The stylish and luxurious 45-minute speed boat ride away island renowned for its sophisticated and relaxed dining atmosphere, Coco Bodu Hithi confirms the arrival of Visiting Michelin Starred Chef, Carmelo Greco. Arriving to Maldives on 18th March 2017, Greco will be spending two weeks at Coco Bodu Hithi. During his trip, he will be hosting exclusive dinners and interactive master classes for the in-house guests. Greco’s reinterpretation of Italian cuisine has been surprising the taste buds for over three decades.
Greco was born in Sicily and grew up in Piedmont, discovered the love for culinary pleasures in his uncle’s hotel and restaurant. Greco worked in the legendary restaurant Da Buido under the experienced head chef Lidia Vanzino Alciati after attending hotel management school. He admires his recently deceased mentor who was one of the first people to have an impact on his cooking style: “Lidia was the grande dame of Piedmontese gastronomy. With her respectful behaviour towards traditional Italian cuisine, which she cultivated and interpreted, she contributed to the history of Italian cooking”.
After years of experiences in Italy, Greco came to Germany at the age of 20 and proved to have plenty of more to offer than typical Italian Pizza and Spaghetti. After three years, Greco and his partner opened restaurant Osteria Enoteca. The place got famous quickly that being a guest of Carmelo Greco meant experiencing first-class Italian cuisine that could not found in Germany before, earning the restaurant a Michelin Star in 1996. In November 2010, Greco opened his own restaurant in Frankfurt, Ristorante Carmelo Greco. The menu shares classic Italian recipes dear and near to Greco’s heart. “We only work with the best and freshest ingredients, which is why our menu constantly changes according to the general state of the market.” Greco Explains.
Greco constantly gathers inspiration from regular visits to star chefs’ restaurants. For Greco, cooking is an ever evolving process and a never ending search for new flavour combinations. He states, “I want to keep cooking, experimenting with ingredients and making my friends and family happy with delicious food until I am over the age of eighty, if possible.” Greco’s signature creations include his Filetto Rossini with Fassona beef, a creamy Tortelli Carbonara and Amatriciana, and a rich Vitello Tonnato, some of which will be offered in his menu at Coco Bodu Hithi.
It is with a passion to deliver fresh and flavourful creations that he arrives at Coco Bodu Hithi next year, bringing with him the classic tastes of Italy to the sunny beaches of Maldives.
Coco Collection’s portfolio comprises three distinct brands, Coco Resorts: Retreats, Coco Palm and Coco Privé. The Coco Resorts: Retreats includes the luxury resort Coco Bodu Hithi; Coco Palm features the environmentally conscious escape Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu; and Coco Privé consists of the private and exclusive Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island. Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are both members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, representing the finest and most diverse global portfolio of independent hotel and resort experiences.
Please visit the website, www.cococollection.com for more information.