USA, New York City, New York. October 25, 2022

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Ivan Alvarez as its new Director of Culinary, who will oversee culinary operations across the resort's eleven uniquely positioned dining venues.

With over 20 years of culinary experience and a certificate from CIFP Hospitality Management School in Gijón, Spain, Ivan was inspired to become a chef by watching his auntie cook on special family occasions, dreaming that he too would be able to create the same happiness through his food creations. Originally from the Canary Islands, Ivan began his culinary career in 2002 at the one-Michelin-starred Las Rejas. Since then, on a quest to discover both new and diverse ingredients and local cooking techniques around the world, he has worked at restaurants and hotels in Spain, most notably at the renowned three-Michelin-starred El Bulli, as well as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the UK, Chile and China.

At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Chef Ivan, who is an ISSA-certified specialist in sports nutrition, looks forward to focusing on more curated and healthy menus across most of the resort's dining venues, and with a strong emphasis on vegan and refined sugar free products. In the nearest future he also plans introducing mostly locally sourced ingredients such as sustainably caught fish and seafood, which will constitute 80% of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives' imported seafood supply. "It has been so interesting to see how the taste buds of the modern traveler are changing. We find more of our guests requesting for dishes unique to the local area or asking for superfoods to supercharge their health and energy. Thankfully, I have a passion for trying new recipes and adding my own unique touch to them. Therefore, I look forward to creating new menu concepts at our unique treetop restaurant Terra, the signature lounge Peacock Alley and all-day dining restaurant Tasting Table by pushing the boundaries of food," he shares.

Chef Ivan is convinced that food should bring the ultimate joy to guests, and he believes that the creative approach to cooking creates a viable excuse to get together at the table. Today, he delights the guests of Waldorf Astoria Maldives with exquisite dishes served with international flavor and unique charisma acquired over the years across many continents.

For more information or to book a stay, please visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com or call +960-400-0300.

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