Affluent Page - Index

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escape to waterworld
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ithaa
The world’s first all-glass, undersea restaurant. by Crystal Edmonds
Sixteen feet below the Island of Rangali lies something
magical—something most people couldn’t even imagine.
That something is the Ithaa restaurant, prized gem of
the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. As the world’s first
all-glass, undersea restaurant, it’s definitely a sight to see.
Boasting a 270-degree panoramic view of everything from
over 2,000 species of vividly colored fish, playfully dashing
about the beautiful unspoiled coral reef, to the jaw-dropping
sight of huge eagle stingrays and grey reef sharks—
Ithaa will steal your breath away.
More important, though, is the food. Robert “Magic”
Mujagic serves as executive chef and, after two years on the
job, he still finds every day just as fascinating as the first.
Reminiscing back to his first day, Mujagic remembers “It
was an exciting moment for me, because I knew the high
expectations of our guests.” Taking that excitement and
combining his own culinary expertise, as well as inspiration
from Asian and French cuisine, Mujagic has created an
enchanting prix fixe 25-course menu featuring everything
from succulent lobster to savory Bison tenderloin for the cost
of $280. Coming up with such an extensive menu seems
quite the dizzying task, but for Mujagic it’s more relaxing
than stressful. “I stand at night, quiet, in the Ithaa restaurant
and look into the dark ocean and allow influencing from the
silence,” he says. “The view and the ambience inspire me to
create new dishes.”
Famous for its fresh fish and seafood, caught daily by the
resort’s fishermen—something Mujagic says isn’t found
anywhere else in the world—it’s no surprise that his favorite
dish on the menu is the Maldivian yellowfin tuna. But
don’t ask Mujagic what’s behind the delicious taste. His only
response will be a coy “each and every chef has his or her
little secrets.” What he will tell you is that the islands offer a
plethora of rich spices like Maldivian chili and curry, which,
when used just right, give his food the perfect kick.
The overseer of Ithaa describes himself as adventurous,
dynamic, innovative, joyful and fresh, and having a great respect
for those that came before him, saying, “Roots stay forever.” LI
Rangali Island, 960.668.0629, www.conradhotels.com
88 AFFLUENT PAGE LUXURY INDEX MARCH/APRIL 2009