The winners of the Leaders in Food & Beverage Awards 2017, were announced on Monday, 30 October, at a gala ceremony at The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai.
Eighteen winners took home awards including Leading F&B Heavyweight and the Chef of the Year.
Praising the high standards set by this year’s winners, as well as the shortlisted entries, BNC Publishing CEO Wissam Younane said: “For an event centered on recognising the MENA region’s Leaders in Food and Beverage, it was an honour for us at Catering News Middle East to be able to host some of the finest names in this industry at The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai last night.
“With more than 400 people in attendance, this year’s Awards were a celebration of the excellent work being done in this dynamic sector and it is a privilege to be able to shine a light on the fantastic talent and personalities that make up the food and beverage industry here.”
The winners in full:
SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT AWARD
Winner: The Copper Lobster, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Highly commended: Skye & Walker, Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
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HEALTHY RESTAURANT AWARD
Winner: Flow, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Highly commended: Slices School Food Experts
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LEADING HOMEGROWN RESTAURANT
Winner: Tresind
Highly commended: Okku Dubai
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DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Chef Xchange
Highly commended: Sugarmoo Desserts
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NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Folly by Nick & Scott
Highly commended: Lucky Voice
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BEST INTERIOR AWARD
Winner: Buddha Bar, Grosvenor House
Highly commended: Carnival by Tresind
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LEADING CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT
Winner: Clinton Street Baking Company
Highly commended: Couqley
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LEADING FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Winner: La Cantine Du Faubourg
Highly commended: Indego by Vineet
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LEADING NIGHTLIFE VENUE
Winner: Lock, Stock & Barrel
Highly commended: Boa Bar & Lounge
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LEADING F&B DIRECTOR
presented by
Winner: Marco Rosado, Atlantis The Palm
Highly commended: Pieter Liebenberg, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek
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CHEF OF THE YEAR
Winner: Nicolas Smalberger, JA Resorts & Hotels
Highly commended: Colin Clague, Ruya Dubai
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PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
presented by 
Winner: Ryan Harris, Demoiselle by Galvin & Galvin Dubai
Highly commended: Martua Sakti, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
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LEADING F&B INVESTOR
Winner: Turab Saleem, owner and founder, Perfetti & Toro Toro
Highly commended: Manhal Nasser, co-founder & CEO, AWJ Investments
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YOUNG F&B LEADER
Winner: Karolina Graham, Solutions Leisure Group
Highly commended: Tim Groeneweg, JW Marriott Marquis
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F&B HEAVYWEIGHT
presented by 
Winner: Paul Evans, CEO, Solutions Leisure Group
Highly commended: Emma Banks, GM, Jumeirah Restaurant Group
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RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR
presented by
Winner: Bhupender Nath, CEO and MD, Passion F&B Management
Highly commended: Natasha Sideris, managing executive, Tashas restaurants
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BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Nikola Pulcheski, Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai The Walk
Highly commended: Raven Rudolph, Folly by Nick & Scott
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BEST SERVICE TEAM
Winner: Jodhpur Royal Dining
Highly commended: Catering & Events Service Team, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
