Trisara’s restaurant “PRU” wins Phucket’s first and only Michelin Star
Montara Hospitality’s Farm-To-Table Restaurant, “PRU” at Trisara Phuket, was awarded One Michelin Star at the ‘Michelin Guide Thailand Star Revelation 2019’ Gala Awards Presentation at Park Hyatt Bangkok. PRU is the very first and only Restaurant in Phuket to receive the prestigious accolade. “Seafood at Trisara” restaurant also received the exciting Michelin Plate designation.
The restaurant’s critically acclaimed Chef de Cuisine Jim Ophorst is touted as an “inspiring voice of change” for elevating the farm-to-table movement in Thailand. Chef Jim, 29, is originally from the Netherlands and renowned for his imaginative cooking style and innovative techniques. In 2016, Chef Jim joined Montara’s Trisara where his raw talent and conviction inspired the conception of PRU. He is a two-time semi-finalist for S. Pellegrino’s annual Young Chefs Award in 2016 and 2017.
PRU’s culinary concept “Plant, Raise, Understand” stems from Chef Jim and his team’s close relationship with local suppliers and farmers as well as the opportunities to forage and discover new ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm “Pru Jampa”. The farm neighbors beautiful lakes whose banks are home to various local plants, herbs, organic vegetable gardens, free-range chickens and ducks.
“I’m excited to discover new ingredients all the time because it pushes my creative boundaries,” said Chef Jim. “My ultimate goal is to create a 100% locally sourced menu. To cook something great, you need great products from great farmers. Great farmers are from strong communities. So, at PRU, we don’t want to be just a kitchen. We want to strengthen the local farmer community. This will yield better ingredients for better dishes at PRU. At the end, it is all about the happiness in every angle – from the farmers, to the restaurant team, to the guests at our tables”, added Chef Jim.
Located at the ultra-luxe Trisara resort, PRU is now officially part of the exclusive collective of dining establishments that can refer to themselves as Michelin-starred. For Montara Hospitality, the recognition signals greater aspirations for growth within in the culinary scene. “The Michelin Star Award for PRU puts Phuket on the foodies’ world map and establishes Montara as a leader of innovative culinary destinations.” said Quentin Fougeroux, Montara’s Group Director of Food and Beverage.
In addition to PRU, Seafood at Trisara, which serves authentic southern Thai dishes based on treasured family heirloom recipes, was awarded the Michelin Plate. The hotel’s Executive Chef Kla Prakobkit presents a menu featuring local favorites made from scratch and showcasing produces sustainably sourced. Chef Kla, a former apprentice to Michelin wizards, has been with the resort since its opening in 2004. “At Trisara, we see many guests return year after year, hence we want to ensure that with every visit they have the opportunity to enjoy new dining experiences.” said Kla. He and his team have always been intrigued by the traditional Thai recipes of older generations, and with Seafood at Trisara they are taking this inspiration to a new level. On a regular basis, the team explores new regions and draws inspiration from “secret local recipes”, many of which have been passed down over many generations.
“We are extremely excited to have been presented with such prestigious awards and look forward to continue making our mark in the culinary scene in Phuket and beyond,” said Mr. Kittisak Pattamasaevi, Chief Commercial Officer of Montara Hospitality Group, owner and operator of Trisara Phuket.
