Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
STUFF
Switch FWD / Adidas
Adidas has revealed Switch FWD, the new forward technology-fuelled running shoes. Constructed using cutting-edge design processes, the shoe’s engine —the EVA compound midsole — features intricately designed voids that collapse and spring forward, converting weight into forward motion; unlocking the potential of athletes of all levels by moving them forward with every stride while giving them a smooth-running experience. Additional features include a lightweight Continental outsole, which gives runners extra grip in all weather conditions. This is complemented by a lightweight engineered mesh upper, which features strategically placed windows on the forefoot and midfoot, for extra breathability. The new model launches in a primarily white and silver violet colourway with lucid lemon detailing for women, and a primarily white and wonder blue colourway for men with lucid lemon accents. It is available for B5,300 at Adidas Brand Center, Adidas Sports Performance, Adidas application, adidas.co.th, Line: @adidasthailand, ari Running, Supersports and other p participating stores. Those who run with Switch FWD for 1km on a treadmill at Adidas Brand Center CentralWorld, Siam Square One, or Central Westgate will get a shoelace for free. Available from July 28 to Aug 28 or until stocks last.
Big Bold Irony / Swatch
Swatch recently launched the Big Bold Irony collection along with the revamped look of its flagship store at CentralWorld. Big Bold Irony combines streetwear style with refined elements, pairing stainless steel body and bioceramic material for the first time. The store has been redesigned with the “Freedom Of Space” concept with movable furniture so customers can freely explore Swatch offerings and special activities can be conveniently organised. First launched in 2019, the Big Bold collection has become a streetwear staple with an eye-catching 47mm bezel and striking designs and materials. The “Irony” addition takes its aesthetic game up a notch with stainless steel body and bicompression strap. The new collection comes in five colours namely Dark Iron, Azure Blue Daze, Red Juicy, Mint Trim and Bolden Yellow. Available at all Swatch stores and swatch.com for B6,700.
Autumn/Winter / Valentino Haute Couture
The new Valentino Haute Couture Autumn/Winter collection from creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has presented a place as an idea — a representation, a metaphor. Clothes are markedly simple, they move with the body, streamlined to follow its forms, seams reduced, precise and focussed. Fabrics are lightened, memories of decoration abstracted — arabesques of heightened colour offering an imitation of the baroque, a minimalised maximalism. Draperies freeze fabric in motion, capturing momentum and isolating an instant in stillness, t-shirts transmute to ballgowns, vintage Levi’s 501 XX Big E jeans serve as canvas for gilded embroidery and flat shoes liberate movement. Visit valentino.com.
JOIN
Big Bad Wolf Books / Big Bad Wolf in the City / Aug 4-15
The highly-anticipated world's biggest book sale returns to Bangkok and this time it has found a new and much more centrally located venue at The Market Bangkok at the Ratchaprasong intersection. Expect more than one million books with discounts of up to 95% in every genre so there is going to be something for everyone in the family. It will open from 10am to midnight with free parking space provided or you can get there from BTS Childlom.
Flock of…Discover The Supernatural Nature of Floating Fish / True Digital Park / Aug 5 to Sept 15
True Digital Park and Bit.Studio invite you to enter a realm where art and technology intertwine at this avant-garde exhibition. A school of fish swims mid-air in their new habitat. As they move slowly, they create unique movements in synchronisation, like a flock of birds. They metamorphose into a new identity as they soar through the air, symbolising the ever-changing nature of existence. Visitors will be transported to the intersection of art, immersive technology and AI as they interact with moving artworks. Visitors get to take a deep plunge into an underwater world before soaring high up to the vast sky, among imaginary creatures and flying fishes with lifelike movements. The exhibition aims to inspire visitors to ponder over the interconnectedness of different elements in nature, how they co-exist and their harmony despite differences. It runs from Aug 5 to Sept 15 from 11am-7pm on the second floor of True Digitial Park West. Get off at BTS Punnawithi station. Free entry but you need to sign up for free membership of TDPK Life first.
Everybody/Cries/Sometimes / River City Bangkok / Until Sept 30
Trendy Gallery in collaboration with River City Bangkok, presents "Everybody Cries Sometimes", a solo exhibition by Crybaby Molly, known for her crybaby character. This exhibition aims to remove the stigma of crying. We all have experienced negative emotions such as anger, sadness, grief, depressionand pain and we may be told to suppress them but they go nowhere but accumulate until our suppressed feeling overflow just like the moments when we can no longer hold back our tears. Crying is an antidote to these suppressed feelings and if we embrace it we could heal our souls and let those negativity go along with our tears. Paintings and sculptures are showcased in RCB Galleria 1-3, second floor of River City Bangkok, with free admission. However, you can cry in “The Insomniac” zone one floor below. There, they can cry in the company of other “Insomniacs” with a colossal Crybaby sculpture in the middle of the room. For B450, visitors also get a “No sleep” set consisting of exclusive enamel pins and a pyjama suit and exclusive access to take photographs and shed all the tears. Get your tickets to "The Insomniac" zone at bitly.ws/KfNV.
Palate & Palette / The Food School / Aug 3
"Palate & Palette" is a one-of-a-kind culinary and artistic masterpiece that merges the worlds of gastronomy and visual arts. Chef Riley Sanders of Canvas, renowned for his innovative and extraordinary culinary creations, has combined his passion for cooking with his artistic flair to present an extraordinary experience for the senses. “The Flavor Of Color” is a savoury shaved ice dish with caramelised eggfruit, cured cobia, red jinda chili, white turmeric and finger lime. The “Cool Rainbow” is chilled, smoked Rainbow Lobster with Marian plum umeboshi, butterfly pea flower, green chili and elephant ear stem. The “Neutral, Sweet, Dynamic” is a dessert of pumpkinseed gelato with chocolate, job’s tears, vanilla and calamansi. Drinks accompanying the meal include cocktails and mocktails from Kosapan and Bitter Water, water Sai Yok in Kanchanaburi and natural wines from Soul Wine. Interact with chef Sanders and capture the essence of each artistic creation. The event will be held on Aug 3 at the Test Kitchen, The Food School from 6.30-9.30pm. Register here for free: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hD9ToUSasEmHgXAXSInDjl_iy5SudpFNj9U-netgG-JURUFJQldSUTZVSEw3U1FPMVUwOVk5VERFTS4u. The exhibition will be on display until Aug 28.
STAY
Sweet deals / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok
The “Glamour & Gathering Promotion” starts at B1,000 nett per person, inclusive of double perks for guests who decide to throw a confirmed booking with deposit payment by Oct 31 for events held by Dec 31. Guests will receive a first perk in the form of a bundle of complementary goodies from the hotel, including, a two-person afternoon tea voucher, waive for corkage charge fee, six-hour changing room, bring-in charge for band, sound system, and decoration and a complimentary one-night stay at the Avani Garden View Room, when spending more than B150,000 nett. Call 02-079-7555, email meeting.vsuk@avanihotels.com or visit click at mhg.to/6xupn.
Room promotions / Staybridge Suites
This summer, guests are invited to enjoy an “Extended Stay” promotion at Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, saving up to 20% on 15-night stays or longer. This offer includes complimentary daily breakfast, access to relaxing facilities. The promotion is available until Oct 31. Visit bit.ly/bkkppextended. Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor offers the “Stay Longer & Save More” offer with rates starting from B2,500++ per night (minimum stay of seven nights). The offer includes daily breakfast for two and full access to all hotel facilities. Bookings until Oct 31 for stays until Dec 31. Visit bit.ly/bkkthextended.
Package deal / V Villa Hua Hin x Monsoon Valley Wine
V Villa Hua Hin launches the “V Villa Hua Hin x Monsoon Valley Wine”, which includes a grand tasting and private vineyard tour, plus a four-course dinner at Villazzo Restaurant, where guests will experience Monsoon Valley wines paired with traditional Thai dishes. The package for two guests includes a night’s stay in a one-Bedroom Private Pool Villa with daily breakfast, a VIP vineyard experience and a four-course Thai dinner and Monsoon Valley wine-pairing at Villazzo Restaurant. The “Monsoon Valley VIP Experience” includes a private guided vineyard jeep tour, Monsoon Valley grand tasting set, jungle biking, private transportation to and from hotel and souvenirs. V Villa Hua Hin offers 28 luxury, secluded private pool villas. Visit vvillashuahin.com/offers/luxury-experience.
EAT
Unchartered territory / Hom, Phuket / Aug 4-5
The dining series will see hom at the InterContinental Phuket Resort welcome chefs from around the world to collaborate with the hom culinary team, led by chef de cuisine Ricardo Nunes, to produce exquisite menus that embrace the spirit of innovation and pay homage to local ingredients. “Unchartered Territory Volume 1” will see chef Vasco Coelho Santos of one Michelin-starred Euskalduna create an eight-course tasting menu in collaboration with hom. In line with the series, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has launched an exclusive “Unchartered Territory” stay experience from Aug 1-10, which includes Signature hom welcome amenity, an “Unchartered” tasting menu, daily breakfast and late check-out. The menu will be available for lunch and dinner on Aug 4-5, and is priced at B6,000++ per person, with a recommended wine pairing for B3,750++. Email info@hom-restaurant.com or visit phuket.intercontinental.com/offer/hom-x-euskaldunauncharted-territory-vol-i.
Summertime bounty / Signature Bangkok, Vie Hotel Bangkok
Chef Thierry Drapeau has unveiled a menu that highlights pristine fruits from France, locally-sourced proteins and the restaurant’s award-winning use of florals. Whether it’s a five- or eight-course menu (B4,100++ and V4,800++ per person, respectively), each plate arrives as a showcase of summer’s best. It could be just-ripe carrots, apricots or peaches from France that are used in composing light, innovative courses. The peak summer ingredients may be paired with sustainable meats, poultry and seafood. An added touch of summer truffles is also an option for an unforgettable dinner that delights and surprises throughout. The restaurant serves only 30 people each evening, so reservations are a must. The restaurant is located on the 11th floor of Vie Hotel Bangkok, with the dining room offering panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline. Visit signaturebangkok.com/product/8-course-flower-bouquet.
Discovery dining / Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / Until Dec 30
The five-star hotel has extended its “Discovery Dining” package, which includes a one-night stay at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, late check-out (at 6pm) and the choice of one of the following: International buffet breakfast for two people, dim sum set lunch for two, Discovery set for two at ABar Rooftop or set lunch for two people at Siam Tea Room. The offer is valid till Dec 30, with rates starting from B5,800++. Visit marriott.com/offers/discovery-dining-package-off-50016/bkkqp-bangkok-marriott-marquis-queens-park?propertycode=bkkqp and use the promo code SPU. Call 02-059-5555 or email mhrs.bkkqp.reservation@marriotthotels.com.
Culinary flair / Oxygen Dining Room, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
Housed in a modern glass and steel structure, Oxygen Dining Room at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside is flanked by several towering 120-year-old tamarind trees on one side and by the Ping river on the other. The restaurant provides an elegant escape for discerning diners who crave Thai fusion cuisine with a twist of French technic style. Executive chef Wathit “Khem” Rungrojwattana’s classic French culinary background is immediately seen in the “Chef’s Table Experimental Dining”. Enjoy the signature sweet corn soup with scallops and much more at the restaurant. Visit crosshotelsandresorts.com/crosschiangmai.
Tasty additions / Mott 32, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Mott 32 Bangkok at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, has expanded its Cantonese offerings with the launch of two new menus. The new Mott 32 set lunch is a four-course feast, which begins with a selection of dim sum and more, before continuing with main course such as Braised pork cartilage or Fish fillet poached in Szechuan pepper broth and finishing with sweetened Guava soup with sago and pomelo. The lunch is priced at B980++ per person. Another must-try experience is the “Dim Sum, Drink Sum” – Mott’s new Happy Hour. In addition to specially-priced cocktails, snack on Mott’s expansive dim sum selection available daily from 5.30-8pm. “Dim Sum, Drink Sum” cocktails and dim sum start from B160++ each. Call 02-085-8888, email STBKK@standardhotels.com or visitstandardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok.
The art of kaiseki / Sands, Banyan Tree Koh Samui
Inspired by the unique skill set of executive sous chef Warit Jadpratum, Banyan Tree Samui resort has launched a new “Samurai Dinner Set”, bringing the ancient Japanese culinary art of kaiseki to the beaches of Thailand. Diners at the resort’s beachfront Sands Restaurant can appreciate kaiseki menu, which includes Japanese rib eye steak with garlic and ginger, Seared tuna sashimi in a ginger-soy-lime vinaigrette. Venus clams in miso broth and Sake-steamed tiger prawns. The “Samurai Dinner” is offered once a fortnight. Call 077-915-333 or email samui@banyantree.com.
Pasta lunches / Ms.Jigger, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s Italian restaurant, Ms.Jigger, debuts “A Tutta Pasta”, a 90-minute, all-you-can-eat pasta galore lunch for B699. Diners even get to curate their own pasta and sauce combos. A Tutta Pasta literally means “let’s have a lot of pasta!” and that’s exactly what Italian noodle-lovers can expect at this pasta treasure trove. Pick from al dente tagliatelle, soft and pillowy gnocchi, angel-hair capellini, classic spaghetti or penne, then pair it with their choice from the myriad of lip-smacking sauces on offer, such as rich carbonara, seafood pescatora, spicy arrabbiata, classic aglio olio with pancetta, pesto, cacio e pepe and more. “A Tutta Pasta” lunch comes with a choice of one soft drink, coffee or tea. Call 02-056-9999 or emailing msjigger.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.
