Taste of Hong Kong announces pioneering international guest chefs

HONG KONG – Chef Kei Kobayashi from 2-Michelin starred Kei, Paris, and rising star Chef Nick Kim from Shuko, New York are confirmed to join the must-attend foodie event of the year.

After two consecutive years as a fan-favourite at Taste of Paris, Japanese chef Kobayashi, a protege of Alain Ducasse, will be at Taste of Hong Kong presented by Standard Chartered from 16-19 March 2017. Exclusive to Taste of Hong Kong, Chef Kobayashi will present diners with progressive and artistic cuisine from his 2-Michelin starred Parisian restaurant, Kei for four days only. Adding to the stellar line-up of culinary talent appearing at the festival is rising star Chef Kim, chef and owner of New York's hottest table Shuko, who is flying in from Manhattan to perform live demonstrations showcasing his skills and culinary stories at the festival.

 

"I have attended Taste of Paris twice before and I will be participating at the next edition in 2017. It is a really great event, set in a beautiful place and it has become an annual rendezvous of chefs. Being invited to Taste of Hong Kong is a great honour. I am excited to enjoy the ambience of the festival in Hong Kong, to meet local chefs, to exchange ideas with them and of course to meet Hong Kong diners and to present my dish and share my cuisine," said Kobayashi.

For four days only, festival-goers will be able to visit Kei Restaurant, brought to you by Taste the World with Etihad Airways, to try Chef Kobayashi's mouth-watering Gnocchi with black truffle and Iberico ham, exclusive to Taste of Hong Kong. The icon dish is a must-have during the winter truffle season in Paris, made with potato gnocchi, parmesan cream, thin slices of Iberico ham and beautiful slivers of black truffle. "The gnocchi was a huge hit at the last Taste of Paris and I'm sure Hong Kong will love it too," said Kobayashi.

 

The highly acclaimed Chef Kobayashi combines elements of his Japanese heritage with mastery of French culinary technical nous to create incredible harmony in every bite. His colourful and artfully plated dishes have earned him the nickname "Picasso" in the food world. Kobayashi's extensive CV belies his youth, having worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants and kitchens, including the 3-Michelin starred Auberge du Vieux Puit in Fonjoncuse, 2-starred Cerf in Merlenheim, and the 1-star Prieure in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. He opened Kei in 2011, after honing his considerable craft under the watchful eye of the legendary Ducasse for several years at that chef's iconic 3-Michelin starred Plaza Athenee.

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