Pictured (l-r): Close friends Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Angela Hartnett and Lisa Goodwin-Allen will host a six-hand dinner together in October at The Datai Langkawi.
Iconic Malaysian rainforest resort The Datai Langkawi continues the much-anticipated all-female 2024-25 edition of its signature dining programme, The Chef Series, which celebrates the very best in gastronomic talent from around the world.
On 11, 12 and 13 October, close friends Angela Hartnett of Murano, London, Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Lancashire and Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, London will band together to craft a one-off collaborative fine dining experience for guests. Each evening, the three award-winning UK based chefs - each with a Michelin Star - will present a unique ‘six-hand’ dinner, showcasing dishes united by a dedication to the highest quality, locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The bespoke menu will be guided by the produce of Langkawi and the organic ingredients cultivated in the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden.
The stellar line-up of names in this edition further reinforces the reputation of The Datai Langkawi as a destination for world-class gastronomy and encompasses some of the leading talents in fine dining. In its quest for the exceptional and the peerless, and by curating an all-female line-up, this year’s Chef-fe Series (from the French term for female chefs) aims to spotlight the growing representation of female chefs in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
For more information on The Chef Series, please visit:
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About Angela Hartnett
Angela Hartnett, OBE, is one of the UK’s most-loved chefs and restaurateurs, known for her sophisticated yet simple, Italy-inspired cooking. Born in the UK, her passion for good, honest food and the best ingredients was instilled in her by her Italian grandmother and mother.
After starting in the kitchens at Aubergine, Zafferano, L’Oranger and Petrus, Hartnett became head chef at the latter within seven short months, helping the restaurant to achieve a Michelin Star. She went on to launch many other restaurants in the UK and overseas and, in 2007, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to the hospitality industry. The following year, she opened her own restaurant, Murano in Mayfair, where she is a Chef Proprietor and holds one Michelin Star. Serving modern, seasonal food with an Italian accent, Murano is one of the few restaurants to hold 4 AA Rosettes. In November 2013, Hartnett opened the critically acclaimed Café Murano in St James’, a brassier little sister to Murano, and two more London Cafés followed.
When talking about restaurants where she likes to dine, Hartnett says, “I like restaurants that don’t mess around with ingredients. For me it’s about really good simple, tasty food.”
About Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today. She has been Executive Chef at one-Michelin-starred Northcote since October 2017, when she took over the reins at the age of 23. Goodwin-Allen’s impressive culinary skills have landed her multiple TV appearances: she is a regular guest on James Martin’s Saturday Morning and has judged and mentored on both MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef, but is perhaps best known as one of the veteran judges on BBC1’s Great British Menu. Northcote’s ethos of using local suppliers is close to Lisa’s heart. Goodwin-Allen believes there are many unsung heroes and new generations developing new products that she likes to discover and work with. Giving back to the industry and training her team is hugely important to Goodwin-Allen. In 2017, Goodwin-Allen was involved in Springboard’s Future Chef, an industry-backed resource aimed at inspiring young people aged 12-16 to cook through classroom activities, demonstrations, competitions, and awards. She takes an active role in Hospitality Action, which provides support services to help workers in hospitality get back on their feet again after setbacks.
When speaking about her favourite food, Goodwin-Allen says “I like food to be very visual, very elegant and packed with great flavours. It must taste of what you see. Food is very emotive, and I love re-visiting some of the classics.”
About Nieves Barragán Mohacho
Barragán Mohacho grew up in Bilbao in Spain’s Basque region, learning about local produce and cuisine from an early age. In 1998, Barragán Mohacho came to London and began work at Simply Nico. In 2003, she joined Sam and Eddie Hart as Sous Chef at Fino, and in 2007, became the group’s Executive Chef ahead of the launch of the first Barrafina restaurant on London’s Frith Street. As Executive Chef for both Fino and Barrafina for 10 years, Barragán Mohacho oversaw the launch of two more Barrafina restaurants (Covent Garden and Adelaide Street) and in 2014 was awarded a Michelin Star for Barrafina Frith Street. In February 2018, Barragán Mohacho opened Sabor on Heddon Street in London with Jose Etura, and in 2018, the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star, just eight months after opening – a star they have retained to this day. It has since won numerous other prestigious accolades. She has also made television appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.
Upon receiving her first Michelin Star for Barrafina, Barragán Mohacho said “We were not fine dining, we didn’t have white tablecloths. You couldn’t make a reservation. We were just doing good food with passion, with love.”
About The Datai Langkawi:
One of the world’s most stunning resorts, The Datai Langkawi, is situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Located in an ancient rainforest rich in wildlife and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay awarded by National Geographic one of the Top 10 Beaches worldwide, the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture, understated elegance, and Malaysian hospitality. All the 121 rooms, villas, and suites at The Datai Langkawi, including the five-bedroom The Datai Estate Villa, offer breath-taking views of the surrounding nature. Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest, and located directly on the coastline, the dining outlets which include the award-winning The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room, and The Beach Club, pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond. Bespoke facilities include The Nature Centre, an educational facility and home to resident naturalists and marine biologists, and The Spa featuring Ramuan treatments, its own Akar retail range, and Voya facials. Leisure facilities include three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre at The Health Club; an array of wellness activities including Pilates and yoga, retail outlet The Boutique, a reserved space to showcase local arts and talents at The Atelier, as well as one of the most scenic golf courses in the world designed by golf legend Ernie Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai. The resort has founded The Datai Pledge in 2019 - a sustainability and conservation trust that supports Langkawi’s unique fauna, flora, and communities. All proceeds from The Datai Pledge aid this work and contribute to local non-profit organisation. The Datai Langkawi is managed by Datai Hotels and Resorts Sdn Bhd, a company incorporated to manage and operate hospitality properties in Malaysia and beyond.
For further press information and images, please contact:
Ben Jones (ben@frogandwolfpr.com) Dara Soeharto (dara@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.
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