He is one of the one hundred most important ambassadors of Italian cuisine in the world and for a few months he will be fixed in Malindi, at the Diamond Dream of Africa, which for the occasion opens tomorrow at Ferragosto with a buffet served (according to Covid-19 rules) the menu he designed for the renovated restaurant "L'Onda", on the beach.
We are talking about the chef Giacomo Gaspari, who with his prestigious restaurant "Da Giacomo" in the Maldives has managed to excel among 2500 champions of Italian-style eating in the world, thanks to a skilful mix of specialties and homemade products and international recipes revisited in a fusion key, using mainly resources of the Indian Ocean.
"In this period the Maldivian resorts are closed because western tourism cannot arrive - explains Gaspari - while here in Malindi, despite the restrictions, there are still tourists and residents. I took the opportunity to reorganize the kitchen at the Diamond Dream of Africa and give a "refreshment" to the local chefs who are already very good".
Gaspari has brought his philosophy (he is also a forerunner of Ayurvedic cuisine) and his creations in the à-là-carte restaurant of the resort, which is open to the public and has decided to give an essay of the menu studied by the Italian chef, with the day of tomorrow, where you can taste the whole menu proposal at the special price of Kes. 2500, with the absolute novelties of sashimi ranging from East, Africa and South America.
"I like to experiment and offer a 360-degree view of the world's kitchens," explains Gaspari, "but trying to enhance a few ingredients, also using local resources. This is how, for example, octopus sashimi with coconut cream and jalapeno is born, and in the same way the classic Japanese tuna with ponzu sauce meets pineapple and avocado and shrimps go well with watermelon in gazpacho and chili pepper".
The succulent novelties of the Onda are many others, starting from the curry revisited thanks to the experience of different cooking and enhancement of the products, up to the particular "d'autore" granitas. With the inevitable Italian touch of homemade pasta and the typical holiday touch of the barbecue. It is no coincidence that the gourmet day starts at 12 and ends at 18.
"I would like to repeat this journey around the world in taste every Saturday - explains the Italian chef - while on Sunday I will propose a special "Sunday lunch", where each time I will give space to a crustacean and unusual combinations".
On the other days, L'Onda will offer an a la carte menu service, always curated by Giacomo Gaspari, who during the weekend will further enhance the hospitality offer of the Diamond Dream of Africa.
"For those who decide to book a room for the weekend with half board - reveals the chef - in addition to a special price for the whole of August, there will be the possibility to dine with room service and special dishes cooked by me".
In short, it is not every day that you find in a hotel, in Malindi, one of the hundred best Italian chefs in the world and have him cook for you in your room!
Appointment for tomorrow from noon to discover and verify what has been said.
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