The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues its Masters of Crafts experiences for guests by welcoming one of Switzerland’s most decorated chefs. In a two-night takeover of the resort’s Beach Shack restaurant, Chef Rolf Fliegauf, Founder and Executive Chef of Switzerland’s Ecco, will curate a dining event showcasing his original creations served with a Maldivian twist. This exclusive residency is announced as part of the resort’s established series working with the world’s most talented masters of food and drink, wellness, adventure and environmental innovation – a curation of considered guest experiences rooted in transformative travel.
With six Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points behind his name, German-born Rolf Fliegauf, once Europe’s youngest two Michelin-starred chef, is at the helm of Ecco Ascona and Ecco St. Moritz, located in the Hotel Giardino Ascona and Hotel Giardino Mountain respectively. Bringing his acclaimed culinary artistry to the Indian Ocean, an elegant tasting menu will celebrate Chef Rolf’s signature ‘purist-aroma’ cuisine, dedicated to retaining origin flavours of each individual ingredient, with every dish harnessing a unique taste journey. Haute Cuisine at its finest will present the chef’s hallmark dishes with regional twists and Asian influences.
Chef Fliegauf’s exclusive edit will include the culinary master’s iconic lobster dish with citrus, incorporating XO, yuzu, local Maldivian lobster and pumpkin, together with his famed pre-dessert ‘Coconut and Caviar’ – a delectable taste fusion of indulgent coconut, salted accents of caviar and grassy notes of olive oil. Along the gourmet trail, diners will savour ‘Yellowfin Tuna’ with jalapeno and finger limes, ‘Hokkaido Scallop’ with quinoa, sauerkraut and bacon, and ‘Japanese Wagyu Beef’ with beetroot, crispy buckwheat and truffle.
In a truly authentic experience Chef Rolf will be accompanied by his team from Ecco, his wife and General Manager Jenifer Fliegauf, and Junior Sous Chef Sebastian Krawanja. This legendary team will collaborate with the resort’s newly appointed Executive Chef, Pedro Samper, to create a unique meeting of gastronomic philosophies.
Commenting on the residency, Chef Rolf says, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and excited to be working with the resort’s team. I take great inspiration from my travels and at the same time hope I can inspire those around me in return. Most importantly I look forward to cooking for the resort’s guests and to bringing elements of surprise to their dining experience!”
Chef Rolf continues, “ I also look forward to bringing my team. My wife Jennifer is part of Ecco’s DNA and builds the bridge between us, our colleagues on site, and our guests. We’re delighted to be bringing this special dynamic to the Maldives.”
From the mountain-flanked sherbet-coloured lakeside resort of Switzerland’s Ascona to the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the luxurious surrounds of the design-masterpiece resort sets the stage for a unique sensory experience. The two-night residency will be hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Beach Shack restaurant, with white sands and endless ocean vistas as the backdrop.
