Dubai Food Festival (DFF), Dubai's annual citywide culinary celebration, is all set to kick off tomorrow (Feb. 23). The 17-day program of events is bigger and better than ever, offering activities, promotions and appearances by top celebrity chefs. The festival brings together the best of Dubai's gastronomy offering and shines a spotlight on the range of cuisine available throughout the city, from the most elite dining experiences to hidden eateries off the beaten track. Presenting the latest food trends and concepts, where award-winning fine dining can be enjoyed for an exceptional price, Dubai Food Festival offers a feast of food related events and is sure to whet the appetite of foodies across the city. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: "We are delighted to bring Dubai Food Festival back this year, uniting people all over the city with a 17-day menu of incredible dining experiences, luxury food concepts and a flavor of local dishes. From desert dining to stunning waterside restaurants, Dubai Food Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Dubai's rich melting pot of cuisine and put our city firmly on the global gastronomy map for the world to see." Among the highlights of DFF 2017 are the Etisalat Beach Canteen, Miele Dubai Restaurant Week, Dubai Hidden Gems, and the Dine & Win promotion. Taking up residence at its new location - Sunset Beach, the Etisalat Beach Canteen is the free-to-attend Dubai Food Festival beach club, bringing people a fiesta of food, entertainment, sport, fitness and family fun throughout the festival. Four times bigger than last year, Etisalat Beach Canteen will serve as the festival hub offering visitors exciting home-grown restaurant concepts, delicious food truck dishes and unique high-end beach dining experiences. There will also be Al Islami Masterclasses featuring celebrity chefs, beach sports and children›s activities. Foodies will be able to get their taste buds on a variety of dishes, including local Emirati cuisine and an eclectic mix of food truck fare, whilst the health-conscious can take part in beach yoga classes or enjoy a delicious fruit smoothie. The bustling, vibrant beach location will also act as the ticketing hub for the entire festival selling entrance to all key Dubai Food Festival events plus providing information on the program. Those who are keen to get updates on Etisalat Beach Canteen can stay tuned to Dubai Food Festival social media channels and website for the latest announcements and where to book. The culinary jewel in the crown of the festival will be the Miele Dubai Restaurant Week (MDRW), wherein 15 of Dubai's high-end restaurants will offer an exclusive, limited edition three-course set menu from Feb. 23 to March 4 for AED199 per person, with booking now open through the official booking partner, RoundMenu. Highlighting the very best in Dubai's culinary excellence, diners can indulge in unique world-class dining experiences throughout Miele Dubai Restaurant Week at some of the city's globally-recognized venues, including Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen at Atlantis, The Palm, the stunning Pier Chic, and the vibrant Scape Restaurant & Bar at the Burj Al Arab. From American to Argentinian, seafood to steak, there is a whole host of cuisine from all corners of the globe for foodies to sink their teeth into. Guests can also savor dishes created by top chefs from around the world including Jason Atherton (Marina Social), Heinz Beck (Social by Heinz Beck) and Gary Rhodes (Rhodes W1). Those looking to enjoy the exclusive fine dining value menus on offer throughout Miele Dubai Restaurant Week can book through the RoundMenu website and app for either a 7:30pm or a 9:30pm sitting to take advantage of the offer. With restaurants set to sell out quickly, diners are encouraged to book now at www.roundmenu.com/dubairestaurantweek. Take part in Dubai's annual citywide culinary celebration while discovering the taste of a diverse range of cuisines. From Egyptian to Emirati, American to Arabic, there is a veritable feast of culinary delights to explore and enjoy. Food-lovers across the region will be able to book a Hidden Gems tour comprising of a visit to each of the selected restaurants that will take place during the festival. Brand new for Dubai Food Festival 2017 is Dine & Win, a city-wide promotion giving people the chance to win amazing instant prizes any time they dine out at over 1,000 restaurants across the city and at Dubai Airport. Diners who spend a minimum of AED 30 at participating restaurants and outlets all across the city will receive an entry card revealing fabulous on-the-spot prizes, as well as entry into a grand prize draw to win a luxury studio apartment in the city. In addition, the airport promotion will give people the opportunity to get in on the action and win a fantastic five-star holiday in Dubai for two, as well as instant surprises. — SG
