Mirihi Island Resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month with special events like chef collaborations throughout the world, holiday packages with modern American food, and brand-new in-villa cocktail kits. From May 25–27, 2023, Mirihi will be the centre of attention. Through Michelin-starred dining experiences and pop-up activities, Mirihi plans to elevate guest experiences.
Both Julia Momosé of Kumiko, named number 25 in the World's 50 Best Bars 2022, and Chicago's two Michelin-starred Executive Chef Noah Sandoval of Oriole will be joining the resort. Chef Sandoval will treat diners to a multi-course culinary experience at the Muraka restaurant while showcasing his modern cooking technique and employing ingredients from the Maldivian culinary scene.
Speaking about this collaboration, Chef Sandoval enthused, “I’m thrilled to bring this unique six-course menu to Mirihi, showcasing dishes inspired by Oriole’s signature dishes plus originals that highlight the fresh, local ingredients that the Maldives have to offer.”
Likewise, during her residency, famous mixologist Julia Momosé will take over Anba Bar's bar program, which boasts the widest selection of rum available in the Maldives. She will also design the in-villa 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Cocktail Kit while she is there, which will honour Maldivian ingredients by combining them with unusual concoctions like the regional Muraka Rum.
“Our team is excited to welcome Chef Noah Sandoval and mixologist Julia Momosé in collaboration with our culinary and cocktail teams, showcasing a two Michelin-starred dining experience for our guests at Muraka Restaurant and Anba Bar”, said Mohamed Shareef, General Manager. “Combining their expertise of contemporary cuisine and cocktail innovation with the freshest Maldivian ingredients will certainly be a once–in–a–lifetime culinary treat, and just the kind of programming we continue to share with our guests to celebrate 20 years of luxury hospitality.”
In its first year of eligibility, Oriole received two Michelin stars, which it has successfully retained ever since. Following the restaurant's debut, Chef Sandoval has generated a lot of attention thanks to accolades like Food & Wine Best New Chef, three James Beard semifinalist nominations, and Chef of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, all of which have improved his culinary standing. The restaurant has also received favourable reviews from critics, with the Chicago Tribune and Chicago magazine both awarding the establishment 4 stars.
The public was welcomed into Kumiko by Julia Momosé in 2018. for four years, Kumiko was awarded a prestigious slot in the 2022 World's Best Bars, one of the positions that bars all over the world highly desired and sought for. In addition to this, Momosé is a co-author of the James Beard Award-winning cookbook "The Way of the Cocktail: Japanese Traditions, Techniques and Recipes."
