ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and official airline partner of Taste of Dubai, crowned Darren Hall, from Cook Hall, winner of the Taste the World competition last March 10. The Taste the World award is presented to the chef who best epitomizes Etihad Airways' food philosophy, which aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey. Each chef entry was independently judged by a panel which comprised an Etihad Airways inflight chef, a Taste expert and a renowned food influencer. The winner will compete at the global final – Taste of Abu Dhabi, in November. They will compete at the Etihad Airways Taste the World Theatre, representing Dubai and Cook Hall. The winning dish was beef short rib with horseradish mash. Darren Hall, chef de cuisine at Cook Hall at The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, described his restaurant as "a music hall that loves to cook" specializing in artisanal comfort food. Patrick Pierce, Vice President Marketing and Partnerships, at Etihad Airways, said: "Etihad Airways is thrilled to see Darren win the Taste the World Award – he demonstrated innovative cooking techniques and use of ingredients to create a truly remarkable dish. We look forward to welcoming him to our home at Taste of Abu Dhabi in November. "Etihad Airways draws inspiration from the best restaurants and emerging chefs from culinary capitals worldwide, and serves cuisine both on the ground and in the air with the style and sophistication that has become synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand." Justin Clarke, Director of Taste Festivals Ltd, said: "We are delighted to be in partnership with Etihad Airways. Their commitment to being the world's leading culinary airline is both exciting and a testament to the logical brand fit between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals. We look forward to working with Etihad and the Taste the World winners as they continue to inspire and innovate." Jeremy McPherson, Etihad Airways Inflight Chef, commented on the elite competition: "The level of originality showcased by all chefs as part of Taste the World is something to be celebrated. I commend them for their culinary merits and their inspirational passion for the profession. I am very much looking forward to the finals in our home, Abu Dhabi, later this year." Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
