Etihad Airways has named Chef André Gerrits of Dutch farm restaurant ‘t Amsterdammertje as the grand winner of the final ‘Taste the World' competition held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The airline, which is the global airline partner of 15 tatste festivals across the globe, brought 10 world-class chefs to Taste of Abu Dhabi to compete in the final 'Taste The wWorld' competition.

Etihad Airways chief executive officer Peter Baumgartner also presented Gerrits with two Etihad Airways First Class tickets to a destination of his choice on the Etihad Airways network, a chance to be featured in the airline’s Etihad Inflight magazine and the opportunity to host a cooking demonstration at his next local Taste Festival.

Moreover, all 10 finalists were presented with a specially engraved Dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pot).

Gerrits is a Michelin-Star chef and owner of ‘t Amsterdammertje in Amsterdam, Holland. He and his team take diners into a world of gastronomy, design, culture and expertise where innovative international culinary dishes are served with a warm Dutch welcome.

Ten renowned chefs took part in the event competing over three days in cook-offs and cooking demonstrations to reveal who amongst them best epitomises Etihad Airways’ food philosophy. The airline’s food philosophy aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey, on the ground and in the air, using innovative cooking techniques and the creative use of ingredients.  

Finalists were selected at local Taste Festivals held during 2016, and include Pascal Aussignac (Club Gascon, London), André Gerrits (‘t Amsterdammertje, Amsterdam), Michael Hunter (Antler Restaurant, Toronto), Andrea Provenzani (Il Liberty, Milan), Vitaly Tikhonov (G.Graf, Moscow), Siu Hin Chi (Duddell’s, Hong Kong), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker and May Street Larder, Perth), Sylvestre Wahid (Restaurant Sylvestre, Paris), Francesco Apreda (Imàgo, Rome) and Nelly Robertson (nel., Sydney).

The three-year partnership between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals is a core element of the airline’s sponsorship strategy as it establishes itself as an aspirational lifestyle brand. The airline’s association with Taste Festivals began in March 2016 with events in Dubai, Sydney and Hong Kong, culminating with Taste of Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways currently has 235 Inflight Chefs and 495 Food and Beverage Managers in service, providing the acclaimed service and hospitality for which the airline is now globally recognised. - TradeArabia News Service