Hakkasan Welcomes Executive Chefs Andrew Yeo and Chen Wei Chan to its Culinary Team
Original URL: https://hakkasan.com/stories/hakkasan-welcomes-executive-chefs-andrew-yeo-and-chen-wei-chan-to-its-culinary-team/
Hakkasan has recently announced the two new leaders of its culinary team, Corporate Executive Chef Andrew Yeo and Executive Chef Special Projects, US, Chen-Wei Chan. Both chefs share an inimitable passion for Cantonese cuisine and culinary techniques and are a welcome addition to Hakkasan Group’s global team.
Chef Andrew Yeo
Responsible for the unique culinary masterpieces created by Hakkasan Group’s Asian Luxury brands, Chef Andrew Yeo carries over twenty years of experience and training into this new position, having previously helmed the kitchens in EDITION Hotels and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Over the course of his career, he has helped launch several hotels, overseeing the culinary direction at The Shanghai EDITION and Ritz-Carlton properties in Montreal, Hong Kong, and Dove Mountain. His responsibilities at Hakkasan Group include menu direction and complete culinary oversight of new and existing locations and initiatives of the Hakkasan, Ling Ling, and Yauatcha brands.
Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Yeo first fostered a passion for cooking by helping his grandmother prepare traditional dishes for their family. He began formal culinary training at the renowned SHATEC Institute of Singapore before joining the team at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, where he was able to hone his technical skills and creative abilities.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Hakkasan Group, which has been recognized all over the world for its artful interpretations of Chinese cuisine,” says Chef Yeo. “I look forward to working with the talented culinary creatives at the company to bring our global restaurants to even greater heights.”
Chef Yeo believes that fresh ingredients are the key to quality Cantonese cuisine. Treating each element of his dishes with care and passion, he allows the ingredients to shine. His philosophy resonates in Hakkasan’s Black truffle roast duck, using tea plant mushrooms and traditional techniques to produce an elegant dish with carefully balanced flavors.
When he steps outside of the culinary world, Chef Yeo enjoys traveling the world. He is an avid fan of the outdoors and prefers to scuba dive, hike, and taste his way through different cultures. His most recent excursion was a climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Chef Chen-Wei Chan
Supporting the execution of the culinary vision of Hakkasan Group’s Asian Luxury restaurant portfolio in the United States, Chef Chan oversees Hakkasan locations in San Francisco, Miami, New York, and Las Vegas in addition to Yauatcha’s location in Houston, Texas.
Bringing a global perspective and a wealth of experience to his new role, Chef Chan has previously helmed kitchens at the Wynn Las Vegas and assisted with the culinary direction at Rosewood’s The Carlyle and Little Dix Bay.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Chef Chan developed a lasting love for the culinary arts through his family’s soulfully prepared meals. After serving in the Taiwanese Army, he began to pursue his passion for cooking with an apprenticeship at Portofino Italian Restaurant in Taipei, later enrolling in the American Culinary Federation to begin formal training.
Chef Chan champions Cantonese cuisine through careful interpretations of local flavors and creative use of ingredients. His love of Cantonese food stems from a deep appreciation for the cuisine’s gentle fragrances and delicate flavors, which emphasize the culinary techniques of the chef and the quality of the ingredients. In addition to his strong culinary background, he is also a trained painter, tapping into his art education to shape his approach to plating, color composition, and flavor balance.
“I am thrilled and honored to join Hakkasan Group’s talented culinary team,” says Chef Chan. “Hakkasan Group is a global leader in Asian cuisines, and I am excited to share my culinary vision and bring more unique restaurant experiences to our guests.”
The Six Coolest Things to do in San Jose del Cabo
Spending some time in Mexico and need something fun to do? Pay a visit to some of the best attractions in San Jose del Cabo and spend those vacation days right! From luxury organic farms, to space-age photo ops, to interactive paintings, you won’t find a dull moment in Los Cabos.
Get Prickly at Cacti World: Home to over 5,000 species of flora, Cacti World (Cacti Mundo) is a beautiful outdoor garden full of your favorite prickly plants. It features endangered species of cacti, rare and unique mutations of common succulents, and picturesque landscapes that are fun for all ages. Locals call it one of the most important tourist sites in San José del Cabo. Tickets are MXN36 for adults and MXN12 for the little ones.
See Colorful Coral at Cabo Pulmo National Park: A place so beautiful, John Steinbeck immortalized it in one of his books! Featuring the oldest of the three coral reefs along North America’s western coastline, Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but a ton of underwater fun. Divers and snorkelers flock to the area to see massive manta rays, stunning whale sharks, shipwrecks, and sea lions (in addition to the beautifully colored coral, of course). Those who take the plunge will find excellent visibility all year-round in Cabo’s warm waters.
Find the Perfect Backdrop in Old Town: Home to San Jose del Cabo’s famous Art Walk (November-June), Old Town and the Art District feature myriad restaurants, cafes, and galleries. Take a stroll among the beautifully designed buildings and you’ll be sure to find plenty of hidden gems along the way. If you visit during Art Walk season, be sure to come on a Thursday night to find authentic paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more on display from local artists.
Hop into a Painting at Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery: Ever wanted to see a painting come to life? While you’re exploring the Gallery District downtown, pay a visit to Ivan Guaderrama Galería de Arte to find a room full of interactive paintings. Through the use of augmented reality, Ivan animates his paintings and brings a whole new layer of depth to the world of art. It’s even better on Thursday nights from November-June, when the Art Walk scene also brings the street outside to life.
Snap Some Serious Selfies at OMNIA’s SkyWalk: One of the most famous photo-ops in the entire city, OMNIA’s SkyWalk is an otherworldly masterpiece of architecture. Located at Vidanta Los Cabos, the SkyWalk serves as the entrance to the exotic OMNIA Dayclub, a spot famous for its beautiful views and performances from the world’s top DJs. Next door to the majestic tunnel are some authentic Día de Los Muertos-themed bites at Casa Calavera Los Cabos, and luxurious cocktails by the sea at SHOREbar.
Find Your Inner Zen at Flora Farms: Without the use of pesticides or genetically modified seeds, Flora Farm has been growing and glowing across 25 acres for over 10 years. A famous spot for weddings, photo sessions, and even spa days, Flora Farms features a restaurant, luxury condo-cottages, cooking and painting classes, and even an organic grocery store! Farms don’t get more luxe than this.
The Best Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties in Las Vegas
Trying to plan a bachelor or bachelorette party for your best friend may seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options in Las Vegas. Finding the right combination of food and fun can normally require plenty of research and coordination.
Thankfully, we’re here to help make that process a little easier! We’ve planned the perfect day for you and your group, with fun and flair evenly spaced throughout your time on the Strip. Simply choose your path and get ready for the party of a lifetime.
Path #1: The Way of the Lion (or Lioness) MGM Grand Resort and Casino
Begin your day by dipping your toes in the refreshing waters at Wet Republic. As you walk in, say hello to the infamous Babes in Blue, ready to serve you all the cocktails and snacks you could possibly enjoy. Grab a seat at your VIP cabana and let your server pour you and all your friends a glass from our selection of premium bottles (with some extra for the bride or groom, of course), or jump right into the action in one of the variety of pools around the venue. Top-line talent like Zedd and Martin Garrix will be there to spin your favorite tracks as you dance the day away. When you’ve soaked up your fair share of fun in the sun, it’s time to get ready for a night you’ll never forget. Take all the time you need to put on that perfect dress or outfit for the evening, and step out into the Vegas spotlight as you and your bachelor or bachelorette party make your way over towards the world-famous Hakkasan Restaurant and Nightclub. Have some time to kill between venues? Check out Level Up for some barcade action, including a live VR experience, bowling, and your favorite old-school games, with plenty of beer on tap to keep the party flowing.
When it’s time for dinner, get ready to step into the seductive atmosphere of Hakkasan Restaurant and let its creative menu and excellent service take you on an unprecedented culinary journey. Our tip: Order the Crispy duck salad and the Hakka dim sum basket to share with your group, and enjoy one of the innovative cocktails that pair perfectly with the cuisine. Don’t forget dessert, with a selection of gorgeous and Instagram-worthy options that changes with the seasons. If you book your bachelorette or bachelor party ahead of time, you can get access to a special private dining room that overlooks the maze of latticework in the main dining room below.
When you’re ready for the grand finale, step upstairs into Hakkasan Nightclub and find one of the most unique experiences on the Las Vegas Strip right at your fingertips. When one of the club’s world-famous DJs (like Tiësto, Calvin Harris, and Steve Aoki to name a few) takes the stage, prepare to be mesmerized as the massive piece of kinetic artwork known as The Grid springs to life and moves along to the beat. Hakkasan’s three floors and multiple spaces provide plenty of area for your bachelors and bachelorettes to find the perfect place to party. Be sure to reserve one of their tables with premium bottle service to add the perfect cherry on top of your night out.
Path #2: When in Rome… Caesars Palace and ARIA Resort and Casino
Start your journey by taking the plunge into Liquid’s crystal-clear waters. As you step foot into this secluded paradise behind ARIA’s main pool, be ready to indulge in restaurant-quality small bites and a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and drinks. Meander to your VIP cabana and enjoy sips from premium bottle service, or join the party in the main pool to dance the day away to top tracks from the venue’s talented DJs. After your bachelorette or bachelor party has rested and recharged, take a trip over to Caesars Palace for the second half of your perfect day. With an endless stream of of repeat guests and rave reviews, Searsucker is the perfect place for dinner before dancing. The classic Americana menu features a selection of crafty Old Fashioned cocktails and innovative takes on comfort classics like Buffalo Chicken Lollipops and Short Rib Poutine (or some salads, if you’re into that sort of thing). A rotating selection of craft beer and unique fizzy drinks are there to complement the cuisine, and don’t skip out on dessert – the homemade chocolate chip cookies are to die for.
After dinner, you have just one more decision to make – Whether to dance underneath the entrancing chandelier at OMNIA right next door, or to find a more intimate affair back at ARIA’s JEWEL Nightclub.
OMNIA boasts four distinct spaces across two indoor levels and an outdoor balcony, providing plenty of room for your bachelors and bachelorettes to find the perfect spot to dance. The outdoor Terrace overlooks the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, while the Heart of OMNIA features a high-energy dance floor and a separate DJ from the other areas. Sip on the finest cocktails with premium bottle service at any one of the tables around the venue, and prepare to be captivated by the famous chandelier that lights and moves to the music spun by EDM’s top talent including Calvin Harris, Zedd, and Martin Garrix.
Back at the luxurious ARIA Resort and Casino, JEWEL Nightclub is a sparkling gem hidden just past the hotel’s massive water wall. Step up the dazzling lighted staircase to find an intimate venue whose huge Dreamwall LED display moves to the beat of DJs like Tyga and Lil Jon. Five VIP Suites provide exclusive views to the action below with plenty of space for your group to relax when you’re not on the move. Don’t forget to reserve bottle service to enjoy premium cocktails while you treat your future bride or groom to the night of their life.
Which path will you choose?
8 Ingredients Essential to Cantonese Cuisine
For thousands of years, the people of China’s Guangdong region have created and refined the complex art of Cantonese cooking. Also referred to as Yue cuisine, Cantonese cuisine is considered the most popular Chinese cuisine across the world, and its goal is to preserve and highlight each ingredient’s natural taste. Its flavors are mild, fresh, and sweet, with popular dishes including dim sum, char siu (barbeque pork), and fried rice.
Cantonese cuisine incorporates a wide array of spices, meats, vegetables, and cooking techniques, but there are a few ingredients that provide a unifying thread throughout the region.
Garlic
Garlic has been a vital and prevailing ingredient in Chinese cuisine and culture for over 4000 years, so it is no surprise that China today provides as much as 80% of the world’s total supply. Used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat upset stomach, garlic is commonly used to enhance the flavor of meat and vegetables in Cantonese cuisine.
Mushroom
Common in dumplings, cheung fun, and assorted rice dishes, Cantonese cuisine uses a variety of mushrooms and fungi that may be uncommon or unusual to newcomers. Straw mushroom, cloud ear fungus, black and white fungus, and bamboo pith are just some of the unique varieties common in China.
Lily bulb
Delicate and sweet, lily bulb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to treat respiratory disorders and soothe the lungs. Although there are multiple species of the lily bulb, the most common for use in cooking is the Lilium brownii, which resembles a garlic bulb, although they do not taste alike. The bulbs are often used for stir-fry dishes in Cantonese recipes to add a light crunch and a refreshing sweetness to the overall flavor of the dish.
Rice
Reaching far beyond the plain steamed or fried rice you may be thinking of, Cantonese cuisine utilizes rice in a wide variety of forms. Rice can be pounded into a fine flour to be used in rice noodles, dumpling dough, and rolls like cheung fun, or it can be soaked to create ingredients like rice vinegar. It is also boiled to create congee (rice porridge) and can be used in desserts like rice pudding. As a vital part of the Chinese economy, rice is likely the most prevalent ingredient across all of China.
Eggs
Also common throughout all Chinese cuisines, eggs are an important part of Cantonese cooking. Traditional dishes such as savory egg custard, salted duck egg, and century egg are all still common today, and eggs can be found in almost every dish at some stage of the cooking process. Particularly of interest to foreigners, the unusual-looking century egg is preserved in a mixture of salt, clay, and ash, which change the color of the egg to a dark brown with a green center. Cantonese recipes often wrap slices of the century egg with pickled ginger and it can often be found as street food.
Ginger
Often paired with lobster and other seafood in Cantonese cuisine, ginger is an ingredient common throughout Asia. It can add a fresh, tangy flavor to almost any dish, from stews to stir-fry. Although often used as a garnish, it can also be cooked with the dish to enhance other natural flavors.
Anise
One component of the popular Chinese five-spice, aromatic star anise is commonly used for meat dishes to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. It adds a sweet, licorice flavor to savory dishes, but is used in moderation in Cantonese cuisine to avoid overpowering the dish. Recipes for duck, such as Peking duck, utilize the spice to cut through any fatty flavor in the bird.
Tea
Although not technically an ingredient, tea is an integral part of Cantonese cuisine. Consumed morning until nighttime, tea is normally served with each meal and is important in a number of traditional ceremonies in China. Most Chinese varieties of tea complement the simple flavors of Cantonese cuisine, especially Yingdehong, a sweet black tea grown specifically in the Canton region.
Through the use of these ingredients, Yauatcha’s dishes maintain the authentic tastes and traditions of Cantonese cuisine while incorporating fresh techniques and flavors. We invite you to join us for a selection of dim sum, small plates, and entrees designed to delight all of the senses. Be sure to enjoy a cup of tea from our selection of over 20 varieties, or pair your dishes with one of our handcrafted cocktails or a glass of wine.
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