THREE-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA OF SOUTH-EAST ASIAN GASTRONOMY AT KOH SAMUI BEACH RESORT ‘NAPASAI’
Gourmet showcase of regional specialties by elite Orient-Express chefs,
South-East Asian gastronomy interpreted by five of the region’s most acclaimed
international chefs was on the menu for charity at Orient-Express beachside hideaway
Napasai in Koh Samui from February 23-25, 2011.
“To have one Chef like Gilles Galli at Napasai it is already something. So imagine 5 talented
chefs in residence at the same time! We had 3 fantastic days. Chef Gilles and I really
wanted to organize this event, the first of its kind in the Asian OE collection, but certainly
not the last one! The 5 chefs had great fun working together, the staff enjoyed it a lot too
but more importantly our guests have been amazed and are already asking for the dates of
the next Culinary event at Napasai! Also we are so happy to support the Foundation. They
are doing such an amazing job. ” Jeremie de Fombelle, General Manager of Napasai said.
The intensive three-day gourmet extravaganza was showcasing the gastronomy of five
countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and Indonesia.
It has been a unique collaboration by top chefs from five elite Orient-Express hotels and
resorts from each destination, coordinated by Napasai’s internationally-renowned French
Executive Chef Gilles Galli.
Also participating are Alexis Voisin of La Residence d'Angkor, Cambodia; Iain Murray of The
Governor's Residence, Yangon, Myanmar; Bansani Nawisamphan of Ubud Hanging Gardens,
Ubud, Bali; and Michele Greggio of Jimbaran Puri Bali, Bali.
The trio of events began on February 23 with a launch cocktail and chefs presentation by
the pool followed by a signature dinner menu highlighting Asian specialties by each of the 5
chefs. Approx 100 guests attended the opening dinner, including Media, representative
from the travel trade, local officials, island residents etc…
On February 24 the chefs teamed up to create one of the most diverse South-East Asian
gastronomic buffets ever served in Koh Samui. With almost a hundred guests again, this
dinner under the stars, on the private beach of Napasai have been a memorable
gastronomic event!
The one-off showcase of regional cuisine was completed with a cocktail on the beach
followed by Gala Dinner, fireworks, live jazz music on February 25.
Profits were supporting Thailand’s Foundation for Slum Child Care, under the Royal
Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani.
Event organiser Chef Gilles Galli is renowned for his extraordinary blend of haute European
and Thai cuisine at Napasai’s widely-acclaimed beach grill restaurant. A member of the
Disciples d´Auguste Escoffier, the exclusive organisation of European chefs, he trained
under a number of French Michelin star chefs and for a decade owned the highly regarded
Eden Restaurant in La Colle sur Loup, France. His philosophy is that “Cooking is without
limits: its landmarks come from our creativity."
The Napasai event was supported by one of the world’s most awarded chefs, Marc Veyrat,
who was the first to receive a perfect grade of 20/20 in the Gault-Millau Guide for his two
restaurants in France, both with 3 Michelin Stars.
He said: “Chef Gilles Galli is a key figure promoting French cuisine around the world and I
am very proud to support him.”
Also backing the promotion are 3 Michelin Star Chef Anne Sophie Pic and 2 Michelin Star
Chef Stephane Raimbault l Oasis.
Beneficiaries of the event, the Foundation for Slum Child Care, supports almost 2,000
disadvantaged children daily through four daycare centres, along with support for privately
run daycare homes and community outreach to slum babies and infants.
