REGENT PHU QUOC UNVEILS LIMITED IN TIME OLFACTORY OMAKASE AT OKU

Ho Chi Minh City, July 2024 - A new culinary experience is set to captivate the senses at Oku, the purest expression of Regent Phu Quoc's Taste Gallery. This contemporary Japanese-French restaurant is making waves in Vietnam's culinary scene and this August, Oku will be presenting a limited in time Olfactory Omakase taking place on the 9th and 10th of August.

Guests will embark on a sensory journey like no other as Oku Chef de Cuisine Andy Huynh and Perfume Artist in Residence Ms Rei Nguyen collaborate to bring an evening of Olfactory Omakase, where cuisine meets scent discovery. As flames dance around the Omakase counter, diners will be treated to a theatrical ambience that sets the stage for an interactive multisensory experience.

Its all about the way we experience emotions, it's about the thoughtfulness that goes behind the scenes. Selecting cool tones with a hint of spiciness to evoke a calming feeling or adding texture and layers for warmth and energy. We can control a lot by what we put in a bottle and the way it contributes to how people experience that scent.

During the very first meeting with Andy, we talked about all the places he had travelled, the different cultures in each city and also the richness in flavours. Now taking the wish for travel as a human emotion is what led us to the Olfactory Omakase - here we tell the story of discovery, a personal discovery” said Perfume Artist in Residence Ms Rei Nguyen.

The Olfactory Omakase experience will showcase a unison of flavors and scents, designed to stimulate the palate and evoke personal scent discoveries. Led by Rei and Andy, each interactive chapter will explore nuances of their chosen scents and the inspiration behind their approach. The Omakase counter will be decorated with Rei's perfume-making tools, inviting guests to experiment with creating their own unique fragrance on the spot.

From the first course of vibrant Sashimi with bergamot and black pepper notes to luxurious Golden Egg with umami and ambergris accents, each dish will carry an intentional story and will take guests on a journey. Guests will experience the freshness and brightness of Jasmine Flowers before diving into courses and chapters that will feature layers of flavors each carefully selected to complement and enhance the overall experience as Chef Andy says – “Travel takes us to places we have longed for, it's in these sought-after destinations where we discover something new, and that something new is unique to every individual. For me, and why traveling you may ask, it was always about that new flavor, the crisp, the texture, the melody or the people you meet along the way. Every destination has its own story to tell, isn't that exciting - The Discovery? The making of the Olfactory Omakase is just like that travel story, we created a piece for our guests to fully immerse themselves in through all the senses, literally, feel enriched and take a token home, one that they have created”.

About Rei Nguyen

"I did dream in colour but more importantly, I dream in smell."​

Rei Nguyen is known as the perfumer and founder of prestigious brands R Parfums and NOTE - The Scent Lab. With her passion for crafting fragrances that tell stories and evoke emotions, Rei has spent over seven years honing her expertise in niche perfume design, perfumery training, and olfactory art curation. She believes perfumery is both an art and a science, involving alchemy and the delicate balance of art. Describing her perfume DNA as a symphony, Rei expertly experiments with contrasts like patchouli and rose.

About Andy Huynh

Born in Vietnam and raised in California, Andy grew up between land and sea, discovering early the value of each ingredient and their cultural meaning. He honed his Japanese techniques with Nobu for many years, from San Diego to Nassau, before joining the team at Regent Phu Quoc to open the contemporary Japanese - French restaurant Oku. His creativity fuses a flurry of influences, from modern art to far-flung travel, but his dishes are always rooted in a deep respect for the finest ingredients and products.

About Oku

Oku is the purest expression of Regent Phu Quoc's Taste Gallery - an enchanting contemporary Japanese-French restaurant showcasing the finest techniques and ingredients of both worlds. The concept is an innovative addition to Vietnam's culinary scene, with both Salon de Boeuf and an Omakase Atelier, offering guests the finest culinary creations with a meticulous attention to detail, from food to interior.

Discover the art of scent and taste at Oku's Olfactory Omakase event on the 9th and 10th of August. Reservations are encouraged and resident and non-resident guests can contact the restaurant by calling +84 297 388 0000, via email regent.phuquoc@ihg.com or visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/   

About Regent Phu Quoc

Nestled on the white sands of Phu Quoc Island's west coast, Regent Phu Quoc is a luxurious all-suite and villa resort where exceptional design and state-of-the-art  technology are delivered alongside the brand's legendary hospitality to create seamless guest journeys. Unforgettable epicurean experiences can be savoured at five world-class restaurants and bars, holistic wellness can be attained at the spa, fitness center and Pedi: Mani Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez, and the island's first luxury catamaran, Serenity, promises truly blissful guest voyages.

https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/