Singapore’s most esteemed culinary event returns with aplomb in celebration of its 15th year Crystal Anniversary in 2011. The annual gastronomic extravaganza, which brings together the finest in the culinary industry, promises an exciting line-up of renowned celebrity chefs, masterchefs and world-class vintners, taking place over 14 days from 25th April to 8th May.

“The World Gourmet Summit has come a long way since its induction in 1997. Over the years, mega culinary stars such as chefs Ferran Adrià, Tetsuya Wakuda and Pierre Hermé, have graced the annual gourmet festival, and special themed events such as the Gourmet Golf Experience and Celebrity Dinner, have become a part of the calendar. To date, we have hosted top chefs with a total of 118 Michelin Stars, 222 Masterchefs and Guest Chefs, and 112 wineries – an accomplishment we take pride in as we embark on our 15th and biggest ever year,” says Peter A Knipp, CEO, Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd.

Shining Cast
In celebration of its crystal anniversary, a shining cast of celebrity chefs, a special guest chef and masterchefs will feature at the 2011 World Gourmet Summit. Among them are Andrew Turner from WILTONS in London, United Kingdom, Korean star chef, Edward Kwon from The Spice in Seoul, South Korea, Michael Ginor from LOLA in New York, United States and Rachel Allen from County Cork in the Republic of Ireland Award-winning masterchefs to look out for include three-Michelin-starred chefs Luisa Valazza from Al Sorriso in Piedmont, Italy and Bruno Ménard from L’Osier in Tokyo, Japan; as well as two-Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler from Restaurant St. Hubertus in San Cassiano, Italy.

Arriving from Down Under are top Australian chefs – three Chef Hats Paul Wilson from Mr Wilson Restaurant Concepts in Melbourne, two Chef Hats Brent Savage from Bentley Restaurant & Bar and two Chef Hats Dietmar Sawyere from Berowra Waters Inn in Sydney, the latter returning for his second appearance at the World Gourmet Summit.

Asian Masterchefs
Asian masterchefs reign at the 15th year anniversary – joining Edward Kwon from South Korea, is Chef Yim Jung Sik from Jung Sik Dang. And from China and India are one-Michelin-starred chef Tam Kwok Fung from City of Dreams in Macau and Manish Mehrotra from Indian Accent in New Delhi, respectively. Each of these chefs will be showcasing their home cuisine.

Not one but three Japanese chefs will impress diners with their diverse culinary skills. Interestingly, only Chef Shinichiro Takagi from restaurant Zeniya in Kanazawa, specialises in Japanese cuisine. One-Michelin-starred chef Keisuke Matsushima, owner of eponymous restaurant in Nice, France, will showcase his take on French cuisine while his -fellow countryman, Chef Yuji Wakiya, owner of Wakiya Ichiemicharou in Tokyo, will be demonstrating his culinary skills honed in preparing Chinese cuisine – weaving in the essences of Japanese culinary style.

Together, these culinary mavens will be hosted by top chefs from leading restaurants and hotels in Singapore, adding a dynamic influence to the vibrant gastronomic scene here.

A total of 54 sumptuous events will take place over the 14-day period with the participation of 14 hosting establishments and 12 hospitality partners.