The Villazzo Restaurant at V Villas Hua Hin, MGallery by Sofitel, recently hosted two special dinners prepared by rising star chef Nicolas Basset
Chef Nicolas is the Executive Sous Chef at the French restaurant La VIE, at VIE Hotel Bangkok, MGallery by Sofitel. He travelled to Hua Hin to prepare two special menus featuring food inspired by Michelin star chefs. Chef Nicolas has worked with some of the world’s illustrious names in gastronomy such as Albert Roux and Marcus Wareing. He grew up in both France and Finland, and while working as a part-time chef in London at 19, he fell in love with creating innovative dishes.
His resume is impressive, including stints at Michelinstar The Orrery Restaurant, Chez Kristof (now closed), and Michelin-star La Trompette. In Thailand, he has worked at L’Appart at Sofitel Sukhumvit, and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok before joining La VIE – Creative French Cuisine. The Villazzo restaurant in Hua Hin is the resort’s chic poolside eatery, serving exquisite cuisine alfresco or in air-conditioned comfort. V Villas Hua Hin was recently re-branded as an MGallery by Sofitel. MGallery is a collection of boutique hotels dedicated to lovers of life, literature and culture.
MGallery hotels are each inspired by their own stories, which you’ll hear whispered through the halls, echoed in the artful design and layered into the details of signature dishes and cocktails. Our French-inspired meal began with an amuse-bouche (a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre) of asparagus (white and green), sherry, mascarpone, and shaved truffle, setting the tone for the meal ahead. The starter was pan-seared Hokkaido scallops and cauliflower in a wild mushroom emulsion topped with a truffle-infused foam. The main course was Barbary duck imported from Australia. The creatively-plated dish also included butternut squash, and rosemary dusted peaches. The sweet and savoury balance was perfection.
Dessert came in the form of a white chocolate cake with elements of tonika bea, pineapple and coconut. Throughout the meal, Chef Nicolas went from table to table presenting and explaining his dishes to the eager diners. In the end we were treated to a sneak-peek of the following night’s menu which included seared foie-gras escallope, butter-poached Maine lobster, and a tarte Bourdaloue.
Hours: 7AM – 11PM
Address: 63/39 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin
Reservations: +66 32 616 039
