absolutelyBangkok archive · Culture & Arts
Originally published Sept. 16, 2008
To be elitist in Bangkok seems to be on vogue these days. So let’s be straight out elitist. As it’s this glorious time of the year again with the World Gourmet Festival @ the Four Seasons Hotel. From Sept. 22 to 28th.
Well, the cheapest event at the festival, the Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Tasting, will set you back some 600 baht. The Gala Dinner 8,500++. The Gourmet Festival though is not about money.
It’s about a unique chance to eat off the plates of some of the world’s best chefs: Award-winning master chefs under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding food, exquisite wines and, yes, cooking classes with the masters.
Flown in chefs are:
Siggi Hall of Siggi Hall Restaurant, Reykjavik, Iceland;
Maurizio Quaranta of La Speranza, Farigliano, Italy;
Glen Ballis of Nedal’Nij Vostok, Moscow, Russia; and the U.S. chefs
Michael Laiskonis, Executive Pastry Chef of Le Bernardin, New York;
Jeffrey Jake of The Carneros Inn, Napa Valley, California;
Michael Ginor of Hudson Valley Foie Gras, New York; and the only female chef Celina Tio of Julia(n), North Carolina.
Their bios read like a who’s who of the world’s leading cuisines. Michelin-starred Maurizio Quaranta remains dedicated to the Italian-Mediterranean style. Michael Laiskonis is an alchemist of desserts and master of the science of bread(!). Jeffrey Jake can’t count the culinary accolades and titles anymore. Siggi Hall’s passion is Icelandic and Nordic food.
Glen Ballis, born in Australia, keeps on traveling the world to get acquainted with new dishes. Michael Ginor joins the World Gourmet Festival for the record 9th time. Celina Tio finally, considered one of the most outstanding chefs of the United States, is still busy cooking for her loyal guests, friends and family, as she does since the tender age of eight.
To download the schedule right-click here. If you think you can’t make it home safely after this culinary sojourn, Four Seasons Hotel has a Gourmet Package which includes deluxe overnight accommodation with all the bells and whistles. Starts at 13,650 baht/night per couple. For bookings call 02 250 1000.
From the absolutelyBangkok archive. Back to all stories