Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced further details of its world-class culinary and lifestyle event, Jumeirah Festival of Taste, taking place in Dubai next month.

Featuring some of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs, Jumeirah is hosting the event from 9-13 November, in association with founding partner American Express and regional partners Evian, SieMatic and Time Out Dubai.

Dubai residents will have a unique opportunity to interact with and enjoy top quality cuisine created by Ainsley Harriott, Kerry Heffernan, James Martin, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Michel Roux, Cyrus Todiwala and Brian Turner at a multitude of culinary events in Jumeirah’s prestigious hotels and restaurants.

The 2008 event will kick off with the ‘All in Good Taste’ grandiose opening event on Sunday 9 November at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, featuring all seven celebrity chefs preparing signature dishes at live cooking stations.

Three events will take place on Monday 10 November, including an exclusive day-time boat trip event, ‘Bon Voyage et Bon Appetit’, with Jean-Christophe Novelli, Brian Turner, Michel Roux and Cyrus Todiwala cooking gourmet delights for guests aboard four yachts.

Later that evening, James Martin will host ‘Rhythm and Basil’, an evening of live music, dancing and delicious food at Jambase, Madinat Jumeirah, while Kerry Heffernan, one of New York’s finest chefs, will treat guests to American cuisine at ‘Haute Heffernan’ at the Rib Room, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

James Martin will host the ‘Perfect to a Tea’ on Tuesday 11 November at the Burj Al Arab, where guests will be treated to a delightful traditional English afternoon tea in the world’s most luxurious hotel.

On 11 November, Ainsley Harriott will host ‘Appetisingly Ainsley’, a live cooking show at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. This fun and interactive event will offer a fantastic opportunity for food enthusiasts to get up close to the experts. Meanwhile, Michel Roux will prepare an exquisite five course banquet at the ‘Michelin Magic’ event at Vu’s, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

A lavish formal dinner will be offered at the ‘Gourmet Gala’ event in the Burj Al Arab on Wednesday 12 November, featuring all seven celebrity chefs and Ainsley Harriott as the Master of Ceremony. The closing event, ‘Culinary Conclusions’ will take place at Jumeirah’s Bab al Shams Desert Resort & Spa with live entertainment, food and drinks.

Brian Turner, one of the most highly regarded chefs in the UK, said, “I am really looking forward to be working in a city where gastronomic boundaries are being pushed all the time and in such an exciting environment. To be working alongside international chefs and the Jumeirah team will be an experience that will never be forgotten.”

Marco Nijhof, Senior Vice President Middle East, Africa and South Asia at Jumeirah, said, “The Jumeirah Festival of Taste, supported by founding sponsor American Express and regional partners Evian, SieMatic and Time Out Dubai, is committed to bringing this diverse group of internationally recognised chefs to Dubai and encouraging the local community to participate in this culinary celebration and join in the fun.”

“American Express, with its rich tradition in providing exceptional fine dining opportunities and premium lifestyle experiences, is proud to be the Founding Sponsor and Preferred Payment Partner of the Festival of Taste 2008 for the second consecutive time,” said Peter Fawn, Senior Director – Establishment Services Group for American Express Middle East and North Africa.

American Express Cardmembers can sample the most exquisite culinary feasts at the Jumeirah Festival of Taste and enjoy exclusive offers and privileges by using their American Express Card at the event or through the Membership Rewards programme. “Our long standing partnership with Jumeirah stems from our shared commitment in providing our customers with unique luxury experiences and exceeding their expectations,” continued Fawn.

Sherif Saleh, Evian Regional Marketing Manager, Middle East & Indian Ocean, said, “The Jumeirah Festival of Taste is a celebration of a beautiful array of flavours prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world, and with the finest food, Evian comes as the natural companion. Evian is the choice of the best hotels and restaurants around the world and we are delighted to be part of this event since it started two years ago.”

Rania Lahori, Marketing Director of Palmon Group, exclusive distributors of SieMatic in the UAE said, “World-class chefs demand the highest quality kitchens with which to perform their art. We are excited to sponsor an event that is one of a kind and believe this to be a great association between two leading luxury brands in their respective industries.”

Zoe Cooper-Clark, Publisher of Time Out Dubai, said, “Time Out Dubai is proud to be the official media sponsor for the Jumeirah Festival of Taste. It is a good opportunity for the people of Dubai to experience food from some of the world’s best celebrity chefs in a first class environment.”

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