On 8 October 2024, JW Marriott Surabaya hosted a dining event that brought French gastronomy to Indonesia. Through a collaboration with the French Embassy in Indonesia and the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI), the hotel presented “Le goût de France – Taste of France, j’adore!” as part of its ongoing Flavors Beyond Borders series.
The highlight of the evening was a Michelin Intimate Dinner, featuring a special collaboration between Michelin Star Chef David Galienne and JW Marriott Surabaya’s Executive Chef, Rio Abednego. Together, they crafted a five-course meal designed to showcase the best of French cuisine with a local twist at Pavilion Restaurant.
More than just a dinner, this event was a nod to the heritage and elegance of French cuisine, which is a recognised UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Through this collaboration that brought each of the chef’s strengths and culinary background together, they have created an impressive blend of French refinement and local ingredients.
Chef Galienne and Chef Rio joined hands to create a menu that reflects both tradition and innovation. The dinner was opened with Chef Galienne’s Tartare de Crevettes et Saint-Jacques (prawn and scallop tartare), which was then followed by Chef Rio’s take on Bouillabaisse, a classic French fish stew cooked using the best of locally sourced ingredients.
The main courses featured Chef Galienne’s Canard en deux cuissons (duck cooked two ways) and Chef Rio’s rich and succulent Filet Mignon. Dessert was Chef Galienne’s signature Teurgoule (Brioche Perdue), a Normandy treat with a personal touch from his French roots.
Throughout the evening, both chefs expressed mutual admiration for each other’s work. Chef Rio called it “a true honour” to share the kitchen with Chef Galienne, describing the experience as both inspiring and a testament to the collaboration’s success. Chef Galienne echoed these sentiments, commending the JW Marriott culinary team for their dedication and flawless execution for an audience of 150 guests.
Held at the Pavilion Restaurant, the venue’s garden-line atmosphere made the perfect background for the French-inspired menu, especially since it mirrored the picturesque ambiance of Chef Galienne’s own restaurant, Le Jardin des Plumes. The dinner was graced by distinguished guests, including the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Fabien Penone, and French Honorary Consul, Mr. Han Jayanata, and other respected dignitaries, making the event both a celebration of culinary tradition as well as a gathering of cultural appreciation.
JW Marriott Surabaya’s culinary mission to bridge cultures through food, is celebrated through this special evening, as it honours the rich legacy of French cuisine while incorporating local flavours. The Michelin Intimate Dinner marked a standout moment in the hotel’s Flavors Beyond Borders series and will likely be remembered by guests long after the last course was served.
For more information or reservation at Pavilion Restaurant, contact 0811 3529 278 via WhatsApp.
JW Marriott Surabaya
Jl. Embong Malang No. 85-89, Kedungdoro, Surabaya
+62 811 352 9307
IG: @jwmarriottsby
jwmarriottsurabaya.com
