Male’, Maldives, 30 July 2024 – Atmosphere Kanifushi is set to host the highly anticipated fourth edition of the ‘Just Veg Festival,’ from October 21st to 26th, 2024. This year’s festival promises an exquisite week-long culinary journey with the picturesque backdrop of sea, sand, and sunshine, showcasing the talents of acclaimed Chef Fabrizio Marino.
Returning from the esteemed Ristorante Maggese in Tuscany, Chef Fabrizio Marino will bring his renowned flair for Italian natural haute cuisine to Kanifushi Island. Known for his artistic and health-conscious dishes that blend fresh tropical produce, Chef Fabrizio will craft a limited-edition gourmet menu that promises to captivate and delight.
Atmosphere Kanifushi has set the standard for plant-based dining in the Maldives with its celebrated JUST VEG restaurant, recognized as the top purely vegetarian dining venue on TripAdvisor. This vibrant epicenter of the festival will offer guests a chance to savor exceptional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the turquoise lagoon.
The six-day JUST VEG Festival is included in the Kanifushi Plan™, in line with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ Joy of Giving philosophy. Chef Fabrizio’s culinary masterpieces will be paired with carefully selected wines by Atmosphere Core’s Director of Wines, Nicolas Laguette, enhancing the gastronomic experience.
The festival menu features dishes such as “Happiness,” an appetiser with coconut foam, pumpkin curry puree, and fresh apples, paired with Martín Codax Cuatro Pasos Rosado; “Gnocchi,” delicate potato dumplings in a rich beurre blanc sauce, complemented by Glenelly Glass Collection Chardonnay; “Caramelised Aubergine,” glazed aubergine with crunchy chickpeas, served with Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; and “Bee-Side,” a yoghurt and honey ice cream with osmotised strawberries, perfectly matched with White Rabbit Riesling.
Chef Fabrizio Marino expressed his excitement, stating, “Bringing my culinary creations to the pristine shores of Atmosphere Kanifushi is a true honour. Working with the dynamic team at JUST VEG is always a pleasure, and I look forward to introducing guests to the richness of vegetarian cuisine.”
Raman Gomathi, Director of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Kanifushi, added, “Our guests, including those embracing flexitarian diets, eagerly anticipate this festival each year. It’s an honour to welcome Chef Fabrizio and continue to offer exciting and innovative plant-based options.”
Guests will arrive at Atmosphere Kanifushi via a scenic 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort’s 162 stand-alone beach and water villas provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable stay amidst the natural beauty of Lhaviyani Atoll.
