Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Dinner collab / Quince x Aromkwan / May 16
Quince Bangkok will be cooking up an "Inferno" with chef Vishanu "Bank" Prempuk of Aromkwan on May 16 . The former chef of the soon-to-open-again Funky Lam, chef Bank opened Aromkwan during Covid and describes it as an Asian smokehouse. He has a love of smoke, charcoal and open-flame cooking with Quince head chef Shane Reichenbach. Both chefs will put together a sharing set menu for one night only, among other treats and goodies in a fun and vibrant atmosphere complete with tiki torches and live music by DJ Not. The full menu and seating times are available via Ticketmelon.
Special omakase / Nikaku Bangkok x Nikaku Japan / May 16-18
Master sushi chef and pastry chef Setsuo Funahashi of the two Michelin-starred Edomae-style sushi restaurant, Nikaku Japan, will showcase a special 23-course omakase menu at Nikaku Bangkok from May 16-18. Limited seats are available for lunch and dinner on all three days. The 23-course menu will see the finest spring/early-summer seasonal ingredients, including rare fish like ishidai (exclusive for the event), torigai, sawara, bamboo shoot and more. Chef Funahashi's dedication to sourcing the freshest fish from the Kanmon Straits and Kyushu's pristine waters shines in every Edomae-style sushi, complemented by Kiokejikomi shouyu, soy sauce fermented in Japanese wooden barrels, delivering authentic umami-rich flavours. The dessert by pastry chef Kazumi Funahashi will be Passionfruit and Japanese tangerine jelly mizuyoukan, beautifully blends Thai and Japanese flavours for a delightful finale. Visit the restaurant's website.
Revamped restaurant / Rosewood Bangkok
Rosewood Bangkok has rebranded its all-day dining restaurant Lakorn European Brasserie to Lakorn. As part of this transformation, Lakorn has introduced a menu showcasing Thai dishes from the kingdom’s four culinary regions. Highlights include Kanom jeen nam ngeow, a spicy noodle soup with dried red cotton tree flowers and red chili from northern Thailand; Khao soi gai, a curried noodles soup with chicken thighs also from the North; and Yum nam khao tod, a Northeastern fermented pork and crispy rice salad with Thai herbs. Southern Thai cuisine is also represented with dishes such as Pad sarm chun, a stir-fried glass noodle dish with prawns. Desserts are traditional treats like Bua loy and Som chun. In the kitchen is Thai senior sous chef Pattama “Bua” Chocklapphon and executive chef Narongrit Kaewsuwan. Lakorn will also offer its signature Afternoon Tea, served daily. Visit the hotel’s website.
Chef's table lunch / L’Oliva Bangkok / May 15 and May 23
Unveiling L'Oliva Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar has launched a "Chef’s Table Lunch" in the on certain days of the month. Indulge in a tasting menu by chef Gabriele Luna, inspired by the diverse regions of Italy, with regional wines to pair. Each month, the menu's focus will move to a new region of Italy. This month, the menu explores Sicilian cuisine. Expect dishes like Casarecce alla Norma, which is hand-twisted pasta with tomato, fried aubergine and ricotta; Pesce spada alla griglia, which is grilled swordfish with vegetables caponata; and Cassata Siciliana for a sweet Sicilian ending. Dates for the chef's table, four-course set menu are May 15 and May 23. Visit the restaurant's website.
Culinary secrets / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok / Until June 30
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok will offer a gastronomic odyssey at Greenhouse Restaurant, crafted by chef Pinyo “Yo” Phetyoi, senior sous chef, and inspired by his fine-dining escapades across the US and Europe. The journey begins with an amuse bouche of Tuna tartar reimagined as a refreshing salad, elevated by truffle, passion fruit sauce and Oscietra caviar, all presented in a playful pani puri style, inspired by the vibrant street food of India. Jerusalem artichoke is presented in a velvety soup with crispy fried truffle-infused bread. Coastal flavours inspire the Crab cannelloni with grilled prawn in a white wine sauce and salmon roe. Morel mushrooms are paired with Australian beef tenderloin, enriched with foie gras, honey-caramelised shallots and a red wine sauce. Pan-seared king salmon in a white wine sauce is accompanied by a verdant green pea puree and a medley of colourful vegetables. Desserts come from Asia with Mango and zesty yuzu with a hint of chilli in a delightful parfait. Visit the hotel’s website.
Due north / Holiday Inn Bangkok / Until May 31
Holiday Inn Bangkok travels to the culinary crossroads of northern Thailand with special menus being served for lunch and dinner at Ginger Restaurant and ConneXion, until May 31. One of the highlights is the classic northern curry, distinctive for its rich sauce infused with fragrant herbs and spices, served with fresh rice vermicelli. Pork spare rib is slow-simmered and served in hung lay curry paste, a sweet and tangy dish that is served with fragrant jasmine rice. The menu features a diverse selection of appetisers, soups, mains and desserts. Visit the hotel’s website.
Sweet Sensation / Khao by Four Seasons / May 12
Experience the delightful sweetness of Chiang Mai's farm-fresh strawberries in a culinary extravaganza at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, where chef Yanisa Wiangnon creates more than 40 mouthwatering treats. Indulge in a symphony of flavours ranging from classic favourites like Strawberry cheesecake and Strawberry shortcake to innovative delights such as cronuts, chocolate fondue, coconut cake, Japanese caramel custard and an array of artisanal ice cream flavours. The afternoon experience includes free-flow soft drinks, coffee, tea and a mocktail or Mimosa. Visit the resort’s website.
Springtime symphony / Red Sky / Until May 31
Red Sky, Bangkok's iconic rooftop at Centara Grand at Central World, has launched a new seasonal menu featuring the flavours of artichoke and summer truffles. The menu tantalises taste buds with dishes like the Raw artichoke salad featuring king crab, orange and organic lettuce. The Roman style giudia artichoke is a rich tomme de Savoie fondue. For a more substantial course, the Pan seared atlantic turbot is paired with celeriac purée, artichoke and summer truffle. Even grilled artichokes get a luxurious treatment with a side of garden pea velouté and slow-cooked crispy pancetta. Finally, the Paccheri pasta with Maine lobster features succulent lobster in a flavourful reduction, all complemented by crispy artichoke bits. Visit the hotel's website.
New menu / Enoteca
A change in menu at this popular Italian restaurant welcomes the change in seasons. The new dishes are available in the “omakase” and a la carte menus. Highlights include Grass-fed Australian beef tartare, caviar, sea urchin sauce; Gillardeau N3 with Joselito iberico ham Gran riserva 60 Months, cucumber pickles, egg yolk cream; Smoked sea scallop with sour and crunchy vegetables; Tortelloni filled with pigeon gravy, on a bed of roasted pigeon breast; Beetroot gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese sauce; Beef shank braised in red wine and a Strawberry panna cotta. Visit the restaurant’s website.
A la carte delights / Ventisi Restaurant
Ventisi Restaurant at Centara Grand at CentralWorld had launched a new a la carte menu. with a pizza-making station, fresh antipasti selections, al dente pastas and decadent desserts. Not to be missed are the Beef carpaccio "Trentino Style”; Carnaroli risotto with porcini mushrooms; Milanese-style breaded pork chop; and Grilled Australian Wagyu hanging tenderloin. Visit the hotel’s website.
Weekday lunch / Uno Mas
The Spanish restaurant at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has introduced new new weekday set lunch menus curated by chef Roberto Gonzalez Alonso. The eight rotating menus are a celebration of Spanish flavours with each menu comprising three courses. Diners can choose from a variety of starters, main courses and desserts. Two different menus will be available each day, with the selection changing bi-weekly. Visit the hotel’s website.
New brunch experience / Rad Is Rad Restaurant / May 11
The Fig Lobby has rebranded its Art Restaurant to "Rad Is Rad", which will serve a "Brunch x Asian contemporary experience" that seamlessly integrates elements of latrinalia art. Latrinalia art, often referred to as "bathroom graffiti", involves the creation of art or messages on restroom walls, stalls or other surfaces within a restroom. It encompasses a wide range of styles and content, from simple drawings and doodles to elaborate murals or thought-provoking messages. Chiang Mai-based artist Tua Pen Not has incorporated elements of latrinalia art into his work, adding a distinctive and unexpected twist to the ambiance of Rad Is Rad. There will also be works by three other artists, NNNato, DeoDemon and Tenk, on display. Brunch begins with a drag show from Giesele and the food includes Chicken waffles, Northern bowl, Eggs Benedict, Bahn mi and Sticky rice beef grapow bowl. There will be a live painting session with NNNato, as well as of 50% off on all dishes. There is also a Rad Bottomless package available with tipples from Strangers and Sons. Call restaurant to make reservations.
JOIN
Celebrate JLo! / Lost And Found / May 10
A special tribute to Jennifer Lopez will be held at Lost And Found at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel on May 10. Featuring the talented Giselle as JLo for a night filled with the music and energy. JLo's greatest hits will be played so don't miss on the chance to dance and sing along. Visit the hotel's website.
Bar takeover / Vertigo and Moon Bar / May 16
On May 16, innovative signature cocktails from Samy Rathnayake, the award-winning bar manager of Coya Dubai will be served at Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Rathnayake will stir and shake his creations to uplift the Bangkok cocktail experience. Visit the hotel’s website.
Hammam treatment / Spa Cenvaree
Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand at CentralWorld is offering the Moroccan Hammam treatment. The treatment begins with the application of a deeply cleansing and purifying black soap, renowned for its detoxifying properties. This is followed by a traditional full-body Kessa glove exfoliation, gently removing dead skin cells to reveal a radiant and luminous complexion beneath. The experience culminates in a skin moisturisation using Argan oil, celebrated for its hydrating and nourishing benefits. Visit the hotel’s website.
Block party / Asai Bangkok Sathorn / May 18-19
Asai Bangkok Sathorn hotel will host "The Hamlet Neighborhood Fest", a two-day celebration of local culture and experiences on May 18-19. The block party will showcase the best of Sathon 10 and 12, transforming the neighbourhood into a lively hub of activity featuring guest chefs, mixologists, live music, exclusive workshops and more. Participating neighbours include Mod Kaew Wine Bar, Café des Stagiaires, Kai New Zealand, XII Mediterranean, Giglio Trattoria, Cetara Ristorante e Pizzeria, UFO Doughnuts, ODB - Urbanized Korean Food, Merelani Charcoal Grill and Rooftop, Paddy Reilly's Irish Pub, Rocket Coffee Bar and Bardo Social Bistro. All venues will provide special offers and activities, from delectable delights to creative drinks. Expect a procession of live music, dance performances and interactive workshops ranging from ceramic painting to kimbap-making. Photographer Eak Phichai will lead a special photo walk, capturing the essence of the neighbourhood. Visit the hotel's website.
House of drag / Blue District Bar
Bangkok's newest LGBTQ+ bar, Blue District Bar has opened at JC Kevin Sathorn Hotel. Blue District is an entertainment open house for all genders with an extensive selection of drinks, drag shows, live music and live DJ sets. Blue District serves contemporary Japanese fusion cuisine with daily special promotions, offers V.I.P. member privileges, themed events and special private events with superstar artists and celebrities. Blue District Bar is on the 38th Floor of JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, formerly Anantara Sathorn). Visit the hotel's website.
Craft cocktails / Aja Bistro & Bar Phuket x Explorar Hotels & Resorts, Koh Samui / May 17
On May 17, Aja Bistro & Bar Phuket will host the mixology director of Explorar Hotels & Resorts, Joey Lai, for an evening of craft cocktails. Lai will pair his cocktails with bites from Aja’s new menu, offering modern interpretations of familiar flavours. Featured cocktails are the Cocco Bello, which is coconut meat-infused Campari, Plantation dark rum, Cinzano Rosso, citrus and coconut foam; Ms. Cacao, which has cacao, mezcal, prosecco acid, almond, sunflower honey and chocolate bitters; Tropical Negroni with Iron Ball gin, Luxardo bitters, pineapple skin shrub and orange bitters; and A Summer Fling with Issan rum, peach, black tea, citrus and white wine. Visit the bistro's website.
Office syndrome be gone! / Chi, The Spa / Until Dec 31
Get pampered at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Bangkok. Two rejuvenating treatments have been introduced for those who seek a quick pick-me-up within 30 minutes. "Tension Ease" targets stiffness and alleviates strain in the neck and shoulders, perfect for those who experience office syndrome. "Happy Feet" stimulates countless nerves in your feet to induce a profound state of bliss. Visit the hotel's website.
STUFF
New collection / Fendi
Fendi presents the new Home Accessories Collection, designed with a strong contamination from the Fendi ready-to-wear and accessories universes. Codes as the FF and O’Lock logos, and Pequin stripes are reshaped into decorative motifs. The collection showcases inlayed natural wood to artisanal woven leather and silver and gold metals. The Art de la Table tableware line is crafted from the finest French Limoges porcelain and is decorated with interlacing Fendi O’Lock logos in the new seasonal colours of brick red and pink, highlighted by elegant touches of gold. Two-toned vases in blown glass are dressed in the Pequin stripes, also present on an exquisite salt and pepper set. Handmade woven leather shapes round underplates in brandy or dark chocolate tones, embellished with the Fendi Roma logo embossed at the centre. Home textiles in FF logo double cashmere come in neutral colours and in the ever-present brick red, featured on various sizes of pillows and soft blankets. Available in Fendi boutiques worldwide and online.
New branch / Italasia Sathon
Italasia recently opened its 34th showroom on Sathon 1, covering an expansive 800m². The venue comprises two houses, inviting visitors to indulge in a curated selection of premier items from across the globe. The space also houses Thai fashion brand Vvon Sugunnasil by Thattaworn Sugunnasil, providing fashion enthusiasts with a convenient one-stop shopping destination. Inside the store, meticulously crafted zones offer unique experiences. Notably, a kitchen area is dedicated to showcasing collections of tableware and glassware from acclaimed brands. The bar zone boasts a comprehensive selection of beverages and towards the rear end of the establishment, an outdoor expanse is beautifully adorned with an Italian-style garden, inviting patrons to either unwind or indulge in drinks amidst verdant surroundings. The branch, also offers an array of wines, liquors, sakes, chuhais, sojus and other beverages from Italy, France, Spain, Australia and Chile, and even non-alcoholic beverages.
Summer Collab / Uniqlo X Marimekko
The limited edition summer collection by Uniqlo and Finnish design house Marimekko is available from today. The colourful collection features six iconic prints created by four Marimekko designers. These prints represent the 50s, the 60s and the 70s and are inspired by natural elements from melon and flower pots to sounds of moving water. The line-up includes eight womenswear items, two kidswear items and three toddler items. Available at Uniqlo branches and online.
Major headphones / Marshall / May 14
Music heads, listen up! Pun intended. Ash Asia, Thailand's official distributor of Marshall will launch the "Major V" on-ear headphones and "Minor IV" wireless earbuds on May 14, with enhanced features including 100+ hours of wireless playtime and more comfort. Major V and Minor IV sport the classic Marshall black and sturdy look and are built to withstand everyday wear and tear. With a rugged and foldable design, Major V is easy to be carried. Major V and Minor IV are geared for Bluetooth LE Audio technology, while increasing streaming range and improving audio sync, for an even better connection while watching video. Users can instantly access their favourite features with the M-button and Marshall Bluetooth app. By pressing the M-script logo, a Spotify tab opens by default. The app can be used to reconfigure the settings to access EQ presets or voice assistants. Visit Marshall's official store on Shopee and Lazada.
Summer Scents / Jo Malone
Jo Malone London has introduced three scents suitable for summer. Yellow Hibiscus embodies an exuberant and joyful spirit and contains hints of rose and lime. Yuzu Zest gives off a tropical beach vibe with a blend of the citrus fruit, cedar wood and balsam fir. Last but not least is Sunlit Cherimoya, which showcases the green cherimoya fruit bask intermingling with juicy pear, copaiba resin and tonka bean. Each scent is available as a 50ml bottle or a travel trio pack.
BTS pop-up / Siam Paragon / Until June 23
The Army should head to Siam Paragon for the "BTS Pop-up: Monochrome In Bangkok". The 330m² store on the third floor of Siam Paragon features never-before-seen portraits of each member, exclusive merch, collectables, DIY key rings and more. Die-hard Army should mark June 13 on their calendars as more surprises await them on the date, which marks the 11th anniversary of BTS.
