Gastronomy
PER AQUUM Niyama launches Nest – the wildest restaurant in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – A short trek from your luxury villa where you’ve cast away in the Dhaalu Atoll, you emerge in the heart of the jungle. Beneath the ancient branches of the banyan trees, you walk the planks of wooden pathways and wind through the forest trunks. Ascend spiralled stairs and step through the canopy along bridges flanked by bamboo rails. Leaves dance in an ecstatic shimmy. Tropical birds call out with sirens echoing through the treetops. Then a chilled sculpture of sashimi arrives in a globe of ice, a modern vessel for one of many Asian delicacies you will savour in your expedition at one of the Indian Ocean’s leading dining destinations.
Recently unveiled to the world’s connoisseurs, Nest at PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives invites the resort’s guests as well as gourmands from further afield to experience one of the wildest culinary journeys to be found in the Maldives. Despite being freshly hatched, Nest is already attracting attention and has been shortlisted for international design awards including ‘Sexiest Design’ at LE Miami.
Design: Exploring the Surreal
Nest twirls and towers in the green heart of its island home. Conceptualised and brought to life by Singapore-based design firm Poole Associates, the multi-level tree house unfurls as a labyrinth of wooden paths, dining pods immersed in jungle greenery and thatched huts. Tables are nestled amongst the dense foliage and serpentine vines on the forest floor or on platforms elevated six metres up in the treetops.
Dining huts, one housing a teppan table, shelter guests beneath cavernous rooftops. From within, guests gaze up at a dramatic vaulted ceiling that soars high above in a steep dome of latticed beams and bamboo. At table level, accents of red lacquer and woven green furnishings merge oriental influences and an island aesthetic.
Cuisine: Asian Avant-garde
To amuse your bouche, Nest begins each party’s meal with welcome nibbles that elevate Southeast Asia’s local-loved snacks. Lift off in the first moments with house-made prawn crackers, spicy sambal dips, and nut savouries kicked up a notch with crispy celery and kaffir lime leaves. Then delve into a selection of Asian regional fare from the groundbreaking menu.
Chef Jayadi Suwito explains, “My goal for this menu was to push and tease. Guests will find dishes from Asia’s most celebrated cuisines like Thai, Cantonese, Japanese – but they will also get a chance to discover lesser known culinary traditions with must-try sensational dishes from places like Cambodia, Indonesia and Myanmar.”
Guests revel in layers of flavours in salads, soups, curries, modern woks and Nest-only seafood specialties. The raw ingredients comprise freshly caught and flown-in harvests as well as seasonal produce from the Chef’s own island garden. Highlighted just-picked greens and other cultivars include mint, sweet basil, eggplants, cucumber, chilies and morning glory.
For a theatrical meal, the teppanyaki stage is the most desired table in the house. Guests may also go communal in typical Asian style with hot pot dining. Soon-to-launch highlights include the Korean grill and soju experience as well as Black Ivory coffee, the world’s most expensive roast.
The dessert menu indulges patrons with sweet finales fusing European confections and Asia’s lush tropical delights. No visit would be complete without an order of Nest’s signature dessert, Luwak Coffee Brûlée. Chef Jayadi infuses the rich cream custard with a secret recipe featuring Kopi Luwak essence and serves it accompanied by roasted banana ice cream.
The Culinary Team
With such varied cuisines spanning the East, Nest requires a team of specialists to capture and re-imagine the intricacies of each tradition. The restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Jayadi, leads the brigade. Born on Indonesia’s exotic island of Lombok, he possesses nearly two decades of expertise gained in Asia’s finest kitchens. A trio of right-hand men lend their own genius and head up the restaurant’s Teppanyaki, Chinese and Thai offerings. To round out the artisanal cadre, a Sake master replaces the expected Sommelier position and curates an inspiring collection of Asian spirits.
Securing a Spot
Nest at PER AQUUM Niyama is open daily from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and welcomes guests for its savage-chic fine dining experience with a smart-casual dress code. First-priority reservations go to PER AQUUM guests, but outside parties are welcome to contact the resort to secure a table and glimpse life on ‘Nature’s Playground’.
As one of the hottest gourmet destinations in the Maldives, other dining options at PER AQUUM Niyama include Tribal, the innovative African dining experience, fine dining at Edge, which is only accessible by boat, Subsix, the underwater playground and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant where Miami meets the Mediterranean.
For more information on Nest go to: http://niyama.peraquum.com/dining/Nest/
The collaboration between Kandolhu Maldives and Chef Yoni Saada unfolded with unparalleled success, captivating guests with a week-long celebration of Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.
From November 13th to 18th, Chef Yoni Saada, renowned for his culinary expertise and familial connection to esteemed Marais butchers, took centre stage at Olive, one of the five à la carte restaurants on the island. Chef Saada’s journey, beginning with culinary studies at Ferrandi in Paris and culminating in the opening of acclaimed restaurants like “Osmose” and “Miniatures,” added a rich narrative to the event.
The collaboration showcased in Kandolhu Maldives’ commitment to creating unforgettable moments for guests, ensuring a culinary experience that stood exceptional. Beyond the live events, the integration of Chef Saada’s handpicked creations into the Olive menu added a lasting legacy to the resort. Dishes such as Pimiento dae Padron with Pecorino, Avocado Hummus & Passion Fruit, and Veal Loin in Pistachio Crust became cherished additions, offering future guests the opportunity to savour and appreciate Chef Saada’s culinary mastery long after the exclusive event concluded.
The fusion of Mediterranean flavours, the enchanting ambiance of Kandolhu Maldives, and Chef Yoni Saada’s culinary artistry collectively contributed to the resounding success of this exceptional collaboration. The event left an indelible mark on the palates and memories of those fortunate enough to partake in this culinary extravaganza.
Gastronomy
Rashid Ahmadzada appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Rashid Ahmadzada as the new Executive Sous Chef. With an impressive fifteen years of culinary expertise, Rashid brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating exceptional dishes that reflect culinary excellence.
Before joining, Rashid served as Chef De Cuisine at JW Marriott Absheron in Azerbaijan and held various positions in well-established properties across Kazakhstan and Montenegro, consistently delivering outstanding service throughout his career. He is also known for his leadership in the kitchen, embracing his culinary team to achieve collective goals as a team. He is committed to continuously improving through active participation in various training programs and exposures. His dedication to culinary arts aligns seamlessly with Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s promises to provide unparalleled dining experiences with Back to Basic twist boasting across seven dining outlets, In Villa Dining, the curated Destination Dining, as well as banquet and catering.
Beyond the kitchen, Rashid enjoys playing chess, curling himself in good books, and maintaining his fitness through regular exercise. Despite being away from his family, he is excited to embark on this new chapter in the Maldives, captivated by the beauty of the beach and its sunny weather.
Rashid Ahmadzada will be working alongside Executive Chef Riccardo Pinna, and both chefs are enthusiastic about elevating the culinary offerings at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Together, they aim to bring innovative and delectable dining experiences to guests, making the resort the preferred destination for not only the beauty of its island but also its culinary excellence.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced the arrival of Michelin Star awarded Chef Jeno Racz this December. Chef Racz hailing from Hungary, is celebrated for his innovative approach to gastronomy and unparalleled culinary artistry and will be at Lily Beach from 16th until 26th December.
During his stay, Chef Racz will be crafting a special VIP dinner together with the Executive Chef Michel Antonio Totaro and team at Lily Beach, for a select number of guests at one of the resort’s exquisite venues.
Chef Jeno Racz has earned international acclaim for his dedication to culinary perfection and unique flavour profiles. With a stellar career marked by prestigious awards and accolades, Chef Racz continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, delighting palates around the world. He is also the founder and creator of famous restaurant Rumour located in Budapest. Chef Racz was the youngest Michelin Star- awarded chef in Hungary when he initially received the prestigious title in 2017.
The exclusive VIP dinner at Lily promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience, with Chef Racz showcasing his culinary mastery through a carefully curated menu featuring the finest ingredients and flavours. Limited to an intimate group of guests, this event offers a rare opportunity to indulge in a culinary journey guided by one of the world’s most distinguished chefs.
Lily Beach, the first All-Inclusive resort in the Maldives has always proudly led the helm in introducing and bringing new experiences for guests. With The resort offers a plethora of restaurants and bars that weekly themed dinners, and entertainment.
Guests can anticipate an evening of refined elegance, exceptional service, and, of course, the extraordinary flavours that Chef Jeno Racz is known for. Guests should also keep a look out for the date of this special dinner to pre-book in advance, so they don’t miss this unique opportunity.
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