Atmosphere Kanifushi has announced the fourth edition of its Just Veg Festival, scheduled to take place from 21st to 26th October 2024. This year’s festival promises a week-long gastronomic adventure where guests can indulge in the culinary delights of award-winning chef Fabrizio Marino, set against the breathtaking backdrop of sea, sand and sun.
Known for his ethically-driven, flavoursome and healthy natural Italian haute cuisine, Chef Fabrizio returns from his renowned Ristorante Magese in the heart of Tuscany to grace the beautiful shores of Kanifushi Island, using fresh tropical fruits and vegetables to create visually stunning, colourful and artistic dishes that promise a limited edition gourmet festival menu not to be missed.
Atmosphere Kanifushi is a pioneer of plant-based gastronomy in the Maldives. The JUST VEG restaurant, the first fully vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives to be ranked number one on TripAdvisor, will be the vibrant epicenter of the festival. Guests staying on this private island will have the unique opportunity to savor the finest Italian and Mediterranean cuisine whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon. This exciting six-day JUST VEG culinary event is included in the generous Kanifushi Plan™ available to all guests staying at the resort and is in line with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ core philosophy of “Joy of Giving”.
Chef Fabrizio Marino’s cuisine is a testament to his expertise and innovation, while Atmosphere Core’s Director of Wine, Nicola Raghetto, expertly pairs each course with a different wine to elevate the culinary experience.
Guests can indulge in a selection of dishes such as the appetizer “Happiness” – coconut foam, pumpkin curry puree, fresh apple, broccoli and tomato with raspberry, mint and turmeric sauce, paired with the lighter Martin Codax Cuatro Passos Rosado. Main courses include “Gnocchi” – delicate potato dumplings with a hint of lemon, served in a rich beurre blanc sauce topped with almonds and liquorice, and accompanied by a fruit-filled Glenelly Glass Collection Chardonnay; and “Caramelised Eggplant” – featuring oriental glazed eggplant and crunchy chickpeas, perfectly matched with Alan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. To finish off the day, try “Beeside”, a combination of yogurt and honey ice cream with osmotic strawberries and crumble, perfectly matched with a fragrant White Rabbit Riesling.
“It is a true honour to bring my culinary creations to the pristine shores of Atmosphere Kanifushi,” says Chef Fabrizio. “I have had the pleasure of working with the dynamic team at JUST VEG restaurant for many years. It is always a pleasure to welcome our repeat customers and their smiles inspire me to create the best possible dishes every time. I look forward to introducing our guests to the incredible diversity and richness of vegetarian cuisine.”
“Not only are we vegetarian and vegan, but many of our guests are adopting flexitarian diets. At Just Veg, we have always been ahead of this trend. It is an honour to welcome Chef Fabrizio to our culinary festival every year. As well as the guest experience, he also leads workshops for our culinary team. Together, we continue to create exciting menus for our guests,” says Raman Gomathi, Food & Beverage Director, Atmosphere Kanifushi.
Atmosphere Kanifushi is a scenic 35-minute seaplane ride away from Male’s Velana International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by mesmerizing views of the two-kilometer beach, swaying palm trees, and clear waters of Lhaviyani Atoll. This traditional 5-star luxury resort offers 162 freestanding beach and overwater villas, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
