Showing 51 - 60 of 63
Phuket and the three B's
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/10/2015
» You don't have to treat your hotel as just a holiday crash pad. Getting away can instead be used as time to take it easy, enjoy your surroundings, watch the sunset and, y'know, chill. If you are looking for seaside serenity, two Bandara properties on Phuket's Ao-Yon bay will do the trick. Bandara Resort, Phuket consists of two properties -- Bandara Villas, Phuket and Bandara Beach, Phuket -- each a short walk from the other.
Bling-bling blockbuster
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/03/2015
» Going to a cinema can be so much more than simply sitting in a dark room with strangers and staring at a giant screen. Now it can entail a butler, a glass of wine, ample legroom and cuddle time with your boo — if you’re willing to cough up the coin, that is. Cinema operators try to outdo each other in offering a blockbuster experience through high-class theatres located at leading malls, the latest being Emprive Cineclub on the fifth floor of The Emporium. This week we present you with a side-by-side comparison of the most hi-so cinemas in Thailand — in alphabetical order — to help you decide where to get the biggest bang for your baht.
Riverside retreat
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/03/2015
» The first Mango Tree popped up in Surawong in 1994, and has since spawned six branches in Thailand, as well as several abroad in metropolises such as London, Tokyo, Dubai and Hong Kong. Mango Tree on the River, the brand's sixth and latest Thai branch, recently opened at Yodpiman River Walk, a new community mall that was renovated from six warehouse buildings on an arch of the Chao Phraya River. The restaurant features three levels of modern dining areas, all of which offer views of the river. We suggest skipping the balcony on the first level — everyone has access to it and chances are people will block your view as they take selfies. The balcony areas on the upper levels, however, are exclusive to customers, meaning you'll have an unobstructed view. The weekday crowd includes tourists in the afternoon and office workers in the evening. Weekend diners are predominantly families.
Squeeze play
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/01/2015
» Free Hugs Bangkok will give out friendly hugs at busy spots in Bangkok, from Sunday (Feb 1) to Feb 14. The group was co-created by Osito and La Monita owner Kasama Laopanich, Osito’s executive chef and partner Daniel Bucher, businessman Rajen “Raj” Palsingh and Business In Heels’ branch director Nicola “Nicky” Jones-Crossley. The hug-fest will culminate in a Valentine’s Day fundraising event at La Monita and Osito. Find out more about the group on its Facebook page, at fb.com/FreeHugsBKK.
Opulent Osha offerings
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 09/01/2015
» Osha has made a name for itself as a luxurious Thai restaurant in San Francisco since opening in 1997. Its first outlet in Bangkok officially opened on Dec 12 after a soft launch period. Not only can you expect modern twists on familiar fare here but also a real show of theatrical ambience. The swank atmosphere of Osha incorporates Thai inspirations all over the place (without making you feel like you're dining in a convocation hall of a Buddhist temple). A picture of Hanuman swallowing a pavilion is projected onto the restaurant's entrance as if you're about to enter a place of momentous importance. Look up from the comfy couch to the ceiling that serves as a canvas for projected pictures of Thai mythical and heavenly beings. Ascend to the upper level via a golden staircase with a giant piece-de-resistance chada (traditional Thai headdress) chandelier hanging in the centre to get close to the golden ceiling. Here you can dine at a semi-circular seat shaped in a monk's bowl with views of a Thai mural depicting Ramakien. A private room is also available on this level if you want to have a very hi-so private party.
Cross-Cultural Chef
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 26/12/2014
» Cyril Mougin, 29, is the executive chef at Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa. He oversees the hotel’s four restaurants, one of which is the Asian-inspired TAi. Although he is trained in traditional French cooking, he showcases his passion for Asian food at TAi where he offers favourite dishes from Thai, Korean, Filipino, Japanese and Chinese cookbooks. We talk to him about his culinary journey.
Tuscan taste
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/11/2014
» While you can have your pizza-and-carbonara affair at countless Italian places in Bangkok, it isn’t so easy to find a place with authentic offerings. Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen opened just a few weeks ago by 34-year-old Francesco Lenzi who has seven years of experience as a chef at leading hotels and venues in Bangkok and Hua Hin. He also competed in the Thai edition of Iron Chef while he was the executive chef at Hotel Muse Bangkok’s Medici, his previous role before opening Lenzi. His surname-sake offers an understated elegance in the air and traditional Tuscan food as well as his own creations with contemporary techniques on the plates. From the look of it, Lenzi should fit a sophisticated business dinner, eye-locking date or (hi-so) family gathering. Sit comfortably in upholstered armchairs and park your Gucci bag (after parking your Ferrari on the street in front of the restaurant). Diners who know Francesco from venues he previously worked at have followed him to his new restaurant. Their menu is in Italian with long English descriptions that should read like a poem for foodies.
Brunch with (teddy) bears
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 31/10/2014
» Did you know there’s a place where grown-ups can have breakfast with a teddy bear without being judged besides your bedroom? Mr. Jones’ Orphanage has become well-known as a place where you can satisfy your cake cravings in frung-fring mung-ming atmosphere. However, the venue has recently introduced a savoury side with a new brunch menu at two out of five branches – Seenspace in Thong Lor and Empire Tower in Sathon. The latter, which is the fourth branch that opened in early August, offers a cosy farmhouse atmosphere with whimsical touches. A light pine wood interior, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, teddy bears, and big dessert table make the place look very inviting. Although there’s no official VIP section here, one table with very-high-back armchairs (you can’t miss them) should suit a fancy brunch with friends or family. The patrons, as you may already have guessed from the opening times and location, are international office workers in the Sathon area.
Tracking down food trucks
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/10/2014
» You may think the food god has already blessed Bangkokians with endless choices of mobile eateries but this year we’ve seen a rising number of food trucks popping uPrice: in different corners of Bangkok .
Cooking up passion
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 28/02/2014
» Austria-born Sebastian Reischer is the executive chef of Horizons Bangkok at Zen World. He studied gastronomy and hotel management in St. Polten and apprenticed at Austria Trend Hotels. He has worked in London, Vienna, Singapore and now Bangkok, cooking up Asian and European cuisines. On a freelance basis, he also cooks for private functions, aiming to bring unique and intimate dining experiences to his clients. Contact him about his service at sebastiancuisine@gmail.com, sebastiancuisine.wix.com/passionfood or fb.com/sebastiancuisine.