An all-female cast of pâtissiers is poised to serve up unique ‘girl power’ events at next month’s Gourmet Abu Dhabi.

The 16-day culinary festival, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), that will take place across 14 of the emirate’s finest restaurants from February 2-17.

The women-only pâtissiers line-up, comprising half a dozen of the world’s leading pastry chefs from four continents who are coming together for the first time, will conduct a Chocolate & Pastry Brunch at the Yas Island Rotana on February 12, before linking again the following day for a one-off Chocolate and Pastry Workshop at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel. Tickets for the two events are priced at Dh550 and Dh200, respectively.

Aside from the group activities, the six will each go solo during a dedicated three-day Pastry Promotion. First up is Rome-born Chef Loretta Fanella, one of the pastry world’s brightest stars, at the Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, while South Africa’s chef Ruth Hinks – owner of the UK’s ‘Cocoa Black Chocolate and Pastry School’ – -showcases at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, and America’s Chef Angela Pinkerton, head of the pastry team at New York’s renowned ‘Eleven Madison Park’ restaurant, will be  at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. All three pâtissiers will conduct their free-to-the-public sessions from February 9-11.

Then, running from February 14-16, Chef Carolyn Nugent, the visionary behind Los Angeles’ ‘Bottega Louie’ pâtissier pastry programme, and chef Marike van Beurden, Holland’s top pâtissier, will conduct daily epicurean promotions at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi and Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, respectively.

Elsewhere, Chef Janice Wong – founder of Singapore’s famous ‘2am:dessertbar’ and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s most reputable culinary academy – will appear alongside Industry Guest Baristas, Andrea Lattuada & Ludovic Loizon, in a joint coffee, chocolate & pastry promotion at the Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi.

“Bringing together such an internationally respected cast of female pâtissiers is not a gimmick – our six pâtissiers are at the very top of their trade,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, acting leisure development manager, ADTA.  - TradeArabia News Service