Superchefs Cook Up A Feast In A Landmark Tsunami Fundraiser

In response to the tsunami that has afflicted so much of the region, the Metropolitan Bangkok is hosting a fundraising dinner at Cy'an, the hotel's headline restaurant, on 25th February 2005. The monies raised will be channelled into communities in southern Thailand through UNICEF.

Tickets, which cost 10,000 Baht per person, will buy a seven-course meal cooked by four chefs of international standing - Jean-Georges Vongerichten from New York, David Thompson from London, and Neil Perry from Sydney. Each of these chefs will cook two courses each; Amanda Gale of Cy'an will present the dessert.

In addition to the dinner, which will be open to up to 150 guests, the Metropolitan Bangkok will be hosting a silent auction. Again, the monies raised will be sent directly to the Thai communities who need our help in rebuilding their homes and shattered livelihoods.

"I can't tell you how delighted I am to be part of this," says David Thompson, who will be flying to Bangkok especially for the ccasion: "and to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. I know that Jean-Georges and Neil both feel the same. We will be doing our utmost to ensure that people enjoy the night, the Met and the dinner."

David Thompson will be coming to Bangkok from Nahm, the award-winning restaurant at the Halkin Hotel in London's Belgravia (like the Metropolitan Bangkok, a COMO Hotel). Thompson, who is Australian, is celebrated for his innovative renditions of classic Thai recipes, using strong, explosive flavours. In fact, in 2002, Nahm became the first Thai restaurant ever to garner a Michelin star - an accolade that it proudly retains.

Born and raised on the outskirts of Strasbourg in Alsace, Jean-Georges Vongerichten originally trained with the top names in France, including Paul Bocuse. He is now regarded one of the premier chefs in New York - a culinary trendsetter whose innovative combination of Thai and French cuisine still leaves the critics breathless. He is perhaps best known for Vong in Manhattan, although his culinary empire now extends to Las Vegas, Paris and Shanghai.

Coming from the other side of the globe is Neil Perry, perhaps the greatest ambassador for modern Australian cooking. It was 15 years ago that he first shot to fame, with the opening of Rockpool Restaurant in The Rocks, Sydney. His passion for perfection is reflected in his sourcing - freshness lies at the heart of Perry's mission - combined with modern Asian flourishes.

And finally, the Metropolitan Bangkok's own Amanda Gale will be masterminding the evening's sweet finale. Gale originally trained with Perry before joining COMO Hotels and Resorts at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos.

'It is an immense privilege to have three such venerable colleagues share my kitchen in Bangkok,' she says: 'They are travelling hundreds of miles to be here. I can only ask that their generosity of spirit is matched by the funds raised on this important night.'

One thing's for sure: it will be a culinary landmark to remember.