Thalias Hospitality

Topaz restaurants in tune with artists, music and photography

Miwako Fujiwara, an exceptional pianist at Topaz Norodom

In addition to its fine cuisine, Topaz is also an inspiring landmark, a place of well-being and relaxation. It is also a venue that draws and welcomes the most famous artists.  Miwako Fujiwara, musician  This month, Topaz Norodom welcomed Miwako Fujiwara for a business lunch tasting, an illustrious choice given the immense talent of this Japanese pinstress who regularly delights classical music lovers in the capital.   While remaining rather humble about the success and hard work of her recent Musica Felice choir performance – an initiative also aimed at raising funds for the underprivileged – Miwako made no secret of her satisfaction at seeing her hard work rewarded, and at the warm reaction of the audience who turned out in force for the occasion. On her relationship with gastronomy, Miwako explained at the end of the lunch:  “I’m Japanese, but I lived in Europe for a long time to study music. Then I travelled to many European countries, and I had the opportunity to taste the cuisine of different countries. So, I like Japanese food, but also Khmer food when it’s not too spicy. That’s why I really appreciate fusion cuisine, the mix of genres.” As for his opinion of the Topaz business lunch, the artist made no secret of his enthusiasm and satisfaction:  “Everything was different, and I was impressed. At first, the starter was very colourful with finely chopped vegetables. So, I appreciate the genuine effort of presentation with the bright red and green avocado, not forgetting to mention that it was ‘super good’. The main course was interesting with this dish usually associated with meat but offered here with a rather fine and sophisticated assortment of fresh vegetables, I really liked this originality. Finally, the dessert was succulent, with several chocolate blends, it was quite incredible. Again, it was excellent, and the presentation was incredible”.  So, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing this exceptional artist regularly, enchanting the Topaz room with her presence to savour the new versions of the business lunch menu.  Aurélie Fischer, photographer  Art different, but still a lot of enthusiasm in this initiative with the Belgian photographer Aurélie Fischer who had the privilege of inaugurating a beautiful exhibition at the Topaz restaurant TheCommune.  Some twenty unusual photographs for this exhibition, which is still going strong today, in the hushed salons of one of the capital’s finest restaurants, Toul Kork. Many of her fellow artists turned out to encourage the young woman, who patiently took the time to explain to the guests her working technique for this series taken during the Covid crisis.  A region of reflections par excellence, it was in the salt flats of Kampot that Aurélie chose to give free rein to her imagination by depicting simple acts of daily life around the salt flats. Some of the photos required a great deal of preparation with models, while others are more simply moments of life around this place, which takes on quite exceptional colours at sunrise or sunset.  Playing with natural light and its colours is one of the aspects of the artist’s vision, who stresses that she” doesn’t want to have to resort to filters and other technological devices that nowadays make it possible, more and more frequently, to recompose a photo with just a few clicks”.  Another special feature of this unusual series is that the photos are displayed upside down, so as to highlight the very special reflection of light and form in the partially flooded salt flats.   Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter: Enjoy exclusive offers, event invitations, and culinary insights. Subscribe Here   Reserve Your Table at Topaz Norodom / TheCommune: Experience fine dining redefined. Make a Reservation with ease and discover instant booking perks.   Discover More: For a deeper dive into our culinary universe. Visit Our Website  

Cambodia – Topaz Restaurants

      A symbol of French culinary brilliance ” While Topaz proudly embodies the sophistication of French gastronomy, its heart beats with the warmth of Cambodian hospitality ” For nearly 30 years, Topaz has been a symbol of French culinary brilliance in Phnom Penh’s lively core. Its journey, deeply rooted in tradition yet always embracing innovation, now unfolds in two exquisite settings. Proudly standing among the elite, owner Arnaud Darc and his teams ensure an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of dynamic Phnom Penh, whether through Topaz Norodom‘s sophistication or Topaz TheCommune‘s contemporary flair. Arnaud first arrived in Cambodia in 1994 on an internship as a Cost Controller for Sofitel Cambodiana. He served with the Accor group for three years before taking a leap and moving on to his own ventures, including co-founding Topaz in 1997. Commenting on how the restaurant has remained the beacon of French culinary brilliance, Arnaud Darc, who is a Chargé de Missions in the Bailliage of Cambodia, observed, “At Topaz, we tirelessly curate events that spotlight talents, offering innovative, intriguing takes on French cuisine, enriching and tantalizing the culinary journey. Numerous Michelin-starred chefs have joined us to celebrate and impart their knowledge, drawn by our commitment to discovery and self-improvement.” He continued, “At Topaz, our essence is deeply rooted in the celebration of classical traditions that form the backbone of one of the world’s most esteemed cuisines. Our homage to these time-honoured principles is expressed through our unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients available. We forge lasting partnerships with premier producers and suppliers, spanning from the lush landscapes of France to the vibrant coastlines of Cambodia, ensuring that every dish we serve is a testament to our dedication to culinary excellence. While Topaz proudly embodies the sophistication of French gastronomy, its heart beats with the warmth of Cambodian hospitality. The restaurant is passionately invested in nurturing the talents of the next generation, cultivating the skills of young chefs, managers, and team members. Topaz is more than a restaurant; it is a cradle of culinary education and a beacon of cultural fusion, where the future of gastronomy is shaped with care, respect, and an eye towards innovation.” When next in Phnom Penh experience the art of exquisite dining at Topaz. The culinary masterpieces and elegant ambiance create an unforgettable dining experience. It is no wonder therefore that the Bailliage of Cambodia chose Topaz to host its 2024 Chapitre on May 25th at which Joe Prasobsook Thawilvejjakul, Member of the Conseil d’Administration from Thailand, was the Inducting Officer. Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer Researched principally from the Topaz website. E&OE Other Chaîne members at Topaz – Maître Restaurateur Eden Gnean – General Manager – Maître Restaurateur Lina Hak – Director of Operations – Maître Rôtisseur Pov Sopheak – Executive Chef, Topaz Norodom – Maître Rôtisseur Phyra Hem – Executive Chef, Topaz TheCommune Topaz Norodom 162 Preah Norodom Blvd Phnom Penh 12302 Web: topaz.thalias.com.kh Tel: +855 15 821 888 E-mail: reservation.topaz@thalias.com.kh Topaz TheCommune 1st Floor, TheCommune 15 Street 347 Phnom Penh 12151 Web: topaz.thalias.com.kh/venues/topaz-thecommune Tel: +855 15 413 888 E-mail: reservation.topazthecommune@thalias.com.kh POSTSCRIPT Alain Darc (1942-2023) Born into a venerable lineage of chefs, Arnaud’s father Alain Darc was a custodian of culinary wisdom, a treasure trove of skills honed under the tutelage of illustrious French mentors. After a long and illustrious career driven by a mission to promote French cuisine across the globe, “Papa” Darc arrived in Cambodia in 2005 and soon joined the team as Executive Chef at Topaz. Away from the kitchen, he devoted his life to the enrichment of local culinary arts, significantly through his heartfelt work with the NGO “Pour Un Sourire d’Enfant”. Article by: Chaîne Online News [https://newsonline.chainedesrotisseurs.com/story/3329/cambodia-topaz-restaurants.html]