JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first and only art-infused resort, will welcome pastry chef Eunji Lee to the island to showcase edible art for guests from 3rd to 7th September 2024. Bringing the flavors of New York dessert gallery Lyseé to the Maldives, Chef Eunji will elevate the culinary experience at JOALI Maldives with intimate pastry workshops and a custom dessert menu for guests to enjoy.
Born in Korea, Chef Eunji moved to France in 2006 to fulfill a lifelong dream of studying patisserie. After graduating from patisserie school, she spent three years at Zé Kitchen Gallery, followed by four years at Le Meurice, where she trained under Alain Ducasse and Cedric Grolet. In 2016, she became the Executive Pastry Chef at 2-Michelin-star Korean restaurant Jeonchic in New York City, and in 2022 opened her own patisserie boutique, Lise, in New York City’s Flatiron District. Born from her love for pastry as edible art, Lise is named after Chef Lee’s museum of sweets, which is derived from the French word “muse.” Chef Eunji has been named La Liste’s “Patisserie Talent of 2023,” Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef of 2023,” and a semifinalist in the 2024 James Beard Awards for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
During his stay, Chef Unji will be hosting an intimate workshop at JOALI Maldives “Her Kitchen” on 7 September, showcasing his edible art as he introduces guests to the making of éclairs, a signature French dessert. Drawing inspiration from the islands, guests will learn how to make local fruit compotes and vanilla cream, as well as the art of piping that makes each éclair unique. Offering a luxurious professional kitchen environment, Her Kitchen allows guests to discover the joy of cooking and creating alongside some of the world’s most talented chefs. During his week as visiting chef, Chef Unji will be bringing his love of art in the form of desserts to the art-soaked island, offering a menu of three desserts for guests to enjoy in the evening. The menu will include Lisée cake, mango tart and local fruit cake.
Joali Maldives offers travellers incredible culinary experiences all year round, partnering with gastronomic experts from around the world to host a rotating cast of renowned chefs and culinary experts who each share their unique expertise, creations and style. In addition to Haa Kitchen, Joali Maldives is home to five other carefully curated culinary outlets – Vandhu, Saoke, Bellinis, Tuhu and Mula Barh – offering a wide range of flavours to suit every palate, from exotic Japanese and Peruvian dishes to delicious Italian cuisine. Additionally, the island offers destination dining where bespoke menus create memorable meals in unique and delightful spaces such as the Manta Ray Treehouse, Chef’s Garden and Private Sandbank.
While savoring the exceptional cuisine of Joali Maldives’ Chef Unji, guests can enjoy island luxury in 73 villas surrounded by stunning marine life, inspiring artwork, destination programming and more. Choose from Beach or Overwater Villas offering one, two, three and four bedroom options. Guests will enjoy access to private pools, pampering amenities, a bicycle per guest, a personal butler called “Jadugah” (Maldivian for “the magician”) and more.
At Joali Maldives, villas start at $2,928 per night for two people in a Pool Water Villa B&B. For more information and to book, click here. joali.com.
