Celebrity Pastry Chef Kirsten Tibballs to Bring Culinary Magic to InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

26th March 2024 (Australia): InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is proud to announce the arrival of celebrated Australian pastry chef and chocolatier, Kirsten Tibballs, for an exclusive culinary limited residency throughout the month of April. As part of InterContinental Fiji’s ongoing commitment to providing guests with unparalleled experiences, they welcome the collaboration with Kirsten Tibballs, acclaimed as 'the Queen of Chocolate' by MasterChef Australia, to further elevate its dining offerings to new heights.

During April, Kirsten Tibballs will infuse her signature style into our culinary creations, crafting exquisite delights inspired by local flavours and ingredients. From specially designed recipes for InterContinental Fiji’s renowned Club High Tea, to a bespoke dessert experience at Navo, guests can anticipate an unforgettable journey through the artistry of pastry and chocolate.

The main highlight of Kirsten Tibballs' residency at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is set to be the live pastry station at the resort’s Beach Party on April 5th 2024. Guests will have the unique opportunity to witness Kirsten's culinary genius in action as she creates an array of innovative treats, including a Macaron Hamburger. These delightful creations feature two macaron shells filled with a ganache "meat patty," yellow chocolate "cheese," fresh mint leaves for "salad," and a dollop of raspberry jam for the perfect "sauce." This playful twist on a classic favourite promises to tantalise the taste buds and showcase Kirsten's unparalleled creativity and craftsmanship.

Commenting on her partnership with InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Kirsten Tibballs said: "InterContinental Hotels remains my top choice for accommodation, consistently delivering exceptional service, cuisine, and comfort in breathtaking locations. I am really looking forward to working in Fiji for the first time, and am eager to collaborate with the remarkable InterContinental team and to familiarise myself with the local foods and culture. I have embraced the tropical fruits and flavours of Fiji in all of my creations, and I can’t wait for you to see what I have in store.”

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa General Manager, Lachlan Walker, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "At InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, we are dedicated to providing our guests with unforgettable experiences, and Kirsten Tibballs' residency aligns perfectly with our commitment to culinary innovation. Her expertise and creativity will elevate our dining offerings, allowing guests to indulge in exceptional treats infused with the flavours of Fiji. We're excited to welcome Kirsten and look forward to sharing her culinary magic with our valued guests."

Menu Highlights Include:

High Tea available during April:

  • Passionfruit madeleines: Madeleines soaked in a passionfruit syrup and coated with a delicate layer of white chocolate.
  • Individual sticky date tarts: Shortbread tart shells filled with chewy caramel, date cake, and a creamy caramel topping, garnished with milk chocolate curls.
  • Coconut financier topped with passionfruit jelly.
  • Florentine tarts: Breton shortbread base filled with mango cream and adorned with a white chocolate garnish.

Navo Special Dessert available during April:

  • Banarama: A tantalising dessert served in a glass, featuring crushed peanut brittle, banana cream, peanut brittle mousse, and cocoa arabesque. A dark chocolate disc is accompanied by hot caramel sauce, creating a captivating interactive experience.

In addition to crafting these gastronomic delights, Kirsten Tibballs will spend two days conducting special training sessions with the resort staff, sharing her pastry techniques and ensuring the legacy of her culinary expertise continues long after her departure.

Guests visiting InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa during Kirsten Tibballs' residency can anticipate an unparalleled culinary journey, where every bite tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and the fusion of exquisite flavours. Bookings can be made either by emailing enquiries.fiji@ihg.com, or booking through https://www.fiji.intercontinental.com/booking

END

Notes to Editors

Media kit with supporting imagery of Kristen Tibballs and her dishes can be found here

Media Contact:

Bronte Spielvogel

InterContinental Fiji/CampaignLab

bronte@campaignlab.com.au

+61 4 33 773 232

[Krishnil Prasad, +679 673 3300 +679 998 2641]

[Krishnil.Prasad@ihg.com]

About FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels

FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels portfolio includes InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel and Holiday Inn Suva.

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