Member of The Guild of Food Writers
Member of The Guild of Food Writers

PODCAST: an interview with Michelin on the first Dubai guide

Gwendal Poullennec, international director, Michelin Guides
Gwendal Poullennec of Michelin Guides on The Lighthouse podcast

Finally. Likely one of Dubai’s worst kept ‘secrets’ since rumours first surfaced over five years ago. The Michelin guide is coming to Dubai. In June this year. I first wrote about whether Dubai was ready for Michelin a decade ago, so, in my book, it’s been a long time coming.

In a press briefing last week, the international director of the Michelin Guides, Gwendal Poullennec docked into Dubai for the big reveal at Museum of the Future in partnership with Dubai Tourism. It’s a widely known fact that destination tourism boards around the world sponsor certain Michelin guides. In the same way that MENA’s 50 Best is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism. It’s definitely a more ethical strategy for securing sponsorship than begging restaurants to pay for award entries and tables.

Anyhow, digressing.

Along with Hashem Montasser, the co-founder of The Lighthouse, we interviewed Gwendal for the popular podcast, The Lighthouse Conversations to debunk the mystique around Michelin and its much-coveted stars, that are in fact rosettes, the Bib Gourmand, and the green star ratings. We chatted criteria (spoiler alert – it’s all about the food!) and the inspection process, right through to the type of restaurants that might make the cut, and the factually incorrect term ‘Michelin chef’. We’ve also thrown in our own personal analysis of the interview and the guide at the end. Download HERE from your favourite podcast provider, or tune into the link below.

Gwendal Poullenec with Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing

So, am keen to know, when you travel, do you use the Michelin guide to inform your restaurant decisions, or 50 Best? Or both…or neither?! I might just run one of my polls!

Would also love your thoughts on my first-ever podcast as co-host. All thanks to Hashem for encouraging the banter 🙂

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

P.S – if you’re after the inside scoop on MENA’s 50 Best, HERE is another episode that may interest you.

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    Food Features, Michelin, Uncategorized

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