Hua Hin Chef's Table @ Vana Nava Sky

Hua Hin Chef’s Table Ep. 1

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ua Hin is already well known for having many top quality restaurants serving both International and Thai food; the style of food more synonymous with cosmopolitan cities like Bangkok. Hua Hin Chef's Table is an innovative and exciting new concept for Hua Hin. It's about a group of eight talented chefs from seven of Hua Hin's finest restaurants and hotels, all presenting their dynamic food from their own carefully constructed menu; highlighting both local ingredients and international techniques. We firmly believe this takes Hua Hin’s food scene to the next level and we are pleased to be associated with this concept. The first Chef's Table event was held at Vana Nava Sky on Sunday 29th July and featured Executive Chef Amporn "Bem" Choeng-Ngam. His menu of Asian Cuisine with Spanish Influences was the theme of the day. All of the offerings from Vana Nava Sky's latest themed brunch were also available to sample. On the day we dined, the theme was Brunch Español. The other feature of this Chef’s Table was the inclusion of something they call Molecular Mixology, simply stunning liquid concoctions from a former cocktail barman at Bangkok's Nahm Restaurant.

Pan-Fried Prachuap Khiri Khan Sea Bass
Pan-Fried Sea Bass w/- Ginger Puree

After catching your breath upon arrival at the 27th floor, be prepared to gasp at the spectacular and panoramic 360° views over Hua Hin and the surrounds; venture out onto the Sky Deck if you dare. Once ready, you are promptly shown to your table in true Vana Nava Sky style, with a welcome Sangria popped in front of you. The first course arrived and it was a plate of mixed hors d’oeuvres, including Local Mahor Squid, Betel Leaf with Prawns and Fresh Spring Rolls with Fish. This was followed by a Scallop Ceviche; local scallops flavoured with lemongrass, cucumber, dill, mint and kaffir lime.

Wagyu Beef @ Hua Hin Chef's Table Vana Nava Sky
Grilled Wagyu Beef Terderloin

A refreshing palate cleanser of Rosella Juice and Foam Sorbet sets you up for the main course; your choice of either beef or fish. We opted for both between us, so as to taste all that was on offer. The fish was the highlight of the day; Prachuap Khiri Khan Sea Bass with the skin pan-fried until crisp and served with a ginger puree and mixed leaf salad. This dish was elegant and simply delightful. As for beef, there is nothing better than Wagyu Beef and this melt in your mouth tenderloin was cooked to perfection and served with pearl onions, a new potato along with mustard and a red wine and red onion reduction. Trying both mains was the right thing, as it really did give us some perspective.

To finish the chef’s table menu was a delightfully light Melon Ice Cream with a hit of Midori through it to liven up your mouth; this was followed by a deconstructed Pineapple Tart, which was magnificent. The local pineapples are deliciously sweet, making a lip-smacking combination with the guava sorbet and passionfruit coulis. The Chef's Table menu was offered including any selections of food from the Brunch Español buffet. There was freshly sliced Jamón Ibérico de Cebo, fresh seafood, pulled pork sliders, bruschetta, Vana Nava Sky's signature taco along with other tasty tapas. There was also a great selection of petite fours to finish off what was an amazing dining experience.

We must also give a tip of our hat to Vana Nava Sky's resident mixologist on the day, Khun Tor, who mixed up an outstanding chilli Margarita and a zingy, lime-packed Mojito! We will definitely be back!

Hua Hin Chef's Table Mixologist @ Vana Nava Sky
Vana Nava Sky's Expert Mixologist

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ronald Ramirez, General Manager of Vana Nava Sky, for making the afternoon a delight. His staff were ever-smiling, attentive and only too happy to pose for a picture or two. Cheers Ronald!

Whilst we were guests of Vana Nava Sky and worked closely with the founders of the Hua Hin Chefs Table concept, all opinions are our own. We only write and comment on what we truly see, feel and experience based on what we like to taste. This review is based on our taste levels and our experiences of eating at these levels.

Look out for the next Hua Hin Chef's Table event by following their Facebook page.

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