Breaking New Ground in Thailand's Culinary Scene: Restaurant Potong's Chenin Blanc Unfiltered Project
In the world of gastronomy, being a pioneer often requires a willingness to tread uncharted territory and a penchant for daring creativity. At Potong, a renowned restaurant in Thailand, this spirit of innovation is not just a motto, but a way of life. What Potong wants to do all the time is to be a pioneer, to be the first to start. While this may not be a new concept globally, it's a groundbreaking idea for Thailand, as Potong seeks to be the first to embark on a unique journey in collaboration with local art house and winery, through their exciting Chenin Blanc Unfiltered Project.
The inspiration for Chenin Unfiltered was sparked by the desire to give Potong's patrons an extraordinary welcome drink experience. Situated on a rooftop with stunning views, Potong wanted to provide a beverage that captured the essence of Thailand's art and innovation. Most of Potong's customers are tourists, and the establishment aims to represent Thailand's unique cultural identity through its culinary offerings. However, what truly makes Chenin Unfiltered remarkable is the unprecedented collaboration it entails.
K.Kiattiwat ‘Aui’ Srichanwanpen from Play Art House | K.Khunpol Issara from Issara Estates Winery
In Thailand, culinary partnerships with local wineries are a rarity, if not entirely unheard of. Potong has taken the bold step of breaking this norm by bringing two remarkable collaborators into the mix: Khun K.Kiattiwat ‘Aui’ Srichanwanpen from Play Art House and K.Khunpol Issara from Issara Estates Winery. This groundbreaking collaboration is underpinned by a powerful concept: "You become what you believe."
At the heart of this collaboration is Potong's unwavering commitment to supporting the broader Yaowaraj community. As an integral part of the community, Restaurant Potong, together with Made In Songwat, is dedicated to the shared vision of community growth, the championing of local artisans, and the showcasing of the community's best attributes.
One of the remarkable elements of this collaboration is the label adorning the unfiltered Chenin blanc, which was exclusively designed by K.Kiattiwat Srichanwanpen, renowned for his contributions to the community at Made In Songwat and his captivating "abstract" art pieces. This label, which graces the Chenin blanc bottles, not only encapsulates the essence of Potong but also represents their culinary philosophy, which is rooted in the five elements, and the unique character of the region where Issara Estates Winery's vineyard is nestled.
On the other hand, the collaboration with Issara Estate Winery, a local winery dedicated to the art of winemaking, is a true game-changer for Thailand's culinary scene. This unique partnership enables Potong to craft an authentic dining experience by pairing their delectable dishes with locally produced wines. Issara Estate Winery, known for its commitment to producing only the highest-quality wines, the annual production of Chenin Blanc Unfiltered is limited to fewer than 2,000 bottles.
This deliberate focus on quality over quantity ensures that every bottle is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. What makes these wines even more special is their exclusivity – they are available solely at Restaurant Potong. This exclusivity adds a touch of rarity and prestige to the dining experience, making the wines an integral and cherished part of the gastronomic journey offered by Potong.
This Chenin Blanc Unfiltered is an exceptionally unique project, one that is pioneering a new path in Thailand's culinary landscape. While the project may start on a small scale, such as being exclusively available at Potong, the impact and influence it carries are bound to extend beyond. It serves as a catalyst for change and enlightenment, highlighting the vast potential of Thai artists, chefs, and winemakers. In the process, it's a testament to the fact that Thai endeavors can indeed have a far-reaching impact. This project, with its message of transcending borders and celebrating local excellence, is set to pave the way for a new era in Thai culinary and artistic expression.