With an extensive career developing innovative menus incorporating Australian red meat as Mulwarra’s Corporate Chef around the Middle East, Asia and Australia, Chef Mike Tafe will join an international lineup of nine guest chefs for Anantara Gourmet 2015 as part of the Abu Dhabi programme being held 9th – 16th April at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa.  Chef Mike will team up with a brewmaster from Warsteiner to present a BBQ Master class, as well as two exclusive evening events showcasing the flavours of  antipodean meats and produce through an a la carte menu on The Pool Deck.  

Offering a veritable treasure trove of knowledge; the veteran Sydney-based chef has spent three decades in the food industry. Through the years he has been chef in well known hotels like the Regent in Sydney, Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt and the Beverley Wiltshire Hotel, Los Angeles. Now, he runs his own restaurant in Sydney, The Red Centre.

Tafe combines his passion for spices, travel and all things culinary as he conducts themed promotions to highlight the very best of Australian produce. In his capacity as the Corporate Chef for Mulwarra Export, Australia’s leading supplier of premium Australian produce, Tafe has been conducting food promotions throughout South East Asia, North Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With reference to his role as Corporate Chef, he says, “My job is to highlight the quality aspects of Australian red meats, whilst introducing new and innovative ways of presenting dishes to guests.”

So what can we expect from Tafe? Will we still recognise our favourite cuts?

“I like to play around a bit with my dishes but I don’t let the fusion act become a confusion one to ruin the final result. I am very particular about retaining the original flavour and texture of the classic dish, though I sometimes present it in my own signature style”.

At Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Chef Mike is presenting an epicurean journey of Australian lamb, beef and venison with “Australian Flavours” on The Pool Deck. Abu Dhabi’s discerning diners are sure to relish the versatility, taste and quality of Australian meats, with this special a la carte menu he has crafted for the inaugural food festival. This menu will be available on the evenings of the 12th and 13th of April from 7pm to 11 pm, featuring some of his signature dishes, including Tataki of venison loin prepared with ginger and leek, Smoked Mulwarra lamb loin salad with minted spring vegetables and Seared Wagyu striploin with pink peppercorns. Chef Mike also has a sweet side, and will be preparing a traditional Pavlova with mango & passion fruit, Rhubarb Sorbet, with a touch of his signature style along with other dessert options including Frozen Jaffa parfait with chocolate and hazelnut wafers.

The Anantara Gourmet 2015 events calendar not only features signature menus from the visiting chefs but also a series of master classes. Chef Mike’s master class is sure to attract an extra glance with a unique take on the concept as he takes his class to the great outdoors with the ‘Big Aussie BBQ’ around the swimming pool, on the afternoon of Saturday April 11th from 4pm to 7pm. Watch as the world renowned Aussie BBQ goes gourmet, and master the art of rubs, relishes and the perfect burger with Chef Mike, as he fires up the grill to prepare the perfect Angus Strip Loin (with Baharat dry rub / condiments / mustards), Mini “Lamburgers” (with smoked tomato relish), Veal back strap (with Italian Herbs & Salsa Verde)  and a Butterflied Leg of Lamb (Ras al hanout).

 “It’s very exciting for our culinary team at Anantara Eastern Mangroves to have the opportunity to work closely with Mike. His passion for spices, travel and all things culinary, as well as his hands on approach and willingness to share his knowledge, is a fantastic opportunity for all of my team, irrespective of their level and background to learn from somebody who so brings so much experience to the table,” said Executive Chef Aztaj Eddoukani, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa.

For reservations please call 02 656 1000 or email gourmet.me@anantara.com

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