There’s nothing quite like walking into an arena that is alive with the various aromas of international cuisines. We at bazaar love food festivals, from the smell of melted mozzarella wafting from pizza ovens, freshly prepared waffles that beckon passersby to stop by for a bite, to the sizzling sounds emanating from a nearby grill, we can’t get enough of being surrounded by food, glorious food! Are you drooling yet? Good, because the second edition of The Taste of Q8 that is set to take place next year in March, so mark your calendars!
Founded, organized and managed by locals Michelle Lambros and Caroline Rosinski, their mission is to make The Taste Of Q8—Kuwait’s Food Festival the annual, signature food event for Kuwait. Michelle said, “By doing so we hope to highlight and support our local talent, our chefs, caterers, restaurants and the food industry at large. The Taste of Q8 is all about food, and we wish to support the local foodie community with our annual Food Festival.” Last year’s festival featured 78 different vendors, 16 homegrown businesses and was also well received by approximately 20,000 visitors.
The Taste of Q8 is poised for even greater success next year, as the organizers are introducing two new features that will definitely have attendees coming back for more. Caroline and Michelle told bazaar that they plan on organizing a cooking school that features interactive celebrity chef demonstrations. Last year we met the famous “Spice Prince” Reza Mahammad and The Giggling Gourmet, Jenny Morris. They regaled us with inspiring culinary tales, and we couldn’t get enough of their entertaining cooking demonstrations. This new feature will allow attendees to actively participate with more renowned Food Network channel chefs, and learn some crafty culinary moves from the ultimate experts. The lineup of celebrity chefs will be announced soon! Also planned is 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. The Grand Tasting Tent will also offer chef demonstrations and tips and tricks from the participating local chefs, which will truly make for a unique and interactive experience for the festival’s attendees. Imagine this, not only will you get to experience the most delectable little plates from a myriad of prominent food and beverage outlets in Kuwait, but you will also get the chance to experience authentic local flavors from a selection of incredibly talented chefs that happen to be living right here in Kuwait!
For restaurant owners, The Taste of Q8 represents a celebration of Kuwait and its ever-growing food industry culture. It is an incredible and rare sight, seeing restaurants that started with humble beginnings flourish into prime success stories. The festival presents an opportunity for restaurants owners and F&B companies to celebrate their growth with the festival’s attendees, and offers them a chance to interact with their loyal customers, as well as extending their palatable dishes to new audiences.
A CALL OUT TO LOCAL CHEFS!
If you’re a local chef currently residing in Kuwait, then you should get in touch with the Taste Of Q8 to book your space at the Grand Tasting Tent. The organizers are offering a very limited number of spaces to all of you aspiring Jamie Olivers in the making! Qualifying participants must have at least five years experience in the culinary arts. Whether it is a small home-based business, or an up and coming catering service that you are running out of your own kitchen, the Taste of Q8 is exclusively offering this space to chefs who do not currently own a restaurant. Chefs must have a social media following, and will be required to submit their Instagram account name as part of their application.
Selected chefs will receive a space in the Grand Tasting Tent where they can prepare dishes, demonstrate their skills, and will be asked to provide small bite-sized food samples to attendees as part of their demonstrations. Space will be given to selected chefs at no cost to them, and these chefs will be highlighted in the festival’s marketing activities. The organizers are open to creating fun contests and activities at the Grand Tasting Tent, so what are you waiting for? Apply today!
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!
