Shangri-la Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi to Host Celebrity Masterchef Joe Barza in May

Abu Dhabi, 16 April 2019 – Joe Barza, the international Celebrity MasterChef known worldwide for his specialisation in progressive Lebanese cuisine, will be cooking for guests at Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi from 3 to 8 May 2019.

Chef Joe brings nearly three decades of professional cooking and kitchen management experience to Sofra BLD, the hotel’s award-winning all-day-dining restaurant, where he will have a special station set up for guests to enjoy his signature dishes until the end of Ramadan.

Known to follow a “back to roots” approach, the pioneer of fusion cuisine in Lebanon plates up an irresistible spread that combines international culinary standards with traditional Lebanese cooking methods.

The menu designed specifically for Sofra BLD, a local favourite during Ramadan, features popular hot starters like Arnabiyet Samak, Freekeh with Smoked Roast Leg of Lamb, Shrimp Knafe, Daoud Bacha and Chich Barak.  The cold mezze selection includes favourites like Red Lentil Tabbouleh, Beetroot Moutabbal and Tuna marinated in Shawarma Spices.  The buffet will also include a live station of Kibbeh bil Sayniyyeh.

Joe Barza_Berghol and Tomato Confit

Joe Barza_Layali lebnen with Halaweh

The innovative dishes are rooted in traditional Lebanese cuisine, but also have a modern Mediterranean touch.  Chef Joe uses alternative ingredients to create new recipes while showing the best of local produce.

His innovative flair is evident in the choice of desserts: Layali Lebnen with Halaweh and Mhalabieh with Caramelised Apples and Apricot Coulis. 

“It is with thanks to the proficiency of Joe Barza that Lebanese cuisine competes on an international scale today and has made its way ahead of many world-class cuisines when it comes to taste and quality.  We are honoured to have him cook for our guests and, especially, for being with us during a significant time in our calendar – the holy month of Ramadan,” said Ahmed Issa, general manager at Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi celebrates Ramadan with its much-loved Grand Iftar.  This year, the hotel participates in the worlwide fight against hunger by partnering with the ShareTheMeal initiative.  Every iftar meal consumed raises a dollar for the charity, which translates this amount as the cost to feed two children.

Served from sunset until 8 p.m., the buffet at Sofra BLD is priced at AED250 per adult and AED125 for children between 6 and 12 years old.  Guests dining on the first 10 days of Ramadan can enjoy the feast at 25 per cent discount.

Chef Barza has a portfolio which boasts over 30 brands of consultancy and endorsement, participation in 100 local and international events in 27 countries and 25 Lebanese cuisine promotional events in international culinary establishments.  In addition to being featured on major international media channels, including CNN and The New York Times, he has won the world champion title for Tuna in Carloforte, Sardinia.  He has received many international recognitions and awards, including the “Master Chef” designation in 2010.

He was also appointed as a jury member at many international culinary competitions and as head judge in the Middle Eastern version of the Emmy Award-winning television show Top Chef in 2011 and 2012.

For reservations, guests may call (971) 02509 8888 or send an email to reservations.slad@shangri-la.com.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts:

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 100 hotels with a room inventory of over 41,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.  The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, Bahrain, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.  For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.