This November foodies are expected to flock to Velaa Private Island in the Maldives to be taken on a magical culinary adventure as renowned Michelin Star chefs are sharpening their knives ahead of the Four Hands Dinner experience.
An international acclaimed chef from Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants will touch down every week, ready to cook a specially curated menu for guests staying at the resort.
Maxime Gilbert, 9 – 11 November
Touching down from Hong Kong, Chef Maxime Gilbert will be kicking off the Four Hands Dinner experience with sensational French fusion delights. His culinary edge has taken him to kitchens around the world from Scotland and the USA, to Morocco, Beijing and most recently, Hong Kong. Now Executive Chef at two Michelin starred restaurant, Écriture by Le Comptoir, Maxime elevates French cuisine to new heights by uniting exceptional Japanese produce with traditional techniques. During his visit to Velaa, Maxime is set to deliver the endless possibilities that occur when Western craftsmanship meets Eastern philosophies.
Jordy Navarra, 16 – 18 November
Chef Jordy Navarra made headway in the culinary world when he trained in Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin starred restaurant, The Fat Duck in the UK, then at two Michelin starred modern Cantonese restaurant Bo Innovation in Hong Kong. In 2016, Jordy went out on his own to open Toyo Eatery which quickly became one of Manila’s most loved fine dining spots. Known for his innovative use of local ingredients and imaginative takes on Filipino dishes, it’s easy to see how Jordy’s culinary delights attract fans from across the globe.
Natsuko Shoji, 27 – 29 November
Recently crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2022, Chef Natsuko Shoji is passionate about two things: French technique and traditional Japanese flavours. After spending her formative years at the two Michelin starred restaurant Florilège, Natsuko took a bold leap at the age of 24 and went on to open her own single-table restaurant Été in Tokyo. Her intimate six-seater restaurant acts as a cake laboratory where she creates showstopping pastry dishes – a culmination of art and her love of haute couture on a plate.
The resort’s resident chef, Chef Gaushan De Silva is delighted to be opening his kitchen to Chefs Gilbert, Navarra and Shoji.
“With such a diversity in culture – between France, Japan and The Philippines — the team and I are looking forward to not only supporting but learning from our visiting chefs. There’s nothing like sharing secrets of the trade and discovering new flavour combinations. It’s as exciting in the kitchen as it is for guests in the dining room,” says Chef De Silva.
For more information: https://www.velaaprivateisland.com/events-news.html
