear Emperor)• Yanam (Sordid Sweetlips).• Haghul (NeedleFish)• Local Crab• Local Clams• Local Squid or Cuttlefish.4. Fish may be scaled, gutted, de-finned and de-gilled, but must otherwise bebrought to the competition whole.5. Filleting/cutting preparation must be done in front of the judges.6. Present the main courses on individual plates with appropriate garnish andaccoutrements.7. Typewritten recipes are required.Notes on the Practical Cookery ClassesThese notes pertain to all practical cookery classes. They should be read in combination withthe brief of the class entered.Due to the fact that only one hour is given to complete the competition; competitors areallowed to bring with them an extensive mise-en-place. However, there are restrictions on howmuch pre-preparation the judges will tolerate. In all cases, the preparation, production andcooking skills of each competitor must be demonstrated during her/his time in the kitchen.1. All food items must be brought to the Salon in hygienic, chilled containers: Thermo boxesor equivalent. Failure to bring food items chilled will result in disqualification.2. All dishes are to be served in a style equal to today’s modern presentation trends.3. Portion sizes must correspond to a three-course restaurant meal.4. Dishes must be presented on individual plates with appropriate garnish not exceeding250g total food weight excluding sauces.5. Unless otherwise stated, competitors must supply their own plates/bowls/platters withwhich to present the food.6. Competitors must bring with them all necessary mise-en-place prepared according toWACS guidelines in the hot kitchen discipline (www.wacs2000.org).7. Competitors are to provide their own pots, pans, tools and utensils.8. All brought appliances and utensils will be checked for suitability.9. The following types of pre-preparation can be made for the practical classes:• Vegetables/fungi/fruits; washed & peeled – but not cut up or shaped.• Potatoes washed and peeled – but not cut up or shaped.• Onions peeled but not cut up• Basic dough can be pre-prepared.• Basic stocks can be pre-prepared.• Basic ingredients may be pre-weighed or measured out ready for use.• Fish may be scaled, gutted de-finned and de-gilled, but must otherwise be brought tothe competition whole.• Meat may be de-boned and portioned and the bones cut up.10. No pre-cooking, poaching etc. is allowed.11. No ready-made products are allowed.12. No pork products are allowed.13. No alcohol is allowed.14. If a farce is to be used for stuffing, filling, etc., at least one of the four portions of the farcemust be prepared in front of the judges to show the competitor’s skill15. No help is allowed to be given to the competitor once the competition starts; thecoaching of a competitor from the sidelines will result in the competitor being disqualified.16. Within 10 minutes after the end of the competition, competitors must have the kitchenthoroughly cleaned and tidied and ready for the next competitor to use.17. Two copies of the recipes typewritten are always required.18. Submit one copy of the recipe/s to the clerk when registering.19. Submit one copy of the recipe to the duty marshal at the cooking station.The Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies54 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 55

Rules and Regulations for Culinary CompetitionsNB1. Please read the following regulations carefully. The instructions contained herein aremandatory. Non-compliance with any of the points mentioned could lead to loss of marksor complete disqualifications.2. The Briefs of the Classes for Entry document also forms part of these Rules andRegulations and must be read in conjunction with this document.3. Other regulations relevant to a particular competition would appear on the last page of thisdocument.PARTICIPATION4. Participation at competition is open to anyone professionally employed in the preparationof food.5. Unless the organisers specifically mention a class as being a team event, all classes are forentry by a single competitor.6. Competitors are restricted to one entry per class.7. Competitors are restricted to entering a maximum of three classes.8. Competitors entering to win a trophy must participate fully in every class entered in orderto qualify.9. Competitors must attend and participate on the date and at the time allotted to them.COMPETITION ENTRY10. Please note that there are different forms for different types of entry; ensure that thecorrect form is being used.11. Complete the entry-form according to the instructions on the form.12. Completed photocopies of the entry-form are acceptable.13. Submit the completed form to the organisers along with the requisite fee.14. Fees must be submitted along with completed entry forms.15. Fees are payable to:• Account Name: JHFT;• Bank:HSBC Bank Middle East – Dubai (UAE)• Account No. 021 - 092499 - 002• SWIFT Code: BBMEAEAD16. Entries are accepted strictly on a first-paid, first-accepted basis17. No entry is accepted until the appropriate fee has been received.18. Entry Fees are non-refundable.CERTIFICATES AND LETTERS OF PARTICIPATION19. Ensure that your name (clearly written in block capitals) appears on your entry-form exactlyas you would wish it to appear on any certificate, letter of participation or posting ofresults.20. Any applications for amendments to letters or certificates will necessitate: a) Return of theoriginal certificate b) A written confirmation from the executive chef c) A pre-paid fee ofDhs: 100/- (AED: One-hundred) per certificate.HYGIENE:21. Bad hygiene practice will result in disqualification.22. A professional food-safety company has been engaged to oversee all aspects of hygienepractice at the competition.23. It is quite possible that the Municipality Food Control Section will conduct its own hygieneinspections as and when it sees fit.24. The organisers have no control over these two entities. Should either raise an objection tothe standard of hygiene of any particular person or team, that person or team will not beallowed to competeTHE SECRETARIAT:25. The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG) is the body responsible for the creation, organisationand administration of the competition.26. The competition is governed by and construed according to the rules of the organisers.27. The organisers have sole authority to adjudicate on any matters pertaining to thecompetition.28. Entrants’ acceptances of participation in the competition are construed as confirmation oftheir undertaking to submit unconditionally to the jurisdiction of the organisers in regard toall aspects of La Cuisine Du SIAL.29. The address of the ECG for all correspondence and inquiries referencing culinarycompetitions is: The Emirates Culinary Guild, PO Box 71963 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Tel: + (9714) 3403128. Fax :+(9714) 3473742. Email: theguild@emirates.net.aeCOMPETITORS AND HELPERS30. Each competitor is allowed one helper to assist with carrying equipment. No other help isallowed to a competitor within the preparation area.31. A competitor must wear full; freshly laundered chef’s uniform with appropriate headgearand footwear when attending at the exhibition.32. A competitor’s helper must wear full; freshly laundered chef’s uniform with appropriateheadgear and footwear when attending at the exhibition.33. Competitors that are incorrectly dressed at a competition will not have their exhibitsjudged.34. Helpers that are incorrectly dressed will not be admitted to the exhibition.The Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies56 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 57

35. Logos, marks and identifying colours provided by the organisers must be worn bycompetitors throughout the competition in the position indicated to them by the organisersat the time of registration.36. A competitor entered in a practical competition must register at least thirty minutes beforethe commencement of the competition otherwise the competition slot will be given to awaitlisted competitor.37. Any competitor not in place and ready to start at least five minutes before the time acompetition commences, will be disqualified.38. Competitors and helpers are forbidden from approaching or speaking with or at a judgewithout the express permission of the organisers.EXHIBITS39. Each exhibit must be the bona fide work of the entering competitor. It must be solelythe work of the competitor and must be certified as such by his Head of Department orGeneral Manager.40. Each exhibit must be a completely original work, it must not have been displayedpreviously (in whole or in part) in any competition or exhibition whether private or public.41. All exhibits must be of edible substance except for framing, socles and stands where theyare allowed.42. It is forbidden to use any living entity whatsoever as part of an exhibit (e.g. tropical fish).43. It is forbidden to depict religious, nude, semi-nude or political themes in an exhibit.44. All exhibits must be suitable for presentation as a decorative item in a restaurant orbanqueting setting.45. An exhibit must not carry any logo, label or mark of identification; however, competitorsmust be able to identify their exhibit if required.46. Competitors are responsible for their exhibits and should ensure that they are available intheir proper place for judging on the day and time specified.47. No preparation or finishing of exhibits is allowed in any area except the designatedpreparation area at the rear of the competition area.48. Finished exhibits must be placed in the position indicated by the organisers.49. No interference with an exhibit is allowed once the organisers have deemed it assubmitted for judging.50. Competitors must leave the judging area as soon as their exhibits are in place or wheninstructed to leave by the marshals, whichever is the sooner.51. Exhibits may, at the discretion of the organisers, be moved to a separate enclosure, thereto remain for part or for the duration of the exhibition.52. Failure by a competitor to register or exhibit at the specified time could result indisqualification.53. Exhibits which are removed by competitors without permission of the organisers will notqualify for any kind of award.COMPETITION MARSHALS54. A Marshal-at-arms will be recognisable by a badge displaying the logo of the EmiratesCulinary Guild and the legend ‘Marshal’.55. Marshals are charged with ensuring that the rules and regulations of the competition areobserved by all concerned.56. Competitors, helpers and visitors are all obliged to cooperate with the marshals - withoutquestion, at all times.AWARDS57. Gold, silver and bronze medals and certificates and certificates of merit are awarded solelyat the discretion of the judges.58. The decision of the judges is final and each competitor is required to abide by it withoutcomment.59. Medals will normally be presented at 18:00 each day. This may change according tocircumstance.60. Any medal or certificate that is not accepted by the competitor or his/her helper at thepresentation ceremony for that day will be forfeit, unless prior arrangements are made withthe organisers.61. A competitor or his/her helper must be correctly dressed as stipulated in the rules whencollecting medals or certificates.62. Incorrectly dressed competitors/helpers will not be allowed access to the awards area.COPYRIGHT:63. All exhibitors and competitors assign all rights concerning videos, photographs, menus,recipes, exhibits, sound recordings etc. to the Emirates Culinary Guild.DISCLAIMER64. The organisers are entitled to cancel or postpone the Salon, or to alter the duration, timingor schedule of any event.65. The organisers reserve the right to cancel any classes or limit the number of entries orextend, modify or revoke any of the rules and conditions without being held liable for anyclaims for compensation whatsoever.66. The organisers will not under any circumstances be held liable or responsible for the lossor damage of any exhibit, equipment, goods or personal effects.QUERIES67. All queries must be submitted by email to: theguild@eim.ae. The question and answer toeach query will be broadcast to all entrants.The Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies58 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 59

VENUE & ENTRY FEES1. La Cuisine Du SIAL will be held during the SIAL Middle East Food Exhibition2. The venue will be the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre,3. It will run 21st – 23rd November 2011.4. The entrance fee for single entries is Dhs: 100 (AED. One Hundred) per person per class,unless otherwise stated in the Rules and Regulations or the Class Briefs.5. The fee for entry to the trophy classes is as follows:i. Best Cuisinier – La Cuisine Du SIAL- Abu Dhabi 2010 AED:500/- per personii. Best Pastry Chef – La Cuisine Du SIAL- Abu Dhabi 2010 AED:400/- per personiii. Best Artist – La Cuisine Du SIAL- Abu Dhabi 2010 AED:500/- per personiv. Best Arab National – La Cuisine Du SIAL- Abu Dhabi 2010 AED:300/- per personCLOSING DATE6. Closing date for entries is Monday October 15th 2011. However, practical cookery classesare normally fully subscribed and closed well before the official closing date.TROPHY ENTRYEntrants to a trophy class must enter and finish in all and only those classes that pertain to thetrophy for which they are entering. No other classes may be entered into by a trophy entrant.The required classes are:BEST CUISINIERi. Class # 10. Five-Course Gourmet Dinner Menuii. Class # 18. Practical Cookery – Sustainable Fishiii. Class # 19. Practical Cookery – Beef• In order to qualify for inclusion in the points tally for Best Cuisinier Trophy a competitormust win three medals, at least one of which must be a gold medal.BEST PASTRY CHEFi. Class # 01. Practical Cake Decorationii. Class # 03. Dessert – Four Plattersiii. Class # 06. Petites Four• In order to qualify for inclusion in the points tally for Best Pastry Chef Trophy a competitormust win at least two medals.BEST ARTISTi. Class: #02. Wedding Cakeii. Class # 07. Chocolate Showpieceiii. Class # 09. Open Showpieceiv. Class # 17. Practical Fruit & Vegetable Carving• In order to qualify for inclusion in the points tally for Best Artist Trophy a competitor mustwin at least three medals.BEST ARAB NATIONALi. Class #12. New Arabian Cuisineii. Class # 13. An Arabian Feastiii. Class # 17. Arabic Mezzah• In order to qualify for inclusion in the points tally for Best Arab National Trophy acompetitor must win at least one medal.JUDGING AND THE AWARDS SYSTEMThe team of Judges will adjudicate at all classes of the competition using WACS-approvedmethods, criteria and documents www.worldchefs.orgAfter each judging session, the judges will hold a debriefing session at which each competitorattending may learn something of the thinking behind the judges’ decision.Competitors will not be competing against each other: rather, they will be striving to reach thebest possible standard. The judges will then apportion marks that accord with their perceptionof the standard reached. The competitor will then receive an award commensurate with his/her points tally for the class.In theory, therefore, everyone in a particular class could be awarded a gold medal. Conversely,it could be possible that no awards at all are made.The scaling for awards in all classes is as follows:Points100 Gold Medal with Distinction with Certificate.99 – 90 Gold Medal with Certificate.89 – 80 Silver Medal with Certificate.79 – 70 Bronze Medal with Certificate60 – 69 Certificate of MeritThereafterCertificate of ParticipationTrophy WinnersTrophy Winners will be decided by the highest aggregate points awarded for all classesentered.In the event of a tie, the award will be made on the highest points scored from the medalswon. Thus:• Gold Medal with Distinction 7 Points• Gold Medal 5 Points• Silver Medal 3 Points• Bronze Medal 1 PointThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's SocietiesThe Emirates Culinary Guild is a member of the World Association of Chef's Societies60 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 61

member directoryAl Ghurair – Foodservice DivisionMr. Sameer KhanMobile No: 050 4509141Office No: 04 8852566Email: SameerK@alghurairgroup.comAl Sharq Al Aqssa GroupMs. Lorena JosephMobile No: 050 454 36 81Email: lorena@asaat.comArab Market & Finance, Inc.Ms. Lina KanaanTel: +961-1-740378 / 741223 /751262Email: linak@amfime.aeAramtecMr. Syed Iqbal AfaqEmail: syediqbal@aramtec.comBarakat Quality PlusMr. Jeyaraman SubramanianTel: 009714 8802121Email: jr@barakat.comMr. Mike WunschTel: 009714 8802121Email: mikwuuae@emirates.net.aeBaqer MohebiMr. Radwan MousselliMobile No: 050 387 2121Office No: 04 3417171Email: radwan.bme@mohebi.comBocti OverseasEric TorchetOffice No: 04 3219391Boecker Public Health Food SafetyMr Antoine A SaterOffice No: +961 (3) 209 817Email: ceo@boecker.comBragard LLCMr. Nicolas DujardinMobile No: 050 1490535Email: Nicolas.dujardin@bragard.comChurchill China PLCMr. Glenn EwartMobile No: +44 7974 919548Office No: +44 1782 524361Email: Glenn.Ewart@churchillchina.plc.ukConvothermMr. Gerhard EichhornTel: +49 (0) 8847 67 815Fax: +49 (0) 8847 414Mobile: +49 (0) 176 17617252UAE mobile: +971 (0) 56 6047411Mail: g.eichhorn@convotherm.deCustom Culinary – GriffithLaboratoriesMr. Khaled HamzaMobile No: 050 2880380Office No: 04 8818525Email: khamza@griffithlaboratories.comDOFREEZE LLCMr. Aamer FayyazTel: 04 3476320Email: afayyaz@emirates.net.aeEcolab Gulf FZEMr. Andrew AshnellMobile No: 050 5543049Office No: 04 88736 44Email: andrew.ashwell@ecolab-gulf.aeElectroluxMr. Mauro ZanchettaEmail: mauro.zanchetta@electrolux.itElfab Co. L.L.C.Mr. M.S. AhujaTel No.: 04 – 8857575Mobile : 050 – 6450733Email: elfab@emirates.net.aeEMF Emirates LLCMr. Pierre FeghaliMobile No: 050 4533868Office No: 04 2861166Email: pierre@emf-emirates.aeECG Corporatemember directoryEmirates Snack FoodsMr. Ron PilnikMobile No: 050 6572702Office No: 04 267 2424Emai: rdpesf@emirates.net.aeFaisal Al Nusif Trading LLCMr. Thomas DasMobile No: 050 625 3225Office No: 04 3391149Email: fantco@emirates.net.aeFederal FoodsMr. Umesh AgrawalOffice No: 04 3390005Email: umesh@federalfoods.aeFonterraMr. Amr W FarghalOffice No: 04 3388549Email: amr.farghal@fonterra.comFrisch & FrostMr. Hans BoettcherMobile No: 0049 1629069053Email: h.boettcher@frisch-frost.atGreenhouseMr. Petros HadjipetrouMobile No: 050 6282642Office No: 06 5332218/19Email: greenhse@emirates.net.aeHoreca TradeMr. Hisham JamilOffice No: 04 347 71 66Email: hisham.jamil@horecatrade.aeIFFCO FoodserviceMr. Syed Kazim NajamMobile No: 050 634 5481Office No: 06 5029239Email: Snajam@iffco.comJohnsonDiversey GulfMr. Marc RobitzkatMobile No: 050 459 4031Office No: 04 8819470Email: marc.robitzkat@jonhnsondiversey.comJohn Holt FoodsMr. Alen ThongTel: 009715 347 20 49Email: jathong@emirates.net.aeLamb WestonMr. Sajju BalanMobile No: 050 4907980Email: sajjubalan@lambweston-nl.comMasterbakerMr. Ram NarayanMobile No: 050 424 8020Office No: 04 8815055Email: ramn@switzgroup.comMeat Livestock Australia (MLA)Rodney SimsOffice: +973 17223003Mobile: +973 39965655Email: rsims@mla.auMitras InternationalTrading LLCMr. Jagdish MenonMobile No: 050 6546661Office No: 04 3523001Email: jagdishm@eim.aeMKN Maschinenfabrik KurtNeubauer GmbH & CoMr. Stephan KammelTel: +49 (5331) 89207Email: km@mkn.deElias RachedBusiness Development ManagerT: +97172041336F: +97172041335M:+971505587477rac@mkn-middle-east.comNational Honey BoardC/o Arab Market & Finance, Inc.Ms. Lina KanaanTel: +961-1-740378 / 741223 /751262Email: linak@amfime.aeNestlé Professional MEMr. Nauman EhsanEmail: Nauman.Ehsan@ae.Nestlé.comRAK PorcelainMr. RaviEmail: ravi@fnbekfc.aeSADIAMr PatricioEmail: patricio@sadia.aeMr. Daniele MachadoEmail: Daniele.Machado@sadia.com.brSAFCOMr. Ajit SawhneyTel: 009716 5339719Email: ajit@sawhneyfoods.aeSeascape Int’lGeneral TradingMr. Ibrahim Al GhafoorOffice No: 04 3378220Email: ghafoor@seascape.aeSteelite InternationalMr. Gavin DoddMobile: +971 50 6920151Email: gavindodd@ronai.co.ukTarget Bakery & PastryCombination MEMr. Gerhard DebriacherMobile No: +965 682 5428Email: gdebri@emirates.net.aeTransmed OverseasMr. Hani KiwanOffice No: 04 334 9993 Ext 386Email: hani.kiwan@transmed.comTruebell Marketing & TradingMr. Bhushant J. GhandiMobile: +971 50 6460532Email: fsd@truebell.orgUnilever Food SolutionsMr. Hisham El TaraboulsyOffice No: 04 8815552US Meat Export FederationMs. Lina KanaanTel: +961-1-740378 / 741223 /751262Email: linak@amfime.aeUS Dairy Export CouncilMs. Lina KanaanTel: +961-1-740378 / 741223 /751262Email: linak@amfime.aeWinterhalter MEMr. Joachim DandjaTel: 009716 7447401Email: jdandja@winterhalter.aeFanar Al Khaleej TrMartin MathewAsst Sales Manager - Hotel andCatering DivisionMobile: +971 50 2638315Phone: +971 6 5343870E-mail: mmathew@fanargroup.aeGulf Seafood LLCMr. Tarun RaoMarketing ManagerPO Box 61115Dubai- UAET: +9714 8817300 extn 103F: +9714 8817274Cell : +971 50 5593121tarun@gulfseafood.aeWebsite : www.gulfseafood.aeIqdam InternationalStefan MenzelBusiness Development Managertel: 04 321 6003Mobile: 050 4514593stefan@iqdam.comANGT LLC – NONIONS / SIPPYAshwin RuchaniMarketing ManagerT: +9714 3523525,M: +97155 8964874Email: impex@angtnonions.comAl SeerMr. Himanshu ChotaliaTel: 04 3725425/432Mobile: 050 3561777Email: himanshu.chotalia@alseer.comJaleel General Trading LLCAjmal Rahim T.T.PSales ExecutiveMobile: + 971 55 4035323Email: ajmalrt@jaleeldistribution.comAtlantic Gulf TradingAndy FernandesManager Admin & SalesP.O.Box 2274, Dubai,U.A.E.Tel: +971 4 3589250Fax: +971 4 325 4961Mobile:+971 50 5096594andyfernandes@atlanticgulftrading.comwww.atlanticgulftrading.comInSinkEratorMohamed KaramBusiness Develpment Manager,Middle East & AfricaP.O. Box 17033, Dubai, UAEM +971 55 4983985T +971 4 8118282www.insinkerator.comGulf Food Trade - UAECharles.S.SidawiFood Service DepartmentTel: 04 - 3210055Fax: 04 - 3435565Mob: 050 - 8521470E-mail: charles.sidawi@gftuae.com62 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 63

new membersMr. Bassam Abou Saleh,Marketing Director,USAPEEC, receiving themembership certificatefrom Chef Uwe Micheel,President, EmiratesCulinary Guild.Mr. Suresh K P, SeniorManager - BusinessDevelopment, Mr. J S ABukhari, Executive Directorand Mr. Arup Roy GeneralManager - BusinessDevelopment, receivingthe membership certificatefrom Chef Uwe Micheel,President, EmiratesCulinary Guild.USAPEEC is a non-profit, industry-sponsoredtrade organization dedicated to increasingexports of U.S. poultry and egg foodproducts in all foreign markets.The Council members account for more than90 percent of all poultry and egg exports.Members include nearly all major U.S.poultry and egg producing and processingcompanies, as well as many internationaltrading firms. USAPEEC’s world headquartersis located in Stone Mountain, Georgia butthe council has offices all over the worldincluding the Middle East.As a new member, and in collaborationwith the Emirates Culinary Guild, USAPEECMiddle East will conduct different marketingactivities funded by the United SoybeanBoard targeting the HRI sector. In lieu of thecompetition on U.S. poultry from differentsources, such activities will actively maintainand establish a dominant market presencefor U.S. chicken among this sector.At the foodservice level, the Council willconduct hands-on live cooking workshopscapturing a number of executive chefs andsous chefs from major hotels in Dubai. Thiswill help educate parties about the differentvarieties and cuts of U.S. chicken andchicken products available in the marketand will highlight their versatility in differentapplications. This will involve technicalpresentations and discussions by the chefwith the help of the printed materials that arebeing prepared for the event.USAPEEC is pleased to join the new “friendspage” of the Gulf Gourmet magazineindicating its membership and looks forwardto increasing awareness of the HRI sectorin the region about U.S. chicken cuts andproducts.For more information on U.S. poultry andsome poultry activities taking place in theMiddle East, visit our Pan Arab website at:www.usapeecme.comDiamond Meat Processing Establishment isan ISO 9001; 2008 & HACCP-certified Dubaibased manufacturer and exporter of a widerange of processed meat products. Ourextensive product range under the flagshipbrand of ALMASA is unique in terms of tasteand quality in the MENA region. Over theyears, the brand has become synonymouswith excellent quality and customer friendlyservice.Diamond Meat product range consistsof Breakfast strips, Breakfast sausages,Basturma, Burgers, Mortadella, Salami,Pepperoni and assorted cold cuts from Beef,Chicken, Turkey and Lamb.With a state of art facility, active productdevelopment centre, extensive logistics anddistribution network, AL MASA as a brandhas attained a market leadership positionin its product category. With a portfolio ofmore than 250 SKUs, the product is availableat all major RETAIL CHAINS and HORECAsegments across the region.Diamond Meat Processing Establishmentis a member of the Dubai headquarteredUSD 5 Billion highly diversified ETA ASCONSTAR Group. Since its inception in 1973, thegroup has completed projects in excess ofUSD 140 Billion and numerous landmarks inthe emirates stand testimony to the firm’sengineering capabilities.The company is a part of Al Ghurair Groupof Companies, who are one of the mostrevered and leading business houses in theUnited Arab Emirates.64 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 Gulf Gourmet | September 2011 65

Join our loyalty programme NOWand enjoy 50 FREE POINTS worth of AED 5,000 purchaseFees:Junior Member: No fees (provided that they have joined two competitions within a year). Or Dhs: 50.00joining fee. Junior members will receive a certificate.Senior Members: Above the rank of chef de partie (or senior chef de partie on executive chef’sreconmmendation). Dhs.350/=joining. Includes certificate; member-pin, membermedal and ECG ceremonial collar. Dhs. 150/=per year thereafter.Affiliate Member: Dhs.350.00 for the first year. Dhs.300 per year thereafter.Corporate Member: Dhs. 20,0000 per yearContact our marketing department now if you wish to be rewardedmarketing@horecatrade.ae or +971 4 340 3330 / TOLL FREE: 800 3210