Hospitality & Tourism exhibition at Al Araimi complex pulls crowds

3 April 2011, Muscat: The varied culinary displays by leading chefs of Muscat drew a large crowd to Al Araimi Complex that concluded on Thursday. Kiosks demonstrating fruit and vegetable carvings and cake decoration proved to be particularly popular while the pancakes were a hit with the children.

In the Mocktail competition, Grand Hyatt Muscat team won the Juniors category with Crowne Plaza Muscat as the runner up while Crowne Plaza Muscat lead in the Seniors category with Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in the second place. "The mocktail competition was designed to let participants showcase their talents honed from their experience and time spent in the industry. An event like this always instils pride and a sense of achievement to anyone with a passion for hospitality," said Frederick Hines from Marketing and Sales, NHI.

"It is always fascinating to watch the ease in which chefs create tantalising dishes and the imagination and creativity that goes into the finishing touches that completely give a new dimension to a dish. It is no wonder that the demonstrations proved to be extremely popular and I hope each one of the visitors took away tips that they will use in their kitchens," said Uttam Kotian, Manager Advertising-Marketing, Al Araimi Complex.

There were seven hotels participating this year in the fun-filled waiters' race with Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa team emerging on the top and Grand Hyatt Muscat finishing a close second. Jehad Al Lawati won two airline return tickets to any destination in India courtesy Air Arabia in the Travel Quiz. Saffana Al Rahma was the runner up with a complimentary return ticket to Mumbai courtesy OUA Travels.

Other competitions included Cabin Crew Quiz that was sponsored by National Travel and Tours, English Quiz, sponsored by Al Manahil Bookshop, Bed making sponsored by Johnson Diversey and Waters Race that was won by Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.

Chefs from leading hotels and prominent chains participated and showcased their talents in the four-day exhibition. These include Al Bustan Palace Muscat, Muscat InterContinental and Crowne Plaza Hotel from InterContinental Hotels Group, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt Muscat, the newly opened City Seasons, Bamboo Kitchen and Illy Coffee. All the ongoing events were displayed on a large LED screen, courtesy Talentz Centre LLC.

Opened on 26 November 1994, Al Araimi is centrally located in the heart of Qurum with a footfall of about 25,000 customers a week. The mall houses 90 retail outlets that include some of the most prestigious brands in electronics, antique furniture and accessories, fashion and lifestyle, food outlets and cafes over three floors covering an area of 15,000 square metres. It offers 1,100 free parking slots for visitors, a key element to a great shopping experience. The strategic location, selection of retail outlets and innovative promotional activities throughout the year has proved to be a winning combination for Al Araimi, making it one of the favourite haunts.

Updates of the latest news and promotions at the complex, along with a detailed floor plan, can also be viewed at www.alaraimicomplex.com

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