TASTE OF DUBAI

We hope you’ve worked up an appetite as Taste of Dubai returns next week. The beloved three-day event that’s part of the Dubai Food Festival will take over Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from March 7-9. As always, the event has a number of celebrity chefs and this year the line-up steals the cake with MasterChef Australia’s judge Matt Preston; South African Chef Lorna Maseko and Michelin Star Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Dubai-based culinary duo Nick Alvis and Scott Price and Aleppian cuisine expert Mohammad Orfali.

You can learn cake decorating from Master French Pâtissier, Eric Lanlard, participate in a MasterChef-style Mystery Box cooking challenge on March 9, and have your dish judged by Matt Preston. While you’re there, also swing by the pop-up MasterChef, the TV Experience restaurant. That’s not the only popup, as you’ll have a chance to explore over 20 restaurants and savour cuisines from around the world, including legendary Japanese restaurant Nobu, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, gourmet Turkish restaurant Kaftan, contemporary South American food at Andes, French bistro Couqley, authentic Southern American style food at The Blacksmith Smokehouse, traditional Spanish tapas at Seville, American classics at Dean & Deluca and classic dishes from UBK.

Got kids in tow? Children under 12 have free entry to Taste of Dubai and the OMO Kids’ Zone will have more than enough games and attractions to keep them busy and nurture budding chefs. Kids can try face painting, food-based games, participate in competitions and let their creativity loose at a cupcake decorating station.

Standard tickets start from Dh95. VIP tickets from Dh285 include fast-track entry and unlimited access to the VIP lounge, two free drinks and three food vouchers to sample dishes from any participating restaurants. Visit tasteofdubaifestival.com for timings and tickets.