Dubai was treated to an afternoon of sumptuous Southwest flavours yesterday courtesy of Chili’s Global Culinary Director and Chef, Stuart Rackham. The Chef displayed his skills in front of a gathering of food lovers at Chili’s Jumeriah who also had the pleasure of tasting his offerings fresh off the grill.Rackham, who is doing a whistle stop tour of Arabia as part of the Worldwide Chili’s Culinary Roadshow, kicked off activity at Chili’s Jumeriah, Dubai, yesterday to showcase some of the brand’s famous Chili’s Southwest Cuisine!

Stuart Rackham, Global Culinary Director for Chili’s Restaurants worldwide, said; “I am really excited to be back in the UAE! This is an amazing place and with so many Chili’s outlets in the Middle East it was the logical place to bring the Chili’s Culinary Roadshow. Southwest American cuisine is one of the tastiest in the world and this is a brand equity Chili’s is known for around the world. I will be showcasing a select number of new Southwest recipes including the delicious Crispy Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers and complimenting beverages. Chili’s is a favourite in the UAE and it’s great to be able to give something extra through a tour like this. â€?

Chili’s Southwestern cuisine is inspired by the American Southwest, which is made up by the states of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. Southwestern cuisine is considered one of the oldest in the U.S., representing an eclectic mix of the Spanish, Latin and Native American heritage.?  Foods such as corn, chili, beans, avocado and tomato, are combined with European ingredients, such as rice. Other ingredients include vegetables, legumes, meat and grains, chilies, spices and cheeses, all original from that region, resulting in a very tasty and versatile cuisine.

Most of the growing popularity of the Chili’s Southwest American Cuisine is attributed, not only to the delicious flavouring but also to its cooking process, with the Southwest way of cooking often requiring the use of mesquite grills and marinade sauces.

Osama Salhin, President, Saleh Bin Lahej Hospitality division said; “We are delighted to welcome Chef Stuart Rackham to the UAE! The Culinary Roadshow is an ideal event to provide Chili’s with an opportunity to showcase the Southwest cuisine in its finest form! We are looking forward to some very exciting initiatives for Chili’s in 2009 and this is the perfect way to begin!â€?