Following Regent Phu Quoc’s first Taste Studio in April 2023, the resort unveiled its second pop-up event, ‘An Odyssey to Vietnam,’ which took place from November 15-18, 2023. The Regent Taste Studio is a unique and interactive dining experience that seamlessly merges the realms of art, design, fashion, and gastronomy.
“An Odyssey to Vietnam” was a captivating four-night event that celebrated Vietnam’s rich culture, folklore, and mythical stories that have mesmerised generations. It was inspired by an ancient tale that tells the origin of the Vietnamese people; the Dragon and the Fairy (Phoenix) myth was at the core of the Taste Studio.
Participating artists took this story as the main inspiration for their interpretation, skillfully bridging the gaps and interlinking their creative performances. Set against the backdrop of the reimagined Ocean Club restaurant, the event brought together the finest culinary talents, renowned mixologists, and exceptional local artisans for an immersive showcase.
The collaboration featured Oku Chef de Cuisine Andy Huynh and Ocean Club Chef de Cuisine Daniel Huynh, alongside celebrity guest chef Hoang Tung and the acclaimed mixologist Richard McDonough, known as the “mood therapist.”
Adding to the creative ensemble was AC3 Studio, a team of visionary Creative Technologists and other outstanding local talents, all playing integral roles in bringing the Taste Studio pop-up to life.
The Regent Taste Studio experience unfolded through eight captivating chapters, each delivering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy and storytelling. The Ocean Club restaurant served as the enchanting canvas where these narratives came alive, skillfully crafted by our resident creative team.
Mr Sriram Kailasam, the General Manager of the resort, said, “We express our sincerest appreciation to all patrons and collaborators who made this event an exceptional success, further solidifying Regent Phu Quoc‘s position at the forefront of culinary innovation and unforgettable hospitality.”
The Chapters:
ACT 1 – A Whimsical Landscape
Take a step into the world of storytelling, where folklore stories take a central stage and carry an intentional dialogue through the eyes of the participating artists.
Act One of the evening featured a whimsical scenery with visiting artisans Pham Hong Minh, a Performance Painter and Richard McDonough, a Molecular Mixologist. This act set the stage, drawing inspiration from the country’s folklore, a whimsical fairy in the form of a Phoenix symbolising the origins of the Vietnamese people and how these worlds are interpreted through art and gastronomy.
Molecular Mixology
(Richard McDonough – Mixologist in Residence)
The Evergreen
Sampan Rum 43%, Vietnamese Basil Nitro-muddled with Liquid Nitrogen, Green Apple Syrup, Lime Juice
At the heart of this cocktail lies the essence of Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant natural beauty. The Sampan Blanc 43° is a pure cane juice rum derived from locally grown sugarcane and nurtured in the picturesque hills of Quang Nam province. This cocktail represents the captivating central region of Vietnam.
Mother River
Song Cai Floral Gin, Clarified Dong Du Guava Cordial, Champagne, Guava Molasses
As the name suggests, this cocktail was inspired by the Vietnamese gin Sông Cái, which translates to Mother River. This cocktail captures the essence of Vietnam’s rural beauty and offers a rich and intricate flavour profile. Infused with a harmonious blend of five distinct Vietnamese flowers: dragon claw, ylang-ylang, jasmine, michelia alba, and pomelo, these floral notes intertwine seamlessly with the core gin botanicals, resulting in a true masterpiece encapsulated within a glass.
ACT TWO – Sea Whispers
(Hoang Tung – Chef in Residence Pearl Oyster)
Dong Du Guava, Limoncello Sauce, Rugosa Oil, Fermented Cabbage Crackers, Oyster Emulsion, Caviar
Resident at Regent for this special event, Chef Hoang Tung and AC3 Studio have crafted a captivating canvas suggesting a voyage through vibrant colours, tantalising tastes, and harmonious melodies. Rich flavours and textures paid homage to the bountiful offerings of the sea, drawing inspiration from local oysters found in Central Vietnam.
ACT 3 – Wild Earth
(Daniel Huynh – Ocean Club Chef de Cuisine)
Hokkaido Scallops Crudo, Asparagus and Edamame Mousse, Heart of Palm, Liquid Nitrogen Yuzu Sorbet
In this act, the worlds of culinary and digital art intertwined seamlessly, creating an enchanting exploration of the mesmerising Mekong Delta region. Chef Daniel and AC3 Studio weaved in a tapestry of visual engagement and palate profiles, unveiling hidden treasures that span across this area. Through vibrant visuals from rice fields and Tien Giang herb farms, this act stands as a testament to the natural beauty of Vietnam.
ACT 4 – An Azure Flower
(Hoang Tung – Chef in Residence)
Slow-cooked Lobster, Apple Gel, Coriander Oil, Curried Beurre Blanc
In this act, digital and gastronomic artistry converged before your eyes. Against a backdrop of blue twilight hues, Resident Chef Tung and AC3 Studio masterfully crafted an experience inspired by the enchanting North region of Vietnam. From treasures of the ocean to vibrant blossoms, their creations beautifully embodied the essence of the humble Vietnamese ingredients.
ACT FIVE – Dreamlike Valley
(Andy Huynh – Oku Chef de Cuisine)
Rice Aged Chargrilled Wagyu, Roasted Mac Khen Pepper Sauce, Sweet Potato, Mustard Greens
Chef Andy and AC3 Studio crafted an adventure with twists and turns. Northern Vietnam and Sapa’s Rose Valley were the source for this culinary presentation, unveiling remarkable flavours, succulent tastes and multi-layered visuals and textures that evoked emotions.
ACT’s SIX & SEVEN – Boundless Art
Sticky Toffee and Banana Pudding, Caramel Sauce, 18k Gold, Banana Ice Cream
All accomplished artists possess the innate skill to create depth in their work with layers of complexity. In acts Six and Seven, Chef Duyen and AC3 Studio joined forces to enhance the climactic ending of the evening.
Act Six introduced the Dalat Banana, a fruit of royalty during the Nguyen Dynasty, while Act Seven took a thrilling twist by incorporating a renowned Phu Quoc legend, weaving the event’s location into the narrative. This unexpected backdrop took guests on a captivating journey filled with surprising twists and turns.
ACT EIGHT – Drum Performers from the Vietnam National Academy of Music
(Richard McDonough, Mixologist in Residence, and Pham Hong Minh, Performance Painter)
The Triumph Drum
Adding to the final act, guests were treated to a mesmerising drum performance titled “Triumph Drum” by the renowned Trong Dong Band from the esteemed Vietnam National Academy of Music. Coming as a surprise for the diners, the rhythmic beats reverberated through the venue, captivating the audience with their precision and passion. The powerful and evocative performance showcased the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, paying homage to the country’s vibrant traditions while infusing a contemporary flair.
Eternal Dance of Wind and Fire
(Pham Hong Minh In His Own Words)
The artworks hint at the ancient stories and legends about the Dragon and Phoenix. The colour strokes create a sense of intrigue, as if the painting is whispering the tales of these mythical creatures.
The majestic Phoenix, with its powerful wings, symbolises the essence of the wind. Its feathers dance gracefully in the air as if effortlessly riding the currents. On the other hand, the Dragon exudes strength and fire. Its scales shimmer with a fiery intensity, reflecting the power it possesses. As the embodiment of fire, the Dragon’s presence is both grand and fierce.
The elements of water and fire are beautifully contrasted, creating a harmonious balance within the painting. The wind breathes life into the flames while the fire fuels the Phoenix’s flight. Together, they embody the delicate symmetry between power and grace, strength and beauty.
The Dragon’s vibrant red and gold hues symbolise passion, strength, and vitality, while the Phoenix’s soft white feathers represent purity, grace, and transcendence. The contrasting colours are an integral part of Vietnamese culture, life, cuisine, and its people. They play the role of spiritual yin and yang, which find balance within the artwork’s composition.
To learn more about Regent Taste Studio at Regent Phu Quoc, visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/taste-studio.
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