Amari Pulse

We asked the Executive Chef of Joe’s Restaurant in London to write about her recent experience at Amari Orchid Pattaya’s 2nd annual Gourmet Festival at Mantra Restaurant and Bar.

My name’s Maria Elia and I am a chef from the UK. Here’s a little bit about me…

I’m totally in love with cooking and have been since I was four years old (quite a few years ago!!). I used to finish nursery school and visit my parent’s restaurant where I’d sit and watch my dad cook. My love affair with cooking has blossomed ever since.

Last March, I travelled to Thailand to take part in the second Pattaya Gourmet Festival. I’d first been there fifteen years ago where I spent eight weeks travelling around the country. It was my first introduction to Asian food and I have been fascinated by their culinary offerings ever since.

This year’s event was a fantastic week-long celebration of great food and wines. It was such a great experience to meet the other chefs: Steven Snow from Australia, Chan Kam Yuen from Hong Kong and the very handsome Yannick Ollivier Cayrol from France! We shared a prep kitchen and got along famously.

Throughout the week, we each created dishes and canapes for various wine tasting dinners. I served seared scallops with soutzouki (a spiced Greek sausage) and watermelon with an oregano raisin dressing as a third course. It matched the Sauvignon Blanc beautifully.

The Grand Finale dinner was a great success. All four guest chefs along with Kai the Amari Orchid Pattaya’s Executive Chef cooking a course. I prepared the sixth course: Rabbit three ways with a Greek twist!

It was a perfect way to end a spectacular week and all of us were sad to say goodbye to our wonderful Thai chef assistants- who couldn’t have helped us more.

The service at the Amari Orchid Pattaya is second to none, we were so well looked after. My room was luxurious, modern and spacious- overlooking the beautiful garden and pools. One of most favourite thing about the hotel- the scent of fresh Jasmine flowers everywhere!

I had the most amazing adventure and was thrilled to be part of the festival. I learnt a lot and my taste buds were totally inspired!

Thank you Amari for being the most perfect hosts

Find out more about Mari Elia at www.thisismariaelia.com or follower her on Twitter at @thisismariaelia.com

Check out the holiday decorations 

Bangkok and many of the coastal areas come alive with beautiful Christmas lights and other fancy decorations during this time of year. It’s sometimes easy to forget that you’re in Thailand with all of the fun Christmas cheer. Check our Siam Paragon, Emporium, and Central World for awesome light spectacles. 

Enjoy the beer gardens 

Exciting beer gardens pop up all around Bangkok during this time of year and offer visitors a welcome respite from the city chaos. No matter what kind of brew you fancy – you’ll find it somewhere. Some of the coolest are around BTS Siam, BTS Chid Lom and in the Thong Lo area. 

New Year’s countdown 

Ringing in the New Year in Thailand is a great experience – choose from the Time Square like atmosphere of Central World to more laid back venues like Henry J. Beans in the Amari Watergate Bangkok. Alternatively – you could head to one of the many temples around the city to experience a more peaceful traditional New Year ceremony. 

Head to the beach 

There’s nothing quite as nice as sipping a smoothie on the beach on Christmas morning while your friends back home are freezing in the cold. Head to the Amari Orchid Pattaya for beach side relaxation and crazy parties during New Years. For a more laid back ambiance check out Amari Vogue Krabi and savour a truly awesome natural atmosphere. 

Holiday feasts 

Thailand is known for its awesome cuisine – why not have an authentic Thai dinner instead of more traditional offerings during Christmas and New Year? Gorge yourself on tantalising spicy tom yum gung with shrimp at Thai on 4 at the Amari Watergate Bangkok or head out into the city and explore a treasure trove of delicious streets food vendors.