02 December 2023
Regent Hotels & Resorts The 'Taste Studio' Makes China Market Debut in Chongqing
A Culinary Haven Merging Gastronomic Talent with Sensory Art to deliver the ‘Beauty of Contrast’
2 December 2023, Chongqing, China – Regent Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG)’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, is making the China debut of the Regent Taste Studio, a pop-up immersive dining offering, in Chongqing. Continuing the Regent brand’s ambition to deliver a modern, luxurious guest journey, the Regent Taste Studio is breathing life into the ‘Beauty of Contrast’ through an unforgettable epicurean experience. Bringing together China’s leading Regent chefs with artists from across creative disciplines, the Regent Taste Studio goes beyond fine dining to create true multisensory culinary moments, thoughtfully programmed with the modern luxury traveler in mind.
Florence Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said, "The Regent Taste Studio encapsulates the innovative spirit of this legendary brand. Every facet of this journey has been thoughtfully curated to elevate the dining experience with modernity and immersion through imaginative artistic concepts, providing a vital platform for showcasing our talented F&B team. Continuing the brand's rejuvenation, the Regent Taste Studio offers guests a multi-layered, ceremonial, and artistic sensory delight, to captivate guests’ imagination."
A creative powerhouse lineup of cross-disciplinary artistry
This inaugural edition of the Regent Taste Studio in China draws inspiration from the distinctive cultural elements of Chongqing. The exemplary lineup of creative talent includes six award-winning Regent chefs from across China and four skilled artists, each specializing in digital, lacquer, musical or floral arts. The experience unfolds in five captivating chapters: Inner Peace, Serene, Unexpected Harmony, Decadence, and Sense Distillation. Set against an immersive 270° panoramic screen, accompanied by dynamic lighting and an atmospheric soundscape, guests are offered a unique opportunity to savor the ‘Beauty of Contrast’ that defines the Regent brand.
- Chapter 1, ‘Inner Peace’: Guided by Regent Experience Agents, guests enter the isolation zone of time and space. Beginning with the illustration of auspiciousness and immersed in the tale of the Cyan Lion and White Elephant, a Chongqing folk legend. Guests could experience a virtual art reimagining of a tranquil bamboo forest and explore its hidden delicacies and native flavors..
- Chapter 2, ‘Serene’: Contemplating the delicate beauty of a plucked flower, guests are guided to explore the art of flowers, opening the tranquil realm that activates the senses and nurtures the heart. Cycling through the rhythm of the four seasons, they pause in the quiet autumn of Chongqing. Swirling camelia petals reflect the alluring beauty of the mountain city in fall, honoring the guests’ arrival.
- Chapter 3, ‘Unexpected Harmony’: Employing natural form lacquerware art and embracing pluralistic fusion, each piece of work originates from new ideas in nature. Artists draw inspiration from the mountains and fields, expressing the power of time through brilliant hues of lacquer. Chefs seamlessly blend fresh ingredients into a harmonious tapestry of color and texture. Amid the interplay of light, shadow, and music, guests are transported by flavors that transcend space and time.
- Chapter 4, ‘Decadence’: Just as copper is refined by fire, culinary artistry takes center stage. Opening the doors to a private world, chefs showcase innovation and speculation for guests, inheriting traditions and igniting the atmosphere with a dynamic energy that electrifies the senses.
- Chapter 5, ‘Sense Distillation’: This is where guests’ captivating encounter with gastronomic and art excellence begins, but not where it ends. The environment transports them to the next destination, led by a seagull to the Regent Shanghai on the Bund. Inspired by one city and inspiring the next, this marks the perfect conclusion of the odyssey in the studio, ushering in a new dawn. Let the heart resonate and sublimate
The Regent Taste Studio is the ultimate expression of the brand’s commitment to innovating and perfecting guest experiences. It will extend to other sought-after destinations, enabling more guests the opportunity to explore the sensory relationship between the palate and mind.
Distinctive, discreet luxury for the ultimate stay
In addition to the Regent Taste Studio, Regent Hotels & Resorts continues to embody its distinctive brand hallmarks with Personal Havens, Regent Experience Agents, and With Compliments, offering a harmonious blend of tranquility and comfort in a sanctuary of peace.
The guest experience is firmly rooted in its “Personal Havens”, achieved through elegant and comfortable interiors and bespoke experiences. “Personal Havens” at Regent Chongqing are customized with individual choices in food and drink, scents, music, literature, and bath menus, providing the luxury of unique oases to inspire indulgent moments. Whether leaning against the window sofa, enjoying the picturesque view of the Jialing River, or peacefully indulging in moments of comfort in the oversized bathtub, even reading a book about Chongqing, guests will experience a delightful and cozy stay.
This highly-personalized approach is heightened by the service of “Regent Experience Agents”, who ensure that each guest’s experience is effortless and tailored to their occasion or desire. From pre-arrival to departure, every need is attentively catered to, curating the experience to be truly exceptional.
“With Compliments” offers warm hospitality and more opportunities to be pampered. At Regent Chongqing, these include complimentary access to the minibar, selected beverages, local welcome snacks, and daily laundry and pressing services.
In addition, each Regent integrates the local lore of the destination, drawing inspiration from traditional symbolism or storied icons. Customized illustrations have been commissioned at the Regent Chongqing that retell the folklore of the cyan lion and white elephant that guard the river, symbolizing the protection and luck they offer the city. Each Regent also enhances the beauty of the environment through architectural flair, guiding guests to discover more framed views. At the River Terrace of Regent Chongqing, guests can immerse themselves in the unique design of pavilions and water features, soaking in the radiance of the river and city at night.
Regent Hotels & Resorts currently operates nine hotels worldwide in sought-after destinations such as Chongqing, Shanghai, Montenegro, Phu Quoc, and Hong Kong. An additional 11 hotels are under development in gateway cities and resort destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Kyoto, and Sanya. In the Greater China region, the brand operates five hotels and has four in the pipeline, including the upcoming Regent Shanghai on the Bund, which will continue the brand’s story as a legend reborn.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Felix Gong
[email protected]
+86 159 2180 6806
About IHG®
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
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About Regent Hotels & Resorts
Guests have made grand entrances through the doors of Regent® Hotels & Resorts for nearly half a century. Born in 1970, our collection of modern hotels and resorts are home to stays both serene and sensational. The type of experiences that spark stories and charm even the most seasoned of travellers. Regent Hotels & Resorts hotels are located in some of the globe’s most inspiring must-see destinations, from urban streetscapes rich in culture to ports with breath-taking seaside views. An invitation to life’s most scenic moments. Regent hotels are amongst the most well-known luxury hotels in the world, with nine open hotels including the exclusive Regent Phu Quoc, Regent Chongqing, Carlton Cannes – a Regent Hotel and Regent Shanghai. Eleven further properties are due to open in the next five years, including Santa Monica Beach, Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Sanya, Shenzhen, Shanghai on the Bund and Kyoto. For more information and to book, visit http://www.regenthotels.com/.
About Regent Chongqing
Regent Chongqing is located in the heart of the Jiangbeizui financial center. With a total of 202 spacious rooms, guests can indulge in breathtaking views of the Jialing River and Yuzhong Peninsula. The hotel boasts an array of facilities, including three restaurants, two bars, and comprehensive MICE facilities. Notably, the Regent Ballroom offers a spectacular 270° panoramic view of the river. Set against the backdrop of the city's picturesque landscapes, Regent Chongqing effortlessly crafts an urban oasis.
About the Chefs
The six award-winning chefs helping to craft this edition of the Regent Taste Studio hail from Regent Chongqing, Regent Shanghai on the Bund, and Regent Bejing.
Roy Pan, Executive Sous Chef at Regent Chongqing Bringing over 25 years of culinary expertise, Chef Pan specializes in innovating on culinary concepts drawn from both Western and Japanese cuisine. He leads the team at Robin’s Grill & Teppanyaki, which has been awarded One Diamond for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 by the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. |
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Luke Armstrong, Executive Chef at Regent Shanghai on the Bund Hailing from Australia, Chef Armstrong has left his mark on a series of Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, including London, Singapore and Tokyo. His culinary philosophy is centered on premium seasonal ingredients, blended with diverse regional flavors. He is renowned for his refined technique and unique perspectives on culinary innovation. |
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Jonathan Lian, Executive Chef at Regent Beijing Chef Lian brings with him a string of accolades from international competitions and restaurant awards, elevating his international work experience. His achievements include earning the “Best Menu” award by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards for Daccapo Italian Restaurant. He has also showcased his culinary expertise at events like the Beijing-New York Three-Michelin-Starred Dinner featuring Chef Curtis Duffy. |
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Alice Jiang, Pastry Chef at Regent Shanghai on the Bund Chef Jiang has honed her skills over the years at Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. Her expertise lies in deconstructing desserts and infusing them with artistic flair, exhibiting precise control and respect for ingredients to best showcase their unique character. By seeking the perfect balance of texture and flavor, she has redefined the world of desserts with bold yet delicate techniques. |
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Ethan Yao, Executive Chinese Chef at Regent Chongqing Chef Yao has come to the Regent Chongqing with over 15 years specializing in traditional Cantonese cuisine. With his proficiency in these techniques, he possesses a deep understanding of its traditions while bringing an innovative flair that melds Cantonese, Sichuan and other fusions. He collaborated with the team to achieve recognition in the MICHELIN Guide Selected Restaurants 2023. |
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Jimmy Deng, Chinese Kitchen Sous Chef at Regent Chongqing For 21 years, Chef Deng has brought his culinary expertise in Sichuan cuisine to the table. With his insights into the cuisine’s flavor profiles and ingredient pairings, he stays true to his personal philosophy that innovating is key to advancing and elevating Sichuanese dishes, while preserving the tradition of its culture. As a member of the Chongqing Famous Chef Association, he has earned industry recognition with a series of awards from the Bocuse d’Or. |