THE new picnic concept restaurant “Waiting for May” will open on 5 December within ORI9IN, Thailand’s first gourmet organic farm in Chiang Mai, the date having been chosen as it marks the birthday of Thailand’s late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

ORI9IN farm is a joint venture between Banyan Tree Group and chef-turned-sustainable farmer of The Boutique Farmers James Noble, established as a reputable grower.

A partnership grounded on the passion for a sustainable future through food, this enterprise leverages the post-COVID quest for better health and wellbeing, welcoming visitors to enjoy fresh farm produce and nature in a safe socially-distanced setting of 500 rai.

This venture of Agro-tourism aims to lead the curve in sustainable retained farming and cooperatives for living and eating well. ORI9IN is the only retained farming operation globally that partners with a network of top restaurants and hotels, focusing on import substitution and reducing carbon footprint without sacrificing flavour.

James Noble is personally behind these tantalising dishes using quality products locally sourced by his wife May. “The farm observes provenance and a zero-waste kitchen,” says James.

“Waiting for May serves field-to-fork sustainable dishes. We chose the name because the chefs are waiting for May to select the best fresh produce right from the field, and bring to the kitchen. Everything here centres round permaculture, low-carbon, sustainable farming to produce heart-felt food.”

Meals served at Waiting for May are available for dine-in at the restaurant, or for takeaway for a picnic on the farmland. An a la carte menu allows guests to create their own picnic hamper, and includes BBQ mala brined duck breast with pumpkin som tam, stuffed chicken wings with Chiang Mai sausage and chilli dip, and Greek salad with fresh figs, farm feta cucumber and grilled lemons. Takeaway picnics are delivered in a box with a picnic mat, wooden cutlery and paper plates.

In addition to a farm-fresh dining experience, guests can enjoy a full day of fun at the farm overlooking the scenic mountains, which is a 30-minute drive out of Chiang Mai towards Phao. Highlights include Asia’s largest Maize Maze, and experiencing first-hand the practice behind crop planting and jam factories.

ORI9IN features retained farming with farm rental spaces to grow specific ingredients as well as to test and plant overseas products for over 15 Michelin-star chefs hailing from Thailand’s restaurants and hotels.

Championing local procurement and sustainably sourced food, Banyan Tree Group’s hotels in Thailand are also using fresh ingredients produced by the farm.

Families can also rent land, bond over farming and enjoy the harvest of vegetable and fruit salad, delivered to their home weekly. The farm’s community garden provides complimentary vegetables harvesting to villagers daily.

After 5 December, Waiting for May will be open on Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, with the farm gates closing at 5pm. For reservations, book now or learn more about the farm at https://ori9infarm.com/eat.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE GROUP
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups. The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences is centered on five award-winning brands (Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna) that offer exceptional design-led experiences for global travellers of today and tomorrow.

Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Holdings seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders and destinations across its network of properties, products and brands, through a purpose-driven mission. With 8,000 associates across 23 countries, Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) was established in 2008 to support the Group’s goals through advancing peopl e development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning.

Banyan Tree Holdings has received 2,821 industry awards and accolades since inception. It has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), which aligns the Group’s efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Executing on its regionalised growth strategy, the Group’s global footprint continues to grow with 46 new hotels and resorts under design and construction in the pipeline, in addition to 52 operating hotels in 15 countries.

Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless. It also formed a joint venture with China Vanke Co. Ltd. in 2017 – focusing on active ageing and wellness hospitality projects.

ABOUT ORI9IN
ORI9IN is the first gourmet organic farm in Thailand, where the number 9 in its name pays tribute to the country’s farming father King Rama 9. Focusing on Agro Tourism, it grows the finest products for the industry and works with Michelin-star chefs, hailing from top restaurants and hotels through retained farming.

A joint venture with Banyan Tree Group, ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm offers managed organic farming and growing facilities focused on affordability and transparency. The farm is the brainchild of James Noble and Khun May of The Boutique Farmers Pak Nam Pran which now at an expanded scale, consumers can get involved at any level, learn the art of growing and save costs on healthier product suitable for both commercial tables and homes.

The ethos is rooted based on Sustainability, Traceability and Provenance of each harvested plant and produce on its supply chain journey to the table. ORI9IN is the only retained farming operation globally open to partnership of multi-operations and hotels. It has also innovated the world’s very first White Menu dining experience, observing provenance and zero waste.