These culinary maestros are getting ready to grill, thrill, and fill your stomach.
Abu Dhabi, known for its cultural richness, is about to witness a culinary explosion with the world’s first-ever Open Fire Food Festival. Hosted by American TV personality Steve Harvey, this sizzling event promises to set the capital’s food scene ablaze with the tantalising art of open-flame cooking. As we gear up for this fiery extravaganza taking place from 24 to 25 February at Yas Marina Circuit, let’s take a sneak peek into the celebrity chefs who will be gracing the event.
Melissa Cookston
Hailing from Mississippi, Melissa Cookston is a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated barbecue industry. With seven World Championship wins and a place in the Barbecue Hall of Fame, Cookston is renowned for her award-winning barbecue served at her restaurant, Memphis BBQ Company. Beyond the grill, she launched the World Junior BBQ League, engaging kids in BBQ competitions while imparting life skills. She’s also been on shows like BBQ Pitmasters, Chopped, and Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown.
Moe Cason
American barbecue expert Moe Cason, a self-taught maestro in the art of open-flame cooking, will also be participating in the festival. A former member of the US Navy, Cason’s culinary journey includes over 260 cooking competitions and multiple awards. Known for his appearances on high-profile US cooking shows like World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason and BBQ Pit Wars, Cason is sure to cook up a storm at the Open Fire Food Festival.
Steven Raichlen
Steven Raichlen, an award-winning author and TV presenter, joins the list of barbecue experts. With popular shows like Planet Barbecue, Project Fire, and Project Smoke, Raichlen has become a culinary expert featured on major platforms like Good Morning America and Oprah. With over 30 books to his name, including The Barbecue Bible and How to Grill, Raichlen brings a wealth of expertise to the festival.
Open Fire Food Festival aims to bring UAE residents together to ignite their senses. From thrilling competitions to foot-tapping country music, attendees can expect an unparalleled journey celebrating diverse culinary traditions, with BBQs reigning supreme. In the lead-up to the festival, more celebrity chefs are yet to be unveiled, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tickets are now on sale starting at AED 75 for entry and AED 225 for VIP. Children under the age of 12 enter for free throughout the festival. So mark your calendars, the Open Fire Food Festival is about to turn up the heat in Abu Dhabi.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.