Qatar Eating was invited by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways (QA) to discover more about the events planned for QIFF 2015. The co-organisers held a press conference to present the exciting activities planned for this 6th edition, and released their TV commercial planned for pan-Arab broadcast.
Since 2010 the food festival has been presenting a world food journey for both local and international visitors. It has been a shared celebration of socio-cultural heritage, with a respect for global food cultures. As a reminder the festival will run from Tuesday 24th March until Saturday 28th March ( Tuesday 24th March, 5pm – 10.30pm; Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th March, 1.30pm – 10.30pm). For the details check out ‘Qatar International Food Festival 2015: What To Expect’.
This year the event has been extended to five days and visitors have been promised bigger and better attractions which will help to boost regional tourism. Hailing it ‘a milestone in the agenda of tourism activities in Qatar and the region’, Rasheed Al Qurese (Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer at QTA) emphasised the festival’s progression from a local to regional audience. He stressed that it was part of a long term strategy to provide a footprint to make Qatar a ‘world-class hub’, with an emphasis upon its deep cultural roots.
Speaking to Qatar Eating he commended us on our use of digital media and expected QIFF 2015 to reach a larger online audience by focusing on social media competitions, including a legacy cookbook on Qatari cuisine that will include recipe contributions from members of the public. He emphasised the value for money gained from live entertainment and food prices capped at QR 40, including the menus presented by the city’s five-star hotels and local restaurants.
Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications, discussed the pride of Qatar Airways in hosting the popular ‘Dinner in the Sky’ attraction and looked forward ‘to offering our guests the same five-star service that they have come to expect from us during this fun event’. The attraction will provide a taste of five-star business class airline service including a ‘Business Lounge’ for guests to enjoy Arabic coffee, date and canapés made by Chef Vineet Bhatia and Chef Nobu. The set-menu offers a choice of a main course and finishes with Laduree pastries and Valrhona chocolates.
QIFF’s 2015 Chefs were invited to make dishes for the audience in an example of the live-cooking that will make a return for this year’s festival. We were treated to a light couscous salad with spiced prawns and a special zingy rocket sauce from Chef Vineet Bhatia. Chef Aisha Al-Tamimi showcased Qatari cuisine with a delicious date and nut dish. And Chef Baran Yucel made a famous Turkish dish, Gavurdoigi Salad, which had a hit of sour from the use of pomegranate molasses.
What’s Planned?
Stage Zone – There will be a main stage area with lots of entertainment on offer including Aran and Oud Shows, drummers, break dancers and a chef orchestra.
Qatar-Turkey Year of Culture 2015 Zone – This will provide a platform for both Turkish and Qatari cuisines.
Qatar Airways Live Cooking Theater – There will be seating for 100 guests, and LED screens helping to show the culinary concoctions being made by celebrity chefs. Most impressively there will be a fully functioning kitchen at the back with professional high quality kitchen equipment being utilised.
International Zone – This will host food cuisines from all over the word including Italy, Lebanon, China and Turkey.
Health Zone – As always there is going to be a focus on healthy eating with a project from Weil Cornell College in Qatar, and local organic food from Al Safwa farm.
High Tea Lounge – Presented by Kempinski’s Marsa Malaz, there will be a double-deck tent with food stalls on the first floor and premium teas available on the first-floor tea lounge.
Water Zone – the Diplomatic Club’s successful attractions of Dinner on the Dhow and BBQ Donut will be back this year.
Instagram Market Zone – This will hold stalls of local Qatari chefs who are active on the social media site and will, it is hoped, encourage Instagram users to discuss QIFF 2015.
The Chefs:
Chef Vineet Bhatia – has a global restaurant presence and is the only Indian chef to hold two Michelin stars;
Chef Massimo – an internationally renowned TV chef celebrity, with restaurant ‘Soprafino’ at HIA;
Chef Aisha Al-Tamimi – the well-loved Qatari chef will display Qatari cuisine to its best;
Chef Afif Baran Yucel – Head Chef at Doha’s Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge;
Chef Deema Hajjawi – Phillips Middle East brand ambassador and food host on Abu Dhabi TV with ‘Matloob Chef’.
Fatafeat, the pan-Arabian broadcaster, will also have its Master Chefs at the event on Thursday 24th:Chef Salma Soleiman (Egypt) – a self-taught chef who is known for her fusion Tunisian-Egyptian cuisine. Chef Daad Abu Jabber (Jordan) – passionate Jordanian chef who compiled her first cookbook through her own travels and research.
What’s exciting?
There are many ‘firsts’ for this year’s event, including ice carving by Qatar Culinary Professionals. It is also the first time Fatafeat has been involved in the food festival so expect many of the activities and attractions to be recorded for broadcast on a regional level.
What’s really exciting?
World-class gourmet food at low prices.
Special Professional Chef Session planned for real chefs to learn and develop.
Chef Vineet Bhatia (mushroom and rice fritters) and Chef Nobu (black cod with miso) canapes!
Learning more about Turkish cuisine.
‘Guinness World Record’ attempt in making the biggest Margooga dish in the world!
Firework shows are planned every evening at 8.30pm!
What’s really, really exciting?
Qatar Eating is especially looking forward to see how QIFF 2015 utilises social media in an effort to showcase the festival on an international scale by creating brand awareness. QIFF plans to hold competitions on their social media channels and we will not be far behind in keeping you updated.
The innovative Instagram Market, connecting food and social media, has us really impressed!
What’s too exciting for words?
World-class gourmet food…all the amazing Chefs…respect for food cultures…Qatar moving onto a bigger platform…
Qatar Eating will keep you updated about all the goings on for QIFF 2015.