The masterchef who has pioneered Lebanese fusion cuisine has joined the stellar cast of
Gourmet Abu Dhabi, which begins a 15-day run in the
UAE capital ((Friday, February 5 2010). Masterchef
Joe Barza, now a household name in his native
Lebanon, is to bring his distinctive cuisine which has earned him numerous awards in the country’s
Salon Culinaire, the European Sandwich Competition and the Pastry World Cup to Barouk, the Lebanese restaurant at
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island from February 11-14.
Chef Barza, who last year served as Executive Chef to the Francophonie Games in Beirut will also star in 
Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s Gastronomic Discovery Industry Forum at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel on February 13 and the magnificent Arabian Feast celebration of regional cuisine at the Shangri-la Qary’at Al Beri on Valentine’s Day.
“Joe’s inclusion in the line-up brings Middle Eastern cuisine further to the fore at Gourmet Abu Dhabi and is resonating well with event supporters,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, Retail and Dining Section Head, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which is presenting the culinary extravaganza.
"One of our hopes for Gourmet Abu Dhabi is that it raises the international profile of Middle Eastern cuisine and chef Barza’s inclusion in the masterchef line-up is helping to attain that aim.”
Masterchef Barza, who is renowned for his seafood creations and is an accomplished pastry chef, is a member of the French Culinary Academy and the German Chefs Association and is currently Executive Chef at ‘The Chase’ international restaurants chain.
"We are hugely excited about Chef Barza joining our team this month and passing on some of his award-winning experience,” said Chef Danny Kattar, Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. “We are also hoping to impress him with our own brand of enthusiasm for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Barouk.”
Featuring a stellar line up of masterchefs boasting 2 Michelin stars and many other accolades between them as well as celebrity and guest personalities, Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010 includes special themed dinners that will take in more venues than ever including the new five-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and the signature Yas Hotel which overlooks Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit home of the 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Following attendee feedback, this year’s programme also features three ladies' only, free-to-attend masterclasses.
Gourmet Abu Dhabi is at the vanguard of the emirate’s campaign to be a global culinary destination leveraging Abu Dhabi's renowned hospitality credentials.
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