Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel deals to indulge in.
STUFF
Capsule collection / I Wanna Bangkok x The Standard Bangkok
Among the cleverly-designed products curated at The Standard Shop, Thai designer brand I Wanna Bangkok has secured a space on the shelf for its capsule collection for Pride Month, crafted in collaboration with the hotel. The fashion label has been flexing with a series of items built around hotel amenities, which have been playfully reinterpreted into something stylish. While it seems a bit late to launch, the Pride collection never fails to inspire with a co-branding pattern in a bold colourway that captures the spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community, featuring on a pyjama set and towels. A terry-cloth cap with a particularly eye-catching Korean Yangmeori (sheep's head towel) adorned atop it is another piece worth investing in. The Standard Capsule Collection is available at The Standard Shop at The Standard Bangkok. Visit ig.com/iwannabangkok.
Summer Rain / Byredo
In time for the monsoons, Stockholm-based perfumery Byredo has introduced the "Summer Rain" candle to its home fragrance series. The black candle offers a refreshing and warming contrast through a fragrance that evokes the feeling of rain on a hot summer's day. A blend of basil and spearmint brings a fresh note to counterbalance the humidity, while green fig and sparkling ginger exude a grassy scent and a wet tree smell, paints an image of vibrant greenery. Tonka beans and sandalwood offer a soothing contrast, leaving a lasting earthy scent. Burning for up to 60 hours, the candle is housed in the brand's signature smoked black glass. Shop at byredo.com.
KaiHuaRor collaborative collection / Preduce Skateboards
Preduce Skateboards crafts an exclusive collection for Thailand’s long-standing comic book publisher, Kaihuaror. By combining the brand's expertise in skateboarding with the world of Thai comic art, expect a collectable series of skateboard decks incorporating the iconic characters from the comic books. Each deck portrays a quirky chapter centred around skateboarding culture, with professional skateboarders, such as Jasper Dohrs and Geng Jakkari, from Preduce's in-house team as the protagonists. They're putting on a launching event at Baan Preduce this Saturday, where you can meet and greet with cartoonists and pro-skateboarders. Go to fb.com/preduce.
Fuoriserie Essentials / Maserati x David Beckham
Maserati recently introduced its first Fuoriserie Essentials, a refined collection of cars. The first collection is designed by global brand ambassador David Beckham. Inspired by his fascination for Maserati classic cars and conceived as an extension of his Savile Row sartorial wardrobe, Beckham designed his Fuoriserie DB Essentials collection with two distinctive car configurations that express his contemporary re-interpretation on some of the Trident’s most timeless icons. Beckham selected "Night Interaction", which is blue for the exteriors of his first DB Essentials matching it with a tan shade for the leather interiors. For his second configuration, he paid tribute to the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale, only produced in 51 units, and chose an exterior paint of a “Verde Royale” (dark green) hue with warm brown leather upholstery. An exclusive metal plate celebrating the collaboration between Maserati and David Beckham is applied to the central tunnel between the front seats or between the two headrests. Both Fuoriserie DB Essentials configurations will be available for order in the near future. Visit maserati.com.
JOIN
Pride Party / Smalls / June 30
Round up Pride Month celebrations at Suan Plu's favourite jazz club, Smalls, which throws a party tonight with a parade of fun. Come early for slices from Gallery Pizza and wings from Wing Spot while sipping on a Pride-themed cocktail. DJ Berry Lin from Myanmar will take the stage, spinning her electrifying blend of funky jazz, groovy disco and melodic house. For all the fearless divas and rockstars, join an open karaoke session on the second floor at 10pm. Bring your A-game and slay the runway for a prize and a crown in a drag fashion contest. Visit fb.com/smallsbkk.
Drag Me to So/: Together We Shine / So/ Bangkok / July 1
Sashay down to So/ Bangkok this Saturday as the hotel wraps up Pride Month with a fabulous finale. Gigiferocious, Meannie Minaj and Notty Naughtygurl are among the queens who will set the stage on fire with a drag show and battle, leaving you screaming "Yaaas, queen!". Werk it till you drop dead on the dance floor with fierce beats from DJs from the LGBTQIA+ community: DJ Palla and DJ Yui. So get your wig snatched and prepare to slay the night away for B850 per person, including a drink. Tickets via bit.ly/43wKb8x.
Thailand Craft Chocolate Festival / Central Embassy / July 5-9
Thailand Craft Chocolate Festival (TCCF) puts on an all-about-chocolate event for World Chocolate Day. The 6th floor of Central Embassy will be turned into a market zone where artisanal chocolates crafted by local chocolatiers will be on sale. There will also be workshops on the tree-to-bar process and chocolate-making. Witness the top three Thai chocolatiers competing in the Thailand Chocorista Championship 2023, and congratulate cocoa farmers, who will be awarded in the Thailand Cacao Pod Contest 2023, the first-ever competition for fresh cacao in Thailand. Visit fb.com/TCCFThailand.
American Independence Day / Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar / Tuesdays
Located at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar will be celebrating American Independence Day on July 4. In partnership with Budweiser, the rooftop bar will serve delectable American specialties, refreshing beverages and a festive atmosphere. From 5pm until midnight, the flavours of the US will be honoured with hot dogs, burgers, BBQ pork ribs, chicken wings, mac and cheese and irresistible apple pie. Meanwhile, the bar has also launched “Ladies Night”, every Tuesday night from 5-8pm. When a group of four or more order a bottle of Belstar prosecco, they will receive the second bottle for free. Capture the moments and share them on social media using the #Octaveladiesnight hashtag and stand a chance to win tickets for upcoming events. Call 02-797-0000 or email diningbangkok@marriott.com.
Odesza: The Last Goodbye Cinematic Experience / Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon / July 7
Witness the Odesza live show as an immersive concert film with “Odesza: The Last Goodbye Cinematic Experience” held worldwide for one night only on July 7 at 7pm at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon. The cinema event features significant behind-the-scenes content, including personal interviews with Odesza’s Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, their fans and members of their creative team, all spanning 10 years. The conversations are woven in with full concert footage filmed in part at one of Odeza’s hometown shows at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and in part elsewhere along their 2022 national tour. Viewers will experience transformative visuals and pyrotechnics, as well as full stage choreography — including a horn section, vocalists, and the now famous odesza drumline — all collaborating with Harrison and Clay. Book tickets at majorcineplex.com/booking2/search_showtime/movie=2007.
Seoul Searching In Bangkok / Scarlett Bangkok x Pine & Co / July 7
A collaboration with Pine & Co, Alchemy Thailand and 1800 Tequila, Scarlett Bangkok presents a one-night-only guest shift, “Seoul Searching In Bangkok”. The bar’s name has two meanings, where both definitions allude to Pine & Co’s ethos — the pine tree symbolises longevity whereas, the pineapple represents good hospitality. Combining forward-thinking techniques with unconventional flavours that will surprise and delight, this guest shift is not-to-be-missed by cocktail lovers and enthusiasts. Each with a story, the cocktails are a nod to the rich culture, as well as flavours of Seoul, featuring local ingredients and elements that reflect the uniqueness of the Korean heritage. For instance, nuruk (a traditional ingredient in Korean cuisine often used to make makgeolli), is the star ingredient for one of the cocktails. The one-night only event will showcase four creations by the bartender duo, Du Ui Hong (Joe) and Pat Park. Yin And Yang (B380++), Sik-Hye Mule (B380++), Nuruk (B380++) and Gochu Fashioned (B450++). The bar takeover is on July 7 from 7-9pm. Call 096-860-7990 or Line: bitly.ws/zaVd.
STAY
Ruby Jubilee / Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers / Until Aug 31
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers marks its 40th anniversary with the "Ruby Jubilee" package, which offers a night stay with breakfast included at a special rate. Starting at B6,850 for a night in a guestroom, guests who book their riverside stay with the package will be rewarded with a complimentary upgrade to Premium Deluxe Riverview and a bottle of wine daily. Yes, a bottle of wine per day, you heard that right. Plus, a buy-one-get-one-free dinner buffet at Feast for B1,800++. Visit tinyurl.com/2ssrbnyu.
Family By JW Staycation / JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa / Until Sept 30
With the "Family By JW Staycation" package by JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a series of perks for a family getaway. Starting at B5,750 for a night in a guest room and B6,950 for a family room, a family of four, including two adults and two kids, can enjoy a seaside stay with daily breakfast at JW Cafe. Spoil your little ones with a daily scoop of ice cream while you and your partner raise a toast to the lovely fam time with a complimentary bottle of wine. Make eventful memories with your family through activities at the game zone or take a tour of JW Secret Garden and a turtle shelter. Visit tinyurl.com/ykjsx4yr.
House Hideaway / Rosewood Bangkok
Check into one of Rosewood Bangkok's signatures, the "House Hideaway" to reap rewards on hotel credit. The hotel offers exclusive rates for guests to luxuriate in Nara House, Thara House or Bannakarn House, with sumptuous breakfast at Lakorn European Brasserie. A night in each accommodation includes a B15,000 credit, B25,000 and B50,000, respectively, to spend on the hotel’s restaurants and bars, as well as a wellness journey at Sense Spa. Spoil yourself with warm and welcoming hospitality provided by a personal butler. Book at rosewoodhotels.com/en/bangkok.
Opening offer / Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort recently opened its doors to offer a new atmosphere of laid-back bliss on the western edge of the Baa Atoll. Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the Unesco Biosphere Reserve's deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures, as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions and studios, guests can take advantage of enticing opening offers, available until summer 2024. The resort, 35 minutes from Velana International Airport, offers a wide range of accommodations with 40 spacious and flexible two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas. The resort's 10 Overwater Pool Villas, overlooking the two lagoons of Dolphin Bay, provide a picturesque sanctuary. Avani+ Fares has a range of amenities, including a watersports centre, a dive centre, an AvaniFit gym and a contemporary AvaniSpa, with a host of activities from e-surfboarding and snorkelling to sound healing and sunrise yoga. Families can rest easy knowing that little ones will be fully entertained at the AvaniKids and Teens Club, complete with splash play area and gaming chill out zone. Avani+ Fares is also home to Maldivian fashion and homeware brand, Island Bazaar’s, first resort boutique, offering handcrafted souvenirs. Opening offers include a five-night stay for two in an Avani Sea View Studio from US$4,100 (approx B145,660) and a seven-night escape for a family of four staying in an Avani Two Bedroom Beach Studio from US$10,750. Includes breakfast, taxes and return seaplane transfers. Call +960-722-5604, email fares@avanihotels.com or visit avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives.
EAT
New look / Lava Asian Fire Grill
Lava Asian Fire Grill has taken the art of Asian fire-grilling techniques to new heights, offering a large selection of the finest Wagyu and Black Angus cuts and an extensive menu with signature dishes with Asian influences. The restaurant uses the “kokoyaki” fire grill technique, which uses dry coconut husk (“koko”) to infuse a subtle smoky flavour to the meat. The suggested dishes are Truffle chicken liver toast, Lava’s signature steak, Wagyu beef katsu and the Beef tartar and bone marrow. Desserts include the interactive Triple prophecy fortune cookie. As part of its new look, the grill will be hosting special events each month. Call 099-285-7676, email contact@lavabangkok.com or visit lavabangkok.com.
New restaurant / La Brace
La Brace is the latest grillhouse and wine bar to open in Earth Ekamai. Under the helm of chef Mark Hagenbach, La Brace showcases Mediterranean grill cuisine, using imported cuts of meat grilled over charcoal and wood fires. Complimenting the grill section, the menu features an extensive array of contemporary dishes inspired by traditional French, Italian and Spanish recipes. Indulge in charcuterie and fresh oysters from France before tucking into Sturia caviar from France, Japanese blue-fin tuna, Scottish salmon, French white asparagus, Italian truffles and Australian Westholme Wagyu beef M+5. Dishes include Tuna tartare, Aurora salmon with seafood nage and fennel, White asparagus and truffle risotto and Westholm Australian Wagyu striploin m+5 with onion jam, red wine and truffle jus. Call 094-540-6662.
Monthly special / Dynasty, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Dynasty’s Chinese master chef Kongsun Sae-liang presents dishes with red grouper as specials. Priced at B700++ each, each dish brings out the best in the fish using traditional Chinese cooking techniques and premium ingredients. Whether you prefer the spicy kick of mala, the peppery richness of black pepper or the comforting creaminess of the corn, the red grouper dishes promise an unforgettable dining experience. Call 02-100-6255, email diningcgcw@chr.co.th or visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/restaurant/dynasty.
Truffle Party / Igniv Bangkok / July 3
Igniv Bangkok will host a special crafted dinner in collaboration with Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu, and Villa Frantzén. Discover a unique experience, featuring 15 dishes, celebrating rare black truffles from Australia on July 3, with chefs David Hartwig and Arne Riehn from Igniv Bangkok, chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo from Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu, and chef Nilas Corneliussen from Villa Frantzén. Each dish of snacks, starters, mains and desserts incorporating the distinct essence of truffle has been thoughtfully created to showcase the versatility and aroma of this prized fungi. The “Truffle Party” dinner has three reservation slots, 6pm, 7pm and 8.30pm and is priced at B6,700++ per person, with an additional B3,500++ per person for a five-glass wine pairing. Call +02-207-7822, email igniv.bangkok@stregishotels.com or visit bit.ly/IgnivBangkokReservationAP.
South America Meets Southeast Asia / Restaurant Resonance / July 6-9
Experience a unique fusion of flavours when “South America Meets Southeast Asia" at Restaurant Resonance. From July 6-9, three chefs will collaborate for a six-hand dinner. Peruvian chefs Jorge Muñoz and Francesca Ferreyros, together with Resonance executive chef Shunsuke Shimomura will present a 10-course tasting menu, priced at B6,900++, with a six-glass wine pairing for an additional B4,500++ and a six-glass tea pairing for B1,500++. Chef Muñoz is currently focused on a new venture in Lima, Peru, while chef Ferreyros is the chef-patron of Baan in Peru. Chef Muñoz’s dishes will be created on the day of the dinner in response to his visit to the local market. Highlights from chef Ferreyros will include a Thai crispy flower with yellow curry manjar blanco and coconut ice cream, while chef Shimomura will serve a buckwheat crepe with anago fritto, grilled eggplant and summer pickled vegetables. Dinner will be served at 5pm and at 8.30pm at Restaurant Resonance, 108/4, Sukhumvit 65. Call 094-798-2897 or visit fb.com/resonance.bkk.
First Anniversary / Larder / July 1-16
To celebrate their one-year anniversary in July, Larder will be hosting chef’s…. in the kitchen. The bakery and deli will be serving 12 sandwiches from 12 chefs like David Hartwig of Igniv, Paolo Vitaletti from Appia, Arnie Marcella from Fatboy Izakaya, Gerrard Villaret from Elements, Pongcharn “Top” Russell from Mia, Alvaro Ramos from Vaso, Sanchit Sahu from Jhol, Steve Doucakis from Laad in Phuket, Adrian Klonowski from Larder and many more. The chef’s breakfast event runs from July 1-16, 8am-5pm Monday through Sunday. Call 093-009-4494, email contact@larderbkk.com or visit larderbkk.com.
