Though Iranian, Chef Mehdi Katanbaf's passion for the Italian cuisine is clear, as he chose to be specialized in it, he was awarded as the most wanted Chef in Abu Dhabi and the exquisite Italian chef expert.
During his participation in the ninth round of the Sharjah Food Festival, organized by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority "Shurooq" from 25 March until 4 April 2015, Chef Mehdi Katanbaf appeared on Tuesday (31 March) in the live cooking shows hosted by Al Majaz Waterfront, one of the destinations that host the Sharjah Food Festival events in addition to Al Qasba, Heart of Sharjah, and Al Montazah. He presented a number of Italian dishes that carried his special signature. He also gave some tips and instructions on distinctive Italian dishes.
Al Majaz Waterfront is joining this year three other main destinations of the festival, Al Qasba, Al Montazah and Heart of Sharjah, heralding in the expansion of the festival, which was hosted in Al Qasba only during its previous eight editions.
Among the events scheduled at Al Majaz Waterfront is a daily 90-mitnute demonstration which is presented by local, regional, and international chefs who give live cooking shows, while a number of renowned local chefs give advice and instruction about food preparation to the audience for 30 minutes on a daily basis.
In addition, contestants from the audience compete in preparing dishes from their home countries. Chef competitions involve food and fruit carving, cake decoration contests, and ice carving competitions.
Al Majaz Waterfront hosts 15 kiosks, food truck & containers displaying different cuisines. Other activities include the Chef Theatre, and the Best Burger Competition, which see a contest between two persons from the audience who display their skills in preparing the most delicious burger. The winner is selected on criteria of taste and presentation.
The festival has plenty of entertainment on offer to young lot, including face painting, Canvas Painting, T Shirt Designing, Sand Art, Henna Tattoo and Nail Coloring.