It is well known amongst food connoisseurs, that aside from an exquisite dish that fulfils the palate, a good meal can be transformed into an excellent one when paired with the perfect drink.
While many would be familiar with beer or wine pairing, few realise that cocktail creations by mixologists can also be paired with a meal in the same fashion. This, in particular, applies to cocktails created using quality spirits such as Mekhong. Aside from its unique and outstanding flavour achieved through the use of local Thai ingredients, Mekhong is also an exceptional spirit that can be mixed to create an array of cocktails. When Thai ingredients are artistically mixed with a spirit of notable quality such as Mekhong, a remarkable and balanced flavour is achieved.
When a carefully crafted dish is paired with bespoke cocktails designed to match the flavour of the dish, the result is a phenomenal and memorable experience, as demonstrated during the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2019 Star Revelation and Gala Dinner. Celebrating the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang-Nga 2019, the dinner saw Thai-style, premium cocktails paired with exquisite dishes created by Thailand’s leading chefs.
While many may have heard of Mekhong’s signature cocktail, Mekhong Thai Sabai, a citrusy cocktail with an aroma of ginger, vanilla and Thai herbs, its sister, Mekhong Thai Sabai The Revelation Edition, might still be unknown to some. A new cocktail specially created for this occasion, it was developed from the classic recipe of Mekhong Thai Sabai and retains the unique character of Thai-ness—sabai. Under the concept of sabai, the drink and name reflects the friendliness and laid-back attitude of Thai people that is renowned amongst foreign visitors. For this edition, the highlight of the Thai Sabai cocktail is the carved ice cubes which hides within them the fragrance of basil flowers and the tangy lime juice. This adds to the herbal aroma of the drink while providing an extra refreshing note.
As such, Mekhong Thai Sabai The Revelation Edition is a perfect match for the amuse-bouche from Park Hyatt Bangkok’s chef Franck Detrait. The Chicken Oyster, Green Apple, Butterfly Pea & Sea Grape features chicken oyster (the morsel on the back of poultry along the lower back) creatively served in an oyster shell. A touch of sweetness and tanginess is added through the use of green apple and pockets of juicy sea grape, while the butterfly pea provides an intriguing purple hue. Paired with the sweet, zesty flavour and herbal aroma of the Mekhong Thai Sabai The Revelation Edition, the combination helps to whet the appetite—a pairing most appropriate for the first meal on such a special evening. Heightening the experience and the guests’ appetite, the amuse-bouche and cocktail pairing serves as a prelude that allows guests to fully enjoy the dishes that were to follow, making it an impressive opening to the special dinner.
The event itself marked a special occasion where Thai mixologists were able to showcase themselves, as well as presenting uniquely-flavoured Thai cocktails to leading figures within the Food & Beverage industry world from across the globe.
Paired with the carefully crafted dishes at the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2019 Star Revelation and Gala Dinner, the Mekhong Thai Sabai The Revelation Edition, which uses the notable Mekhong spirit to represent the nation’s identity, was a beautiful way to elevate the Thai Food & Beverage industry to an international level.
This content was brought to you by Mekhong, Official Supplier of the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018.
To know more about Mekhong www.mekhong.com, https://www.facebook.com/mekhongthailand/
