Do Van Ready for Riva

Mickael Do Van has considerable experience in distinguished 2 and 3 Michelin Star restaurants in Paris at the tender age of 27. That has included working at Le Cinq at Hotel Georges V under Chef Eric Briffard, Les Ambassadeurs at Hotel de Crillon under Chef Jean-Francois Piege, as well as Jacques Cagna Restaurant & Ambroisie Restaurant under Chef Bernard Pacaud.

 Now he is happy to bring his talents to Jakarta in his new position at Riva, The Park Lane Hotel Jakarta, in his first stint in Asia.

The Frenchman says he is looking forward to exploring the region’s ingredients in his contemporary creations, as well as retaining Riva’s classic signature dishes.

“Choosing the best products is most important because I always want to give the best to our guests,” he says. “With my background from Paris, I want to bring to my staff the art of cooking fine foods.”

 The chef says he aims to further enhance the reputation of Riva as the best French restaurant in Indonesia, which began with its establishment in the late 1990s.

“My dream is to bring a Michelin star to Riva. I want people to see that we always give fine food, not only good food.”

 He is ready to get diners in the mood for love with his special four-course Valentine’s Day menu next week, titled Un Voyage Romantique en France.

He has yet to find his own love affair with Jakarta, although he says the city is growing on him.

“Jakarta is very different than Paris, especially with the traffic. I didn’t get a chance to explore more of the city yet, except for going to the fish market and some other restaurants. I haven’t had any time to explore more of the beauty of the city, but I am sure it will be a great place to live.”