Set across four lush polo fields, Al Habtoor Polo Resort stands out as a refined community hub offering unparalleled hospitality and world-class culinary experiences. 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 given to food and beverage products that meet exceptional standards during blind evaluations. Since 2005, the institute’s expert jury, made up 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, and textural aspects, as well as final mouth feel – and must achieve an average score of 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 Michelin star restaurant _ Retama,
Bernard Vaussion, the former Executive chef of the Elysée Palace, worked for 6 different French Presidents, from France.
Kim Joinié-Maurin: Dubai, Executive chef at Jumeirah Al Qasr’s French Riviera, worked for 12 years with French legendary Michelin starred 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 for us. We’re excited to continue building this partnership and to welcome them back to experience our resort’s world-class hospitality and one-of-a-kind 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 important chapter in the resort’s story.
