Etihad Airways selects ten world-class chefs to ‘Taste of Abu Dhabi’

Sustaining efficiency, flight integrity and excellent passenger management are all it takes to keep Etihad Airways up to par with expected standards in the airline business. The airline is pursuing a food philosophy of which 10 renowned chefs will compete to reveal who amongst them epitomizes its standard for inflight catering.

Etihad is already a global airline partner of 15 Taste Festivals across the world, and it has taken the initiative to promote its brand by bringing world-class chefs to ‘Taste of Abu Dhabi’ to compete in the final ‘Taste the World’ competition, from November 10-12, 2016.

The 10 renowned chefs taking part in the event will compete to reveal who amongst them epitomizes Etihad Airways’ food philosophy, which aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey, on the ground and in the air, using innovative cooking techniques and the creative use of ingredients.

Finalists were selected at local Taste Festivals held during 2016, and include Pascal Aussignac (Club Gascon, London), Andre Gerrits (Amsterdammertje, Amsterdam), Michael Hunter (Antler Restaurant, Toronto), Andrea Provenzani (Il Liberty, Milan), Vitaly Tikhonov (G.Graf, Moscow), Siu Hin Chi (Duddell’s, Hong Kong), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker and May Street Larder, Perth), Sylvestre Wahid (Restaurant Sylvestre, Paris), Francesco Apreda (Imàgo, Rome) and Nelly Robertson (nel., Sydney).

Each dish will be judged by an independent panel including an Etihad Airways Inflight Chef, a Taste Festivals representative, and a renowned food influencer. During Taste of Abu Dhabi, visitors to the Etihad Chefs’ Theatre will be able to watch some of the finest global culinary talent create dishes that bring to life the airline’s culinary vision.

Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways Vice President Sponsorship, said: “We are proud to welcome these gifted chefs to our home during Taste of Abu Dhabi. All of them have demonstrated innovative cooking techniques to create truly remarkable dishes. Watching them compete against each other in the final of ‘Taste the World’ will be an exciting occasion for the chefs and our attending guests.

“We draw inspiration from the finest restaurants and emerging chefs from the world’s major culinary capitals, serving inspired dining both on the ground and in the air, and doing it with the style and sophistication that has become synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand.”

Justin Clarke, Director of Taste Festivals Ltd, said: “It has been an incredible year hosting Etihad Airways at 15 Taste Festivals around the world.  Hosting the ‘Taste the World’ finals at Taste of Abu Dhabi will be an exciting culmination for our inspirational chefs. Etihad Airways’ commitment to being the leading culinary airline is a great fit with Taste Festivals and we look forward to communicating their service offering and to inspiring future innovation across the culinary world.”

The three-year partnership between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals is a core element of the airline’s sponsorship strategy as it establishes itself as an aspirational lifestyle brand. The airline’s association with Taste Festivals began in March 2016 with events in Dubai, Sydney and Hong Kong, culminating with Taste of Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways currently has 235 Inflight Chefs and 495 Food and Beverage Managers in service, providing the acclaimed service and hospitality for which the airline is now globally recognized.