On April 21st, the elegant Andalucia restaurant at Al Habtoor Polo Resort welcomed Michelin-starred chefs, top sommeliers, and leading culinary figures for the exclusive bi-annual Dubai event, further highlighting the resort’s reputation for excellence in hospitality and dining.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort is a refined community hub offering unparalleled hospitality and world-class culinary experiences across four lush polo fields. Now, as the preferred backdrop for hosting the coveted International Taste Institute for its bi-annual sensory evaluation sessions, this stunning equestrian-inspired resort hosted its event for the 4th time on April 21st. Held in the sophisticated Andalucia restaurant, this high-end event welcomed 30 industry leaders for a blind evaluation, all complemented by Al Habtoor Polo Resort’s impeccable service and picturesque surroundings.
Founded in Brussels, the International Taste Institute is renowned for awarding the Superior Taste Award, a globally respected certification for food and beverage products that meet exceptional standards during blind evaluations. Since 2005, the institute’s expert jury, comprised of 250 professionals including Michelin-starred chefs and expert sommeliers, has reviewed thousands of products from more than 100 countries annually. Each product undergoes a thorough evaluation following five criteria – visual, aromatic, flavour, textural aspects, and final mouth feel – and must achieve an average score above 70% to become certified.
As part of Al Habtoor Polo Resort’s ongoing partnership with the renowned institute, the resort now hosts all of its Dubai-based sessions, held twice a year. Amidst the resort’s serene surroundings and Andalucia’s Arabesque atrium courtyard, this year’s esteemed jury included:
Miguel Expósito Garrido from Spain with 1 1-Michelin-star restaurant _ Retama,
Bernard Vaussion, the former Executive Chef of the Elysée Palace, worked for 6 French Presidents.
Kim Joinié-Maurin: Dubai, Executive chef at Jumeirah Al Qasr’s French Riviera, worked for 12 years with legendary French Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon
Enrique Pérez Martinez: Spain; from El Doncel 1 Michelin star restaurant
Reflecting on the recent International Taste Institute sensory evaluation, Lukas Tremmel, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Resort, said, ‘For me and the team at Al Habtoor Polo Resort, hospitality is about bringing people together through shared experiences, creativity, and elevated dining. Hosting the International Taste Institute and their incredible jury was a real privilege. We’re excited to continue building this partnership and welcome them back to experience our resort’s world-class hospitality and unique setting.’
As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global benchmark for culinary excellence, Al Habtoor Polo Resort has carved out a distinctive role as a preferred venue for hosting exclusive, high-level international events. The long-term partnership with the International Taste Institute, a globally respected authority in the F&B industry, marks an essential chapter in the resort’s story.
