Food waste on the menu of World Gourmet Summit 2019

The theme of this year's World Gourmet Summit is sustainability. This dish of Pan-seared Spencer Gulf King Prawn, Butternut Pumpkin Foam, Rocket Pesto and Chili Powder featured in a press conference held on Tuesday (March 5) is an example of epicurean delights that can be cooked using sustainably sourced seafood. PHOTO: WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT

SINGAPORE - It is not all about wining and dining at this year's World Gourmet Summit (WGS), which will also shine the spotlight on food-waste management and the move towards a plastic-free environment.

The culinary festival, which is into its 23rd edition, will run from April 1 to May 12 across various restaurants and venues in Singapore.

Among its highlights this year is a forum where a panel of industry experts from the culinary world will discuss the topic of sustainability in the gastronomy world.

The festival will feature a diverse line-up of culinary stars, from chefs to culinary influencers from Asia, Eastern and Central Europe, as well as North and South America.

Diners can look forward to a showcase of fresh and premium products from the festival's local and international gourmet partners at masterclasses and curated dining events.

  • World Gourmet Summit 2019 Highlights

  • WGS Sustainability Forum

    What: A panel of industry experts from the culinary world discuss the topic of sustainability in the gastronomy world.

    When: April 2, 3pm to 5pm

    Where: SIM Management House, 41 Namly Avenue

    Info: www.worldgourmetsummit.com

    WGS Celebratory Menus

    What: Curated gastronomic experiences in partnership with progressive restaurants.

    When: April 1 to 14

    Where: WGS partner restaurants

    Info: For full list of partner restaurants and menus, go to www.worldgourmetsummit.com

    World Gourmet Awards

    What: The 19th edition of the World Gourmet Awards recognise F&B and hospitality professionals and establishments, both in Singapore and in the region.

    When: April 22, 5pm to 7pm

    Where: One Farrer Hotel, 1 Farrer Park Station Road

    Info: www.wgsawards.com

    UNGA: Gastro-Market Place

    What: The Gastro-Market Place, into its third instalment, is a platform for farmers and growers to showcase their produce and educate diners. Part of the proceeds will go to the Singapore Children's Society which WGS has adopted as its charitable beneficiary this year.

    When: April 23, 6pm to 10pm

    Where: Chjimes Lawn, 30 Victoria Street

    Price: $10 per entry

    Info: www.worldgourmetsummit.com

Partner restaurants which will feature WGS celebratory menus include Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House on Sentosa, Nouri in Amoy Street and Open Farm Community in Minden Road.

Mr Peter Knipp, 64, founder of the World Gourmet Summit, said the movement for sustainability has seen growing efforts, from water conservation, greater adoption of recycled and recyclable products to minimising consumption of single-use plastics.

The culinary world is no exception, he said, highlighting the need to place sustainable culinary ethics at the forefront.

Mr Knipp said: "Issues surrounding waste reduction, food preparation and sourcing must be addressed to sustain and bolster the environment."

WGS 2019 will feature international masterchefs at its World Gourmet Summit Masterchef Dining Delights dinners held from April 24 to 27 at venues including Grissini at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and Morsels in Dempsey Hill.

Among the culinary personalities are Romanian chef Adrian Hadean, also known as Adi Hadean, a television personality and former judge on the Romanian edition of cooking show MasterChef; Soma Oroszki, the head chef of Enjoy! by La Parilla at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest; and Martin Rebaudino, the executive chef of Roux in Argentina.

The gourmet festival will include industry-driven events to discuss the issue of sustainability. It will also introduce young and aspiring chefs through the World Gourmet Awards. Formerly known as the Awards of Excellence, these are conferred on individuals and organisations which make significant contributions to the development of the F&B and hospitality industries. There will be 38 awardees on April 22.

The World Gourmet Summit is organised by Peter Knipp Holdings and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Go to www.worldgourmetsummit.com for more information.

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