A toast to Madame Collins
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam has opened a new beachside French fine-dining restaurant called Pink Pearl that boasts a bold mix of opulent furnishings, eye-catching patterns and bright splashes of pink against a backdrop of emerald waters and white sand.
Pink Pearl draws inspiration from the legend of Madame Pearl Collins, a one-time resident of the mythical academy of learning. In her luxurious pink mansion, lavish dinner parties and grand celebrations were the order of the day. Continuing this tradition, the restaurant embodies a spirit of warm hospitality and a generous dash of glamour.
With detailed upholstery and ornate tiles and carpets, the main dining hall exudes a grand yet airy ambience, while French doors and oversized windows bring the sun and sea into the interior. Dramatically high ceilings and a collection of sculptures pay tribute to Madame Collins’s eccentric, fun-loving spirit. Guests also have the option to dine alfresco in the outdoor garden, the perfect setting for lazy lounging and leisurely high teas.
More luxury awaits in the five private dining rooms, each one seating between eight to ten guests and named after the key figures of the mansion, including Lady Pearl and the Dean. Lithographs dating back to 1886 – the year the fictional academy was founded – adorn the walls, while the elegant furnishings are a nod to the original owner’s extravagant lifestyle. In contrast, the exclusive 10-seater wine tasting room conveys a darker mood, more fitting for intimate gatherings and quiet conversations. Exuding Gatsbian drama, a spiral staircase entrance opens onto monochromatic glazed cabinets containing a vast selection of French wines, alongside New World favourites and a collection of fortified wines.
While the interiors by maverick designer Bill Bensley can create a first impression, guests will long remember the culinary experience with Madame Pearl’s favourite classic French recipes deconstructed and given a modern twist by the award-winning Chef de Cuisine, Amine Lakhdari. Showcasing the best in French cuisine, Pink Pearl’s menu delivers a fine-dining experience with a seasonal farm-to-table concept. Combining premium local products and selected imported ingredients, the restaurant showcases a distinctive menu marked by innovation and creativity, which also changes every few months.
Guests will be able to enjoy signature dishes including the Phu Quoc Sea Urchin, a combination of local treasure, French savoir faire and delicate ingredients; Charolaise Beef Pithivier, which references traditional techniques and showcases quintessential French products; and Opera Pearl Marou Chocolate, an indulgent delight incorporating one of Vietnam’s most famous exports, chocolate.
The dining experience is complemented by live pianists and violinists playing classical music. The evening concludes in spectacular fashion with diverse entertainment such as a French opera performance from the upper balcony
For reservations, email [email protected].
