Here are some of the big food events that will take place across the world, this year. Foodies take note.
Sirha
Where: Lyon, France
When: January 26 - 30
This biennial event Sirha is the springboard for new innovative products and ground zero for culinary trends. This year more than 2,200 exhibitors will be in attendance. It’s also the umbrella show that hosts other major culinary competitions like the Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup. The 2011 edition attracted nearly 163,000 visitors. For more info, log on to:
Bocuse d’Or
Where: Lyon, France
When: January 29 - 30
Unlike previous years where chefs were able to pre-plan their entire menu, the 14th edition of the prestigious culinary competition will be more spontaneous and will challenge the competitors’ improvisational creativity. This year, 24 countries will compete from around the world. For more info, log on to: bocusedor.com
Gourmand World Cookbook Fair
Gourmand World Cookbook Fair
Where: Paris, France
When: February 22 - 24
This year cookery books from 171 countries will be competing to take home bragging rights and an award at this cookbook fair. New at the 2013 edition is the World Festival of Wine and Food Television, which will draw TV food producers, broadcasters and food TV celebrities. For more info, log on to:
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards
Where: Singapore
When: February 25
The inaugural edition of the Asian version of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants from Restaurant magazine will attempt to identify the best eateries across the continent. For more info, log on to: worlds50best.asia
James Beard Foundation Awards
Where: New York
When: May 3 and May 6
Known as the Oscars of the US food world, the 2012 award for Outstanding Chef went to Eleven Madison Park’s Daniel Humm in New York, and Outstanding Restaurant to Boulevard in San Francisco. Media awards are announced May 3, while chef and restaurant awards announced May 6. For more info, log on to:
SIAL China
Vinexpo Bordeaux
Where: Bordeaux, France
When: June 16 - 20
After being hosted in Hong Kong last year, the largest and most important wine trade show of the year, Vinexpo returns to Bordeaux in 2013, where it expects more than 48,000 visitors and 2,400 wine makers
from around the world. Vinexpo alternates locations between Hong Kong and France. For more info, log on to:
MAD Symposium
Where: Copenhagen
When: August 25 - 26
The ambassador of New Nordic cuisine himself chef René Redzepi of Noma hosts his third annual MAD food symposium in Copenhagen. The theme for 2013: Guts, curated by Momofuku chef David Chang. For more info, log on to: madfood.co/mad-2013.