The Malta Culinary Association’s Mediterranean Food and Drink Festival was opened yesterday by Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali.

The festival, which is being held over the weekend, includes a competition for professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts.

For the first time this year, the Open Parade des Chefs Championship will be held – a competition for chefs who are to prepare a three-course meal for some 50 people.

The competition will be judged by an international panel of jurors made up of Ken Fraser, Rod Nyor, Dave Avery and Michael Oliver.