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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa teams-up with culinary visionary chef Hari Nayak for a year-long gastronomic journey

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In a sublime union of culinary craftsmanship, the iconic Baraabaru restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is set to embark on a year-long gastronomic journey with Chef Hari Nayak, the celebrated master of modern Indian cuisine. From October 5 to 10, 2023, Baraabaru will host its first visit from the visionary chef, restaurateur, author and culinary consultant with further week-long residency visits scheduled for spring and summer 2024.

Blending the freshest Maldivian produce with global influences, Chef Nayak will bring his signature artful interpretation of contemporary Indian gastronomy to the award-winning Baraabaru – named one of CNN Travel’s top ten “Maldives’ Finest Tables” – complementing its 25-year reputation as the Maldives’ leading Indian restaurant.

“Our partnership is more than a marriage of ingredients and creativity; it’s an alignment of philosophies and aspirations,” comments Didier Jardin, General Manager of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. “Uniting our shared passion for exquisite flavours and soulful, sustainably crafted cuisine, this collaboration takes our guests even deeper into the rich cultural and culinary heritage of both the Indian subcontinent and the Maldives.”

A Tapestry Woven from Indian Heritage and Maldivian Bounty

Author of six books and recognised as one of the foremost Indian chefs in North America and now Asia and the Middle East, Chef Nayak has carved an extraordinary career that has taken him from Manipal, India to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York and on to honing a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine that has captivated international audiences.

Having broadened his expertise under the mentorship of world-renowned chefs, Chef Nayak is the founding chef of acclaimed restaurant Sona in New York and the chef-owner of JHOL, a Michelin-rated coastal Indian restaurant in Bangkok. He also has his own line of retail food products under the Cafe Spice brand and works as a chef patron and consultant for several hospitality groups around the globe.

Two Hearts, One Kitchen

While Chef Hari’s presence will be a seasonal delight at Baraabaru, his influence will permeate the restaurant’s offerings year-round via an inspiring set dinner menu that is available nightly. Delivered under the expert guidance of Baraabaru’s Head Chef Kishan Singh – renowned for his passion for “the natural flavours of the food” and his focus on fresh, authentic dishes – the two complementary menus will exist as a harmonious culinary symphony: two parts of the same mutual values, dreams and vision of Chef Nayak and Baraabaru’s culinary artisans.

This shared vision extends into education and fostering a cross-cultural exchange of knowledge, skills and techniques. Twice a year, Chef Nayak’s team will welcome Baraabaru colleagues to India to explore the intersection of Indian and Maldivian culinary traditions, providing valuable new experiences for all involved. It’s a culture of learning and growth not only embedded in Four Seasons philosophy, but in Chef Nayak’s desire to pass on knowledge from his career spanning over two decades.

“When I started out, the old-school chefs kept their recipes a secret, but now whatever I know I love to share,” he says. “I want to widen the world’s eyes to the Indian cuisine that I grew up loving, share what I have learned in the West, and work with a like-minded team in the Maldives inspired by the same mission.”

Further collaboration will take the form of interactive cooking classes and workshops for guests at both locations, imparting culinary skills and cultural insights.

A Commitment to Planet and Palate

At the heart of this culinary alliance is the aspiration to offer guests more than just a meal and instead a “home away from home.” Within Baraabaru’s idyllic ocean setting, embraced by Kuda Huraa’s renowned familial service, the maritime memories of Chef Nayak’s youth find their soulmate.

Sustainability is the foundational bedrock of this heartfelt alliance, from the sourcing of local ingredients from both regions to sharing knowledge on reducing food waste and energy efficiency. Rooted in a childhood where environmental responsibility was a way of life, Chef Nayak’s values align perfectly with Baraabaru’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. “Growing up we’d use every part of the plant, the coconut, the fish,” elaborates Chef Nayak. “That’s the way it’s always been in my restaurants – not because it’s trendy, but because it is the essence of homestyle cooking, a practice very much mirrored in the Maldives.”

Combining expansive ocean vistas, meticulously crafted dishes, and a truly visionary approach to the future of Indian cuisine, this is a match made in culinary heaven not to be missed.

To book a table at Baraabaru during Chef Hari Nayak’s first Baraabaru residency, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at (960) 66 00 888.

Food

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

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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.

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

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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.

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It takes 2 (Chefs and Hearts!): Season 2 at Baraabaru at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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A tantalising culinary sequel unfolds from April 2, 2024 in the dramatic lagoon-top setting of Baraabaru at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

The partnership between Indian-born, New York-based Chef Hari Nayak and Baraabaru’s Head Chef Kishan Singh continues with a second menu, marking the next chapter in a collaborative journey that began in October 2023. This new menu not only showcases the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent and the Maldives but also ventures into new territories and passions.

The Nayak-Singh Baraabaru partnership is more than a marriage of ingredients and creativity; it’s an alignment of philosophies and passions. Visionary Chef Hari Nayak’s journey from the coastal city of Udipi, India, to the world’s most prestigious restaurants is reflected in his modern yet authentic interpretation of Indian gastronomy. Chef Kishan Singh is celebrated for his dedication to natural flavours and meticulous focus on fresh, authentic dishes, complementing Chef Nayak’s global perspective with deep-rooted local wisdom.

The new season Baraabaru menu expands its gaze beyond the Southern coastal recipes that defined Chef Hari’s India’s childhood and the first menu, embracing a pan-Indian approach with a modern twist. “We’re thrilled by the overwhelming reception from our guests who have recently dined at Baraabaru,” comments Didier Jardin, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. “We’re excited to elevate the dining experience even further with this new menu selection that features popular favourites as well as a selection of new dishes.”

Signature starters include the Kokum Cured Tuna, which marries the tangy essence of Bhel Puri with creamy avocado in a refreshing cold salad. The Tandoori Grilled King Oyster Mushroom is a subtly spiced delicacy; its meaty texture the perfect canvas for the smokiness of the tandoor. The Kosha Mangsho, a Bengali-style slow-cooked mutton, is prepared with black masala, offering nuanced layers of intense yet comforting flavour. The Burrata Butter Chicken combines the charred smokiness of tandoor-baked chicken tikka with the velvet texture of melted burrata and a richly roasted tomato makhini sauce. The Lamb Shank Biryani is a majestic assembly of slow-cooked lamb with aromatic saffron-infused Keralan rice, sweet caramelised onions and the buttery crunch of toasted cashews.

Chef Hari Nayak’s favourite dish, the Ghee Roasted Baby Eggplant, pairs the creaminess of ghee-enriched eggplant with the warmth of red chilli and the tang of tamarind. Served with a feather-light Neer Dosa, this dish expresses the revered chef’s hallmark blend of classic flavours with modern flair. Chef Kishan Singh’s chosen dish is the Goan Peri Peri Prawn served with garlic pachadi and curry leaf oil.

As guests dine beneath Kuda Huraa’s endless skies, each bite explores the treasures of sea and land – and tells the tale of two chefs united in their passion for Indian flavours, fresh Maldivian ingredients, and the joy of creating together.

To book a table at Baraabaru,email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888.

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