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Rediscovering Culinary Roots with the Luxury Group by Marriott International

Rediscovering Culinary Roots with the Luxury Group by Marriott International

Bangkok Post27-06-2025
Singapore, Following the success of last year's inaugural campaign, the Luxury Group by Marriott International announces the return of the Luxury Dining Series, a multi-city regional gastronomic journey taking place from July to September across Asia Pacific. This year's line-up of luxury hotels includes The St. Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Jakarta, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Each property will offer carefully curated culinary experiences prepared by Marriott International's talented culinary and mixology professionals from across the world. Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points.
'We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels,' says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. 'This year's exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – 'Forgotten Flavors'. Through immersive collaborations and multi-sensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation.'
Japan - July 11-13 - The St. Regis Osaka
The highly anticipated launch of the 2025 series promises an extraordinary culinary celebration starting with The St. Regis Osaka and an impressive ensemble of gastronomic masters. To begin, Chef Takato Kitano, Head Chef of Wajo will join forces with Master Teppan Chef Yuki Oe of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to pay tribute to the purity and depth of Japanese produce, highlighting pristine seafood, heirloom vegetables, and heritage culinary techniques. An exquisite collaboration awaits as Chef Agustin Balbi of Hong Kong's highly-acclaimed Andō – awarded by Michelin and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, amongst others, and Chef Michiaki Yoshida, Head Chef at La Veduta, will deliver an elegantly curated tasting menu that will seamlessly weave together timeless Italian flavours with the innovative precision of Japanese cuisine. The beverage segment introduces a dynamic 50 Best Bar Takeover at The St. Regis Bar, Osaka by Hideyuki Saito, the creative force behind Gold Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, ranked on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. The bespoke cocktail menu will reflect his blend of precision, creativity, and global hospitality. Reinterpreting the traditional tea ritual, Executive Pastry Chef Alex Chong of The Singapore EDITION, renowned for his mastery of French pâtisserie and his thoughtful integration of Southeast Asian flavours, will offer creations blending delicate technique with bold creativity. The first leg of the series concludes in grandeur with an elaborate dinner at Brasserie RÉGINE, prepared by Chef Takatoki Minagawa, and Chef Ryuta Iizuka, who trained under the legendary Joël Robuchon, and acclaimed for his two Michelin-starred restaurant Ryuzu.
Korea - July 17-20 - JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
Jeju's culinary journey comprises an inspired celebration of its vibrant flavours and rich traditions. Setting the stage with culinary virtuosos, Paul Smart of Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ryan Byrne of Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, and Jayden Kim of The Flying Hog, the three talents will join forces in a Six-Hands dinner to create an impeccable contemporary tasting menu from the region's renowned land-and-sea bounty while presenting time-honoured techniques through a modern lens. Marking culinary excellence, both Atria and Citrique hold 14 Hats from the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide, whilst The Flying Hog has been recognised in the 2025 La Liste 1000. In The Lounge, Head Pastry Chef Sienna Wang and Chef Shigeru Nojima of the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, scheduled to open in Q3 2025, will bring their respective patisserie artistry and deep understanding of Jeju's local ingredients in an elevated Midsummer High Tea. Diners can expect delicate pastries paired with tea-inspired cocktails from award-winning Head Bartender Yosuke Asano of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. A singularly curated brunch at Yeoumul will pay tribute to the Haenyeo, Jeju's legendary female divers, with a selection of dishes in homage to the ocean's treasures. Chef Jin Lee of Yeoumul and Chef Hirotaka Nakashima of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, will prepare a menu inspired by Jeju's fresh seafood and local produce, elevated by the elegance and precision of kaiseki techniques. Uncover the legacy behind Jeju's traditional liquor-making where renowned fermentation artisan, Master Kim, joins Yosuke Asano for an exclusive masterclass seamlessly blending Korean heritage with the finesse of Japanese mixology.
India - July 31- August 3 - JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa
Experience the grandeur of Daawat-e-Aaleeshan where Chef Riyaz Ahmed will craft a feast of authentic Indian flavours, setting the tone for a night of indulgence steeped in cultural richness. Another highlight inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Director of Culinary Neeraj Rawoot brings his vision to life with an enchanting farm-to-table meal at the picturesque JW Garden, featuring fresh seasonal produce grown on-site. For an immersive and sensory dining experience highlighting different flavour components and held in unforgettable spaces across the property, the Five Elements Dinner will be prepared by renowned chefs Neeraj Rawoot, Riyaz Ahmed, Saiful Agam, Vu Van Thien, and Santosh Rawat. A Lazy Lakeside Brunch at EAST prepared by resident chef Saiful Agam who will join hands with Chef Vu Van Thien of Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to reimagine the restaurant's signature cuisine blend drawing on Korean BBQ traditions, elevated Omakase techniques, and the soulful simplicity of Cantonese flavours. For a poolside leisurely experience, The Great Getaway Brunch will comprise a curated selection of cocktails, a global spread of grilled foods and decadent desserts, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. For cocktail enthusiasts or those seeking a lively evening, the Shaken & Stirred Collaboration with Kuldeep Rawat and Simone Ciambrone from the acclaimed The Bvlgari Bar in Ginza, ranked among the World's 50 Best Bars, is a rare chance to see the two talents fuse their unique mixology styles.
Australia - August 15-17 - The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
Masterfully curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef's Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the East Meets West dinner will offer a seamless fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with refined Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multi-course dining format honouring seasonality, balance, and artistry. Closely collaborating with local producers, these two culinary maestros will also pair up for a second farm-to-table menu, dubbed as Farmers' Bounty. Exclusively available for one night only, this thoughtfully composed menu pays homage to the land, the season, and the hands behind the harvest. Presented by Chef Brian Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, Hearth's reimagined afternoon tea experience will celebrate Western Australia's diverse landscapes, stories, and flavours, where each artisanal confection showcases the treasures of the region, from the creamy delights of Margaret River Dairy to the aromatic nuances of native bush spices. For cocktail enthusiasts, an exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where their curated menu of handcrafted tipples, paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks, will reflect their mastery and innovation.
Singapore - August 29-31 - The St. Regis Singapore
Staying true to the 'Forgotten Flavors' theme, The St. Regis Singapore will feature an authentic Four-Hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, with dishes that reintroduce indigenous ingredients in inventive ways to bridge tradition and innovation. Redefining fine dining, guests can also look forward to an exceptional six-hands menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef Vladmir Veiga, Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St. Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence, Chef Angela Lai, former pastry chef of two-Michelin starred Tairroir Taipei, and winner of Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine the island's beloved sweet and savoury flavours through a refined lens. A spotlight on three of Asia's most compelling cocktail destinations - Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year's Luxury Dining Series returns to collaborate with Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St. Regis Jakarta to shake things up at The St. Regis Bar.
Indonesia - September 11-14 - The St. Regis Jakarta
The gastronomic adventures for the Jakarta stop will kick off with a decadent tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, featuring the rich flavour profiles of Indonesian cacao beans. Experience the Michelin-starred touch of IGNIV Bangkok, as Chef Arne Riehn brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Swiss cuisine to Jakarta. Journey through the Indonesian Archipelago with a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino 'Tino' Gabriel Ibrata, where the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional Wayang performance, offering a cultural prelude to an immersive dining experience. The St. Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by two celebrated pastry visionaries, Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. In sweet symphony, the menu marks an elevated take on afternoon tea, showcasing their avant-garde and bold flavour-driven approaches to desserts with a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites. Exceptional evening experiences include a noteworthy bar takeover that will honour the origins of punch in Batavia; during this event, Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION will present signature creations from their respective bars that reflect the rich legacy of mixology.
Thailand - September 25-28 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
This year's series concludes in Bangkok at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. At Duet by David Toutain, Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong's Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. The trio will present a six-hands European tasting menu rooted in honouring local terroir. The Bangkok and Hong Kong collaborations continue with another six-hands meal focused on French tradition and Asian finesse between Duet by David Toutain and Hong Kong's Louise with Executive Chef Loïc Portalier. For a special Friends of Lily's brunch helmed by Chef Pop, guests can further expect an explosion of Middle Eastern, French and Thai flavours prepared by Chef Tala Bashmi, crowned MENA's Best Female Chef by The World's 50 Best, Chef Loïc Portalier, and Chef Jai of Charmgang. Adding to the excitement is an intimate private dining experience at Lily's exclusive to 10 guests. Crafted by Chef Tala, diners can expect a delectable blend of Bahraini cuisine in each soulful bite. Headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, Calēo Bar will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi, celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi, a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London. Featuring beans from some of the most distinctive cacao regions around the world, guests can dive into a multi-sensory chocolate afternoon tea experience at Calēo, where they can enjoy guided tastings, and live demonstrations into the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans​ behind each bite.
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Guru's Weekly Buzz: Aug 15-21
Guru's Weekly Buzz: Aug 15-21

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Guru's Weekly Buzz: Aug 15-21

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Italy Awards Top Honours to Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak
Italy Awards Top Honours to Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak

Bangkok Post

time2 days ago

  • Bangkok Post

Italy Awards Top Honours to Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak

Italy has bestowed two of its highest national honours on two prominent Thai figures in recognition of their exceptional contributions to international relations, philanthropy, and the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between Italy and Thailand. The Italian Embassy in Bangkok recently hosted a distinguished reception to confer the honours on Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul. The event, attended by ambassadors, senior diplomats, business leaders, and prominent figures in Thai society, celebrated the couple's outstanding contributions to bilateral relations, philanthropy, and international cooperation. Khunying Patama, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Chairperson of Center for Morality Promotion (Public Organization), Chairperson of Cultural Promotion Fund, Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, Chair of the Board of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO), was awarded the title of Commendatore dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic – OMRI). Her husband, Dr Somsak, a leading business tycoon and philanthropist, received the title of Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Commander of the Order of the Star of Italy – OSI). The OMRI, Italy's highest-ranking civilian order, is bestowed upon individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the Republic in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities. The OSI, meanwhile, is granted to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to promoting friendly relations and cooperation with Italy. Italian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Paolo Dionisi, presided over the reception. In his remarks, the ambassador praised both honourees for their lifelong commitment to excellence and cross-cultural dialogue. "You [Khunying Patama] have already left a tremendous legacy for Thailand and I'm amazed at how energetic and active you still are despite all the past successes you've reached," the ambassador noted. Beyond her support for both domestic and international sports, she has also been deeply involved in cultural, musical, and academic , as well as supporting numerous charitable causes both within Thailand and internationally. Her remarkable dedication is an inspiration to us all. he said, adding that her support was instrumental in Italy's successful bid to host the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. "It's hard for me to express in words how much I respect your work and your great life and work achievements, and I think that Thailand's blooming image and respectability abroad owe a lot to you and successful entrepreneurs like you," he said. "Like your husband, you managed to perfectly blend together both economic vision and political acumen, and you also recognised, in your decade-long career, the key value of people-to-people connections, which really transcend cultural differences and borders," he added. In recognising Dr Somsak, the ambassador noted his exceptional achievements in Thailand's steel industry and his steadfast support for Italian business interests, particularly his facilitation of projects by Italian industrial group Danieli. "You are a real steel magnate, having built an empire that spans the steel industry from downstream to upstream, and one of the largest steel industries in Southeast Asia. In addition, you founded businesses in construction, real estate, and property development," he said. The ambassador noted that although Dr Somsak maintains a low profile, he is generous in supporting various charitable causes, not only within the Catholic community in Thailand but also extending his aid to other religious groups, which were highlighted as testaments to his commitment to social progress. "You are a man of profound vision and skill, but also a living proof of the importance of cultivating both economic and social ties alike in international relations," said Ambassador Dionisi. "I think that Italy and Thailand's long and thriving history of friendship depends a lot on characters like you." In receiving their decorations, the couple reaffirmed their commitment to fostering international goodwill, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. In her response, Khunying Patama delivered a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reaffirming her dedication to strengthening the enduring bond between Italy and Thailand. "Dr Somsak and I are profoundly humbled and grateful to receive these prestigious decorations," she said. "We are deeply moved that these honours have been presented by you, Ambassador Paolo, whose exceptional leadership and genuine love for Thailand have greatly enriched our bilateral relations." She highlighted the power of sport in fostering peace and understanding across cultures, tracing her own passion for sport diplomacy to her early education at St. Francis Xavier Convent School. As Chair of the IOC Culture and Heritage Commission, she pledged continued support for initiatives tied to Milano Cortina 2026, which she described as a celebration of Italy's "beauty, spirit, and rich Olympic tradition." "We humbly dedicate this recognition to our family, our colleagues, and to all who share a belief in using sport to build a better, more united future," Khunying Patama concluded.

Rare earths are definitely China's trump card
Rare earths are definitely China's trump card

Bangkok Post

time2 days ago

  • Bangkok Post

Rare earths are definitely China's trump card

China's weaponisation of rare earths has emerged as a major flash point in US-China trade negotiations. These critical materials, especially the high-performance magnets they make possible, are vital components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defence systems. In response to China's strict rare-earths export controls, the United States has quietly lowered tariffs, relaxed export controls on AI chips, and even softened visa restrictions for Chinese students. At the same time, the US is scrambling to secure alternative supplies. In July, the Department of Defense announced a landmark multi-billion-dollar investment package to boost MP Materials, the company behind America's flagship rare-earths project. But what if, despite massive subsidies and years of effort, the US still can't escape its dependence on Chinese rare earths? Japan offers a cautionary tale. In 2010, following a maritime standoff over the Senkaku Islands, China abruptly cut off exports of rare-earth to Japan. In response, the Japanese government pursued a series of strategic measures: investing in Lynas Rare Earths, an Australian producer; boosting domestic research and development in recycling and substitution; forging its own commercial partnerships with Chinese magnet manufacturers; and building strategic stockpiles to cushion future supply shocks. More than a decade later, Japan still sources over 70% of its imports of rare-earths from China. China's rare-earths dominance wasn't built overnight, and it won't be easily eroded. Its strength does not lie in hoarding raw materials, but in the industrial capacity to refine, process, and produce at scale. Today, China controls between 85% and 90% of global rare-earths refining capacity, and produces roughly 90% of the world's high-performance rare-earths magnets. It is the only country with a fully vertically integrated rare-earths supply chain -- from mining to chemical separation to magnet fabrication. China's manufacturing edge has given it not only an industrial lead, but also a technological moat. Between 1950 and 2018, China filed more than 25,000 rare earths-related patents, more than twice the number filed in the US. Decades of hands-on experience in the complex chemistry and metallurgy of rare-earths processing have yielded a depth of expertise that Western firms cannot easily replicate. Moreover, in December 2023, China's government moved to cement its lead, imposing sweeping export bans on the technologies behind rare-earths extraction, separation and magnet production. China's lax environmental regulation has also given its firms a powerful advantage over their Western competitors. In 2002, the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine in California was forced to halt refining operations after a toxic waste spill. By contrast, China's more permissive regulatory environment has allowed rare-earths production to expand rapidly, with fewer delays and far lower costs. Importantly, rare-earths chokepoints are not fixed; they evolve with technology. China understood this, waiting patiently as Western dependence on rare-earths magnets increased exponentially with the global green transition, which created massive demand for EVs and wind turbines. Even if the West succeeds in building a parallel supply chain for today's rare-earths needs, tomorrow's chokepoints may lie elsewhere. Quantum computing, for example, increasingly depends on rare isotopes like ytterbium-171, as well as on elements such as erbium and yttrium. These emerging applications could become the next pressure points, leaving the US and its allies once again racing to catch up. The US therefore must confront an uncomfortable truth: China's dominance in rare earths is likely to endure for the foreseeable future. Defensive strategies like supply-chain diversification may address some vulnerabilities, but true resilience demands an offensive strategy that enhances American leverage. The US still holds many valuable cards. As long as it retains control over technologies or infrastructure that China cannot live without -- be it advanced chips, frontier AI models, and access to the dollar-based financial system -- China has a strong incentive to keep rare earths flowing. For years, though, the US has pursued the opposite course: gradually decoupling and restricting key technology flows to China. Since the first Trump administration, the US playbook has been to blacklist leading Chinese tech firms and tighten export controls on cutting-edge chips. While these measures initially hobbled Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE, slowing the country's AI development, they have proved difficult to enforce. Riddled with loopholes, they created opportunities for enforcement arbitrage. As outgoing US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo conceded in December 2024, "Trying to hold China back is a fool's errand." At the same time, US export controls have galvanized efforts in China to build indigenous alternatives, effectively accelerating the rise of national champions like Huawei. Far from strengthening American leverage over China, US policy is steadily eroding it. If you are Nvidia, losing access to the Chinese market doesn't just mean forfeiting billions in revenue. It means losing influence over the most important AI ecosystem for developers outside the US. Recent policy shifts suggest that this realisation is starting to take hold. The Trump administration's decision to relax restrictions on sales of Nvidia's H20 chips to China signals a move away from blanket bans and toward more calibrated engagement. Counterintuitively, such engagement may be a smarter form of de-risking. The more that China relies on American technology, the more deeply the two sides' supply chains will become entangled, and the harder it will become for China to weaponise its own strategic assets, including rare earths. ©2025 Project Syndicate Angela Huyue Zhang, Professor of Law at the University of Southern California, is the author of 'High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy' (Oxford University Press, 2024) and 'Chinese Antitrust Exceptionalism: How the Rise of China Challenges Global Regulation' (Oxford University Press, 2021).

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