A Michelin Star Chef’s Decision to Retire
Jay Fai, a renowned Thai cook, has announced her plan to retire from her restaurant, possibly as early as next year. This comes after the 81-year-old chef made headlines in 2018 when she became the first Bangkok street food vendor to earn a coveted Michelin star.
International Recognition
Jay Fai’s fame grew rapidly after the dining guide honored her humble streetside restaurant in its first Bangkok edition. Tourists from around the world flock to her restaurant, waiting in three-hour queues to sample her legendary crab meat omelette, always prepared by the owner herself over blazing coals, wearing her signature ski goggles to protect her eyes from sparks.
The Art of Cooking
Jay Fai’s culinary skills have been praised for their exceptional quality, with a focus on using only the freshest ingredients. Despite being classed as street food, her dishes are not cheap, with the signature crab omelette costing around $40. This level of intricate preparation and attention to detail have made her restaurant a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
The Challenges of Running a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
In a recent interview with Thai media outlet Komchadluek, Jay Fai revealed that her decision to step down is partly due to the toil of sourcing and checking ingredients every day, which is becoming too much for her. "I will not keep the restaurant going, but I am glad to teach whoever wants my recipe," she said. While she has not decided on a specific date for her retirement, she hinted that it "could be next year."
Conclusion
Jay Fai’s decision to retire marks the end of an era, as her iconic restaurant continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Her legacy will live on, and her commitment to sharing her culinary skills with others ensures that her passion for cooking will be passed down to future generations. Though we will miss her restaurant, we can look forward to learning more about her recipes and cooking techniques, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire a new generation of chefs.
FAQs
- What inspired Jay Fai to open her restaurant?
- The specific catalyst for Jay Fai’s decision to open her restaurant is not publicly known, but her passion for cooking and her dedication to sharing her skills with others have been a driving force throughout her career.
- Will Jay Fai’s recipes be available for others to learn?
- Yes, according to her recent interview, Jay Fai is willing to share her recipe with whomever is interested. It is not clear whether these recipes will be available online or through a book, but fans of the chef can expect more information in the future.
- How long has Jay Fai been running her restaurant?
- Jay Fai’s restaurant has been open for at least 7 years, based on her 2018 Michelin star win, which marked her 10th year in business.