Stephan Faessler Appointed DF&B at M"ovenpick Saigon

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. June 25, 2009

25 JUNE 2009 - M"ovenpick Hotel Saigon has appointed Mr. Stephan Faessler as the hotel's Director of Food and Beverage. He studied English in New Zealand, worked in 5-star hotels in his native Switzerland and honed his F&B skills in Thailand. Now, Stephan Faessler is lending his talents and knowledge to M"ovenpick Hotel Saigon, where he has taken on the role of Director of Food & Beverage. Faessler recently took a moment to discuss his road to Ho Chi Minh, the new culinary concepts that are about to emerge at M"ovenpick Hotel Saigon, and more ...

Tell us about your path to Saigon. Where are you from, where did you study, and why Vietnam?

"I studied at the Swiss Hotel Management School Belvoirpark in Zurich, Switzerland, after seven years of intensive work experience as a chef within Switzerland, where I grew up. After five years working in food and beverage and related fields in Thailand, I moved on to Vietnam to broaden my mind and experience more of Asia. I will hit the magic 30 (years old) this year, 11 of which have been spent in the hospitality industry. I fell in love at first sight here - my white Vespa Super '65er - and now I'm driving her around each weekend."

What brought you to M"ovenpick Hotel Saigon? What's your mission and vision here?

"It was part luck, part networking, part desire to take on a new challenge. I was also attracted to the fact that M"ovenpick is an international hotel and resort group with Swiss origin. M"ovenpick is very committed to its so-called cornerstones, which form a philosophy that helps us achieve our core vision."

What makes M"ovenpick Saigon's F&B different from other 5-star hotels in Vietnam?

"It is the upcoming F&B projects that will make us different. M"ovenpick Hotel Saigon is about to undergo an extensive refurbishment. Guests and regulars will enjoy a new set of fresh F&B venues, concepts and experiences. It's exciting to be a part of the shaping of that."

What's your feeling about the country here and its people? Specifically, how have you adjusted to its culture and what do you enjoy about your colleagues?

"Moving from Thailand, another Southeast Asian country, does certainly help to get accustomed to Vietnam's people and environment. I was there for five years-long enough to feel comfortable making the switch to Vietnam. The countries have a lot of similarities, both spiritual and cultural. The city in general reflects a charming and peaceful ambience, and its boulevard-style city centre makes it the perfect venue for shopping and dine-outs. I haven't seen much of the country yet, but I will. As for my Vietnamese colleagues, I've found it very easy to get on with them. They are driven, friendly and polite. "