Renowned for its diverse culinary offerings and idyllic location on a captivating island encircled by azure waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort was preparing to elevate its gastronomic experience with the collaboration of acclaimed British Michelin-Starred chefs. Among these culinary maestros, Chef Gary Foulkes was set to grace the resort in August.
Gary, known for his masterful yet unpretentious approach to cooking, intended to create culinary delights using locally sourced seasonal produce from the Maldives, allowing the natural surroundings to dictate the menu. His passion for food had an unexpected origin, tracing back to a serendipitous encounter during a school placement in a hotel kitchen. This fateful day ignited an uncharted path in the culinary world, where he honed his skills under the guidance of esteemed mentors like John Campbell, William Drabble, Gary Rhodes, and Philip Howard, who profoundly influenced his cooking style.
Having earned a Michelin star within a mere five months as the Executive Head Chef at Angler restaurant in April 2016, Gary had solidified his unique and immaculate culinary identity, inspired by his extensive travels and encounters with diverse cultures. He embarked on a three-year globe-trotting journey with his wife, exploring the culinary wonders of Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Indonesia, Central America, and South America. These experiences shaped the ever-evolving menu at Angler, reflecting Gary’s deep appreciation for various ingredients like wasabi, shiso, and black garlic, which showcased the influence of Asian cuisine on his artistry.
Now at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Gary would be joining forces with the resort’s skilled culinary team, under the leadership of Executive Chef Francis Purification. Chef Francis expressed excitement over the remarkable lineup in their kitchen, recognizing the invaluable learning opportunity for his team to work alongside culinary virtuosos.
Following Chef Gary’s anticipated debut at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, other British culinary greats were slated to make appearances throughout the rest of 2023, including Michelin-starred chefs Steve Lancaster of Poise in September and Lewis Barker of Sommer in October, both hailing from Singapore.
To kickstart the culinary extravaganza, Gary would be orchestrating an exclusive dinner in the resort’s wine cellar at Origami, Anantara Veli’s Japanese restaurant, on the 2nd and 3rd of August. This intimate dinner affair was limited to only eight privileged seats, promising an extraordinary dining experience. For those seeking more information about this exceptional event, reservations could be made by reaching out to [email protected] or calling +960 6644 100.