The Italian Cuisine World Summit selects Dubai from 2013

Dubai, 15th of September 2013 - This year for the first time Dubai will host The Italian Cuisine World Summit – widely considered the world's most prestigious Italian food, drink and lifestyle event. Previously hosted in Hong Kong, this fifth edition of the Summit will be held from 7-10 November at some of Dubai's most prestigious Italian restaurants.

The move from Hong Kong is thought to be a reflection of Dubai's burgeoning mix of quality Italian restaurants and as a city that attracts discerning food lovers – both tourists and within its wide multicultural mix of residents. The Summit is also a celebration of Italian fashion and design.

It comprises top Italian Restaurants from across Dubai such as Bice, Bice Mare, Casa Mia, Bussola, Cavalli Club, Ronda Locatelli, L'Olivo, Positano, Roberto's, Rococo', Certo, Sicilia and Alta Badia. There is also the participation of Center Cut, the Steakhouse of the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

“These restaurants all have extremely talented chefs who are the very best promoters of Italian cuisine globally,” said Rosario Scarpato, original creator and current director of the Summit. “They will host 15 Italian guest master chefs with a total of more than 25 Michelin stars. There will be a further 10 Italian guest master chefs from prestigious restaurants around the world including New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Buenos Aires.”

Instrumental to bringing the event to the city has been Luca Signoretti, head chef at Roberto's restaurant - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and culinary supervisor of the Summit. Luca is also a longstanding member of itchefs-GVCI (www.itchefs-GVCI.com). With a network of more than 2200 chefs, restaurateurs and culinary professionals across 70 countries, itchefs-GVCI is a big promoter of the event.

“With its huge premium hotel and restaurant infrastructure, and open multicultural society, Dubai is the ideal place to host a Summit such as this and I'm delighted it has now become a reality,” said Signoretti.

The Summit has an intense programme of events, including Master Cooking Classes, and the attendance of acrobatic pizza world champion, Master Gelatai. There will be also three exciting competitions – Best Italian Pizza in the UAE, Pasta World Championship and Lavazza Best Espresso Contest.

“Almost all master chefs coming from Italy will include a white truffle-based dish on his or her menu. November is the best month for white truffles in Italy – possibly the most sophisticated ingredient in Italian cuisine.”

Scarpato added, “The objective of this Summit is to present the quality and variety of Italian cuisine. We are targeting the event to all those who love their food, are selective in what they eat and like to enjoy a quality lifestyle. The Summit is also a celebration of Dubai, which is set to become a gastronomy world capital.”

Partners to the Summit are Fresh Express, Classic Fine Foods, Lavazza, Italia Kitchen, Grana Padano, Terre del Sole, Casinetto, and Twister Communications Middle East – while sponsors include Arabital Shipping, San Benedetto Mineral Water, Caputo, Italia Kitchen and Poltrona Frau among the others.

The Summit is under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in the UAE and the Italian Consulate General in Dubai.