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BBM, MECS to host cooking masterclass ahead of Hotel Asia 2018

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Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) together with Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (MECS) has announced plans to host the sixth Masterclass and Barista workshop ahead of Hotel Asia 2o18.

The Masterclass and Barista workshop, which will be held on Thursday, will be conducted by Chef Garth Shnier, Complex Executive Chef of Sun International, and Chef Ronald Prasanto, Executive Chef of Arrack and Spice.

Throughout his career, Chef Garth Shnier has been involved in training chefs and uplifting standards in the industry, aligning South Africa to global culinary standards, both in the workplace with his staff and in training the members of South Africa’s National Culinary Team. He has always believed in a philosophy of skills transfer and knowledge-sharing, and has been fortunate to share the expertise he has gained by participating in international competitions over the years with many young chefs, the majority of whom have gone on to positions such as executive chefs.

During the Masterclass and Barista workshop, Chef Shnier will take the participants through the process of preparing for an international competition; from psychologically preparing oneself to how to plate your dish.

Chef Ronald Prasanto’s work has been acknowledged by many, including legendary molecular gastronomist Ferran Adria. The story began when he became a judge for a barista championship. The interest to spice up coffee art led him to learn about molecular gastronomy and how he could apply it to coffee specifically.

At the Masterclass and Barista workshop, Chef Ronald Prasanto will be introducing molecular gastronomy technique as another way of creating desserts. This technique uses scientific application to create fresh desserts made to order. One example of the application is called instant freezing, which uses liquid nitrogen. He will also share his experience on molecular gastronomy, which is still a new trend across Asia and one of the fastest growing culinary experiences in the world.

Chef Alan Palmer, Project Director and Chief Judge for the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge, stressed the importance of hosting such special classes. He also expressed his desire to hold such cooking classes quite regularly for Maldivian chefs in order to dispense useful information and cooking techniques and trends.

Mohamed Mazloom, Director and CEO of BBM, said: “We at BBM truly believe that with the right training and knowledge, the chefs local to Maldives could reach the highest pinnacle of the Global Culinary Industry. Hence, we have introduced Masterclass, where we bring world-class chefs to educate and introduce the intricate innovations of the culinary world to the Maldivian Chefs. This is the 6th year of Masterclass and each year we see more and more talented chefs participating to learn and achieve the best in their respected fields.”

In the Masterclass, Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge 2018 will also be launched.

The annual challenge, which will take place September 9-12, consists of 23 individual and team competitions: Dress the Cake, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Artistic Showpiece, Novelty Cake, Bread and Pastry Display, Desserts (Display), Tapas Finger Food, Hot Cooking Fish Fillet, Hot Cooking Beef, Hot Cooking Seafood, Hot Cooking Poultry, Hot Cooking Lamb, Desserts, Hot Pasta Appetiser, Creative Asian Dish, Creative Sandwich, Team Challenge, Maldivian Dish, The Perfect Steak and Omelette, Young Chef, Tea Challenge, Iced Mocktails and Barista Championship.

In addition, there will be five main awards: Most Outstanding Chef, Most Outstanding Pastry Chef, Top Maldivian Chef, Best Culinary Establishment – “Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy”, and Judges Special Awards.

MECS and BBM, which is the main sponsor of Hotel Asia, believe in infusing knowledge to the hospitality industry, especially in the F&B sector. Both joins hands time-to-time to conduct training programmes on various fields related to the hospitality industry in Maldives.

Apart from organising Masterclasses, BBM and MECS also sponsor chefs to travel abroad for training and to take part in competitions in order to enhance the industry to be in line with the best in the world. Past winners of Hotel Asia have been accommodated to take part in various competitions in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, and have emerged winners in those respective events.

This year, three Maldivian pastry will participate in the Asian Pastry Cup 2018, which is scheduled to be held on April 24 and 24 in Singapore.

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Local tastes take centre stage as Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour arrives in Maldives

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Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.

Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.

This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.

“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.

Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.

“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.

The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.

Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.

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Intercontinental Maldives announces Tom Aikens as culinary star of 2025 festive season

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced a festive season residency by one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary talents — Chef Tom Aikens — who will bring his signature two-Michelin-starred brilliance to the Indian Ocean from 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026.

This exclusive collaboration marks a milestone for the luxury resort as it continues to elevate its gastronomic credentials with globally renowned talent. Supported by the expert team of chefs at the resort, Tom Aikens will take over The Lighthouse, InterContinental Maldives’ signature and iconic overwater restaurant, for a series of fine-dining experiences curated especially for the festive season, alongside masterclasses and a once-in-a-lifetime private yacht dining event.

The guest programme, available to all guests booking for this festive season, includes:

  • 28 & 29 December – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse crafted by Chef Aikens, showcasing his devotion to seasonality and modern European finesse
  • 29 December – Interactive Cooking Class at The Collective where guests can join Tom for an exclusive hands-on session to learn professional techniques and prepare one of his signature dishes
  • 1 January – Private Yacht Dining Experience available for two guests to welcome the New Year in unforgettable style with an intimate dinner hosted by Tom on the resort’s private yacht, featuring specially curated menus beneath the stars
  • 2 & 3 January – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse – a brand-new selection for returning guests and new diners
  • 6 January – Island-style Buffet Dinner at Café Umi with Live Stations featuring a special dish created and presented by Tom for the occasion

When asked about the residency, Tom Aikens said: “I am excited to be partnering with InterContinental Maldives for what promises to be one of my most exciting collaborations to date and can’t wait to share some of my signature dishes with guests.

“It’s so important to me that both the staff and guests receive just as much out of this experience as I will. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team there, teaching them new techniques and sharing my preparation methods.

“Cooking and working in such a breathtaking, idyllic Maldivian setting is always going to be an incredible experience, and I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable trip.”

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Michelin-Star magic: Chef Igles Corelli to host exclusive culinary week at Lily Beach Resort

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announce an exclusive culinary collaboration with renowned Italian chef and Gambero Rosso TV personality, Michelin-Star Chef Igles Corelli. This special event will take place from 11th to 18th August 2025, bringing Corelli’s award-winning expertise and distinctive culinary philosophy to the Maldives for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Chef Igles Corelli rose to national and international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as the head chef of the legendary Il Trigabolo in Ferrara, where he earned two Michelin stars and played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of Italian cuisine. He later founded La Locanda della Tamerice, which earned another Michelin star, and served as executive chef of Atman, further solidifying his reputation for innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

In 2012, Chef Corelli introduced the concept of Circular Cooking on the Gambero Rosso Channel—a zero-waste culinary philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Lily Beach’s commitment to mindful, ingredient-focused cuisine.

Lily Beach is internationally celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, five-star hospitality, and world-class dining experiences. With a wide array of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something to please every palate—from refined à la carte dinners and vibrant live cooking stations to fresh, global cuisine served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Culinary highlights include gourmet international buffets at Lily Maa and signature overwater Asian fusion at Tamarind, each meal elevated by breathtaking ocean views and genuine Maldivian warmth.

During his stay, Chef Corelli will conduct a full-day training session with the resort’s in-house culinary team, culminating in a one-night-only Signature Dinner for guests. In addition, he will curate a daily ‘Dish of the Day’ featured on AQVA Restaurant’s lunch menu throughout the week.

This collaboration reflects Lily Beach’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences. Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the artistry of a chef who has shaped the course of Italian cuisine and inspired generations of culinary professionals.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, this culinary event promises a week of elevated dining, innovation, and unforgettable flavours.

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