From left to right: Chef Su Kim Hock of Au Jardin, Penang, Chef Johnson Wong of gen and Communal Table, Penang, and Chef Valerio Pachetti, Executive Chef at One&Only, Desaru Coast

Desaru, Johor - 10 August 2023 – For the second instalment of its Gourmet Series 2023 edition, Desaru Coast announces its first six-hand collaboration of award-winning chefs. Entitled An Ode to Nature, this latest instalment pays homage to the wonders of nature, featuring fresh flavours created using locally-sourced produce. This dining event will take place at the destination’s ultra-luxury resort, One&Only Desaru Coast, from 1 to 3 September 2023.

As an international destination, Desaru Coast is committed to showcasing Malaysian culinary talent to guests from around the globe through its signature dining programme. The second instalment of the Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 edition will feature two Malaysian chefs who have been recognised in the country’s first MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2023. Chef Su Kim Hock of Au Jardin (One MICHELIN Star) in Penang will helm the culinary

event. Joining him is Chef Johnson Wong, founder of gen Penang (MICHELIN Select Restaurant) and Communal Table by gen (Bib Gourmand). Sharing his 20 years of international 5-star dining experience at this extraordinary six-hand event and rounding off the six hands is Chef Valerio Pachetti, Executive Chef at One&Only Desaru Coast.

Chef Kim Hock, who has played a pivotal role in elevating the Malaysian fine dining scene since returning home in 2018, is recognised for menus inspired by fresh, local produce. Come September, Desaru Coast guests will savour his signature Bread & Spread with tomato chutney butter, flavourful cured snapper with longan gelée, szechuan pepper emulsion, and nashi pear, as well as hand-dived scallops with smoked broccoli and brassica purée. Chef Johnson and Chef Valerio will present some of their celebrated dishes including local cempedak with a twist of ginger flower from gen Penang and baby squid glass noodles with wood ear mushroom and assam boi from Ambara, One&Only Desaru Coast.

To complete their luxurious dining experience, guests will enjoy a selection of wines from Moët & Chandon, such as Chandon Australia Garden Spritz, Cloudy Bay and Whispering Angel.

Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 - Instalment II – An Ode to Nature will be offered in two intimate dinner seatings on 1 and 2 September at Ambara, and at brunch at Ember Beach Club on 3 September.

Dinner is priced at RM800 nett per person, with an additional RM200 nett for wine pairings. Brunch is priced at RM450 nett per person, with an additional RM150 nett for wine pairings.

Following the success of the first instalment in May and this six-hand experience in September, the Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 edition will be capped off with a third instalment in November. Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 Instalment III will feature Chef Raymond Tham of Beta and Skillet (MICHELIN Select Restaurants) at the Big Easy Bar & Grill, The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast.

The Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 edition is proudly supported by Moët & Chandon and the Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (JETCO), which seeks to support and promote Malaysian culinary prowess on the world stage.

For more information on the event, and to find out more about the destination and its unique offerings, please visit the Desaru Coast website. To make reservations, please contact the Desaru Coast Concierge at +6019 791 2217 or +607 838 3180.

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About Desaru Coast
Desaru Coast is curated as a new destination resort in Malaysia with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast. The destination is also home to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast - one of the world’s biggest waterparks, Desaru Coast Conference Centre - a fully equipped conference facility, The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast – 45 holes of golf in total at two distinct courses, Ocean Course by Ernie Els and Valley Course designed in collaboration with Vijay Singh, and Desaru Coast Riverside.

The integrated destination resort earned the accolade as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021. It provides an indulgent getaway for the discerning leisure and business travellers alike. Located in the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, Desaru Coast spans over approximately 4000 acres along a pristine 17 km beachfront that faces eastwards over the clear ocean waters. The destination is set amid a rich bio-diverse location and is easily accessible via road, air and sea.

Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. is the master developer of Desaru Coast and is a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. within the Destination Resorts and Hotel Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd.) group of companies.

About the Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (JETCO)

The Johor Economic, Tourism, and Cultural Office (JETCO) is a new venture of the Johor State Government to enhance and establish new trade, investment and tourism that involves Singapore, Johor as well as the rest of the world.

Incorporated in 2021, JETCO is staffed by a professional team from Johor and Singapore that offers services for traders, investors and tourism industry players. JETCO also provides trade advisory for importers from Singapore, exporters from Johor and investors who are interested in Johor’s unique and numerous resources.

JETCO represents wonderful opportunities for both Johor and Singapore in terms of fast tracking trade, investment, and tourism. The state is stressing on expanding Johor by using Singapore’s strategic position as a worldwide commercial hub and gateway for Johor products seeking global exposure.

Through discussion with tourism and trade professionals, JETCO personnel developed this approach. Together with cooperation and engagement of relevant industry players, businesses, communities, and all tiers of government can the vision and objectives be realised.

About Moët & Chandon

Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and elevated to international renown by his descendant, Jean-Rémy Moët, who dreamt of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.” From royal court to red carpet, Studio 54 to Grand Slams, Moët & Chandon has been bringing people together around thrilling, extraordinary moments. With the largest, most diverse vineyards in the region, the House offers a universal & versatile portfolio of champagnes for every occasion and palate. Easy to love, each creation in white and rosé – from the iconic Moët Impérial to the refined Grand Vintage Collection, from the refreshing Moët Ice Impérial to the gentle Nectar Impérial – dazzles and delights with a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas to capture the astonishing breadth of its terroir. Through Natura Nostra, Moët & Chandon’s long-term sustainability program, the House works to protect biodiversity in the region and, since 2009, Moët & Chandon also supports philanthropic initiatives through Toast for a Cause. For nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of choice to mark both significant events in history and personal celebrations, enhancing each toast with the spark of effervescence.

For more information, please reach out to Mutant Communications:

Esther - esther.marie@mutantcommunications.com