Indulge in a high-flying culinary journey with chef Alberto Faccani from Italy’s two Michelin-starred Magnolia Ristorante, this month in the Maldives.
Helming the kitchen at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces, chef Alberto will be delighting guests with creative dishes, imaginative combinations and striking presentation during an exclusive Flying Sauces x Magnolia Ristorante 12-week residency from February 1 to April 30, 2023.
Working alongside chef Alberto during the 12-week Flying Sauces residency will be Chef de Partie at Magnolia Ristorante, Sean Conti.
Meet Chef Alberto Faccani
Chef Alberto has been passionate about the restaurant industry since he was a small child. Named by prestigious Italian food and wine guide, Identità Golose, as one of the ‘100 chefs who have changed Italian cuisine in the last 10 years’, his dynamic style of cuisine is self-taught, blending styles, forms and traditions.
After working at the Michelin-starred La Frasca and Enotecca Pinchiorri restaurants, aged just 27, he decided to open his own restaurant, Magnolia, in 2003. Within just 18 months, it received its first Michelin star, and today has two Michelin stars to its name.
Menu Highlights
“Magnolia Ristorante is the realisation of a lifelong dream. It allowed me to express my passion for cooking and to work on other important projects, including a collaboration with Soneva Fushi. The sea is part of me. Feeling it close gives me the energy and strength I need.“
— A Message from Chef Alberto Faccani
Meet Chef Sean Conti
Hailing from Longiano in the region of Emilia-Romagna, chef Sean studied Fine Art in Milan before donning his chef whites and forging a career in the culinary industry.
With extensive experience working in Michelin-starred kitchens, chef Sean combines his knowledge of fine art with his passion for food to create visually striking dishes at Magnolia Ristorante.
The Story Behind Flying
The zipline was a wish of Soneva Fushi Creative Director and Conscience, Eva Malmström Shivdasani. It was first inspired 15 years ago by a visit to Costa Rica, where ziplining through beautiful rainforests and picturesque national parks is a favourite past-time for locals and visitors alike.
Eventually, Sonu found the ideal setting, surrounded by the lush jungle between The Den and Dolphin Beach, and decided to also add a restaurant. The 200-metre trail winds its way through the trees, before arriving at the elevated open kitchen and treetop dining platform, perfectly positioned to maximise the magical vistas over the sparkling sea.
You may also want to check out our Interview with Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Joint Creative Director of Soneva.
An experience to remember…
With a specially curated menu, breathtaking views over the lush island foliage and a rush of adrenaline ziplining through the treetops – Flying Sauces x Magnolia Ristorante is a dining experience like no other.