The 6-month quest to discover the UAE’s premier pasta destinations culminated at The Pasta Awards’ grand finale on the 24th of January 2024. The Italian Business Council, a distinguished private association operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber, organized this culinary celebration, marking a significant milestone in its inaugural edition.
Beginning in June 2023, The Pasta Awards went off with a fervent participation from pasta lovers, who submitted over 350 nominations for their favorite pasta-serving locations. 68 restaurants across the UAE, including renowned venues such as Eataly, Social, Pulcinella and Luigia, received nominations in the three distinct categories of the competition: Best Innovative Pasta, showcasing dishes that push the boundaries of traditional recipes; Best Traditional Pasta, featuring classic Italian culinary recipes and Best Vegetarian Pasta, highlighting pasta-based meals that exclude any meat or seafood components. The top 13 nominees advanced to the semifinals, where the jury from the Emirates Culinary Guild visited each establishment to curate the final six finalists, two in each category.
The jury, comprised of Chef Andy Couberth, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild, Seymone Moodley, Editor of Hotel and Catering ME, and Thomas Paoletti, President of the Italian Business Council, gathered at the Italian Restaurant Amuní to choose the winners of the three categories.
The Winners of The Pasta Awards First Edition:
Thomas Paoletti, President of the Italian Business Council, expressed his pride in the collaboration with the Emirates Culinary Guild and the UAE Restaurant Group, emphasizing the event’s success in celebrating the art of crafting exceptional pasta creations. “The winners tonight represent some of the top players of the culinary scene in the UAE,” he stated. Paoletti further highlighted the event’s resonance among the public, demonstrating the continued allure of pasta as a simple yet exquisite Italian ingredient.
Acknowledging the key role of the sponsors, Paoletti extended his gratitude to Casinetto, Safco, Italian Dairy Products and Italtouch for their valuable contributions, including Pasta Canuti, Caputo Flour and Pasta Delverde.
As this inaugural edition comes to a close, anticipation builds for second edition of The Pasta Awards, with the Italian Business Council’s continued commitment to championing and promoting Italian culinary excellence in the UAE.
About the Italian Business Council
The Italian Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates (IBCD) is a non-profit private association comprising of companies and businessmen with active business relation in Italy and in the UAE.
The IBCD is a business, cultural and social reference point of Italian style for the entire business community in the UAE. It is part of the 42 Business Councils established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to boost economic co-operation and enhance commerce between the business communities of Dubai, as well as the bilateral trade relations between countries.
The IBCD organizes monthly seminars, business networking events, conferences, luncheons and gala dinners, directly or in conjunction with local institutions and other Business Councils. It acts as a pivotal hub for all local companies already in contact with the Italian or Italian related business world and for all those willing to trade with it.
For more information contact: info@italianbusinesscouncil.com, +971 50 511 0576
