VIVA Bangkok Issue 64

Your Lifestyle Guide to Bangkok and Beyond

Dayna’sChef

BangkokVIVA

ModernMexican

McLarenEmquartierMotor ShowIndigo HotelHoliday Inn Pattaya

May 2015

Page 2 www.bangkokscene.com

Highlights Contents

COVER: Chef Dayna at Mejico. Photo by Paul Hutton.

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Page 4McLaren Showroom Launch

Page 10Emquartier Opens in Phrom Phong

Page 22Tiger Kingdom in Phuket

Page 26Thailand W-I-D-E

Page 30Babette’s The Steakhouse Opens

Page 34Hotel Indigo in Wireless Road

Page 46Bangkok International Motor Show

Page 70Getaway: Holiday Inn Pattaya

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Daily Events

Chef Recommendations at Flava Restaurantat Dream BangkokExecutive Chef Booncherd is presenting his personal uniquerecommendations within the vibrantly coloured walls ofFlava Restaurant through April and May. Choose either afour course set menu of Thai or Western delights atTHB 700++ / set menu. Try Chef Booncherd’srecommended Western set menu, including Seared Scallopwith Squid Ink Sauce and Sautéed Sweet Peas for starter,followed by Blue Crab with Brandy Soup, delectable maincourse of Pan-Seared Snow Fish with Spinach, Potato, andPassion Fruit Sauce and end with a tempting dessert likeApple Strudel. Alternative unique authentic Thai tastesinclude Jumbo White Prawn Salad with Thai Herbs followedby Chicken and Galangal with Young Coconut Milk Soupfollowed by the main dish, Mussaman Curry with LambShanks and Steamed Rice, and dessert, Pumpkin Custard.Until May 31st.

Pho Favorites at Thien Duong Restaurant, Dusit ThaniBangkokSample the subtle varieties of this outstanding, complex anddelicious Vietnamese dish throughout May and June. Choose fromRice Noodles in Yellow Curry Soup with Shrimps and Tofu, DriedJade Noodles with Crispy Soft Shell Crab and Rice Noodle Soupwith Vegetarian Vietnamese Sausage. Prices start fromTHB 240++ per dish.Throughout May and June.

Traditional Thai Treats at Flavors, Renaissance BangkokRatchaprasong HotelThis April, kick-off Thai New Year with a month-long tributeto the country’s diverse cuisines. Flavors will featured anaromatic Sunday brunch buffet with signature Thai dishesfrom four regions.Price is at THB. 1,688++ per person.Until April 30th

Yamazato Celebrates Japan’s Historic Boys’ Festival atOkura Prestige HotelBoys’ Festival, or Tango-no-Sekku, is a major event in theJapanese calendar when families decorate samurai dolls toensure good health for their boys and they fly carp-shapedstreamers from flag poles to symbolise success. Yamazato,the award-winning signature Japanese restaurant at TheOkura Prestige Bangkok, celebrates Tango-no-Sekku withGozen set lunch and Kaiseki set dinner menus from25 April to 5 May 2015. The Gozen lunch, priced atBaht 850++ per set, includes grilled snowfish with miso;a simmered comprising eggplant, potato, pumpkin, carrotand Sakura shrimp with a creamy sauce and tofu skin.April 25th - May 5th

British Super Car’s New Bangkok Home RevealedBrand Expands Network with the Grand Opening of McLaren Bangkok

The much anticipated opening of McLaren Bangkok represents asignificant milestone in McLaren’s successful retail network expansion inAsia. McLaren Bangkok is the 20th location in the region and will beoperated by Niche Cars Co. Limited. Located on Motor Way Km.1within a brand new state-of-the-art showroom complex, McLarenBangkok will offer the full range of high performance super cars and

sports cars from the acclaimed Brititsh marquee. Joining the officiallaunch ceremony from the McLaren Asia Pacific headquarters wereRegional Director David McIntyre, and Head of Sales and OperationsGeorge Biggs. Representing the new retailer, were Chairman SereeRakvit and Vittawat Chinabarramee, Managing Director of Niche CarsCo., Ltd.

Reflecting on this special occasion, Mr. Vittawat Chinabarrameedeclared: “We are proud to celebrate our new role as the first exclusiveMcLaren retailer in Bangkok. Through our world-class service andcommitment to excellence, we are committed to offering the exact sameexclusive luxury customer experience that McLaren Automotive is nowoffering around the world. Opening the McLaren Bangkok showroomis a significant step in meeting the growing needs of our supercarcustomers in Thailand.”

David McIntyre, McLaren Asia Pacific Regional Director, added: “TheAsia Pacific market is key to the growth of the McLaren brand as wecontinue to strengthen the network, and this is shown by the opening ofour first McLaren showroom in Bangkok. This year is shaping as a keyyear with the launch of the much anticipated all-new Sports Series andwe promise many exciting highlights for our customers in Thailand.We are thrilled to make our range of groundbreaking super cars andsports cars available to enthusiasts in this region.”

McLaren Bangkok joins the McLaren retailer network following the global debutof the stunning new limited edition McLaren 675LT at the Geneva Motor Show,then the all-new Sports Series McLaren 570S at the New York Motor Show on1 April 2015. The highly anticipated Sports Series range will see another new model,the McLaren 540C, unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show on 20 April 2015.

The McLaren Sports Series is the most attainable McLaren sports car yet, bringingMcLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time.

The McLaren Sports Series will be a pure McLaren, building on the credentials ofthe McLaren P1™ and 650S, bringing Formula 1™ technologies and know-how toa new segment for the brand.

Photos by Paul Hutton.

Photos Courtesy of McLaren

Bangkok’s latest extravagant shopping experience wasnveiled last month when The EmQuartier became thenext operational phase of EM District.

The new development sits opposite the recently refurbishedand redesigned The Emporium at Phrom Phong SkytrainStation.

Fashion Extraordinaire was held under the FashionInvasion concept with a Fashion Troop consisting of morethan 200 models and live performances at QuartierGallery, M floor, The EmQuartier. The Mall Group and TheEmporium Group management team led by SupaluckUmpujh, Krissana Umpujh, Paibul Kanokwattanawan andKriengsak Tantiphipop celebrated the launch with businesspartners, retailers, business owners, executive-levelmanagers, and socialites including Chali Sophonpanich,Dr Prasarn Bhiraj Buri, Prapee Buri, HathaithepTheerathada, Phutharit Phrombandan, VivatSuthipongchai, Jittima Wattanasin, JanistaLiewchalermwong, Bhutrat Charoonsmith, Prinya andPloenchan Ruenprapan, Suriyon and ChitradeePoolvoralaks, Sara Lamsam, Mega and SuriyonSriorathaikul and Nalinee Worawongwasu.

Supaluck Umpujh, Vice Chairwoman of The Mall GroupCo., Ltd. and Chairwoman of The Emporium Group Co.,Ltd. said that The EM District opening is a celebrationthat the world would be amazed by, as a budget of

Fashion Destination in the Heart of Sukhumvit500 million baht was allocated to the four-month-longfestivities held from 27 March to 31 July 2015.

There are three phases of the celebration under threeconcepts: Fashion Extraordinaire, Dining Extraordinaireand World Extraordinaire.

The first of three, Fashion Extraordinaire is acollaboration of more than 400 super brands, leadinginternational brands and Thai designer brands includingLouis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Cartier, Dolce &Gabbana, Celine, Fendi, Gucci, Valentino, Chloe, Loewe,Miu Miu, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, EmporioArmani and Club 21.

The EmQuartier is also home to a variety of world-classinternational and Thai fashion brands. Q Stadium forexample is an urban concept store featuring more than50 brands of clothing and accessories. Qurator housesmore than 60 Thai designer brands and showcasescollections by established and up-and-coming designers.

The Atelier on G floor, Emporium Department Storebrings together over 70 unique fashion brands from allcorners of the world, 40 of which are exclusive to TheEmporium. ANOTHER STORY is a concept store withproducts by designers from around the world. Theproducts from over 160 brands are special andreasonably priced.

The EmQuartier Debuts with Fashion Extraordinaire

Photos by Paul Hutton

The EmQuartier Debuts with Fashion Extraordinaire

The EmQuartier also offers a stunning range of food,including ingredients, ready-to-go meals and restaurants.

Gourmet Market supermarket is considered a world-classgourmet destination with more than 40,000 products.

Quartier Food Hall at The EmQuartier offers Thai, Chinese,Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Taiwanese, Australian,American and New Zealand dishes.

The ultimate, redefined shopping experience at The EMDistrict, consisting of The Emporium and The EmQuartieris open daily from 10.00 to 22.00 hours.

Highlights of the retail complex are a five storey waterfall,an open air garden and six stories of dining terraces.

The buildings are inter-connected via walkways and footbridges and a large pedestrian area allows shoppers toeasily walk between all buildings in the Emporium andEmQuartier complex.

The cinema complex will feature eight screens includingan IMAX theatre. Two stories of underground parking areprovided and there is a large new supermarket on thebasement level featuring a range of gourmet items, alongwith an already highly popular food court.


OPENING NIGHT GALA PARTY


CoolForCats

Wild life in captivity in Thailand has become something of a hot topic in recent times, but the tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket didn’t seem tohave a care in the world as they cavorted in the tiger pool during VIVA Bangkok’s recent visit to the island.

Sitting right next to the Go-Kart track at the foot of Patong Hill, Tiger Kingdom allows visitors to get up close and personal with hand reared tigersof varying ages and sizes. Opening time is 9am and the venture has a café and restaurant on site. Guests can enter the cages and have their very ownsouvenir photo taken by members of staff.



Copy-Paste at Sombat Permpoon GalleryExamines the Thai Education System

Sombat Permpoon Gallery currently features an exhibitionby seven local artists titled “Copy-Paste”. The artexhibition explores the problems in Thailand’s educationsystem, through the expressions of the artists who have allexperienced the education system in roles as both studentsand teachers.

The exhibition will run until May 9th at the lowerSukhumvit premises.

“Copy-Paste” refers to the Thai education culture wherelearning is centred on memorising from text books andfollowing instructions from teachers. Students are notencouraged to be independent and creative, and criticalthinking while discovering one’s individual strengths arenot commonly promoted.

Through the exhibition, the seven artists use art torelay their experiences in Thai schools and create adialogue with their audiences about whether theyexperienced the same thing.

The Artists featured are: Chonlawit Rodjaturakun,Monchai Pitayawaraporn, Powarong Boonchoui,Rukkit Kuanhawate, Saranyu Koontanakulvong,Suebsang Sangwachirapiban and SujinWattanawongchai.

The artists have been led to question the criticalissues of thought processes found in the greaterrealms of Thai society. By using their art to create adialogue, they hope these questions will lead topositive change and developments in the future.


Bangkok City Skyline at Dusk from Hotel Indigo on Wireless Road

Thailand

Bangkok City Skyline at Dusk from Hotel Indigo on Wireless Road

W - I - D - E

Composite Photo by Paul Hutton


The city of angels will once again witness, for the seventh consecutive year, a gathering of Executive Chefs from 20 of Thailand’s mostprestigious five-star hotels and Thai Airways International, who will cook up yet another grand feast at the “2015 Bangkok ChefsCharity Gala Dinner”, scheduled for Monday, 29 June 2015; to be presided over once again by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha ChakriSirindhorn in the Royal Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Part of the proceeds this year will again benefit Border Patrol Police Schools under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness; and theremaining funds to go towards improvements in the livelihood and education of underprivileged children in the remote Omkoy districtin Chiang Mai.

Tickets are priced at Baht 12,500 per seat (for tables of 10).

The annual talk-of-the-town, gastronomic fete was initiated in 2009 by General Managers Nuntiya and Patcharin Hame-ung-gull ofGourmet One, importer and supplier of fine foods. Taking advantage of their contacts and connections, the two sisters came up withthis fundraiser idea to give back to society and at the same time to showcase the quality, creativity and distinct style of Bangkok’sforemost food & beverage professionals.

The inaugural edition of “Bangkok Chefs Charity” was launched in 2009 in the gracious presence of Her Royal Highness Princess MahaChakri Sirindhorn, with all proceeds collected going towards Her Royal Highness’s Sai Jai Thai Foundation and needy children andschools in Northern Thailand.

Over five million baht, raised from auctions and ticket sales at the 2010 charity gala, benefitted the Border Patrol Police Schools underHer Royal Highness’s Patronage and went towards scholarships, educational equipment, food, and children’s playgrounds at schools inUbon Ratchani province. In 2011, the culinary fundraising dinner and auction collected more than 12 million baht.

Her Royal Highness was presented with a cheque for 10 million baht to benefit Border Patrol Police Schools under Her Patronage; andthe remaining funds were used to purchase educational equipment for children at Baan Daan Ngo School, Amphur Kaeng Krachang,Petchburi province; Wat Sangvorn School; and handicapped school children at Baan Nonthaphoom, Amphur Pakkret, NonthaburiProvince.

In 2012, the benefit gala dinner collected a total of Baht 12 million – with Baht 10 million presented to Her Royal Highness PrincessMaha Chakri Sirindhorn; and the remaining towards repairing of underprivileged school in Omkoy district in Chiang Mai.

In 2013, the charity gala dinner successfully pledged a grand total of Baht 17 million, the highest ever since its inception,nevertheless, 2014 was yet again another unforgettable year. During the height of the evening, Her Royal Highness Princess MahaChakri Sirindhorn graciously demonstrated to all dining guests the preparation of Som Tam. The Royal culinary delicacies were givento the event’s top bidders before the night came to a happy end amidst thundering applause, with a total of Baht 14.5 million raised.

Every year, the highest bidder for the Grand Auction will enjoy all or any preferred number of chefs to cook a gourmet repast at anyvenue of choice and will be invited to present the donation cheque to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at anappropriate date and time following the charity gala.

This year 20 culinary extraordinaires will pair up to create the finest signature dishes with the visual infusion of ‘purple’ elements tocommemorate the 60th Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

2015 Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner

Centara’s latest family-friendly resort has it’s soft opening in April 2015. Centara Pelican Bay Residence & Suites Krabi takes fulladvantage of its stunning location, right across the road from Klong Muang beach. Found to the north of Ao Nang, the beach providesspectacular views over the Andaman Sea, as well as the closest coastal access to the Ko Hong island group, an untouched marinesanctuary. Three beaches are found here: southerly Ao Siew; Klong Muang, which has two sides – a wide sandy stretch to the south,and a narrow strip of sand curving round to the north, and the wildly beautiful Tupkaek Beach.

The Residence itself has been designed as a cluster of low-rise buildings surrounding a swimming pool, with the area’s characteristicallylush green tropical forest rising up around it. The residence offers a choice of modern apartments and pool suites with one, two orthree bedrooms. Many of the suites come complete with their own outdoor plunge pool featuring either an ocean or pool view, or agarden terrace. Every room style features spacious living areas ranging from 81 to 190 square metres, made up of both indoor andoutdoor areas, and all suites come with a large furnished terrace or balcony. All rooms and suites have a kitchenette, along with a fullsuite of modern amenities including complimentary wireless internet access

Centara Pelican Bay Residence & Suites Krabi also ensures that guests will be fully provided for when they’re not relaxing in the privacyof their own rooms. The Resort is home to an expansive swimming pool, which includes a child-friendly shallow end; a fully-equippedfitness centre and a ‘chilling lounge’ complete with internet stations, plus water sports, snorkelling and PADI diving which can all beeasily arranged.

The Resort’s relaxed all-day Globe restaurant is located poolside, serving up Thai and international dishes, while ‘The Nest’ is abeachside restaurant, perched three stories up, where drinks and light meals look their best against stunning Andaman Sea views.

A Fantastic new Arrival on the Krabi Scene:The Centara Pelican Bay Residence & Suites Krabi.


Babette’s The SteakhouseAn Intimate 1920’s Style Restaurant Opens with a “Chicago” Theme Party


Chef Michael OwensA glamorous new dining experience awaits at Hotel Muse in Bangkokwith the opening last month of Babette’s The Steakhouse.

The venue provides elegant décor from another era, compete with plushleather armchairs, set against a modern glittering city backdrop.

Promising an intoxicating atmosphere with live jazz and bluesperformances, Babette’s has lined up a menu that features freshlyimported produce cooked up by New Zealand chef Michael Owens.

Meats from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA are supplied,along with Norwegian salmon, Canadian lobster, French oysters, andlocal tiger prawn and sea bass.

An extensive walk-in cellar provides a range of New World wines ordiners can choose Hotel Muse’s exclusive champagne label from theMédot family vineyards of Montagne de Reims.

Signature dishes include succulent pan-seared scallops on a bed ofcauliflower purée with caviar and pancetta, a five-grain salad of freshberries with dukkha and cucumber yoghurt, and the sweet “Textures ofMeringue” with summer berries, offered as one of the dessert trayselections.

Austrian Embassy to Organise Vienna Ball Bangkok

Piyarat Kaljaruek, Holly Amranand, Burin Wongsanguan, Poruethai Narongdej, His Excellency Enno Drofenik, Madame Juri Sekiguchi-Drofenik,Goanpot Asvinvichit, M.R. Sorut Visuddhi (from left)

For more than two centuries, Vienna has been the uncontested ball capital of the world. Each year the city hosts around 450 ball events,which are a unique blend of age-old Austrian traditions, magnificent court ceremonies and the trademark Viennese waltz. The AustrianAmbassador to Thailand, H.E. Enno Drofenik and Madame Juri Sekiguchi-Drofenik will now bring the traditional Viennese Ball toBangkok.

The Austrian Embassy will organize a Vienna Ball Bangkok on 8 May 2015 at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. There will be a grandopening with high-profile debutantes from Thailand, supported by waltzing couples from Vienna, followed by performances of ballet andopera performances from renowned Austrian artists. The Bangkok Symphonic Orchestra under the guidance of a noted Austrianconductor will provide classic ballroom tunes. Authentic Austrian food, wines and pastries will be served, complementing this trulyunique experience.

Before the ball, all guests attending the Vienna Ball Bangkok will be offered a series of complimentary ballroom dance classes byAustria's most prestigious dancing school "Elmayer".

His Excellency Enno Drofenik, Austrian Ambassador to Thailand says, "We are delighted to bring Vienna's ballroom culture to Bangkok.The Vienna Ball Bangkok should not only be a prominent social event, it should bring our friends from Thailand closer to the waltz andballroom dancing. I am proud that we were able to bring an instructor of Vienna's dancing school "Elmayer" to Bangkok forcomplimentary waltz lessons before the event. I am even more proud that the ball proves to be a success even before it has startedthanks to the major contributors by Swarovski and Siam Winery, and the support of all of our sponsors. This ensures we will be able todonate the entire proceeds of the ticket sales to the Anti Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center in Pattaya and to the Royal Project"Kamlangjai" under patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. I would like to express my kind thanks to all of oursponsors and supporters."

The Vienna Ball 2015 will be held at Chadra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok on May 8, 2015, from 19:30 hrs onwards.

Main sponsors of the event are Swarovski and Siam Winery. Moreover, the Vienna Ball Bangkok is supported by the following sponsors:Airport Vienna, City of Vienna, Vivaldi Integrated Public Relations, Austrian Airlines, Siam Kempinski Bangkok, Bangkok SymphonicOrchestra, Elmayer Dancing School, Thailand Tatler, Dance Synergy, TKI Perpetual and Divana Spa.

Tickets are priced at 6,000 Baht each and are exclusively available through the Austrian Embassy. For ticket reservation or furtherinformation, please contact the Austrian Embassy Bangkok (e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 02 105 6700 ext 34).

The proceeds from ticket sales will go - in full - to the child shelter ATCC in Pattaya and to the Royal Charity "Kamlangjai".


HOTELINDIGO

The façade of Bangkok’s newest hotel may have a contemporary shine,but a stroll around the interior of the building reveals intricate detailsthat are steeped in the past.

Hotel Indigo may have only opened in Wireless Road in January thisyear, but designers have doffed their hats to the history of the LumpiniPark area in which the building sits, in line with the policy of IndigoHotels worldwide.

The mix of modern meets bygone is fascinating, with every corned turnedrevealing another intricate detail. This means that early wireless setsjostle for space with bubble gum machines, turn of the century looms andwell utilised rickshaws.

Even the lifts are a mix of contemporary meets antiquity, lush shiny leatherwall coverings reflecting light fittings of a bygone age.

Murals and paintings throughout Hotel Indigo depict scenes from theregions past, when Wireless Road was home to Bangkok’s embassyand consular quarter. These days the region has become a fashionableand very cosmopolitan shopping district, with brand new mega mallsjostling for space with busy street markets.

Each of the 192 rooms is ultra-modern, however, with spa-inspired

bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi and luxurious bedding providing a comfortingretreat after a day spent investigating downtown Bangkok from the nearbySkytrain.

An infinity pool gives a stunning eye line filling view of the modernhigh-rises of the city for guests who just wish to laze beside the water anddrink in the atmosphere.


Great wining and dining experiences are also on hand, with the 22 StepsBar providing designer cocktails and fine cigars just 22 steps from thelobby, and Metro on Wireless giving diners a choice of timeless Thaiclassics or international haute cuisine.

This is the first Hotel Indigo to open in South East Asia, but the conceptis well proven around the world, with several similarly branded boutiqueoutlets firmly entrenched throughout the USA, London, Hong Kong andChina.

Words and photos by Paul Hutton

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Launch PartyThe luxury property, which is located on Rajadamri Road in the centre of Bangkok, is owned by Minor Hotel Group, Anantara’s parent company.From 1 March 2015, Minor re-flagged the hotel as the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa, and a rebranding party was held to celebrate the occasion.The hotel is now managed by Khun Titiya Chooto, who transfers to Bangkok from the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. She is no stranger to theproperty, having previously served as hotel manager when it was Four Seasons Bangkok.

Minor said the rebranding of the hotel marks the culmination of a life-long dream of the company’s chairman William E. Heinecke, to operate aflagship Anantara property in the centre of the Thai capital. “Owning this prestigious hotel in the heart of Bangkok and working with the fantasticteam during its time as Four Seasons Bangkok has been an amazing journey. I am looking forward to continuing the journey in the next stage of thisproperty’s life as Anantara Siam,” Heinecke said.

Built in 1978, the property launched as a Peninsula before being sold to RegentHotels in 1982. Four Seasons assumed management of the property following itsacquisition of Regent in 1992. Minor then acquired the hotel, named the RegentBangkok, in 2001, and it has been operating as a Four Seasons since 2003.

Now rebranded, Anantara Siam Bangkok becomes the brand’s fourth hotel in theThai capital following the Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Anantara Bangkok Riversideand Anantara Bangkok Sathorn.

Boasting one of the Thai capital’s most prestigious addresses, Anantara SiamBangkok Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat for guests who appreciate life’s finerpleasures and the intrigue of original experiences.

Redefining luxury, traditional Thai architecture and glorious gardens exude elegantsimplicity and create a sense of serene exclusivity that feels far removed from thebustling city, matched by the convenience of being well connected to everythingBangkok has to offer.

Strategically located in the heart of central Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district,opposite the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and right next to a sky train station,Anantara Siam Bangkok is within close proximity to the main business, nightlifeand shopping districts, Lumphini Park, and many of the city’s key culturalattractions, providing the ideal base for the business or leisure traveller.

Luxury accommodation comprises 354 rooms and suites designed in traditional Thai and contemporary style with authentic Thai artifacts, teakfurnishings and silk fabrics, overlooking tropical gardens, the pool, prestigious neighbourhood streets or the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.Four room types each offer 42 square metres of beautifully appointed space, a marble bathroom with a deep tub and separate shower, and some alsoa private entrance graced with white columns and Thai statues, as well as a dining patio amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the pool and anexotic lotus pond.


ASTON MARTIN AND SRIRITA JENSEN STEAL THE SHOWBangkok International Motor Show 2015 Draws Huge Crowds

ASTON MARTIN AND SRIRITA JENSEN STEAL THE SHOWBangkok International Motor Show 2015 Draws Huge Crowds


Art of AutoThe 36th Bangkok International Motor Show was once again held atChallenger Hall at Impact, Muang Thong Thani, between March 25thand April 5th, 2015.

Leading car and motorcycle makers from around the world were allin attendance, as were top accessory companies. It is believed thatoverall the automotive industry in Thailand will grow to approach20 billion Baht annually and organisers are confident that the show isnow listed among the top five world’s best automotive shows.

Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Grand Prix International Public Company Limited and the President ofthe 36th BIMS revealed “It is such an honour and I am proud to see thatthe Bangkok International Motor Show has been greatly recognisedworldwide and is said to be the iconic symbol of the Thailand automotiveindustry. This year’s event marks the 36th time we have held the show,and it also completes three cycles of the Chinese zodiac calendar. “

“This year the show was developed under the concept “Art Of Auto”. Theconcept reflects the art in the world of automobiles, where suchdevelopment has no boundary and endless creativity exists for exteriorand interior design, body lines, engine performance and suspensionsystems. “


When we integrate all compositions into one, the outcome is an amazing masterpiece with itsown fascination and identity.” More than 30 car companies, nine motorcycle companies,famous car audio brands and more than 170 auto accessory booths joined together to exhibittheir latest products in an area of over 140,000 square metres.

New models on display included the Toyota Camry, New Ford Ranger and New Ford Everest,Mazda 2, Mitsubishi ‘Attrage’ and ‘Delica D5’ and ‘All New Triton’. Chevrolet brought alongthe New Colorado High Country while Ssangyong introduced the ‘Actyon Sports’. Gaining alot of interest was the new Rolls Royce Bluebird, which has been designed using the samecolours of the famous British land speed and water speed record breakers that will foreverfeature in the annals of automotive history.


Aston Martin Unveils Vanquish and DB9 in Carbon Edition for the First Time in Southeast AsiaAston Martin Bangkok, Heritage Motor Sales and Services (Thailand)Co.,Ltd. impressed fans with the launch of its Vanquish (pictured on theopening page, with Sririta Jensen) and DB9 (above) in Carbon Editionfor the first time in Southeast Asia at the much-awaited 36th BangkokInternational Motor Show 2015.

The Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition is the ultimate grand tourer,featuring unleashed soaring performance, startling dynamics and deeplyindulgent luxury combined to create an extraordinary GT car - theultimate expression of Aston Martin. The special edition delves deep intoits character and subtly but unmistakably accentuates its innate dynamism.

Sculpted from carbon fibre, the Vanquish Carbon celebrates the incrediblematerial and its inherent engineering and aesthetic beauty. The deep frontcarbon fibre splitter, side strakes, mirror caps and roof are complementedby black grille, bonnet and side strake meshes, black trim around the sidewindows, zircotec exhaust tailpipes and gloss black forged 10-spoke

20-inch alloy wheels. It is available in Vanquish Carbon White andVanquish Carbon Black. The other timeless elegance to be showcasedwas the Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition. This exclusive specialedition sees minimal adornment achieve maximum impact, fusingsimplicity, discretion and drama in a unique dark theme.

Aston Martin Unveils Vanquish and DB9 in Carbon Edition for the First Time in Southeast Asia



MONDO TERRACEHilton Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel hosted grand celebrations on March 19th for the opening of the new terrace at Mondo, their renowned groundfloor lunch, afternoon tea and dinner venue. Hotel General Manager David Ecija welcomed guests alongside Khun Pornseak Pharksuwan,Diageo Reserve Channel Director, and Khun Chennarong Bhumichitr, Diageo Reserve Senior Brand Ambassador.

Over 300 guests attended the launch party, sponsored by Diageo, which featured stunning cocktails made by world-class mixologists. Thecompany organises the annual Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year competition.

Photos by Paul Hutton and courtesy of Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok.

MONDO TERRACE

DOWN MEJICO WAYModern Mexican Cuisine Comes to Bangkok

Chef DaynaHead Chef Dayna Valtierra is a native of Mexico City, where she accumulated a wealth of experience cooking up a multi-cultural mix of cuisineswhile working for many of the city’s embassies. Dayna is a culinary expert in Spanish, Lebanese and Japanese cooking amongst others, and she hashoned the art of Modern Mexican cuisine to a fine art.

Heavily influenced by her mother in the early stages of her career, her insistence on only using the freshest ingredients soon became of paramountimportance. Then, while drawing from Mexico's own diverse and vast recipe book, Dayna developed her own interpretation of international cuisine.

She began crafting Mexican menus that blend the best of both worlds, and now brings her creative fusion to Bangkok. The result is that Bangkokdiners can now embark on an interesting gastronomic journey as diverse as the country of Mexico itself.

Mejico sits on the first floor of the trendy food andbeverage zone Groove at Central World.

The décor is as varied as the modern Mexican menu,with subtle hints of the country represented throughwall designs rather than gaudy bric-a-brac at everyturn.

Seating is also diverse, with long wooden tables forsix taking centre stage while more intimate settingsare provided in quiet corners.

There is also al fresco dining available on therestaurant’s private veranda.

Dishes are served on dark stoneware plates that helpto bring out the vibrant colours of the food.

VIVA Bangkok sampled Salmon Ceviche (withcoconut, lime, onion, orange, fresh chilli, cilantro,and taro chips), Chargrilled Vegetable Soft Tacos(with asparagus, capsicum, pumpkin, mushroomsand roasted salsa) and Pork Nachos (with avocado,diced vegetables and melted cheese), all pictured left.

Other notable dishes include: Mushroom With Cheese Fundido (195 baht); Achiote Chicken (285 baht) Yucatan style, seared in a ginger, honey andlemon achiote, with mango salsa, cous cous and candied almonds; Beef Short Rib (695 baht) which is braised for six hours, and served with a smokychipotle BBQ sauce and pickled onion; Mustard Seed Crusted Salmon (375 baht) with Japanese pumpkin puree, balsamic brown-butter emulsion,green beans and corn.

With tequila barrels decorating the walls, it is no surprise to find that the restaurant features a vast array of tequilas on the drinks list, and a dedicatedtequila bar is planned to open in the coming months, with a selection of over 150 types currently being imported.

Words and photos by Paul Hutton.


Connectivity Art Exhibition by Sarawut Yasamut

Everything is changing in this modern society;technology is impacting on our life, it connectsus with others much easier and informationcan be communicable now no matter who youare or where you are.

On the other hand, this massive digital trendthat has been flooding into our life means thatwe share our emotions in an unreal world, notwith the real people surrounding us like before.

"Connectivity" is an exhibition expressing howthe digital has world changed our real life toomuch, highlighting the link between onlinesociety and the real world and pondering overthe use of social media regarding the needs ofmodern man.

Here Sarawut presents his vision of people inthe new digital world; he transmits throughpart abstractionism a story that satirisespresent society in a fascinating way.

Until April 28th at HOF Art Space,W District

My Companions 2 Art Exhibition by Jekky

Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World is to host "My Companions 2" by Jekky (Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon) atSky Lobby, 23rd floor of the hotel from 14 May to 14 July 2015. 10.00 hrs. – 20.00 hrs. every day.

A part of the total revenues gained will be donated to The Voice Foundation.

This exhibition presents artwork inspired by friendship, love and relationships between friends, telling the story via a dog as "Dog isman's best friend".

For more information or a catalogue, please contact 02 100 1234 extension 6753-56

A New Lunch Menu Experience at VIUVIU at The St. Regis Bangkok has just introduced a brand new‘Lunch with a View’ menu. Continuing to pioneer the art of thelunch experience, VIU will be featuring an interactive diningconcept with eight live cooking stations.

Inspired by the ‘Food from the Heart’ philosophy, the hotel’s newExecutive Chef Matthew Woolford explained that the new lunchmenu captures the true essence of each dish through the texturesand tastes of the finest ingredients.

Based on the concept of the interactive cooking stations bringingthe culinary theatre to life, guests are most welcome to ask thechefs for details on the food preparation and are able to enjoy thelive process where the dishes are put together a la minute.

For certain cooking stations, guests are also welcome to informthe chefs on how to tweak the dishes according to their tastepreference.

You can start with a healthy salad, cold cuts and freshly bakedbreads before indulging in a main course from the daily selectionof Western and Thai specials, accompanied by a fresh selectionof pasta, and finally end the meal with mouthwatering desserts.

At THB795++ including coffee and tea per person, the ‘Lunchwith a View’ menu is served from Mondays through Fridays,complete with a landmark view of the Royal Bangkok SportsClub and beyond.

The eight stations dedicated to preparing glorious new dishesinclude:

Fresh from the OvenSelection of freshly baked warm breads straight from the woodfired oven House made soups, rich broths and smooth bisquesserved daily.

Composed SaladFresh garden green leaves and marinated vegetables to be tossedto order with a variety of dressings. Try a classic signature salador create one with the chef.

Cured, Iced and SlicedSample cured hams and spiced salamis to go with your tapas andfreshly baked bread along with Sushi and fresh cut Sashimi.

PastaTry the specialty pasta corner with tortellini, rigatoni andfettuccini prepared with your choice of homemade sauces andaccompaniments.

Carved and Perfect PairingsRoasted for lunch everyday beautiful whole roasted chickens,lamb legs or beef striploins paired with potatoes and dailyroasted vegetables.

The Business GrillThree grilled to order items such as fresh seafood and importedmeats with a selection of condiments, dips and sauces.

Local Journey through the RegionNot forgetting a local experience with a daily crafted curry, wokfried dish and staples from noodles to rice.

Sweet EndingsAt the end of the journey experience with various cakes, tortes andflans plus silky mousses and fresh local fruit from the Kingdom ofThailand.

VIU is located on the 12th floor, next to the Sky Lounge.Photos by Paul Hutton.

Lunch With A View

Panoramic Oceanside Views

GETAWAY

Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Two Towers Feature Great Vistasfrom all 567 Guest Rooms and Suites

Holiday Inn Hotel has long dominated the Pattaya skyline, but the addition of another tower, the Executive Tower, has recently given theestablishment a whole new dimension.

The almost twin towers (there are a lot of similarities but significant differences between each building) have virtually doubled theavailable rooms for rent, and new attractions, like the rooftop Executive Club have given the hotel an added swank factor; there can be fewbetter venues than this to chill out with a cool cocktail and watch the sun dip down over Pattaya Bay (the above photo was taken at duskfrom the Executive Club). Delicious canapé creations are also to be savoured, and are sure to delay your descent to the bright lights.

The Executive Club can accommodate 80 guests, is open for breakfast as well as evenings, and features air-conditioned relaxationalongside the open air terrace views.

The original Bay Tower sits 26 storeys high right alongside the world famous Pattaya beachfront, and boasts fabulous ocean views fromeach balcony of the 367 rooms and suites. The adjacent 25 storey Executive Tower adds a further 200 rooms and suites for hotelaccommodation that now totals 567.

Additional hotel facilities and amenities now include infinity and children’s swimming pools, a well-equipped fitness centre and a kids’club.

Panoramic Oceanside ViewsHoliday Inn Pattaya’s Two Towers Feature Great Vistas

GETAWAY

An innovative Workshop meeting and event concept features advanced technologies and highly configurable spaces, includingPattaya’s first auditorium facility within a hotel.

Guests are also now able to choose from a far greater range of food and beverage outlets. The original Bay Tower is perhaps mostwell-known for Havana, the sprawling ground floor retro Cuba-inspired bar complete with well-stocked cigar display, and itsneighbouring al fresco Terrazzo Restaurant.

Havana and Terrazzo are perhaps most renowned for their pizza menu, but they also provide special theme nights (seven daysseven surprises promotion). VIVA Bangkok sampled the Friday ‘Fristto Misto’ night, featuring a basket of deep fried seafood andvegetables served with a glass of draft beer for 420 baht.

Other theme nights include Pizza Tuesdays, Mojito Saturdays and Pasta Thursdays.

The new tower now adds the Executive Club, open for breakfast as well as for evening drinks and snacks, to the range of food andbeverage outlets, along with East Coast Kitchen, which serves international favourites during buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch,with live cooking stations and a wide range of Asian and Western cuisines provided during the evening, when the restauranttransforms into a bustling market-style venue.

There is also a charming coffee shop, Flow, in the bright and airy lobby, providing not only a great choice in freshly brewed coffeeand tea, but also enormous freshly baked cookies and cakes.

A similar coffee shop concept can be found in the lobby of the Bay Tower, with a more deli conscious range of snacks and savourypies on offer.

Workshop, the Holiday Inn Executive Tower’s meeting and function facility, features an industrial setting containing all toolsneeded for serious work with the imagination-firing ambience of an artist’s studio. The space includes Pattaya’s first auditoriumfacility within a hotel, a 115-square-metre theatre-style venue with a capacity of up to 60 persons for presentations, lectures andsimilar events.

The Workshop’s Media Hub ensures quick communication by laptop and phone as part of a fully integrated pre-function area,which likewise includes large open-air terrace ideal for cocktail receptions of up to 80 guests.

Three meeting rooms, enhanced by natural daylight, are highly configurable and can be arranged for classrooms, theatre, banquetor cocktail functions accommodating 18 to 195 people. A boardroom facility is also available.

The entire Workshop space functions as a main coffee break and snack area for all meeting facilities.

Holiday Inn Pattaya is also well known for being family friendly: families find not only a pleasant welcome but accommodation,facilities and activities specifically designed to guarantee a genuinely fun family holiday. Features include special family suites,a kids’ club, a kids-eat-free programme and a family swimming pool complimenting the hotel’s two adult pools.

Total relaxation is further assured within the hotel’s own Tea Tree Spa, while weight conscious guests can stay in shape and keepenergy levels high at the hotel’s well-equipped fitness centre.


Bar and Restaurant Choices Galore

Pattamaporn Singkananon serves cocktails on the Executive Club Terrace

Nipa Somsri at Flow Express in the Executive TowerCulinary Panel

Holiday Inn Pattaya has introduced anexciting selection of new recipes to itsmenu at East Coast Kitchen and Café G.

The signature dishes were created by theChef Ian Kittichai an Ambassador onIHG's new Culinary Panel.

Five celebrated international chefs havebeen appointed IHG CulinaryAmbassadors to develop a repertoire ofunique signature dishes for guestsdining in IHG’s hotels across the Asia,Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region.

The five IHG Culinary PanelAmbassadors, who are all award-winning chefs, represent a diverserange of cuisines: Italian by TheoRandall, Thai by Ian Kittichai, Chineseby Sam Leong, Modern Australian byRoss Lusted and Bakery and Pastry byDean Brettschneider.


GETAWAY

Clockwise from top left:

The lobby in the Executive Tower

Workshop features an industrial setting

The auditorium at Workshop

Khun Charupha on duty in the spa

The business centre at Workshop

Mutita Tansiri and Daranee Patjaikhotha, receptionists in the ExecutiveTower

One of Holiday Inn Pattaya’s many rooms, all with sea views

Clockwise from top left:

Sukanya Promla serves up Quattro Stagione pizza in HavanaCocktail creations at dusk on the terrace at the Executive Club: Mai Tai, Mojito andCosmopolitanSpicy Thai Pork MeatballsSmoked Salmon Vietnamese Spring RollsFristto Misto, the Friday night promotion at Havana and TerrazzoVegetable Yellow CurryAvocado and Tomato BruschettaHavanaSurinan Lahpa on duty in the Executive Club

Chefs Join Celebrities During the Songkran Celebrations Poolside at Holiday Inn

Local luminaries and guests from many parts of the world gathered recently for a “Songkran BBQ Pool Party” at Charm Thai Restaurant,Holiday Inn Bangkok.

Hotel general manager Kirati Saingam and leading Thai celebrities joined in celebrations for the New Year holiday. The eventhighlighted traditional Songkran practices and observances. For example, ML Poonyanuch Kashemsanta Dulyachinda introduced andexplained for guests the rite of pouring water on hands of elders and asking for their blessing.

Chitra Konantakiat then presented a history of the Songkran festival, which included debut of her new music video, “Songkran HaiChok Dee” (Well Wishes for Songkran). Food was of course another highlight during the event, notably , a traditionalSongkran dish. There were tasty Thai desserts as well prepared by Chef Seksan of Charm Thai. The party setting was not only indoorsbut poolside too, and guests enjoyed superb Arabic appetizers right by the swimming pool.

Pictured from left:1. Boonyada Krittiyachotikul2. Suriyon Sriorathaikul3. Simon J. Hall, Area Director of Sales and Marketing – Thailand4. Kirati Saingam, General Manager of Holiday Inn Bangkok5. Chitra Konantakiat6. ML Poonyanuch Kashemsanta Dulyachinda7. Suraspan Dulyachinda8. Runcha Boribalburibhand

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We strive to make all information accurate, but event details can change at short notice.Please check with the organisers that the event is still happening as scheduled beforemaking travel arrangements.

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VIVA Bangkok Issue 64