More than 35 of Dubai’s favourite restaurants including newcomers will take part in an upcoming family-friendly food and beverage event in the Emirate.

The Dubai Food Carnival, a family-friendly food and beverage extravaganza organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will be held from February 12 to 14, 2015 at an exclusive new venue, the waterfront Dubai International Marine Club.

One of the headline events of the second annual Dubai Food Festival (DFF), the 2015 Dubai Food Carnival’ roster will include newcomers from a selection of Jumeirah Group restaurants including Perry & Blackwelder Smokehouse and Tortuga; Dubai’s homegrown New York-themed steakhouse, SoHo Grill, as well as Prime 68, Miyabi Sushi & Bento, Jones the Grocer and Provedore.

Restaurant brands returning for a second consecutive year include local favourites Mandilicious, McGettigan’s and Jazz by Pizza Express amongst others.

“We see our participation in the Dubai Food Carnival as an ideal opportunity to introduce our newest venue locations in the UAE and our latest menu additions to a key audience – those who genuinely enjoy great food and beverage,” said Robbie Mann, director of Business Development, McGettigan’s.

“We have come on board for Dubai Food Carnival 2015 due to the success of last year’s inaugural event and we believe joining this prestigious event again presents us with many opportunities.”

Elsewhere at the Carnival, a host of renowned local and international celebrity chefs, an expanded Kids Zone and an array of exciting culinary-themed activities - including an all-new DFF Food Academy concept – lead the entertainment bill at Dubai’s leading al fresco food, drink and entertainment concept.

A unique gastronomy event for UAE residents and visitors, the 2015 Dubai Food Carnival has been expanded due to popular demand, with the three-day bonanza of family fun and food indulgence expected to welcome crowds of more than 20,000. With tickets going on sale in January, the hugely-anticipated Carnival will also feature culinary master-classes and family-themed competitions on the Main Stage, a statement said.

“Dubai is synonymous with food diversity and we know residents are always keen to try something new, especially in a city which boasts one of the world’s best collections of restaurants,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions & Events Department, DWTC.

“The inaugural Dubai Food Carnival surpassed all our expectations and was incredibly well-received by visitors, exhibitors and sponsors alike.

“This multinational culinary and entertainment showcase is now firmly established on Dubai’s world-class portfolio of exciting leisure events and, with an exciting new venue on the doorstep of major residential and tourism hotspots such as Dubai Marina and the Al Sufouh beachfront, the second Dubai Food Carnival is the ultimate food weekend for local residents and international visitors.”

Highlights from the three-day extravaganza include a five-star line up of international and local talent including BBC television star, Chef Silvena Rowe, who followed up winning ‘Innovation Chef of the Year’ at the 2014 Pro Chef Awards with her Omnia Gourmet restaurant at Dubai’s five-star The H Hotel scooping ‘Favourite Healthy Eating Restaurant’ at the 2014 What’s On Awards; legendary Indian culinary maestro, Sanjeev Kapoor, and Chef Tarek Ibrahim, the Fatafeat TV celebrity.

A raft of additional local, regional and international cuisine artists will join the renowned trio for live cooking demonstrations, celebrity challenges and unique master-classes. – TradeArabia News Service