Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
St Valentine's gifts / Aman Shop
Cherish the ones you love with Aman's spring wishlist, which will be treasured for decades to come. From desert to jungle, island to city, Aman's intimate sanctuaries provide the perfect inspiration for curated gifts for you and your loved ones. Gifting peace for body, mind and spirit in their evocative scents, each inspired by the various unique Aman destinations. Expertly paired, the latest fine fragrance duos bring together complementary scents from the collection creating an ideal gift for St Valentine’s Day to share or keep to yourself. Visit shop.aman.com.
Rose Collection / Jo Malone London
The rose-infused scent is not new to Jo Malone London. Yet, the British fragrance house unveils the Rose Collection for St Valentine’s Day, featuring a line-up of floral fragrances that offers a different interpretation of the rose. The collection includes colognes and home scents crafted in special-edition glass package designs with tonal details. Fragrance-wise: "Rosewater & vanilla" combines petal-infused rose water with rich vanilla; "Rose blush" with a fruity aspect and a peppery edge; and Red Roses has a twist of lemon on the top for added freshness. Until Feb 14, get a limited-edition purse when buying a cologne from the collection. Shop at jomalone.co.th.
Valentine's Ultraboost 1.0 Edition / Adidas
Just in time for St Valentine’s Day, the three-strip brand Adidas rolls out Ultraboost 1.0. Available in "Cloud White" and "Core Black", the sneaker is less in-your-face but still features small nods to V-Day with a mini-heart pattern on its Primeknit upper. Giving its monochromatic bases a vibrant splash, the kick's upper pops with multicoloured hearts that match the coloured rubber outsole. As part of the brand's continued commitment to sustainability, the yarn used in weaving the upper is made of 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester. Shop at adidas.co.th.
Valentine’s Collection / Coach
St Valentine's Day is around the corner and whether you're celebrating or not, there's no denying the need for cute, heart-filled bags from Coach. This year, the American designer brand peps up the month of love by adorning its signature offerings in a St Valentine’s Day pattern. The Willow tote, Hero shoulder bag, Heart wristlet and Accordion zip wallet are among the leather goods that feature the redesigned signature monogram "CC" pattern, juxtaposed with red heart motifs. Go to coach.com.
Extra Bright C&HY / Nivea
Nivea has advanced facial skincare by introducing the Nivea Extra Bright C&HYA, a new skincare product with cold-pressed Vitamin C extract and 3x Hyaluron for a complete facial care routine which can uncover radiant, soft, and moisturised skin within three days. The Nivea Extra Bright C&HYA range of products consists of Wash foam available in 50ml (B75) and 100ml (B149), Essence water available in 30ml (B129) and 100ml (B369), Anti-spot serum in 30ml (B449), Day serum cream in 50ml (B349) and travelling size in 7ml (B29), Night sleeping gel and Micellar water in 125ml (B129) and 400ml (B299). Experience the products at leading stores and online shops, including Lazada and Shopee.
Anti-hangover Jelly / One Shot
One Shot, the Korean anti-hangover jelly has officially launched in Thailand, helping make happy hour sessions and weekend celebrations less painful. The jelly helps tackle your body's three main issues after drinking: increased toxicity, dehydration and nutrient depletion, as it contains vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories to help you recover and avoid headaches and nausea. One Shot is strawberry-flavoured and made from real strawberry concentrate in a chewy form. Key ingredients are vitamin B6, C and B12, zinc amino acid, ginkgo leaf extract and Brahmi powder. Each serving is individually packed, making it easy to carry and ready to consume when you call it a night. A box contains five sachets, which retails at B380. One Shot can be bought on Lazada, Shopee or oneshotjelly.com.
JOIN
Bangkok Sustainability Fair / EKM6 / Feb 11-12
The Bangkok Sustainability Fair 2023 is a two-day event that will showcase the best of eco-friendly and sustainable living, and will be held on Feb 11-12 from 10am-6pm at EKM6 (Ekamai 6), Thailand's first plant-based community mall. The fair is the first event in the space and serves as a soft launch for the venue. Hosted by Bangkok Recycling Chain, the largest English-speaking sustainability-focused Facebook group in Thailand, it strives to promote zero-waste practices and is designed to connect socially-responsible consumers with eco-friendly and sustainable businesses, uniting all people who are passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle. The event will feature a variety of activities and experiences that highlight the importance of reducing waste, promoting sustainability and taking care of our planet. Visitors to the fair will be able to experience a range of eco-friendly products and services, including a plant-based food market, eco-friendly products market, yard sale, clothes swap, clothes mending station by Reviv and a model home recycling station by Bangkok Recycling Chain. The highlight will be artistic and musical performances by the children of Baan Unrak, vegan and vegetarian musicians Tim Nithiwant and Athalie de Koning of Jazziam, and two days of sustainability talks by experts in the green space. There will be a workshop on climate change by Climate Fresk on Feb 11 from 2-5pm and upcycling workshops by Color With Pet. Visit bangkokrecyclingchain.com.
Pinkoi Market in Bangkok / Pinkoi / until Feb 12
Bangkok Design Week (BKDW) is officially back, as is Pinkoi Market. Held at the front square of the Grand Postal Building on Charoen Krung Road, the famous creative market features booths from more than 64 different local creators, selling everything from home decor and jewellery to fashion and pet accessories. Don't forget to drop by Pinkoi's activities booth, where you can win a prize from a gashapon machine for free after downloading their application. Go to fb.com/PinkoiThai.
Big Peas: Junior Spy Camp / Little Pea Kids Commons / Feb 13 to 17
"Are there any little sleuths ready for a mission? Little Pea Kids Commons, a childcare community space located on the 2nd floor of The Commons Thong Lor, is hosting an inspiring camp for kids with a spy theme. Children between the ages of six and nine are welcome to embark on exciting missions that will allow them to learn craft techniques while enhancing their observation, logic and critical thinking skills through activities such as investigating crime scenes and solving escape rooms. A week of Junior Spy Camp costs B12,000 and a one-day pass costs B2,800, both of which include lunch and snacks. Visit fb.com/littlepeabkk.
Paco’s Party / Ojo, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon / Feb 17
Francisco “Paco” Ruano, the globe-trotting chef behind Ojo, is back in town for a party you don’t want to miss. Taking place on the 76th floor of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, "Paco’s Party" on Feb 17 will treat the hungry crowd to unlimited Mexico-inspired canapes, tasty cocktails, tunes by Los Mariachis and live DJ sets. For one night only, the venue will turn into chef Paco’s playground where he will spin top-notch ingredients into highly inventive canapes paired with signature sips. the party begins at 8pm and is priced at B1,500 per person for unlimited Mexican-inspired canapes and one free drink; or get a group tickets with a special offer of buy five get one free, and B9,500 for a table of four, including unlimited canapes and a free bottle of tequila or mezcal. Book at bit.ly/3JMjky9. Call 02-085-8888, email stbkk@standardhotels.com or Line: @thestandardbangkok.
Pure Love For Life / Volvo Studio Bangkok / Until Feb 28
Volvo Cars Thailand continues to promote "conserving" the environment throughout the month, through installation art at the "Pure Love For Life" exhibition. Caladiums in a variety of colors and forms decorate the Volvo Studio Bangkok to demonstrate a love for people and concern for the environment and sustainability. The studio is on the third floor of Iconsiam and will also host a caladium pot arrangement workshop to create a unique present. Join Chayawat "Jo" Panjaphakdi, the "Pure Love For Life" exhibition designer, on Sunday, Feb 12 from 2-3pm. Participation is free though prior registration is a must at bit.ly/3DmmncC. Visit volvocars.com/th or fb.com/volvocarsth.
STAY
Stay And Play / Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa / Until Mar 31
Looking for a weekend golf trip? Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa invites golfers to a quick getaway to tee off in different views with "Stay And Play". The beachfront resort pairs a luxury stay with a round of golf at Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin for a rate starting from B4,678 per night. The benefits include a B500 resort credit and complimentary late check-out at 2pm. Please note that an additional green fee of B2,300 per person must be paid in advance at the resort and is not included in the package. Reservation at bit.ly/3X8oisi.
Taste of Luxury / St. Regis Bangkok / Until Mar 31
Indulge in a gastronomic stay at Ratchadamri's St Regis Bangkok with a choice of mouth-watering meals from Viu, based on the day of your check-in. Starting at a rate of B13,800 per night, the package includes a seven-course dinner set for guests checking in from Sunday to Thursday and the epic dinner buffet for those checking in on Friday and Saturday. Don't miss a complimentary glass of Champagne from the Champagne Sabering Ritual at 6pm at St. Regis Bar and stay for "The Violet Hour" at 7.30pm to sample the hotel's signature, Violet Hour Martini. Book your stay now at bit.ly/3lbLPLE.
Tropical Dinecation / Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel / Ongoing
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel embarks guests on a gastronomic journey with "Tropical Dinecation". Luxuriate in a lavish stay while indulging in a lunch or dinner set from the hotel's noted restaurants; think of an Italian-cuisine Biscotti, a steakhouse Madison, Japanese restaurant Shintaro, Guilty with Latin American tastes and Spice Market that pays tribute to traditional Thai flavours. Rates start from B6,000 per night, including daily breakfast for two guests and a 15% discount on all hotel services. Check out the menu list via bit.ly/3jsPnIZ. Visit anantara.com/siam-bangkok.
Bubbly Valentine’s / Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Until Feb 19
Treat your special one to a romantic getaway at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok with its indulgent “A Bubbly Valentine’s Staycation” package. reserve a Grand Executive Suite for three nights and let the hotel sweep you and your special someone off your feet with a range of luxurious and intimate experiences. From breakfast in bed to a romantic bubble bath, private dinner and much more, this staycation promises to be a memory to cherish for years to come. Book now for stays between Feb 10-19 at B31,500++ per room per night. Privileges include breakfast in bed, caviar, cheese, charcuterie and Champagne upon arrival, a romantic bubble bath, aperitif cocktails at Firefly Bar, a curated eight-course dinner at Ki Izakaya, private thermal journey and rasul from 8-10pm at Sindhorn Wellness, afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, early check-in at 1pm and late check-out until 4pm, limousine pick up and drop off service and a private Lady In Red service. Call 02-095-9999 or email reservations.sindhorn@kempinski.com.
Newly-upgraded rooms / Siam Kempinski Hotel
The Garden Wing of the tranquil resort-style Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has been upgraded, unveiling of a brand-new look and feel for the Cabana Room and Duplex Cabana rooms. The Cabana Room and Duplex Cabana offer the same views of the oasis with the benefit that guests can enjoy the swimming pool just steps away from the living room. The living room is decorated with contemporary furniture that complements a top-quality, earth-tone finish, and is illuminated by natural light that passes through the drapes. A subtle touch of nature is introduced with the contrast of the wood and white marble furnishings to create everlasting relaxation. The 40m² Cabana Room features spacious, well-lit interiors and a private balcony that opens up to the free-form swimming pool. The 75m² Duplex Cabana, in contrast, is a type of suite that has two floors connected by a wooden staircase and held together by high-rise windows. The Duplex Cabana provides a generous amount of living space, making it ideal for families with young children who enjoy swimming. The Cabana Room price starts from B21,000++ per room per night for up to two adults and one child between the ages of six and 12. The Duplex Cabana price starts from B35,000++ per room per night for up to two adults and two children between the ages of six and 12. Call 02-162-9000 or email reservations.siambangkok@kempinski.com or visit kempinski.com/en/siam-hotel.
EAT
Pop-Up Dinners / Anantara Bophut Koh Samui / Feb 16-17
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui has partnered with Udon Thani's finest Samuay & Sons to host a series of exclusive gastronomic events that will showcase locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes from award-winning Chef Weerawat "Num" Triyasenawat. Taking place on Feb 16-17, the pop-up dinners will introduce diners to the rich gastronomic heritage of Thailand’s northeast. Focusing on traditional Thai ingredients farmed or foraged locally and using contemporary Western techniques honed in top kitchens of California, chef Num will delight guests with exquisitely balanced flavours and his impeccable technique. On Feb 16, chef Num will present a six-course menu for 30 guests only. On Feb 17, a family-style sharing dinner featuring starters, main courses and desserts will be served at the Thin Tai restaurant. Prices start at B2,500++ for the six-course menu and B1,500++ for the sharing-style experience, including soft drinks. Visit anantara.com/en/bophut-koh-samui.
Zero Waste Food Jam Sessions / The Food School / Feb 18-19
Four trailblazing chefs are cooking for a greater purpose: zero food waste. The chefs will be Evelyn Yap of Happivore by Evelyn Yap, David Hartwig of the Michelin-starred Igniv Bangkok, Oliver Trusdale-Jutras of Open Farm Community in Singapore and Phoebe Oviedo, also of Singapore's Open Farm Community. Diners at the "Zero Waste Food Jam Sessions" will be treated to seven courses inspired by zero waste and food sustainability over two nights. The dinner is priced at B5,500 nett on Feb 18-19 at The Food School, Chula 9, with part of ticket proceeds being donated to Scholars of Sustenance (SOS Thailand) for their fight against food waste and hunger. Dine to play a part in creating a better food future for everyone. Call 085-340-4448.
Plant To Plate / Green Gardens, Chiang Mai / Feb 21
“Plant To Plate” is a culinary event curated by a roster of chefs with the idea of focusing on top quality Thai local produce. Farming has long been the foundation of Thailand, an essential sector for families, villages and communities. The event will pay homage to plants and ingredients that have yet to hit the popularity of the masses. Allowing the ingredients to take centrestage, to emphasise that chefs can’t create delicious meals without farmers who grow high quality produce. Experience the potential of modern culinary biodiversity, the importance of regenerative farming. Each chef will present one dish, created to feature a farm or producer and their ingredients. The lunch and dinner is limited to 20 seats per table. Chefs like Chudaree "Tam" Debhakam of Baan Tepa, Pichaya "Pam" Utharnatharm of Restaurant Potong, Arnaud Dunand of Maison Dunand, Gerard Villaret of Elements, David Hartwig of Igniv, Nick Pitt of Royalebrat Food Design and Billy Bautista of Santiaga will be cooking with HinLadNai Honey, Jartisann Cheese, Rynn Water, Left Hand Roasters, Intangible Bar and Wine Citizen. Lunch and dinner is each priced at B4800++ per person. Lunch begins at 11.30pm and dinner at 5pm. Call 06-1073-5099 or email planttoplate2023@outlook.com.
Australian pies / Craft, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Until Feb 26
Craft collabs with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), a not-for-profit organisation, to join the “Aussie Pies — It's Just Better" campaign to celebrate Australia with one of the country's most prized culinary possessions. Sous chef Gun-Patinya Srithong has created new renditions of the classic Australian pies in the Massaman Aussie beef pie. The slow-cooked beef is flavoured with curry paste, fish sauce, peanuts, coconut and tamarind, making for a rich, intensely punchy filling complimented by flaky, buttery pastry. The Khao soi Aussie lamb pie has a spiciness that translates the comforting flavours of the popular northern Thai dish. The pies are served with cassava chips and a spicy Thai pesto dip, and are priced at B249++ each. They will be available daily until Feb 26. Call 02-056-9999 or email craft.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.
Extravaganza Sunday Brunch / Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Ongoing
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is offering a fabulous start to the week with the launch of its "Extravaganza Sunday Brunch", featuring signature dishes and crowd-pleasing brunch classics from around the world, including Japanese, Arabic, Italian, Thai and much more. The spread is available from noon to 3pm in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Flourish. Brunch enthusiasts can enjoy an indulgent "Seafood Tower" featuring a giant ice sculpture stacked with fresh cold-water prawns, Canadian lobster, Fine De Claire oysters and black mussels. Japanese chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama wows with his signatures, cured fish delicacies and an impressive selection of sushi. In addition, the international live cooking and carving stations serve succulent prime rib, honey-glazed ham, sea bass in a salt crust, and pan-seared tiger prawns. Lebanese chef Omar Hazim takes diners on a journey of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The "Extravaganza Sunday Brunch" is priced at B3,200++ per person, with a free-flow sparkling beverage package for B1,600++ per person. Call 02-095-9999 or email fb.sindhorn@kempinski.com.
Winter Guestronomic Journey / Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu, Okura Prestige Bangkok
While the coolness of the Bangkok winter has worn off and we head straight into the summer, we still can enjoy the produce of the cold. The “Winter Guestronomic Journey” at Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu, celebrates the season with produce like the “iIkejime Hamachi” with kombu, oyster regal and sorrel and "langoustine tail" with ikura, spinach and veloute that uses whole langoustines to create a rich sauce. The "Brittany lemon sole" with Japanese hakurei turnip and mussel is a dish where the delicate winter fish is cooked with a classic mouthwatering vadouvan spice marinated in miso and mirin and then rolled in shiso leaves and served with a homemade dashi demi-glaze. This was the one dish that makes you looking for the accompanying rice because the vadouvan sauce is that good. Though should you hold your horses until after Feb 14, you can taste new dishes like the lip-smacking Foie gras tarte tatin. There are three menus on offer: Mizu is an eight-course experience priced at B5,900++ per person; Chikyu is a six-course experience priced at B4,800++ per person; and Ku-Ki is a four-course experience priced at B4,100++ per person. If you prefer a non-whine pairing, all menus pair excellently with the in-house kombuchas. Call 02-687-9000 or email elements@okurabangkok.com.
The House Of Eternity / Anantara Siam Bangkok
Unveiling the next chapter of the exclusive Afternoon Tea Culture series, Anantara Siam Bangkok presents a collaboration between Danish jewellery house Pandora, Thai digital artist Tossapon "Prince" Kongpipattanakarn and hotel’s cluster executive pastry chef Anupong "Aey" Nualchavee. “The House Of Eternity” afternoon tea celebrates love in all its forms with a collection of site-specific art and limited-edition confectionery. Specially commissioned for the project, Prince’s digital art explores the concept of romantic love alongside the love one feels for family and friends. Drawing on his childhood memories of favourite toys and first pets, as well as Pandora’s vision of love as a celebration of each couple’s uniqueness, the artist invites guests to embark on a journey down their own memory lane to reconnect with people and things they loved and lost. The House Of Eternity menu includes double-chocolate chunky scones and strawberry and white chocolate chip scones served with clotted cream and homemade jams. The signature dessert of the "Heart Key Lock" is an ode to romance rendered in dark chocolate, lychee and almond biscuits and inspired by Pandora’s delicate new charm. The tea is available daily from 2-6pm in the Lobby Lounge and is priced at B1,950++ for two. Call 02-126-8866 or email dining.asia@anantara.com.
Crazy in love / 25 Degrees Bangkok / Feb 10-15
Love comes in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of its form or iteration, love is always worth celebrating and sharing. If you want to keep St Valentine’s Day casual and cozy, 25 Degrees puts a loving touch to its burger with a "Crazy In Love" set. For B800 nett, you and your boo can share and murmur sweet nothings over the "Don't Go Bae-Con My Heart" burger served on a heart Brioche with 25 Degrees hot sauce, "Eyes On The Fries" and wash it down with either a "You Make Me Melt" strawberry milkshake or a "You Are So Dreamy" double chocolate milkshake. The limited-time only set is available from Feb 10-15 for dine-in only. Call 02-352-4192 or Line: @25degreesbkk.
WATCH
Magic Mike's Last Dance in cinemas
Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Who's in it?
Salma Hayek, Channing Tatum and Caitlin Gerard.
What's it about?
Mike takes to the stage again, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse.
Why watch it?
It will not be available to stream on Netflix in the near future.
Your Place or Mine on Netflix
Premieres on Feb 10
Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon star in this romantic comedy arriving just in time for St Valentine’s Day.
