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Maldives chefs recognised as ‘Most Promising Talent’ at Asian Pastry Cup 2018
A three-member team from the Maldives has been recognised as the “Most Promising Talent” at the Asian Pastry Cup 2018.
In a first for the Maldives culinary industry, Chef Aminath Hameed from Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Chef Ibrahim Fareed from Soneva Fushi and Chef Indra Kumar Limbu from Hulhulé Island Hotel (HIH) participated in the event, held from April 24 to 25 at the Singapore Expo during Food and Hotel Asia 2018.
Their participation was sponsored by leading resort supplier Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) and Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (MECS).
“Congratulations to our chefs who recently participated in the Asian Pastry Cup 2018 and were named the Most Promising Talent after competing with over 12 countries. We are delighted regarding this achievement and will keep on supporting the promising Maldivian Culinary Industry,” Mohamed Mazloom, Director at CEO of BBM, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
The Maldives team competed alongside Asian culinary giants like Australia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, China, India, Taiwan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Syria in an eight-hour-long competition, which saw the preparation and presentation of a chocolate showpiece, a sugar showpiece, 18 plated desserts and two chocolate pastries by each team.
The chefs from Maldives were awarded the Most Promising Talent award by a jury comprising the likes of Gabriel Paillasson, President D’honneur of World Pastry Cup; Philippe Rigollot, World Champion and International President at World Pastry Cup; and Jean-Francois Arnaud, Asia President at World Pastry Cup.
“We are extremely proud to be in partnership with BBM to allow the talented chefs in the Maldives to participate in the Asian Pastry Cup 2018. It truly was a delight to witness our Chefs receive the ‘Most Promising Talent’ at such a renowned competition,” Husnie Rauf, General Manager of MECS, said.
The Asian Pastry Cup is a competition held in the same format as World Pastry Cup, one of the most prestigious culinary competitions for pastry chefs. Each team consists of three individuals – two of which will create the showpieces, chocolate cakes and plated desserts, and a jury member who will be part of the judging, which is led by the founder of the World Pastry Cup Gabriel Paillasson.
Associated with the “Club Coupe du Monde”, the Asian Pastry Cup is the official selective platform in Asia to the World Pastry Cup in Lyon. The Asian Pastry Cup aims to:
- Ignite creativity and interest in culinary art,
- Raise the status of the pastry industry in the region,
- Provide a platform for communication and education for pastry enthusiasts in Asia; and,
- Promote the best Asian Pastry Chef of the year from the region.
BBM together with MECS, the organisers of the the annual Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, believe in invigorating the skills of the local chefs and improving the Maldivian culinary industry, and have taken this initiative to sponsor the team at the Asian Pastry Cup for the very first time. Apart from this, they have sponsored local chefs to various other competitions in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.
BBM and MECS also take a very keen interest to impart knowledge, skills and latest techniques to the chefs in the island nation, and has conducted a series of Masterclass Workshops of the topmost figures in the global culinary industry such as award-winning Michelin-starred chefs, Bocuse d’Or winners, Culinary Olympic Champions and professors in gastronomy just to name a few.
A special training programme was recently conducted at the Hulhulé Island Hotel from March 9 to 12 by award-winning Pastry Chef Leslie Teong and world-renowned Chef Alan Palmer. The four-day training camp exposed Maldivian chefs to the latest techniques and methods of pastry.
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A fusion of flavours: Michelin-star chef hosts exclusive masterclass and dining experience at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI
Prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience as Michelin-starred chef Maxime Gilbert, renowned for his innovative fusion of global cuisines, makes his eagerly awaited debut at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from October 4th to 6th, 2024. Chef Maxime will captivate guests with a series of exclusive fine dining events, showcasing a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by his extensive culinary explorations across France, Hong Kong, Japan, Morocco, and the USA.
Set amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers a luxurious haven for those seeking exceptional dining experiences. The resort boasts a variety of bespoke culinary offerings, featuring specialty restaurants and bars that promise unmatched indulgence. At the elegant overwater restaurant ORIGINƎ, guests will embark on a refined dining journey, savouring exquisitely prepared dishes paired with premium wines and champagnes from renowned vineyards—highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Adding to the exclusive dining events, Chef Maxime will also host a specialised cooking masterclass. This rare opportunity provides guests with the chance to interact directly with the celebrated chef, gaining unique insights into the art of fine dining and enhancing their stay with unforgettable culinary memories.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Maxime Gilbert for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. His global expertise and creative approach to cooking promise an exceptional exploration of flavours and techniques. This exclusive experience reflects our dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and culinary mastery,” said Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food and Beverage.
Chef Maxime brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive culinary vision to the island, ensuring guests an extraordinary dining adventure. With a background in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, he will present a menu that skill-fully blends traditional techniques with innovative flair. Guests can expect dishes that balance simplicity with sophistication, crafted from the finest ingredients sourced globally, resulting in flavours that are bold yet refined.
At ORIGINƎ, diners will be treated to a series of curated dishes that tell a story—each plate a fusion of Chef Maxime’s unique culinary style and his passion for exceptional flavours. Every course promises to delight the senses, offering a true taste of global culinary artistry that only he can deliver. Guests staying on the resort’s signature RESERVE™ plan will have the privilege of enjoying these activities at no additional cost.
This October and November, THE OZEN COLLECTION, celebrated for its top-tier dining experiences, will also host exclusive wine and champagne events across its luxurious private islands, adding to the allure of these unforgettable culinary celebrations.
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Discover JA Manafaru’s revamped White Orchid Menu: a blend of modern Japanese Cuisine and sustainability
JA Manafaru is thrilled to announce the launch of its refreshed menus at White Orchid Restaurant, beginning September 10th. This revamped dining experience is set to combine modern Japanese cuisine with a firm commitment to sustainability.
The updated menu boasts standout dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices:
For entrées, guests can indulge in the Reef Octopus, prepared with ginger, scallion, lemon, soy, mirin salmon roe, chili crisps, sesame, and microgreens freshly harvested from the on-site garden. This farm-to-table approach minimises environmental impact and supports local food practices.
The mains feature the Yellowfin Tuna Steak, accompanied by roasted tuna jus, lemon, teppan-fried onion, broccolini, and a crisp myoga salad. The tuna is freshly caught by local fishermen, ensuring top quality and promoting sustainable seafood practices while supporting the local fishing community.
White Orchid Restaurant’s new menu highlights its commitment to eco-friendly dining. By using homegrown ingredients and collaborating with local fishermen, the restaurant aims to reduce its carbon footprint and source seafood responsibly. Additionally, an Edible Flower Garden has been introduced to enhance the garden-to-table concept with fresh, healthy garnishes.
The restaurant is also unveiling the “Wellness Your Way” menu, which is tailored to various dietary needs. This menu provides delicious and nutritious options for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or anyone seeking healthier choices, aligning with the holistic approach to well-being.
Executive Chef Moosa comments, “The updated menu at White Orchid Restaurant reflects our commitment to modern Japanese cuisine and sustainable dining. We have focused on incorporating fresh, local ingredients like garden microgreens and locally caught tuna to enhance flavor while supporting our community and environment. Each dish is designed to offer a memorable dining experience that celebrates innovation.”
General Manager Jason Kruse adds, “White Orchid’s new menu exemplifies our dedication to excellence and sustainability. By merging modern Japanese cuisine with environmentally conscious practices and offering options for gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests, we are elevating the dining experience in the Maldives. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to this fresh and responsible culinary journey.”
Guests are invited to join on September 10th, 2024, to experience this innovative dining offering and discover why White Orchid is a distinguished destination in the Maldives for both exceptional quality and sustainability.
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Exclusive pop-up culinary experience at Mirihi Island Resort with Michelin-starred Chef Thierry Drapeau
Mirihi Island Resort, renowned for its intimate luxury and stunning natural surroundings, has announced a special culinary event this October. On the 22nd and 23rd, the resort’s award-winning Muraka restaurant will host a one-of-a-kind pop-up dining experience featuring Chef Thierry Drapeau from the Michelin-starred Signature Bangkok.
Chef Thierry Drapeau, celebrated for his refined and expressive “Cuisine of the Soil,” will collaborate with Muraka’s talented culinary team to create a unique 5-course menu. This gastronomic event promises to blend local Maldivian ingredients with an international twist, showcasing the art of fine dining in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.
Guests of Mirihi will have the rare opportunity to witness Chef Thierry’s epicurean craftsmanship firsthand as he brings his renowned culinary philosophy to the Maldives. Drawing from his roots in France’s Loire Valley and his experience leading the 2-Michelin star Logis de la Chabotterie, Chef Thierry’s dishes are known for their lightness, expressiveness, and intricate flavors.
Muraka restaurant, perched elegantly over the lagoon, offers a fitting backdrop for this exclusive event. With panoramic ocean views and an abundance of marine life visible on the reef below, Muraka embodies the formality and sophistication of French Michelin-star dining. The restaurant’s award-winning wine list, featuring selections from both the Old and New World, and its exclusive range of fine champagnes, will perfectly complement Chef Thierry’s menu, elevating this dining experience to new heights.
Originally hailing from Nantes in France’s Loire Valley, Chef Thierry Drapeau has built an illustrious career marked by his dedication to the “Cuisine of the Soil” – a culinary approach that emphasises the connection between the land, the sea, and the plate. His passion for sourcing the finest ingredients and his ability to create complex yet harmonious flavours have earned him international acclaim. Prior to his current role at Signature Bangkok, Chef Thierry led the prestigious Logis de la Chabotterie in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon, maintaining its 2-Michelin star status for nine consecutive years. After 15 years of perfecting his craft in France, Chef Thierry sought new challenges in Asia, where he continues to make a significant impact on the culinary scene.
This exclusive pop-up event is an extraordinary opportunity for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs to indulge in a Michelin-starred dining experience in the heart of the Maldives. Reservations are highly recommended, as space is limited.
For more information and reservations, please contact Mirihi Island Resort at reservation@mirihi.com
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