Abu Dhabi Culinary announces Food Forward series

The first collaboration will feature Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi and UAE-based chef-restaurateur Reif Othman 

Abu Dhabi Culinary has announced that its Food Forward series will run from 1-10 July as part of its annual programme of gastronomy initiatives.

An innovative series of gastronomic events, Food Forward will showcase the emirate’s diverse culinary landscape through an exciting line-up of collaborations between renowned local and international chefs and popular dining establishments.

 The series will kick-off a year-long schedule of exciting Abu Dhabi Culinary events, with Singapore-born, UAE-based chef Reif Othman collaborating with Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi at Tori No Su, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers for 10 days.

Hilton, EMEA vice president of F&B Strategy & Development, Emma Banks said: “We are delighted to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi to host the city’s first Food Forward event at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Working with top chefs such as Reif Othman and Faisal Alharmoodi furthers our goal of bringing exciting, innovative dishes to our guests. With two fantastic hotels in Abu Dhabi and more openings on the horizon we look forward to continuing to work with DCT Abu Dhabi to make the UAE capital a gastronomic hub.”

FOR MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE, SIGN UP FOR CONNECTING TRAVEL’S WEEKLY BULLETIN

Othman, renowned for fusing unconventional Asian fare with French and Italian culinary techniques, will collaborate with Alharmoodi to create street food dishes, signature plates and delectable desserts.

Dishes include wagyu tataki with truffle ponzu; seared Scottish salmon, with braised onion and lemon ponzu, and oven-baked baby chicken with spicy teriyaki.

“As a truly homegrown chef and long-time admirer of Chef Othman’s culinary expertise and unrivalled ability to conceptualise unique restaurant offerings, I am thrilled to be collaborating with him for the inaugural Food Forward. Together we will take diners on a culinary journey that traverses the tastes and flavours of the Mediterranean and recipes and culinary traditions from the Far East,” said Alharmoodi, who’s fusion dishes, including camel lasagne and samosa burrata, are well received.

Othman added: “I am extremely excited to join forces with chef Faisal given his expertise and innovative approach to cooking.”

Concepts such as Reif Japanese Kushiyaki and Kushi by Reif concepts, as well as prior associations with award-winning restaurants, have made Othman one of the most in-demand chefs in the UAE restaurant scene for several years. 

To find out more, visit www.abudhabiculinary.ae or follow @AbuDhabiCulinary on Instagram.