Chef André Gerrits wins ‘Taste the World’ with Etihad Airways at Taste of Abu Dhabi

Chef André Gerrits of ‘t Amsterdammertje (centre) flanked by acclaimed chef and Etihad Airways brand ambassador Luke Nguyen and Etihad Airways cabin crew

This week, Etihad Airways, the global airline partner of 15 Taste Festivals across the world, brought world-class chefs to Taste of Abu Dhabi to compete in the final ‘Taste the World’ competition.

On the last day of the festival, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Peter Baumgartner awarded chef André Gerrits of Dutch farm restaurant ‘tAmsterdammertje with the ‘Taste the World’ trophy. The winner also goes home with two Etihad Airways First Class tickets to a destination of his choice on the Etihad Airways network. Gerrits will also be featured in the airline’s Etihad Inflight magazine and will have the opportunity to host a cooking demonstration at his next local Taste Festival. All 10 finalists were presented with a specially engraved Dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pot). 

André Gerrits is a Michelin Star chef and owner of ‘tAmsterdammertje in Amsterdam, Holland. He and his team take diners into a world of gastronomy, design, culture and expertise where innovative international culinary dishes are served with a warm Dutch welcome.

Ten renowned chefs took part in the event competing over three days in cook-offs and cooking demonstrations to reveal who amongst them best epitomises Etihad Airways’ food philosophy. The airline’s food philosophy aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey, on the ground and in the air, using innovative cooking techniques and the creative use of ingredients.  

Finalists were selected at local Taste Festivals held during 2016, and include Pascal Aussignac (Club Gascon, London), André Gerrits (‘t Amsterdammertje, Amsterdam), Michael Hunter (Antler Restaurant, Toronto), Andrea Provenzani (Il Liberty, Milan), Vitaly Tikhonov (G.Graf, Moscow), Siu Hin Chi (Duddell’s, Hong Kong), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker and May Street Larder, Perth), Sylvestre Wahid (Restaurant Sylvestre, Paris), Francesco Apreda (Imàgo, Rome) and Nelly Robertson (nel., Sydney).  

The three-year partnership between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals is a core element of the airline’s sponsorship strategy as it establishes itself as an aspirational lifestyle brand. The airline’s association with Taste Festivals began in March 2016 with events in Dubai, Sydney and Hong Kong, culminating with Taste of Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways currently has 235 Inflight Chefs and 495 Food and Beverage Managers in service, providing the acclaimed service and hospitality for which the airline is now globally recognised.