New Dining Series Elevates Gastronomy In Asia Pacific

By Amy Van

The Luxury Group by Marriott International wraps up the year with a brand new Luxury Group Dining Series. The portfolio of eight hotel brands include The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels.

This multi-city regional dining series from end Sept to 1 Dec features six top hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, The St. Regis Bali, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, The St. Regis Mumbai, and JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.

The series’ specially designed gastronomic experiences are presented by a top-notch line-up of culinary talents across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The Luxury Group Dining Series takes place in six destinations, activating 23 restaurants and bars, with participation from over 25 hotels and resorts, and showcases the skills of over 55 culinary and beverage talents.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: September 27 – 29

This coming weekend, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo’s restaurants will kick off the Luxury Group Dining Series. The stellar lineup of talents include Chef de Cuisine Teruki Murashima of Héritage by Kei Kobayashi, Chef de Cuisine Hisao Ishida from Hinokizaka, and Chef Takuji Nakano, Head Chef of Towers.

Expect sublime experiences including bespoke menus matched with exquisite wines. Guests can experience a kaiseki dinner paired with premium sake at Hinokizaka which specialises in kaiseki, teppanyaki, tempura, and sushi. All this is topped with spectacular views of the city.

Over at Towers, Chef Vladmir Veiga, Head Chef and Resident Chef at Arola and one-Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola at Penha Longa Resort (part of The Ritz-Carlton portfolio of hotels and resorts), will collaborate with Towers’ Chef de Cuisine Takuji Nakano in a four-hands matcha-themed brunch. The innovative brunch blends contemporary elegance with refined flavours and unique Portuguese influences.

Meanwhile, Kentaro Wada, Head Bartender at The Bar, who won the Chivas Masters 2018 cocktail competition, and Yosuke Asano from The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, winner of Bacardi Legacy in Japan in 2020, will be creating cocktails inspired by the Nakasendo route based on the microclimates linking the different seasons of Japan and the ingredients native to the country. Besides s cocktail masterclass focusing on Japanese products, the hotel’s Lobby Lounge will present a new curated Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Sugi Bee Garden, a beekeeping company founded over 70 years ago.

The St. Regis Bali: October 4 – 6

Guests can look forward to indulging in a variety of Balinese delights created by renowned chefs and bartenders. Arne Riehn, who leads the culinary brigade at the Michelin-starred IGNIV at The St. Regis Bangkok, will be taking over Kayuputi for two nights to bring their signature concept to Bali. Kayuputi will also be elevating their already popular Brunch with signature dishes from participating chefs. For a vibrant Balinese experience, guests are invited for an elevated beachside barbecue dinner incorporating Australian techniques using the finest Balinese ingredients. A talented trio of mixologists from The St. Regis hotels in Singapore, Jakarta and Bali, will collaborate and craft cocktails including bespoke pairings and guest shift bar takeovers.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne: October 17 – 19

Launching the Melbourne leg of the Luxury Group Dining Series, Chef Angelo Aglianó of Michelin-starred Tosca di Angelo at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong will be bringing his signature dishes to a bespoke lunch at Atria.

Situated on the 80th floor, Cameo was recently listed as Australia’s Best Hotel Bar. It will spotlight a takeover from The Tokyo Toranomon EDITION’s Gold Bar, included for the past few years in Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ extended list. It is helmed by Head Bartender Hideyuki Saito, who placed in the top eight at the Bacardi Legacy 2017 Global Final cocktail competition in Berlin. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients, Chef Angelo will also be creating distinct canapés for ‘Indulgence Hour’ at the Lobby Lounge, elevating after-work drinks for the ultimate luxury interpretation of happy hour.

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok: October 31 – November 3

An array of Thai culinary experiences await guests at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Chef Christian Herrgesell who is the Executive Chef at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will be taking over The Allium creating an elevated tasting menu incorporating signature dishes from Lae Lay restaurant. Giovanni Graziedei, Director of Beverage at The Singapore EDITION’s Punch Room will be elevating the beverage experience by bringing Punch Room Signature serves to The Allium.

At Hashiri where the ancient artform complements gastronomy, discover an interactive experience with a contemporary artist, and a four-handed collaboration with Chef de Cuisine Alvin Chew and Chef Fujisawa Nobuhiro from Mizuki The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. Executive Chef Montri Jiratitankit, a veteran of fine Thai cuisine with 20 years of global experience, will be partnering with a prominent local chef in a Four Hands collaboration at The House of Smooth Curry.

The St. Regis Mumbai: November 15 – 17

For an elevated fine dining experience, Spanish Chef Miguel Navarro representing Es Fum, one Michelin-starred venue at The St. Regis, Mallorca, will take over Koishii, alongside other culinary talents from The St. Regis Mumbai, Bar experiences will be led by Cassandra and Karina from Republic at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

Seven Kitchens will showcase various head chefs coming together for an extravagant Brunch affair. They include: Alessandro Piso from JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Chow Chee Meng from The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Bhaskar Chakraborty from the JW Marriott Kolkata, Sahil Sharma from JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, Chef Paul Kinny from The St. Regis Mumbai and Chef Golpin Sianipar from The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.

The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, the hotel’s Indian specialty restaurant will host an exquisite Four-Hands Dinner with Chef Asif Qureshi from the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Look forward to patisserie masterclass by Guest Chef Vinesh Johny, or indulge in an haute couture themed Champagne afternoon tea at The Drawing Room.

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach: November 29 – December 1

The series concludes in Singapore with an extraordinary dinner at the renowned Madame Fan. Executive Chinese Chef Pak Chee Yit, will be joined by Executive Chef Paul Lau Ping-Lui of the Two Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong to offer guests an exquisite Chinese dinner.

Meanwhile, Madame Fan’s Head Bartender Chew Qing Ting will be collaborating with the team from Bar Sathorn at the W Bangkok.There will also be live Chinese themed performances at Cool Cats by talented musicians at the forefront of the jazz scene.

Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to bid for these exclusive experiences using their points under the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program. From masterclasses, immersive market visits, elevated dining experiences, to limited-edition gifts, the Luxury Group Dining Series promises a memorable journey in each of the six  destinations. For more information, visit: https://luxurydiningseries.com/