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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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Jumeirah Olhahali Island partners with L’Olivo for Mediterranean gastronomic journey

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From December 29, 2024, to January 2, 2025, Jumeirah Olhahali Island will host an exclusive chef pop-up at Shimmers, its all-day Greek and Mediterranean beachside restaurant. Presented in collaboration with Jumeirah Capri Palace’s renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Olivo, this limited-time event will feature the vibrant flavours of Italy, set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.

The event will welcome Chef Salvatore Elefante, Executive Chef of Jumeirah Capri Palace, to lead this culinary experience. Hailing from Gragnano, Naples—a region famous for its pasta—Chef Elefante brings a modern and innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, blending authentic flavours with a contemporary flair. With an impressive career that includes roles at prestigious establishments such as De Russie in Rome and Hotel Rome in Berlin, Chef Elefante has been an integral part of Capri Palace’s culinary excellence since 2007. As the leader of the two-Michelin-starred L’Olivo, under the direction of Executive Culinary Chef Andrea Migliaccio, he also oversees Jumeirah Capri Palace’s other celebrated dining venues, Il Riccio and a-Ma-Re Capri.

“This collaboration allows us to extend our passion for Mediterranean cuisine to the stunning setting of Jumeirah Olhahali Island,” remarked Chef Andrea Migliaccio.

Chef Nonky Tri Wahyuni, Executive Chef at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Chef Salvatore for this unique celebration of flavours. His ability to combine heritage and creativity aligns beautifully with our vision to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests.”

The exclusive menu will offer a culinary journey beginning with a starter of delicate scampi, accompanied by zucchini, Colonnata lard, currants, and citrus fruits. This will be followed by tagliolini with red prawns, burrata cheese, sea asparagus, and oyster leaf. The main course will feature a signature lobster prepared ‘Caprese style,’ with tomatoes, marinated spring onions, rocket, and lemon-scented mayonnaise. The meal will conclude with a decadent dessert of wild berries, rice, cherries, raspberry confit, and almond cream. The experience is priced at USD 275 per guest or USD 400 with wine pairings, offering a luxurious festive indulgence.

This Michelin-starred pop-up is part of Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s broader festive program, which includes a curated three-week series of events designed to capture the island’s spirit and the warmth of the holiday season. Activities range from tree lighting ceremonies to bespoke gala dinners, aiming to enhance and elevate each guest’s holiday experience.

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Dusit Thani Maldives launches SALA, plant-powered dining experience

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Dusit Thani Maldives is enhancing its culinary offerings with the launch of SALA, a plant-based restaurant that showcases nutrient-rich dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s organic gardens.

SALA is led by Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde, whose career spans Michelin-starred establishments in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as boutique health retreats in Ibiza. The restaurant offers a refined ‘plant-powered’ dining experience inspired by Chef Jan’s passion for organic, healthy cuisine and his expertise in blending European and Asian flavours with a focus on holistic well-being.

Chef Jan credits his time in Ibiza from 2020 to 2022 as the inspiration for SALA. During that period, he embraced plant-based cuisine and experienced its transformative impact on his health. According to Chef Jan, this way of cooking and eating revitalised his mind and body, leaving him feeling stronger, healthier, and more energised. He is now bringing this philosophy to Dusit Thani Maldives, offering guests flavourful dishes designed to nourish both the body and soul.

Aligned with Dusit’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which prioritises environmental preservation and community well-being, SALA adopts a ‘seed-to-plate’ approach. This philosophy underscores the resort’s commitment to achieving harmony between luxury and sustainability.

The menu at SALA features standout dishes such as Grilled King Oyster Mushroom served with pea puree and Creamy Mushroom Soup enhanced with white truffle oil. For a refreshing dessert, the Coconut Sorbet—crafted with locally sourced coconuts and seasonal berries—provides a health-conscious indulgence. Complementing the food are innovative beverages like the Kombucha Mojito and the Pineapple & Ginger Kefir, offering guests wellness-focused refreshment with probiotic and nutrient-rich ingredients.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, emphasised the significance of SALA as part of the resort’s commitment to promoting sustainable, healthy living while delivering a world-class dining experience. Ripoche expressed confidence that the restaurant’s thoughtful menu and picturesque location would resonate with health-conscious travellers seeking transformative culinary experiences.

Located on the second floor of a Thai-style pavilion overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll, SALA combines Dusit’s renowned hospitality with an idyllic setting, creating the perfect environment for mindful dining, whether during a relaxed afternoon or an enchanting evening.

In celebration of SALA’s opening, Dusit Thani Maldives is offering the ‘Plant and Pamper Retreat’, a curated wellness experience that blends gastronomy, relaxation, and mindful living.

Available for direct bookings until March 31, 2025, with stays extending to October 31, 2025, the retreat includes daily breakfast at The Market Restaurant, lunch and dinner at SALA, a private yoga session, a 60-minute massage for two, and additional exclusive benefits.

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Island-inspired plant-based delights await this January at Nova Maldives

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Each year, the number of people participating in Dry January continues to grow, with more individuals embracing this alcohol-free movement. Similarly, Veganuary is expected to reach new heights in 2025, surpassing the 25 million participants who took part this year, marking it as a record-breaking year for exploring plant-based foods.

Nova Maldives invites guests to celebrate Dry January and Veganuary 2025 with a variety of plant-based and alcohol-free offerings. These culinary experiences are designed to embody the wellness-focused and island-inspired lifestyle that Nova champions.

Throughout January, Nova’s expert mixologists will host interactive cocktail-making classes, providing guests with an opportunity to refine their skills while enjoying the resort’s tranquil surroundings.

Dining options during this special month include vibrant creations at Soul Kitchen and refreshing mocktails at Wink Bar. Featured dishes include the Maldivian Coconut & Vegetable Curry and Kopee Faiy Salad, both crafted from sustainably sourced local ingredients for an authentic taste of Maldivian culture. Among the alcohol-free beverages are the tropical Solis Sunset Cooler, inspired by the sunsets over South Ari Atoll, and the Cucumber Basil Fizz, a refreshing blend of basil and cucumber flavours.

For those wishing to recreate these dishes and drinks at home, Nova provides full recipes, encouraging culinary exploration inspired by island cuisine.

Featured Recipes:

  • Maldivian Coconut and Vegetable Curry (Tharukaaree Riha): This traditional Maldivian dish combines fresh vegetables with creamy coconut milk for a hearty, plant-based meal. The recipe highlights local ingredients and supports sustainable farming practices.
  • Kopee Faiy Salad (Kopi Fai): A refreshing side dish made with Kopee Faiy leaves, grated coconut, lime juice, and salt. Simple to prepare, this salad is a burst of freshness and complements any meal perfectly.
  • Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stack with Herb Pesto: Enhanced with crispy slices of fried breadfruit, this dish combines the savoury flavours of grilled vegetables with a homemade herb pesto, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.

Signature Mocktails:

  • Solis Sunset Cooler: A tropical blend of passion fruit juice, lime, and coconut water, topped with soda for a refreshing finish.
  • Cucumber Basil Fizz: A vibrant mix of fresh cucumber and lemon juices with basil syrup, creating an invigorating beverage.

General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru emphasises Nova’s commitment to showcasing authentic Maldivian cuisine, “At Nova, we’re passionate about presenting dishes rich in fresh, plant-based ingredients. With the growing global trend toward mindful eating and health-conscious choices, our new recipes not only highlight local produce such as coconuts, spices, and tropical fruits but also cater to those seeking sustainable and nourishing dining options.”

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