Hoteliers pledge relief assistance for flood victims
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.
Michael Delargy, General Manager of the Sheraton Pattaya welcomes his guests and promises them an extraordinary evening of culinary pleasure.
“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.
GM Gang leader Chatchawal Supachayanont is flanked by Michael Ganster and Rojana Franzke during the ‘beer cocktails’.
“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.
“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.”
Michael Delargy (left) seems elated to see Tony Malhotra at the GM gang dinner.
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.
‘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.
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.
“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.”
