LEBANESE NATIONAL IS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR CASTWAY ISLAND
Hicham Mneimneh, who has worked for 20 years in the hospitality industry, brings his experience of working with the cuisines of 23 nations to his new role as executive chef, Castaway Island Resort, Fiji.
A Lebanese national born in Kuwait, Chef Hicham is fluent in German, French, English and Arabic and has worked throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
He has been involved in the opening of eight hotels and five fine-dining restaurants and in 2004, received an award for running the best consumer cuisine Asian-fusion restaurant in Beirut.
He has served presidents and Arab royalty, including Saudi Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal and the former president of Ghana, John Koufur.
He has also been involved with the Alain Ducasse education training programs and is passionate about developing people and business. Castaway Island general manager, Steven Andrews, said that he was delighted to welcome an executive chef with such extensive international experience.
“Each year Castaway Island’s international market increases so it’s imperative that what we offer world-class dining to meet our discerning guests’ expectations,” said Andrews. “Castaway has always enjoyed a high standard of food and beverage, so we’re very excited to have Chef Hicham on board to showcase his expertise in Asian, Lebanese, Thai and traditional French cuisine, along with fusion and seafood specialities,” he said.