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Fushifaru Maldives appoints Francesco Cavarretta as Food and Beverage Director

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Fushifaru Maldives has appointed Francesco Cavarretta as its Director of Food and Beverage.

In his new position, Francesco will oversee the food and beverage operations, private dining and create curated dining experiences for all guests. He will introduce a new Italian dining concept and revamp the menu to keep traditional methods of cooking combined with fresh seafood from the sea, good quality produce and most importantly maintaining the balance of good taste and flavour.

“Following the Italian tradition of keeping things fresh and simple, guests will also be able to explore and taste traditional Divehi cuisine during their stay,” Francesco was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Francesco is an experienced chef with over 20 years of culinary experience in the food and beverage industry.

Born in the charming fishing hamlet of Pizzo, Calabria in 1975, Francesco’s journey started in 1998 when he left his hometown in search of an opportunity as a chef where he would be able to share his love of cooking after learning the traditional art of Italian home-cooking from his grandmother. Francesco honed his skills in the kitchen under Chef Alfredo Prostamo at Il Vicolo where he first became a Commis Chef.

Following his passion for food, he moved to the Canary Islands in Tenerife where he was given the opportunity to manage his kitchen and learn the basics of Spanish cuisine with tapas, paella and grilling fresh seafood. His next adventure took him to Livorno, Italy where he moved up the ranks to become the Head Chef and appeared on national television on ‘Taste of Channel 5’ to showcase his original Italian recipes.

Francesco’s yearn for international experience led him to Dubai and most recently to Phuket where he spearheaded major advancements both in and out of the kitchen as F&B Manager/Executive Chef and as a hotel owner.

“We are delighted to welcome Francesco to Fushifaru Maldives,” Ahmed Siaar, General Manager Fushifaru Maldives, said.

“His knowledge in the kitchen combined with his hands-on approach will allow him to satisfy our guests’ palates and offer unique dining experiences throughout the island.”

Only a 35-minute breathtaking seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport, Fushifaru Maldives is nestled between a national Marine Protected Area and three of the Maldives’ most iconic dive sites. Fushifaru Maldives is a with an endless promise of adventure, excitement, discovery and serenity all in one diverse landscape.

Merging quintessential Maldivian design with modern aesthetics, this boutique Maldivian chic resort’s 49 beach and water villas exude a sense of cosines yet luxurious in space and amenities. Each of the villas feature open-air bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, private verandas with dining areas and breath-taking views of the surrounding area – some villas feature private plunge pools.

Dining experiences focus on regional and international flavours to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Scrumptious breakfast buffets and palate pleasing international cuisine are offered at Korakali while flavourful Asian delicacies and mouth-watering varieties of freshly caught seafood can be savoured at Raakani. Signature cocktails and detoxtails are complemented by the best sunset views on island whilst lounging by the pool at Fanihandhi. A range of international dishes and snacks can be served straight to the privacy of your villa, 24 hours.

Heylhi Spa has five treatment rooms or sanctuaries that embody the spirit of rejuvenation; a concept inspired by the Cleaner Wrasse fish found commonly throughout the island’s reef. Designed with lush, green surroundings, the spa echoes its name Heylhi, which in Dhivehi refers to jungle-like vegetation found at the shoreline. Each treatment room resembles traditional Maldivian cottages, complete with outdoor garden bathrooms.

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IREKS and BBM collaborate to inspire resort chefs in Maldives

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IREKS, a leading provider of premium baking ingredients and malts, has partnered with Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) to launch an exclusive series of baking demonstrations at some of the Maldives’ top resorts. Led by acclaimed IREKS master baker Chef Steven, this initiative aims to enhance the culinary skills of resort chefs and improve the overall dining experience across the islands. This collaboration reflects IREKS’ commitment to innovation and BBM’s dedication to enhancing the Maldivian tourism industry.

With a history of over 160 years, IREKS serves clients in more than 90 countries, offering a wide range of high-quality products, including artisanal bread mixes, gourmet confectionery mixes, as well as gluten-free and vegan ingredients. The baking demonstrations, organised in partnership with BBM—Maldives’ foremost supplier of premium food products—focus on the diverse and versatile offerings of IREKS, celebrated for their exceptional quality.

From September 21 to October 2, 2024, Chef Steven will visit luxury resorts across Kaafu, Dhaalu, Baa, Gaafu Alifu, and South Ari Atolls, showcasing advanced techniques using IREKS products. His sessions will feature innovative recipes, including artisanal breads, gourmet pastries, and specialty items designed to meet contemporary dietary preferences. Particular attention will be given to gluten-free and vegan baking, which is increasingly popular among health-conscious travellers. Chef Steven will also cover the important topic of preventing cross-contamination, equipping resort chefs with the skills needed to accommodate guests with specific dietary requirements.

“Our collaboration with IREKS enables us to introduce the finest baking ingredients to the Maldives,” stated Mr. A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, COO of BBM. “This initiative not only raises culinary standards in our resorts but also ensures that we cater to health-conscious guests looking for luxurious experiences. Chef Steven’s expertise is crucial in helping our chefs enhance their skills and creativity, allowing the Maldives to maintain its status as a premier global culinary destination.”

The well-received demonstrations provide hands-on training and inspiration for chefs, empowering them to create luxurious, imaginative, and health-conscious desserts and baked goods. With an increasing demand for vegan and gluten-free options in luxury dining, IREKS’ extensive product range offers an ideal solution, enabling Maldivian resorts to serve a broader clientele while upholding the high standards of resort cuisine.

Through this collaboration, BBM and IREKS aim to consistently deliver top-quality products and expertise, ensuring that the Maldives remains a leader in global luxury tourism, renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its exceptional culinary experiences.

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Michelin-Starred Chef Noom brings Thai culinary mastery to Anantara Kihavah

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This October, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is set to host an extraordinary culinary event, featuring Michelin-starred Chef Noom, known for his innovative approach to Thai cuisine. Guests will have the unique opportunity to experience Chef Noom’s masterful creations during a series of exclusive dinners at the resort’s renowned SPICE restaurant.

Chef Noom, formally known as Thaninthorn Chantrawan, is celebrated for his exceptional talent and culinary achievements, having consistently earned a Michelin star for his Bangkok-based restaurant, Chim by Siam Wisdom. With a background that spans some of London’s most prestigious dining establishments—such as Zuma, Roka, and Sketch—Chef Noom has developed a unique blend of traditional Thai flavours with modern techniques, influenced by his training in European and molecular gastronomy.

After returning to Thailand, Chef Noom delved into the rich heritage of Royal Thai cuisine, elevating classic dishes to new heights. At Chim by Siam Wisdom, housed in a century-old traditional Thai home, Chef Noom has revived historical recipes with a contemporary twist, using the finest local ingredients to craft unforgettable dining experiences. His signature creation, Tom Yum Plachon Bo-Larn, offers a modern interpretation of the 19th-century tom yum soup, featuring tender snakehead fish in a spicy red broth enriched with smoky homemade chili jam. From 2018 to 2023, Chim by Siam Wisdom has maintained its prestigious Michelin star, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.

Known for his appearances on “Iron Chef Thailand” and his dedication to combining time-honored techniques with contemporary flair, Chef Noom has firmly established himself as one of Thailand’s premier chefs.

From October 10th to 12th, 2024, Chef Noom will bring his culinary artistry to Anantara Kihavah’s SPICE restaurant, offering guests a rare opportunity to savour his signature style in the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives. Over three nights, diners can indulge in an exclusive multi-course menu that showcases the best of Thai cuisine, blending tradition with modern innovation.

In addition to these exclusive dinners, Chef Noom will host an interactive cooking class, providing participants with the chance to learn the secrets behind his most celebrated dishes. This hands-on session will offer a deep dive into the art of Thai cooking, making it a must-attend event for culinary enthusiasts eager to refine their skills and gain insight into the complexities of Thai flavours under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef.

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Swiss culinary virtuoso Chef Rolf Fliegauf joins The Ritz-Carlton Maldives for a masterful dining experience

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is set to elevate its “Masters of Crafts” series by welcoming one of Switzerland’s most celebrated chefs for a limited-time event. Chef Rolf Fliegauf, Founder and Executive Chef of the renowned Ecco restaurants, will take over the resort’s Beach Shack for two unforgettable nights, presenting his unique creations infused with a Maldivian twist. This exclusive residency is part of the resort’s commitment to curating transformative experiences with the world’s leading talents in food and drink, wellness, adventure, and environmental innovation.

With six Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points to his name, the German-born Chef Fliegauf is a pioneer in modern European cuisine. Known for being Europe’s youngest two-star Michelin chef, he oversees the kitchens of Ecco Ascona and Ecco St. Moritz, located in Switzerland’s prestigious Hotel Giardino Ascona and Hotel Giardino Mountain, respectively. Bringing his exceptional culinary expertise to the Indian Ocean, Chef Fliegauf will showcase a refined tasting menu celebrating his signature ‘purist-aroma’ style, which focuses on preserving the original essence of each ingredient, delivering a sensory journey in every bite.

This exclusive dining event will see haute cuisine at its finest, with Chef Fliegauf’s hallmark dishes reimagined with regional influences and Asian inspirations. His creations will include signature items like lobster with citrus, featuring local Maldivian lobster paired with XO sauce, yuzu, and pumpkin, as well as his famed pre-dessert, ‘Coconut and Caviar,’ which combines the lush flavours of coconut with the savoury notes of caviar and the herbal accents of olive oil. Guests will also be treated to a diverse selection of dishes, including ‘Yellowfin Tuna’ with jalapeno and finger limes, ‘Hokkaido Scallop’ with quinoa, sauerkraut, and bacon, and ‘Japanese Wagyu Beef’ accompanied by beetroot, crispy buckwheat, and truffle.

For this special occasion, Chef Fliegauf will be joined by his exceptional team from Ecco, including his wife and General Manager, Jenifer Fliegauf, and Junior Sous Chef Sebastian Krawanja. They will collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ newly appointed Executive Chef, Pedro Samper, to create a remarkable convergence of culinary philosophies.

Expressing his excitement for the event, Chef Fliegauf shared, “I am thrilled to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and to work alongside their talented team. I draw immense inspiration from my travels and hope to inspire those around me in return. Most importantly, I look forward to delighting the resort’s guests and adding unexpected elements to their dining experience.”

Chef Fliegauf added, “Bringing my team along makes this experience even more special. My wife Jennifer is an integral part of Ecco’s identity, connecting us with our colleagues and guests. We’re excited to share this dynamic with the Maldivian paradise.”

From the picturesque, mountain-framed shores of Ascona to the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, the stunning design of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands provides a fitting setting for a culinary adventure like no other. The two-night residency will be hosted at the resort’s Beach Shack restaurant, where guests can savour these exquisite creations against the backdrop of white sands and endless ocean views.

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