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Sanakeo Weighs In on LAOFOOD ‘18
Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa in Luang Prabang attended last week’s LAOFOOD ’18 in Vientiane, and offers interesting insight into the exhibition and culinary/hospitality competitions. The hotel’s General Manager Paul Burnett said, “The organisers did a pretty good job in attempting an event of this type for the first time. I’ve been to similar expos in Bangkok and this one was possibly better in some ways.” He added that Luang Prabang might be a good destination for hosting a future event of this type. “It would be great to see this event shared around Laos. Luang Prabang is the jewel of the tourism industry in Laos. There are hundreds of restaurants and hotels that could be involved in the various contests, if they took place closer to home. And, exhibitors would have a large client base to attract in the north.” Sanakeo’s Chef Chan commented that the final dishes in the food contests were of a high quality. He said that he looks forward to next years’ event where he will consider entering. He echoed Mr Burnett’s comments about having the event in Luang Prabang, and both suggested that the number of exhibitors would have been more if the cost of the booths were reduced. Nevertheless, they said attending was valuable to see some of the latest products and services available, and network with fellow industry stakeholders. Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa
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Lao Bears Getting Bigger Playground
Free the Bears has announced its 2018 updates and plans, with its new Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS) near Kuang Si Waterfall taking centre stage. The giant Enclosure 2, which surrounds a large lake where the bears can romp and fish, is nearing completion. A new Cub Nursery and Quarantine House are partially finished. Also this year, LPWS has plans for a third bear house, a wildlife hospital, pangolarium/reptile pre-release facility, and the Small Carnivore Conservation Centre. Free the Bears noted that there is plenty of room for expansion. LPWS recently completed a new educational area for tourists at the entrance to the falls with funding from the Environment Protection Fund and the Australian Embassy in Vientiane, as well as assistance from a group of students from University of Sunshine Coast. The government has notified Free the Bears that eight bears are awaiting immediate rescue from Sayabouly Province, and will find a new home at Enclosure 2 and the Quarantine House at LPWS, once it opens. Free the Bears will soon launch its Laos volunteer program, which presents an opportunity to help build the new sanctuary and experience Luang Prabang. Since November 2017, Free the Bears in Laos has rescued nine moon bears, six red pandas, a common palm civet, macaques of various species, a leopard cat and a pygmy slow loris. To visit Free the Bears in Laos, click here.
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Inthira Sticks Up LAOFOOD 2018
Inthira Hotels & Restaurants presented Laos’ biggest ever basket of sticky rice at the opening of LAOFOOD 2018 Exhibition, held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane from 7-9 July, while also taking home honours at the event’s hospitality and culinary competitions. The massive basket of sticky rice, a Lao staple, took centre stage at the opening of the expo overseen by Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Ounthuang Khaophan, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Oudet Souvannavong, and the Lao Hotel and Restaurant Association Deputy Director Pakasith Chantapanya. Inthira also sponsored the event’s VIP Lounge, catering for all visitors and exhibitors with special dishes from the hospitality group’s Khop Chai Deu and Samba Xayoh restaurants. Inthira showed well at the exhibition’s competitions, with Samba Xayoh Brazilian Steakhouse snatching a silver medal thanks to its chefs Noutchana Vongxay and Chantachon Lounnalath. Inthira bartender Khamphay Keophanya was voted best “personality style” for Lao Bartender of the Year. Inthira’s Suntara Restaurant also stood out at the bartending competition with Phasouk Bouaphang mixing the best classic cocktail, and grabbing a third place for Laos Bartender of the Year. Souvankham Xayparserth from Khop Chai Deu participated in the Bartender of the Year, and was recognized for his “most instagrammable garnish”. During the three-day event Suntara hosted the first anniversary party for the Singapore Business Association in Laos, with Singaporean Ambassador to Laos H.E Dominic Goh as a special guest among the 75 attending the networking event. Suntara also hosted the “Chef’s Table” after the closing of LAOFOOD on 9 June. The eight-course dinner with three wine pairings was designed around the five elements of life: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. The dinner was orchestrated by chefs Vincent Ng, Ronnie Seng Who Lee, and Fabian Teo, winners of the National Gourmet Team Challenge at Food & Hotel Asia 2018 in Singapore, who came to Vientiane especially for this venue. Inthira Group
