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We are fortunate here at the Dusit
Laguna Phuket that we have so many returning guests who stay
for long periods," comments Chef Joseph. "I like to make
special dinners for these valued guests who perhaps want more variety
or have favorite foods not on our menus."
He has created popular buffet dinners around the pool three nights
a week with a number of stations with cooks who prepare fresh foods
according to the appetite and taste of the guest.
On Mondays, Chef Joseph supervises an international buffet where
he alternates barbecue meats with rich carvings and a variety of
skewers. Wednesdays is the fresh seafood night featuring shrimps,
lobsters and fish caught daily from the surrounding Andaman Sea
and Friday, he offers Thai cuisine from the different regions of
the country. Each buffet night has a special live performance for
guest enjoyment.
Joseph grew up in Germany after the war and his love of cooking
came from his grandmother who made great food from very limited
ingredients.
At age 15, he enrolled in a three year apprenticeship followed
by a five year program at the Heidleberg Hotel School. He worked
in kitchens in Germany during the summers and in resorts in the
winters.
During his 20s, Joseph married and opened his own restaurant on
the shores of Lake Constanz. His wife worked in the front and he
ran the kitchen.
"This was a great time as we had a small restaurant with a
loyal local following," remembers Joseph. "I could spend
time with my customers and cook for them what they liked. At this
time, I learned to cook what is fresh. That included venison from
Switzerland and duck from France. The menu varied according to what
was just coming into season."
After eight years, Joseph decided to travel. He worked in Kenya
before arrived to Phuket
in 1987 and joining the kitchen team at the recently opened Holiday
Inn Phuket in Patong
Beach. He then moved to the Holiday Inn in Borneo and by 1990
was supervising 120 cooks in a major hotel in Xian, China. All this
time he was learning about new foods and cooking techniques.
Chef Joseph returned to Thailand
and worked at the Royal Garden Resort and the Central
Samui Beach Resort before being offered the top position at
the Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel.
"I love working in the kitchen. Every day is a new opportunity
to be creative with the increasing variety of foods that are available
on Phuket.
Many chefs strive to become hotel managers but I like cooking and
meeting my customers," he continues.
Chef Joseph supervises the international menu at the Laguna Café,
has recruited an Italian team to provide authentic Trattoria cuisine
and ensures that the Casurina Hut offers the best seafood available
locally.
He is pleased to meet outside guests who want a special dinner
from one of his kitchens. Just make a reservation and ask to speak
to Chef Joseph at Dusit Laguna, tel: 324 320.
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