Rotana, the Middle East’s most successful homegrown hospitality brand known for its excellent food and beverage offerings,is calling amateur barbecue enthusiasts and chefs across the UAE to partake in its new Smoke and Flames campaign to find the UAE’s Best Amateur Barbecue Master. One of the biggest competitions of its kind in the UAE, Rotana aims to bring together the local community, connect with hidden talents in the region and further cement its reputation as a leader in the world of food and beverage.
The competition is live now on Rotana’s social channels until 1st March 2021 and open for UAE residents only to be in with a chance of grabbing the coveted title. To enter, applicants must submit their favourite barbecue recipe alongside a 60 seconds video on why they are the best for consideration while preparing their recipe,and a picture of the final dish on the contest link. All shortlisted participants will win a Weber grill and one lucky winner will receive a grand prize of AED 10,000, a staycation at the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas,and will have his or her recipe listed on Rotana’s participating outlets’ menus for a period of one year.
In conjunction with the Barbecue Master competition, a special Barbecue menu will be launched on 5th March across five participating Rotana properties – Amwaj Rotana and Al Bandar Rotana in Dubai; Beach Rotana, Park Rotana and Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking on the competition, Rotana’s President and CEO,Guy Hutchinson, said “We believe that there is just so much incredible amateur culinary talent across the country, so are delighted to launch this exciting contest and provide a platform to showcase their skills. After such difficult and uncertain times, we hope also to bring a little joy and happiness to the community. Food is a universal language that binds us all together and with this campaign we want to highlight the amazing talent within the community and in the process, celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Wellness, quality of life and sustainable, healthy food choices have emerged as such important trends, so absolutely anyone who believes in their skill sets are welcome to participate. We look forward to crowning the best in the land”
Following the online submission, the semi-final round of the competition will see 12 shortlisted participants, who in turn will compete for the final round. The semi-final events will take place in Dubai from 19th-20th Marchat Morgan’s, Al Bandar Rotana and JB’s Amwaj Rotana and in Abu Dhabi from 26th-27th March at Garden by Bayview/Rodeo Grill at Beach Rotana andCooper’s Park Rotana.
The preliminary and semi-final rounds will be judged by the esteemed panel of judges which will includeRotana’s Corporate Food & Beverage team, General Managers and celebrity chef HattemMattar. There will then be four finalists selected for the final round of the competition.
The grand finale is scheduled for 3rd April 2021 at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and will be hosted by renowned Virgin Radio presenter Kris Fade. The extravagant event will witness the contestants competing live, in a mini-market with “Butcher”; “Fisherman”; “Farmer” style set-up and the winner will be selected based on the taste, creative presentation and novelty of the prepared dish.
The final round will be evaluated by four key panelists: HattemMattar, world’s first Arab Pitmaster and owner of Mattar Farm, Samantha Wood, founder of impartial restaurant review website FooDiva, Ian Fairservice, Founder, Managing Partner and Group Editor of Motivate Publishing, President of the UAE’s culinary association La Chaine des Rotisseurs, and member of the World Board in Paris and Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana.
The complete guidelines and information about the competition can be found on https://www.rotanatimes.com/competitions/smokeandflames
