Whistler culinary connoisseurs rejoice: a new Thai eatery will soon grace the resort.
Mekong, the newest venture from Infinity Group, is slated to open in Creekside on July 1.
The new restaurant was inspired by Infinity Group CEO Pepe Barajas’ extensive travels to Thailand, and informed by celebrated Chef Angus An, and "will be rooted in authenticity and infused with the exuberant spirit of Whistler," according to a release.
“I love Thailand and after immersing myself in the food and culture I knew fine Thai cuisine was the next culinary experience I wanted to give Whistler,” Barajas said in the release. “With the opening of Mekong our group has engaged visionaries like Chef An to inspire and influence the development of this new concept and help us create an unforgettable dining destination.”
When it opens on Canada Day at 2067 Lake Placid Rd., Mekong’s menu will highlight local ingredients and fresh, in-season produce from the Pacific Ocean and the abundant farmlands of the Lower Mainland and Pemberton.
"To ensure authenticity, specific ingredients will be sourced from Thailand when needed," the release said. "Fans of Maenam, Chef An’s Michelin-recommended dining destination and Gold medal winner for 'Best Thai' in the 2023 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, will be thrilled to find some of the same complex flavour compositions on Mekong’s menu."
Thai-born Chef Bonnie Khummuang will execute Barajas and Chef An’s vision, bringing deep expertise and passion for the traditional methods and flavours of her home country. According to the release, Khummuang cooked alongside An for three years, and spent an additional three years as head chef of An’s beloved Longtail Kitchen in New Westminster.
When it opens, guests can look forward to "out-of-the-ordinary après experiences with inventive snacks and sides while generous family-style dishes for lunch, dinner and take-out will be on offer from the 98-seat space with outdoor patio," the release said.
Infinity Group once again tapped award-winning Daniel Meloché Designs for the restaurant's interior. Meloché also crafted the interior design of another Infinity venture in Creekside, Rockit Coffee Co.
“At the end of last December we were excited to open Rockit and now we are thrilled to launch another new and remarkable eatery in Creekside, Whistler’s original village,” Barajas said. “The space is memorable and I can see Mekong’s patio being a hit with mountain bikers riding the Creek zone of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Creekside is going to be hopping; Rockit can fuel everyone up in the morning, and Mekong will be the place for people to wind down with a Thai-inspired après, to get together with friends over a family-style feast or to grab amazing take-out to refuel after a day in the mountains.”
