Atmosphere Kanifushi Hosts Fourth Edition of Just Veg Festival with Italian Chef Fabrizio Marino
Sunday 28th of July 2024
Atmosphere Kanifushi is set to host the fourth edition of the 'Just Veg Festival' from October 21st to 26th, 2024. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary culinary experience, featuring the innovative and award-winning Chef Fabrizio Marino. Guests will enjoy a week of gastronomic delights amidst the stunning natural beauty of Kanifushi Island.
Chef Fabrizio Marino, renowned for his healthy Italian natural haute cuisine, will return from Tuscany’s Ristorante Maggese to create a special limited-edition gourmet menu. His dishes, known for their vibrant colors and artistic presentation, utilize fresh tropical fruits and vegetables to create an unforgettable dining experience.
The festival will be centered at JUST VEG, the Maldives' first purely vegetarian restaurant, which has topped TripAdvisor's rankings. Guests will savor the finest Italian and Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon. The six-day JUST VEG event is part of the Kanifushi Plan™, offering an all-inclusive experience aligned with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ philosophy, Joy of Giving.
Chef Fabrizio’s culinary creations are paired with wines expertly selected by Atmosphere Core’s Director of Wines, Nicolas Laguette, to enhance the overall dining experience. The carefully curated menu includes:
Happiness: An appetiser with coconut foam, pumpkin curry puree, fresh apples, broccoli, and tomatoes drizzled with raspberry, mint, and turmeric sauce, paired with Martín Codax Cuatro Pasos Rosado.
Gnocchi: Delicate potato dumplings with zesty lemon in a rich beurre blanc sauce topped with almonds and liquorice, complemented by Glenelly Glass Collection Chardonnay.
Caramelised Aubergine: Oriental-style glazed aubergine and crunchy chickpeas, paired with Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Bee-Side: A delightful yoghurt and honey ice cream paired with osmotised strawberries and crumble, complemented by White Rabbit Riesling.
“Bringing my culinary creations to Atmosphere Kanifushi is a true honor,” says Chef Fabrizio. “Working with the dynamic team at JUST VEG and seeing the joy on returning guests' faces drives me to strive for excellence. I look forward to showcasing the richness of vegetarian cuisine.”
Raman Gomathi, Director of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Kanifushi, adds, “Many guests are embracing flexitarian diets. At Just Veg, we’ve always been ahead of this trend. It’s an honor to welcome Chef Fabrizio each year for our culinary festival. Along with guest experiences, he leads workshops for our culinary team, keeping our menu exciting.”
A scenic 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport in Malé brings guests to Atmosphere Kanifushi. The resort, with its 2-kilometre-long beach, swaying palm trees, and pristine waters of Lhaviyani Atoll, offers 162 stand-alone beach and water villas, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
The Just Veg Festival at Atmosphere Kanifushi promises to be an exceptional event, combining world-class cuisine with the serene beauty of the Maldives.