The biggest culinary competition in the Middle East, Emirates Salon Culinaire 2018 took place 18-22 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and was run in conjunction with The Emirates Culinary Guild as part of the annual Gulf Food Hotel Exhibition.

Steve came away with a silver medal and best in class for his entry into the ‘Tapas, finger food and canapés’ class utilising US dairy cheese. Asked about his entry, Steve said he was pleased with the result: “I moved out here with my family only six months ago, and when I saw the salon was happening practically on my doorstep, I felt I had no choice but to enter.

"I got the competition bug again after working with the Craft Guild culinary team (led by Fergus Martin) at the Culinary Olympics last year, winning a Silver medal after encouragement from former colleague and Craft Guild member, Richard Bowden.

“Richard joined me in Dubai for the exhibition. I think he was looking for an excuse for a trip to the emirate, and his moral support was a huge help. We had time for a few days celebration afterwards”. 

Richard also commented that the two chefs got some member recognition at the salon: “I couldn’t help noticing other chefs and exhibitors looking down at our chef jackets to the Craft Guild emblem. A few guys stopped to talk to us as they knew the badge”. 

The exhibits at the salon act as a display for the UAE hospitality and food industry and was judged by a panel of 30 international adjudicators, each of whom is an approved international judge of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).