In what promises to be an amazing celebration of the culinary art, Sofitel So Bangkok has invited 12 internationally renowned chefs to lead a five-day event that offers both cooking classes by the masters and the opportunity to tastes their combined skills in unparalleled lunches and set-menu dinners.
All 12 chefs belong to the event’s partner, “Village de Chefs,” the site through which members, French or French-speaking professionals working abroad, share their experiences for the enrichment of French gastronomy throughout the world. Titled “So Amazing Chefs 2012,” this gastronomic extravaganza offers various options, from morning and afternoon master cooking classes, held in various of the hotel’s distinctive restaurants and conducted by the maestros, to themed lunches and unique set-menu dinners where each of six or nine courses are prepared by a different chef for truly “magnifique” culinary experiences. The highlight of the event, on Thursday Sept. 27, will be a “Culinary Showdown” with nine chefs giving virtuoso displays of their individual skills.
The 12 chefs from eight countries are: Stephane Bonnat (Voiron, France) – the current maître-chocolatier of the renowned Bonnat chocolate family business in Voiron, France; Sebastien Bouillet (Lyon, France) – French pastry chef and owner of pastry shops in Lyon and Tokyo, as well as the founder, along with Chef Eric Bergon, of the Gateau Ecole in Vieux-Lyon. Alain Caron (Amsterdam, Holland) – Paris-born judge of the Dutch TV “Masterchef” series who has worked for many three-Michelin-star chefs, such as Troisgras and Marc Meneau; Pierre-Yves Lebihan (Houston, USA) – The French-born “Well-Traveled Chef” has worked across the globe for high-end restaurants and hotels, lives in Trinidad in the last six years and passes on his passion for cooking to students at the Culinary Institute LeNôtre; Didier Corlou (Hanoi, Vietnam) – the multi-award winning Frenchman has traveled the world, cooking for presidents, showbiz stars and royalty; Christian Echterbille (Houston, USA) – “The Team Spirit Chef” has devoted 41 years to the culinary profession, working both at Belgium’s Michelin starred restaurants and in educating students. Marc Friederich (Paarl, South Africa) – Strasburg-born Chef and sommelierwho has cooked for several Michelin star chefs and named Best Swiss Sommelier in 1991. Among numerous honors, he was a Diamond award winner from 2007-2011; Patrick Jeffroy (Brittany, France) – “Multi Star Chef” who draws on the sea and earth of Brittany for the best produce to create Breton gourmet cuisine that is simple and natural, and which has won him two Michelin stars. Chris Salans (Bali, Indonesia) – (“Fifty Best World Chef”) U.S.-born but moved to Paris where he worked with many three-Michelin star chefs, now settled in Bali running his own restaurant, “Mosaic,” to enormous success; Paul Smart (Bangkok, Thailand) – Chef of Park Society @ Sofitel So Bangkok, whose career highlights include cooking for Queen Elizabeth II and winning the UK Commis Chef of the Year award. Romain Valicon (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic) – “The New Generation Chef”) started his career with the famous Paul Bocuse in France and today, the five Diamond awards AAA winner and French Culinary Academy member; and Nicolas A. Vienne (Bangkok, Thailand) – The Executive Chef @ So Bangkok who began his career at the prestigious George V Hotel in Paris and subsequently broadened his early training at Plaza Athenee Hotel and Alain Ducasse Restaurant, both in the French capital and both with three Michelin stars.
For more information, contact 02-624-0000 or e-mail: h6835-fb5@sofitel.com
From Sept. 7-16, Yiu Chi Chow, executive chef at Heichinrou Chinese Restaurant at Amari Watergate Bangkok will present a “Lobster Promotion” featuring premium quality lobster cooked in specialty dishes such as stir-fried lobster with garlic (Bt350/100grams), steamed lobster with garlic (Bt350/100 grams), and wok-fried lobster with king trumpet mushroom in Xo sauce (Bt350/100 grams).
Where: Heichinrou Chinese Restaurant, Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok, Petchburi Road // Contact: 02 653-9000, ext. 365, 366
Throughout September, The Square of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square highlights food from Thailand’s various regions along with the daily international buffet selections. Enjoy Thai cuisine from four regions in four weeks and four styles: Northern, Northeastern, Central, and Southern. Selections include delicacies from all four regions such as: ho mok pla, phat kraphao, traditional som tum, kaep mu, and khua kling. Regular dinner buffet price is Bt899++.
Where: The Square, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 6 (BTS: Siam Square) // Contact: 02-209-8888, ext. The Square; www.novotelbkk.com
Throughout September, from 6 to 10 p.m., Wine Pub presents the unique flavor of Mediterranean Seafood such as trout, sardines, sea bream, and live Atlantic brown crab — cooked in Spanish style.
Special dishes include gazpacho a la Andalusia, mejillones a la marinara, paella a la marinera, and many more, with prices starting at Bt180 net. Get 10% discount if you are a King Power and Accor Advantage Plus member.
Where: Wine Pub, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Rangnam Road (BTS: Victory Monument) // Contact: 02-680-9999
From now until Oct. 31, between 2 and 5:30 p.m., Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel presents “Japanese High Tea.” Every afternoon, the Lobby Lounge will feature the Japanese themed high-tea buffet featuring the finest snacks, cakes, and pastries along with a free flow of Lavazza coffee and Ronnefeldt loose teas. A selection of traditional high-tea favorites will be enhanced by classical Japanese items such as daifuku, chestnut cookies (Japanese style), and kushidango (Japanese skewer with sweet salty sauce) and will also include a daily-changing selection such as chocolate fountain, green-tea scones, chicken skewer yakitori, wasabi-potato croquette, and salmon-nori rolls. Price is Bt499 net/person.
Where: Lobby Lounge, Lobby Level, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Sukhumvit 22 (BTS: Phrom Phong) // Contact: 02-261-9300, ext. 5089; www.imperialhotels.com
Probably one of the best value-for-money weekend lunches in Bangkok – Crave’s “Yummy Weekend Lunch” offers a great variety of the weekday buffet with added seafood on ice including rock lobster, New Zealand mussels, and oysters; plus Asian options such as sushi, crab stick, Akami tuna, prawn tempura, Ha Gao, Siu Mai and BBQ pork bun; and for dessert lovers, Hong Kong waffle, candy floss and more. The lunch is priced at only Bt600 net per person. It will be available until Oct. 31 from noon till 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Crave, Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11, Soi Sukhumvit 11 (BTS: Nana) // Contact: 02-207-7080; www.aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com
The fabulous smorgasbord of international brunch favorites at Patummat International Buffet has gotten even better. In addition to the regular classic breakfast, mouthwatering Asian dishes, and decadent desserts, buffet guests can now also enjoy live sushi/sashimi station, meat lover’s grill, Alaskan king crab, foei gras, French oysters, and more.There’s also free-flow champagne and Bloody Marys too, Price for this Sunday Brunch is Bt1,399 net (adults) and Bt699 net (kids under 12). Come in a group of three and pay for only two.
Where: Patummat International Buffet, The Sukosol Bangkok (formerly Siam City Hotel), Si Ayutthaya Road (BTS: Phayathai) // Contact: 02 247-0123, ext. 1810.
Enjoy a great variety of fresh seafood in Thai cuisine at Karatee Kitchen restaurant this month. Prepared by top chefs from various regions of Thailand, the seafood is available in extensive a la carte dishes (more than 100) at very affordable prices. These include spicy papaya salad with salted crab, scallops butter grilled, seafood fried with Thai herb and chili, and fried shrimp in tamarind sauce. The signature dessert: taro ball in coconut milk is highly recommended as are the variety of drink and cocktails. A live band completes your pleasurable island meal. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Karatee Kitchen, Klong Prao Road (in front of Ramayana Koh Chang Resort and Spa), Koh Chang // Contact: 039-551-033.
The Glass House Restaurant celebrates Thailand’s annual “Vegetarian Festival” with a host of deliciously satisfying and innovative dishes. Among the creations on offer are stuffed pepper with brown rice, vegetable brochettes with cinnamon soya marinate, freshly made Vietnamese spring rolls, vegetable samosas served with tamarind sauce, spicy mushroom soup with lemongrass and lime juice, and many other healthy and delicious specialties. Price is Bt599++ per person (lunch) and Bt999++ (dinner, Mon-Thurs) and Bt1,199++ per person (dinner, Fri-Sun). Facebook fans get 30% off. Offer valid between Oct. 15 and Oct. 23 only.
Where: The Glass House, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, Sathorn Road (BTS: Surasak) // Contact: 02-210-8100; www.eastingrandsathorn.com
Throughout Sept., Lok Wah Hin rpresents a selection of fresh meats, including chicken, pork and beef, prepared in various provincial dishes by Hong Kong Chef Leung. Not-to-be-missed highlights include Hong Kong-style pork, and stir-fried chicken with black bean sauce — at reasonable prices.
Where: The Square, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 6 (BTS: Siam Square) // Contact: 02-209-8888, ext. Lok Wah Hin
Diners at the renowned Orchid Café can now enhance their memorable meal with free flow drinks at outstanding prices. The offer includes free flow of refreshing chilled beers such as Heineken, Singha, and Chang Light for just Bt590. Wine lovers can enjoy the fabulous array of enticing dishes accompanied by free flow sparkling prosecco and red and white wines for just Bt990.
Where: Orchid Café, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Road (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-649-8355, e-mail: dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com
Enjoy the best of Thai cuisine during the nightly Thai Buffet Dinner at Citi BiSTRo of Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Take a trip back in time and taste the fragrant dishes of yesteryears prepared by expert chefs from live cooking stations for only Bt890 net person. Highlights include tom yum soup as you have never tasted before, in addition many favorites and a few surprises.
Where: CiTi BiSTRo: ground floor of Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center (BTS: National Stadium) // Contact: 02-216-3700, ext. 20100
Ross Edward Marks, (2nd from left) vice president, Wine & Sprits of Central Food Retail; and Denis Thouvard, (1st from left) GM of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, recently organized the “Fetzer California BBQ Dinner” at The Beachcomber. Fine quality wines from Fetzer vineyards were presented by Andres Ballesteros, (2nd from right) Managing Director of VCT group wineries. Also seen in the picture is Joy Doorman.
From Sept. 1- 30, a Hong Kong masterchef works up some delicious recipes for “Hakka Food Promotion.Price starts at Bt200++ per portion.
Where: Hong Teh ChineseWing, The Ambassador Hotel, 171 Sukhumvit 11 // Contact: 02 254-0444, ext. 1562/3
This month, tempt your palate with divine Chinese cuisine, capped by the mouthwatering “sautéed abalone with mushroom and kale,” among a list of gourmet teasers. Special 25% off on food until Sept. 30. Dim Sum buffet lunch is Bt499++ and Bt699++ (with shark’s fin soup) per person.
Where: Golden Palace Restaurant, Windsor Suites Hotel, Sukhumvit 20 // Contact:Tel. 02-262-1221, ext. 1408
Amari Orchid Pattaya has a new executive chef Leonard Faust, an Australian national, who has also been executive chef at the Majestic Grande Bangkok, Marriott Courtyard in Hua Hin and the Paradise Boutique Beach Resort, Phuket. Previous to this Faust headed up the brigade at two of Sydney’s most prestigious culinary attractions, Morgan’s and the Boulders on the Rocks restaurants. Faust brings with him a wealth of both hotel and restaurant experience which stands him in good stead for the role at the hotel which also features the award winning Mantra restaurant & bar plus the popular sports bar, Tavern by the Sea.[/pane]
In September, another beloved Japanese specialty comes your way as only Youzen’s creative chefs can present. Their “Kamasu Nisuke” (Barracuda Boiled Shoyu Sauce) will open your taste buds to the sensual feast that Japan is famous for. Special; 25% discount for food until Sept. 30. Youzen is open daily for lunch (ala carte) and dinner (Buffet Seafood) at Bt699++ /person.
Where: Youzen Japanese Restaurant, Windsor Suites Hotel, Sukhumvit 20 // Contact:Tel. 02-262-1221, ext. 1408
Executive Chef Ponchai Butipunka of amBar, Four Points by Sheraton congratulates the winner of “SteakOut Challenge.” Khun Ake, a celebrity blogger of Pantip, completed 2kgs of prime U.S. beef in only 32 minutes.
With over 80 dishes prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients available there is literally something for everyone on the menu at Peppers, a restaurant with an almost perfect setting in Kanchanaburi. Spend Bt1,000 or more on your meal and you can choose from a specially selected range of imported wines at half price. Guests spending Bt5,000 or more per bill will receive a complimentary night’s stay in a Superior Room including breakfast for two.
Where: Peppers Restaurant, U Inchantree Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi // Contact: 034-521-584; www.ukanchanaburi.com
No chef is an island on Koh Samui – at least, not during the “2nd Samui Fine Dining Festival,” where kitchen maestros create a symphony of gastronomy in harmony and foodies find paradise on a plate.
For two mouthwatering months from a glittering gala launch dinner on Sept. 1 to the flavorsome finale on Oct 31, Samui’s finest restaurants and an elite of international chefs unite in the name of culinary innovation and daily dining sensation.
Every day, each participating restaurant will present a superb individual fine dining menu with paired wines from Bt2,200 to Bt4,000 (US$70-120).
Restaurants, hotels and resorts who have come together to put Samui on the fine dining map include Akaryn Samui, akyra Chura Samui, Banyan Tree, Beach Republic, Da Pasquale, Dining on the Rocks, Four Seasons, Full Moon, Intercontinental, Le Jaroen, Le Meridien, Le Salon de Ti, Nikki Beach, Olivio, Orgasmic, Prego, Red Snapper, Renaissance Resort, Rockpool, Sui Kin, The Barge Fine Dining, The Dining Room, The Edge, The Five Islands Restaurant, The Height, Tree Tops, W Retreat and Zazen Restaurant. They are the creme de la creme of the gastronomic scene on the island and offer a tantalizing array of appetizing adventures.
Cooked up to engage tourists as well as the island’s residents and to drive business for Samui’s hotels, resorts and restaurants over a sustained period, the “1st Samui Fine Dining Festival” in March 2012 ran for one month and was judged a success by local and international food writers, participating outlets and discerning tourists.
Organizers this year have elected to run the festival for two months, and believe the appetite exists to make this extended moveable feast a permanent fixture in the international food festival calendar. This year also sees 26 restaurants taking part, up from 16 last year.
Koh Samui is an ideal spot for fine dining to be celebrated with a festival, with its sophisticated and diverse tourist arrivals, world class selection of restaurants and balmy island breezes to cool the kitchen heat.
Organizers also seek to promote ‘Fine Dining Holidays’ as a new concept: basking in paradise with new dining horizons to reach for on a daily basis. Thailand and Koh Samui’s famous smiling service and warmth add to the attraction for culinary connoisseurs and holidaymakers with a taste for adventure.
Where: Various locations, Koh Samui // Contact: Horst Hornung at 089 873 3661; Email: horse@primestar-samui.com; www.samuifinediningfestival.com
A delicious variety of flavors – lotus seed (Bt290), mixed nuts (Bt300), green tea (Bt300) and durian (Bt320) – prepared by Heichinrou’s mater chef, Chow, will be available throughout September to celebrate the popular “Mooncake Festival.” Special promotion: Buy five boxes and get one free.
Where: Heichinrou Chinese Restaurant, Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok, Petchburi Road // Contact: 02 653-9000, ext. 365, 366
Make someone’s Mid Autumn Festival extra special with delicious mooncakes from Fei Ya Chinese Restaurant and Flavors International Restaurant as well as The One by Renaissance. Some of the most flavorful mooncakes: lotus seed and coffee, red bean and chestnut, and durian with yolk and custard varieties will make for presents for families and friends during this occasion. Price for one set is only at Bt788 net (4 pieces) or one piece for Bt140 net.
Where: Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, Ploenchit (BTS: Chidlom) // Contact: 02-125-5030 or 02-125-5000, ext. 8320
Until Sept. 30, Conrad Bangkok presents its celebrated range of gourmet mooncakes. Each 80-gram mooncake is priced at Bt99 net per piece. Gift boxes are available too at Bt390 net and Bt760 net.
Where: The Conrad Bangkok , All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road (BTS: Ploenchit) // Contact: 02-690–9299
Until Sept. 30, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok presents mooncake with new flavors such as snow-skin mooncake with mocha kahlua and snow-skin mooncake with custard cream and orange liqueur,. Enjoy 10% discount when buying moocakes Bt1,000 worth or more – until Sept. 20 only.
Where: Moon Cake S, Main Lobby, The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok , 171 Sukhumvit 11 (BTS: Nana) // Contact: 02-254–0444, ext. 1592/3; www.amtel.co.th
Banyan Tree Bangkok commemorates this timeless tradition with “Legendary Mooncakes,” made fresh daily from Bai Yun’s kitchen, preservative-free. . The mooncakes will be available until Sept. 30 only and price is Bt155 net/piece or Bt680 net for a box of four. Available at Bai Yun, Romsai Restaurant, and Goodies Deli Shop at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Also available at Siam Paragon, Sept. 14-30.
Where: Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathorn Road // Contact: 02 679-1200
