Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Iconic afternoon tea / Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok / Until Nov 30
The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok has brought back its Iconic Afternoon Tea set, a delightful tribute to classic American dishes that originated at the original Waldorf Astoria in New York. This homage brings a touch of history and culinary excellence to the afternoon tea experience. It will be served daily until Nov 30 at Peacock Alley from 1-5pm. Enjoy fine savoury and sweet bites created by executive sous-chef Chalit “Toddi" Kobaukaew and executive pastry chef Andrea Noli. Highlights include, Organic eggs Benedict with smoked salmon; Waldorf salad tortilla wrap topped with walnut tuiles; Crab cake dipped with thousand island dressing; and Green zebra tomato-shaped virgin Bloody Mary (New York’s beloved drink turned into a bite!). Sweet highlights include, Modern strawberry red velvet cake; New York sundae choux; and Peacock Alley’s signature coffee, orange chocolate cake. The tea is at B2,500++ for two and includes freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, lemon cream and strawberry jam, and Mariage Frères tea or coffee. A takeaway option, which is perfect for gifting, is available at B1,900 nett per set for one. You can also add the Wondrous Bangkok, a gin-based cocktail blended with lemon juice and jasmine syrup; Waldorf Sour, which is inspired by the whiskey sour, a whisky-based cocktail enhanced with peach liqueur, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice; and Marvelous Astoria, a non-alcoholic option made with cranberry juice, jasmine syrup, lemon juice, and ginger ale. Prices range from B280-B420++. Call 02-846-8888 or email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
From the deep / Ventisi, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Every Tuesday
“From The Deep: A Seafood Celebration” is an international and tentacle night buffet that dives deep into the ocean's bounty. Reflecting the expansive spirit of the sea, this buffet, which is a tribute to the marine treasures, will delight seafood lovers. With a spread that ranges from the subtle brininess of fresh oysters to the succulent burst of prawns, each offering is a culinary ode to the ocean. Experience an unparalleled Tuesday at Ventisi as the buffet showcases squid, octopus and cuttlefish. The buffet is priced at B1,355++ per person, including free-flow Sauvignon Blanc and soft drinks, while children between the ages of six and 11 pay B677++ per person. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Counter dining / Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok has launched its Chef’s Counter Dining to allow diners to get close to the action while enjoying a well-edited beef degustation by chef de cuisine Hathairat “Jiew” Urapanthamat. The seating is for up to four diners per evening, who will be served the finest beef, starting with an amuse-bouche of BBQ braised brisket and caramelized onion. The five-course degustation will begin with 200-day grain-fed black Angus tenderloin tartare, followed by Wagyu infinity ribeye mbs9 porcini consommé. Diners will then enjoy Japanese saga striploin served with arborio risotto and morel sauce as pre-main course. The main course is Taste of tenderloin, which features three outstanding cuts: 200-day grain-fed tenderloin, Australian Diamantina Wagyu tenderloin, and Kagoshima Wagyu tenderloin A5. The dinner will end with Baked Alaska, a Coconut mousse with exotic fruit compote and Burnt meringue. The Chef’s Counter Dining is available for dinner and requires a reservation made 24 hours in advance. It is priced at B6,000++ per person or B11,000++ for two, and B20,000 for four (food only). Premium wines start at B5,800++ per bottle. Call 02-846-8888 or email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
Savour the South / The Siam Tea Room, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / Until Oct 31
The Siam Tea Room, the casual café and authentic Thai restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, has launched a promotion that celebrates the fresh ingredients and intense flavours of the south of Thailand. Expect a selection of six sublime savoury dishes, including Chilli shrimp paste with fried mackerel, vegetables and soft boiled egg; Southern-style herbal rice salad with fresh tender leaves, fluffy fish and fermented fish dressing; Southern-style sour soup with cured fish intestines and fresh vegetables; Stir-fried prawns with sato, chili, garlic and shrimp paste; Stir fried baegu leaves with egg and goong kaew; and Southern-style pork stew. “The Flavors of the South” promotion is available at The Siam Tea Room daily until Oct 31. Prices start from B180++ per dish. Call 02-059-5999, email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or visit sevn.ly/xwum9CXE.
River prawns / The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront
The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique The Riverfront has launched fresh jumbo river prawns, sourced from the Chao Phraya River. The limited-time menu will feature a selection of delectable dishes that showcase the ingredient. Try Grilled Ayutthaya river prawns served with chili-lime dipping and fish sauce (B2,360), Fried river prawns with garlic, coriander root and pepper mixed with prawn fat and crispy fried Thai garlic (B2,360) or Fried river prawns with tamarind sauce, pickled garlic, fried shallots and crispy chilli (B2,360), and much more. Call 02-059-5999, email restaurantreservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or visit sevn.ly/xQC4KVIP.
New location / Aesops Bangkok
Aesops Bangkok has relocated to its new home in Column Bangkok Hotel on Sukhumvit 16 to relaunch as “Aesops Rooftop”— a swankier playground, with all the same social dining, plate-smashing party vibes. The all-new, 250-seat dining, drinking and entertainment hotspot fuses the world of ancient Greece with modern-day luxury, along with jaw-dropping live performances from DJs, acrobats, aerialists, and fire shows. The Aesops dining experience is centred around the concept of social dining. Highlights include Greek classics such as the Wagyu beef cheek moussaka, rotating Chicken gyros plate and 12-hour slow-cooked Lamb kleftiko. The terrace menu, designed for sunset bites, features dishes including Fresh oysters, Mini skewers and flavourful Grilled halloumi. Aesops has partnered with the Gag Project to create a drinks menu that includes "The Olympus”, six heavenly cocktails inspired by the Greek gods, as well as new twists on classics like the Kalamata negroni and the Baklava old-fashioned. The “Aesops Sip & Explore” menu is guaranteed to transport adventurers’ taste buds to the sunny Greek isles. Call 062-567-7751, email john@aesopsbangkok.com or visit aesopsbangkok.com.
Mud crab month / Big Fish & Bar, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / Until Oct 31
This October, Big Fish & Bar, the stylish seafront restaurant at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, is inviting seafood lovers to savor the sublime flavor of local mud crab, with a choice of special Asian and international dishes — each of which showcases a 500g mud crab. During the “Month of Mud Crab”, there will be four delectable dishes on offer. Choose from regional delights such as Singaporean chilli crab, a spicy and slightly sweet dish, and Gaeng poo bai cha plu, a deep and intense Thai crab curry featuring betel leaves. A choice of classic European favourites is available, including Crab risotto, a wonderfully satisfying dish with mud crab woven through the perfectly cooked rice, and a timeless Crab cocktail, which harmonises the succulence of this fresh seafood with a lively dressing. Prices start from B875++ per dish. Call 032-904-666, email huahinrestaurants@marriott.com or visit bit.ly/bigfish-rsvnpr.
Anniversary celebrations / Bardo / Oct 17, Oct 19 and Oct 27
To celebrate three years of being on Sathon 10, the popular social bistro and bar, Bardo is going all out. On Oct 17 , the Bisou X Bardo collab will see sommelier Theo Laverne and chef Antoine Darquin takeover for a night of food, drinks and fun. Expect a DJ set, signature bites and a "buy one get one" offer on signature cocktails. On Oct 19, there will be a “Tapas and Mezze Ragazzi e Succo Night with Wine Garage” with sommelier Ottara Pyne. Explore an exceptional wine selection by the bottle and glass, along with special cocktails featuring Ragazzi Aperitivo. Dive into an array of affordable mezze plates. On Oct 27, expect an amazing night of drinks, food, and a lively party. Visit fb.com/bardobkk.
TRAVEL
Family Fun at So Wet Bubble Room Package / So Sofitel Hua Hin / Until Dec 23
So Sofitel Hua Hin officially launched its new swimming pool play zone called So Wet Bubble. With its outstanding design based on a bright cartoon octopus, the new zone is much more than a normal swimming pool as there are water playgrounds, bouncers, climbing walls and slides. What’s more, the surface is constantly covered by water jets sprouting from a fountain above. Families who would like to experience the new zone and other fun So Sofitel Hua Hin has to offer should consider the ‘Family Fun at So Wet Bubble Room Package’ with prices starting at B4,555++ per room per night for stays until Dec 23. The rate includes breakfast for two adults and two children (below the age of 12), resort credit of B1,000 net per room per night to spend at the hotel's restaurant and spa and a free 20-minute H2SO water scooter. Call 032-709-555 or visit bit.ly/3tms73I.
JOIN
Charity plushie / Sindhorn Kempinski x BE Health x Autistic Thai Foundation
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has teamed up with BE Health, a corporate social responsibility initiative of Kempinski Hotels to develop and support the lives and health of the community through its Glocal campaign. BE Health, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, aims to educate and empower individuals to protect themselves against communicable and non-communicable diseases through personal behaviour alteration and early disease detection. This year, Sindhorn Kempinski is raising funds through the sale of a limited edition plushie of its mascot. Embracing its deep connection to Thai culture, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok chose the elephant, Thailand’s national animal, as its mascot. Named “Nong Sindhorn”, the mascot encapsulates the hotel’s commitment to societal welfare and Thai heritage. The special edition cuddly stuffed toy elephant, dressed in a grey and yellow polo T-shirt, is priced at B499 and is available at the hotel’s reception counter. All proceeds from this BE Health fundraising initiative will go to the Autistic Thai Foundation. Call 02-095-9999.
Charity lunch / Melbourne Cup, Anantara Siam / Nov 7
The Melbourne Cup horse race is an iconic event on the Australian calendar, held on the first Tuesday of November or Nov 7. A public holiday in its home state and celebrated by antipodeans across the globe, it's a day of excitement, Champagne, extravagant fashions and celebration. The Advance Australia Council is hosting the Melbourne Cup Charity Lunch on Nov 7 with proceeds going to Hands Across The Water, Shalom House and Born To Live, organisations that support disadvantaged children and families across Thailand. There are almost B750,000 worth of prizes up for grabs in charity raffles and auctions. Tickets to the lunch are priced at B3,500 from Megatix and include welcome canapes and cocktails on arrival, and a three-course Australian-inspired shared meal served with drinks. Guests can enjoy the Melbourne Cup race streamed live from Australia, the glamorous Fashions On The Field competition, a chance at the raffle, lucky horse draws, and a DJ to dance the day away. Seating is at tables of 10 and can be purchased at megatix.in.th/events/melbourne-cup-charity-lunch-2023?source=home.
James Nachtwey: Memoria / BACC / Until Nov 26
Canon (Thailand) invites photography enthusiasts to explore "James Nachtwey: Memoria”, a retrospective exhibition showcasing the renowned war photographer's work. This marks its debut in Thailand and the Asia Pacific and includes the world premiere of Nachtwey's photographs depicting the war in Ukraine. The exhibition features 126 iconic war photographs throughout Nachtwey’s career and includes a short interview film directed by Thomas Nordanstad. The event is co-sponsored by Canon and organised by the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand, the Photographic Arts Foundation and the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. It runs until Nov 26 on the 7th floor of BACC from 10am-8pm. Free admission.
MQDC Well Living Expo / Siam Paragon / Until Oct 15
This is for the 1%. MQDC, a property developer, is presenting its projects at the “MQDC Well Living Expo”, at Siam Paragon's Fashion Hall until Oct 15. Emphasising its self-anointed position as a leader in “sustainnovation” (innovations for sustainability), MQDC is offering exclusive offers on homes with a 30-year warranty. MQDC's residential projects at the expo include flagship projects such as The Forestias, Whizdom The Forestias Mytopia, Whizdom The Forestias Petopia and Whizdom The Forestias Destinia. Privileges include discounts of up to B3 million, vouchers from Siam Paragon worth more than B2 million and special mortgage rates exclusively for MQDC homebuyers at the expo.
Museum Mania / River City Bangkok / Until Oct 22
Art enthusiasts and collectors can appreciate 130 exquisite artworks at RCB Galleria on the second floor and RCB Artery on the 1st floor of River City Bangkok, respectively, before they go under the hammer on Oct 22. The exhibition is a joint effort between The Art Auction Center and RSF Art Clinic (Restaurateurs Sans Frontières Art Clinic) to showcase museum-level works that have played a significant role in the Thai art world throughout different eras. It weaves together the stories of two centuries of modern Thai art history, divided into five eras, starting from the foundations of civilised Siam during the reign of King Rama V to the present day. Expect artworks from prominent artists such as Galileo Kini, Carlo Rigoli, Silpa Bhirasri (Corrado Feroci), Raden Basuki Abdullah, Chang Sae-tang, Pratuang Emjaroen, Khien Yimsiri, Angkarn Kallayanapong, Thawan Duchanee, Chakraband Posayakrit, Itthiphon Tangchalok, Preecha Thaothong, Sakwut Wisesmanee, Udom Taephanich, Patcharaphol "Alex Face" Tangruen, Nisa "Molly" Srikhamdee, and Kitti Narod. More than 130 artworks will be available for auction on Oct 22 with registration starting at 11am and the auction commencing from 2pm at the RCB Artery. River City Bangkok is on Charoen Krung 24. Call 02-233-7939 and 065-097-9909.
20 Years of Good Mornings / Parc Paragon / Oct 19-23
SC Asset will turn Siam Paragon's Parc Paragon into a sunflower field/exhibition to commemorate its third decade for five days. This "Five Senses" exhibition allows guests to learn about SC Asset’s 20-year history through sight, taste, sound, smell and touch. Recently, SC Asset organised its largest event of the year, “20 Years of Good Mornings”, which featured the “SC Event Morning Coin” experience, where participants could acquire “Coins” through a variety of activities and gain a glimpse of what it's like to be an SC Asset resident. The coin experience will also be available. The event also previews Cobe Condominium in the Kaset-Sripatum area with prices starting at B2.79 million. Those who book at the event can get special promotions and view the showrooms. There will activities, as well as special guest appearances like the hot young actor and singer PP Krit and a surprise mini-concert by the up-and-coming T-pop band 789 Debut Group. The event will take place from Oct 19-23 at Parc Paragon.
Bangkok International Typographic Symposium / Nov 2-4
After a long hiatus of more than three years due to the pandemic, Bits, or the Bangkok International Typographic Symposium, will return next month. Bits is an academic symposium on typography and graphic design, organised by Cadson Demak for more than 10 years. Participants explore, discuss, exchange ideas and share insights into a variety of subjects, from design trends to corporate breakthroughs. Given that the global contexts have undergone significant changes due to Covid-19, the return of Bits for its 10th edition marks a comeback with a fresh mindset, breaking away from the old definition; it now places more of a focus on branding and typography than ever before. Furthermore, what makes this edition even more special is the biggest number of speakers, exceeding 30 participants from all corners of the globe. They will be sharing knowledge and inspiring creative thinking through 20 sessions. Visit conference.cadsondemak.com.
STUFF
Tactix 7 Amoled Edition Premium Smartwatch / Garmin
Garmin's Tactix 7 Amoled Edition Premium Smartwatch is designed for the adventurous in their field and aviation missions. Garmin, a leader in world-class GPS smartwatches, recently launched Tactix 7 Amoled Edition as the latest smartwatch series of Tactix 7. Featuring an upgraded easy-to-read adaptive Amoled display, it offers remarkable ease of use with both traditional button controls and a touchscreen. Moreover, it comes complete with dedicated tactical, training and performance features, wrist-based navigation, and comprehensive health and wellness monitoring. Its enhanced flashlight also boasts greater efficiency thanks to the new night vision. With its battery life lasting up to 31 days, this high-performance smartwatch fits the adventurous souls and those in tactical operations.
