Month: October 2020

 

One&Only Mandarina, the newest addition to One&Only’s collection of ultra-luxury resorts, is introducing refined dining to a rare, undeveloped stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico in November 2020. In partnership with internationally acclaimed Mexican Chef Enrique Olvera, chef and owner behind the award-winning Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in New York City, the resort’s signature restaurant Carao will provide guests with an innovative epicurean experience as transportive as the destination itself.

 

 

“We are thrilled to welcome the undeniable talents of Chef Enrique to One&Only Mandarina as we share his passion for balancing all the wonderful flavours of Mexico through a fresh and contemporary experience,” said Phillipe Zuber, CEO, Kerzner International. “We are confident that his thoughtful approach to cooking will complement One&Only’s commitment to innovation and authenticity across our portfolio as we introduce the cuisine of Riviera Nayarit through his lens at Carao.”

 

 

Inspired by constant exploration of Mexico’s bountiful ingredients, Chef Olvera’s Carao is poised to be an extraordinary dining destination. Modern yet authentic Mexican cuisine and the best of regional flavours are celebrated, all in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere amidst the tropical rainforest of the Mexican coastline.

 

 

“The vision behind Carao is to emulate a traditional Mexican palapa on the Pacific Coast, where every detail has been woven into the simple idea of well-being. This notion is at the core of the restaurant, with a menu that naturally flows with it: it’s all about the luxury of being there,” said Enrique Olvera. “Carao will be a celebration of not only food, but the locale of Mandarina, the community, and its vibrant culture through music and art, sparking a connection between all of these elements and our guests.”

 

 

Carao invites guests to experience Olvera’s distinct interpretation, coupling a modern approach with revered ancient technique. In an ambiance inspired by the destination, Olvera highlights locally sourced ingredients resulting in an experience that is authentic in its approach to flavours. Chef Olvera designed the menu reflective of his globally recognised skill and passion for modern Mexican fare, showcasing reinvented starters such as Horse Mackerel Ceviche with soybean germ and cucumber, Grilled Amaebi with ginger salsa macha or a Shellfish Medley, alongside a wide variety of vegetable-forward dishes like Coconut Tamal with turnip, mole verde and purslane, and Smoked St. Marzano Tomatoes with eggplant and Greek yogurt. Main selections include Aged Whole Fish Zarandeado-style, a regional cooking method using a marinade of dried chile paste and slow-roasted over hot coals, Grilled Squid served with white lentils, and Catch of the Day fillet with sweet chard and plantain puree, alongside larger seafood-focused dishes such Octopus served with celeriac, coconut and garlic stems. A robust beverage programme will complement the dishes, featuring Mezcals, Tequilas, artisanal agave and other fine spirits, as well as Mexican beers and a curated international and local wine list.

 

 

Located at the southernmost peak of One&Only Mandarina, the dinner-only restaurant will offer spectacular sunset vistas of Mandarina paired with the vibrant energy and spirit of the destination. The cliffside Carao will feature an open kitchen, intimate indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a cosy bar and lounge. An adjacent infinity-edged pool, dedicated to adults only, extends out over the mountainside, where guests can unwind and soak up panoramic views while enjoying a curated poolside and lounge menu of light bites from Carao. Available from noon to 6.00pm, guests can enjoy an innovative bar menu of Celeriac Tostada with spicy tartar sauce, Eggplant Tetela with pea sauce, Charred Leek Tacos with almond mole and Seaweed Chicharrón with pico de gallo.

 

 

Beyond Olvera’s innovative dining concept, One&Only Mandarina will also offer casual beachside cuisine throughout the day at The Jetty Beach Club. Located by the resort’s private jetty, guests can enjoy a bevy of fresh seafood cooked to perfection over a wood and charcoal grill, paired with inventive cocktails while lingering in one of two infinity pools or on oversized daybeds and cabanas. In the evenings, The Jetty invites guests to revel in uninterrupted sunset views over signature cocktails before heading to dinner. Set in the heart of the resort, Alma will feature seasonal specialties, Pan-American delicacies and garden-to-plate menus with the adjacent Treetop Bar perched over the sea. Guests can begin each morning at Alma with an international breakfast until the restaurant converts to an open kitchen for a la carte lunch and dinner inspired by the Mediterranean.

 

 

Carao and One&Only Mandarina will begin welcoming guests on 1 November 2020. For more information or reservations, please visit: oneandonlyresorts.com.