Chef Rocky Jokbengboon – A Culinary Craftsman with Global Influence

Cuisine Specialties: Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Southern

From an early age, Chef Rocky was immersed in the heart of the kitchen, where the true magic of food came to life. Growing up with a family garden filled with ingredients like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, he developed a deep-rooted appreciation for fresh, bold flavors. Family gatherings revolved around the stove, where cooking wasn’t just a necessity but a celebration—a philosophy that would shape his culinary journey.

With a belief in “quality without pretentiousness”; Chef Rocky has mastered the art of transforming even the most humble ingredients into exquisite, flavorful dishes. Deeply influenced by his Laotian heritage, he understands that technique and passion—not excess—are what make a meal truly special. His approach honors authenticity while embracing innovation, crafting dishes that are both refined and approachable.

A true global gastronome, Chef Rocky draws inspiration from a diverse array of cuisines, from the umami-rich depths of Japanese cuisine to the soulful comfort of Southern food. His love for Mexican cuisine was sparked by his wife’s heritage, leading him to perfect the art of handmade tortillas. He finds equal joy in crafting fresh pasta, bringing to life the timeless flavors of Italian cooking, while also showcasing the bright, complex notes of Southeast Asian dishes.

Chef Rocky has built an impressive career, including an internship with the renowned Thomas Keller Restaurant Group in New York City, staging at an exclusive 7-seat, 12- course Michelin-starred restaurant, and working with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and PGA, as well as famous musicians.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate his own ramen restaurants, earning multiple Best Ramen nominations from 2019-2023 across two states. His talent was also recognized early on when he was named the 2013 San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Southeast Regional Winner.

For Chef Rocky, cooking is more than a profession—it’s an art form, a source of joy, and a way to create unforgettable experiences. Now at a stage where he chooses the projects that inspire him most, he remains committed to crafting meals that bring people together, evoke emotion, and celebrate the beauty of food in its purest form.

Sample Menus

  • Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.

    Choose one item per course.

    Starters

    •  Pimiento Cheese Dip

    •  Cheerwine Meatballs

    •  Cornbread with Seasonal Butter

    First Course (4 & 5-course only)

    •  Butternut Squash Soup

    •  Fried Green Tomatoes

    •  Potato Croquette

    Palate Cleanser (5-course only)

    •  Arnold Palmer Granita

    •  Stone Fruit Sorbet

    •  Peach “Tartare”

    Main Course

    •  Jambalaya

    •  Shrimp and Grits

    •  Pulled Pork with Smoky Collards and Baked Mac & Cheese

    Desserts

    •  Peach Cobbler à la Mode

    •  Apple Pie à la Mode

    •  Pumpkin Pie

  • Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.

    Choose one item per course.

    Antipasti (Appetizers)

    • Crostini with Porcini Mushroom Spread

    • Burrata with Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage

    • Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola

    • Bruschetta with Ricotta, Honey, and Walnuts

    • Arancini with Truffle Aioli

    • Carpaccio di Manzo with Parmesan and Arugula

    • Baked Fontina with Garlic and Herbs

    • Grilled Radicchio with Balsamic Glaze

    • Polenta Fries with Rosemary and Parmesan

    Zuppe e Insalate (Soup/Salad) (5-course only)

    • Tuscan White Bean Soup with Kale

    • Ribollita (Hearty Bread Soup)

    • Citrus Salad with Fennel and Pomegranate

    Primi (First Course)

    • Wild Mushroom Risotto

    • Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage

    • Chestnut and Sausage Lasagna

    • Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Ragu

    • Squash Risotto with Pecorino

    • Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Sage Butter

    • Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

    • Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle

    • Pumpkin Risotto

    Secondi (Main Course) (4 & 5-course only)

    • Braised Short Ribs in Chianti with Polenta

    • Pan-Seared Branzino with Fennel and Citrus

    • Chicken Cacciatore

    • Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto

    • Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

    • Salt-Crusted Whole Fish

    Dolci (Desserts)

    • Tiramisu with Amaretto

    • Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta

    • Ricotta Cheesecake with Candied Orange

    • Pear and Almond Tart

    • Espresso Gelato with Biscotti

    • Flourless Chocolate Cake

    • Cannoli with Pistachio and Ricotta

    • Zabaglione with Winter Berries

    • Chestnut Cake with Honey

  • Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.

    Choose one item per course.

    Appetizers

    • Queso with Chorizo and Tortilla Chips

    • Elote Sampler

    • Pumpkin Tostada

    First Course (4 & 5-course only)

    • Shrimp Taco with Cabbage Slaw

    • Chicken Tacos Dorados

    • Asada Taco

    Palate Cleanser (5-course only)

    • Lime Sorbet

    • Jamaica Tea Granita

    • Fruit Plate with Tajín

    Main Course (Included in all menus)

    • Chicken Mole with Red Rice and Flour Tortillas

    • Pork Chile Verde with Cilantro Rice and Flour Tortillas

    • Steak and Peppers in Arbol Sauce, Red Rice, Flour Tortillas

    Desserts

    • Arroz con Leche

    • Sweet Potato Tres Leches

    • Toasted Butternut Squash con Crema

  • Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.

    Choose one item per course.

    Starters

    • Edamame with Bonito Flakes

    • Agedashi Tofu

    • Gyoza (Choice of One Filling):

      • Pork

      • Shrimp

      • Chicken

      • Seasonal Vegetables

    First Course (4 & 5-course only)

    • Yaki Salmon Onigiri

    • Karaage Chicken

    • Yakitori (Choice of One Protein):

      • Beef

      • Chicken

      • Shrimp

      • Seasonal Vegetables

    Palate Cleanser (5-course only)

    • Citrus Granita

    • Genmaicha

    • Spicy Cucumber Crunch

    Main Course

    • Japanese Curry with Steak

    • Spicy Miso Ramen

    • Tempura Shrimp Udon Soup

    Desserts

    • Matcha Tiramisu

    • Black Sesame Cake

    • Hojicha Ice Cream