(02 November 2015) Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Nautilus Resort has added to its trophy cabinet by taking out the inaugural Supreme Award for Restaurant of the Year, topping a group of Cook Islands' eateries wowing the public with their culinary creations. At the recent La Chaine des Rotisseurs and Cook Islands Chefs Association Restaurant of the Year Awards dinner, the top award and gold medal went to Nautilus Resort's Restaurant. The awards were chosen by hundreds of the most powerful and fussy critics – the diners themselves. 

Overlooking sparkling Muri Beach and lagoon and just 20 minutes by road from Rarotonga's international airport, Nautilus Resort, offers a fresh new dining experience showcasing Polynesian signature tastes. The cuisine is Polynesian - European fusion, using local seasonal ingredients and produce, with of course an emphasis on organic fresh produce and harvest from the sea.

Originally from Brazil, the new head chef at the Nautilus is Mike Fossbender. Having recently moved to the Cook Islands with his young family, Mike says, “I'm learning so much about a lot of different foods I had never heard of, like taro, rukau, pinapi, and poke.

“One of the best things about traditional Cook Island foods for me is the simplicity of the flavours, and how they work for infusion and influence different cuisines.”

Mike is starting to put his own spin into the dishes being served, be they French, Italian or Japanese. “Though I didn't want to go too extreme with infusion, most of the influences on the menu are from Euro areas, and I do have some great ideas for our next menu change to bring in a few more influences from Asia. Mostly I am using techniques from other cuisines, while retaining flavours of the Cook Islands,” Mike says.

The Restaurant of the Year awarding winning entry:

Entree:

Braised lemongrass pork belly on sumac crumbed eggplant with organic herb salsa and carambola and star anise sauce.

Accompanied by a Jules Taylor Pinot Gris

Main:

Steamed Parrotfish stuffed with roast pumpkin and wrapped in rukau leaf, served on Kumara fondant, snake beans and vanilla coconut curry sauce.

Accompanied by Giesen The Brothers Chardonnay

Dessert:

Coconut custard with pawpaw poke and deep fried banana and walnut semi-fredo.

Accompanied by Frangelico and fresh lime

Download high-resolution images of Nautilus Resort, Cook Islands http://navigateoceania.com/image-library/nautilus-resort/

Download media release here

Note to editors:

Writers intending to publish stories on Navigate Oceania Or NAVIGATEPLUS Collection members are invited to find out more about fully-funded travel and accommodation now available for qualified media.

For further information please contact:

Anabel Darby

Darby PR – for Navigate Oceania

Tel +64 21 668 090

Email: anabel@darby.pro

Visit: www.nautilusresortrarotonga.com

Visit: www.navigateplus.com

– END –

Editor's Notes: Nautilus Resort, Rarotonga

This new eco-friendly boutique beachfront resort has accommodation in 15 villas spread over one single level, each built and furnished to elegant luxury standards.  Choose between one, two and three bedroom villas with ensuites, full kitchen, eating area (light tropical breakfast provided daily in restaurant) and private plunge pool, lounge and dining terrace, or the junior suite, with king bed, ensuite and kitchenette and a choice of absolute beachfront or garden views.

Must see:

• 'Our locals' in authentic sharing of Cook Island song and dance, far from consumerism.
• Take a guided tour or free-walk into the indigenous forest of Rarotonga, or a mountain safari to see the spectacular panoramic vistas. Take a dip in a tropical rock pool and waterfall, and view native wild flowers and fruits.
• Experience one of nature's unique happenings, the spectacle of migrating whales from the cooler waters of the Antarctica to the Cook Islands, in mating and calving season – June to October.
• The Avarua town markets where locals trade for fresh fruit, fish, vegetables, delicious local dishes and traditional handicrafts.

Must do:

• Try your hand at Game Fishing: Tuna, Marlin, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo – have the Nautilus chef prepare your catch
• Snorkel the Muri Lagoon in the calm waters directly in front of your villa
• A private indigenous food and medicinal plant safari with the Nautilus guide into local tropical forest and plantations. Learn how the locals cook and prepare with Cook Islands indigenous vegetables, fruits and herbs; Breadfruit, Papaya, Sour sop, Banana, Taro, Mango and fresh coconut. Discover medicinal plants, unique tropical flora and fauna