From 5th to 9th August 2026, Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International returns with this year’s theme, Across the Table — a global celebration of culinary artistry and human connection. As the first destination to unveil the series, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa presents its own distinctive chapter, The Soul of Vietnam, an immersive culinary journey inspired by the richness of Vietnamese heritage, contemporary gastronomy, and cultural craftsmanship.
Curated by Marriott International, this year’s edition of Luxury Dining Series: Across the Table celebrates the power of gastronomy to connect people, cultures, and stories through extraordinary culinary experiences. Inspired by the iconic “Lamarck University” narrative imagined by legendary designer Bill Bensley, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay presents The Soul of Vietnam — a distinctive chapter that brings together acclaimed chefs, culinary artisans, mixologists, and cultural talents to showcase the richness of Vietnamese heritage through exceptional dining, cultural craftsmanship, immersive tastings, and contemporary culinary artistry. Through every shared table, guests are invited to discover how food can foster meaningful human connections while celebrating the traditions, creativity, and spirit of Vietnam.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Khem Beach, this year’s edition brings together an extraordinary lineup of culinary visionaries, including Michelin-acclaimed Chef Olivier Elzer, Vietnam’s first Michelin Green Star Chef Summer Le of Nén, and Madam Anh Tuyet — one of the country’s most revered guardians of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Alongside renowned chefs, artisans, and mixologists from Vietnam and beyond, the series reimagines Vietnamese gastronomy through exceptional flavors, cultural craftsmanship, and shared moments of storytelling.
Here, every dinner becomes a lecture in culture, every ingredient carries history, and every shared table becomes a bridge between people, places, and memories.
A Journey Through The Soul Of Vietnam
Throughout the series, guests are invited to discover the soul of Vietnamese gastronomy through Michelin-starred collaborations, heritage-inspired dining experiences, artisanal tastings, and immersive cultural encounters. From Bittersweet’s handcrafted chocolates to the intricate artistry of Truc Chi paper and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, each experience has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate the people and craftsmanship behind every flavor — the chefs, artisans, farmers, bartenders, and storytellers whose passion continues to preserve and reimagine Vietnam’s rich cultural legacy for generations to come.
A Distinguished Lineup Of Global Culinary Talents
At the heart of The Soul of Vietnam is a culinary narrative shaped by three defining expressions of Vietnamese gastronomy: heritage, evolution, and cultural exchange. Representing the spirit of heritage are Madam Anh Tuyet and Chef Nguyen Hai Hung, whose dedication to preserving regional traditions and authentic flavors offers a profound connection to Vietnam’s culinary roots. The spirit of evolution is embodied by Chef Summer Le and Chef Patron Cuong Nguyen, two leading voices redefining contemporary Vietnamese cuisine through creativity, sustainability, and a deep respect for local ingredients. Completing the journey is the spirit of cultural exchange, expressed through the perspectives of Michelin-starred Chef Olivier Elzer and Chef Rémy Gaulé, whose international expertise creates a thoughtful dialogue between Vietnamese heritage and global culinary artistry.
Together, these distinguished talents bring The Soul of Vietnam to life, inviting guests to experience the country’s rich culinary identity through exceptional flavors, craftsmanship, and meaningful connections around the table.
Signature Experiences – Where Every Meal Becomes a Story
From heritage-inspired breakfasts and beachfront seafood feasts to immersive dining journeys led by celebrated chefs and culinary artisans, the following highlights offer a glimpse into some of the signature experiences curated throughout Across the Table:
Heirloom AM — Vietnamese Heritage Breakfast with Madam Anh Tuyet, 5-9 August, at Tempus Fugit
This rotating breakfast experience pays homage to Vietnam’s beloved morning traditions through nostalgic regional specialties prepared under the guidance of Madam Anh Tuyet. From delicately simmered broths to time-honored family recipes, each breakfast offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of Vietnamese culinary heritage.
Memory Tasting – A Tasteful Journey to Remember
Beachfront Seafood Lunch with Chef Cuong Nguyen & Chef Hung Nguyen, 5 August, at Red Rum
This collaborative seafood lunch celebrates the richness of Vietnam’s coastal flavors through refined culinary craftsmanship and contemporary presentation.
Signature Afternoon Tea with Chef Rémy Gaulé, 6-8 August, at French & Co.
The experience brings together French pastry artistry and tropical elegance in an intimate afternoon ritual curated by acclaimed pastry chef Rémy Gaulé.
Journey of Exceptional Taste – Signature Dinner Experience
Lamarck Grand Banquet – The Heart of Series, 6 August, at Grand Ballroom & Pink Pearl by Olivier E.
The Lamarck Grand Banquet brings together Chef Olivier Elzer, Chef Summer Le, Chef Cuong Nguyen, and Marco Dongi for a spectacular evening inspired by the timeless tradition of communal feasting. Set within one of the destination’s most iconic settings, the experience reimagines local celebratory customs and banquet culture through contemporary gastronomy, cultural artistry, and storytelling, creating a memorable gathering where flavors, traditions, and human connection come together around the table.
Inspired by the concept of a modern Vietnamese salon, the banquet seamlessly integrates contemporary fine dining with artistic collaborations featuring Trúc Chỉ paper art, and curated beverage pairings.
More than a dinner, it is an immersive reflection of Vietnam’s evolving cultural identity — sophisticated, deeply rooted, and globally inspiring.
The Pearl Tasting Menu with Michelin-starred Chef Olivier Elzer, 7-8 August, at Pink Pearl by Olivier E.
This intimate dining experience presents Chef Olivier Elzer’s signature culinary philosophy through refined French techniques delicately enriched by Vietnamese nuances and exceptional seasonal ingredients. Thoughtfully curated within the iconic pink mansion overlooking Emerald Bay, the journey reflects a harmonious dialogue between contemporary elegance and cultural depth.
An Evening of Mixology with Bartender Marco Dongi, 7-8 August, at Department of Chemistry Bar
The evening invites guests into a sophisticated after-dark experience inspired by the artistry of contemporary cocktail culture. Led by Marco Dongi of Bangkok’s acclaimed Bar Sathorn, the experience blends inventive mixology, spirited conversations, and vibrant late-night energy in an atmosphere where flavors, creativity, and human connection continue long after dinner concludes.
An Immersive Culinary Stay Experience
To complement the culinary journey of Across the Table, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay introduces an exclusive stay experience combining immersive dining, cultural craftsmanship workshops, Kiss of the Sea tickets, and curated island indulgence from 5th to 9th August 2026.
