Festive Celebration

HolidayTime
Bangkok Post
 Read more news at bangkokpost.com
Dine & Wine
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015
BACK TO BASICS
AT MADISON
Madison, Anantara Siam’s laid back
steakhouse, lets its fine cuts of meat do
the talking, bringing fine dining back to the
table without any extra dress-up needed
STORY AND PHOTOS: DAVE STAMBOULIS
W
hile Madison in the
Anantara Siam has won
accolades for its fabulous
Sunday brunch, it’s just as
worthwhile heading over
here for dinner, as the longstanding restaurant
remains one of Bangkok’s top steakhouses,
serving superb fine cuts of Master Kobe certified Australian Wagyu beef, along with an
array of excellent seafood, accompanied by
an extensive wine list featuring some of the
best wine pairings in town.
Designed by noted New York architect Tony
Chi, Madison is intimate and relaxed, eschewing the more formal look of most Bangkok
steakhouses, with an open kitchen featuring freestanding glass panels, warm tones,
and a choice of semi-private side booths or
larger interior tables to sit at, plus a private
dining room for groups, VIP parties, or special
events. The restaurant has been here for over a
decade, and has certainly learned how to keep
its patrons returning, combining an easy going
atmosphere with some stellar food.
z Continued on page 2
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Bangkok Post I THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015
2 I HOLIDAY TIME
Menu standouts include the Master
Kobe rib eye and strip loin, made from
cattle fed on 500 plus day grain fed beef,
as well as Darling Downs Australian Wagyu,
with a choice of 300 or 150 day grain fed
available. Also impressive is the roasted
rack of lamb with porcini mushrooms.
Served medium rare and on the bone,
the lamb comes with a brown butter and
onion sauce, but for purists, it’s impressive
to see the servers trot out some small jars
of Dijon and French mustard, plus a mint
jelly. Other superb meat options include
immense Wagyu beef burgers served with
foie gras, roasted Kurobuta pork chops, and
large plates of barbecued ribs.
Chef de Cusine Anchalee Pongrungsit,
who’s been with Madison for over a decade,
says that going back to the basics, whether it
be in the simple cosy decor or in serving up
the meat cuts with just minimal accoutrements, has proved exceedingly popular in a
town known for dressing things up, and the
meat here speaks for itself, soft, succulent,
and grilled to perfection.
While the focus is on steak, Madison also
does an excellent array of seafood items.
Hokkaido scallops come seared, served
with capers and croutons, and topped
with a thick pea coulis sauce, which is hand
poured at your table. Another delectable
choice is the John Dory fish, served with
a cauliflower and sweet corn puree, and
topped with fresh shellfish sauce. Tasmanian salmon, New England clam chowder,
and whole Boston lobster are also popular choices here, all outstandingly fresh
and aromatic, as well as served in generous portions.
The wine list at Madison is just as superlative as the top meat cuts, with a wine
cellar consisting of well over 100 bottles of
fine vineyard offerings from a vast selection
of countries. Chapelle-Chambertin Grand
Cru from France, Barolo Pio Cesare from
Italy, Dominus Estate from the U.S.’ Napa
Valley, and several bottles of the best
Penfolds Shiraz from Australia are just a
selection of the top draws. Even better, the
servers at Madison are all well-knowledgable about the offerings, and are happy to
suggest pairings to go with the food.
Dessert is well worth saving some
room for, as Madison has a creative listing
z Continued from page 1
BACK TO BASICS
AT MADISON
Festive Celebration
of exquisitely prepared dishes to satisfy
any sweet tooth cravings. There’s a peach
upside down served with pistachio ice
cream, a chocolate brownie mousse cake
served with mango sherbet, and the aptly
named I Like Berries features large U.S.
blackberries, imported strawberries, and
a scoop of raspberry sorbet.
While slow relaxing dinners are the way
to go at Madison, they also do a busy luncheon, and have a daily special featuring a
buffet salad bar plus two or three-course
entrees choice, which is quite popular with
the local neighborhood work crowd.
The Christmas and New Year holiday
season is also a great time to stop in at
Madison, as the restaurant will be joining
with the other Anantara fine dining outlets,
which include Italian Biscotti and Japanese
Shintaro, to provide some special dinners
and celebrations. On Christmas Day from
11.30am-3.00pm, the Parichart Courtyard
out in front of Madison, also home to the
Aqua Bar, will have a traditional roast
Christmas turkey, along with French Fin
de Claire oysters, Alaskan king crab, and
Boston lobster, along with free flow beverages as the standouts of an all you can
eat brunch, accompanied by Christmas
carol singers and a live band, all to the tune
of Bt3,800, plus a kid’s buffet for 990. The
same offering will be available the night
before as well, as a Christmas Eve party
version, from 6.00pm-10.30pm.
On New Year’s Eve, Madison will host
a semi-buffet dinner, with starters, desserts, and one main course for Bt3,500,
and one can then head over to the Lobby
Lounge for the 2015 Countdown Blowout
Party, welcoming in the New Year with a
live band until 1am.
Finally, on New Year’s Day, the revelry
will continue with a brunch at Madison
featuring signature dishes and plenty
more, along with free flow beverages,
served from 11.30am-3.00pm, at Bt3,800,
with a kid’s brunch buffet available as well
for Bt990.
For fine meats without any pretence,
Madison has been honing their craft for
years, and should be a mandatory stop
these days on any Bangkok foodie circuit.
MADISON STEAKHOUSE
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
155 Rajadamri Road.
Tel. 02 126 8866
http://siam-bangkok.anantara.
Glitter and Shine New Year
Celebration 2015
at Hotel Muse bangkok
G
litter and Shine New Year Celebration program at Hotel Muse Bangkok are crafted to deliver on what
matters – enticing culinary journey, great
atmosphere, innovative live music and
impressive moments to close a remarkable 2015.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Thurs 31 Dec 2015
Medici Kitchen & Bar
Lower ground floor
New Year’s Eve … Time To Party
1920’s inspired ‘black and gold’
knees-up for New Year. Welcome to the
magnificent Muse underground gathering Jazz classics set the scene for a decadent and rewarding swing-out to end the
year… and a truly great after party with
DJ performances.
Fivera will provide sensational opera to
set the Festive mood, with a live 4-piece
outfit on hand to get the party swinging
‘till late.
6-course dinner:
Bt4,600++ per adult
Bt2,400++ per child
Additional charge for dinner with
wine pairing:
Bt1,900++
Hours: 7.00pm - 11.00pm
Babette’s - The Steakhouse Bangkok
19th floor
The Year’s Most Exciting Night
A truly memorable New Year’s Eve
celebration starts with spectacular
6-course dinner.
6-course New Year’s Eve dinner:
Bt4,200++ per adult
Bt2,200++ per child
(a la carte available for children from
6.00pm to 10.30pm)
Additional charge for dinner with
wine pairing:
Bt2,000++
Hours: 7.00pm - 11.00pm
Dress: Black and Gold attire
THE SPEAKEASY
24th and 25th floors - Rooftop bar
Rooftop Glam At Bangkok’s Most Coveted
Countdown
One amazing rooftop venue to enjoy
the best party night of the year with live
DJ performances. The Speakeasy lays it on
with a sophisticated event for New Year to
the stunning backdrop of fireworks across
the city.
Luxury Seafood Platter
Maine lobster, green lip mussels, tiger
prawns, oyster, crab, sashimi served with
lime wedges and variety of sauces.
Hours: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Bt4,000++ for two persons
Bt6,000++ for two inclusive of 1 bottle
of Prosecco
Hours: 9.00pm onwards
Bt5,000++ for two persons
Bt7,000++ for two inclusive of 1 bottle
of Prosecco
Hours: 6.00pm onwards
Bt5,500++ for two persons
Bt7,500++ for two inclusive of 1 bottle
of Prosecco
Non - dining entrance fee
Hours: 10.30pm onwards
Bt2,000 net inclusive of 2 drinks
Tel. 02 630 4000 or visit us at
www.hotelmusebangkok.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 I Bangkok Post
HOLIDAY TIME A SAFFRON-hued
portrait of traditional
Thai cuisine
I 3
Festive Celebration
Festive Celebration
With its mesmerizing ambience, meticulously
prepared mod-meets-past cuisine and heart-racing
views of the city, the Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Saffron
Restaurant offers a culinary journey through the
history of classic Thai cooking that leads its exciting
contemporary interpretation
T
he hardwood tones, warm colours and subdued ambiance
which greet visitors to Saffron
— Banyan Tree Bangkok’s skyhigh signature restaurant — is
a vivid portent of the unforgettable dining
experience to come.
Saffron’s Sous Chef Renu Homsombat
has created an inspiring menu of timeless
Thai classics, seasoned with an imaginative
contemporary flair that takes Thailand’s
rich cooking history to flavourful new culinary horizons
An Amuse Bouche of Softshell Crab in
Tamarind sauce and Spicy Pork Neck provides an intriguing taste-bud warm-up with
its richly layered palette of flavours. And a
starter medley offers a sampling of agesold specialties including succulent shrimp
wrapped in crispy Phuket noodles — each
bite an adventure of contrasting textures —
along with paper-thin crispy rice-cracker
sheets served with a trio of dips.
Saffron’s enticingly aromatic Tom Yam
Soup with Shrimp is a loyal yet distinguished rendition of one of Thai cuisine’s
most internationally well-known dishes.
The tangy hot-sour broth is rich and
impossibly flavourful, with a row of plump,
firm-textured shrimp artfully skewered on
a lemongrass stalk. And the Thai-style
CHRIS LOMBARDI
Barbecue Curried Chicken with Papaya
Salad is a refined and well-paired rendering of this street-stall classic and the earthy,
aromatic curry sauce.
A hard-to-find traditional dish, the Spicy
Banana Blossom Salad is a rare treat, and
Chef Renu’s version pays delicious tribute
to this Thai culinary treasure.
Desserts include refreshing dollops of
creamy-smooth, house made Coconut and
Coffee ice creams, served in beautifully
detailed terracotta vessels and maintained
at the ideal temperature thanks to a misty
dry-ice bath.
The exquisite service provided by Saffron’s personable and highly knowledgeable wait staff is acutely focussed on creating the best possible customer experience.
Diners are asked their preference regarding
level of spiciness, and every dish in which
chili is used is seasoned according to individual taste, while table cart service offers
a choice of four types of Thai rice — white,
red, brown and the deep crimson-hued
Riceberry — with staff helpfully providing
a nutritional profile of each variety.
The 52nd-floor venue exudes a refined
elegance, with smartly updated Thai-style
décor and full-height windows with dazzling vistas of the glittering Bangkok skyline,
offering a dramatic setting for this spectacular epicurean journey.
After joining the Banyan Tree Bangkok
in 2003 as Chef de Partie, Chef Renu was
appointed as Sous Chef, Thai Cuisine at
Saffron. Her years of previous experience
include stints as Guest Chef at Lotte and
Sheraton Hotels in Seoul Korea and the
Shangri La Kuala Lumpur and Oberoi
Hotel, India. She has also been invited to
showcase her many Thai culinary creations
at the Banyan Tree Maldives and Banyan
Tree Seychelles, the Hotel Traube Tonbach and 3-Michelin Star Schwarzwaldstube, both in Germany, and most recently
she was invited to represent Thai cuisine
and Banyan Tree at Germany’s renowned
Rheingau Gourmet & Wein Festival, an
event showcasing Michelin-awarded Chefs
which attracts over 6,500 guests each year.
To welcome 2016 in delectably divine
style, Saffron is hosting a New Year’s Eve
Thai Set Dinner featuring an authentic,
taste-tempting menu created by Chef Renu,
plus traditional performances and lucky
draw with fabulous prizes.
5-course New Year’s Eve Thai Set Dinner
at Saffron
December 31st, 2015
7.30 pm – 12 midnight
THB 6,200 net, THB 7,800 net with
paired wines
(Includes 50% advantage for admission
to Latitude Lounge & Bar)
BANYAN TREE BANGKOK
21/100 South Sathon Road
Tel. 02 679 1200, 02 679 1199,
email: bangkok@banyantree.com.
Website: www.banyantree.com/en/apthailand-bangkok
Ring in the New in the
Heart of the City A
s yet another year draws to
a close, Eastin Grand Hotel
Sathorn Bangkok invites you
to bid farewell to 2015 and usher in
2016 in true Eastin Grand style.
Perfectly located with direct
access to the BTS at Surasak Station
we’re offering a choice of countdown
celebrations to suit every taste ensuring your New Year’s Eve will stand out
as one to be remembered.
The Glass House Restaurant has
pulled out all the stops in offering
an international dinner buffet of
memorable proportions including all your local and international
favorites, imported fare, free-flow soft
drinks and wines plus a few surprises
as well.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at
The Glass House Restaurant is available at Bt2,200 net including free-flow
soft drinks and Bt2,800 net including
free-flow wine and beer.
Located next to the infinity swimming pool on the 14th floor Luce
Italian Restaurant’s Chef Edoardo
Bonavolta has created an enticing
6-course Italian menu of his favorite
dishes including Kumamoto oysters
on a pear-celery salad with passion
fruit granite, yellowtail fish carpaccio with a Jerusalem artichoke purée
served with champagne butter sauce,
Golden Egg “Tajarin” pasta twisted
with a burrata filling, slow-simmered
shallots and fresh shaved Alba white
truffles and Boston lobster “a la plancha” deglazed with Prosecco DOCG
wine and served with Ossetra caviar
plus to perfectly end your meal
we’re introducing Luce’s New Year
Sphere -a chocolate sphere filled with
tiramisu served with coffee ice cream,
hot chocolate sauce, chocolate crumble and biscotti.
New Year’s Eve 6-Course Italian Dinner at Luce Italian Restaurant is available at Bt4,600
net including a glass of Prosecco and Grappa or Limoncello.
Luce Pool Bar & Lounge is also turning up the heat with a poolside party
under the skyline and stars as you
say hello to 2016 in one of Bangkok’s
perfect party settings.
Luce’s New Year’s Eve Poolside
Party is from 19.00 - 00.30 hrs. priced
at Bt750 net including 2 drinks.
For those with a head for heights the
Sky Lounge on the 33rd floor offers
the perfect location to view the capital’s stunning New Year fireworks
and with free-flow soft drinks, beers,
spirits and wines plus a large complimentary variety of food offerings
accompanied by a top local DJ means
it simply can’t be missed.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at
the Sky Lounge is from 22.30 to 00.30
hrs. priced at Bt2,300 net including
free-flow soft drinks, beers, spirits,
wines and complimentary canapés.
So whatever your style as you bid
farewell to 2015 and ring in 2016
Eastin Grand Sathorn has the New
Year’s Eve for you.
Tel. 02 210 8100 or e-mail
fbadmin@eastingrandsathorn.com
or visit our website
www.eastingrandsathorn.com.
Follow us on www.facebook.com/
EastinGrandSathorn.
Bangkok Post I THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015
4 I HOLIDAY TIME
BLISSFULLY YOURS
Health & Beauty A regular haunt for celebrities and VIPs, the ultimate in
NIKKI BUSUTTIL
W
extravagant well-being awaits at the award-winning, acclaimed
CHI, The Spa, in Bangkok’s pre-eminent Shangri-La Hotel
orld-renowned for lavishness and indulgence,
when Shangri-La Hotel,
Bangkok introduced the
first ever CHI, The Spa,
no expense was spared and no corners
were cut. An entire 1,000 square metres
were dedicated to creating a spacious sanctuary of calm and tranquility. In a modern
interpretation of Asian cultures, authentic artworks and artifacts adorn walls and
surfaces, while carefully crafted lighting
arrangements, originally produced musical
soundtracks and signature aromas fill the
air with a mystical aura.
The name CHI stems from the traditional Chinese philosophy that ‘chi’ or ‘qi’
governs universal life force and personal
vitality. CHI signature therapies aim to harmonise positive ‘yin’ and negative ‘yang’, to
help qi flow freely: CHI Balance (60mins/
Bt2,900++) effects deep relaxation and
restores energy with acupressure; CHI Hot
Stones Massage (105mins/Bt4,500Baht++)
uses stones heated in oils and herbs to calm
and revitalize, plus cold stones to de-stress.
One of the most sought-after treatments
here, particularly for couples, is the Yin
Yang Harmonising Massage (120mins/
Bt4,200+). This applies long deep rhythmical strokes, to redress muscular aches and
pains. Since there are over 90 Shangri-La
destinations across the globe, CHI The
Spa recognizes that one size does not fit
all, and, in addition to regular promotional
treatments, they introduced the ‘Sense of
Place’ remedies. The ‘Sense of Place Ritual’,
unique to Bangkok, features the finest
Thai medicinal herbs and ancient healing techniques.
Massage, aroma, thermal and herbal
therapies, over two and a half hours, all
conspire to induce profound wellness. A
moisturizing lotus milk soak preps you,
before a jasmine rice body scrub, over a
heated stone plinth. A 20-minute languish,
in Thai white clay, honey, sesame seeds
and fresh milk, draws out impurities and
replenishes the skin. The final pièce de
résistance is a hedonistic, synchronised,
four-hands massage with intermittent use
of a steamed Thai herbal compress, targeting inflammation, providing relief for
fatigued muscles and reducing stress.
Body Bliss Mixology is the current promotional treatment, available until 31st
December 2015. The highlight of this is
that guests customise their own massage
oils used in the body treatment. Floral
oils to select from include jasmine, lotus,
orange blossom, marigold, lavender, Chinese rose and also lemongrass, which are
contained in an attractive boxed set. The
remaining unused oils are gifted to guests
as a take-away bonus. Your picks, though,
are blended as an aromatic cocktail of your
pleasing, then used in an energised or
tranquil 90-minute application. The Body
Bliss Mixology massage costs Bt4,500++ per
individual guest, or Bt7,800++ per couple.
The start of the New Year sees the introduction of a fun themed promotion: ‘Celebrescape by CHI’, throughout January 2016.
In honour of the year of the monkey, CHI
will celebrate with a mix-and-match, twohour treatment at Bt4,000++. Guests can
opt for one of three 90-minute massages,
combined with a 30-minute add-on. The
Traditional Thai Massage is a meditative
and invigorating choice, the Aroma Wellness Massage invokes renewal and revitalisation, while the Thai Herbal Compress
Massage stimulates and unwinds. Your
mood, your choice, to this include one of
either a Jasmine Body Glow Scrub, a Skin
Radiance Facial, Neck and Shoulders or
Acupressure Foot Massage. As if this were
not enticing enough, upon departure, you
will receive a Thai-themed gift, as a souvenir of your visit.
There are a whole host of other treatments for gentlemen and ladies, ranging
from quick rescue fixes to full-length CHI
Journeys, up to four hours, that leave you
quite literally cared for from top-to-toe. Tailor-made experiences can also be arranged,
together with the professional spa therapists, upon request, so be sure to view the
menu in its entirety. Aim to arrive around
15 minutes before your appointment time,
to decompress in the spa lounge and benefit from a full consultation. Remember to
turn off your phone for the duration of your
visit, both for your benefit and the consideration of others. Nothing should disturb
anyone’s downtime at CHI.
Noteworthy as the crowning glory of this
timeless spa, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La,
features some of the most luxurious, spacious, private ‘spa-within-a-spa’ suites in
the city. All seven couples’ suites are around
80 square metres each and come complete with light-therapy, decadent soaker
tubs, herbal steam and shower, a relaxation lounge, and vanity/changing areas,
with thoughtful amenities and a private
restroom. Some rooms also boast an expansive view of the river. The spa, furthermore,
has private entry to a secluded swimming
pool and indoor Jacuzzi. Additionally, there
are four single treatment suites, and a full
spa lifestyle boutique with retail products
from the CHI brand, including treatment
products and the CHI soundtracks (two
volumes have been recorded to date).
Located in the Krungthep Wing of the
hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya,
access by road, water and BTS Skytrain
make CHI ideally situated. Adjacent to
Saphan Taksin, getting there and away,
for some sheer luxuriating, could not be
easier. Now in its 11th year, CHI is aging
like a fine wine, with a keen following of
discerning, loyal, returning guests, as well
as multitudes of in-house visitors, and it is
clear why. If you deserve some VIP pampering, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La could
be blissfully yours, but book ahead, to avoid
disappointment, during this busy season.
For more information on CHI The Spa
at the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok,
call 02 236 7777 ext. 6072 or
visit www.shangri-la.com/bangkok.
CHI Spa is open daily from 10am to
10pm, and reservations can be made
online or by emailing chi.bangkok@
shangri-la.com.
Celebrate this Festive Season in style
Fun-filled celebrations await at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road
S
hare the joy and cheers of this festive
season with friends, family and your
loved ones at Hotel Indigo Bangkok
Wireless Road.
Colourful & Cosy Christmas Specials at
Metro on Wireless.
Embrace the taste of wintertime with our
Chef’s Christmas Specials creations featuring three set menus of classic Christmas
dishes along with a feast of turkey, cheese
and desserts. Santa and Santarina bring gifts
for all guests.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER (Thurs 24 Dec)
Christmas day lunch (Fri 25 Dec) Christmas Special Set: Bt1,799++/
Bt1,899++/Bt1,999++
Fun-Filled Festive Neighbourhood New
Year Celebration.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
(Fri 31 Dec)
Brace yourself for an exhilarating celebration where tradition meets modernity.
International Festive Buffet Dinner at
Metro on Wireless from 09.00pm – 10.30pm.
Start a joyous evening amidst a sparkling
festive atmosphere. Enjoy a lavish buffet
dinner featuring authentic local and international dishes, including fresh seafood,
BBQ & grill, pasta live cooking stations and
extensive dessert bar.
Bt2,999 including dinnere and access to
the rooftop poolside countdown party with
1 complimentary glass of Prosecco and
lucky draws.
Additional Bt1,000 for free flow beer, wine
and sparkling wine.
7pm – 10pm.
Private Rooftop Poolside Countdown
Party (09:00pm onwards).
Dance the last night of 2015 away under
the starry sky at our rooftop poolside DJ
party. Feast on enticing snacks and drinks
while enjoying Bangkok’s panoramic skyline.
Countdown to 2016 and make a wish as magnificent fireworks light up the sky.
Health & Beauty
FEEL REAL GOOD
FOR THE FESTIVITIES
Bt1,500, including: countdown party
with 1 complimentary glass of Prosecco and
lucky draws.
Neighbourhood Disco Nights at 22
Steps Bar.
Get your groove on for a classic 80’s disco
party. 22 Steps Bar will be transformed into
the good old days. Dance till you drop
to 80s classics. Enjoy special games and
lucky draws.
24 - 31 December 2015
from 05.00pm – 01.00am
Tel. 02 207 4999 email: reservation.
hotelindigobangkok@ihg.com. Dextrous hands dispel muscular tension, limber-up limbs and unblock
energy channels. Whether as a gift to
oneself or another, an insightfully-sequenced massage experience is both a
treat at the time and the perfect preparation for the parade of year-end parties.
At least, so it is at Vareena Spa, on
Level 8 of The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, which, in its own personal
gesture of gratitude for a wonderful year,
has sharply reduced the rates for its two
most popular massages – Aroma Therapy Body Massage and Thai Functional
Massage – from now till January 31, 2016.
Aroma Therapy Body Massage
Choose the particular formula of
essential oils that resonates most closely
with you inner elements - Rosemary for
Earth, Eucalyptus for Wind, Lavender
for Fire, Black Pepper for water. In the
hands of your knowing therapist, a deep
rejuvenation is achieved that leaves you
thoroughly revitalized.
60 mins Bt1800++ OR 90 mins
Bt2,500++
Thai Functional Massage
Specially created to counter “office
syndrome” our signature Thai massage
is unparalleled in its powers of relaxation and renewal. Intuitive attention to
the shoulders, neck and back that take
the strain from hours of sitting leaves
you feeling thoroughly renewed inside
and out.
2 hrs. Bt2,400++
Choose either or both to re-focus
your mind, re-energize your body and
rejuvenate your spirit. Permit yourself
to be thoughtfully pampered and inspire
your festive season to the next level at
Vareena Spa.
For information and reservations,
call 66 2 207 8000 ext. 8450 or
email:vareenainfo@yahoo.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 I Bangkok Post
WISHING YOU
A VERY GASTRO
NEW YEAR
T
he prefix ‘gastro’, from the
ancient Greek for stomach,
was first used in combination
with the word “pub”, needing
no introduction, in London in
1991. The conjoining marked the birth of a
new trend of local boozers that aspired to
serve food on a par with any on ‘the Continent’, i.e. Europe, as opposed to the usual
fare too reminiscent of school dinners.
Having taken off, the fad arrived in Bangkok in 2010, courtesy of an overseas-educated entrepreneurial band of Bangkok
foodies led by Ning Prabhananda and
Chanond Purananda and featuring Ian Kittichai and Peter Pitakwong, indisputably two
of Thailand’s most universally acclaimed
and successful chefs.
Between them they created Hyde & Seek,
Thailand’s first but by no means last gastro
bar. A sous-vide (long, low-temperature,
sealed and submerged cooking for heightened flavours and tenderness) craze also
emanated from its trendy Athénée Residence enclave towards the mouth of Ruam
Rudee. The venture has by now spawned a
couple of siblings, notably another branch of
Hyde & Seek, Peek-a-Boo and Scruffy Apron.
But that was the moment that it announced
the arrival here of “science + art cuisine”, as
another partner in the perspicacious venture, Fawn Mahitthanan, puts it.
Meanwhile, awards have flowed freely,
including CNNGo, Thailand Tatler, TripAdvisor, BK., Travel + Leisure and The Daily Telegraph. Nevertheless, Ground Zero remains
Hyde & Seek mid-way along Ruam Rudee
Lane in walking distance of BTS Ploen Chit.
Just to clarify, the Hyde in the name
references Central London’s Hyde Park,
not Dr. Jekyl’s naughty side.
The décor duly channels alter-ego Dickensian-era Belgravia establishments. With
its funky tiled floor, tan upholstery, French
ironwork around the bar and Middle
Kingdom-esque chinoisserie silk screen
wall panels, local adaptations enforce an
overall ethic that is anything but uptight.
Casually spilling onto an al fresco wooden
deck beneath creamy canopies, similar to
London pubs in summer, it’s at once snug
and vibrant.
Affable young bar manager Kieren from
Derby ably does for drinks and imbibers
what Gok, from nearby Leicester, does
for fashion and frumps: matches one to
the other. Better yet, ranging both classic
and innovative cocktails and just about
everything else that was ever poured
behind a bar, under his expert tutelage
you don’t have to shout to be understood.
That, together with its gastro-nominally superior US- and Euro-centric
comfort food, brim-full bar and rotating
DJs, explain its enduring popularity. Open
from 5.00pm through 01.00am (Monday
– Friday) and 11.00am – 01.00am (Saturday & Sunday) (kitchen closes midnight)
condo dwellers hit it for Saturday and
Sunday a la carte brunches, and evenings
are generally jumping with everyone.
And if all that sounds like the perfect
stage for your New Year’s Eve shenanigans, it is. Hyde & Seek + The Face Thailand present “Sleepover New Year’s Eve
Party!” Come dressed in your jammies
HOLIDAY TIME I 5
Festive Celebration
Hyde & Seek +
The Face Thailand
present “Sleepover
New Year’s Eve Party”
NOEL MACLEAN
Special New Year’s Eve Cocktails
Fools Gold Johnnie Walker Gold
Label Reserve, Rosemary Honey,
Absinthe
Midnight Kiss Johnnie Walker
Gold Label Reserve, Elderflower
Syrup, Sparkling Water
– or whatever – and revel through to the
wee hours.
The NYE entertainment program
includes a note-perfect pop covers band
and stars a trio of internationally renowned
DJs, madame DJ Karn, and messrs, DJ
Jerome G, and DJ Kok. Their specializations
range your favourite House, Deep House,
R&B, HipHop, Nudisco and other cool vibes.
DJ Karn is one of Thailand’s most popular lady DJs. If you hobnob at special events
around Bangkok – ergo Emquartier Grand
Opening Party, Red Alert Party, Four Seasons Residence party, Chanel Party, Prada
Party, Roberto Cavalli Party, Mercedes Benz
Party, Playboy Party, Aqua Anantara Siam
– you’re familiar with her compelling work.
Then again, DJ Jerome G has been
mixing for over 15 years and has a big
reputation for his pumping house mixed
with hip-hop rhythms/R’n’B. He’s played
major clubs from Europe to Asia to America, including Paris, Mexico, Morocco,
Miami, Thailand and the prestigious private beaches of Montpellier.
With his eclectic mixes, Friday’s DJ
nights are always popular but for Xmas Eve
and New Year’s Eve, it’s all about Thursday.
Arrive early.
HYDE & SEEK GASTRO BAR,
65/1 Athénée Residence, Soi
Ruamrudee, Wireless Road, Bangkok.
Tel. 02 168 5152.
New Year’s Celebrative
4-Course Set Menu
Salted Foie Gras & Tuna, Asparagus
& Yuzu
Glazed Duck Chop with Purple
Potato, Kale & Mustard
Braised Wagyu Cheek with Shellfish
Sauce, Polenta, Cherry & Shitake
Cheesecake Ice Cream, Pink Guava
& Cornmeal Tart
New Year’s Eve
All-Signature A-La-Carte Menu
Popcorn Shrimp with Beer Batter &
Tartare Sauce
Chili-Crusted Calamari With Ginger
Aioli & Green Beans
Chocolate Baby Back Ribs With
Toasted Chili & Chocolate – Apple Glaze
Shoestring Fries With Rosemary &
Tartare Sauce
Bangers Inc. Pork Sausages with
Dijon–Yoghurt Sauce & Horseradish
Sea Bass Carpaccio With Olive Oil,
Citrus Zest & Toasted Baguette
Baked Spotted Babylons With
Herbed Butter, Lime Bath & Garlic
Crumb
Clam Stew for Two With Bacon &
Tomatoes
Seared Foie Gras & Rocket - Mizuna
Salad With Pomegranate Vinaigrette &
Roasted Beet
Salad My Way; English or Not With
Egg Purse, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon
Cinnamon Vinaigrette
Two’s Company Ketel One Vodka,
Poire Williams, Ginger Syrup, Lemon,
Sparkling Water
Winter Spritz Ketel One Vodka,
Aperol, Orange juice, Cardamom
Syrup, Orange Bitter
The Award-Winning Yankee
Wagyu Burger With Blue Cheese,
Caramelized Onion, Rocket & French
Fries
Cry Baby Burger Double Deck
Beef Burger with Roasted Chili Sauce,
Pickled Green Chili, Grilled Onion &
French Fries
Bass with Potatoes, Bacon &
Shrimp With Capers & Lemon
Fish & Chips Sea Bass with Tartare
Sauce & French Fries
Mouse Trap with Chicken Three–
Cheese Gratin Rigatoni & Dried Miso
Pasta Pens Penne with Spicy Sausage, Cayene Pepper & Chervil
Spaghetti with Shrimp & Garlic
With Asian Tomato Paste­­­
12-Hour Braised Pork Belly With
Maple Brine, Creme Fraîche & Confit
of Japanese Pears
Crispy Pork Knuckle With Sauerkraut & Polenta
Pan Butter-Basted NY Strip Steak
With Red Wine Jus & Frites
Bangers & Mash Cumberland
Sausages with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
& Herbed Crumb
Lamb Shank With Cabbage
Risotto & Lamb Jus
Nutella Mousse With Peanut
Toffee & Hot Fudge
Jasmine flower Flan With Sesame
Tuile & Puffed Rive
Peach Melba Cheese Cake With
Oatmeal Cookie Crust & Peach Flambe
Bangkok Post I THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015
6 I HOLIDAY TIME
Festive Celebration
E
xperience a once-in-a-life-time trip
with Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok‘s Whale Watching Package
offering 2 nights’ accommodation and a
whale watching tour for two adults.
Delight in the sight of Bryde’s whales in
December and January in the Gulf of Thailand by taking a whale watching cruise from
a Pier that located just 45 minutes’ drive
from the hotel.
Learn all about these amazing mammals
from an English speaking qualified marine
naturalist tour guide.
Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok is
proud to be part of this whale watching
activity which aims to create awareness
and involvement in marine wildlife conservation, as well as; issues of surrounding
marine pollution.
The package features two nights’ accommodations for two in a “New Premier“ room
with welcome drink and breakfast at 204
Bistro. Plus special turn down, complimentary Wi-Fi, Early check-in and late
check-out.
Van pick-up to-and-from the hotel to
the Pier is included as are two adult whale
watching cruise tickets with whale watching
boat, captain, staff and guide.
Boats depart 20, 26 and 27 December
and 9, 10 and 16 January.
STAY & WHALE WATCH
WITH SWISSÔTEL LE
CONCORDE
NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
AT SIAM KEMPINSKI HOTEL BANGKOK
Festive Celebration
T
his coming festive holiday, Siam
Kempinski Hotel Bangkok invites
family and friends to enjoy endless
festive fun with a variety of culinary offers,
delightful entertainment and exciting activities in a luxurious setting.
Get into the festive spirit and be dazzled
with the sparkling Christmas decorations in
the hotel’s opulent lobby. Visit us at Hanuman Bar for the attractive holiday hampers,
featuring homemade seasonal goodies
freshly baked from the kitchen, which will
be available from Bt3,900 per set for the
Classic or Bt8,800 per set for the Optimum
(exclusive of 7% government tax). A la carte
selections as well as personalised hampers
are also available.
New Year’s Eve (Thu 31 Dec 2015)
Ring in 2016 in style by inviting loved ones
for the most lavish and glamorous celebration in town with the hotel’s Celebrity
Night themed party. Two gourmet dining
options include:
The Garden Party — Celebrate New
Year’s Eve under the stars with a feast of
food, drinks and entertainment in the
garden. Dine al fresco style and be delighted
Tel. 02 694 2222.
Email: reservations.bangkok@swissotel.com
http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/
bangkok-concorde/promotions/
experiences/stay-and-whale-watch/.
A HOLIDAY
WONDERLAND
Festive Celebration
D
iscover a holiday wonderland
at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, with glittering lights, festive decorations and, a magnificent, exotic Christmas
tree designed by our Floral Ambassador.
For booking and inquiries, email
mobkk-restaurants@mohg.com
with the extravagant buffet and live-cooking
stations featuring the best cuisines from
around the world. Highlights include lobster caviar cocktail, imported seafood on
ice, oysters, roasted cod fish (served with
lemon butter sauce or Thai spicy sauce,
a selection of grilled meats and seafood,
chicken shawarma, Thai-style noodles, as
well as sushi and sashimi and mouth-watering homemade desserts.
Time: 18.30 – 1.00 hrs.
Priced at Bt5,950++ for free flow of juices
and soft drinks with a glass of Champagne
to celebrate the countdown; and Bt2,950++
per child aged 6-12.
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin — Countdown the
New Year with a special 11-course set menu
of modern Thai-inspired cuisine, which is
attentively selected by Michelin-starred
Chef Henrik Yde-Anderson. Highlights include:
trio of oysters, lemongrass,
lime leaves and chilli; Hokkaido scallop with tamarind, lemongrass and
pumpkin; pan-seared foie
gras with ginger and plum
sauce, as well as Wagyu
beef with krachai and
oyster sauce to name a few.
Time: 18.30 – 24.00 hrs.
Priced at Bt5,200++, for
an11-course dinner (food
only) and a glass of Champagne to celebrate
the countdown.
New Year’s Day (Fri 1 Jan 2016)
Brasserie Europa — Start the New Year
with a delightful lunch buffet featuring a
variety of mouth-watering seafood, freshly
prepared à la carte main courses as well as
homemade sweets and savouries.
Time: 12.30 – 16.00 hrs.
Priced at Bt3,500++ with free flow of
alcoholic beverages; Bt2,550++ with free
flow of juices and soft drinks; and Bt1,200++
per child aged 6-12.
Children aged below 6 dine with
our compliments.
Reservations call 02 162 9000 or email
dining.siambangkok@kempinski.com.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
HANGOVER-FREE
Siam Makro offers non-alcoholic
hampers & gift baskets for New Year
Gift Idea
Siam Makro presents healthy “Non-Alcoholic” New
Year Hampers and Gift Baskets to welcome the
upcoming festive season and with discounts of up to
18%, offering customers the ideal New Year gift. Over
30 choices of gift baskets featuring a wide selection of
Siam Makro’s finest products are on sale for customers
to pick and choose to their hearts’ content to give away
as precious gifts to loved ones or close friends alike.
With every purchase of Baht 25,000 baht up, a complimentary delivery service will be provided - starting
from today until 15 January 2016 at all Makro branches.
www.siammakro.co.th. Tel. 02 335 5300.
CHRISTMAS EVE (Thurs, 24 Dec)
CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET DINNER AT
THE RIVERSIDE TERRACE
A sumptuous international buffet with local
and regional favourites, combined with
an exciting festive atmosphere. Highlights
include a live band, breathtaking fireworks
over the Chao Praya River and a special
appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Bt6,000/4,150 net.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT LORD JIM’S
A sumptuous five-course seafood extravaganza and a panoramic fireworks display
over the ‘River of Kings’.
Bt5,250 net.
CHRISTMAS EVE EXTRAVAGANZA AT
LE NORMANDIE
Enjoy the romantic ambiance of Bangkok’s
original French fine dining restaurant
with spectacular fireworks, an exceptional
wine cellar and a seven-course gourmet
feast courtesy of Chef Arnaud Dunand
Sauthier.
Bt9,800 net.
CHRISTMAS DAY (Fri, 25 Dec)
CHRISTMAS BRUNCH AT LORD JIM’S
Prolong the festive spirit with an enticing
selection of Thai, Japanese and European
dishes.
Bt3,500/1,950 net.
A FRENCH CHRISTMAS AT LE
NORMANDIE
The Christmas lunch provides an ‘haute
cuisine’ experience and pays homage to
festive celebrations of bygone days.
Bt3,500 net.
NEW YEAR’S EVE (Thurs, 31 Dec)
The evening starts at 7.30pm with welcome
cocktails in the Authors’ Lounge garden
and continues with a lavish gala dinner
and entertainment inspired by ‘Oriental
Magic since 1876.’ Dress in your finest
black-tie attire and dance to the renowned
Sun Band.
Besides signature cocktails,
highlights will include delicious Thai cuisine
and a buffet banquet with international
delicacies, and the customary countdown
to 2016 with more than 15 minutes of
spectacular fireworks over the iconic Chao
Phraya River.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA BUFFET
DINNER AT THE RIVERSIDE TERRACE
The perfect location, legendary Oriental
service, live entertainment, and a lavish
extravaganza of exotic and traditional
cuisine await, courtesy of Executive Chef
Stefan Trepp. Bt20,000/13,500 net.
GASTRONOMIC NEW YEAR’S EVE
DINNER AT LE NORMANDIE
Chef Arnaud and team present an outstanding celebration of French haute cuisine in the form of a distinguished eightcourse menu.
Bt19,500 net.
STYLISH NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT
THE CHINA HOUSE
The China House, with its 1930’s Shanghai
Art Deco ambiance, is the perfect place to
welcome 2016 with a sumptuous menu
of outstanding home-made Cantonese
specialties.
Bt8,200 net.
SIAMESE NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT
THE TERRACE RIM NAAM
Welcome the New Year at the Terrace
Rim Naam amidst the classic beauty
of Siamese culture and cuisine, showcased
in a lavish buffet with an array of sumptuous
Thai culinary dishes. Plus live music and a
spectacular fireworks display over the river.
Bt13,500/6,100 net.
EXOTIC NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT
LORD JIM’S
Lord Jim’s continues to delight seafood
aficionados with a signature seven-course
menu in a magical atmosphere courtesy of
Chef Reto Weber and team. Bt15,500 net.
NEW YEAR’S DAY (Fri, 1 Jan)
The festivities continue on New Year’s Day
with a special invitation to join the annual
First of January Cocktail Party in the Royal
Ballroom, to the sounds of the Bangkok
Symphony Orchestra. (Reserved exclusively for in-house guests).
NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH AT LORD JIM’S
With uninterrupted views of the Chao
Phraya River, celebrate the first day of 2016
while indulging in Bangkok’s most-loved
seafood buffets.
Bt3,500/1,950 net.
NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH AT THE CHINA
HOUSE
Start 2016 right with an exquisite brunch
and special Cantonese menu to bring good
luck and inspire a great year.
Bt1,884 1,413 net.
‘RIVER OF KINGS’ ALL-DAY BRUNCH
AT THE RIVERSIDE TERRACE
(7.00am - 3.00pm)
Gather friends and family for an extravagant New Year’s Day Brunch including creative gourmet selections and a sumptuous
dessert bar with an assortment of signature
Oriental delicacies.
Bt2,060 net.
FESTIVE HAMPERS
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers a
superb selection of goodies suitable for
everyone. Or create your own bespoke,
signature hamper. Hampers are available at all Mandarin Oriental shops: Siam
Paragon, Central Chidlom, Gaysorn, and
at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Delivery
service to selected destinations within
Bangkok.
View the festive hampers brochure
at mandarinoriental.com/bangkok.
Tel. 02 659 9000 ext. 6812-6813.
Email: mobkk-hamper@mohg.com.
Dine & Wine
INDULGE IN GOLDEN BIRDCAGE
AFTERNOON TEA
Get together this festive seasons and relax
in the spacious setting of the Lobby Lounge
at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, to admire
unmatched views of the Chao Phraya River
and indulge in a splendid Golden Birdcage
Afternoon Tea from 2 to 6 p.m.
Inspired by traditional British baking
style, the Golden Birdcage Afternoon Tea
Set includes such gourmet savoury bites as:
Alaskan King Crab, Charcoal & Poppy Seed
Baguette and Crisp Pancetta; Foie Gras Torchon, Pheasant Rillette, Port Wine Jelly and
Caramelised Apple; and Prawn and Citrus
Salad, Mango and Passion Fruit Espuma.
Bt1,588++ for a maximum of two persons including a choice of coffee/tea and
the hotel’s award-winning Blue Paradise
mocktail from Thailand’s Dilmah Real High
Tea Challenge 2014. Tel. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok’s
restaurant reservations desk on 0
2236 9952 and 0 2236 7777, e-mail
restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com or visit
www.BangkokRiversideDining.com. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 I Bangkok Post
Amazing offers this holiday season at
I 7
Festive Celebration
Boathouse by Montara
Gift Idea
Back
into
the
blue
Swiss watch manufacturer Oris launches
its new Divers Sixty-Five with a two-tone
grey and light “Deauville” blue dial option.
Its dial design is inspired by 1960s colour
palette, particularly the styles of upmarket
French seaside resort of Deauville.
At Baselworld this year, Oris revived a
diver’s watch it first introduced 50 years
ago. The new piece brought the retro
looks of the original right up to date with
21st century manufacturing techniques.
The impact of the Divers Sixty-Five, as its
known, has been extraordinary. Now, Oris
is introducing a sister piece, the new Oris
Divers Sixty-Five.
It perpetuates the aesthetic of the
black-dialled Divers Sixty-Five, with the
same case shape and size, and the same
HOLIDAY TIME B
oathouse by Montara is offering guests the ultimate holiday
escape to celebrate the end of
2015.
Choose from lavish gala dinners with
live jazz music at Boathouse Wine & Grill
and cheerful celebrations at Re Ká Ta
Beach Club.
signature green Super-LumiNova® numerals. But now the watch is being offered
with a two-tone dial in grey and light
“Deauville” blue, a colour reminiscent of
the sea.
The light “Deauville” blue colour is
lifted straight from the 1960s, and particularly from the cars, clothing and interiors seen during the period in one of its
most stylish resorts, Deauville on northern France’s Normandy coast. As before,
it’s powered by an automatic movement,
and comes with a choice of a black rubber
strap or a black textile strap.
Available at: D Watch Cafe’ M Fl.,
Siam Paragon; 3rd fl,. Central Chidlom;
1st fl,. The Emporium.
Christmas Eve Gala Buffet Dinner 24
Dec
Celebrate Christmas with a refreshing
cocktail in the sunset lounge, followed by
a lavish buffet dinner featuring Christmas
specials, regional favourites and delicious
desserts, complete with a ginger cookie
house and a wide selection of cheeses.
Enjoy the mellow tunes of Boathouse’s
Jazz band and enchanting Christmas Carols
while the little ones are entertained with
Christmas activities and a surprise visit
from Santa.
Cocktails start at 7pm followed by the
Gala Buffet Dinner at 7.45pm.
Christmas Eve Gala Buffet Dinner is
priced at Bt5,300 net per adult with 50%
savings for children under 12 years old.
Children under 5 years old dine for free.
Christmas Day Lunch 25 Dec
Savour a delicious classic 3-Course Christmas meal, complemented by the beautiful
views of the Andaman Sea as well as live
entertainment by our Jazz band and fun
kids activities.
Lunch is from 12 noon - 3.30pm.
Christmas Day Lunch is priced at Bt1,800
net per adult with 50% savings for children under 12 years old.
Lobster Boodle Party is priced at Bt1,880
net per adult with 50% savings for children under 12 years old. Children under
5 years old dine for free.
Saturday Jazz Night 26 Dec
Continue the festive celebrations with Boathouse’s famous Saturday Jazz Night. Their
culinary team will be serving an exquisite
4-Course Set menu to complement the
music of their resident singer and jazz trio.
Dinner starts from 7pm onwards.
Saturday Jazz Night dinner is priced at
Bt1,800 net per adult with 50% savings
for children under 12 years old.
Chilled Out Christmas Eve at Re KÁ TA
Beach Club on 24 Dec
Enjoy Christmas by the beach with a sumptuous 4-Course Set Gala dinner, complemented by the fresh breeze of the Andaman Sea and live DJ performance as well
as Christmas carols and crackers.
Welcome cocktail is served at 7pm followed by 4-Course Set Gala Menu at
7.30pm.
The 4-Course Set Gala Menu is priced at
Bt3,500 net per adult with 50% savings
for children under 12 years old. Guests
can enjoy free flow wines, local beers,
cocktails and soft drinks for Bt1,000 net
per guest per hour.
Lobster Boodle Party at RE KÁ TA
Beach Club on 26 Dec
Spend a fabulous day by the beach and
enjoy Phuket’s best lobster experience.
Enjoy the Maine Lobster Boodle Set, prepared with your choice of one grilled or
poached lobster, served with signature
boodie sauces and accompanied by lobster mac & cheese, spicy clam rice and a
grilled vegetables skewer. Savour a fabulous tapas and dessert buffet as well as one
complimentary signature coconut cocktail
while enjoying live DJ & Saxophone performances until the sun sets over Kata Beach.
Lobster Boodle Party is from 12 noon
- 3pm.
New Year’s Eve Gala “Masquerade”
on 31 Dec
Get ready for a night of mystery, glamour and excitement. Following a lavish
6-Course Gala dinner with live music, this
unforgettable evening will see a sparkling
firework right in front of Kata beach at midnight before dancing into the early hours of
2016. Masquerade masks and decorations
will be provided.
The gala starts from 7.30pm with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
8pm: 6-Course Set Gala Menu.
12 midnight: Fireworks on Kata Beach.
Dresscode: Smart Casual
New Year’s Eve Gala is priced at Bt1,800
net per adult with 50% savings for children under 12 years old.
New Year’s “Night in Colour” Party at
RE KÁ TA Beach Club on 31 Dec
This year RE KÁ TA Beach Club will be
dressed in vibrant colours to bring you
Phuket’s best countdown party. Enjoy a
delicious Gala buffet dinner and DJ music
with live percussion, followed by a mesmerizing firework display at midnight and
dancing until the early hours of the new
year. Guests will also get to see a dazzling
neon dance performance.
Event takes place from 7.30pm 2.00am with fireworks on Kata Beach at
12 midnight.
“Night in Colour” Gala Buffet Dinner is
priced at Bt5,000 net per adult with 50%
savings for children under 12 years old.
Children under 5 years old dine for free.
Vip Deck is priced at Bt12,000 net per
couple, including one bottle of Sparkling Wine.
Tel. +66 (0) 76 330 015.
Email: events@boathousephuket.com
NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN CELEBRATIONS
AT FIREPLACE GRILL AND BAR
Festive Celebration
T
he fireplace, complete with bulging stockings, glittery cards and cosy gatherings,
is sure to bring back memories of a good
old-fashioned Christmas to some. However, over
at the InterContinental Bangkok, their signature
restaurant Fireplace Grill and Bar paints quite a
different picture. Especially now that the venue has
reopened with a fresh, new look and brand new bar.
A dining institution for five decades, the Fireplace Grill and Bar has always been a top choice for
the city’s most discerning diners. Today however,
with its brand new look and bar, it is easily one of
the city’s best choices for any celebration, thanks
as well to a long line up of festive culinary offerings.
This festive season, diners will enjoy month-long
holiday menus, a five-course Winter Wonderland
Christmas dinner on the 24th and 25th December
and an extravagant New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas dinner,
priced at Bt4,888++ per person, includes a whole
host of Christmas and other celebratory fare, not
least the Roast Turkey Roulade, Roast Challan
Duck, Pan-fried Foie Gras and Scottish Salmon.
And no self-respecting Christmas dinner could
hardly end without it — a glorious Christmas
Pudding with Brandy Sauce, made all the more
delicious with the hotel’s signature Gingerbread
Ice Cream.
Take your celebration to a new level and indulge
yourself at the newly refreshed Fireplace Grill and
Bar — for a tantalising feast or nostalgic party, as
InterContinental Bangkok pulls out all the stops
this festive season.
For more information and reservations,
please call 02 656 0444, www.facebook.com/
ihg or www.youtube.com/ihgplc
Bangkok Post I THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015
8 I HOLIDAY TIME
Bed Time Bath Time Me Time You Time
Where the soft underbelly of your generosity is most appreciated
Gift Idea
NOEL MACLEAN
T
here are few more thoughtful
or welcome gifts at this time
of year than the things that
touch our bodies in our most
intimate moments such as bed
linen, towels and throws.
Some sumptuous suggestions from
Jaspal Home for all your most beautiful people…
SWEET DREAMS
Jaspal Home offers three collections of
bed linen that mix and match seamlessly:
Harmony at Home, Home Concept, and
La Collezione.
There is no finer bed linen than La Collezione. The ultimate “bed linen couture”
from Italy offers timeless glamour and a
warm and natural feel. Exclusively available in Thailand at Jaspal Home at Central
Embassy, the supremely fine fabrics are
woven from the best cotton in the world –
Giza Cotton — painstakingly sourced from
deep in the Nile Delta.
When you think about Egyptian cotton,
perhaps with Cleopatra sensuously reclining
amidst its folds, this is what springs to mind.
Except that craftsmen in Italy — the home of
exotic linen — have taken the ultimate form
and created from it a cosseting art form.
Trouble is that Egyptian cotton is scarce.
It is not easily available to make bed linen
from because the high-fashion apparel
business has most of the supply sewn up.
Fortunately, Jaspal Home is tapped in.
The resulting fabrics are so fine, you
don’t need to print them. With just a little
detailing and embroidery, it’s inherent
beauty speaks for itself.
And now Jaspal Home has launched its
first 2,200 thread-count per 10 cm² bed linen
collection — Diamante, one of the softest
tactile sensations in the world of linen.
“It’s all about texture because everybody
is focused on softness,” Tarun Puri, Marketing & Sales Director, explains. “But such
sublime softness is only achieved when all
the elements come together beautifully.”
And vice-versa, when touch is right,
everything else falls into place.
Whether in perfect white or a neutral
shade it exudes a remarkable lustre that
you would not want to besmirch with overt
design or riotous colour.
“Creating white linen is one of the hardest things,” Tarun continues. “To achieve
that unique natural sheen, everything has
to be of very superior quality.”
Meanwhile, the highlight of Harmony
at Home, Jaspal Home’s own creation, is
“Micro Modal” with exceptionally fine 800
thread-count.
“That’s micro as in the finest and modal
as in the elite of wood fibres.”
Wood fibre blended with cotton produces a uniquely organic but refined
quality that is simply irresistible. Whereas
normally such fabrics use a blend of wood
pulps, the Micro Modal collection for the
first time exclusively uses modal fibre which
is as good as it gets.
Then again, Home Concept is more
contemporary. The collection goes up to
600 thread count in Egyptian cotton and
is 100% manufactured in Italy. Here it’s
all about relaxed softness, pastel shades,
embroideries and designs. The whole concept doesn’t shout out colour or design.
The artistry is more tasteful involving subtle
and well considered elements of art and
architecture. Owning it thus imparts a sense
of achievement.
Better yet, you can collect sets or mix
and match as all the fabrics and designs
blend beautifully.
MICRO COTTON® TOWELS AND LINEN
Another always more than acceptable gift
is a towel set. And also uncannily soft are
Micro Cotton towels, America’s ultimate
drying-off accoutrement.
The secret is in the ultra-fine textured
yarn exclusive to Micro Cotton.
“The most important part of a towel is
the base pile,” explains Tarun.
“These guys have scientifically created
a pile with one of the highest rates of water
absorption ever. It actually absorbs 250%
more moisture than regular cotton towels
and dries 250% faster.”
So you can dry yourself off in a jiffy
while revelling in the extreme softness
which is also highly durable.
A subtle colour story that complements
the primary shades of the season make
them all the more desirable.
Available for you or someone you love
in hand, face and body towel sets that wrap
up just perfectly.
THROW ME THE THROW
Also highly appreciated as gifts are throws
– half-blanket-size, light-weight coverlets
to nestle beneath on Sunday afternoon
while watching a Blue Ray on the sofa amid
the air-conditioned immaculateness of
your super prime city centre condominium. The essential aspect is the feel of
it. You want a little warmth but without
bulk. Choose from light as air alpaca camel
wool, Cashmere or lamb’s wool. Each has
its own distinct characteristics, designs
and colours. And when not in use, leave
it on the earth-tone sofa as an electrifying
accessory.
All this and more in the unlimited lifestyle world of Jaspal Home.
Flagship Store, 4th fl Central Embassy.
Tel. 02 160 5961.
Also 3rd fl Siam Paragon and 4th fl
The Emporium. www.jaspalhome.com.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at La Scala
T
ake your special one to say goodbye
to 2015 with a 7-course menu at the
fabled Italian restaurant, La Scala,
at architecturally distinguished Sukhothai
Bangkok Hotel on South Sathorn Road.
Chef Michele has created an amazing
menu featuring Blue Lobster, Buffalo Mozzarella Emulsion, Crispy Tomato Basil,
Veal Cheek, Sweet Potato, Parmiggiano
Sauce Alba White Truffle, and a surprise
dessert “Arrivederci” to wrap up the year.
Menu exclusively created
by Chef Michele Tortaro
SCAMPI: Langoustine, Carrot Cream,
Micro Mustard Leaves.
ASTICE: Blue Lobster, Buffalo Mozzarella Emulsion, Crispy Tomato Basil.
ANATRA: Slow Cook Duck Breast, Butternut Squash Pata Negra.
LENTICCHIE: Lentil Soup with Italian Cotechino.
SPAGHETTI GENTILE: Kumamoto
Oyster, Spring Onion, Anchovy Cream,
Imperial Caviar.
BRANZIN: Pan Fried Sea Bass, Mixed
Garden Vegetables. Crispy Pork Guanciale, Porcini Mushrooms or GUANCIA
DI VITELLO: Veal Cheek, Sweet Potato,
Parmiggiano Sauce Alba White Truffle.
Arrivederci 2015
Chocolate Mousse “Kalingo 65%”,
Rum Biscuit.
Passion Fruit Caramel and Banana
Osmosis.
31 December 2015/18.30 – 22.30 hrs.
/Bt5,500++.
Reservations essential
Tel. 02 344 8888.
Email: promotions@sukhothai.com.
Festive Celebration