MIDDLE EASTERN MEGA-FEST

LEEUWIN Estate owner Denis Horgan rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in international food and wine when he was a guest presenter at the inaugural Gourmet Abu Dhabi wine and food festival in the Middle East. The nine-day festival, which is expected to become an annual event, attracted gourmets from around the world for a series of workshops, tastings and dinners - and is a must for anyone looking for a festival with a "different" feel. Leeuwin Estate wines were showcased at a seafood dinner cooked by leading Michelin-starred French chef Yves Mattagne. Big names starring at the festival included star chefs Charlie Trotter, Alain Soliveres, Annie Feolde and Alain Passard, while wineries featured included Cos d'Estournel, Sassicaia, Alavaro Palacios, Chateau Palmer and Chateau Angelus. Leading Australian chef Curtis Stone was also among the presenters. The next Gourmet Abu Dhabi is expected to be held in February 2010. See www.gourmetabudhabi.ae