Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
JOIN
Bar takeover / Tropic City x Röda Huset / Sept 15
Tropic City will host one of Sweden’s very best bars, Röda Huset, and award-winning founder Hampus Thunholm on Sept 15. This will be Röda Huset's first-ever shift in Thailand and will showcase the best of what the Scandinavian region has to offer. Thunholm made a name for himself in the country's cocktail scene famously being the previous beverage director of the now-closed restaurant, Fäviken. Röda Huset has become known for their seasonal cocktails that focus on the pristine ingredients available throughout Sweden with an as serious take on food too. They highlight traditions while mixing cutting-edge modern techniques of the future that have put them on the map across the globe.
Wine dinner / Igniv Bangkok / Sept 16
Igniv Bangkok will host a special wine dinner featuring celebrated Domaine Henri Bourgeois from Sancerre, France, highlighting more than 10 generations of winemaking expertise on Sept 16. This dinner not only offers a tasting journey through the vineyards of France’s Loire Valley, but also provides the rare opportunity to meet Jean-Marie Bourgeois, the owner of Henri Bourgeois. Delve into the stories behind their labels and learn how passion and heritage combine to create wines that are cherished around the world. Throughout the dinner, Jean-Marie will enrich the dinner experience, guiding guests through each pairing and shedding light on the sustainable practices and the iconic Kimmeridgian soils that impart depth and complexity to their wines. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Dinner collab / Clara x Lae Lay / Sept 20
For one night only, Clara Restaurant executive chef Christian Martena will team up with chefChristian Herrgesell from Lae Lay, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, for a four-hands dinner on Sept 20, hosted at Clara. Chef Herrgesell is known for his contemporary Asian cuisine infused with French cooking techniques while chef Martena is known for his innovative approach to contemporary Italian cuisine. The evening promises a special seven-course menu designed to highlight the gastronomic vision of both chefs. Limited seats available so visit the restaurant's website.
India meets Oz / Jhol x Birdies / Sept 17
On Sept 17 at Jhol expect a collaboration that combines modern Australian cuisine with coastal Indian flair. Jhol x Birdies features a fusion of signature dishes, like the Everything maska bun is a fun twist on Burrata chaat, and Goan chicken wings with stuffed Goan chorizo, tamarind and tomatillo chutney. The menu will be a la carte with small and large plates. Visit the restaurant's website.
Wellness programme / The Peninsula Bangkok / Sept 20-22
The 2024 Wellness Festival, held at the hotel, will be under the “Art Of Urban Wellness” theme. It will be held from Sept 20-22 and will feature a diverse range of holistic wellness activities, classes and workshops. The three-day celebration of health and well-being through social wellness features an array of resources like exercise classes, guided meditation and healthy cooking classes. Visit the hotel’s website.
Online tournament / AOC Masters 2024
The AOC Masters 2024 will feature a Valorant tournament with representatives from nine regions: Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Taiwan and South Korea. The event will kick off with local qualifiers, giving each region's top players to realise their dream to play like a pro, competing in a series of competitive events in mid-September where the exact dates will differ depending on the region. The top two players from each region will earn a coveted spot to represent their country at the main AOC Masters 2024 event in Bangkok on Oct 19. This prestigious event's total prize value will be more than US$30,000, including a cash prize pool of US$ 3,000. The qualifying matches will be held in various formats, including 1v1, Tandem Mode and a 5v5 Show Match. AOC fosters local gaming talent and provides players with a platform to showcase their skills on the international stage. Esports enthusiasts are encouraged to register at aocmasters2024.com.
Kumar comeback / Amari Bangkok Hotel / Sept 28
Brace your jaws for Singapore's (and perhaps SEA's) sassiest comedian. Following the success of "Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits", Kumar, the unapologetically funny stand-up, will soon head back to Bangkok with his new show called "Beats, Rhymes & Punchlines". Brought to you by LOL Asia, the new show has been received well with stops in May in Australia and New Zealand being sold out. Get your tickets at LOL Asia's website.
Wim vibe / Lido Connect / Oct 5
Karn "Wim" Kasidej, the former member of the now-defunct feel-good pop duo HYBS, is ready to step into the spotlight as a solo artist at his upcoming album launch. "Very Live Presents Wim: 'Noice Live In Bangkok'" is scheduled to take place at Lido Connect, Rama I Road, on Oct 5, before he embarks on an Asia tour. Noice has already scored hits such as "Mr Feel Good", "All The Way Home" and "Magic". Get your tickets via Thai Ticket Major's website.
Gongkan's surreal world / Moca Bangkok / Sept 14 to Oct 27
Immerse yourself in Gongkan's surreal world and explore dreams, hopes and inner reflections at the "No Heart Here" exhibition, being held until Oct 27 at Moca Bangkok, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road. Hosted by Moca and Tang Contemporary Art, this solo exhibition by noted Thai artist Kantapon Metheekul, best known as Gongkan, invites attendees to traverse between reality and fantasy while getting in touch with themselves through introspection. Inspired by surrealist icon René Magritte, Gongkan’s works juxtapose familiar landscapes — vast fields, shifting skies and weather patterns — layered with surreal elements that challenge the viewer’s perception. The exhibition is divided into distinct four zones, each offering a unique experience. In the "Painting Room", Gongkan showcases his signature style, blending Magritte’s surrealist techniques of pairing unrelated objects with his own personal narrative. The "Maze of Dreams" represents a symbolic journey through the intricate maze of memory, illustrating the complexities of the human mind. Each room within the labyrinth reveals fragments of Gongkan’s past, illustrating how memories can simultaneously shape and confine us. Drawing inspiration from the saying, "After the storm comes the rainbow," the installation "After the Rain" reflects the belief that brighter days always follow life’s storms. In "Let it Go", Gongkan invites viewers to release what holds them down, creating space for new experiences and fresh opportunities. This is a ticketed exhibition and visitors pay at the door.
Five senses / Central: The Original Store / Until Sept 29
You know your human five senses are sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch but what about the sixth one? Supicha Sutanthavibul, an upcoming printmaking artist with numerous awards, poses this question through her solo exhibition. "Sensory Of Perception" tells the story of a group of stray animals on their quest to find their forever home. Her 22 artworks of silk screen printing techniques and acrylic on canvas will engage all of your senses. It runs until Sept 29 on level 4 of Central: The Original Store, Charoen Krung Road.
EAT
Beef delicacies / Xin Tian Di Restaurant / Until Sept 30
Xin Tian Di at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park will offer the “Prime Beef Delicacies” menu until the month-end. Renowned for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, the restaurant will offer four dishes: Wok-fried Australian beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce, Braised beef striploin with eggplant, celery and X.O. black pepper sauce, Sautéed beef striploin with mushroom in oyster sauce and Beef tenderloin fillet with BBQ sauce. Visit the hotel’s website.
Afternoon tea / Mai Restaurant and Bar / Until Sept 30
Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant, Mai Restaurant and Bar, has launched a Thai-inspired afternoon tea that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming Baan Tawai Wood Carving Village. Savoury treats include Spicy prawn salad, Khao soi croquettes and Miang kham. Black sesame scones with Chiang Mai mulberry jam, Thai tea macarons, fruit tartlets and mango ice pops are among the afternoon tea’s sweets. The tea is presented in a vintage tea cabinet crafted at Baan Tawai, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage of woodcraft. Situated in Hang Dong district, the village is a community renowned for its wood sculptures. Visit the hotel’s website.
Endless lunch / Tsu Japanese Restaurant and Nami Teppanyaki Steakhouse
Tsu Japanese Restaurant and Nami Teppanyaki Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Bangkok have launched the “Tsu & Nami Endless Lunch” promotion. This experience will transform Tsu Japanese Restaurant andNami Teppanyaki Steakhousei nto culinary playgrounds.Enjoy the finest sashimi featuring sustainable salmon, tuna, hamachi, hotate, ikura and a variety of oysters, including fine de Claire, Irish, and Normandy. The sushi station boasts an assortment of maki rolls, such as California rolls, spicy salmon rolls, and vegetable rolls, alongside nigiri options like sustainable salmon, hamachi, tuna, and inari. There will also be the usual buffet offerings and stations. Visit the hotel’s website.
Free flow / Cafe Pitorre / Until Sept 30
Cafe Pittore, the Italian-style café and co-working space with an elegant Asian-inspired ambiance at The Empire, has launched the "Free-Flow Wine & Chef’s Savory Selection” promotion. Available every Thursday and Friday after work until Sept 30, the promotion offers two hours of unlimited wine paired with a platter of premium cold cuts and cheeses. Visit the cafe’s website.
Oyster promotion / Akira Back / Until Oct 31
Akira Back at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is offering imported French oysters, prepared in a choice of mouth-watering styles until Oct 31. All the oysters come from France. From Brittany, two varieties of French rock oysters will be available. La Lune No.2 oysters, which are refined for 12 months in the Belon River and Black Pearl No.2 oysters also refined for eight months in the Belon River will also be on offer. Both varieties will be shucked and served au naturel with a trio of toppings: ikura, chojang salsa, and ponzu. For a bolder flavor experience, guests can opt for Akira Back’s AB Oyster Half Shell cooked on a charcoal robata grill and served with the signature gochujang butter sauce, complemented by the American-Korean pop influence of bacon and kimchi. Visit the hotel’s website.
Succulent seafood / Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town / Until Sept 30
The hotel is offering a series of promotions this month. Krua Talad Yai is offering a “Seafood Bucket” on Monday and Tuesday, and comes in three sizes. It is wok-tossed local seafood with a choice of four sauces: tom yum, XO, mah-lah and garlic butter. On Wednesday and Thursday, the "Dinner Buffet” features an array of dishes and an extended selection of “Japanese Delights”. The “Market Place Buffet” continues every Friday and Saturday with a special Phuket lobster promotion. Yue Restaurant & Bar will offer a choice of two promotions that showcase local Phuket lobster. Diners can opt for Yue Sichuan Lobster, which features wok-tossed lobster with Phuket cashew nuts, , vinegar and Sichuan sauce, while Yue Andaman Sea King is a seafood extravaganza that comprises Phuket lobster, abalone, sea cucumber, fresh fish maw and Hong Kong kale. Visit the hotel’s website.
New pizza / Soho Pizza / Until Nov 30
Soho Pizza has launched a limited-time offering — the Classic Bolognese Pizza. Available in nine-inch, 12in., 15in. and 18in. sizes, the creation will be served at all Soho Pizza locations until Nov 30. A rich, meaty sauce with ground beef, tomatoes and onions on a New York-style dough, is topped with mozzarella and a touch of Parmesan.
Culinary delights / Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach / Until Oct 30
The five-star resort nestled on Phuket’s stunning sunset coast, has unveiled a selection of dining promotions this month. The Andaman Kitchen will offer “Breakfast For 2, Pay For 1” promotion until the end of the month. The offer lets two guests enjoy an extensive array of morning delights, including freshly-baked breads and pastries, salads, cold cuts, cheeses, Asian delights, a live egg station and more. Guests seeking a lighter morning snack or afternoon pick-me-up should head to The Lounge for a “Dirty Coffee” accompanied with a freshly baked pastry. Available until Oct 31. Take a break from your day in the sun and chill out in style at Big Fish, where for an hour every afternoon, guests can quench their thirst with an exclusive drinks offer. Available until Oct 30.
New flavours / Grand China Bangkok Hotel / Until Sept 17
Grand China Bangkok Hotel joins the Mid-Autumn Festival with the "Grand China Mooncakes", a collection of mooncakes made from three-decade-old secret recipes. More than 20 flavours are available to choose from, including three new ones namely Mala beef with a single yolk, Coffee with macadamia nuts, and Matcha with a single yolk. They are available as individual pieces or premium sets in elegant packaging complete with a tea set. Available until Sept 17 at the pop-up on G Floor, Grand China Bangkok Hotel and via Line Shopping and Line Man.
STUFF
Moon trays / Alexander Lamont
Elevate your Moon Festival celebrations with Alexander Lamont’s Octave and Wing trays. Inspired by the patterns made by the rain as it hits the ground the Octave tray combines wood and metal to create a finish with an ancient patina. The Wing tray is a marriage of two natural materials — parchment and chicken wing wood. The vibrantly-grained Chinese wood has been expertly carved into sweeping wing-like handles that give this elegant tray its name. The trays and other limited edition gifts from the designer studio are available at the Alexander Lamont Gallery or online.
Watch auction / Phillips x Bacs & Russo
Phillips in Aassociation with Bacs & Russo has laughed the “Reloaded: The Rebirth Of Mechanical Watchmaking 1980-1999”, a celebration of neo-vintage timepieces’ auction on Nov 8 at Geneva’s Hotel President. The auction offers a comprehensive look at the watches that defined the horological landscape of 80s and 90s. Visit Phillips online.
Mirrorless cameras / Canon
Canon continues its expansion into the professional still and video camera market with the launch of two new models in the EOS R system: the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II. These cameras are designed for fast, precise performance in still images and video. The flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, EOS R1, is engineered for professional photographers and features dual image processing chips and a new high-performance autofocus system, setting a new standard for high-speed photography with exceptional image quality. The EOS R5 Mark II is a powerful hybrid camera, boasting a newly developed back-illuminated (BSI) Stacked CMOS sensor with up to 45 megapixels of resolution and an Accelerated Capture image processing system. It supports video recording up to 8K 60P, propelling the EOS R system into the next generation of high-quality content production. In addition, the EOS R5 Mark II is launched with a range of accessories. To celebrate the launch of Canon's flagship full-frame mirrorless cameras, customers can enjoy exclusive offers available until Sept 30.
TRAVEL
8th-anniversary promotion / Vietjet Thailand / Until Sept 19
To celebrate its eighth anniversary, Vietjet Thailand launches the ‘8th Anniversary Mega Sale’ promotion, offering special fares starting from B8 (not inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s entire domestic and international flight network, flying from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This offer is available for booking until Sept 19 with the travel period from Oct 1, to May 31, 2025. Book your flight via Vietjet Air's website or the app.
Rain or shine / The Standard, Hua Hin / Until Sept 30
Don't let the rain stop you from vacationing. During the month of Sept, you can avail 20% discount from the "Make It Rain" offer from The Standard, Hua Hin with the COZY20 code. The discount applies to the best available room rates and spa treatments. Valid for bookings and stays through Sept 30. Contact the hotel.