With Thailand having first in Asia to decriminalized marijuana, The Slate Phuket is inviting guests to say BONG Appetit to a special dining experience by Steven John of Empty Plates Bangkok. Chef John has incorporated cannabis leaves, flower, stems and seeds into an innovative menu that will not only bring the flavors of the plant to the fore, but provide health benefits due to being rich in anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. This special dining experience will be offered at the hotel’s sexy Rivet & Rebar on 10 and 11 March 2023, with only 40 tickets for each exclusive event.
Coqoon Spa will also offer specially designed treatments using CBD oil, which has been shown to enhance well-being and alleviate pain.
Public attitudes to cannabis have changed dramatically in the past few years, with numerous studies showing the plant to have beneficial effects on health and well-being. It has been legalized in numerous countries for recreational and medicinal use, with Thailand the latest to recognize its benefits.
The global cannabis market is set to reach $200 billion by 2030, according to research by GlobeNewsWire, with numerous studies showing the health benefits of consuming cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
“At The Slate, we are always looking for new ways to surprise our guests and we can see there is huge demand for cannabis tourism,” says The Slate Phuket’s owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. “This is a sophisticated way for guests to try cannabis in a culinary form, in a relaxed and elegant setting by creating high-end menus with cannabis-infused dishes by the masterful Steven John.”
Krystal says that curated cannabis experiences have the potential to bring more visitors to Thailand, helping the industry recover after the impact of Covid.
“The Slate Phuket is known for its BOLD events and Bong Appetit is the first in a series of gastronomic journeys curated by The Slate to showcase a different side to Thailand and immerse our guests in new experiences,” she said.
The dinner is inspired by BONG Appetit, a TV show that follows Abudllah Saeed around the world as he visits chef preparing meals in a kitchen stocked with a huge selection of marijuana ingredients.
From crushed powder form to oils, butters and resins, cannabis is added carefully to different dishes to complement the flavors of the natural produce and offer a mild relaxation effect.
Chef John says that cannabis should be considered similar to wine, in that different plants will have different flavor profiles based on their cultivation, production and origin.
“When cooking with cannabis, we try to pair the flavors of the plant with the right ingredients, just as a sommelier chooses the perfect wine to complement or enhance a dish,” he said. “I think of it as another herb that adds to the flavor profile and experience of fine dining.”
The Slate Phuket Bong Appetit experience is offered with 1-night or 2-night stay for 2 people in Private Pool Suite with inclusions of breakfast, roundtrip airport transfer, 90-minute Cannabidiol spa treatment, BOLD dinner at Rivet, priority early check-in and late check-out, and 10% discount at KRU Precision Wellness. The package is priced at USD780.50 (1 night) and USD1200 (2 nights) while 1-night and 2-night stays for 2 people with Sunday Brunch plus free flowing wine, cocktails, beers, spirits, soda drinks, fruit juices and cocktails are valued at USD1007 and USD1435.
