PHOTOS: © NANUKU RESORT FIJI , © ERICA ALLEN
Nanuku Resort Fiji recently said bula to its new executive chef, Shaun Thomson, who brings more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industry. In his new role, he oversees all the hotel’s culinary programming, including at Kanavata, the property’s restaurant and lounge. Thomson looks forward to introducing new menus, new kids’ menus, and concepts like Taco Tuesday and poolside pizzas.
Fresh and seasonal is the name of the game at Kanavata, where produce, fresh-caught fish, and tropical fruits and vegetables sourced locally shine on the menu. Innovative cocktails also highlight the fresh, local and seasonal.
Thomson’s culinary career has taken him all over the South Pacific, from Sydney and Melbourne to Bali and back to Fiji, and to various luxury hotels and resorts. His wife, with whom he shares four children, is from Fiji, so this new appointment marks a full circle moment for the family.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
My wife’s “Meaty Bone Sui,” Fijian soup with cassava, lemon, chili and light soy sauce. And, on the opposite end, I hate to use durian.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
I would showcase what is fresh and sourced local to the area such as sea urchin, raw beef, freshwater prawns, local fruit, coconut, chili, PakaPaka (snapper), kai mussel, moca (local spinach), bush lemon emulsion, local fruit cocktail and texture of coconut.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
Lasagna
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Mudcrab, corn, lemon emulsion, fermented chili, soft herbs, caviar and Champagne vinaigrette: This dish shows different techniques, simplicity and looks elegant on the plate while it showcases beautiful, fresh produce and defines me as a chef.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
Plant-based chicken, beef and eggs
NANUKU RESORT, FIJI
11 Nanuku Drive Pacific Harbour, Fiji
tel 679 345 2100
nanukuresort.com
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