Everything you need to know about Dubai Food Festival

The Dubai Food Festival returns to the city on Thursday bringing with it weeks of culinary celebrations. We have a gander at what to look out for over the next seventeen days

ASIDE FROM THE glitziest hotels in the world, constant super car parades and a pristine living environment there is one further area in which Dubai excels: food. With the emirate's mix of cultures come eclectic culinary traditions of which fine examples are in abundance. From the humble teahouse, to Michelin-starred dazzlers, to the finest global ingredients with which to cook at home, eating well and enjoying the experience envelops our nation's citizens. Once lunch is done with, who doesn't have a shifty thought about dinner? This love of cuisine is a driving force behind the success of the annual Dubai Food Festival (DFF). Now in its sixth year, the 17-day festivities (February 21 to March 9) encompass numerous events across the city including the swyp Beach Canteen, Hidden Gems and Dubai Restaurant Week (brought to you by Emirates NBD and Visa) and introducing new elements including Foodie Experiences, DFF Retail Promotions and mall events. Here we're breaking down the highlights and putting them under the microscope so you can relish everything DFF has to offer.
swyp Beach Canteen
It's really the centrepiece of the festival and the swyp Beach Canteen has a brand new look and design at its usual space at Sunset Beach behind Sunset Mall. The free-to-attend canteen prides itself on serving up flavours from around the world available at the Food Piazza. There's a dedicated kids' zone, cooking workshops and live cooking sessions at the beachside theatre. There will also be a gaming square and sports court. Head down at any time.
Foodie Experiences
A new initiative for 2019, Foodie Experiences deliver one-of-a-kind food adventures. You could join a sushi master class or hoover up a 16-course immersive dinner. Galvin is one of the restaurants participating in the Foodie Experiences. The restaurant and its executive chef, Luigi Vespero (pictured above), will be hosting the longest dinner table at The Square, City Walk on February 23 from 2pm to 6pm. It'll be one giant, long table featuring a perfect mix of people, food and vibes. We caught up with chef Luigi to see what he makes of the festival and more.
What are your thoughts on food festivals in general? Do you think cooking well, using better produce, is more important to people now?
Having lived in Dubai for the past six years now, I can see how the F&B scene keeps evolving continuously. Dubai Food Festival is one of the things that proves this evolution. I personally participated last year with a few demonstrations at the Beach Canteen. It was amazing to see families gathering together to enjoy food related events. Cooking well and using quality produce is actually a global movement. People are increasingly more interested in a healthy and wholesome lifestyle - I support it!
It's day 930 and you're lost in space in your abandoned ship. A friendly group of wandering extra terrestrials offer to take you home, what do you cook them to say thank you?
It would be my signature dish and all time classic 'Spaghetti a Vongole'. It's one of these dishes that everyone absolutely loves. All I would need is spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, clams and parsley.
If you HAD to go on holiday with another famous chef who would it be and why?
If he was only still with us, that chef would be Anthony Bourdain. What a man! I would have loved to share his experiences and see the places that made him the chef we all know he was. His ethos and legacy lives on in our kitchens!  
Your ability to cook world-class food mysteriously vanishes, what do you do? What other hidden talent do you possess?
I think I would make a good teacher. I often participate in cooking demonstrations at schools where I do engage very well with the students. So maybe in my next life I might end up being Prof. Luigi!
Taste of Dubai
Can you believe this is the 12th edition of Taste of Dubai being held at Media City Amphitheatre from March 7 to 9? For over a decade now, the signature line-up of food creations, celebrity chefs and entertainment has been making its mark and this year is looking to add to the impressive achievements. Our highlights will definitely be the music provided by Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley and an appearance by our favourite food programme presenter, Matt Preston.
1980s favourite, Hadley, will headline the opening night of Taste on Thursday, March 7 with hits including True, Gold and Only When You Leave. Joining the lineup of music acts will be South African band 4TheMusic and soul, jazz, pop and blues singer Sam Tring. There will be the Italian eight-piece jazz band Mark Zitti and the Fratelli Coltelli and Stephanie Goudie with her four-piece band playing classic jazz and soul covers.
This year's lineup of international culinary talent includes: MasterChef Australia's judge Matt Preston; Michelin Star Chef David Myers and Iron Chef and Michelin Star Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Matt Preston will be jetting in on the Saturday to host a special MasterChef, the TV Experience 'Mystery Box Challenge' where amateur cooks will get a chance to get their dishes judged by Matt himself. Matt will also join the judging panel at the Chefs' Theatre as Chef Margarita from the world's first MasterChef, the TV Experience restaurant opening in Dubai later this year, takes to the stage. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.tasteofdubaifestival.com
Hidden Gems
Check out dubaifoodfestival.com to view the list of this year's Hidden Gems: the top hidden food hot spots in the city. They're fun, vibrant, delicious and not too harsh on the old wallet. This year, Zomato has partnered with DFF to host a dedicated Hidden Gems page on the app. Choose your favourite from the shortlisted restaurants for them to be included in the top ten of 2019.
Restaurant Week
This one is always a hit. Restaurant Week gives you the chance to check out tasters from your favourite eateries, or those of which you are most curious, for a lot less than the regular price. Dhs199 for three-courses at numerous swanky establishments can't be bad, can it? Why not try out wood fire grills from Bleu Blanc Dubai, Latin American flair at Hotel Cartagena or authentic Japanese cuisine at Morimoto Dubai? Just book through partner Reserve Out.
DFF Retail Promotions
Who doesn't love a discount? We know a few people who can't resist a bargain. So it's good news there will be reductions of up to 75 per cent on F&B brands including hypermarkets, supermarkets, grocery stores, homeware, dining equipment and kitchen appliances on offer. DFF Weekend Surprises are another new addition with deals each weekend of the festival. The promotions will be exclusively available for one brand at one location from 10am until stocks last. Sign up at www.dubaifoodfestival.com to hear about these exclusive deals
Win big
'Dine & Win' promotions are back for a third year. In partnership with Zomato and Dubai Shopping Malls Group, you will have the chance to win prizes including a Nissan Patrol by spending a minimum of Dhs50 at participating restaurants across the city.
For more information and updates on all DFF activities, visit dubaifoodfestival.com or @DubaiFoodFest and #DubaiFoodFest.
david@khaleejtimes.com 

• Food and Dining