Connect with us

Gastronomy

Chef André delights the senses at Kurumba Maldives

Published

on

Chef Andre in Kurumba

Maldives.net.mv – André Chiang might have been born Taiwanese but he spent most of his life in the south of France, Basque country. With a family of artists of all forms, including a brother who is an actor and father a calligrapher, it was no surprise that André himself took on pottery and cooking. Making his way to be the head chef of Michelin star restaurant Le Jardin des Sens in France, was no ordinary feat for a young man from Taiwan. It was sheer talent as an artist and chef, that lead him to his five successful restaurants around the world today, including the aptly named, Restaurant André, in Singapore, which was recently awarded two Michelin stars. Today his restaurant in Singapore is ranked as the most sought after and recognised as the 5th best restaurant in Asia as well as being 39th from the world in 2016, according to the British Magazine Restaurant.

Sitting by the beach, listening to the waves, we were treated to an artistic demonstration of chef André and his team, at Kurumba Maldives. Introducing himself humbly, André was quick to point out that his restaurant does not carry a standard menu. He has a standing deal with artisan farmers and fishermen and traders to get the best of their produce each day, and by nine am he along with his team, they will look at what has arrived and come up with creative, gastronomical masterpieces. There are no lesser dishes as starters but each was a unique creation that delighted the eager eater, at André’s.

He began with a dish of ‘charcoal’ and seafood dip, crafted with smoked piquillos puree, amaebi carpaccio and wild herbs. It was more a breadstick that was black and with some cheesy filling which too was black, left to be kept warm in a plate of charcoal. The moment the bread stick touched your tongue was the moment you realize the rest of the afternoon was going to be a life time treat. It was followed by a dish of scallops left to dry in a special paper that takes only two days to dry out the fluids and give it the tasty unique flavor. The scallops bit was then wrapped with mushroom floss and then the top was ‘burnt’ with the blow torch. To describe the taste would be simply to say that each of the ingredients were purely represented equally, without one, overpowering the other.

Chef Andre in Kurumba

The final dish was a healthier and lighter substitute for risotto, with five types of sautéed mushrooms and topped off with pecan nut shredding’s.  Grated tofu was then spread across the top and a buckwheat cracker was laid to rest on top. Dipping the folk into the mushy center with the crusty top broken into pieces, the mouthful was so delightful, that it tingled awake sense buds, that seemed to have not been there before. To the lay person, it tasted like a wonderfully rich risotto dish but so much lighter and with far more flavors and absolutely no spices.

Everyone at the table were pretty much drooling for more than just a mere taste and asking for more dishes, quite blatantly. Unfortunately, Chef André and his team had to catch a flight back to Singapore to start cooking for dinner at his restaurant. The restaurant is closed when André is away and he is there every single day of the week. The master chef, concluded the event, with a dessert of locally available fruit in a sweetened syrup and some fizzy grapes to give you that extra pop and coolness.

If you are in Singapore, you must stop over at André’s, but as André points out, please remember to make a reservation a few days before your trip. The thirty seater restaurant is in so much demand that there is a long waiting list; but people still wish to experience the gastronomical artistry of the chef André and his talented team. We wish André much more good tidings and many more restaurant openings in the future and hope to see him in the Maldives sooner than later.

Chef Andre Chiang visited Kurumba Maldives as part of his world Octaphilosophy tour, visiting top destinations around the globe to display his culinary skills centered on eight elements of gastronomy that inspire him; salt, texture, memory, pure, terroir, south, artisan and unique.

Kurumba Maldives is a melting pot of cuisines and with ten restaurants and bars it offers some of the most diverse culinary experiences in a Maldivian resort. This was one amongst many such events that Kurumba Maldives has been holding throughout the year, allowing their guests to experience creations by top chefs around the world. This event was hosted at Thila restaurant of Kurumba that holds the title for the top restaurant in Maldives, on TripAdvisor, for few years running.

Chef Andre in Kurumba

Chef Andre in Kurumba

Chef Andre in Kurumba

 Written by Hamza Khaleel

Photos by Kurumba Maldives

Gastronomy

BBM re-ignites culinary innovation with Master Baker Steven in Maldives

Published

on

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) and IREKS are bringing back Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu for another exceptional training session in the Maldives from April 20th to May 5th, 2024. This collaborative effort will focus on elevating the baking skills of chefs across the Resort and Horeca establishments, merging local talents with global best practices in baking.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with IREKS and bring Chef Steven back to the Maldives,” said Praval Kumar, HoD Marketing at BBM. “This event not only enhances the local talent but also introduces them to global best practices in baking. It’s a part of our continuing commitment to nurture and develop the culinary scene in the Maldives.”

Chef Steven Selvamuthu, with his globally renowned expertise and engaging teaching style, has become a pillar of knowledge and inspiration within the Maldivian chef community. His sessions are eagerly awaited each year, valued for both the skills they impart and the enthusiasm they ignite among participants. IREKS, revered globally for its high-quality baking solutions, continues to play a crucial role in this educational initiative, enjoying the trust and confidence of the local chefs for more than two decades.

IREKS, a renowned German multinational, is recognized worldwide for its expertise in developing innovative baking ingredients. Their products cater to a health-conscious and quality-driven generation, offering a wide range of high-quality bakery flours, baking improvers, specialty bread mixes, and confectionary mixes, including Gluten-Free and Vegan options. With a focus on sustainability, IREKS promotes a diverse array of organic baking improvers and mixes, exclusively sourcing raw materials from controlled organic cultivation. IREKS is also the leading brand supporting the ‘Bread and Pastry Display Challenge’ during the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, May 2024. Their involvement in this prestigious event further showcases their commitment to fostering culinary excellence and innovation in the Maldives.

This year’s training sessions are set to delve into specialized topics, including popular areas such as Gluten-Free and Vegan baking options, catering to the evolving dietary preferences and health-conscious trends among consumers. Such sessions underscore BBM’s commitment to not only keeping pace with global culinary trends but also leading the way in bringing the best to Maldives.

BBM stands at the forefront of the Maldivian culinary supplies industry, partnering with global giants like Lactalis (Pauls), Lamb Weston, TWG Tea, American Specialty, San Benedetto, Mamee (chicken stock powder) and offering an expansive array of other products and ingredients. Beyond its role as a distributor, BBM is deeply invested in the culinary development of the region. Through regular training sessions, product demonstrations, and the exclusive ‘Masterclass’ series featuring Michelin Starred chefs, BBM continues to foster a vibrant culinary culture in the Maldives.

The upcoming sessions with Chef Steven are more than just training—they are a beacon for culinary excellence in the Maldives, drawing together the art and science of baking to inspire and elevate the skills of all participants. Despite the high demand and a fully booked calendar, BBM encourages resorts to inquire about possible demo slots. This flexibility reflects BBM’s commitment to inclusivity and its aim to spread culinary expertise across as many professionals as possible, enriching the overall gastronomic experience offered in the Maldives.

Continue Reading

Food

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes Ministry of Crab for exclusive pop-up culinary experience

Published

on

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is to collaborate with the internationally acclaimed Ministry of Crab for an exclusive culinary pop-up event from 21st to 22nd April. Ministry of Crab will take over the popular Ufaa by Jereme Leung restaurant where both teams will work alongside each other in creating an unparalleled dining experience, blending innovative culinary techniques with the freshest ingredients.

The specially curated set menu for the pop-up event features a selection of dishes meticulously designed to highlight the majestic mud crabs and giant freshwater prawns of Sri Lanka. Guests can look forward to starting with a creamy Crab Liver Pâté, followed by an Avocado Crab Salad, and moving on to the main courses including the famed Pepper Crab and Garlic Chili Prawn. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with sides that complement and enhance the main ingredient. The experience culminates with a Coconut Crème Brûlée, offering a sweet end to the gastronomic adventure.

Founded in 2011 by the celebrated Chef Dharshan Munidasa, along with cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, Ministry of Crab has been a culinary beacon in Sri Lanka, known for its commitment to the highest quality ingredients and a bold no-freezer policy. Its flagship restaurant in Colombo has been recognized among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for eight consecutive years, underscoring its dedication to culinary excellence.

This unique pop-up event marks a celebration of exceptional culinary craftsmanship and the shared values of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Ministry of Crab in delivering memorable dining experiences. An exclusive culinary journey, blending the art of cooking with the natural beauty of the resort and its renowned thoughtful service from the heart.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

For reservations and more information, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email MLEHI.Experiences@conradmaldives.com.

Continue Reading

Drink

Savouring paradise: Taste of Mediterranean cuisine at Kuramathi’s Palm

Published

on

Indulge in exquisite culinary delights at Palm, the ultimate all-day destination at Kuramathi Maldives. From 11am to 10:30pm, guests can enjoy a variety of sensational Mediterranean creations amidst a serene al fresco dining ambiance.

Palm is tailored to suit both lunch and dinner preferences, ensuring that every member of the family is catered to. For those seeking a light lunch, Palm offers island-grown salads, antipasti, pastas, pizzas and homemade ice cream – perfect for a refreshing treat after a day at the beach. Palm takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally, with salads featuring produce from the hydroponic garden at Kuramathi, including the renowned Kuramathi Garden Salad.

For an unforgettable dinner experience, Palm offers a hearty feast of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you crave the freshest seafood, succulent meats, or indulgent pasta dishes, Palm has you covered. Enjoy an intimate dinner under the stars with a selection of fish & crustacean, meat & poultry, and a variety of pasta options. Amidst the dinner menu’s offerings, some of the special highlights include Octopus Carpaccio, Scallop with garlic and rocket, Maldivian Yellow Fin Tuna, Lamb Rump, and the iconic Pizza Kuramathi Special.

Surrounded by the serene beauty of the island, diners are treated to a feast for the senses, where every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion for food. Whether you’re gathering for a leisurely lunch with family or an intimate dinner under the stars, Palm promises to indulge your senses and create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.