The Forbes Five-Star Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay announces its third guest chef of the 2023 Global Cuisine Series, Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson of NIKU X. From September 21-24, Chef Thompson will collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Executive Chef Roberto Riveros-Leyton and Navio Chef de Cuisine Francisco Simón to create signature dinner and brunch menus. The seven-course menus will be served in the resort’s Forbes Four Star restaurant, Navio.
Heavily influenced by his childhood in Yamaguchi, Japan, Chef Thompson’s specialty is honoring traditional Japanese cuisine with his curated menus. This is characterized by the use of artisanal produce and “ranch-to-table” ingredients paired with a fusion of French nouvelle cuisine techniques. Shin first gained notoriety during his time in Chicago hosting underground dinner soirées. He went on to open Bonsoirée in 2012, which earned its Michelin star during his time as executive chef and owner. In 2014, Shin conceptualized Furious Spoon Ramen, which grew to seven locations by 2020. He has since received a multitude of accolades for his business and culinary successes, including the James Beard Foundation Award and Best Local Dining Destination in the World.
His current project, NIKU X in Downtown Los Angeles, encapsulates high-level Japanese mastery through its distinct Japanese cuisine and traditional craftsmanship. Sister brand of the world famous, The XPot, NIKU X alters the perception of the classic yakiniku, a traditional Japanese technique utilized to grill meats. Its menu curation is meant to transport guests one course at a time, with its certified Japanese A5 Wagyu sustainably sourced from the restaurant’s privately-owned farm. Part of Chef Thompson’s goal is to showcase NIKU X’s specialty cuts that combine traditional flavors with a modern and multicultural spin. This includes dishes that embrace the usage of rare ingredients: scorpionfish and exclusively grown Japanese vegetables.
This culinary ethos will be incorporated into the seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu Global by Thompson, Simón, and Riveros-Leyton. The menu will be offered during dinner Thursday - Saturday at $249 per guest, and a two-hour Weekend Brunch experience on Saturday and Sunday at $249 per guest. Brunch seatings are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reservations for both the brunch and dinner experiences can be made at www.exploretock.com/navio.
The last Global Cuisine Series of 2023 will take place November 2-5 with Chef Pepe Moncayo of Washington DC’s 1 Michelin starred restaurant Cranes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is located at 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. For reservations or more information, please call 800-241-3333 or visit ritzcarlton.com/HMB.
