Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Phuket lobster / Big Fish & Bar / Until Jan 31
Big Fish & Bar, the beachside dining destination at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, has reintroduced the Phuket lobster this month. A choice of enticing international options are available, including Phuket lobster Thermidor, Gratinated Phuket lobster with Parmesan sauce, served with angel hair pasta tossed with lemon zest and garlic; and a Surf and turf, which showcases Australian Angus beef tenderloin with Phuket lobster tail, spiced thick-cut fries and a creamy brandy sauce. Alternatively, a choice of two tempting Thai dishes Fried whole Phuket lobster tossed in garlic and black pepper; and Phuket lobster in a red curry sauce with coconut, chili and kaffir lime leaves, both served with jasmine rice. The month-long promotion is available every evening until Jan 31.
Korat chicken / The Siam Tea Room / Until Feb 29
The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique The Riverfront is offering chicken in a special dish from the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima — Korat. Highly-prized throughout Thailand for their sweet flavor and fragrant aroma, the organic chickens are vibrant yellow in colour due to their free-range lifestyles. They are also high in protein and low in fat, making them ideal for health-conscious diners. Until Feb 29, discover a series of five special dishes created by chef Aon Anukool. Opt for Spicy and sour soup with Korat chicken, grilled shallots and herbs; or Korat chicken rice, served with ginger and soybean sauce, chili and winter melon soup. There are also three northeastern Thai-inspired dishes that showcase a whole Korat chicken. Deep-fried Korat chicken marinated with fish sauce, served with crispy shallots and garlic; Steamed Korat chicken with herbs, served with Thai fermented fish paste and boiled vegetables; and roasted Korat chicken marinated in Sichuan pepper and served with local vegetables. The Korat chicken promotion is available for lunch and dinner.
Sunday Brunch / Espresso
InterContinental Bangkok's Espresso is where the much-anticipated weekly Sunday Brunch unfolds. As the velvety smooth vocal stylings of Coco LaShaun set the stage, embark on a gastronomic journey featuring an array of international cuisines meticulously crafted from the finest imported ingredients. Feast on Iberico ham, premium imported cold cuts and artisanal cheeses. Move on to the authentic flavours of Asia with the signature Thai noodle soup featuring braised Wagyu beef or Kurobuta pork. Explore further with a sophisticated selection of Japanese sushi, sashimi, and delectable Cantonese dim sum. Live stations add an interactive flair to your brunch, offering hot carvings of roast prime rib, Australian leg of lamb and succulent salmon. The live tartare and pasta stations serve up classic beef tartare and ravioli with truffle cream sauce. There is also unlimited pan-fried foie gras. The heart of the experience lies at Espresso's grill, where grilled salmon, snow fish, rack of lamb, grilled chicken, and Wagyu beef steak are amongst the choices presented. Seafood enthusiasts can look forward to nCanadian lobster tail, Alaskan king crab, imported oysters, New Zealand mussels and river prawns. End Sunday Brunch on a sweet note at the dessert corner, boasting a lavish spread of irresistible Thai and Western treats. Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from noon to 3pm at Espresso on the mezzanine level of InterContinental Bangkok.
Luxurious lobster / Pagoda Chinese Restaurant / Until Feb 29
Pagoda Chinese Restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park celebrates 2024 with the “Luxurious Lobster” promotion that showcases the world’s most sublime seafood in a series of creative Cantonese styles. Until Feb 29, savour three varieties of lobster: Boston lobster, Tasmanian lobster and Phuket lobster. These delicacies, which turn bright red when cooked and are thought to resemble dragons, are considered symbols of good fortune in Chinese culture. This makes them the perfect way to mark the start of the “Year Of The Dragon". Special dishes have been crafted by chef Oscar Pun and they are Lobster sashimi, Lobster baked in thickened superior stock or Lobster steamed with fragrant garlic and glass noodles. Diners can also explore the flavours of China’s Sichuan province with Lobster stir-fried with ginger and spring onions and Lobster stir-fried with chili and salt. The promotion is available for lunch and dinner.
Chef collab / R-Haan x Le Cinq / Jan 24-26
R-Haan is hosting a four-hands dinner collaboration from Jan 24-26 with chefs Chumpol Jangprai from R-Haan Bangkok and guest chef Christian Le Squer from Le Cinq, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France. Chef Le Squer will bring his avant-garde cuisine to join forces with the Thai cuisine of R-Haan for three nights. Details are available on R-Haan website and social media platforms.
Salmon spectacular / Ventisi
Ventisi restaurant at Centara Grande at CentralWorld will host the "International Buffet Salmon Spectacular", a gourmet experience every Friday for dinner. The buffet is a celebration of salmon, showcasing its rich and sumptuous flavours in a variety of expertly crafted dishes. The buffet features Salmon tartare, Salmon sushi and sashimi, Citrus-marinated salmon and Poached salmon salad with tomatoes and olives, Smoked salmon devilled egg and more. Delight in Crispy salmon flake salad with spicy dressing, Spicy salmon salad with herbs and Grilled salmon belly with Thai-style sauce. For those who crave bolder flavours, the Stir-fried salmon with holy basil, chilli and fried egg, and the Salmon head curry are sure to impress. Ventisi's Friday Night Buffet is a journey through the delightful world of salmon.
Italian journey / Rossini’s / Jan 27
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit’s new executive sous chef, Giacomo Vinci, crafts a contemporary five-course Italian set menu that showcases the finest ingredients, infused with black and white truffles and paired with fine premium beverages from northern Italy on Jan 27. Having been greeted with a tempting trio of truffle-infused canapés and a flute of Follador Gold Extra Dry Prosecco, an exquisite sparkling premium beverage from the Veneto region of Italy, diners will be presented with an opulent appetiser of Uovo morbido su purea di patata (onsen egg on soft potato purée, Oscietra caviar and white truffle), accompanied by Roero Ameis Sarun from the Piedmont region. Chef Vinci will demonstrate his pasta skills with Tortellini di aragosta (grilled lobster tortellini with mushroom consommé, fresh burrata and black truffle), paired with Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont. Diners can savour Sogliola su fondo di ossa di pesce (Dover sole on the bone with cherry tomato and white truffle), complemented with Nino Costa’s Langhe Nebbiolo Cabora from Piedmont, followed by Costine di manzo brasate al Barolo (Barolo-braised short ribs on Jerusalem artichokes and onion confit), paired with Barolo red. Dessert is Sfoglia alla mela croccante (crispy apple tart with white truffle ice cream), served with Massolino Moscato d’Asti. Visit the hotel website for booking details.
TRAVEL
Peaceful bliss / The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa / Until Jan 31
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket is offering an extended escape with its "Stay Longer, Save More" promotion. The offer is for a serene seven-night getaway and if booked before Jan 31, guests can enjoy up to 30% off, with daily breakfast. Unwind in an atmosphere that evokes serenity, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Booking period is until Jan 31 with stays from May 1 to Oct 31.
Circoloco returns / Baba Beach Club Natai / Jan 20
The clown is back in Phang Nga at Baba Beach Club Natai, featuring a line-up including Anotr, Bedouin, Carlita, Chris Stussy, Dennis Cruz, DJ Tennis, Joseph Capriati, Peggy Gou, Prospa, Richy Ahmed, Saoirse, Seth Troxler, Skream, Enoo Napa, Kidoo, Wildealer and many more. Circoloco will be bringing their iconic sounds back to Southeast Asia at Baba Beach Club, which will be transformed into a jungle paradise. Visit the resort's social media for more details.
Renewal Retreat / Chiva-Som
Those who're seeking a serious kick-start on their wellness journey may want to consider Chiva-Som's Natural Renewal retreat where a holistic and all-encompassing approach is the key to restoring balance to your life. The wellness destination in Hua Hin offers full-on facilities, daily activities, traditional and modern treatments and more to fine-tune your body and mind. It is available for five, seven, 10 or 14 nights, inclusive of accommodation, three wellness (but tasty) meals per night of stay, individual consultations, a complimentary daily treatment and the retreat-specific inclusions. Visit Chiva-Som's website.
Renovated and rebranded / Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, formerly known as Le Meridien Chiang Mai, has undergone an extensive renovation and rebranding process. The renovation includes a total overhaul of the aesthetic and functional aspects, boasting contemporary design fused with world-class amenities. At the heart of this transformation are the elegantly redesigned rooms and suites. Each space has been thoughtfully reimagined to provide modern, stylish furnishings in a warm, inviting ambiance. The hotel's public spaces have also undergone a significant revamp. The lobby and common areas now oozes elegance and comfort. The hotel offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from authentic Thai cuisine to international flavours. To mark its unveiling, the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel is introducing exclusive packages which you book on its website.
East Coast Escape / Centara Hotels & Resorts / Until Jan 31
CentaraThe1 member can enjoy extra and exclusive discounts when they take advantage of East Coast Escape, which is on offer at selected properties in Pattaya, Rayong, Trat and Koh Chang. CentaraThe1 member discount increases from 15-25% for a limited time only while non-members can sign up for the loyalty programme for free. Book by Jan 31 for stays until June 30.
JOIN
Photography awards / Oppo
Global technology company Oppo has launched the 2024 edition of its global mobile photography competition — the Oppo imagine IF Photography Awards. This year's competition features a world-class judging panel, including members of the prestigious Magnum Photos, several Hasselblad Masters, a National Geographic photographer, alongside iconic figures who will be judging entries for the chance to win a grand prize of US$24,000 (B843,000) and international exposure opportunities for their creative work. The awards features nine entry categories, covering Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel and Collection. Each category aims to inspire users to share their most compelling stories and emotions captured through the lens of Oppo smartphones. Apart from the prize money, the winners will also have the opportunity to showcase their entries at an international exhibition such as Paris Photo and sign with Oppo to become an Oppo Photographer with priority access to special events. Four Oppo Silver Awards, 10 Oppo Bronze Awards and five Youth Special Awards will also be on offer, alongside four Honorable Mentions in each of the nine categories. The awards are open for submissions until July 28. Visit the Oppo website.
Jazz collaboration / Barsu / Jan 26
Five Asian icons unite to grace the stage at Barsu's “J-Jazz All Star Special Collaboration Concert” at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. In collaboration with AirAsia X and Hitman Jazz, the concert on Jan 26 will see saxophonist Ami Nakazono, pianist Jun Abe, guitarist Takashi Matsuzaki, bassist Shingo Tanaka and drummer Hiroyuki Noritake come together for the first time in Bangkok. These leading artists, each of whom has achieved international success for their live performances and studio albums, will now play together for the first time in this special two-hour concert. Nakazono, a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the USA, achieved critical acclaim for her albums “Make It Happen!” and “The Real", and is known for her unique fusion of classical roots and contemporary sounds, while Abe is a talented pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger, who has enjoyed extensive success in Europe, Asia and the US, including collaborations with groups such as T-Square, Dimension and Casiopea, while also composing music for movies and large-scale events. Matsuzaki has been producing music since the 80s and released his 33rd album with his instrumental group Dimensionin 2022, while Tanaka tours globally with the band T-Square. Drummer Noritake is a world-renowned percussionist, who has achieved 10 Japan Gold Disc Awards and is a lecturer at Showa University of Music. Visit the hotel's website for more details.
Wine tasting / Peacock Alley / Jan 25
Join an evening with classically-styled wines on Jan 25 at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The "Bread & Butter" wine tasting at Peacock Alley will showcase the Silverado Trail of Napa Valley. Bread & Butter is known for their commitment to making honest and delicious wines meant for pleasurable drinking rather than following a particular trend, or expressing the nuances of a certain terroir. Savour three classically-styled, award-winning wines during the tasting; a rich Chardonnay 2021 with creamy notes of vanilla and a long smooth finish; a fruit-forward and juicy Pinot Noir 2021; and a bold, luscious Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. The wine-tasting takes place from 6.30-8.30pm and includes three glasses of wine. Enhance your wine tasting by ordering delectable nibbles from a specially-curated menu.
Journey Of The Rock / River City Bangkok / Until Feb 15
Diverse experiences can transform the seemingly ordinary rock, viewed by many as mundane, into a treasure of inherent value and individuality. Be mesmerised by the extraordinary piece, born of a meticulous casting process by Chanin Lertphoompanya, which is primed for auction. Join "Walk With White Wall", which is an opportunity to experience a unique art-viewing experience characteristic of "White Wall", with the artist guiding you through his masterpieces. The walk takes place on Jan 27, Feb 3 and Feb 10 from 2-3.30pm. There's also an opportunity to take part in the auction for The Moon, a significant golden masterpiece that evokes profound emotions. This artwork serves as a symbol and signature piece of the exhibition. Submit your bids (based on a starting price) and obtain contact details at the box inside the exhibition hall. The result will be revealed before the conclusion of the exhibition. Free admission.
Collectors Gathering / Maison JE Bangkok Art Space / Until Feb 11
Bangkok's new art space Maison JE has collaborated with The Art Auction Center (TAAC), a pioneer in Thailand's art auction scene, to organise the “Collectors Gathering’ exhibition. It's a showcase of 44 contemporary artworks from 36 noted Thai and international artists such as Kusama Yayoi, Alex Face, Pitakpong Jamesripong, Jirapat Tatsanasomboon, Del Rosario and Jeremy Yamamura. Each of six zones tells a narrative that draws inspiration from the works of art on display and explores the various viewpoints of each collector. Viewable daily from noon-8pm.
STUFF
Onitsuka X Astro Boy / Onitsuka Tiger
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Japanese sports fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has collaborated with iconic manga Astro Boy for a special collection. This results in a unisex line featuring the original logo and Astro Boy design on shirts, track suits, skirts, pants, bags, hats and footwear, totalling to 43 items. All items in this collection will be delivered in their original packaging: a shopping bag and box decorated with the titular boy. Available at Onitsuka Tiger Global Flagship Store in Siam Square One and on its official website.
Oneasics / Asics
Ardent fans of Asics may become even more addicted to the Japanese sportswear brand now that it has launched loyalty programme Oneasics in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. It opens a world of rewards, inspiring fans of the brands and consumers alike to move with Asics shoes. You know the drill. Members will get to earn points and reap benefits such as discounts, birthday bonus, free delivery and more when they purchase Asics products.
