The organisers, along with hosts Saga Prefecture, announced the decision to move the event online following the ongoing spread of coronavirus
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’ live event, due to be held in Saga prefecture in Japan on March 24, is the latest casualty of the ongoing coronavirus situation. Organisers made the official announcement today (February 25, 2020) that they would reformat the awards ceremony and other related events, no doubt disappointing chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers who had been looking forward to the annual bacchanalia.
The event was scheduled to take place over three days in the southern island of Kyushu, with a full programme including a series of “cultural tours” designed to introduce guests to Saga Prefecture’s multifaceted offerings, from artisanal pottery to its famed Saga beef. There’s also the 50 Best Talks—this year’s theme, “Shattering Myths”, would have seen Hong Kong’s Richard Ekkebus take to the stage to discuss ethical gastronomy and Amber’s new direction.