La Dolce Vita Gourmet Weeks Kickoff In The Cocoon Collection Resorts In Maldives
Monday 13th of March 2023
Gourmet Week is taking centre stage at two of The Cocoon Collection’s properties in the Maldives: You & Me Maldives and Cocoon Maldives. The much-anticipated gourmet weeks this time wraps around the theme ‘La Dolce Vita’ used by Italians to describe the sweet life, a fitting title for an indulgent occasion. The Gourmet Week is led under the expert guidance of the Corporate Executive Chef of the brand, Giovanni De Ambrosis alongside other renowned guest chefs.
Opening the Gourmet Weeks was Chef Roberto Balgisi who enthralled guests with his culinary creations from 16th to 22nd February 2023. Chef Balgisi is the Executive Chef at Grand Hotel Alassio where he curates unparalleled dining experiences for guests using his culinary prowess, artistry and curiosity. With music being one of his muses, Chef Balgisi’s creations are tailored to take gourmands on a poetic gastronomical journey.
At Cocoon Maldives, he greeted guests with curated dishes for the main buffet restaurant, Octopus while setting down a special set of à la carte delights on the menu of the fine dining restaurant, Manta. Likewise, at You & Me Maldives Chef Balgisi brought a unique addition to the dinner menu available at The Sand. During his residency, he also hosted a cooking show with Chef Giovanni De Ambrosis on the beach. The cooking show highlighted the Italian dish Casarecce Pasta with Ligurian Pesto, deemed among the most traditional ingredients from the celebrated Ligurian cuisine. The sumptuous dishes were served with Artisan Buratta on the white shores where guests can enjoy the meal while taking in the breathtaking view of the lagoon.
During the month of March, the Gourmet Weeks will continue with Chef Giovanni as he brings forth an assortment of delicacies prepared using the ambrosial and luxurious ingredient, truffles. From March 20th to 22nd, Chef Giovanni will tantalize palates at Cocoon Maldives with the widely popular artisan Cocoon focaccia, served with bresaola, truffle honey touch and balsamic truffle pearl. He will also be serving out fresh Maltagliati buckwheat pasta complemented with truffle butter and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
From March 25th to 27th, Chef Giovanni will take his culinary talents to You & Me Maldives where guests will have the rare opportunity to savour the piquant taste of Risotto Carnaroli, truffle and lime zest. A delightful cooking show will take place during the stay as well, where Chef Giovanni will share with guests his secret recipe on how to make the perfect white snapper tartare with truffle and mango concasse.
Coming to conclude the Gourmet Weeks is Michelin-starred chef, Andrea Berton who curated You & Me Maldives’ underwater restaurant, H2O. A regular presence at the property, Chef Berton is always prepared to share his latest culinary rediscovery or new creation with guests on the island. During his upcoming visit, he will take entertain guests with his brilliant philosophy to a sunset aperitif at the Shisha Lounge on the beach. To cap the Gourmet Weeks, guests can join Chef Berton at H2O to learn about his cooking masterpiece.
Gourmet week events at The Cocoon Collection always entail a truly memorable experience of an unmatched culinary journey with exceptional cuisine brought by special invitee chefs. True to the Italian tradition and philosophy, the experience aspires to embody a life immersed in enjoying the little moments passionately while guests unwind and relax in their cocoons.