Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Chinese New Year Collection / PDM Brand
Impress your relatives when they drop by during the Chinese New Year celebration with a home decoration that makes a bold statement for the Year Of The Rabbit. Local design studio PDM Brand introduces not just one but two bunny-shaped rugs for its CNY collection. One is named "Coney" and features the shape of a sitting rabbit, while "Ruby" looks peppier in a bunny-hopping silhouette. Both Coney and Ruby come in red and eggshell yellow and are complemented with a Chinese-inspired pattern called “Hunan", which Finnish designer Sini Henttonen has designed. Shop at fb.com/PDMBrand.
Lunar New Year Collection / Marimekko
Marimekko brings back a print design from its archive for an exclusive capsule for the Lunar New Year celebration, starring Katsuji Wakisaka’s much-loved 1981 Rulla pattern. The classic print shows various animals wearing roller skates. To hop into the Year Of The Rabbit, the brand opts to bring only a roller-skating bunny to be featured on t-shirts and sweatshirts and a few items from the accessory department, including a mug, a pair of socks and a cross-pocket bag. Shop at marimekko.co.th.
Year Of The Rabbit Collection / Smileyhound
Does your family's portrait look cuter with matching outfits? Smileyhound has you covered with a series of matching screened apparel from its Year Of The Rabbit collection. The brand's iconic hound-head logo is reintroduced in Chinese style while being paired with a cute bunny head. It appears on polo shirts and t-shirts, available in adult and kid sizes in red, white, black and navy blue. Every purchase of the collection gets you an ang pao with a B200 voucher for your next order. Go to smileyhound.com.
JOIN
Book Club: The Turning Point / Clazy Cafe / Jan 21
Clazy Cafe, a community-building platform/coffee shop near BTS Sanam Pao, will hold a book club under the theme of "The Turning Point". They will let you share your life-changing books in a group discussion with a set of questions to learn more about yourself and fellow bookworms' aspects of life. A seat at the book club is free. Register via bit.ly/3kl0cwG.
AF Cinema: The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales / Alliance Française De Bangkok / Jan 21
Take your little ones for a movie play date at Alliance Française De Bangkok, the Franco-Thai cultural centre on Wireless Road, this Saturday. They will screen The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales (Le Grand Méchant Renard), a witty animation directed by Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert. It shows the tangled life of an agitated family in the countryside, where the fox thinks it's a chicken and the rabbit acts like a stork, along with the duck who wants to replace Father Christmas. The animated film is in French with English subtitles. Tickets cost B60 for members and B120 for non-members. Get a seat via bit.ly/3HalRRd.
Writing In The Oak / Royal Oak Bkk / Jan 26
Broaden your horizons with a creative writing workshop "Writing In The Oak", hosted at Royal Oak on Sukhumvit 33/1. Leading the class is Jillian Kelly Mukavetz, who will teach a crash course in creative writing, poetry and prose. It takes two hours for the class, starting with a workshop on finding ideas and materials to warm up your creative juice, followed by writing and editing exercises. The creative writing workshop is priced at B600 per person. Register via bit.ly/3GOPaHI.
Kinetic Art Exhibition / Rosewood Bangkok / Until March 14
The Rosewood Bangkok with Mozart Advisory will explore the boundary between master and machine in "Cosmic Vibration", a solo exhibition by kinetic artist Nicolas Panayotou at the gallery on the third floor. Curated by Laurent Macaluso, the exhibition, the first in Asia, opens in the presence of the French-Greek artist from 6-9pm. As one of the last living artists dedicated to kinetic art, Panayotou's artworks represent the competition between human and AI. Discover the movement of an optical art form. Call 02-080-0080 or email bangkok@rosewoodhotels.com.
About Damn Time / pH-1 / March 19
pH-1, also known as Park Jun-won, a Korean-American rapper based in South Korea will be performing in Bangkok on March 19. After releasing his debut single Wavy, pH-1 was signed to record label H1ghr Music, helmed by hip-hop star Jay Park. The up and rising rapper subsequently released his debut extended play The Island Kid in 2017 and appeared on South Korea's longest-running hip-hop competition, Show Me The Money 777. He has recently dropped his self-produced, full-length album, But For Now Leave Me Alone. pH-1’s "About Damn Time" world tour will perform at CentralWorld Live at 7pm. Ticket prices are B4,200 for VIP (standing), B3,200 for early admission (standing) and B2,200 for general (standing). VIP ticket holders will enjoy closer proximity with pH-1 in their designated VIP zone, a group photo (10 people per group group) with the artist and an artist photocard, exclusive for his Asia tour. Visit ticketmelon.com.
Party On The Balcony / Seki / New release
Emerging Thai alt-pop artist Seki recently released his debut EP Party On The Balcony. Having already released several singles from the EP to critical acclaim, Seki adds another 80s synth-drenched track to his repertoire with electro-pop ballad Die Young. Stream it here: album.link/djgd2pbh5wpgf.
Gourmet Park / Laguna Phuket / New concept
Laguna Phuket has launched Ori9in Phuket, a farm-to-table boasting a café, picnic restaurant, a retail market with Ori9in products, as well as an extensive line-up of activities. Ori9in Phuket is working towards being Phuket’s go-to for fresh foods that are sourced ethically. More than just a food marketplace, the space provides a blissful sanctuary for families with kids to connect, including an array of activities such as interactive mazes, a scenic 1km lotus lake loop trail, a fenced dog park, as well as guided tours of educational farms. Visit lagunaphuket.com.
EAT
Gastronomic Spectacle / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Jan 27-28
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will host special dinners by chef Christian Herrgesell on Jan 27-28 at the Maa-Lai Library on the 30th floor. The German chef is a culinary director and concept creator with more than 20 years experience, has worked at Tim Raue (No.26 on the World's Best 2022 list) and has been featured on the Netflix series, Chef’s Table. Indulge in his Asian-inspired creations in six-course dinner that includes Hokkaido scallop with dry aged beef dashi, cauliflower and imperial caviar; Steamed fish with wasabi, pickled radish and watercress purée; Langoustine with sambal manis, carrot and kumquat; Truffle chicken with Jerusalem artichoke, water chestnut and mushroom. The dinner begins at 6.30pm and is priced at B4,990++ per person. A five-glass wine-pairing by Dr Loosen is priced at B2,500++. Call 02-056-9999 or email taste.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.
Unparalleled courses / Ki Izakaya, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Ongoing
Chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama has created an unparalleled series of eight crafted courses, serving authentic innovations of local and imported ingredients to enrich the night at KI Izakaya, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Ki Izakaya brings the best in mood and flavours, and urges diners to immerse in an izakaya experience that also includes a communal table. Enjoy an eight courses craft menu by chef Hiroyuki at B2,999++ per person from Wednesday to Friday, at 7pm. Seating is limited to 10 persons and require 48-hour advance reservations. Call 02-095-9999 or email fb.sindhorn@kempinski.com.
Périgord black truffle / Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Jan 31
Indulge in the rich flavours of Périgord black truffles with Red Sky's latest seasonal menu by chef de cuisine Christian Ham. Throughout January, Red Sky offers a culinary journey of flavours and textures with Poached Maine lobster and Périgord truffle salad, featuring cauliflower semolina remoulade and garlic crisps, priced at B1,650++. The Kohlrabi and Périgord truffle parmentier, served with bone marrow on toast, is priced at B1,755++; the Pan-seared snow fish “Glacier 51” is served with a Champagne sauce and Périgord truffle alongside ratte potato “calisson” and is priced at B2,655++. Meat lovers will be delighted with the 72-hour cooked Hitachiwagyu beef, served with Périgord truffle shavings and confit onion tarte tatin, which is priced at B2,955++. For cheese lovers, the Périgord winter truffle brie is an excellent addition to the menu and is priced at B850++. For dessert, the Périgord truffle ice cream is a perfect end to the meal and is priced at B450++. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
New health food delivery / Good Roots
Good Roots is a mission-driven and lifestyle brand that serves nutritious, plant-forward food, with an aim to promote healthier communities and unite people through nutritious, real food. Good Roots focuses on serving nutrient-dense ingredients to aid well-being. The menu consists of salads, bowls and sandwiches with each dish made using 100% natural ingredients that are unrefined and minimally processed. Each dish also comes with the numbers of carbs, proteins, fats and calories, should you be watching what you eat. Find Good Roots online through Grab and Line. Visit goodrootsbkk.com.
Open for lunch / Acqua Restaurant Bangkok / From Jan 24
Acqua Restaurant Bangkok on Soi Somkid will open for lunch starting from Jan 24, Tuesday to Sunday, from 12-2pm. The entire a la carte menu will be on offer, as will a set lunch menu with choices of starters, mains and desserts for B1,500++. Choices include Burratina with heirloom tomatoes, Taggiasche olives and Parma ham, Beef carpaccio with wild rocket, Crescenza cheese, pickled vegetables and Parmigiano Reggiano, Ravioli Culurgionis stuffed with potato, mint and Pecorino Fiore Sardo DOP cheese, served with fresh tomato sauce, Mediterranean seabass, cooked in Vermentino wine sauce with Taggiasche olives, Pantelleria’s capers, potatoes and cherry tomatoes, Acqua Signature lemon tart or Baba’Napoletano soaked in dark rum served with mix berries and Chantilly cream. Call 093-612-7000 or email acquabangkok@gmail.com.
STAY
Daycation Package / Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers / Until Feb 28
Looking for a riverside venue to spend a day off? Look no further than Charoen Krung's Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, which is offering a "Daycation Package". Your schedule starts with a light session at the gym, with access to the garden pool and terrace pool. Get yourself a drink with nibbles from poolside bars with a B600 F&B credit or opt to spend the credit at the lobby lounge, Giorgio’s or Thara Thong. The package is priced at B1,000 for adults and B500 for children between the ages of seven and 11, with check-in and check-out period between 7am-7pm. Vouchers via bit.ly/3IWqOhM.
Family Wanderlust / JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa / Until Mar 31
Take advantage of "Family Wanderlust" offered by JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The family-friendly offer starts from B21,050 per night for a family room and breakfast for two adults and two children. Plus, a family-sharing set to enjoy at lunch or dinner. While the kids are asleep, sneak out for a date night at M Beach Club, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink each during happy hour. Other perks include a 20% discount on spa treatments and another 20% off for food and beverages. Go to bit.ly/3HbmR7x.
Chinese New Year Deal / AirAsia / Until Jan 22
This is the final call for passengers wishing to book a savings flight with AirAsia. In celebrating Chinese New Year, the airline is running a flash sale, which ends on Jan 22. The promotional fares for a single domestic flight start at B488 for members and B531 for non-members. Passengers who plan their trips abroad can book their flights with a starting rate of B1,288 for members and B1,328 for non-members. Your travel date must be made between March 1 and Sept 30. Reserve a seat via airasia.com.
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach / New opening
Andaz brand marks its debut in Thailand with Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, across 6.4 hectares of beachfront, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The luxury lifestyle resort is on Tawanron Beach, also known as “Sunset Beach” for its magnificent views, between Jomtien and Bang Saray and is within a 10-minute drive from most of Pattaya’s hotspots. The local yet modern design is inspired by the site's history as a private estate, conceived by award-winning Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors. Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach greets guests with an awe-inspiring raintree and reflective pond upon arrival within the Raintree Court, which is the heart and soul of the resort. Set in low-rise clustered buildings, the 204 rooms, suites and villas, which start from 50m², are adorned with locally-influenced interiors, walk-in rain showers and a balcony or terrace with a relaxing daybed. Set to open in the coming months, two heritage-inspired houses form the resort’s most highly-prized accommodation that are ideal for multi-generational families and intimate celebrations — a duplex four-bedroom Manor House and a six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House, each of which offers luxurious living with private pools, courtyards, butler service and ocean views. The resort’s six restaurants and bars feature local, seasonal and sustainable produce. It also has three outdoor swimming pools, Panpuri Spa and 24-hour fitness centre. Visit bit.ly/3ZRQ1QC.
20th Anniversary Sale / Oceania Cruises / Until March 1
Oceania Cruises is celebrating two esteemed decades with a limited-time “20th Anniversary Sale”. The cruise line will be featuring a special gift of up to US$800 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on 110 captivating voyages across seven ships sailing to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Alaska, Asia and more. Oceania Cruises is also offering reduced 50% deposits until Feb 28 February. Each fare features a generous “OLife Choice” package, which includes a choice of either free shore excursions, a free house beverage package or free shipboard credit, plus a 20th Anniversary Bonus Shipboard Credit of up to US$800 on all bookings, no matter which OLife Choice amenity is chosen. The destination-intensive itineraries are available till March 1 at oceaniacruises.com.
WATCH
Babylon in cinemas
Directed by Damien Chazelle.
Who's in it?
Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Jean Smart.
What's it about?
A 2022 American epic period comedy-drama film that chronicles the rise and fall of multiple characters during Hollywood's transition from silent to sound films in the late 20s.
Why watch it?
For the star cast.
That ’90s Show on Netflix
Streaming now
Comedy sitcom sequel series to That ’70s Show that sees the original cast all grown up and a new generation of teenagers experiencing life in Wisconsin.
