“I first fell in love with cooking when I saw chefs creating an amazing array of food for customers in the restaurant where I worked. They were so meticulous in their cooking procedures that it inspired me to learn as much as I could about cooking. You could say I’ve been fascinated with gastronomy ever since,” Chef Pornchai says.

As Christmas rapidly approaches, Chef Nu finds himself in need of Santa-sized doses of fascination – and inspiration – every day. At Cross Pattaya Oceanphere, renowned for its luxurious pool villas favored by couples, families, and small groups of friends during the holidays, Chef Nu crafts inspiring menus for The Ocean Bistro and Chili Blue Pool Bar. Simultaneously, at Cross Vibe Pattaya Seaphere, a hotspot for a cosmopolitan and pet-friendly crowd, he meticulously plans menus for 4K Cafe and Sky Vibe Rooftop Bar. As such, Chef Nu’s culinary expertise spans a diverse range, encompassing Thai, Asian, Mediterranean, international, and fusion cuisine, along with exquisite seafood delicacies.

True to his roots, Chef Nu cherishes cooking the cuisine he’s grown up with: Thai. However, he enjoys infusing a modern twist into traditional Thai dishes to appeal to a wider audience. “I love cooking Thai food, especially the northern dish Khao Soi. I’ve combined ingredients from Western food with this dish to create Beef Brisket Khao Soi Foie Gras. This makes the dish very unique and flavorful – it’s become my signature dish.

“I tend to select ingredients that are both local and seasonal, especially when it comes to seafood. As where I work is close to the sea, I can choose freshly caught produce to create outstanding dishes for our guests. Choosing the right ingredients is important. I’ve taught my team to select the freshest ingredients with the highest quality in mind as this certainly helps the end product taste amazing. Over the years, I’ve become meticulous when selecting the raw ingredients I use in my cooking.

“Also, I believe we are witnessing a change in eating habits; something not seen in several generations. Healthy food has become very important these days as people are paying more attention to what they eat and their own health. Therefore, healthy food is extremely important because in addition to taste, quality is equally important. One healthy option we serve at 4K Cafe is the popular Cocktail Shrimp Cobb Salad,” adds Chef Nu.

So, we asked Chef Nu what he would ask for if he was writing a Christmas list to Santa Claus. “The three things I would ask Santa for would be a quality knife, because a knife can be used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. I’d also like a new pan. There are many types and sizes of pans, but I want a pan that is appropriate for my type of food. And lastly, I want a spatula as it helps when mixing ingredients and perfecting the flavor of a dish.

Whether you choose a short holiday or a day trip to Pattaya, make sure you drop by Cross Pattaya Oceanphere or Cross Vibe Pattaya Seaphere and experience the sublime culinary treats on offer at four unique dining outlets.

For more information and reservations, call +66 91010 2999 or email: stay@crosspattayaoceanphere.com

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