WIG 2019

“Why are female chefs still under-represented around the world?”

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Gastronauts Asia hosted for the 2nd time the culinary forum ‘Women in Gastronomy’ (WIG) at the Banyan Tree Bangkok and invited renowned female chefs from Thailand.   The full-day symposium included a panel discussion about the ‘Cultural Challenges for Female Chefs’, followed by a unique “Thai […]

fermented food

Women and nutrition

It is not easy navigating the difficult world of women and nutrition. Trying to manoeuvre through the incredible sea of information that is presented to us through media, friends, family or culture can be overwhelming, daunting and at times discouraging. The first thing we need to do is to stop looking outward for all of […]

Fruit smoothies

Enrich your day with a vitamin boost through some fruit juices and smoothies.

Smoothies are a super simple way to satisfying your hunger. Many of the recipes that follow include ingredients that are high in fiber, a nutrient that helps fill you up and stay full. Some of them contain good doses of protein, another nutrient with satiating powers. It’s time to take out the blender. How to […]

cooking healthy

Healthy eating isn’t just about avoiding meat but having a balanced diet.

Maintaining a good diet is just one part of our overall well-being. With ample documentaries evaluating the meat producing effect on the planet and health suggestions promoting more plant-based diets, combined with an raising number of vegetarian restaurants popping up in Bangkok, reducing our meat consumption has never been easier. It is not a secret […]

“What’s most important to me,” says Chef Ekapan, “are authenticity and interaction with our guests. That’s why I’ve made a specialty of table side service.” Since being appointed Chef de Cuisine, he has become a familiar sight to regular guests at Brasserie 9, preparing signature dishes such as Beef Tartare and Frog Legs as the delighted diners admire his expertise and flair. “Truly authentic French cooking is hard to find in Bangkok. I like our guests to see how we prepare the ingredients by traditional methods and cook them in the original style. Then they can relax and feel confident they’re enjoying the real thing.” It was almost inevitable that Ekapan Buranakul would become a chef who focuses on one of the world’s greatest cuisines. Born thirty eight years ago in the north east of Thailand, he grew up with both a fascination for cooking and an international outlook. While other youngsters kicked a football around, he headed for the kitchen. “I used to love watching my grandmother cook big meals for all the family,” he recalls. Soon, young Ekapan was allowed to help, and his schooling in the arts of the kitchen began. Meanwhile, the family were on the move, as his soldier father secured postings overseas. By the time he was four, they were living in the United States, discovering the vast range of culinary styles then to be found in most American cities. Back in Thailand, he started his career specialising in Chinese food, but soon decided it didn’t “work” for him. He got himself enrolled at a forward looking vocational college, and sought out training in European cuisine. “I came to feel more relaxed and happy. I knew I’d found my direction in life.” He rose swiftly through the ranks in several prestigious international hotels before moving to the Michelin starred Mezzaluna Restaurant under the legendary twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring. “These maestros taught me the true meaning of fine dining.” By the time he moved to Brasserie 9 on its opening in 2013, he had achieved the rank of Head Chef and was wholly dedicated to French cuisine. Under his direction, the kitchen at Brasserie 9 delivers all the famous dishes you’d expect, made extra memorable by what Chef Ekapan calls “a little bit of a twist”. His Bouillabaisse has won widespread applause, as has his pan-seared Foie Gras and caramelised peach with maple syrup, diced lemon and a hint of peach Schnapps. That’s not to mention another of the creations he loves to prepare at table side, flame-cooked Crêpes Suzettes. “I believe Brasserie 9 gives our guests the most classic, feel-like-home French cuisine in Bangkok.” No doubt his grandmother would approve when he adds: “There’s nowhere I would rather be and no work I would rather do.”

Chef Ekapan at Brasserie 9

“What’s most important to me,” says Chef Ekapan, “are authenticity and interaction with our guests. That’s why I’ve made a speciality of tableside service.” Since being appointed Chef de Cuisine, he has become a familiar sight to regular guests at Brasserie 9, preparing signature dishes such as Beef Tartare and Frog Legs as the delighted […]

Cheers

Travel and my food choices

I love this topic about travel as I take myself back to some of my first.adventures and how they have shaped the way I travel and eat today. My early memories of travel are in a car, not sure where we were going but I can still see myself sitting in the back seat. Other […]

Coffee Club chefs

Calling all Thai culinary students!

Minor Foods Co Ltd is committed to raising the levels of vocational education in Thailand to be a ‘chef’ with Australian standards by the introduction of The Coffee Club Chef Academy. After serving delicious food with ‘comfort gourmet style’ for over 30 years with over 400 branches in 9 countries. The Coffee Club continues to […]

villa market

Villa Market: The Best Grocery Store For Expats in Thailand?

Villa Market recognises that the world is changing so fast and that they need to be agile in order to adapt to their customer’s needs. For a supermarket that has been operating in Thailand for more than 44 years, Villa Market really is quite progressive with several recent initiatives highlighting their focus on being responsible […]

Pad Thai

Sprouting the Future

Did you know that each Pad Thai you order at The Coffee Club pays for English classes for hundreds of students? The Coffee Club is part of Minor International, one of Thailand’s biggest companies, whose focus is mainly on hospitality. Minor’s sustainability framework comprises of many different aspects. By means of education, Minor aims to […]

Children in -The Shop

Family brunch at The Coffee Club

We are always looking for family-friendly breakfast/brunch places that open by 7 am- which is when our four boys are ready to eat! Although there are many boutique coffee shops in Bangkok, we really like The Coffee Club. The brand is originally from Australia but is now owned by Minor Group, the Thai hotel and […]