Regent Phu Quoc Debuts Oku, A Japanese-French Restaurant
20 October 2022 – 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.
The menu at Oku focuses on creating dishes that are both thoughtfully and deliciously prepared while remaining gastronomically refined. A modern twist on the classic brasserie, Oku’s menu is rooted in the French tradition of combining the perfect blend of fresh ingredients with timeless execution. Oku’s interior design, by Blink Design Group, is a tribute to this tradition in its use of classic elements such as: globe lights, patterned floors, cozy banquettes, and modern ironmongery details. It also unites Eastern and Western design by taking Japanese ornamentation and merging it with modern design principles. From Japanese woodworking details, displaying a high level of precision and perfection, just as an omakase chef takes special attention to select ingredients to create a meal as an artistic expression, so does the meticulous woodworker who prepares carefully selected slabs of wood and cuts them so perfectly that the joinery itself becomes a work of art. Architecture, wall murals, textiles and lacquer work are inspired by traditional Japanese details and reinvented to reveal a new design aesthetic.
Bruno Anon, Executive Chef at Regent Phu Quoc, said: “The launch of Oku is a much awaited addition to the increasingly elevating lifestyle experiences available in Vietnam. Oku offers guests an effortlessly elegant dining experience encapsulating a tale of travel, taking guests on a culinary journey through the best of contemporary French and Japanese cuisine. We look forward welcoming guests to experience it first-hand”
As evening falls, diners will enjoy an almost theatrical ambience as flames curve around the omakase counter. The seasonal menu at Oku is designed by emerging Chef Andy Huynh and embraces a wide selection of traditional dishes served with an unconventional twist including favourites such as Japanese Golden Eye Snapper with Umeshu and Dill, Wagyu Beef Croquettes, Dover Sole with Yuzu Caviar Beurre Blanc, Japanese A5 Wagyu Striploin with Wasabi Crème Fraiche and Aged Balsamic. At the omakase counter, guests can choose between a gourmet and a classic menu, both of which offer an interactive experience.
The chefs take the role of hosts and provide an experience tailored to every guest. The omakase menu includes dishes such as Such as Foie Gras Chawanmushi – a traditional Japanese dish that is eaten with a spoon instead of chopsticks; Salad Niçoise – bursts with flavor in every bite, combining traditional French ingredients with Japanese ones such as ajitsuke tamago (soy marinated egg), pickled kombu (seaweed), ohitashi tomatoes, simmered, smoked and fermented, skipjack tuna that has been dried and shaved into flakes offering a complete Umami flavor. Wagyu Beef Tartare – a beef striploin tartar on a nori chip accompanied with caviar from France and seasoned with Kinzami wasabi, among other surprising servings. For the most authentic Oku experience, guests are encouraged to pair their evening with a curated selection of artisanal Sake, wine or cocktails that will take them on a journey through the different regions of Japan and France.
“At Oku, we source products in the height of their season, as our food is very seasonal, this assists us in respecting food that can be eaten at the perfect time. My goal is to create memorable experiences for guests who will be coming back to Oku time and time again. We have an exciting line up of dining experiences for guests at Oku and a team that is passionate, creative and innovative.” said Oku Chef de Cuisine Andy Huynh.
The Japanese concept of “Oku” means "inside" or "center," and it shares three literal meanings: private, intimate and deep. Oku is situated on the ground floor of Regent Phu Quoc and it offers diners a choice of two private rooms, an omakase counter, as well as indoor and outdoor seating options. Here, guests will see a mix of couples out to mark a milestone, business partners celebrating, and groups of friends and families gathering together.
Oku is now open from 6pm from Thursday to Saturday. Reservations are encouraged and resident and non-resident guests can contact the restaurant by calling +84 297 388 0000, via email [email protected] or visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/
BAR JADE, A SPEAKEASY PARLOR NOW OPEN AT REGENT PHU QUOC
A secret door leads guests to a speakeasy parlour harking back to a bygone era of luxury train travel. At Bar Jade, cocktails are inspired by gemstones, crafted around the idea of sensory experiences and ingredients lead to stories. This speakeasy bar is nested deep inside Regent Phu Quoc, where only word of mouth finds the way.
Guests will find the entrance to Bar Jade by walking towards the alley where Oku and Rice Market restaurants are situated. Concealed behind patterned wooden doors, the bar’s curvy ceiling evokes the feeling of being in the center of a luxury train car. The arrival experience is purposely concealed and discreet to make guests feel like they are walking into a hidden gem.
Design inspirations plunge deep into the jade waters of Phu Quoc, unearthing the rich ethnic crafts of Vietnam. The rich colours of Jade and hues of green that adorn the furnishings gives this parlour an old world feel.
Designed by BLINK Design Group, the ambiance at Bar Jade is vibrant and ornate with indoor and outdoor settings. The experimental cocktail menu includes rare spirits and the meticulous craftsmanship from friendly bartenders will whip up bespoke sips tailored to guests’ preferences.
Bar Jade is now open from 7pm, Thursday to Saturday. For enquiries resident and non-resident guestscan call +84 297 388 0000, email [email protected] or visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/
About Regent Phu Quoc:
Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, the all-suites-and-villas resort is a stone’s throw from the water’s edge along Long Beach. Exceptional design and state-of-the-art technology will be delivered alongside the brand’s legendary hospitality for a seamless guest journey.
For unforgettable epicurean experiences, guests can look forward to six world-class restaurants and bars which define the dynamic Taste Gallery, presenting signature dining and cultural exploration that go beyond the excellence of cuisine. Executive Chef Bruno Anon will delight guests through innovation, immersion and reinvention as he seeks to uplift the gastronomy experience.
Rice Market offers an unexpected voyage in taste, inviting guests to discover the locally-inspired and reinvented classic dishes of Vietnamese Chinese cuisine expertly crafted in bustling live kitchens. Ocean Club, the only luxury beach club in Phu Quoc, features an assortment of local and Mediterranean cuisine, rum-inspired cocktails, a sophisticated wine selection and a live in-house DJ. This Balearic-inspired beachfront venue transforms after sunset, offering cinema nights and a seaside grill.
Decorated with curated art, the Lobby Lounge is a relaxing foyer parlour serving refreshments, specialty coffees, fresh teas, signature cocktails as well as reputable international and artisanal local spirits throughout the day. Fu Bar is an exclusive sky pool terrace and bar specialising in gin-focused cocktails along with craft beers, fresh fruit concoctions and a refreshing wine selection.
Creative indoor and outdoor event spaces will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings. The Regent Phu Quoc’s wedding programs will encompass tailor-made experiences in an intimate setting with spectacular views.
About IHG:
With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has nearly 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. • Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo • Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels • Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels • Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 325,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards.
