Dubai, UAE, March 19, 2017:  Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and official airline partner of Taste of Hong Kong, crowned Eric Räty, from Café Gray Deluxe, winner of the Taste the World competition in Hong Kong on 18 March 2017. 

The Taste the World award is presented to the chef who best epitomises Etihad Airways’ food philosophy, which aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey. Each chef entry was independently judged by a panel which comprised an Etihad Airways inflight chef, a Taste expert and a renowned food influencer. Eric Räty will receive return flights and accommodation courtesy of Etihad Airways to participate in the competition’s global final - Taste of Abu Dhabi - in November 2017. They will compete at the Etihad Airways Taste the World Theatre, representing Hong Kong and Café Gray Deluxe.

The winning Taste the World dish at Taste of Hong Kong was Brittany Diver Scallop with XO emulsion and Amalfi lemon.  

Eric Räty, Head Chef at Café Gray Deluxe said: “I am truly honored to have won Taste the World with Etihad Airways in Hong Kong – I can’t wait to visit Taste of Abu Dhabi in November to compete in the global finals.” 

Patrick Pierce, Vice President Marketing and Partnerships, at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is thrilled to see Eric Räty win the Taste the World Award – he demonstrated innovative cooking techniques and use of ingredients to create a truly remarkable dish. We look forward to welcoming Eric to our home at Taste of Abu Dhabi in November.

“Etihad Airways draws inspiration from the best restaurants and emerging chefs from culinary capitals worldwide, and serves cuisine both on the ground and in the air with the style and sophistication that has become synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand.”

Justin Clarke, Director of Taste Festivals Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Etihad Airways. Their commitment to being the world’s leading culinary airline is both exciting and a testament to the logical brand fit between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals. We look forward to working with Etihad and the Taste the World winners as they continue to inspire and innovate.”

Jeremy McPherson, Etihad Airways Inflight Chef, commented on the elite competition: “The level of originality showcased by all chefs as part of Taste the World is something to be celebrated. I commend them for their culinary merits and their inspirational passion for the profession. I am very much looking forward to the finals in our home, Abu Dhabi, later this year.”  

Etihad Airways operates 28 international flights weekly from four major markets in Greater China including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu* and Hong Kong, to Abu Dhabi, where passengers can connect to onward flights to over 100 destinations worldwide. 

*Temporary reduction to four flights per week during 2016 IATA Winter Season.