The much-awaited Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok has finally opened its doors on the River of Kings.
Part of the Chao Phraya Estate, the officially named Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, is also home to six -- yes, you read that right -- food and beverage outlets to ensure all palates are well indulged. A spotlight on what to expect from each:
The signature restaurant is Yu Ting Yuan and serves Cantonese cuisine in a dramatic dining space designed by Jean-Michel Gathy. Complementing the stylish design is head chef Qiu Xiaogui's Cantonese cuisine and regional favourites, creating a multisensory dining experience.
Expect Cantonese dishes such as a choice of live seafood, a selection of abalone and an extensive barbecue range, which is under the helm of award-winning Chinese barbecue chef Liu Guokun. Dim sum are the key offerings for lunch, all prepared à la minute, by chef Wang Yucheng, who has spent more than 25 years creating innovative yet traditional dim sum. Rounding out the team are chef Li Bude on the wok and chef Ma Xinbin, who ensures all ingredients are at their best, chopped and paired optimally for each dish.
The chef team at Yu Ting Yuan, the signature restaurant.
Christmas Eve dinner at Yu Ting Yuan costs B7,800++ per person, while the New Year's Eve dinner costs B12,500++ per person.
Hotel executive chef Andrea Accordi takes diners on a flavourful journey from the north to the south of Italy at Riva del Fiume Ristorante. The riverside restaurant has an open kitchen for diners to enjoy the energy. Open kitchens always give me a buzz as I love seeing chefs create the magic. "Riva del Fiume Ristorante is about bringing the best of Italy to Thailand in an approachable but authentic way," says chef Accordi. Expect extra virgin olive oil with Tasca d'Almerita, the best capers from the small island of Pantelleria in Sicily, to fried dried cruschi peppers from the Basilicata region. On the menu, a selection of crudo takes centre stage, along with handcrafted pastas, freshly-baked schiacciata and gourmet pizzas. Not to be overlooked is wine curator Marino Braccu, who handpicks an approachable selection of indigenous Italian grape varietals and aperitivos. Indulge in homemade small-batched limoncello, distilled from Sicilian lemons, made from a decades-old family recipe from restaurant manager Michele Audino.
Christmas Eve dinner at Riva del Fiume Ristorante costs B3,800++ per person, Christmas day brunch costs B3,700++ per person, New Year's Eve costs B10,000++ or B12,000++ per person.
Also on the riverfront promenade is Brasserie Palmier, a casual restaurant capturing the relaxed allure of the French Tropics. Brasserie Palmier emphasises on seafood with lighter preparations to suit the tropical weather of Bangkok.
Head chef Nicolas Raynal has created an approachable menu, featuring an oyster selection, signature seafood towers, fish dishes, tartare variations and salads, while also offering all-time favourites. The menu includes numerous sharing-style dishes, such as signature seafood towers, daily le plat du jour, and, of course, savoury and sweet palmiers, served in an environment ideal for sociable dining. On weekends, Brasserie Palmier will offer a la carte breakfast from 8.30am to noon.
New Year's Eve dinner at Brasserie Palmier costs B10,000++ per person.
Hotel beverage manager Philip Bischoff curates bespoke cocktails and an exciting spirits selection at the new glamour bar, BKK Social Club, which celebrates the legendary allure of Buenos Aires and the energy of Bangkok today. Ranked No.1 in Thailand and No.21 in the world by Drinks International for the Bar World's Most Influential Figures, Bischoff shares the artistry of mixology with bespoke cocktails that reflect the drinking culture of South America combined with local Thai touches.
Riva del Fiume Ristorante.
Designed by AvroKo, the cocktail bar is reminiscent of Argentine grand architecture, and is framed by two semi-outdoor courtyards. One side is home to Bangkok's cigar aficionados, while the other offers the perfect space for social gatherings to enjoy bespoke bottled cocktails and Champagnes. New Year's Eve here includes a minimum spending of B4,500 per person.
The Lobby Lounge is where you an partake in impromptu get-togethers for afternoon teas. The patisserie, Café Madeleine, which opens in January, serves fresh-baked treats and aromatic brews.
The only difficult thing at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is making a choice of where to eat! g
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, 300/1 Charoen Krung Road / Call 02-032-0888, visit fourseasons.com/Bangkok. The Four Seasons Grand Ballroom Terrace New Year's Eve buffet is priced at B6,500++. All New Year's Eve reservations include access to the hotel's riverfront countdown party.
Brasserie Palmier.
