It was a night of celebration and toasting of ‘Toques’ as the world-leading restaurant guide Gault&Millau made a spectacular debut in the UAE last night – and a particular night to remember for Atlantis, The Palm, with its restaurant Ossiano picking up both of the night’s most coveted awards: Restaurant Of The Year and Chef Of The Year, for Head Chef Grégoire Berger.
At a landmark gala event held at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, the first edition of the highly-anticipated, fine-dining food critique guide was unveiled. Alongside awards for categories including Best Sommelier and Home-grown Restaurant of the Year, its coveted restaurant ratings (or chef ‘Toques’ hats), were announced.
A trio of Dubai-based restaurants achieved ‘three-toque’ status in the Gault&Millau UAE guide, with Burj Al Arab’s Al Muntaha and Armani/Ristorante, joining Ossiano with the highest ratings.
“The launch of Gault&Millau is a significant moment for the region, and powerful recognition for a culinary scene that continues to demonstrate its position as a major force on the world stage,” Ali Akawi, CEO of ITP Media Group, who publishes the Guide.
“This landmark three-year launch phase agreement between ITP Media Group and Jumeirah Group underscores both parties’ absolute belief in the region as one of the most innovative and competitive places to operate right now. It is both exciting and truly fitting to align with a partner that has a storied history in setting the benchmark for hospitality in both the UAE and wider Middle East,” Martin Chambers, Managing Director of ITP Media Group continued.
Gault&Millau’s revered rating system sees restaurants visited anonymously by professional food critics, and then ranked on a scale of 1 to 20, with points awarded based solely on the quality of the food. Any comments about service, price and a restaurant’s atmosphere, meanwhile, are considered separately. Based on a restaurant’s overall rating, restaurants are able to display one to five toques (or chef hats), reflecting their standing in Gault&Millau’s guides. All visits by Gault&Millau critics are anonymous and fully paid for.
The full list of restaurant ratings and award winners is available on www.gaultmillauae.com. The first annual Gault&Millau guide can also be ordered from the website.