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New dining direction at Outrigger Mauritius

RELEASE NUMBER 41/15

Sundaravelan Sadien and Geert-Jan Vaartjes
Sundaravelan Sadien and Geert-Jan Vaartjes

MAURITIUS – The Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort has appointed former Michelin-rated chef Geert-Jan Vaartjes as executive chef, effective immediately. He will be supported by local talent, newly promoted Executive Sous Chef Sundaravelan Sadien, who specializes in authentic Mauritian Creole cuisine with a twist. Both will work with existing Asian culinary specialist Vietnamese chef Ta Van Ninh.

“With Chef Geert-Jan at the helm of the kitchen brigade we will be delighting our guests with a large variety of innovative, refined dishes of a standard not seen too often in Mauritius,” said Pieter van der Hoeven, general manager of the property. “We are now sourcing the freshest seafood and produce from Mauritius, as opposed to flying in specialties from Europe.”

Van der Hoeven said the new era would bring increased variety and lift the experience in all Outrigger Mauritius dining venues such as the main Mercado restaurant, the Plantation Club (fine dining and Creole) and relaxed open-air beachfront eateries such as Edgewater, Willie’s Rum & Crab Shack and Bar Bleu.

A vegetable and herb garden is being introduced by Vaartjes as part of a new “garden to plate” commitment. An Italian section has been added to Indian and Asian lunch options at the interactive Mercado. Homemade gourmet hot dogs have been introduced at Bar Bleu, Champagne breakfasts have been introduced for Club guests at the colonial-style Plantation Club, which has been hailed by guests who appreciate a sense of place as one of the best dining experiences on the island bringing guests back to a former era.

Asian expert: Ta Van Ninh
Asian expert: Ta Van Ninh

“Outrigger Mauritius is a relaxed and stylish holiday resort without a dress code,” said van der Hoeven. “Our positioning is ultra casual but absolutely refined. This is reflected in our food – everything from hot dogs with fois gras to the freshest giant yellow fin tuna caught in front of our hotel and prepared in front of your eyes.”

Before joining Outrigger Mauritius, Vaartjes, a Dutch national, was chef de cuisine at the regal Bilderberg Estate Lauswolt. He learned much of his trade in the 3 Michelin star Restaurant de Librije, Zwolle, and the Restaurant de Bokkedoorns, Overveen, (2 Michelin stars), all in the Netherlands. He cooked for the King and Queen of The Netherlands in 2012 and won the Menu van Orange TV program in 2012.

The Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort opened in April 2014 and is located on a perfect white sand beach in Bel Ombre in the south of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. All 181 rooms are sea facing and comprise Deluxe, Family Rooms, Suites and Villas. A full range of holiday activities such as water sports, golf, tennis and a kids’ club are available.

The Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort this month is celebrating its first anniversary with a ‘Better Than Ever’ promotion.

For further information visit outriggermauritius.com. Email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Or call +230 623 5000.

Editors may download images of the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort here.

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