Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
JOIN
Fire collabs / Made by Legacy / July 29-30
Guinness teams up with Mad Face and seven Thai restaurants to create one-of-a-kind menus under the concept “Guinness Flavour By Fire”. Experience the collab with a seven-course dinner on June 29-30 at the “Guinness Flavour By Fire & Mad Face” zone, Made by Legacy Flea Market Number 16.
Bar takeover / Mai The Sky Bar / Aug 2
Meliá Chiang Mai’s bar, Mai The Sky Bar, will welcome Naphat “Benz” Boonmamuang, aka “Mr B” on Aug 2. Mr B, the beverage and bar manager at Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar at 1921 House, has more than a decade’s experience of mixology under his belt. His Thai-inspired cocktails on offer during the takeover include a highball cocktail dubbed “Poy Luang”, which means a grand celebration featuring a lively procession. Paying homage to traditional drinking customs where alcohol is typically consumed with pickled fruit, the cocktail features a homemade wild apple sparkling juice, made from wild apples, galangal and citron grown by the Doi Ang hill tribe community in Chiang Mai’s Fang district, mixed with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey. The cocktail is garnished with plum-soaked citron wrapped in edible plastic; a nod to the world’s need to reduce plastic use. Visit the hotel’s website.
From KL to Singapore / Kita Food Festival / Sept 4-8 and January to March 2025
The Kita Food Festival returns to Malaysia and Singapore for its fourth instalment, kicking off in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 4-8, then Singapore from January to March 2025. This annual celebration of Southeast Asia’s growing culinary culture will see chefs and industry pioneers from across the region gather for a series of four hand dinners and kitchen takeovers, culminating in the “Big Sunday Barbecue” and thought leadership events. The Kuala Lumpur weekender will introduce “A Food Affair” on Sept 7, which will see Prin Polsuk of Bangkok’s Samrub Samrub Thai bringing southern Thai fishermen cuisine to Raw Kitchen Hall. During the weekend, speakers and fireside talks by food experts, a series of interactive masterclasses and a marketplace with artisan food and produce from local farms will take place at Else Retreats. In Singapore, Kita Conversations will partner with Synthesis, a creative data house that uses Open Source Intelligence to map what the world will be eating in decades to come. It kicks off with three seminars in January and February, which will lead into a large symposium. Tickets for Kuala Lumpur go on sale on July 31 for Kita subscribers and Aug 1 for the public. Details on the Singapore Weekender and its ticket sales will be released in September.
Wine challenge / Wynn Macau / Aug 2-3
Wynn Macau is set to host the International Wine Challenge (IWC), which is a feast in honor of award-winning sakes from Aug 2-3. Engage in a masterclass of Japanese sake, a walkaround tasting session, a sake dinner and the "IWC Trophy Champion Gala Dinner". Wine writers Robert Joseph and Charles Metcalfe are the masterminds behind IWC, which was founded in London in 1984 to select the world's finest wines. The free "Sake Masterclass" will be held in the Grand Ballroom on Aug 2 and will be hosted by Atsuhide Hoshiyama, director of the Japan Sommelier Association. The Walkaround Tasting will invite representatives from nine breweries to present their IWC 2024 Trophy sakes, including the IWC Champion Sake 2024 winner, Miyakobijin Yaiyou. It will be held on Aug 2 in the Grand Ballroom and is free of charge. The Champion Sake Dinner will feature a sake pairing menu at Mizumi at Wynn Palace on Aug 2. The Gala Dinner on Aug 3 will bring masterminds of the nine top-rated trophy sakes together, presenting their corresponding award-winning sakes with a special menu in the Grand Ballroom. Visit the hotel's website.
Holistic health / Spa Cenvaree / Until July 31
Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand at CentralWorld will host Toby Maguire, holistic health practitioner, who will be offering his holistic treatments from until July 31. Maguire utilises a combination ofmind and body therapies to help achieve optimal well-being. The wellness treatments heprovides at Spa Cenvaree are: Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Massage, Hypnotherapy, Meditation,Stress Management and Qi Gong. Visit the hotel's website.
Open house / Volvo Car Thailand / Aug 3-4
Volvo Car Thailand will host the first-ever open house event for the sale of Volvo Selekt Approved Used Cars. More than 50 certified pre-owned vehicles will be available, providing an opportunity for interested buyers to explore and test drive these high-quality, low-mileage cars. The event will be held from Aug 3-4 at Emporium Tower, Sukhumvit 24. At the event, attendees who test drive will receive a B200 Starbucks gift card. Additionally, those who purchase a car at the event will get a free one year first-class insurance. Visit the registration desk at the foyer of Emporium Tower on the M Floor.
Seven in one / Central Embassy / Until July 31
La Lanta Fine Art is hosting its first exhibition at Central Embassy until the end of this month. "Perspectives Unbound" gathers seven noted artists in one place. They are Attasit Pokpong, Chanida Aroonrungsi, Chamnan Chongpaiboon, Chayanin Kwangkaew, Ekarat Aroonrat, Wattanapon Kitburin and Jooeun Han. The group show offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and interpretations of emotions through 30 artworks.
New exhibition / Rosewood Bangkok / Until Sept 30
Rosewood Bangkok celebrates the vibrant creativity and modern design spirit of the dynamic city with a new art exhibition featuring renowned artist Pomme Chan. "Happiness Is Now" explores the essence of happiness through a series of deeply personal artworks. Featuring a collection of works created using oil pastels — chosen for their simplicity and expressive ability — this introspective show offers a unique perspective on the everyday moments and profound insights that define our sense of joy.
Nature and human / Warin Lab Contemporary / Aug 3 to Sept 28
Curated by Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani, "Under The Dark Sun" is a solo exhibition by Imhathai Suwatthanasilp. As always with Warin Lab, their art shows always carry environmental messages. The exhibition is about the nurturing power of nature as a place for all species to coexist while environmental changes of great magnitude loom over, hinting at a real possibility that nature may one day become inhospitable and no light or life will be conceivable. On one hand, Imhathai looks at the impact of human behaviour on the environment and on the other, highlights the power that natural phenomena have had on human history, and the history of the planet. Besides her signature use of human hair, she employs other unusual materials like fish scales of various types and termite wings. Her choice of tiny material pieces is intentional as, despite the insignificant size of fish scales or termite wings, they can tell viewers big stories and show them big problems.
EAT
New chef / Ekkaluck
Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection has appointed Teerathep “Tor” Tishabhiromya as executive chef at Ekkaluck, the hotel’s signature dining destination. Chef Tor will be in charge of the new “Brunch, Lunch And Later” concept, which will see a series of signature à la carte dishes throughout the day and evening. From Pad Thai Chao Phraya to Tom Yum, to Tao Hoo Klong Ngae, each dish is complemented with cocktails and rare wines. Visit the hotel’s website.
Fruit Fest / Balcony Lounge / Until Oct 31
InterContinental Bangkok introduces a new Fruit Fest Afternoon Tea set until Oct 31 at Balcony Lounge. An array of fruit delicacies, including Oolong mangosteen, Honey Chiang Mai longan, Jasmine pomelo and Valrhona Opalys 33% white chocolate with green tea and Sriracha pineapple will be on offer. Complementing these sweet treats are savoury delights such as Foie gras terrine with duo of mango and onion jam, and a Prawn cocktail rambutan bagel. Visit the hotel’s website.
Afternoon tea / Diplomat Bar
Conrad Bangkok presents its latest offering at the Diplomat Bar — the "Taste Of Thailand" afternoon tea experience. The tea is served in a hot air balloon-shaped tea set that has been crafted from sustainable coconut fibre. This distinctive material not only adds an eco-friendly touch to the experience but also symbolises the timeless allure of adventure and the dream of exploring new horizons. Visit the hotel’s website.
Maine lobster / Scarlett Bangkok / Until Aug 31
Scarlett Bangkok celebrates the Maine lobster prepared in seven ways. The natural sweetness and succulent texture of Maine lobster will be showcased with Scarlett's signature flair. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Set menus / Viu restaurant
Viu restaurant at The St. Regis Bangkok has introduced the next chapter of “A New Narrative Of Culinary Set Menus”, showcasing four-course Western and Thai set menus inspired by a theme of culinary experience and passion by chef de cuisine Pongsakorn Boonruang. Visit the hotel’s website.
Chocolate tea / Lobby Lounge / Until Sept 30
Some of the best locally produced chocolates in Thailand are featured in this season’s afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Bangkok. Inspired by Shangri-La’s ‘Rooted in Nature’ project, where sustainability meets delectable flavours, “All About Thai Chocolate" presents a variety of chocolates — ranging from 40-70% cocoa content — sourced from Chiang Mai, Chanthaburi, Chumphon and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The tea is available until Sept 30. Visit the hotel’s website.
Flavours of durian / Mill & Co / Until Aug 31
Celebrate the peak of durian season at Mill & Co, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, with the exclusive Durian Afternoon Tea. This limited-time offering until Aug 31, will offer an array of durian-inspired delicacies. Enjoy scones served with durian compote and mascarpone. Delight in Durian coconut pudding with sticky rice, savour Durian crepes filled with smooth durian cream, and the Craquelin durian choux cream, a choux pastry with a crunchy topping and creamy durian filling. Also in the set is a light and airy Durian coconut mousse, combining the tropical flavours of durian and coconut, and the Durian bavarois cream tart. the Durian double cheesecake features double layers of durian goodness, and the Coved chocolate durian offers durian enrobed in a smooth chocolate coating. Further delighting the taste buds is Kanyao durian chocolate truffle, an indulgent truffle made with the finest Kanyao durian, and Durian ice cream served Thai-style with durian soft bun, sticky rice, and yellow nuts. Visit the hotel's website.
STUFF
Paying homage / Montblanc Writers Edition
The Writers Edition spotlights the creativity and artistry of the prolific writers, who shaped world literature and left a lasting imprint on culture. This edition pays tribute to Jane Austen, the author who revolutionised fiction nearly 250 years ago with her groundbreaking subjects and style. Whether it's a Limited Edition, Limited Edition 8, Limited Edition 1813 or Limited Edition 97, they're all powerful. Available in Montblanc boutiques and online.
Marvel madness / Major Cineplex and SF
Coca-Cola has teamed up with leading cinema operators Major Cineplex and SF Cinema to launch the "Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes" campaign, offering Marvel fans exclusive experience at activation booths in Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon and SF World Cinema, CentralWorld until July 28. When purchasing the Marvel Combo Set, customers will get an exclusive photo card experience with Marvel characters and spin the wheel to win prizes such as limited-edition Coca-Cola pack designs, colour-changing cups, or collectable gift sets. Or buy Coca-Cola products for the required value to enjoy the photo card experience. At Major Cineplex, a purchase of Deadpool or Wolverine popcorn bucket set makes you eligible to buy a Coca-Cola Marvel Set at a special price until Sept 30. Each set includes one movie ticket, one glass of 32-ounce soft drink and one 325ml Coke can. At SF Cinema, a Marvel Super Giant Bucket comes with a 380-ounce bucket and two 32-ounce soft drinks until supplies last.
Game like you mean it / TTRacing
Known for its innovative gaming chairs and IP collaborations, TTRacing joins the highly anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine” to launch an exclusive Marvel collection features gaming chairs inspired by the distinctive red and yellow designs of the superhero duo. The TTRacing Swift X Pro - Deadpool Edition features a black and red stylish aesthetic of the tactical suit, along with high-quality stitching. A playful touch is added with Deadpool's catchphrase, "Time to make the chimichangas" on the pillow. The Swift X Pro - Wolverine Edition showcases a bold colour palette with vibrant yellow hues and deep blue accents, staying true to Logan's comic-accurate suit. The sleek lines and geometric patterns reflect Wolverine's rugged, battle-ready aesthetic, with every stitch crafted to enhance the carbon fibre textured PU. An exclusive Wolverine abstract art piece on the back accentuates the distinctive features that define this legendary character, while the pillow features claw motifs to pay homage to his iconic claws. Visit TTRacing's website.
Chinese Valentine's Day / Fendi
To celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day, Fendi launched a capsule collection with a joyful attitude, modelled by brand ambassador Song Yuqi and singer Caelan Moriarty. The collection includes a colourful item line-up for women and men such as ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories. Besides China, the Fendi 2024 Chinese Valentine's Day Capsule Collection will also be on sale at its Siam Paragon boutique in Thailand alongside other Asian countries.
Look at my sneakers / Balenciaga
Next to its iconic City bags, Balenciaga is also known for its out-there shoes. The Circuit Sneaker is the latest addition to Balenciaga's repertoire of crazy kicks, kicking off a new campaign highlighting Balenciaga's latest athletic-inspired footwear. The Circuit Sneaker, available in Balenciaga stores and on its website, are extremely lightweight shoes in a white and silver colourway and dubbed a reimagination of a modern gym shoe with bold proportions, fusing ideal comfort with high concept. Its name refers to a continuous loop. A dynamic sole, which swells under the ball and heel, supports motion and agility, while its upper is comprised of aerodynamic vented panels and a fused eye stay. Three different Balenciaga logomarks decorate the shoe’s exterior, illustrating the sneaker’s hybrid design.
STAY
New package / Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / Until Sept 30
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has launched the “Stay & Play” package that lets sports fans challenge each other to exhilarating games on state-of-the-art golf, football and tennis simulators at the brand-new Teeshot Bar. Sports fans who book a stay at the hotel until Sept 30 will be treated to daily breakfast for up to two people at Goji Kitchen + Bar and an hour of daily entertainment at Teeshot Bar, with a choice of games on the golf, football or VR tennis simulators. Visit the hotel's website.
Solo travelling / Mirihi
The Solo Traveler package makes its debut at Mirihi in the Maldives for the summer months. The package includes four nights one of the most beautiful corners of the world and accommodation on a single occupancy half-board basis. It also offers a complimentary upgrade to full board, seaplane transfers to and from the resort, and one 60-minute spa treatment. Complimentary resort activities include yoga, meditation, non-motorised watersports, snorkelling and access to the fitness centre. Benefits include access to the seaplane lounge, a 30% discount on the a la carte dining menu and 10% off the specialty dinners in Muraka, the resort’s seaside fine dining restaurant, plus welcome amenities curated by the hotel team upon arrival. Visit the resort’s website.
Foodcation / Conrad Singapore Orchard
Eating is always a big part of any vacation itinerary and, if you're a discerning epicurean, you may want to consider the “Gastronomic Getaway” from Conrad Singapore Orchard, which has 10 dining establishments, each with its distinctive appeal from Italian restaurant Basilico to the acclaimed Manhattan Bar. The getaway includes 11am early check-in, 4pm late check-out, daily breakfast for two at Basilico, USD100 dining credit per stay redeemable at the hotel's eateries and one choice from three gastronomic experiences between Basilico's Cheese Infusion Workshop, Manhattan Bar's Barrel-Aged Cocktail Flight or Dolcetto's Sunset Aperitivo. Visit the hotel's website.
