Leading Maldives luxury resort, Coco Bodu Hithi has partnered with MasterChef judge and highly acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, Monica Galetti, to bring her culinary skills to host two exclusive dinners at the 5-star property in October 2018.

As part of the collaboration, Monica Galetti will create a six-course tasting menu for the resort's award-winning restaurant, Aqua, including wine pairing recommendations from the sommelier team. Working alongside the restaurant's existing team of esteemed chefs, the menu will showcase the best of local ingredients and offer a twist on Maldivian cuisine, reflective of Monica's cooking style.

Monica will host dinners on the evening of the 23rd and 25th October, giving guests the chance to experience first-hand her passion for working with only the finest and fresh ingredients to create show stopping contemporary dishes. Monica's signature dish will also remain on the menu on a seasonal basis, which will enable future guests to sample part of her uniquely designed menu.

The exclusive menu takes inspiration from dishes that are much-loved at Monica's restaurant, Mere in Fitzrovia, London which feature the influence of Monica's South Pacific heritage. The menu also celebrates the wonderful local seafood and produce available in the Maldives.

Monica's menu to be served at Aqua, Coco Bodu Hithi:

Snack/Canapé:           Fresh Seared Tuna

                                 Wasabi Caviar- Cantaloupe Melon - Micro Mustard

Pre Starter:                 Avocado

                                  Pine nuts – Tarragon - Lime and Pineapple Consommé                 

Starter:                        Kingfish Ceviche

                                   Coconut milk – Lime – Tomatoes - Sweet Potato - Green Papaya

Main:                           Red Snapper

                                   Black Garlic - Courgette and Basil - Olive Crumb -  Red Pepper                 

Cheese snack:             Parmesan and Truffle Doughnuts

Dessert:                      Passionfruit, Lime and Coconut Pavlova

                                       Passionfruit curd - Coconut Meringue - Malibu Chantilly     

Speaking of the collaboration, Monica Galetti said: “Aside from cooking, travelling is a real passion of mine and I love exploring news places and tasting new cuisines. I'm thrilled to be bringing my philosophy, knowledge and passion to the luxury resort of Coco Bodu Hithi and having the opportunity to work with some of the freshest ingredients in South East Asia.

Aqua has an incredible reputation for great seafood in the Maldives and I look forward to working alongside Executive Chef, Indika Prasanna and his team to try and draw inspiration from the wonderful produce they have access to. I'm intrigued to see what the Maldives has to offer." 

Coco Bodu Hithi is eager to welcome Monica Galetti to create fresh and flavourful creations for the islands' sophisticated and relaxed restaurants. With six restaurants and bars, Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates and offers a variety of exquisite cuisines, taking inspiration from the Maldives and further afield.