Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Haribo collab collection / Vans
In celebration of Haribo's 100th anniversary, Vans has created a collection bringing the world of gummies to life. The collection features sneakers and apparel inspired by gummy bears for children and adults, which playfully echoes the Haribo tagline of "Kids And Grown-Ups Love It So, The Happy World Of Haribo". The Slip-On will catch the eyes of fans of the red gummy bear with its jelly-like gummy bear patch design. Match the kicks with red hoodies and caps that display the collaboration logo, featuring the yellow Goldbear mascot kick-fliping a checkered skateboard. Visit vans.com.
Middleton speaker / Marshall
Music enthusiasts have something new to look forward to with the release of the Marshall Middleton speaker. British audio products maker Marshall takes your listening experience to new heights with the compact and portable device that delivers an immersive 360° sound through four speakers on the front, back and sides. But it's not just the sound quality that's impressive. The new model builds on the retro look, designed with convenience in mind. The speaker is also outfitted with a removable carrying strap and equipped with IP67, that's both dust and waterproofing. And on a single charge, the Middleton offers more than 20 hours of playtime. Go to marshallheadphones.com.
Fragrance collection / Tom Ford
Tom Ford's Cherry Fragrance collection has expanded with two new additions that showcase the sensational character of cherries as their dominant scents. Dubbed a playful flirt, the Electric Cherry fragrance gives floral and fruity notes of morello cherry and Arabian jasmine, complemented by the warmth of musk. Perfect for a night out is the Cherry Smoke, which is described as an experienced hedonist, bursting with seductive, woody scents of osmanthus, dark cherry and smoked wood. The two newcomers join the popular unisex Lost Cherry fragrance. Shop at tomford.com.
One Serum / Suntory Wellness
Japan's Suntory Wellness has launched "vitoas Specials in One Serum". The product showcases Suntory's proprietarily patented "Wow" (Water-in-Oil-in-Water) technology, combining lotion, serum and cream for a comprehensive skin care in one single step. Vitoas’s Wow technology consists of Lotion, combining three hyaluronic acids, which help replenishes moisture to the skin, resulting in increased plumpness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Serum, which consists of double deep-layer collagen from the Kinmedai fish and Cream, which helps lock hydration in the skin with triple barrier ceramides. In addition, vitoas also combines 27 valuable natural extracts, including pearl extract, yuzu, Argan oil, peony, edelweiss, jujube, acerola, etc. Experience rejuvenated, brightened and youthful skin in one single step at store.brandsworld.co.th/Vitoas/c/500001.
JOIN
Beer People Fest 2023 / Prachachonbeer / March 11-12
You may have heard of Prachachonbeer through their pioneering efforts to liberate Thai craft beer from capitalist giants. The community of beer enthusiasts has secured a venue for their "Beer People Fest 2023", which takes place this weekend at Chatuchak Playground Vintage Flea Market. Expect a relaxing evening with a cold pint from local producers, alongside food. Of course, politics should not be discussed while drinking, however the line-up of guest speakers for the event's talk show, which will be hosted on March 11, will enlighten you about the direction of the Thai alcoholic beverage industry. Go to fb.com/prachachonbeer.
Re-series block party 2023 / The Commons Thonglor / March 11
The Commons Thonglor's annual party returns with an eco-friendly concept, "Re-series". This Saturday, the urban lifestyle community space on Thong Lor 17 will throw a big event, inviting everyone to embrace a happy, wholesome lifestyle. Book yourself a seat at workshops with The Commons Thonglor's eatery; think of a highball cocktail-making class with The Japanese Highball Bar 1923 for B500 and a cold coffee-brewing course with Roots for B900. The Common Ground will be transformed into a neighbourhood market, where Earth-friendly products will be onsale. A family donation point and upcycled craft station will be in the Play Yard, while little ones can enjoy family story-time. Tempt your taste buds with Afghan dishes from the Refugee Dinner for B1,800 per person. All proceeds from the charitable dining project will be donated to refugee families. Visit thecommonsbkk.com/thonglor.
Japanese tea 101 / Chaya Teahouse / March 16
Ari's Chaya Teahouse is offering an introductory crash course on Japanese tea. The "Japanese Tea 101" will teach traditional tea-brewing, from theories to tasting and brewing. Experience making loose-leaf tea using a kyusu pot and work on your forearm muscles during a whisking session to create matcha in the Usucha style. The workshop costs B3,100 per person. Call 062-198-2294.
Damien Rice live in Bangkok / Union Mall / June 6
Experience the beautifully sad serenade of Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice in Bangkok at Lat Phrao's Union Mall. Rice returns to the capital six years after his last sold-out gig in 2016. Get ready to feel all the feels and let the melancholy wash over you. Tickets are priced at B1,900, B2,500 and B3,000, and are available at vijicorp.com.
New artist / Joyman Gallery / Until March 19
Tanimporn "Nym Tanim" Kaipongkhai unlocks her different emotions through a series of colourful paintings of big-eyed girls. Each painting is different from the other and perhaps, they aren't there to look pretty but to capture her inner state, ranging from dreamy to lonely. Joyman Gallery is on Mahachai Road. More info at fb.com/JoymanGallery.
Anniversary celebrations / Akira Back / March 14-15
Akira Back Bangkok, the innovative Asian dining destination at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is turning five this month, and diners have an exclusive opportunity to meet the restaurant’s founder and culinary icon chef Akira Back. Chef Back will be in town on March 14-15, where he will serve a special sharing set menu. On both evenings, diners will be able to meet chef Back and learn about his life and career, including his time as a pro snowboarder in the US. The menu starts with a selection of appetisers, including New style carpaccio, Yukhoe, Hokkaido scallop in a shell and Tempura lobster. These delectable dishes will be followed by two main courses that showcase the finest ingredients from land and sea. The meal is priced at B3,500++ per person and will be served from 5.30-10.30pm. Call 02-059-5999, email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or book via sevn.ly/xigXIjIU.
Visiting practitioner / Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River / Until March 31
The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River’s recently opened Urban Wellness Centre welcomes the spa’s first internationally acclaimed visiting practitioner, Robert Hyrsky. Hrsky is a highly sought-after healer and wellness expert, known for his expertise in craniosacral stillness touch, body dynamics, and detox massage. Hyrsky will be at The Urban Wellness Centre until March 31. Treatments are available in 60-minute and 90-minute sessions, priced at B7,000++ and B9,000++, respectively. Visit FourSeasons.com/Bangkok.
STAY
Kimpton Moments / Kimpton Kitalay Samui / Until March 31
"Kimpton Moments" is the new package at Kimpton Kitalay Samui. Book a two-night stay to receive the Martinilicious afternoon tea set and a B2,000 resort credit per stay. As the resort credit is cumulative per two-night stay, guests booking for four nights will receive a total of B4,000. IHG Rewards Club members can top off their stays with a 20% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Book by March 31 for stays until June 30. Visit kimptonkitalaysamui.com.
Day Pass / So/ Bangkok / Until March 31
Rama IV Road's So/Bangkok is keeping you fit and firm, without loosing the fun with day passes that grant access to the So/fit fitness centre and the infinity pool, plus F&B offerings at The Water Club. Choose from "Sip, Sun & Soshi" for a complimentary Corona beer bucket and a 25% discount on the buffet menu at the Japanese eatery Soshi for B1,700 per person; "Hope And Happy" offers two choices of craft beer on tap for B1,600 per person; and "Beat The Heat" includes two complimentary drinks from The Water Club's signature and classic cocktails for B1,300 per person. The daycation is from 9am-6pm. Reservations at so-bangkok.com.
Spring Getaway / Capella Bangkok / Until March 31
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok at Capella Bangkok, where you can enjoy a luxury getaway by the river at a starting rate of B16,900 per night. With the "Spring Getaway" package, guests can luxuriate in a one-night stay in the Riverfront Premier, along with a series of indulgent privileges that the ultra-luxury hotel has on offer. Think daily breakfast for two at Phra Nakhon, a special welcome amenity, a sunrise yoga class, a dedicated Capella Culturist (personal assistant) and more. Booking and stays are available until the end of March. Book at bit.ly/3Jp3Yiy.
Cherry blooms / Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo / March 11 to April 15
The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has launched the "Ultimate Sakura Experience", an exclusive package to celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry blossoms. This new offering will provide an authentic taste of Japanese culture through delightfully curated experiences, delectable culinary creations and a rejuvenating spa treatment. The cherry blossoms burst into bloom from March through May, travelling across the length of Japan from the south to the north. Nihonbashi, which is where the hotel is located, is the perfect place to be fully immersed in the history and culture of this 17th century Edo-era city and to enjoy a relaxing stay during the enchanting pink-coloured sakura season. The "Ultimate Sakura Experience" is available from ¥185,200 (B47,000) per night for two persons and includes accommodation, 10% off best available rate when booking 14 days in advance, daily buffet breakfast for two at K’shiki Italian dining restaurant, sakura-inspired cocktail at the Mandarin Bar and seasonal cherry-blossom-themed in-room amenities. The offer is available from March 11 to April 16. Reservations can be made on mandarinoriental.com/tokyo or call +813-3270-8950 or email motyo-reservations@mohg.com. The Sakura Afternoon Tea at the Oriental Lounge with a scenic view of the city and a golden sunset to match will be served from March 15 to April 24 and is priced at ¥6,800 (B1,700) per set on weekdays and ¥7,900 (B2,000) per set on weekends. The Tapas Molecular Bar will offer cherry blossom delights, which includes Sakura Donut and a Sakura Blizzard dessert, available from March 17 until April 16.
EAT
Collab dinner / Nan Bei X Cadence / March 11-12
A collab between Nan Bei’s chef Matthew Geng and chef Dan Bark from Michelin-starred Cadence under the theme of “East — West Harmony” will be held on March 11-12 at Nan Bei, Rosewood Bangkok. The seven-course dinner highlights chef Geng’s authentic regional Chinese dishes, presented alongside chef Bark’s signature progressive American creations showing the country’s melting pot of culinary influences. Canapes welcome guests setting the tone for contrasting yet complementary flavour profiles with Jamón Ibérico, truffle and Parmesan, Peking duck and caviar, and more. The “East — West Harmony” dinner is priced at B4,200++ per guest, with B2,900++ for a wine pairing. Call 02-080-0080 or email bangkok.nanbei@rosewoodhotels.com.
St. Patrick’s Day / Goji Kitchen + Bar, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / March 17
Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is turning green on March 17 as it celebrates St Patrick’s Day with a special Irish-themed buffet and much more. Enjoy an additional buffet line for St Patrick’s Day with Oysters Kilpatrick, Braised beef in Guinness and Seafood chowder. The buffet also includes Italian seafood including, cuttlefish, scallops and swordfish, served alongside an array of dishes from around the world. A wide range of delicious desserts are also on offer. The St Patrick’s Celebration is available on March 17 for dinner and is priced at B2,299++ per person. Call 02-059-5999 email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or visit sevn.ly/xRQvZgkB.
Sakura menu / Shintaro, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel / Until March 31
Inspired by the five stages of cherry blossoms, Shintaro’s new head chef Tomoaki Taki has designed a visually-striking tasting menu that evokes the image of blooming sakura trees, transporting guests to the scented gardens of Japan in spring. From delicate bulb to glorious bloom and eventual fall, chef Taki aims to reimagine the cherry blossom cycle as a culinary experience that spotlights Japan's unofficial national flower. Until the end of the month, guests can enjoy a quintessentially Japanese experience with five exquisite courses including a Truffle-infused red shrimp carpaccio with sakura salmon roe; Bonito and yellow tail soup with mitsuba leaves and sakura essence; vibrant Yuzu-infused red snapper with pickled lily bulb; premium Sushi selection made with sakura rice; and a delicate Sakura milk pudding. Call 02-126-8866 or email dining.asia@anantara.com. Visit anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok.
Spring afternoon tea / Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is ushering in spring with an afternoon tea inspired by the freshness of nature and flowers in bloom. The "Spring Afternoon Tea" includes a selection of savoury and sweet pastries, freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and homemade strawberry jam, and Mariage Frères tea or coffee. The savoury pastries include Hokkaido scallop ceviche, Smoked salmon mousse and Rice crispy roll with crayfish. The sweet pastries consist of Pistachio and chocolate mushroom, Thai honey and yoghurt bee, Butterfly tea mousse and lemon cream, and more. The tea is available daily from 1-5pm and is priced at B2,500++ (or B2,943 nett) for two. A boxed takeaway option for one person is available at B1,900 nett. Call 02-846-8888, email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com or Line: @WaldorfAstoriaBKK.
New delights / Belga, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
A new menu, created by Chef Ouu at Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie features a selection of hearty dishes. There's something for everyone to savour, from favourites like Oyster au gratin and Escargots gratinés to modern twists like Warm duck confit salad, Codfish croquette ’n’ chips and Belga bomb as dessert. Join us as we celebrate the diversity of taste and the love of good food. Call 02-126-9999 or visit bit.ly/3TclXwd.
Pizza collab / Peppina Pizza Sukhumvit 31 / March 14
Chef Silvio Gropelli and owner Daniele Geniale of ll Taglio restaurant in Surrey Hills, Sydney, Australia are coming to Bangkok for an exclusive one-off pizza collaboration on March 14 at Peppina Pizza Sukhumvit 31. Al Taglio is a modern Italian pizzeria and restaurant, which has won high praise for their playful, gourmet and traditional Italian and pizzas made from age-old traditions. The restaurant has won three “spicchi” from Gambero Rosso and was awarded No.14 best pizza in the Asia-Pacific region and took No.94 in the world at the 50 Top Pizzas 2022 awards. The pizzas being served on March 14 all be: Amatriciana, Carbonara, Autunno and Sfiziosa from chef Gropelli. Peppina’s chef M will be serving Cavolfiore croccante, Verde speranza, La diavola suprema and Pizza del Monaco. The pizzas can be washed down with special Campari cocktails, wine or Peroni on draft. Call 02-119-7677 or Line: @peppina33.
WATCH
You Season 4, Part 2 on Netflix
Premiered on March 9
February saw the first half of Season 4 of hit psychological thriller and the second part is far more fast-paced and shocking, with plenty of twists and turns that will leave jaws dropped to the floor. It’s no secret that despite Joe’s best efforts to be a better version of himself, he’s a leopard who can’t change his spots. But fans won’t see any of what happens coming.
The Glory Part 2 on Netflix
Premieres on March 10
The story of a woman with a broken soul due to childhood violence who dedicates her life to a meticulous web of vengeance to all the accomplices who brought her childhood nightmare. Part 2 marks the finale of Dong-eun’s masterful revenge she has plotted for her lifetime.