Mandarin Oriental pop-up serves fine-dining menu Russian artist inspired
Konstantin Bessmertny, who has already published a food book, has teamed up with executive chef Robin Zavou to create dishes inspired by the Russian artist’s works, which will be on display at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Russian artist Konstantin Bessmertny likes pointing out the absurdities in life, and food is no exception. In 2015 he and Kristoffer Luczak, who is currently executive vice-president of food and beverage at Wynn Macau resort, published The Last Dumpling, a food book that is not a cookbook; instead of recipes it has pointers on the art of dining.
For example, there are instructions – in Chinese – on how to use chopsticks, or that one should avoid drinking during meals. If you do drink, there are 27 tips, including No 10: always have a corkscrew in your house.
Konstantin Bessmertny’s art celebrates missteps in the messy jumble of life
Bessmertny has spent the past 25 years in Macau and he splits his time between there and his Hong Kong studio in Chai Wan. And oddly for someone who depends on selling his art to survive, Bessmertny prefers small pop-up events where he can present his art in places people wouldn’t normally expect to see them. Which is why he is thrilled that the Mandarin Grill + Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is presenting dishes inspired by his work from March 17 to 31.
After looking at Bessmertny’s art, the hotel’s executive chef Robin Zavou’s initial reaction was, “This guy is bonkers, creative and off the charts.”
“Palatable Plate of Art with Konstantin Bessmertny” is a three- or four-course menu with dishes created by Zavou.
