SCOTT DUNN UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH 2014 MASTERCHEF CHAMPION PING COOMBES

Today marks the launch of an exciting new culinary partnership between leading luxury tour operator Scott Dunn and 2014 MasterChef Champion, Ping Coombes. Demonstrating commitment to five star quality cuisine, Scott Dunn has teamed up with the talented chef, who is designing recipes crafted exclusively for Scott Dunn guests and expertly prepared by their own team of highly trained chefs and nannies.  
 
First to be revealed is Ping’s children’s menu, which is made up of delicious dishes incorporating flavours from around the world. Mother of one, Ping’s view on children’s food - especially in hotels - is that menus are very predictable and often uninspiring, lacking in both originality and nutritional content for the young. She believes that cooking should be adventurous, interactive and above all fun for the family, and this is what Scott Dunn’s new menus will achieve. Providing modern twists on cultural classics, the MasterChef champion’s Asian-infused menu will be an additional option to Scott Dunn’s existing food offering at its exclusive Explorers kids clubs throughout Europe and in its Mediterranean villas.

From Asian braised lamb shoulder linguine to soy, ginger and honey roasted chicken thighs with butter rice, sweet corn and avocado salsa; Ping has carefully considered every meal and has tried and tested each one on her own two-year old daughter.

For the adults and the more mature palette, Ping is creating intricate dishes using the finest ingredients to make cocktails, pre-dinner nibbles, sharing mezzes and a selection of formal and informal courses. Guests can enjoy light lunches and sophisticated dinners within their luxury villa surroundings whilst not being concerned about cooking themselves. Scott Dunn’s aim is to take villa dining down a new more modern path of sharing plates, combining different international styles in any one meal.

Ping grew up surrounded by good food in a town called Ipoh in Malaysia, which is revered as a must-visit destination for gastronomic travellers. Her passion for cooking started at a young age and continued at university where she would get tips from her mother over Skype on how to hold a ‘wok chan’ or ladle. A few years later with many recipes and a wealth of experience under her belt, Ping applied for the 10th series of MasterChef where her road to victory was documented, being crowned winner after weeks of fierce competition.

Ping commented on her partnership with Scott Dunn: “I am delighted to team up with Scott Dunn to help create their new menus because it is a family brand I admire. It is an honour to be a part of the luxury service they are renowned for and I have had so much fun creating recipes for their new menus and testing all of them on my willing friends and daughter who is always honest with me!”

Scott Dunn specialises in luxury tailor-made travel and boasts a stunning portfolio of Mediterranean villa properties that each come with the acclaimed Scott Dunn service, which includes a dedicated chef, host and nanny. Offering a luxurious, intimate home-from-home in Mallorca and the south of France, Scott Dunn’s villa holidays are perfect for families and larger groups.

Ping’s specially designed kids menus will also be available at Scott Dunn’s exclusive Explorers kids clubs, located at Sun Gardens in Dubrovnik, Daios Cove in Crete, Verdura Resort in Sicily and Pine Cliffs in the Algarve. Explorers take children on an adventure, immersing them in their surroundings whilst offering them all of the care and attention they need. Split into four age groups called Globetrotters, Adventurers, Voyagers and Pioneers, children will learn about and make the most of the destination itself whilst also giving their dedicated nannies a helping hand in preparing their meals.

www.scottdunn.com/pingcoombes