Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Chateau Plamer wine dinners / Le Normandie By Alan Roux / Jan 10-11
Le Normandie By Alain Roux will mark the New Year with a culinary nod to gourmet tradition and oenological heritage as one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux will be showcased at a dinner. Château Palmer and chef Jean-Denis Le Bras will collaborate with the brigade at Le Normandie By Alain Roux to curate wine dinners for two nights on Jan 10-11. Château Palmer is a distinguished name within the historic rankings of Bordeaux wines. Recognised in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 as a Troisième Cru, or Third Growth, its vintages are celebrated for their remarkable quality and consistency. Château Palmer partners will pair wines with a special six-course menu, created by chefs Roux and Le Bras. The highlight of the evening will be a main course from chef Le Bras: A medallion of Wagyu beef enhanced with the delicate flavour of sea urchin. Welcome the new year with an evening that pays homage to culinary artistry and heritage.
All-you-can-eat weekend lunch / Uno Mas, Centara Grand at Central World
Transport yourself to the streets of Spain with Uno Mas’ “Weekend All-You-Can-Eat Lunch”, where chef Roberto Gonzalez Alonso captures the essence of his country’s rich culinary heritage with a selection of dishes, from traditional tapas to hearty mains. Enjoy unlimited appetisers, a la carte mains and sumptuous desserts noon to 4pm. Start with the Seafood salad of mussels, prawns, octopus and capsicum, the Salmon belly with miso and vegetables or the Smoked salmon mille feuille with aioli and cream cheese. Hearty mains include Grilled baby octopus with smashed baby potatoes, green and red mojo, Crispy pork belly “torrezno’’ with paprika mashed potatoes, Cochinillo baby suckling pig with passion fruit sauce and orange-rocket salad, and Beef cheeks and red wine stew with black trumpet puree. The dessert selection offers Basque cheesecake, Brazo gitano, Crema Catalana, Churros with chocolate sauce and Pantxineta to complete the meal. There are also beverage packages to complement the meal.
British classics / Viu, The St. Regis Bangkok / Until Feb 29
The “Epic Dinner Buffet” features hearty and comforting British culinary highlights throughout January and February. Served every Friday and Saturday night, at Viu, the all-you-can-eat dinner offers a choice of unlimited a la carte dishes prepared to order and served directly to the table. Throughout January, the dinner blends traditional British dishes with modern elegance. Seafood highlights include Fish and chips served with tartare sauce embellished with caviar. The Lamb and triple crème Brie shepherd's pie offers a luxurious take on a traditional dish, as well as the juicy Beef Wellington served with flavourful red wine porcini sauce on the side presents a classic delightful flavours. In February, indulge in seafood options like the Salmon coulibiac with Champagne sauce and the Scallops paired with black pudding and truffle, while for meat enthusiasts, the Smoked mustard beef accompanied by Yorkshire pudding is a nod to traditional British fare. Highlights throughout these two months include the dual preparation of Oysters Rockefeller and Kilpatrick, and the Black truffle lobster thermidor for an indulgent twist, as well as impressive desserts like Salted caramel and pecan Eton mess offering a sweet and salty treat, and the Vanilla bean custard with prosecco jelly trifle providing a light, bubbly finish.
Asiatique Ancient Tea House / Asiatique The Riverfront
The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has opened the of Asiatique Ancient Tea House, a dim-sum restaurant and stylish cocktail lounge at the Asiatique The Riverfront. In a 111-year-old heritage house built in 1912 as part of the East Asiatic Company’s warehouse, the Asiatique Ancient Tea House offers a menu crafted by Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, the restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel. The concept is based on the story of Emperor Shen Nong, who first discovered tea 4,000 years ago. The original century-old building has been restored and refurbished with a designed concept that showcases a “celestial hint from heaven” with a modern classic Chinese style scheme. The Asiatique Ancient Tea House unfolds as a living museum for tea enthusiasts, offering a journey through the art and history of tea. The stories of “Tea Discovery” and “Tea Culture” are embodied in distinct spaces: Hint of Heaven, a glasshouse surrounded by greenery; 1890’s Blend Gallery, an exhibition of fine tea selections; and The Blooming on the second floor. The tea collection includes Silk dark tea and Thida green tea from organic farms in Chiang Dao, Thailand, Bai Mu Dan white tea from China, Sencha green tea from Japan, Darjeeling first flush dark tea from India, and Rooibos tisane from South Africa. Accompanied by delectable dim sum, yum cha, crispy pork belly, roasted barbecued pork, and more, the daytime offerings set the stage for an evening menu featuring playful mocktails, fine whiskies, tea-infused gins, and three signature cocktails inspired by green, white and brown Chinese teas.
JOIN
Gazillion Bubble Show / Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre / Jan 18-21
Blowing bubbles will be transformed into a spectacular art form at the upcoming Gazillion Bubble Show, slated to take place at Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre on Ratchadaphisek Road from Jan 18-21. The Gazillion Bubble Show will return to Bangkok for eight shows. Created by Guinness World Record Holder for putting 181 people in a bubble, Fan Yang uses spectacular lighting, spellbinding lasers and jaw-dropping bubble artistry to create unforgettable stage spectacles. After 20 years as "Master Of Bubbles", in 2007 Yang brought his show to the Big Apple and has since wowed bubble lovers of all ages. The Gazillion Bubble Show truly is a family affair for fans and Yang's family as his wife Ana, son Deni, daughter Melody, and brother Jano all perform their bubble magic. Treat your child (or inner child) to the show and you may even find yourself in a bubble. Tickets go on sale now via Thai Ticket Major's website and TTM counters.
Countdown / The Em District / Until Jan 7
Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere, collectively known as The Em District, are hosting end-of-year festivities filled with lights, sights, sounds, live music and drinks. The district will become the centre for holiday fun and joy with activities and celebrity appearances. Celebrate the end of the year and welcome the new year with activities such as a special countdown event with performances on Dec 30 from Polycat and on Dec 31 with Ink Warunthorn, Pretzelle, Potato and J Jetrin from 7pm at EmQuartier's Quartier Parc. The Cassette Bar has a holiday pop-up called Casette Holiday will host mini-concerts from musical artists such as 2Days Ago Kids and Lipta until Jan 7 from 8.30pm at EmQuartier's Quartier Avenue. Enjoy must-try food and beverage and musical performances from Whal & Dolph, Morvasu and The Parkinson until Jan 7 at Emsphere's Em Yard. More entertainment awaits at Tribe Sky Beach Club on the fifth floor of Emsphere, which opens every day from 11am-1am.
CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2024 / CentralWorld / Until Dec 31
CentralWorld's countdown features a huge line-up of more than 200 Thai and international artists in world-class free concerts. CentralWorld, also known as the "Times Square Of Asia", has been celebrating a countdown spectacle for more than two decades. Experience non-stop entertainment with world-class performances, all for free. World-class artists Got7's Youngjae and Patrick Nattawarat Fingler will present their debut show on the countdown stage on Dec 31. There will also be special shows by five Thai headliners — namely PP Krit, Billkin, Bowkylion, Nont Tanont and Ink Waruntorn — together with 65 top-charting artists such as Oat Pramote, Pop Pongkool, Three Man Down and more. It'll accumulate in a breathtaking 180-degree digital fireworks art for 15 minutes on a panoramic screen, crafted by world-class street artists, in addition to traditional fireworks. The countdown festivities run from 4.30pm-12.30am. Channel 3HD will cover the event live from 10.30pm-12.30am while live broadcast via Facebook is available on Bangkok Post, Thairath TV, Dailynews, Khaosod, Matichon Online, Prachachat, Feed, Workpoint Entertainment, GMM25, MGROnline - Live, CH7HD, CH7News, Bugaboo TV and Globe - Bangkok's News + Lifestyle.
Mega Countdown 2024 / Megabanga / Dec 31
Seven top Thai artists will usher in 2024 with live performances that you can enjoy for free at Megabangna. As the biggest New Year’s countdown celebration destination in Eastern Bangkok, Megabangna will host a countdown event filled with live music, spectacular light and sound on the night of Dec 31. The lineup includes Palmy Eve Pancharoen, rapper Youngohm, rock band Tilly Birds, Indigo, Cocktail, Big Ass and MVL. In addition, Mega Smile Rewards members can redeem a part set for free, containing glasses, flashing rings and light sticks. The countdown starts from 3pm but the first performance starts at 5pm. Watch the live broadcast on Workpoint TV Channel 23 and Facebook pages of Workpoint Entertainment and Megabangna on Dec 31 from 11.15pm to 00.15am.
Sakarin Krue-on / Moca Bangkok / Until Jan 23
This self-titled solo show by 2009 Silpathorn artist Sakarin Krue-on asks you to question the nature of humans and our impact on the environment as well as humankind's future through various mediums from ceramics, embroidery, video installation and sculpture. Find his thought-provoking works at the temporary exhibition zone on the ground floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Moca Bangkok, on Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road. Moca opens Tue to Sun from 10am-6pm.
TRAVEL
Sun-kissed experience / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / Until Jan 31
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa unveils an exclusive offer for an indulgent retreat at one of Thailand's premier seaside destinations. The "Stay Longer, Save More" promotion invites guests to immerse themselves in a seven-night stay amidst the serenity of the beach, accompanied by a series of exceptional privileges. Wake up to breathtaking sea views and immerse in the tranquil ambiance of Hua Hin while enjoying all the amenities and luxury that Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa has to offer. Enjoy up to 30% off the stay, coupled with an array of additional perks when booking a seven-night consecutive stay. The package comes with daily breakfast for two persons, 10% discount on food & beverages, 10% discount on spa treatments and 10% discount on laundry services. Booking period is until Jan 31 with the stays valid from May 1 to Oct 31.
Festive Escape / Centara Grand Hotel Osaka / Until Feb 29
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka offers its enchanting “The Magic of Osaka: Exclusive New Year” offer with an exceptional 25% discount on flexible room rates when booking a room or a room with breakfast for stays from Jan 3 to Feb 29. Located in the heart of Namba, the city's vibrant shopping and entertainment district, Centara's debut hotel in Japan is also offering ¥5,000 in food and drink credit for one or ¥10,000 for two persons per stay, plus 25% off rejuvenating treatments at Spa Cenvaree and a complimentary welcome drink for two at Smoke & Spin rooftop bar. Book online via the hotel's official website.
Festive Paradise / Centara Grand Island Resort & Centara Ras Fushi Resort
Centara welcomes its loyalty members to explore the natural wonders and adventures of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives or unwind at the stunning adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives with a captivating 50% discount on member rates with half board plus meal plans. Inclusive of daily breakfast and a delightful dinner buffet or set menu with two drinks, guests can also enhance their experience by upgrading to all-inclusive meal plan options during booking. Additional perks include a 25% discount on hotel transfers and the opportunity to earn triple CentaraThe1 points with every stay. The “Festive Paradise: Exclusive Maldives Offer” is available for booking via the hotel's official website until Jan 10 for stays from Jan 8 to Oct 31.
