Michael Delargy, General Manager
of the Sheraton Pattaya welcomes his guests and promises them an
extraordinary evening of culinary pleasure.
Hotel general managers from around town gathered at the
Sheraton Pattaya on October 7 for their monthly get together in the spirit
of amity and unity. This month saw 17 hotel managers and executives attend
the exclusive event hosted by Michael Delargy, GM of the 5 star resort.
The Dublin native who has been in charge of the Sheraton
Pattaya for the past 2 years spoke of his experiences as a hotelier saying,
“I was in the IT department of the hotel business for many years, but got a
little bored, so I went back into operations. The Hilton group is building a
huge hotel complex with more than 4000 rooms in Macau and I was part of the
project’s launch.
GM Gang leader Chatchawal
Supachayanont is flanked by Michael Ganster and Rojana Franzke during the
‘beer cocktails’.
“It is a big change coming here to Pattaya to manage the
Sheraton which has 156 rooms. But I rather like it... this is a wonderful
hotel. Pattaya is a fascinating town and it’s changing so fast and so much
for the better. These are exciting times living in Pattaya and I am so lucky
o be here.
“We like to think of our establishment as very exclusive
but it is really a very relaxed exclusivity. Our hotel is accessible to
everyone in Pattaya as it should be. There is no snobbery or element of that
in the hotel nor will there ever be. Everybody is welcome here.
“The location is superb and the sunset is breathtaking.
Our hotel has won numerous culinary awards which also prove that wining and
dining at the Sheraton is an experience that cannot be missed.
“I think Pattaya is achieving a much higher standard than
it ever has. Pattaya has so much to offer our visitors. There is something
to cater to every market. Pattaya is a bustling community both during the
day and night. But there are sanctuaries within the city or a short distance
away where people can escape to for some quiet and relaxation.
Michael Delargy (left) seems
elated to see Tony Malhotra at the GM gang dinner.
“Tonight we thought we’d do something different for our
guests. Our menu specialises in pork dishes complimented by a variety of
beers from many countries. Director of Kitchens Spencer Kells has prepared
some surprises for us and I am confident that you will enjoy this special
evening.”
One only had to look at the menu to see that Michael
wasn’t joking. The meal started off with ‘Hold on tight’ which was prepared
with fried pig’s tails, devilled quail eggs and Sauce Ravigote. The beer
served with the first course was the Italian Birra Moretti.
The ‘Cheeky Bugger’ followed. This was the traditional
pork neck and cheek brawn served with Sauce Gribriche along with caper and
parsley salad. The beer was none other than the Coopers Original Pale Ale
from Down Under.
Krombacher Weizenbier from Germany was served next to
compliment the ‘Bloody Good’, a serving of Chorizo, seared scallops and
onion Soubise.
Enjoying a splendid evening
at the Sheraton Pattaya were (front row l-r) George Hazard, Tony Malhotra
(Pattaya Mail), Michael Procher (GM of Nova Suites, Nova Platinum & Nova
Gold), Andre Brulhart (GM Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort), Chatchawal
Supachayanont (GM Dusit Thani Pattaya), Thomas Koh (GM Garden Cliff
Pattaya), Sanpech Supabowornsthian (GM of Long Beach Garden Hotel & Spa),
Nicholas LeRat. (2nd row) Tony Malhotra (Pattaya Mail), Nopporn
Kanchanamanee (District Sales Manager of Thai Airways, Pattaya), Michael
Ganster (GM dusitD2 baraquda Pattaya), Michael Delargy (GM Sheraton
Pattaya), (3rd row) Rojana Franzke (Sheraton Pattaya), Peter Malhotra
(Pattaya Mail) and Philippe Delaloye.
‘X Girlfriends’ was the main course. A combination of
crispy slow cooked belly, roasted loin dusted with porcini powder, shoulder
confit with braised cabbage and cardamom jus. The English Westons Premium
cider flowed smoothly with this course.
The appropriately named ‘Finish me off’ brought a close
to this extraordinary feast. This consisted of the mouth watering rhubarb
mousse, oatmeal crumble and vanilla cream.
In between courses, gang leader Chatchawal Supachayanont
gave us an update of the hotel situation in Pattaya. He said, “Pattaya is
really busy nowadays. Hotels are packed every weekend. Visitors not only
from foreign countries but also the domestic market have grown in leaps and
bounds.”
In regards to the flood situation in Pattaya and around
the country, Chatchawal said, “The problem in Pattaya can be solved. Too
much construction has taken place without any proper planning. A lot of the
constructions are done without proper planning and permission and therefore
blocking the natural flow of water into the sea.
“As for the flooding in other parts of the country, I am
really concerned about the tourism and travel business. Companies who had
planned incentive trips for their employees have had to postpone or cancel
their seminars. Overseas visitors also seem apprehensive about coming to
Thailand because of the heavy flooding. I think a major overhaul of the
water management system in Thailand is in order and must be undertaken
immediately.
“The Thai Hotel Association is also taking part in relief
efforts to alleviate some of the suffering of the victims of this terrible
natural disaster.
“Back to tonight,” Chatchawal continued, “we have 17 GMs
attending tonight. Even as busy as they are, they make a serious attempt to
attend. This shows a commitment to the friendships evolved out of these
meetings. They work together for the good of all our businesses in Pattaya.
We believe that unity can do so much to promote our destination. At these
dinners there is no competitiveness, only friendship and goodwill for each
other.
“We look forward to continue these GM Gang fellowships
for many years to come.”
