Jumeirah Olhahali Island to Host Chef Emanuele’s Culinary Residency

Shimmers’ Head Chef brings Mediterranean flavors to Maldives.

June 29, 2025 by Aaiz Abdulla Faiz
Resort Culinary
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Jumeirah Olhahali Island will host a special culinary residency featuring Chef Emanuele De Leo, the distinguished Head Chef of Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai, from July 7 to 10, 2025. Guests will enjoy a unique tasting menu that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, infused with vibrant coastal flavors. Before taking the helm at Shimmers in 2023, Chef Emanuele served as Sous Chef at L’Olivo, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. His Sicilian heritage inspires his culinary creations, blending traditional Mediterranean dishes with modern flair, earning Shimmers a notable mention in Gault&Millau UAE in 2025 for its exceptional dining experience.

For this exclusive event, Chef Emanuele has designed a menu that combines his Sicilian roots with Greek influences, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dining experience will feature shareable small plates, fostering a communal atmosphere. Standout dishes include a zesty tuna tartare, a fresh cauliflower salad, and grilled octopus paired with Santorini fava, followed by rich mains like slow-braised beef cheek with celery purée and red wine jus, and orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar. The meal will conclude with a delightful duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and orange crème brûlée, balancing refreshment and indulgence. Priced at USD 195 plus taxes per person, this dinner promises a memorable culinary journey. Reservations and further details are available on the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website, with updates shared on their Instagram and Facebook pages, @JumeirahOlhahaliIsland.


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