V Villas recently invited Hua Hin Today to the ‘Villazzo Restaurant’ to sample an 8 course dinner created by Michelin Star Guest Chef Kei Kobayashi. The evening was entitled- ‘By The Beach’.
Chef Kei is originally from Japan where many of his family are chefs. At the tender age of 21 he moved to France and started working for various Michelin Star Restaurants. His last stint was as top Sous Chef at the Three Star Restaurant of the famous Alain Ducasse. In 2007 he opened his own restaurant ‘KEI’ at 5 Rue Coq Héron in Paris and a year later he had his first Michelin Star. It’s not an easy task getting a Michelin Star so I knew I was in for treat.
The V Villas Restaurant ‘Villazzo’ couldn’t have provided a better backdrop to Chef Kei’s artistry. The restaurant’s modern design, mood lighting and a gorgeous infinity pool facing the sea complimented the dinner perfectly.
Chef Kei presented French cooking at its best, though plated with Japanese simplicity and freshness. With French Sous Chef Julien Cadiou assisting him the menu highlights included; Shiso Infusion , Salty Cake, Chilled Avocado Soup, Foie Gras, Roasted Lobster, Wagyu Beef, Cheese and Red Fruit “Vacharin”. Please do not be fooled by these simple names as the meals were by no means simply made.
My favorite was Chilled Avocado Soup that was absolutely lovely in texture and taste. Small morsels of caviar and hermit crab made each bite a surprise. Foie Gras with espresso and almond may sound rather weird, but it’s just one of those things that you just have to trust and then fall in love with at first bite. The Wagyu beef was beautifully plated and magnificent in its simplicity served with “beef au jus”. The Cheese Plate really was like no cheese plate I have ever seen. It looked more like a dessert but tasted nice and refreshing after the Wagyu Beef. The Red Fruit “Vacharin” was delicious and looked like a dainty bouquet from the garden. Altogether a very nice dinner with great food, great wine and a great location.
I had a little chat with Chef Kei after dinner and he explained why he wanted to come and work with V Villas in Hua Hin. “I wanted to experience something new and see new ways of doing things” he said. I asked him how he liked Hua Hin though he replied that he had not yet had a chance to see anything outside the hotel. He added that V Villas was heaven but that “tomorrow I am going to the beach to relax”. I hope his wish came true as he was flying back to Paris and returning to his restaurant the next evening.
If you missed this dinner fear not! Vie Hotel inBangkok& V Villas Hua Hin will host one up and coming chef every quarter in 2013 for all you foodies out there. I heard there is already a date set in May for the next top chef. I will let you know when I know more details.
For more information on V Villas, Villazzo Restaurant and Michelin Star Dinners go to:
www.v-villashuahin.com
