Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Four-hand dinner / Côte by Mauro Colagreco / Nov 30 to Dec 1
Chefs Mauro Colagreco from three Michelin-starred Mirazur in France and Julien Royer from three Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore join forces to deliver an exclusive dining experience at Capella Bangkok’s Côte by Mauro Colagreco. Sharing a passion for seasonal and artisanal produce, the chefs will deliver an imaginative collaboration that celebrates the exquisite flavours of their respective localities. The culinary experience can be accompanied by wine pairing curated by Capella Bangkok’s head sommelier Sabino Iacobone. The nine-course collaboration dinner will be available on Nov 30 and Dec 1.
Bridging the past and present / Siri Sala Private Thai Villa / Nov 29
The Wine Merchant will host a special dinner in collaboration with Château Margaux, reflecting a continuous endeavour to foster strong relations with leading wineries worldwide. “A Journey To The Left Banks Of Bordeaux & Bangkok” will take place on Nov 29 at Siri Sala Private Thai Villa, reminiscent of Château Margaux’s scenic locale along France’s Gironde River. Château Margaux's wines will be complemented by a five-course menu by chef Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier of Maison Dunand. On arrival, guests will be offered a Champagne drink, accompanied by a live piano and flute performance along with views of the sunset. The dinner will be served tableside by chef Dunand-Sauthier, with each course being thoughtfully paired with selections from Château Margaux and The Wine Merchant Thailand.
New menu / The St. Regis Bangkok / Until Dec 1
The St. Regis Bangkok has launched the “The Long Way Home” set menu crafted by executive sous chef Brian Rodriguez and presented at Viu restaurant until Dec 1. Reflecting chef Rodriguez’ personal journey, the tasting menu comprises five courses, inspired by the UAE, Australia, Italy, Austria and Thailand. The five-course meal is available for lunch and dinner.
New menu / Banyan Tree Krabi
Banyan Tree Krabi has revealed new menus for its highly-sought after three “Bird’s Nest” tables, which sit perched on a craggy cliff near the peak of the resort and command spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and beyond. The Bird’s Nest tables will feature four new set menus, each reflective of local produce and culinary traditions. “By Land” is the theme of the “Tantalizing Turf” four-course menu; “By Sea” menu is a “Symphony Of The Sea”; and “Garden Delights” is the vegetarian menu. The fourth menu is “A Touch Of Opulence”, which offers choices. If you’re not here for dinner, afternoon tea is served from 2-5pm with two seatings.
Dining experiences / Krua Talad Yai, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
From Monday to Thursday, diners can taste the world, one night at a time with original themed buffets every evening. On Monday, the “Perfect Prawns” promotion will let seafood lovers discover sweet and succulent fresh prawns, while Tuesday invites guests to savor “A Taste of Italy”, including freshly-baked pizzas, handcrafted pasta and more. Meat lovers can come to Krua Talad Yai every Wednesday for the “Midweek Meat Feast”, which showcases prime meats cooked to perfection, and Thursday is the day for “Japanese Delights” with a sublime selection of sushi, sashimi, tempura and much more. Each of these themed evenings will be presented as part of Krua Talad Yai’s “Weekday Dinner Buffet”, priced at B799++ per person. On Friday and Saturday, families and friends can come together for “The Marketplace Buffet”, including free-flow soft drinks.
New restaurant complex / Blue Tree Lagoon, Phuket
A contemporary French restaurant and all-day dining experience will be housed in a four-storeyed complex, offering stunning views of Blue Tree Lagoon. The restaurant, L'Arôme At Blue Tree will be helmed by executive chef Julien Burbaud, who was previously executive chef of Fanfan Paris. On the first floor, L'Arôme At Blue Tree will serve guests chef Burbaud’s modern forward-thinking French cuisine with a la carte or discovery menu options. Signatures include Duck Rossini, where the duck from Rayong is stuffed with a French foie gras and served alongside spiced carrots or the Phuket lobster, which is served inside of a ravioli and finished with a lobster bisque enhanced by the addition of lemongrass. The restaurant complex will house three different concepts under the same roof: the all-day dining on the ground floor will serve relaxed yet refined cuisine, highlights of which include a lobster taco with a chipotle Bearnaise sauce and a tomahawk from Ranger’s Valley in Australia. In addition, guests can enjoy pizza directly from the wood-fired oven or select a sashimi of the freshest fish available. The Canopy aka Private Club will be on the second and third floors and is an adult’s-only space, designed to be a haven of peace and tranquillity, where guests can sip on cocktails while watching the sun set across the horizon.
Inside-out experience / Pru, Trisara resort, Phuket
Pru, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Phuket has opened its new location and kitchen. Helmed by executive chef Jimmy Ophorst, the “Inside-Out” experience, housed in a new purpose-built restaurant, dissolves the traditional wall between the kitchen and the dining room. With an open kitchen encouraging connections with guests, diners will be able to see how each morsel is prepared, thereby providing complete transparency to the culinary process. The restaurant, located inside Trisara resort, has 10 seats at the kitchen counter. Guests wanting more space can experience Inside-Out in the main dining room or inside The Reserve, a private dining room inside a modern wine cave. The new Pru experience also includes Gaia, an ovo-lacto plant-based menu. The restaurant also serves lunch that features a lighter seasonal fare with different courses from the evening menu.
Family recipes / Nimitr Thai, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok
Nimitr Restaurant and Rooftop Bar on the 27th floor of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok brings ingredients from the hotel’s family farm with modern touches. The family farm in Ratchaburi grows aromatics like turmeric, fingerroot and ginger that flavour many of the dishes at Nimitr. Farming local produce reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint and ensures the quality and the freshness of the ingredients. Choose your culinary adventure by ordering à la carte or the four-course set menu that includes all the elements of a traditional Thai meal. Enjoy dishes like Miang kham king scallops, Grilled Thai Wagyu beef served with chakram leaves salad and duck egg, Nam prik or Tom sab kai mod dang pla yang.
Limited edition hamper / Anantara Siam Bangkok x Dom Pérignon
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is offering a luxury picnic basket in collaboration with Dom Pérignon, the prestigious vintage Champagne from Moët & Chandon. Timelessly elegant and effortlessly chic, the limited-edition hamper will elevate any occasion and turn a picnic into a stylish affair. Guests can choose from two options of Dom Pérignon-branded wicker picnic baskets, including a bottle of Champagne. The Dom Pérignon x Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Luxury Picnic Basket also comes with a selection of homemade delicacies, such as Smoked salmon, Beef pastrami, Truffle gouda, Liver mousse, Rillettes de poulet, Salchichón, Jamón, and a variety of artisanal breads. The baskets are designed for two people to share and are available for pick-up at Mocha & Muffins.
Wine dinner / Guilty x Catena Zapata / Nov 29
Guilty, the vibrant South American restaurant at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, has partnered with the prestigious family-owned winery in Argentina, Catena Zapata, to host an exclusive wine pairing dinner on Nov 29. Wine lovers will be introduced to five vintages from the winery and guests will taste four different Malbecs, each with its own unique character and terroir, as well as sampling a refreshing Chardonnay, all paired with South American dishes.
Last Menu / Stage restaurant / Until March 9, 2024
Marking its four-year anniversary, Stage, a casual fine dining French restaurant by chef-patron Sainisa “Jay” Sangsingkeaw has announced it’s last menu at the current location. The “Stage Last Menu”, available until March 9, 2024, presents classic French dishes in their own interpretation of Stage’s playful and modern French culinary style. The highlights of the menu are Niçoise salad, Pâté en croûte, Bouillabaisse, Coq au vin, before ending the night with Rhubarb clafoutis and the not-to-be-missed Signature dessert trolley.
Flavours of southern Italy / Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar / Nov 30 to Dec 2
Guest chef Maria Matera “Mamma Ria” Carbotti will present her signature heirloom dishes featuring the distinctive flavours of southern Italy, including Handmade pasta with mixed seafood and tagliolini. Enjoy this rare treat with premium beverages selected by Mamma Ria’s husband, Michelangelo Carbotti, a certified master sommelier. This special event is available from Nov 30 to Dec 2 at Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar, Shangri-La Bangkok’s Italian restaurant.
Sunday brunch / Igniv Bangkok / Nov 26, Dec 24
Embark on a culinary journey through Switzerland as Igniv Bangkok offers a special Sunday Brunch menu celebrating the flavours of the Swiss Alps and classic dishes. Expect a casual but refined interpretation of a Sunday Brunch in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a DJ. Presented in a playful way, the menu is a mix of modern and classic Swiss dishes, featuring different breads, appetisers, classic egg dishes and desserts and pastries. Diners may choose from a large selection of savoury and sweet additions like Truffle French toast, Waffles with crème fraiche, tin of caviar, Pan cake tower - Chantilly – strawberry, and more (cost varies by selection). A variety of beverages, including an extended wine-by-the-glass list, and a special cocktail menu are also available. This exclusive taste of Switzerland will take place once a month on Nov 26 and Dec 24 from 11am to 3pm.
Green twist / Mai The Sky Bar, Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar has unveiled a new menu with dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming. The highest bar in Chiang Mai, Mai The Sky Bar, is on the 22nd floor, offering views of the Ping River and Doi Suthep Temple. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres”, respectively. Crafted by Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, from high-quality, locally sourced raw cow’s milk from Chiang Mai, the new menu’s artisan cheese board options include ‘Forest Tail’, ‘Palazzo di Palma’, ‘Ricotta Affumicata’, ‘Saltara Machima’ and ‘San Paquanburie’ paired with coated nuts, dried fruit, grapes and more. The menu’s dishes such as the seasonal fruit platter and ingredients are sourced from gourmet organic farm Seed. As part of its “Sunset Chill and DJ Live Sessions” staged every Thursday to Sunday until Dec 31, the bar will host a live music band from 6-8pm and resident DJ from 8-11pm.
JOIN
Submission extended / Ending Aids, Erase Stigma! / Until Dec 31
Pulse Clinic and Pulse Gallery have extended the submission deadline for this year’s Pulse Awards to Dec 31. Under the theme "Ending AIDS, Erase Stigma!", the awards will culminate in the Sexhibition, an event dedicated to promoting sexual health awareness and combatting discrimination associated with Aids and HIV. Selected artworks will be auctioned for charity, and there will be monetary prizes for winning submissions. The Awards include two categories, Painting and Sculpture. Winners of each category will have a chance to work with Pulse as an artist in residence. Those interested can submit their work at pulseawards@pulse-clinic.com. The email title should be named as "PULSE AWARDS 2023 (Your Name)" and include the artwork's picture, its name, its description (50-100 words), medium, dimension, year of creation and a short biography on yourself. Artists must send at least three photos of their work in three different angles (front, left, right, etc.). There is no size limit for artwork submissions, however large works will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the ability of the exhibition space to accommodate the artwork. Works by winners and finalists will be shown at the PULSE Gallery in Bangkok’s Phloenchit. They will be auctioned online for the charity Foundation For Life at the end of the exhibition. 50% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the foundation to support the testing and treatment of individuals and communities. The other 50% raised will go to the artists.
Music experience / Crimson Room
The Crimson Room has launched live band performances on Fridays and Saturdays, with additional nights to come. This multi-genre fusion fronted by talented act One Shot creates a sizzling and kinetic soundscape. Saxophonists will be backed by percussionists to build the hype while three charismatic vocalists belt out numbers.
Pantomime production / Bangkok Community Theatre, St. Andrew’s 107 International School / Dec 1-3
The Bangkok Community Theatre (BCT) will be staging a rollicking pantomime production of “Cinderella” at St. Andrew’s 107 International School on Sukhumvit 107 from Dec 1-3. Featuring an all-star global cast and directed by pantomime veteran Ian Robinson, “Cinderella” is set in a world where the enchanting lore of old mingles with a zesty modern twist. Throughout the performance, the audience is encouraged to cheer the heroes and boo the villains, creating a boisterous atmosphere in which everyone is a part of the theatrical magic. Although this show has a uniquely Thai twist, it also encompasses all the traditional elements of pantomime. On Dec 1, the performance will commence at 7.30pm, on Dec 2, there will be two shows at 2pm and 7pm and on Dec 3, the shows will be at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets available at Ticketmelon Refreshments will be available to purchase on site.
Moroccan hammam / Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has introduced the “Moroccan Hammam” treatment. It is a 75-minute indulgence for singles and begins with a deeply cleansing and purifying black soap, renowned for its detoxifying properties. A full-body kessa glove exfoliation follows the soap treatment. This traditional Moroccan exfoliation method gently removes dead skin cells, revealing glowing, radiant skin beneath. The treatment culminates with a luxurious skin moisturisation using Argan oil, celebrated for its hydrating and nourishing properties, leaving your skin feeling silky, smooth and deeply replenished.
Face reflexology / Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River / Nov 29 To Dec 10
The Urban Wellness Centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River proudly introduces Mariko Hiyama, face reflexologist and trainer hailing from Fukuoka, Japan. Hiyama specialises in the intricate art of Sorensensistem Face Reflex Therapy, offering patrons an unparalleled path to holistic healing. Each session is crafted to cater to individual needs, ensuring a transformative and revitalising experience. A two-hour workshop on Dec 3 at 10am will explore the connection between body and mind, and will teach the self-healing techniques using face reflexology. The workshop is limited to 10 participants.
STUFF
Noise-cancelling headphones / Dyson / From Nov 27
Dyson has launched the Dyson Zone noise-cancelling headphones in Thailand. Offering a pure and immersive listening experience, the Dyson Zone offers up to 50 hours of listening, with ultra-low distortion, advanced active noise cancellation and faithful audio reproduction across the entire sound spectrum. Charged to 100% in three hours, the headphones offer advanced active noise reduction and faithful audio reproduction across the entire audio spectrum. They are equipped with 11 microphones, eight of which are used to reduce noise pollution by up to 38dB and monitor surrounding sounds 384,000 times per second. The headphones automatically reproduce frequencies ranging from 6Hz to 21kHz to ensure that every note or word is audible. Inspired by the shape and design of a horse's saddle, the headphones are designed to distribute weight evenly across both sides of the head. The Dyson Zone can be equipped with a removable travel visor to project purified air when traveling in polluted urban areas or public transport. Detection and connectivity via the MyDyson app The MyDyson App is used to control the Dyson Zone. The Dyson Zone headphones is available for pre-order on dyson.co.th and will be available for purchase at the Dyson Demo Stores across Thailand on Nov 27.
Arigato Festival / Uniqlo / Nov 24-30
The annual thank you festival by Uniqlo returns for seven days from Nov 24-30 at all branches and its online store. This year Uniqlo has three surprises. First, LifeWear items will be on sale at discounted prices during the festival. Secondly, when you spend B3,500 per receipt, you'll get one foldable pillow blanket in pink or beige for free. Thirdly, you can partake in the 'Re.Uniqlo' campaign by donating long-sleeve tops to help those in need stay warm this winter. Donate at all Uniqlo branches and receive a Doraemon sticker. If you donate a long-sleeve shirt at the CentralWorld branch of Uniqlo, you'll receive a Doraemon canvas tote instead.