Phulay Bay appoints Michelin-Starred Chef Christian Herrgesell

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the epitome of an ultra-luxurious sanctuary nestled on the serene shores of the Andaman Sea, announced the appointment of Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell. Chef Herrgesell's arrival heralds a new era of epicurean excellence at the resort, featuring the relaunch of Lae Lay, a contemporary dining destination that celebrates the culinary majesty of Thailand's maritime culture. 

With a stellar culinary career that includes a decade of distinguished service at Berlin's renowned Tim Raue Restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars and has consistently ranked on The World's 50 Best list since 2014, Chef Christian brings his world-class gastronomic expertise to the golden shores of Krabi. 

Chef Christian is no stranger to Phulay Bay, having previously delighted diners as a guest chef during the resort's festive celebrations. As Executive Chef, he now returns to create extraordinary epicurean experiences for both in-house guests and visiting diners. His exceptional touch will be felt across all of the resort's acclaimed dining venues, including Sri Trang, the exquisite Thai restaurant; Jampoon, which showcases outstanding international cuisine; Plai Fah, the casual poolside lounge; and Chomtawan, the serene sunset bar. 

In addition to his role as Executive Chef, Chef Christian will oversee the revitalization and relaunch of Lae Lay, Phulay Bay's modern seafood restaurant. Set to open its doors in October 2023, Lae Lay will offer a contemporary fine-dining experience, presenting the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from the Andaman Sea, paired with seasonal produce and intense spices in an innovative, Asian-inspired culinary style. 

Lae Lay's romantic atmosphere, featuring traditional wooden floors and colorful Thai Lanna paintings, softly illuminated by hanging lanterns and surrounded by water, perfectly reflects Krabi's rich maritime heritage. A show kitchen will enable guests to witness Chef Christian and his talented team in action, creating an immersive display of culinary theater. Additionally, an intimate rooftop space, Lae Lay Under the Stars, will set the scene for romantic private dining experiences. 

Vidya Sagar, General Manager of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, expressed his excitement about this new chapter: "We are delighted to welcome Chef Christian to Phulay Bay. His experience of crafting Michelin-standard cuisine and his commitment to working with local farms and fishing villages to source fresh and sustainable ingredients will help us elevate our gastronomic concept to world-class levels while also empowering local communities." 

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a hidden gem nestled between the mountains and the sea on the secluded coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand.