12 Chefs to Take Part in 4th So Amazing Chefs, Bangkok

The Sofitel So Bangkok has confirmed that 12 chefs from around the world will take part in the 4th So Amazing Chefs 2015 between 6th - 11 October 2015.

Familiar faces from last year include Stéphane Bonnat (Voiron, France), Laurent Peugeot (Burgundy, France), Didier Corlou (Hanoi, Vietnam), Alain Caron (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Ferry van Houten (Amsterdam, Netherlands), and Sofitel So Bangkok's very own executive chef Paul Smart. Making a comeback from the inaugural So Amazing Chefs 2012 is Chris Salans (Bali, Indonesia).

New additions to the 2015 chef roster include Amsterdam-based Menno Post of two Michelin-starred restaurant The Bokkedoorns; Hervé Rodriguez of MaSa (one Michelin star, Paris), Jacques Pourcel, one-half of Le Jardin des Sens (one Michelin Star)'s Pourcel brothers; Frenchman Loïc Villemin of Toya (one Michelin star, Faulquemont); and Thierry Renou of Le Patio Thierry Renou (one Michelin star, Arcachon). 

“This year's gastronomic festival is the most high profile event we've ever put together, with the constellation of amazing chefs representing a combined seven Michelin stars. The gathering highlights Bangkok as a foodie city, and promotes the exchange of epicurean ideas and inspirations,” said Mr. Yves Mudry, General Manager of Sofitel So Bangkok.

As in previous years, the So Amazing Chefs program is packed with a series of dinners and cooking classes, with the event highlight – the Culinary Showdown competition and gala dinner – taking place on Friday, 9th October, with proceeds going towards the CCF Foundation under The Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Alain Caron (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Famed for his role as one of the MasterChef judges (Netherlands), the Paris-born chef has worked for various three-Michelin-starred restaurants. In addition to having cooked private dinners all around the world, Alain is also the organizer of international Michelin star events. He is the presenter of his own cooking show, the author of 17 cook books and a member of the Village de Chefs Association.

Chris Salans (Bali, Indonesia)

Chris was born in the USA, and after studying in Boston he moved to Paris where he worked at several 3 Michelin-starred establishments. Following a spell back in the USA, he settled in Bali and opened “Mozaic”, serving modern Balinese cuisine and enjoying great success, including recognition from European association Tradition et Qualité as a member of 'Les Grande Tables Du Monde'.

Didier Corlou (Hanoi, Vietnam)

French maestro Didier has travelled the world, cooking for presidents in Africa, showbiz stars in Bora Bora, royalty in Malaysia and Cambodia. His titles include Master Chef of France, and Five-star Diamond award winner. He is also chef-owner of La Verticale and Madame Hien in Hanoi, and co-founding member of the Village de Chefs Association.

Ferry van Houten (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The Dutch chef-owner of waterfront restaurant Het Bosch is no stranger to the world of fine cuisine, having worked the kitchens of five Michelin starred restaurants in the Netherlands, France, Australia, and New York . The multi-talented chef is also a soulful house DJ, a founding member of the G6 Amsterdam culinary collective, as well as the secretary of chef organization Euro-toques Netherlands.

Hervé Rodriguez (Paris, France)

The Dijon-born flavor manipulator (manipulateur de saveurs, from which his restaurant MaSa forges its name) is known for his signature of exceptional ingredients and condiments. Before gaining Michelin fame with his Parisian restaurant, the seasoned restauranteur was a former apprentice of the gastronomic arts in Michelin starred restaurants under Jean Crotet and Jacques Lameloise.

Jacques Pourcel (Montpellier, France)

Based in France but known around the world as one-half of the Pourcel twins, Jacques is one of fine French gastronomy's most prolific ambassadors. In addition to restaurants in Paris and Cannes, the Pourcel brothers also run Le Jardin des Sens, a catering group with 600 employees and a flagship Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant in Montpelier. He is a member of the Village de Chefs Association.

Laurent Peugeot (Burgundy, France)

Chef-restauranteur Laurent boasts no less than five culinary establishments that carry his name, including Le Charlemagne, a one Michelin-starred restaurant in his native France. His many years of experience in Japan are also evident in the culinary tradition and precision he uses to create his signature Japanese-French artistry. He is also a member of Chefs Nespresso HORECA.

Loïc Villemin (Faulquemont, France)

Born to a restauranteur father, the 28-year-old Frenchman was well versed in the business and raised with a culinary passion from a tender age. Prior to opening Toya (one Michelin star since 2012), Loïc sharpened his skills at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, including Charlemagne, where he discovered a passion for Japanese techniques and flavors that he combines with his creations.

Menno Post (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Dutchman Menno Post has been surrounded with two stars for most of his working life. Prior to his head chef position at The Bokkedoorns (two Michelin stars for 25 years and counting) he refined his style at another two Michelin-starred restaurant for years. With a passion for shellfish and organic vegetables, he describes his signature style as modern and pure, where what you see on the plate is what you get.

Paul Smart (Bangkok, Thailand)

In his illustrious career, the multiple award-winning Executive Chef at Sofitel So Bangkok has cooked for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was awarded the UK Commis Chef of the Year award. The Australian native was also The Winning Challenger Chef of the Iron Chef Thailand TV Programme in 2012 and 2013.

Stéphane Bonnat (Voiron, France)

Hailed by critics as the “encyclopedia of chocolate”, Stéphane is the maitre-chocolatier of Bonnat. Established in 1884 in Voiron, France, the family-run company is the longest established chocolaterie in the world. Bonnat's artisanal offerings include single-origin chocolates, some dating back to the Incan Empire. Recently awarded with 2 gold awards for Chocolate Maker and European categories at International Chocolate Awards 2015, Stéphane is also a member of the Village de Chefs Association.

Thierry Renou (Arcachon, France)

Born in Loire-Atlantique, Thierry credits his commercial blacksmith father for his self-discipline and his mother for his appetite for “instinctive cuisine”. His chef postings at Le Rivage in Gien and La Guérinière in Gujan-Mestras saw both restaurants awarded a Michelin star. His winning streak continued when he took over Le Patio in 2007, giving his own restaurant a much deserved place in the coveted Michelin Guide.