Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
STUFF
Made For A Woman / Fendi
Fendi has introduced its baguette "Hand In Hand" from Madagascar created with Made For A Woman, a socially responsible women-led and women-centred social entrepreneurship project dedicated to empowering Malagasy artisans. The Madagascar Baguette reinterpretes traditional Malagasy designs into an intricate pattern of different stitches. The name "Hand In Hand" represents the artisans’ hands meeting Fendi artisans’ hands, giving life to a unique collaboration that fosters social empowerment. The brand has also launched the Simply Fendi, a soft shoulder hobo bag. Its name derives from the simplified design, enhanced by Corvara calf leather. Simply Fendi is realised in three sizes: a large and a medium carry-all’s with a roomy east-west silhouette, and a bold mini.
New single / Noah Raquel
After amassing a loyal fanbase of almost 2 million, Filipino singer/songwriter and digital star, Noah Raquel, is releasing his highly anticipated single on Ostereo, “Mahal Na Yata Kita”. Raquel received significant attention for his debut original releases, including “Nakalimutan”, which secured support from the likes of Spotify, MTV and NME. “Mahal Na Yata Kita" is an upbeat love song in Tagalog, which straddles the line between heartfelt and fun. The track draws inspiration from the 80s-synth-pop revival popularised by the likes of Harry Styles and the 1975, while remaining true to Raquel’s characteristic style. Follow Noah Raquel on his social media channels to listen to the song.
New flagship store / Montblanc, Siam Paragon
Luxury maison Montblanc has opened its latest flagship boutique at Siam Paragon, showcasing the innovative Neo 4.0 concept. The 88m² boutique features fluted panels known as the shui pattern, paying homage to the Mont Blanc and draws inspiration from motifs found at the Montblanc Haus in Hamburg, Germany. The silhouette of Montblanc’s iconic nib shape is woven into furnishings and walls, a further commitment to honouring the iconic Meisterstück as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Upgraded perks / Starbucks
Starbucks Thailand has unveiled new features to the Starbucks Rewards programme. Members can earn 1 star for every B25 spent in-store and redeem them for benefits. The new features in Starbucks Rewards offer two tiers of membership. At Green Level, they can redeem benefits, including a free upsize and a 25% discount. After accumulating 300 stars, members can upgrade to the Gold level, which comes with all Green level benefits plus perks such as a free drink, a B200 discount and four free drinks or a 50% discount when spending up to B600 per bill. Register for free.
New single / Coldplay
Following the release of "feelslikeimfallinginlove", the first single for their upcoming album "Moon Music", Coldplay followed that up with "We Pray", the second single in which they collaborated with international artists. The British rock band joins creative forces with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, English rapper Little Simz, Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter and Argentine singer Tini on this new anthemic track which they already debuted live at Glastonbury 2024. "Moon Music" will be their tenth studio album and is scheduled to be released, or should we say land, on Oct 4. "We Pray" is available on all streaming platforms.
JOIN
Guitar festival / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel / Sept 6-8
The Asia International Guitar Festival & Competition 2024 will be held at the Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel from Sept 6-8. The event is in collaboration with the Thailand Guitar Society, Savarez Strings, Silpakorn University's Faculty of Music and fai-fah by ttb. It is the largest and most vibrant gathering of classical guitar talent in Southeast Asia. Over three inspiring days, the festival will feature master classes, guitar exhibitions and exhilarating competitions. There will also be concerts from a line-up of international guitar virtuosos, including Admir Doci (Switzerland), Christoph Denoth (Switzerland), Cassie Martin (France), Gérard Abiton (France), Koki Fujimoto (Japan), Duo Zaher (Austria, Iran), Huy Thanh Nguyen (Vietnam), Jaemin Yoon (Korea), Leon Koudelak (Czech Republic), Pongpat Pongpradit (Thailand), Panuphan Prasithikunaporn (Thailand), Sung Ho Chang (Korea), Worrrapat Yansupap (Thailand), Vuong Quoc Anh (Vietnam), the Siam Guitar Quartet (Thailand) and the CGO Classic Guitar Orchestra (Thailand). Other highlights include the opening concert, guitar test, mini concert and matinee concert — all free to the public. Visit the hotel’s website.
Wine dinner / Goat x Rabbit / Sept 5-6
On Sept 5-6, Goat Bangkok will be joining hands with GranMonte Vineyard & Winery to host the “Goat x Rabbit Wine Dinner” celebrating the creativity between chef Pakorn ‘Tan’ Kosiyabong and the winery. The event also marks the debut of Goat Bangkok’s new menu, while retaining signature dishes. Chef Tan, born in the Year of the Goat, collaborates with GranMonte Vineyard & Winery, established in the Year of the Rabbit, which also marks the birth year of Thailand's first female winemaker, Visootha “Nikki” Lohitnavy’ was born. Nikki, whose parents own GranMonte, will be bringing her expertise to the dinner, which will be offbeat Asian cuisine. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Street food / Shangri-La Bangkok / Sept 7
The 18th “Raan Dung Ross Ded: RDRD Street Food Buffet Under the Stars @Poolside” is back at Shangri-La Bangkok on Sept 7. Bangkok’s first and only riverfront outdoor market features an all-you-can-eat buffet from stalls listed in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, along with the hotel’s food stations with live music entertainment and fun activities. Diners can enter a lucky draw and stand a chance to win complimentary dining vouchers from the hotel. Visit the hotel’s website.
Gourmet indulgence / Bistrot De La Mer / Sept 4
Bistrot De La Mer at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok will be hosting a Arzuaga Wine Dinner on Sept 4. The four-course wine-pairing dinner features wines from Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro and gourmet French cuisine crafted by chef Slawomir Kowalik, featuring King salmon gravlax, Confit duck ravioli, Beef cheek bourguignon and Valrhona chocolate tart. Meet Santiago Diaz Fernandez, brand ambassador of Arzuaga Winery for an oenological. Visit the hotel’s website.
Taste of Spain / Innside by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit x Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / Sept 6-7
Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the Spanish chef de cuisine at Innside by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, will celebrate his native country’s “unique way of life” with two remarkable “Taste of Spain” events. On Sept 6-7, the Madrid-born chef will take over Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa’s seafront restaurant Big Fish & Bar to orchestrate a four-course feast with optional wine pairing. The “Taste Of Spain” dinners will feature chef Racionero’s most popular dishes at Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar. The dinner starts with traditional Jamón croquettes, Lime-smoked sardine with Pipirrana salad, Pani puri with cured Hamachi sashimi and roasted peppers, and Crispy layered potato with truffled egg yolk and Idiazabal cheese. After Octopus and shrimp paella, diners can choose between two main courses: Iberian pork cheek with Spanish sauce, mashed potatoes and vegetables, or Sea bass fillet with Bilbaina sauce, shallots and bok choy. A selection of desserts such as Basque cheesecake, Catalan cream mille-feuille with passionfruit, rice pudding with spicy strawberries, and Spanish leche frita (fried milk) will round off the dinner. Visit the hotels’ website.
Cross culture / W Bangkok / Until Sept 1
The House on Sathorn at W Bangkok has launched the “Cross Culture Weekend” series, celebrating the diverse cultures and culinary excellence of countries around the region. The inaugural event, the Vietnam Edition, will run until Sept 1, offering a unique blend of global gastronomy and mixology at Paii and Bar Sathorn. The centrepiece of this series is an exceptional culinary showcase featuring chef Peter Cuong Franklin of the Michelin-starred Anan Saigon. The event also highlights a selection of Vietnamese bars showcase at Bar Sathorn, each known for their unique cocktail offerings. Finn Le from Nhau Nhau on Aug 30 and Liam Duong from Hybrid Saigon on Aug 31, alongside Vu Ngoc from Enigma Saigon. On Sept 1, savour cocktails from Jimmy Nguyen of Drinking & Healing Saigon, and Lucci Nguyen from Usebar Hanoi. There will also be an art exhibition by QD, whose work captures the imperfections of memory and raw emotions. His latest installation, “Endless Potential", delves into humanity’s struggles with abundance and scarcity. Vietnamese fashion brand, Oceana London will host a pop-up showcasing ready-to-wear designs by Dang Thuy Duong. Visit the hotel's website.
Brunch finale / Kimpton Kitalay Samui / Sept 15
Samui Summer Jazz Festival, which runs from Sept 13-15, will reach a crescendo with an uplifting Sunday brunch and live performances from top international musicians at Kimpton Kitalay Samui on Sept 15, following two days of live performances at five-star resorts across the island. Festival director Alexander Beets will lead a star-studded line-up of leading jazz artists, including Charlie Philips from the Netherlands, Fabio Lannino from Italy, Chukiat “Pui” Srisakul from Thailand, Jihee Heo from South Korea and Miguel Rodrigues from Spain. The music will be accompanied by fine food at Boho Thai Lifestyle Café, including seafood on ice, sushi and sashimi, freshly-cooked pasta, premium carved meats, Thai and international delicacies, barbecue and plenty of sweet treats. Visit the festival's website.
Gamers gathering / Thailand International Game Showcase 2024 / Until Sept 1
Enthusiasts of video games, esports, cosplay and Vtubers should head to Iconsiam's True Icon Hall for Thailand International Game Showcase 2024 (TIGS 2024), which runs until Sept 1. Meet esports players and watch them compete, enjoy performances by idol groups, take pictures with your favourite cosplayers and more. Free admission.
EAT
Afternoon tea / Meliá Chiang Mai / Until Sept 30
Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant, Mai Restaurant and Bar has launched a Thai-inspired afternoon tea for two that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming Baan Tawai Wood Carving Village. The tea’s savoury treats includes Spicy prawn salad, Khao soi croquettes and Miang khan. 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 afternoon 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.
Surf and turf / Red Sky
Red Sky at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has launched the “Surf & Turf Tower”. This decadent three-tiered feast features an Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, and tiger prawns, along with premium cuts of Wagyu sirloin, Gundagai lamb chops and Presa pork. It also has Seasonal vegetables, including grilled asparagus, porcini mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes. Beyond the tower, Red Sky offers a diverse à la carte menu that includes international and French-inspired dishes, as well as a monthly tasting menu. Visit the hotel’s website.
Weekend lunch / Uno Mas
Transform your weekends with the ultimate Spanish culinary journey at Uno Mas at Centara Grand at CentralWorld. The dining experience, featuring a special all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, is available every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. This new “Weekend Set Lunch” menu crafted by chef Roberto Gonzalez Alonso brings the best of Spanish flavours to Bangkok. Enjoy the Spinach salad or choose the Uno Mas salad with Iberico ham and vegetables. The Roasted red capsicum salad with white anchovies and the Baby cos salad with smoked salmon are perfect starters. Indulge in premium cold cuts, including 24-month-old Jamon Iberico, Salchichon, Chorizo and Lomo. Alongside, savour the rich flavours of Manchego, Mahon and Cabrales cheeses, selected for their unique profiles. Seafood lovers can delight in options like the Seafood salad with mussels, prawn, octopus, capsicum and olive oil or the Octopus salad with orange and pomegranate. The Tuna tartare with avocado and salmon roe, Salmon belly with miso and vegetables, Crab tartare, and Smoked salmon millefeuilles with aioli and cream cheese are not to be missed. Main courses showcase a diverse range of expertly crafted dishes. Choose from Mix croquets, Gambas pilpil or Black ink baby squid stew with jasmine rice. The Seabass Gallega with cauliflower purée, Pan-seared duck breast with tomato chutney, Grilled Iberian Pork Loin with carrot purée and black pepperorange sauce, Beef tartare with millefeuille crispy potato, Grilled marinated lamb chop with mashed potato, Ox tail Bocadillo with mayo chipotle, Gnocchi with pumpkin purée, sautéed mushrooms, and Manchego cheese, and Pan-seared salmon with roasted endive offer something for every palate. End your meal on a sweet note with warm and creamy Basque cheesecake, typical Spanish cake Brazo Gitano, delightful Catalan cream (Crema Catalana), Donosty dessert Pantxineta with pastry cream and nuts, or the classic Churros with chocolate sauce. Visit the hotel’s website.
Afternoon bliss / Tea & Tipple
A decadent chocolate afternoon tea experience at Tea & Tipple, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, awaits. The “Afternoon Choco Bliss” offers a chocolate tree, festooned with an array of bonbons, truffles and fresh berries. This visually striking centrepiece is accompanied by a delectable assortment of chocolate dipped treats, including marshmallows, dark chocolate strawberries and assorted pralines. The set also includes a variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts, all served with a choice of premium coffee or tea, with an option to elevate the experience with a glass of Champagne. Visit the hotel’s website.
STAY
Immersive package / Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort / Dec 5-9
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort has launched the “Best Brews Package”, available for booking until Sept 26. The curated package features a stay for two people in an Ocean View Suite in Patong from De 5-9 and a bespoke itinerary that includes a local brewery tour, craft beer tastings, island discovery excursions, cultural activities and more! This extended weekend adventure starts with an introduction to the Best Brews programme during a Welcome Happy Hour at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, featuring craft beers from Fullmoon Brewworks. Guests will also be able to visit this local brewery over the weekend for a behind-the-scenes tour, private tastings and a traditional art workshop. The four-night experience will also enable guests to sample local flavours with a cooking class and multi-course dinner reservations at highly recommended restaurants. Intrepid explorers can head out to the idyllic Racha and Coral islands and the iconic Big Buddha Phuket with local guides, and a private yoga class will help guests to unwind. The package also includes roundtrip airport transfers and complimentary daily breakfast, plus a farewell dinner with hand-selected beverage pairings. Visit the hotel’s website.
