As the Italian Ambassador in the UAE, Liborio Stellino, said: “The Summit will also be a world preview – and the first official part of the program – of the Extraordinary Italian Taste the first Italian Cuisine Week, an unprecedented promotion under the patronage of the Italian Government, which will go on from 21 to 27 November”. The core mission of the Summit is to bring the best Italian contemporary Michelin starred chefs (see list below) in the best Italian Restaurants of Dubai (see list below), in an effort to reward the establishments that privilege authenticity and quality of their offer. The program of the Summit, however, includes exceptional official events including the Opening Gala Dinner at Food Specialty Festival (World Trade Centre), the United Nations by Italian Cuisine night that will put together 180 chefs (30 Michelin starred) at the JW Marriott Marquise and the Italian Street Food Festival, with approx. 20 food trucks celebrating the root grass essence of Italian Cuisine at the Amphitheater of the Westin Marina Hotel.

Masterclasses, live cooking, a series of gastronomic competitions demonstrations (best Pasta, Risotto, Espresso, Gelato and Pizza) are also planned in the program to distinguish Dubai’s best from the rest. A first ever celebration of Italian Pizza will be held in Dubai, in the occasion of the Summit, with the Congress: The Future of Pizza – The Pizza of Future”, which is also the 10th edition of the annual symposium of Pizza UP, organized by the University of Pizza (Molino Quaglia). Some of the Best Pizza chefs of the world will work and debate with Michelin starred chefs and together will prepare the “Italian Gourmet Pizza Dinner of the Century at Mansion Billionaire.

The 8th Italian Cuisine World Summit, an off spring of www.itchefs-gvci.com a network with over 2500 chefs, restaurateurs and culinary professionals working in 70 countries, is under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in the UAE and the Italian Consulate General of Dubai and itss held thanks to the collaboration of the Italian Trade Agency – UAE office. The Summit has special collaboration agreements with Dubai World Trade Centre (Italy is the Country Partner of the Food Specialty Fair, 7-9 November), the ICCA – International Centre for Culinary Arts, the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and IICUAE (Italian Industry and Commerce office in the UAE). The event is managed by Exquisite Communications and IRC – Italian Restaurant Consulting (www.italianrestaurantconsulting.com). A leading international organization specialized in events and assisting Italian restaurants around the over the world, either as start-ups or strengthening pre-existing concepts.

Among the Main Partners of the Summit are Grana Padano PDO cheese, Electrolux, Lavazza, Monviso Mineral water, Gianni & Gelato, Petra-Molino Quaglia flours, Inalca F&B and Italia Kitchen. Official careers of the event are Alitalia-Etihad, while African and Eastern are technical supporter and represent 15 Italian top notch wineries.

Some key events include:

The Summit at Specialty Food Festival (7-9 November) – Dubai World Trade Centre
Hundreds of exhibitors are expected to join the Summit and live stations are set up across the arena with demos, gelato stands and cooking competitions taking place, all under one roof.

Italian Cuisine Master Classes (7 – 9 November) – Dubai World Trade Centre
Talented Italian chefs impart their Michelin star knowledge during bespoke masterclasses. To be held throughout the Summit, the masterclasses will focus on different areas of Italian cuisine and are hosted in collaboration with Universitá Pizza and the International Centre for Culinary Arts Dubai.

Italian Pizza World Summit (7-10 November) – Dubai World Trade Centre
Pitting the pizzerias of Dubai with those from the GCC and around the world, the Italian Pizza World Summit is one of the most coveted competitions held at each edition of the Summit, adjudicated by a panel of Italian cuisine experts.

“The Future of the Pizza – The Pizza of the Future” Congress and 10th Pizza UP Symposium (8-10 November)
A series of demonstrations, classes and dinners, the Pizza Up congress will bring together industry experts from the world. Venues: ICCA, Speciality Food Festival, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

The Italian Pizza Gourmet Dinner of the Century (9 November) – Billionaire Mansion, TAJ Dubai
Billionaire Mansion will play host to a memorable dinner by four Michelin star chefs and three top Pizza Chefs, setting the stage for a luxury dinner where their creations will be matched with the finest grapes of the world.

Italian Summit Golfing Day (10 November) – Jumeirah Golf Estates
A unique world golf tournament with 5 Gourmet Stations at the holes where to taste delicacies made by Michelin starred Chefs. The tournament will followed by a Gala dinner signed by the same chefs

“United Nations by Italian Cuisine” Gala Dinner (12 November) – JW Marriot Marquis Dubai
Twenty-five Michelin star chefs join 180 cooks across 18 nationalities to present their expertly crafted dishes before six hundred guests in the “United Nationals by Italian Cuisine” Gala Dinner.

Exclusive Dinner Event (13 November) – Social by Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Celebrity chef Heinz Beck presents an evening for grape connoisseurs and culinary aficionados alike. Titled ‘Best Kept Secrets of Italian Grapes’ the special dinner will take place at the chef’s exclusive restaurant, Social by Heinz Beck, at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel on the Palm on 13 November 2016.

Some key contests and competitions include:

2nd Gelato Chef’s Cup
A staple of Italian gastronomic culture, Gelato is a founding stone in the country’s culinary repertoire. As such the Gelato Chef’s Cup brings together the finest Italian pastry chefs to identify those who keep their gelato cool when the stakes are high!

8th Risotto World Contest
The Risotto World Contest is held exclusively among professional chefs and aims to reaffirming the history of this dish. A jury of experts will evaluate the competitors.

7th Pasta Premier League
Aiming to promote chefs, restaurants and pasta manufacturers who are committed to provide their customers with a quality Italian Pasta experience. The competition sees a series of pasta dishes being put to the test before the most discerning experts.

4th Italian Espresso World Summit
A nod to Italy’s favourite drink, the contest is open to selected baristas. Four sensory judges and one technical judge come together to determine the best espressos. May the strongest cup win!