Madrid-born Chef Hosts MAI The Sky Bar’s ‘Spanish Culinary Week’

 Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the Spanish chef de cuisine at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, will this month take over Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar to pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy.

From Monday January 20 to Saturday January 25 from 5-10pm daily, the Madrid-born chef, who oversees INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s signature LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, will serve a delectable menu and signature drinks underscored by the rich and vibrant flavours of Spain at MAI The Sky Bar.

He honed his craft in some of Spain’s finest kitchens, working at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen. His decade-long experience as a chef includes stints at restaurants Puerta 57, Café Pino, Restaurante La Chans and Rios De Luz, and hotels including Morlans Hotels and Globales Don Pedro in Mallorca.

Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, MAI The Sky Bar – the highest bar in Chiang Mai – offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas. 

The vibrant menu offers 11 delectable dishes to choose from. ‘Tabla de jamón Ibérico’ with Ibérico ham, picos de pan and pickles, ‘Gilda de pulpo’ featuring grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil, and ‘LUZ Salmon and Hamachi’ comprising salmon and yellowtail fish with mango passion fruit dressing are among the menu’s highlights.

“Spanish Culinary Week is a personal way for me to celebrate Spain’s unique way of life, where we celebrate the simple pleasures in life such as Spain’s famed gastronomy, along with the likes of incredible sunsets and chilled out music,” Racionero said. “It’s an honour to share my passion for Spanish cuisine, an extraordinary cuisine, in what will be an immersive experience that takes diners on a culinary pilgrimage of Spain.”

Renowned bartender Jane Kaew-yod, who has won Thailand’s Best Bartender Award, will also craft signature drinks at MAI The Sky Bar on Friday January 24 from 7-10pm as the bar’s resident DJ spins the decks.

Entry to MAI The Sky Bar for Spanish Culinary Week is priced at THB 250 net per person per sitting, redeemable as credit for food and drinks during the sitting.

For further information or to make a reservation, email maiskybar@melia.com or call +66 52 090 600.