Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel deals to indulge in.
STUFF
Watch capsule / Lacoste x Netflix
Lacoste expands its collab collection with Netflix to include a watch capsule. The Parisian fashion brand gives its Lacoste.12.12 Chrono Silicone Watch a makeover following a similar style from its first drop of clothing and accessories. Expect quirky variants of the Crocodile mascot-styled up as characters from Netflix's series. Think of an all-blue watch sporting the half Crocodile, half Demogorgon from Stranger Things, a black-washed model with the mascot wearing Lupin's black trench coat and flat cap with a sneaker and a monochromatic white one with the reptile version of Otis Milburn from Sex Education. Sadly, the Crocodile with Queen Charlotte's wig didn't make it through the cut. Shop at lacoste.co.th.
Cowboy fashion / Converse
Converse taps into the 70s retro cowboy fashion, reimagining the embroidered chambray shirt through Chuck Taylor 70. The model takes a Wild West spin with a chambray upper adorned with embroidery. From vines and stars to lit candles and paper planes, there's no obvious pattern in the design, nor drawing inspiration from the cowboy culture. However, the overall brings a low-key vintage aesthetic to the kicks. The high-top Chuck Taylor 70 arrives in Hi Blue, while the low-top model comes in Ox Brown. Go to converse.co.th.
Hair care / Harnn
Harnn rolls out its first-ever hair-care collection. Beyond its perfumes, scented candles and bath and body offerings, the Thai health and beauty brand offers shampoos and conditioners with three environmentally-friendly formulas that highlight natural ingredients. Daily Hydration, is a gentle formula that uses apple cider vinegar extract and aloe vera and is for all hair types. For those with sensitive skin, Purifying is the preferred formula thanks to the inclusion of argan oil and an amino acid complex. Revitalizing could be a game changer for those troubled with weak and brittle hair. This formula restores moisture, from the root to the tip, with a concentrated blend of biotin, turmeric root extract, niacinamide and phyto collagen (plant-derived collagen). Visit fb.com/harnnth.
New campaign / Suntory Wellness / Until July 31
Suntory Wellness also launched its “10 Days Challenge Lucky Draw Japan Tour campaign”, which everyone can participate in until July 31. Three grand prizes include a 10-day trip to Japan, including a tour of Nara-Kyoto-Osaka. Visit varon10dayschallenge.brandstrynow.com to learn more. Suntory Wellness has also launched Varon Intensive in One Serum in Thailand. The popular skincare from Japan is designed for men. The new serum employs the proprietary Wow or water-in-oil-in-water technology that combines lotion, serum and cream in one product. Available in three scents, the Original is a woody cotton scent, the Classic is a Fougère fragrance and the Fresh is a citrus floral scent. Varon is available in 120ml (B2,990) and 20ml (B790). Visit store.brandsworld.co.th//facial products/Varon/c/500002.
JOIN
Flower arrangement / Monsoon Tea Asok / June 25
Step into the world of ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, at Monsoon Tea Asok, which hosts a workshop for B1,500 per person. This Sunday, secure a seat at the floral class that allows your creativity to bloom while exploring the mindful connection between nature and self-expression. The rate covers workshop materials, including flowers and a vase, along with a complimentary welcome drink. Visit fb.com/monsoonteacompany.
Art in the park / Artist+Run / June 25
Take a leisure walk, exploring the art installations inside Benjakitti Forest Park, alongside the artists sharing the inspirations behind their masterpieces to let you deeper dive into the walk. The art walking tour starts at 4pm at the park entrance on Sukhumvit 4 (Gate 3). Join for free. Visit fb.com/artistrungallery2016.
Documentary screening / Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand / June 29
Join the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) for a screening of "The Last Breath Of Sam Yan". The documentary is about the struggle of a local community opposed to the relocation of the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine, also known as the Mazu Shrine, in Sam Yan due to gentrification. FCCT members are free, while tickets are B150. Go to fb.com/FCCThailand.
Beauty Of Decay / The Art Gallery, Rosewood Bangkok / Until Sept 14
A solo exhibition by contemporary French artist JM Robert is latest in exhibition at The Art Gallery, Rosewood Bangkok “Beauty Of Decay” celebrates women as the new conquerors of wisdom, inviting viewers to recognise and honour the strength, grace and resilience of women who continue to flourish in a world that often attempts to restrain their vast potential. Through the use of techniques like graffiti, scraping, and scratching, JM Robert's abstract backdrops echo the patina, grime and degradation of architectural facades. Against this rich tapestry of colours, he introduces a stark contrast with a stencilled, feminine face, beautifully capturing fleeting moments of emotion. Call 02-080-0080 or email bangkok@rosewoodhotels.com.
Bar takeover / Ms.Jigger, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / June 28
Singapore’s Burnt Ends Bar & Grill is heading to Bangkok on June 28 from 8-11pm, to serve up its cocktails at Ms.Jigger, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Led by manager, Louis Tan, in collaboration with Matusalem Rum, the night will see libations allowing flavourful natural ingredients to shine. Tan will be serving four cocktails at B440 per glass. Screaming Tomatoes is made with Jardin de Rabelais cherry tomatoes, lemon juice and Moruga Scorpion Ghost Pepper Bitters. Jardin de Rabelais cherry tomatoes show up again in the WolfPeach Illusion, along with lychee liqueur, lemon juice and basil syrup. Clarified Piña Colada is made with coconut water and clarified pineapple juice, and the Sencha milk punch features sencha, peach liqueur, lime juice and milk. Meanwhile, Davide Calò, Italian, chef de cuisine at the helm of Ms.Jigger, is also serving the “MozzaPizza” made with mozzarella de bufala. The three MozzaPizza varieties include pistachio cream sauce, mortadella ham and pistachio crumble (B1,490); spicy tomato sauce, beef meatballs and pecorino Romano (B1,590) and truffle cream, stracciatella, parma ham, rocket salad and sliced truffle (B1,690). Call 02-056-9999 or email msjigger.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.
Midsummer’s eve / Villa Frantzen / June 24
Midsummer’s Eve in Sweden is celebrated with family and close friends as they eat, dance, wear wreaths and dance around the Maypole to celebrate the longest day of the year. This year, Villa Frantzén is hosting a Midsummer celebration on June 24 with Soho House. Immerse in floral workshops at 4pm, while at 5pm there will be Nordic pours from the bar team with bites from the kitchen and from 6pm Mumsfilibaba will fill the air with music. There will also be games with prizes to be won and a Maypole to erect. Call 087-344-8222 or visit villafrantzen.com.
Ring in the gin / Zuma Bangkok / June 27
Hendrick’s Gin Southeast Asia brand ambassador, Charmaine Thio, will be pouring at Zuma Bangkok on June 27 from 8-11pm. Thio will be doing a guest shift, showcasing her skills with three cocktails. The Gordian Knot will use Hendrick’s gin, Aperol, amaro almond and fresh lime, the Sirona uses Hendrick’s Neptunia, coconut, painkiller cordial and fresh lime, the Mango Martiki uses Hendrick’s gin, mango and coconut dry vermouth with jasmine rice. Also on the menu will be Hendrick’s and tonic and Hendrick’s Neptunia and tonic. The cocktails will be priced at B450++. Call 02-252-4707, email reservations@zumarestaurant.co.th or visit zumarestaurant.com.
World Martini Day / Diplomat Bar, Conrad Bangkok / Until June 30
In celebration of World Martini Day, Diplomat Bar at Conrad Bangkok is serving four destination-inspired martinis for B380, until the end of June. Presented with the "Around The World" concept, tempt your taste buds with the global flavours of the Vesper martini from France, the Coco martini from Bali, the Kyoho martini from Japan and the Tom Yum martini from Thailand. You can enjoy a classic martini, as well. Stirred, not shaken, anyone? Call 02-690-9999 or visit fb.com/conradbangkokhotel.
STAY
Full board / JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa / Until Sept 30
Discover a luxury stay and treat yourself to an ultimate dining experience at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Right next to Mai Khao Beach, the family-friendly resort invites you to top off your tropical escape with the "Feast And Wander" package, which offers a night’s stay with a full-board meal plan for a starting rate of B9,150 per night. The benefit includes a social hour of free-flow drinks at M Beach Club. Go to bit.ly/3CTTZOt.
Unwind riverside / Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Bangkok / Until Sept 30
The "Find A Sense Of Place" package at Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Bangkok is priced at B4,500 nett. Guests can unwind with a 120-minute treatment, combining a 30-minute Thai herbal steam and a 30-minute turmeric and rice body exfoliation, both of which help detoxify and prepare your skin for the next treatment. Then, you can kick back with a 60-minute Thai or Siamese massage. The treatment ends blissfully with a turn-down service of bath salt at their accommodation for in-house guests, while day customers can take away the bathing kit as a souvenir. Call 02-236-7777.
Dineaction luxe / Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River / Until Dec 22
Enjoy a dinecation by the river at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. With "Sip And Savour", guests can indulge in a dim sum lunch at Michelin-starred Yu Ting Yuan and enjoy a pre-dinner drink at BKK Social Club. Rate starts at B16,000 per night, with daily breakfast included. A minimum of two nights' stay is required. Book at fourseasons.com/bangkok.
EAT
Durian delicacies / Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until July 1
Durian delicacies made with the creamy, sweet, buttery flesh of the “King of Fruits” will be available at Ventisi Pasticceria and Zing at Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Enjoy the distinct flavour of the Chanee and Monthong durians, the daily-made sweet treats come in seven options starting from B45++. Durian double cheesecake (B190++) , Opera chocolate durian (B190++), Durian & coconut mousse (B190++), Durian Coconut sable tart (B190++), Durian pandan roll with purple sweet potato (B190++), Durian chocolate bonbon (B45++) and Durian white crunchy bar (B45++). Durian Season Delicacies are available at Ventisi Pasticceria and Zing until July 31. Visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/restaurants-and-bars.
Chef’s series / JW Café, JW Marriott Bangkok / Until June 25
Indulge in the rich flavours and vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesian cuisine at JW Café. Pavilion Restaurant at JW Marriott Surabaya brings Rio Abednego, executive sous chef, who prepares a range of mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Savour in Gado gado (Indonesian salad), Rendang (beef dry curry), Bakso Malang (meatball soup), Pisang goreng (banana fritters), and many more. The culinary experience will be part of the international lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch buffet until June 25. The lunch buffet for Marriott Bonvoy members is priced at B1,450 nett and dinner at B2,325 nett per person. The International Grand Dinner Buffet is B2,678 nett per person and International Sunday Brunch Buffet is B2,972 nett per person. Call 02-656-7700.
Chef exclusive / Mott 32 Bangkok / Until July 2
Legendary Hong Kong chef Lee Man Sing will be hosting dinners until July 2 at Mott 32 Bangkok. Chef Sing’s menu starts with the Drunken mantis shrimp in Chinese wine and Barbecue Iberico pork with yellow mountain honey. Followed by signature dishes including Steamed snow crab legs with hwa tiao, Salt & pepper wok fried snow crab, Baked cod with Chinese rice wine, Apple wood-roasted Peking duck (rolled in pancakes tableside), Clams and red amaranth in fish soup, and E-fu noodles snow crab roe. End on a sweet note with Bird’s nest and egg white in coconut; and Sesame chocolate tart with lime, sea salt and pine nut. Call 02-085-8888, email STBKK@standardhotels.com or visit standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok.
Saturday night fever / Next2 Café, Shangri-La Bangkok
“Lobsterlicious Saturday Night” returns to Next2 Café at the Shangri-La Bankgok with executive chef Phillip Taylor preparing Canadian lobsters in a variety of dishes. Lobster with herb butter, Canadian lobster rolls, Lobster bisque, Baked lobster macaroni and cheese and Lobster chawanmushi are just a few of the dishes on the menu, The “Lobsterlicious Saturday Night” buffet is priced at B3,600 nett per adult and B1,800 nett per child, between the ages of six and 11. Call 02-236-7777, email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com or visit bit.ly/LobsterliciousSatNightatNEXT2Cafe-Media.
Thai Cheese / Vivin Grocery Cafe / June 30
Vivin Grocery Cafe will hold the “Thai Cheese Aligot Nights” every Friday until the end of the month. Indulge in the French-style aligot, made with 100% locally-sourced Thai ingredients. Aligot is from the Aubrac region of France and is traditionally prepared using mashed potatoes, garlic, cream and a Tomme cheese sourced from the Auvergne region. Vivin Grocery's rendition features 40% Thai cheese-to-organic potato ratio, using organic potatoes, locally-produced Thai cheeses (Le Doi Pao and Saltara Machima from Chiang Mai, Thailand), and organic cream sourced from Khao Yai. The set menu is priced at B890 nett per person. Visit vivingrocery.com/product/ready-to-eat/whats-new-ready-to-eat/aligot-nights-500-thb-deposit.
Weekday lunch / Soshi, So/ Bangkok
Soshi introduces a “Weekday Lunch Ramen” starting from B250 nett, or “Build Your Own Menu”, including a choice of ramen, appetiser, side dish, drink and dessert for B490 nett. The lunch is available from Monday to Friday from noon to 3pm. Call 02-624-0000, email h6835-fb4@so-hotels.com or visit bit.ly/3IWxKe2.
Black magic / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel / June 30 to July 2
“Taste The Magic” will feature chef Phanuphol "Black" Bulsuwan, the chef behind Chiang Mai's Blackitch Artisan Kitchen, at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel from June 30 to July 2. At Greenhouse Restaurant, diners will indulge in a six-course set dinner menu for B2,900++ per person. lackitch Artisan Kitchen focuses on utilising local Thai ingredients and championing sustainable practices. Dishes such as the Wild mushroom tart, Chicken liver pate & rice Field crab miso on toast, and Fish & clam crudo with southern Thai elements will be on the menu. Call 02-079-7555, email fbreservation.vsuk@avanihotels.com or visit mhg.to/fuvvt.
Champagne delights / Cru Champagne Bar, at Centara Grand Delights
Cru Champagne Bar is introducing a new menu. The menu showcases Wagyu beef skewers paired with the rich and flavourful Périgueux sauce. For a burst of Asian-inspired tastes, the Chicken lollipops teriyaki deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and savoury, while the crispy Duck spring rolls are an irresistible treat. Adding a Japanese twist, the Fried arabiki sausages are served with a delightful homemade ketchup. There are also Oysters on the half shell, Snow fish rolls, Calamari with garlic aioli and the Shrimp balls with XO. Desserts include the Chocolate combination and Passion fruit meringue macaroon. Prices begin at B255++. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
