From Michelin-starred chefs to regional trailblazers, 50 Best’s Signature Sessions bring exclusive experiences to Abu Dhabi.
If your New Year’s resolution is to eat better, why wait until February to break it? This January, Abu Dhabi transforms into the ultimate playground for food lovers with the return of the 50 Best Signature Sessions, part of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards programme. From January 25th to the 30th, this six-day culinary celebration pairs world-renowned chefs with local talent to craft preeminent menus.
Here's a day-by-day breakdown of this extraordinary culinary journey…
Saturday, January 25th: Flavours of 50 Best
Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Price: AED 595
The series kicks off with Flavours of 50 Best, an evening brunch offering a rare chance to sample dishes from some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Eduard Xatruch, one of the masterminds behind Disfrutar, the World’s current Best Restaurant, will showcase his inventive culinary creations. Joining him is Gaggan Anand, the trailblazing Indian chef behind Bangkok’s Gaggan, who will add his signature flair to the evening.
For dessert, Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2023, Louisa Lim of Odette, will present one of her stunning creations. Meanwhile, cocktails will be expertly crafted by Raminta Ambroževičiūtė of LPM Dubai. Guests can also enjoy lobster counters, live barbecue stations, and smoothie carts, making this event a true celebration of culinary excellence and entertainment.
Sunday, January 26th
Sunday brings a series of four unique dining events featuring top chefs collaborating to create unforgettable experiences
Jason Atherton x Matteo Guerra
Fouquet’s, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Price: Coming Soon
At Fouquet’s in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Jason Atherton, the acclaimed British chef behind Row on 45, will host a refined lunch showcasing a fusion of modern British and French brasserie-style dishes.
Hélène Darroze x David Tavernier
Bord Eau, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Price: AED 700 (Wine Pairing: AED 350)
Dinner at Bord Eau in the Shangri-La Hotel will see Hélène Darroze and David Tavernier combine their talents to create a menu blending Moroccan authenticity with French sophistication.
Sara Aqel x Faisal Alharmoodi
Ryba, Al Mina Souq
Price: Coming Soon
At Ryba in Al Mina Souq, Jordanian chef Sara Aqel will collaborate with Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the Middle East, using locally sourced ingredients to create a truly regional feast.
Norbert Niederkofler x Luigi Stinga
Talea, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Price: AED 750 (Wine Pairing: AED 450)
At Talea in the Emirates Palace, Italian chefs Norbert Niederkofler and Luigi Stinga will present a sustainable menu inspired by the philosophy of "cooking the mountain."
Monday, January 27th
Monday features two outstanding dinners showcasing contrasting culinary traditions.
Takeshi ‘Goh’ Fukuyama x Ross Shonhan
Strawfire, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Price: Coming Soon
At Strawfire in the Emirates Palace, Japanese chef Takeshi ‘Goh’ Fukuyama will bring his signature warayaki cooking techniques, combining them with the creative flair of Australian chef Ross Shonhan.
Fayçal Bettioui x Marshall Röth
Butcher & Still, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Price: AED 640
At Butcher & Still in the Four Seasons Hotel, Moroccan chef Fayçal Bettioui will join forces with Marshall Röth to craft a menu blending French and Moroccan influences, set in a 1920s-style Chicago steakhouse.
Wednesday, January 29th
On Wednesday, two dinners spotlight seafood and Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) cuisine.
José Avillez x Kessav Kutwaroo
Catch, St. Regis Hotel
Price: AED 500 (Wine Pairing: AED 150)
At Catch, St. Regis, José Avillez, the renowned chef from Belcanto in Lisbon (No.31 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list), will join Head Chef Kessav Kutwaroo for a six-course, four-hands tasting menu. This collaboration celebrates regional seafood with Portuguese influences, offering a sophisticated, coastal-inspired dining experience. Four of the courses will be crafted by José Avillez, showcasing his mastery of contemporary Portuguese flavours.
Eddie Castro x Kenji Sarco
Oak Room, The Abu Dhabi Edition
Price: AED 445
At Oak Room, Eddie Castro and Kenji Sarco will present a Nikkei-inspired surf-and-turf extravaganza blending Peruvian and Japanese influences.
Thursday, January 30th: A Grand Finale
The series concludes with two exceptional collaborations that celebrate the diversity of global cuisine.
Mostafa Seif x Sergio Cabrera
MouzMari, Marina Bay, Al Reem Island
Price: Coming Soon
Chef Sergio Cabrera of MouzMari, celebrated as the UAE’s first Emirati-inspired Argentinian steakhouse, will host an extraordinary evening blending bold Argentinian flavours with Emirati heritage. Joining him is Mostafa Seif of Cairo’s Khufu’s, known for his innovative modern interpretations of Egyptian cuisine. This one-night-only collaboration promises a creative journey through diverse culinary traditions.
Patricia Roig x Balveer Balkissoon
Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront
Price: Coming Soon
At Paradiso on Yas Bay Waterfront, Spanish chef Patricia Roig will partner with Balveer Balkissoon to create a Mediterranean-inspired menu that blends creativity and sustainability.
Dec 08, 2024
