Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Abalone dishes / Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / Until Dec 31
Pagoda Chinese Restaurant at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will celebrate the winter solstice with a series of special festive dishes. On Dec 22, the winter solstice is the longest night of the year and is often celebrated in China with traditional festivities. A celebratory set menu using abalone and grouper. The Winter Solstice Set Menu is only available on Dec 22. Until Dec 31, diners can choose from a variety of abalone dishes like Braised abalone with mushrooms & goose web in brown sauce, Double-boiled abalone & fish maw in brown sauce, E-fu noodles with whole abalone and more.
Winter menu / Igniv Bangkok / Until Feb 29
Igniv Bangkok is serving its Winter Menu, inspired by the warm feeling of preparing and eating a meal with friends and family. Creamy yet light, the journey showcases the best time for vegetables and herbs in Thailand, with locally-sourced products harvested at their prime, including beetroot, kohlrabi, zucchini, kale, spinach, fennel, radishes, a variety of herbs, and flours. Dishes also highlight imported seasonal products.
Basque grill / Uno Mas / Until Feb 28
Uno Mas has launched the "Basque Grill" pop-up until February. Meats and seafood will be prepared over an open fire, showcasing the rich flavours and traditional cooking techniques of the Basque region. Highlights of the menu include the renowned El Capricho Chuleton, Txogixu Txistorra sausages, whole charred turbot, Kokotxas pil pil, and the irresistible Basque cheesecake.
French Baking / Blue by Alain Ducasse Bakery Boutique, Iconsiam
Blue by Alain Ducasse Bakery Boutique has opened at Iconsiam on the ground floor. Offering a meticulously curated selectionof signature baked products and viennoiserie, the boutique is a testament to artisanal flavours and exceptional quality. Indulge in the unique tastes of Alain Ducasse Coffee and Alain Ducasse Chocolate from La Manufacture in Paris, enhancing their culinary journey. The menu features an array of classic and signature delights. From the simplicity of plain croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissants, strawberry Danish and Panettone to AD 75% chocolate hazelnut brioche and 48-hour fermented sourdough. The boutique also offers, apple caramel sandwich, and more, each item is a celebration of flavour. The bakery also offers a variety of savoury options, including mouth-watering sausage rolls and other favourites. Open daily from 10am to 8pm, the boutique offers delivery and pre-order service.
Sparkling festive / Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach Resort, Phuket
Chao Leh Kitchen which will stage a series of uplifting evenings throughout the holiday season. On Dec 24-25, experience the enchantment of Christmas with a “BBQ Seafood Buffet” This fantastic feast will showcase an amazing array of culinary delights, from fresh sushi & sashimi and succulent seafood on ice, to Thai and international hot dishes, noodle soup, homemade pasta, a Tex Mex corner, and premium carved meats, including traditional roasted turkey, Christmas ham, whole leg of lamb, and baked sea bass. Bookings made before December 23rd will receive a 10% discount! On Dec 31, celebrate the last day of the year in style at its “Glitz & Glam Masquerade Party!” with dinner at Chao Leh Kitchen and after-party at The Deck Beach Club Patong. The Akara Grand Ballroom will host an international buffet with live music, a cabaret show and dropping the beats from DJ Lalalin. Bookings made before Dec 30 will enjoy a 10% discount.
STAY
Island buyout / Mirihi Island Resort / May 1 to Sept 30, 2024
Mirihi Island Resort is accepting bookings for an entire Maldivian island buyout, including the resort’s 38 villas and suites, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, wine lounge and more, targeting discerning travelers seeking ecological luxuries and serenity. In the South Ari Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Malé, Mirihi showcases a stunning house reef, white sandy beaches, locally caught cuisine and authentic Maldivian hospitality. Mirihi offers a captivating tropical backdrop for incentive groups, family holidays, destination weddings and more, encouraging guests to unplug and indulge in the barefoot luxuries of the island. Additional facilities available on-site include a yoga pavilion, Duniye spa, ocean pro dive center, fitness centre, resort boutique, library, on-site medical centre and access to the Mirihi lounge in the seaplane terminal upon arrival and departure. Optional elements available include a full board and half board dining programme, whale shark and manta snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, fishing and Maldivian cooking and mixology classes. Live music, entertainment and firework displays can be arranged for special events. The island buyout rate for three nights based on a bed and breakfast basis. The offer is valid for stays between May 1 to Sept 30, 2024.
Opening offer / M Social Phuket / Until Mar 31
Opened in October, M Social Phuket is stylish, social and free-spirited new lifestyle hotel from Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the heart of Patong. 418 rooms and suites blend chic, trendy design with functionality and a touch of luxury with Christian Lacroix bathroom amenities while guests can enjoy modern facilities, which include a day spa, two outdoor pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Surrounded by upbeat bars, shops and restaurants, M Social Phuket puts guests in the heart of the action. With e-concierge kiosks and Phuket’s first AI voice-controlled assistant in all rooms, the hotel promises unforgettable and Instagram-worthy stays for those looking to connect with like-minded creative individuals. My Millennium members can enjoy 15% off stays, four times points and B300 dining credit for bookings made by March 31. M Social Phuket is the sixth M Social hotel globally, joining predecessors in top destinations such as Singapore, Paris and New York.
JOIN
Wine tasting / Vertigo Too, Banyan Tree Hotel / Dec 12
Elevate the evening with the finesse of GranMonte Wines, a testament to Thailand's winemaking excellence. Join the exclusive wine-tasting event to savour the distinct flavours of carefully crafted wines from the Asoke Valley of Khao Yai. Complementing the wine will be specially curated canapés and the enchanting night view of Bangkok's skyline. The wine-tasting event will be on Dec 12 from 6-9pm at the rooftop Vertigo Too.
Celebrate diversity / Anantara Siam Bangkok’s Charity Dinner / Dec 14
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, the Na Project Group and Asylum Access Thailand will host a charity dinner at Biscotti restaurant on Dec 14, featuring dishes cooked by refugee families from six countries. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the urban refugees in Bangkok, who are assisted by the Na Project, a charity that advocates for refugees’ rights and integration in Thailand. The dinner will feature a variety of appetisers, starters, main courses and desserts, each course paired with fine wines. Guests will have the opportunity to taste traditional, family-style dishes from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Somalia, Vietnam and Ethiopia. The dinner begins at 7pm and seating is limited.
Sometimes I Wanna Be / Ardel Gallery Of Modern Art / Dec 14 to Jan 28
This solo show by Kattliya "Namzoda" Phantodee explores what it feels like to be something else rather than yourself. What if you had wings and could fly or swim freely in the sea? This series portrays her surreal imagination of wanting to be something else. The artist conveys the idea through an image of a "cat" that represents her identity and implies the naughty and playful traits that allow the audience to exercise their endless imaginative side together. The opening reception is on Dec 14 at 5.30pm. Ardel Gallery Of Modern Art is on Borommaratchachonnani Road and closes on Monday.
Vanderveen Takeover / Asai Bangkok Chinatown / Dec 7-11
The takeover will see chef George Kataras, former owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Vanderveen in Amsterdam, crafting an eight-course dinner to be served at Jam Jam Eatery & Bar from 7-9pm. Specialising in a mix of north European and Mediterranean cuisines, he focuses on produce-driven, bold and minimalist cooking – with generous amounts of creativity in curating comforting and recognisable dishes. Go to Ticketmelon to get a seat.
Rock | Paper | Scissors / Trendy Gallery / Dec 16 to Feb 4
The intransitive hand game that everyone knows how to play become the title of 2Choey's new solo exhibition at Trendy Gallery on the second floor of River City Bangkok. Much like the game, we take chances in life. You may lose today but you know awaits you tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome, embrace the outcome. The Thai illustrator is known for replacing his characters' faces with fingers. River City Bangkok is on Charoen Krung 24.
Cultivating The Wild / Ardel's Third Place Gallery / Dec 16 to Jan 20
"Cultivating The Wild" showcases exquisite ceramic works created by well-known Thai artist Krisaya Luenganantakul. The delicate, paper-like rings are crafted with a creation process that demands subtlety at every step, from molding the paper to firing and assembling each part together. The balance of each sculpture is vital for its sustainability, just like how the human mind can be sustained if we explore, contemplate and are mindful of every moment we breathe. Ardel's Third Place Gallery is in Thong Lor 10 and opens Mondays to Saturdays. It closes from Dec 30 to Jan 1 during the New Year celebration.
New date for Jimmy Carr Terribly Funny / Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre / Jan 26
British-Irish funnyman Jimmy Carr is heading to Bangkok with his "Terribly Funny" tour next January for not one but two shows. Carr announced his return in a video (while admitting to butchering the name of the venue completely) and fans should brace themselves for adult humour and jokes that make you feel guilty to laugh about them (but you do anyway). Due to popular demand, the second date of his show has been added. Tickets for Jan 27 have been sold out and you'd better be quick to grab one for the new date Jan 26 via Iflyer.
808 Festival 2023 / Bitec Bangna / Dec 8-10
808 Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days of EDM extravaganza. World-class headliners such as David Guetta, Timmy Trumpet, W&W, Marshmello and many more will turn Bitec Bangna into a rave centre this weekend. Get your tickets at 808 Festival's official website.
Ages & Stages Tour / UOB Live / March 14
International icon and living legend Tom Jones is bringing his Ages & Stages Tour in Asia next year with Bangkok being the fifth stop on March 14 at Emsphere's UOB Live. Jones is undoubtedly one of Welsh all-time greatest vocalists, with a career spanning more than 60 years during which he sold more than 100 million records, released 41 studio albums, amassed 36 Top 40 hits, and collected multiple Grammy. From soul-stirring ballads to exhilarating anthems, the "Ages & Stages" tour showcases the full spectrum of Tom Jones’ colossal career. While the day one fans are still charmed by It's Not Unusual, younger fan may have heard of Sex Bomb or at least seen him as a judge on The Voice UK. Live Nation Tero members can secure tickets during the exclusive UOB Presale on Dec 15 via Thai Ticket Major website and the public sale starts the next day.
