The World Gourmet Summit returns with an impressive culinary line-up and a host of feature events.

For the past 20 years, the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) has been introducing new chefs, Michelin-starred chefs, sommeliers and numerous cuisines that have delighted our taste buds. This year, foodies can expect more activities during the summit, which runs from March 28 to April 24.

Gourmet food lovers will also get to taste delicious offerings from chefs such as Reto Mathis from St Moritz in Switzerland, two-Michelin-starred Yoshinori Ishii from London-based restaurant Umu, one-Michelin-starred Javier Aranda, three-Michelin-starred Nacho Manzano, two-Michelin-starred Takagi Kazuo and two-Michelin-starred Arnaud Bignon.

Other famous names include Meir Adoni, the leader of elite cuisine in Israel; Ireland’s Mark Moriarty, winner of S Pellegrino Young Chef 2015; John See, who represents Lee Kum Kee; Violet Oon, Singapore’s food ambassador; Ellen Wu, author, chef and the only Taiwanese professional olive oil taster certified by Italy’s National Organization of Olive Oil Tasters; the irrepressible Chef Wan from Malaysia; Petty Elliott, Indonesia’s culinary first lady; and Chris Donnellan, who made his mark in Australia by cooking up Asian street food-inspired delicacies.

Peter A Knipp, CEO of PKH Pte Ltd, who manages and curates WGS, says, “The last two decades have seen so many changes in Singapore’s food landscape, and we are extremely proud to have contributed to its evolution. Coming into our 20th year is a major achievement for the World Gourmet Summit, with the real heroes being our local talents who have made a name for themselves both in Singapore and abroad.”

You, too, can play judge as you enjoy the feast from the list of events that we have specially selected here. Full programme details can be found at www.worldgourmetsummit. com.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

WGS 20 Best Chefs, a WGS signature event and Singapore’s premier culinary symposium and gastronomic collective taking place on April 16 and 17 at 1-Altitude, an award-winning multi-concept lifestyle and entertainment destination. This event will feature some of the world’s renowned chefs to discuss the latest trending topic concerning the industry: Is local talent receiving the recognition they deserve?

St Moritz Champagne Topless Club featuring Reto Mathis and Chris Millar on April 15, with magnum bottles of bubbly. This event will take diners on a gastronomic journey at Singapore’s highest restaurant, Stellar at 1-Altitude. Guests will savour Mathis’ renowned truffles and caviar specialities with some of the world’s most sought-after champagnes.

Open Farm Community presents an exclusive six-course wine dinner, titled From the Ground, in the Pan, on the Plate, on March 29, with natural wine maker Taras Ochota from Ochota Barrels, South Australia. OFC will serve up dishes that combine fresh ingredients from its urban garden and horticultural hub, such as wild passionfruit and sugar cane, paired with exquisite natural wines.

World Gourmet Summit 2016: National Kidney Foundation Charity Gala Dinner on April 7.

Le 3 Mamme Dinner at Forlino on April 4. An international masterchef event featuring Giovanna Randone, Gianna Fossati and Maria Teresa Biovi — three matrons from the Liguria region who will treat guests to an Italian feast.

A Culinary Symphony with Austrian Wines featuring Violet Oon, Singapore’s authority on Peranakan food, and Lynnette Seah, associate concertmaster of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Miele ambassador, at National Kitchen on April 2.

Hong Kong Street Party on April 3. 28 Hong Kong Street, FOC, Bacchanalia, Vasco and The Butchers Club get together to present the ultimate back-alley block party. An event not to be missed, revellers can enjoy fabulous food and cocktails under the stars.

This article appeared in the Options of Issue 721 (March 28) of The Edge Singapore.