Bangkok is a city built on high energy. Its chaotic pace pushes its residents to keep up or fall behind. When two of its most talented Italian chefs are trading the concrete jungle for the calm shores of Khao Lak, it creates what they call ‘a dialogue between Bangkok’s energy and Khao Lak’s quietude’. This unique collaboration takes the chefs out of their usual comfort zone and into new creative territory.
The stars of this event are three distinct culinary voices. First is Chef Michele Fernando from the pizza powerhouse Massilia, rooted in Neapolitan tradition. His skill centres on perfecting the dough while his approach balances tradition and fresh ideas, always finding a spark of creativity to give each pizza a personal touch. He is joined by Chef Marco Avesani of the fine dining spot, La Bottega Bangkok, whose cooking reflects cucina popolare: the home cooking of everyday people. He aims to recreate the warmth of family meals, the joy of sharing simple dishes and a sense of community. Leading the trio is their host, Chef Vincenzo ‘Enzo’ Sorrentino of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa's Olive restaurant. With Italian and Spanish roots, Enzo infuses a Mediterranean spirit into his cooking. He is the playful innovator, a chef who embraces fusion and fire cooking to turn rustic dishes into modern art, all while using local Thai ingredients from the resort's JW Garden.
This collision of styles is what makes the event so appealing. Marco brings the warmth and soul of Italian home cooking, Michele shares his exceptional pizza skills and respect for Naples’ culinary roots and Enzo adds his creative flair. As Chef Marco explains ‘Cooking at a place like JW Marriott Khao Lak challenges us in exciting ways. It’s a beautiful setting, and that naturally raises the standard. That challenge sparks creativity, leading us to dishes we might not have thought of in our kitchens.’
The two-night event explores these culinary worlds. On Friday, August 29, the a la carte menu features a family-style Italian dinner, allowing guests to pick and share dishes from all three chefs. On Saturday evening, the event evolves into a lavish affair with live cooking shows. Your senses will hum with anticipation as you arrive at a massive spread of Italian delights.
For the chefs, this collaboration celebrates Italian hospitality and enables them to elevate their craft. ‘We want our guests to feel welcome, to share approachable dishes and to leave with joyful moments’, they say. ‘Experiences like this also influence our work: seeing how people react motivates us to keep progressing.’
August 29-30. B1,790 per person for the buffet. Reservations: jwkl.fb@marriott.com or 076-584-888. Olive, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. 6pm-9pm.