Prepare to embark on a journey of unparalleled sensory discovery and artistic refinement at the Regent Phu Quoc Taste Studio, returning this November with a captivating event titled "The Way of the Sea." Running from November 7-9, 2024, this exceptional showcase will immerse guests in a unique scenographic narrative, structured like a theatrical play divided into seven captivating chapters.
Celebrating the mysterious allure of the underwater world, this year’s Taste Studio will explore unique and unconventional themes through a masterful blend of art, architecture, and gastronomy. Participating artisans will bring these narratives to life, creating a universal and immersive experience that highlights the profound connections that water establishes among us all.
In an exciting collaboration with Guest Architect-in-Residence Mr. Nguyen Trung Nghia, Regent Phu Quoc will unveil a pop-up restaurant inspired by the sea snails of Phu Quoc, set against the backdrop of this extraordinary event.
Also headlining this year's Taste Studio is Spanish celebrity visual artist Mark Rios, renowned as Mr. Dripping, who returns for his second Taste Studio showcase after a successful debut in Singapore three years ago. This November, he will present his captivating drip art, masterfully aligning with the theme "The Way of the Sea."
Guests will enjoy a thrilling culinary adventure, complete with twists and turns designed to delight the senses, led by new Executive Chef Francesco Andreoni.
About Executive Chef Francesco Andreoni
Hailing from Milan, Italy, Chef Francesco brings with him two decades of culinary expertise, perfected in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and high-end restaurants across cities like Milan, Paris, Chicago, Melbourne, and southern Switzerland. His extensive background promises to elevate the dining experience at Regent Phu Quoc, as he takes the helm of all culinary operations at the resort.
A passionate foodie from a young age, Chef Francesco's culinary journey began at just 14 years old, inspired by his mother's exceptional cooking. His career path has led him to esteemed establishments such as the Gault & Millau restaurant Jarno in Switzerland, Giovanni Rana and Payton & Burns in London, and Osteria 60 at the five-star Baglioni Hotel in London. In 2017, he further showcased his dedication to the culinary arts by opening his own restaurants in Switzerland.
Chef Francesco is committed to excellence, infusing his dishes with a unique vision and innovative flair. His creations are characterised by thoughtful balance and exquisite flavours, ensuring a memorable dining experience for every guest.
Stay tuned for more details as we approach this highly anticipated unveiling at the Regent Phu Quoc Taste Studio, where art, gastronomy, and immersive experiences converge.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Architect - Nguyen Trung Nghia
Trung Nghia, born in 1981 in Dak Lak province, is a Vietnamese visual artist, a graduate of the Faculty of Industrial Fine Arts at Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture. From 2016 to 2020, Nghia not only created paintings but also explored and revived traditional Vietnamese cultural features. He collaborated with local craftsmen to create a collection of bamboo and rattan works, culminating in the exhibition "Nat Gio Con Bo Tre."
Recently, Nghia has ventured into architectural installations for resort real estate, contributing to projects such as SwanBay - Saigon Riverside City (2023-2024), The Museum (2023), Phuong Nam Food Court (2022-2023), and Hola Beach - Beach Club & Eco Glamping Resort (2022).
Artist Mr Dripping
Mark Rios known as Mr Dripping was born on November 17, 1987 in Barcelona. He is an artist and fashion designer with a unique self-taught dripping technique that has reached and been exposed to major cities such as: Barcelona, Madrid, Florence, Dubai, New York, Miami and Los Angeles.
Dripping is a technique originally developed by Max Ernst in Germany and later used by American artist, Jackson Pollock. It consisted of flicking large portions of ink onto a canvas and forming harmonious shapes. Mr. Dripping found inspiration in the need of giving a figurative form to the abstracts of Pollock. Through hours of practice, the lines began to make sense, where body silhouettes and faces were captured in a spontaneous moment of free movements.
Mr Dripping’s work has been recognized by celebrities, musicians, and professional athletes like: Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Chris Brown, Neymar Jr, Major Lazer, LIl john, Nyjah Huston, Sara Sampaio, Cindy Kimberly, Nieves Alvarez, and many more.
Executive Sous Chef Huan Tran
Originally from central Vietnam, Hue province, Chef Huan dreamed of becoming a chef since childhood. He aspired to go beyond his own regional cuisine and master the cuisines of distinct regions of Vietnam – the longitude of the nation makes the culture and cuisine truly diverse. He adapts his cooking to his surroundings, priding himself on using the freshest and most seasonal products.
Chef De Cuisine Andy Huynh At Oku Restaurant
Born in Dak Lak, Vietnam and raised in California, Andy grew up between land and sea, discovering early the value of each ingredient and their cultural meaning. He honed his Japanese techniques with Nobu for many years, before joining the team at Regent Phu Quoc to open the contemporary Japanese-French restaurant Oku. His creativity fuses a flurry of influences, from modern art to far-flung travel, but his dishes are always rooted in a deep respect for the finest ingredients and products.
Chef De Cuisine Daniel Huynh At Ocean Club
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Daniel’s passion for food started at a young age, sampling the variety of flavours available around him. Apprenticing at some of the finest restaurants in Vietnam, he’s joined the team at Regent Phu Quoc to head up Ocean Club, a beachfront, Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle restaurant. Inspired by Vietnam’s modern take and interpretation of Western cuisine, Daniel loves to style his creations to not just be delectable but, also memorable.
Executive Pastry Chef Duyen Nguyen
Chef Duyen Nguyen grew up in Ninh Binh, a Northern province in Vietnam that’s known for its magical riverine landscape and an UNESCO’s world heritage site. He is a traditional French pastry cuisine aficionado with a passion for art and colour that he translates in his cuisine. As Executive Pastry Chef, he aspires to create unique and sensory experiences for guests. He loves a challenge and uses Rose Myrtle fruits or peppers, both of which are found only in Phu Quoc island in his sweet and savoury creations.
Reservations are encouraged and resident and non-resident guests can contact the resort by calling +84 297 388 0000, via email at regent.phuquoc@ihg.com or by visiting https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/taste-studio