Wining and dining in the Indian Ocean

Rising star chef, Ethan Stowell and renowned Californian Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein, will be demonstrating their expertise during two wining and dining experiences at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island on 11 and 13 August 2009.

Guests at the resort can enjoy their blend of American talents at two unique dinners. The first on August 11th will be held in Ithaa; the world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant, five metres below the surface with 180-degrees of panoramic underwater views. Evan Goldstein will liaise with Ethan Stowell to select the perfect wine to complement each delicious course.

On August 13th, guests are invited to the resort’s famous Wine Cellar, which boasts a 30,000 strong wine collection, and from where they can sample boutique wines carefully chosen by Evan Goldstein to match the culinary skills of Ethan Stowell and gain an insight into the intricacies of wine pairing and tasting.

Ethan Stowell is famed for his simple Italian-inspired cuisine at popular Seattlehotspots, Union, Tavolàta and How to Cook a Wolf, as well as soon to be opened Italian seafood restaurant, Anchovies & Olives.

Beginning his career in various catering jobs, Ethan Stowell quickly went on to work in established restaurants including Seegar’s in Atlanta, and as sous chef at Nell’s and The Painted Table in Seattle. His achievements were duly recognised last year when he was named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine.

One of America’s most prolific food and wine industry experts, Evan Goldstein is best known for his role as President and Chief Education Officer at Full Circle Wine Solutions Inc. in San Francisco.The global wine and beverage education firm uses various sommelier educators tocreate wine programmes and hospitality training and host first-class wine tastings across the world.

His experiences in restaurants such as Le Saintongeais in Paris and Auberge du Soleil in California, as well as opening the restaurant, Square One in San Francisco with his celebrated mother Chef and author, Joyce Goldstein, earned him countless awards and secured his place as the eighth American and youngest ever at the time to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier examination in 1987.

In addition to training and examining candidates for the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Founding Board member, Evan has also written several books including the critically acclaimed, Perfect Pairings and Wine and Food Pairing co-authored with his mother. His sequel wine and food book, Daring Pairings is planned for release next year.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is famous for its fine dining, boasting seven award-winning restaurants and three bars, classing it as a leading resort for gourmet cuisine.

The 11 August Ithaa Dinner costs $380 for guests on bed and breakfast or $320 for guests on half board. The 13 August Wine Cellar Dinner costs $280 for guests on bed and breakfast and $220 for guests on half board. All prices include wines. For reservations email maldivesinfo@conradhotels.com.

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