Housing five vibrant dining venues in one resort is an uphill struggle, but W Maldives does it effortlessly. With the appointment of Ilias Kafalis as its new Director of Cuisine, they aim to raise the standards even higher as the experienced chef brings his expertise to the Maldives.With 15 years of knowledge behind him, Chef Ilias has seen the industry in Greece, Cyprus, France, China and Qatar. He joins W Maldives from InterContinental Hotel & Resort - Doha, Qatar.
Born in city of Athens, Chef Ilias holds a degree in Culinary Arts from the Hospitality School of Galaxidi in Greece. His gastronomical career took its baby steps in Nice, France, followed by a three year culinary journey under the helm of a 3* Michelin Chef Alain Ducasse and 2* Michelin Chef Helene Darroze. In Paris he also worked for such luxury catering companies as Potel & Chabot, Saint Clair and Fauchon Epicerie.
“We are ecstatic to have Ilias join our resort and lead our very talented kitchen talents” said Anton Birnbaum, General Manager, W Maldives. “He has tremendous experience, a very impressive resume and possesses excellent leadership and management skills.”
2011 saw Chef Ilias’ talent reaching to millions as he participated in the Greek 2011 edition of the famous cooking show TOP CHEF, where he made it through to the semi-finals. He is also the author of the culinary book “A Look on the Modern Greek Cuisin”.
Famous figures such as Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, Jacques Chirac and Andrés Iniesta – an FC Barcelona professional football player – have been lucky to have tasted the dishes prepared by the talented Chef.
Chef Ilias believes that this will provide him a new beginning in the Maldives, and aims to create a food culture that will concentrate on sourcing the best of the local produce.
“Taking the lead at W Maldives will truly mark a new beginning for me in the country. I aim to bring here my own menu of French Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Asian and Arabic flavours. I would like to create a food culture that will concentrate on sourcing the best of the local produce and making everything we do sustainable by using the freshest and organic ingredients possible,” Chef Ilias said.
The private five star island which provides a new cutting edge, contemporary lifestyle experience and an exclusive escape boasts some of the most unique dining experiences in the industry. These include; Kitchen, Fire, Fish, and Private Dining. The first being a bistro, second a beachfront grill, third a seafood specialty and fourth the option to dine in seclusion as the resort takes care of it all.
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