After months of preparation The FCC's newest Phnom Penh venture, The Quay Hotel and Chow restaurant, not so quietly opened the doors to the public with a roaring grand opening party June 18.
Hundreds turned up to sample the food and specialty cocktails, relax on the rooftop terrace and explore the gleaming new rooms and clean white lines of the riverfront's newest boutique hotel.
From the restaurant and bar on the ground floor to the rooftop Jacuzzi and sun deck, The Quay makes its mark with "causal elegance," the defining characteristic of FCC hotels since the opening of the FCC Angkor.
The hotels 16 rooms are divided evenly between deluxe "panoramic" rooms in the front of the building and "standard" rooms in the back. The defining difference between the two is the sweeping "panoramic" views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.
"An ideal base in exploring Phnom Penh's vibrant energy and hidden charms, The Quay is a pleasant stroll away from top Phnom Penh landmarks such as the National Museum, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and quaint streets dotted with charming cafes, designer shops and art galleries," says The Quay web site.
The literal high mark of The Quay is the private rooftop Jacuzzi and sun deck, where the views of Phnom Penh's rivers are spectacular. Fitted with two Sahara tents filled with over-stuffed pillows and a half dozen chaise lounges, the rooftop at The Quay defines casual elegance.
On grand opening night, however, the luxury hotel suites served as mere backdrop to Chow's Asian menu and raucous party atmosphere.
"At Chow we adopt the strong regional belief that food is for the mind, body and soul," Head Chef Clinton Webber explains on Chow's menu. "The categories on our menu give importance to the balance and blend of the foods. They speak of strength, texture and seductive aroma."
The theme for the night, in addition to the all-white fashion code, was definitely a full-body, mind-body-soul seduction. The food and drinks came liberally, with the canapés complimenting the never-ending flow of wine. Even before the last guests had left, "The Chow Party" had already earned its place among The FCC's greatest bashes.
Photographs by Nathan Horton.
