Earlier on Tuesday, the 18th World Gourmet Summit (WGS) officially opened in Singapore with a tantalising cast of Michelin-starred and internationally-acclaimed masterchefs, winemakers and special culinary guests.
During an exclusive media symposium, International Masterchefs Sang Hoon Degeimbre ** (Belgium), Mathieu Viannay ** (France), Philippe Mille ** (France), Alexandre Gauthier * (France), Kenny Fu (China) and Ian Curley (Australia) shared their interpretations of this year’s theme, ‘The Classics’, as well as their anticipation for the various incredible events lined up for this year’s WGS. The host and organiser, Mr. Peter Knipp, emphasised his commitment to delivering an unforgettable gourmet event at the historic CHIJMES Hall.
Mr. Knipp, CEO of PKH Pte Ltd, said, “WGS is a monumental gourmet event that continues to require dedicated specialists, partners, sponsors, the winemakers and most importantly the chefs, both international and local. Each one is a critical force behind the success of World Gourmet Summit over the past 17 years. Our team’s commitment has put the city on the global map of culinary excellence. We are thankful and we are proud of our line-up this year.”
Joining this year’s stellar group of masterchefs at the press event were chefs and representatives from 12 hosting establishments, 13 venue hosts and 22 partner restaurants, as well as sponsors and partners for the 18th World Gourmet Summit. The 11-day dining extravaganza, organised by À La Carte Productions (a division of Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd) will be held from 26 March to 5 April 2014 with presenting partner Citibank Singapore Limited and Singapore Tourism Board.
Ms Jacquelyn Tan, Managing Director and Head of Credit Payment Products at Citibank Singapore Limited said, “Citibank is proud to continue our sixth year as presenting partner for the World Gourmet Summit. This partnership with the pinnacle of Asia’s gourmet and lifestyle dining further demonstrates Citibank’s leadership in the dining space. Our focus on dining goes beyond offering discounts and deals; our aim is to provide our cardmembers with the best experiences and gourmet trends through platforms such as the World Gourmet Summit. At Citibank, we are committed to providing value for our cardholders through Citibank Gourmet Pleasures, our credit cards’ dining privileges programme that guarantees unrivalled dining deals island-wide and Singapore’s widest merchant selection.”
This year, WGS promises to satisfy the most discerning of palates and to create a memorable gastronomic dining experience for all food connoisseurs and wine aficionados. Well-loved events and returning favourites will be featured together with new experiences.
Mr. Knipp said, “To ensure the World Gourmet Summit continues to impress and amaze our guests every year, we are always evolving and refreshing our events, bringing back favourites and introducing new experiences. In this spirit, this year’s World Gourmet Summit will present Singapore’s first Junior Chefs’ Pastry Workshop with Christian Escribà and Patricia Schmidt, an exciting opportunity for budding young chefs to learn from a magician of confectionery, known as Catalan’s Willy Wonka. Such innovative new experiences join a highly successful stable of well-loved events, including the Citibank Gastronomic Jam Sessions, wine dinners hosted by world-renowned winemakers, and Epicurean Delights.”