The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival 2010 (MIGF2010), the 10th successive one in the series, literally swooped down from the skies this afternoon as five helicopters, courtesy of Festival Event Partner, Eurocopter Malaysia, converged on Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in the very heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur.

Office workers craned their necks from nearby high rise buildings while pedestrians and traffic all stopped to see what the impressive display was about. Those close enough to the action at the padang (as Dataran Merdeka is historically known) got even more of a surprise as the helicopters discharged their contents – a multiracial, multinational band of chefs clad in full white regalia! This stunning arrival heralded the spectacular Media Launch of the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival 2010.

The final helicopter of the hovering quintet to land carried Malaysia’s ever-dynamic Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Festival Organising Chairman Dato’ Steve Day and Eurocopter CEO, Mr. Pierre Nardelli. Waiting to greet them on landing were Datin Su Wai Fun, the Managing Director of Festival Organizer, AsiaReach Events, the Festival Special Advisory Committee, Festival Sponsors and Media Partners. Surrounded by cheering chefs, the Minister took part in a gambit with a Magical Chef which saw the Festival Preview Magazine materialise out of thin air. The assembled chefs immediately fired their confetti cannons, showering the dignitaries in colour, as photographer’s flashlights went off from the 50 media organisations that were eagerly waiting for this very special moment.

The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival will be held over 30 days from 1^st – 30^th October with 30 of the country’s very best restaurants taking part. Each of them will be serving up special Festival menus at extra special Festival prices throughout the month of October. Foodies everywhere can make a date with Festival restaurants to enjoy these once-in-a-year signature menus at competitive prices and at the same time enjoy bulk booking discounts and room night offers amongst other exciting promotions and offers. The main sponsor for MIGF2010 is Tourism Malaysia supported by Maxis, Canon and Naza Italia.