Culinary passion truly knows no physical boundaries, race or religion. We choose to celebrate all that is good with this world, and how a passion for food unites us all. Sharing a bite to eat with strangers and loved ones alike is always a memorable experience, as food, glorious food, also allows for the sharing of ideas, cultural values and inimitable conversation.
It is this very experience that we have sincerely enjoyed at last year’s The Taste of Q8, and we are counting the days until the next edition of Kuwait’s premier food event taking place on March 17-19, 2016.
Last year, we witnessed how the incredible Food Network celebrity chefs Reza Mahammad and Jenny Morris learned that Kuwaitis not only love great food, but how the local population is equally as great. More importantly, the event celebrated the local culinary palate, a beautiful myriad of flavors from the Middle Eastern region that come across with every local dish that is prepared with love, with none other than beloved local Chef Adhlah Al Sharhan’s cooking demo. As Chef ‘Adoola’ was just about to begin her demo in front of an excited live audience and a full house, the Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris, along with The Spice Prince Reza Mahammad decided to join her on a whim. Well, they basically crashed her show!
The Spice Prince Reza Mahamed alongside local Chef Adlah AlSharhan and The Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris
“We were nervous, and we really had no idea how Chef Adlah would react, and some of us were worried it might be a disaster,” said the backstage crew. “The show was in Arabic, so we knew it would be challenging for Adlah to go back and forth translating the English into Arabic throughout her demo,” they continued. The audience of hundreds went silent as Reza and Jenny marched up on stage, grabbed the mic and started to improvise with Chef Adlah. “It was nerve splitting…Adlah was definitely caught off guard,” the crew continued. To everyone’s surprise, however, Chef Adlah joined in the jaunty dynamic duo’s antics and banter, and essentially pulled off one of the most entertaining performances of 2015’s Taste of Q8. “With roaring laughter from the audience throughout the show, cheers and endless applause after, we were all smiles…and a huge sigh of relief! The crowd loved it, and the three performed as if they’ve known each other for years,” concluded the backstage team.
A definite connection was made. It was one that celebrates how these talented chef’s passions for food unites rather than divides. Moreover, Chef Adlah and her “Demo Crashers” may just reunite in March 2016. Although the Chef line-up is yet to be announced, there are strong rumors that the Food Network stars will be back in Kuwait for pre-event appearances, and we simply cannot wait! We were further informed by the Taste of Q8 organizers that the renowned celebrity Chef Ian Kittichai will be participating at the event, adding more international flair to this gathering of foodies from different parts of the world. Based in Bangkok and with a dozen restaurants, a TV show, and many cookbooks under his culinary belt, we can’t wait to see what Chef Ian Kittichai will bring to the 2016 Taste of Q8. Look out for our interview with Chef Ian in early 2016!
Missing out on the 2016 Taste of Q8 event would be missing out on one huge celebration of both international and local flavors. More importantly, you would be missing out on all of the wonderful people and talented celebrity chefs that bring people together through their culinary passions. With carefully curated new features like organizing a cooking school that boasts of interactive celebrity chef demonstrations, and the Grand Tasting Tent that will feature a limited number of homegrown chefs and cooks preparing their signature dishes and offering free samplers to attendees, you will have no excuse but to get your ticket to stop by the Taste of Q8 to enjoy and celebrate the true meaning of the word, ‘YUM!’
The Taste of Q8 – Kuwait’s Food Festival is not just a day out for the whole family, but an incredible experience for the Kuwaiti population, and truly an event that stands by its slogan, “All About Food!” Interested vendors and aspiring chefs should head to TheTasteofQ8.com to apply for their place or follow them on Twitter or Instagram @thetasteofQ8 for the latest updates!
