Holiday TimeBangkok Post

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Centara Grand at CentralWorld Red Sky’s delicacy-rich eight-course Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner makes bidding farewell to 2017 a tastefully

delicious occasion

For those accustomed to the finer things in life, Red Sky’s 2018 countdown feast offers a dazzling, uncompromisingly creative epicurean journey of

the highest order.Located atop the Centara Grand Central-

World, the warmly comfortable and luxu-riously appointed fine dining venue offers gasp-inducing views of the city, making this exclusive event the highpoint of the festive dining season.

Comprising an eclectic list of meticu-lously sourced ingredients and heritage foods, the eight-course menu is a treasure chest of timeless culinary gems from the world over, served with generous help-ings of cooking innovation and master-ful presentations.

This uncommonly opulent repast is the work of Chef de cuisine Christian Ham, whose more than two decades’ experience

includes such prestigious tables as D’Sens, Bangkok; L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Hong Kong; Le Crocodile, Strasbourg and Taillev-ent in his native France, while also having served as a Chef Instructor at Cordon Bleu, Bangkok and Shanghai.

Even Red Sky’s bread basket is a wonder to behold (and nibble), with a selection of exquisite crusts served with premium jumbo olives, which segue nicely into an amuse bouche of French Spéciale No. 2 oysters on half shell in Bloody Mary gelée.

A starter course, resplendent in sterling pedigree, features a tin of Russian Oscietra Caviar (30g) on ice, with a complement of blinis arrayed dish-side just waiting to be slathered in sour cream and classic con-diments of egg, parsley and onion. The course’s piece de resistance is a frosty shot glass of Beluga Noble Vodka — a much appreciated touch of authenticity that

serves to enhance anticipation of the meal to come.

The next two courses are served together as one, starting with French Erquy Scal-lop served on the half shell, bathed in a frothy-savoury Mushroom and Leek Sabayon and topped with Bone Marrow and White Alba Truffle. One of the world’s most coveted and costly culinary fungi, the White Alba has an earthy, intense flavour that outshines even its much loved dark toned cousin.

The precious Alba also makes an appearance in the Hokkaido Scallop Car-paccio, served on Celeriac Rémoulade. The combination of micro-diced celery and thick, Alba truffled cream that comprise the dish’s Rémoulade element offers a cool, refreshing counterpoint to its plate-mate’s warm richness.

A Pan-Fried Foie Gras — browned just right — is accompanied by caramelised red cabbage and fresh cranberries in Lobster Sauce. The plate is completed with a strip of gingerbread rusk, beckoning the diner in dramatic rococo tableaux.

Next, a Confit of Quail stuffed with Foie Gras glistens in Madeira Sauce Glaze with a garnish of Apricot Chutney, which is fol-lowed by a delicately layered Feuilleté puff pastry brimming with Brittany Blue Lobster and Mushrooms in Martell X.O. with Veal Sweetbreads on the side.

While sipping a flute of Mumm Cordon Rouge Granité — which our somewhat less cultured alter-ego insisted on inwardly referring to as a Champagne slushy — we took in the view from our window table of the tony Rajadamri shopping district fif-ty-five floors below, with the night time city-scape and mighty Chai Praya River beyond.

With still a more than a half-tank of the complimentary bottle standing by, we are presented with a main course choice of beef or fish.

The Japanese Beef Fillet in red wine sauce is as tender, succulent and flavourful as one

might expect from an A5-rated cut of Jap-anese-sourced meat. Ours is served rare with a seared outer crust, its alluring aroma setting off a primal craving descended from the distant epoch when proto-humans first stumbled upon new dimensions of delicious-ness by putting meat to fire. A dollop of silky smooth potato purée generously topped with black truffle completes the plating.

Alternately, the Pan-Fried Turbot Périgord comes nicely browned, bathed in a frothy razor clam sauce, a black winter truffle and porcini Parmentier playing a delectable yin to the pescado’s fresh-fla-voured yang.

The sweet, sweet climax of this inspired holiday feast is the Chestnut and Black Current Mousse “Pavlova”, comprising a cluster of meringue drops topped by a can-died chestnut, with a financier cake and scoop of raspberry sherbet tucked invit-ingly beneath.

8-course Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner at Red Sky. December 31st, 2017 7pm-2am. Baht 15,555++ per person (incl. 1 bottle Mumm No. 1 Pink champagne per couple). Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre 999/9 Rama I Rd.

CHRISTOPHER LOMBARDI

takes festive season fine dining to rarefied new heights

2 I HOLIDAY TIME Bangkok Post I Wednesday, december 13, 2017

Celebrate a sophisticated Christmas Eve inspired by a sumptuous festive buffet starring not only the seasonal specialties but superb seafood from oceans near and far.

The festive celebration on Sunday 24 Decem-ber 2017 features an extravagant buffet with all the Christmas specialties, vibrant live cooking stations and international delicacies.

Starring among the elite of fresh seafood selections, one whole Boston lobster is prepared for each diner.

Feast on three kinds of freshly shucked Oys-ters, Maine Lobster Claws, Langoustine and Alaskan King Crab, just for starters.

Enjoy live music from our 3-piece band, beautiful carol singing, and Christmas goodie give-aways, and listen out for festive bonus lucky draws for buffet and restaurant vouchers.

Baht 2,888++, soft drinks and juicesBaht 4,888++ incl sparkling wine, house wines,

cocktails, beer, soft drinks and juicesBaht 15,888++ incl 1 bottle of Dom Perignon

and free flow sparkling wine, house wines, cock-tails, beer, soft drinks and juices.

Children 4-12 years: Baht 1,444++All incl drinking water.Served: 06:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.SPG membership benefits apply.Le Club Plaza Members: 20% discount

(food only)

The Rain TRee Café Ground floor, The athenee hotel a Luxury Collection hotel, 61 Wireless Road. Tel. 02 650 8800. email: fb.theathenee@luxurycollection.com or visit website: www.theatheneehotel.com and theluxurycollection.com/theatheneehotel.

Christmas Eve Spectacular Seafood Dinner BuffetAT THE RAIN TREE CAFE

Experience Magical Moments This Festive Season

The Peninsula Bangkok invites you to a selection of wonderful Christmas and New Year dining experiences.

Enjoy traditional end-of-the-year festivities in its luxurious riverside setting.

ChRiSTMaS eVeThe Peninsula LawnSunday, 24 Dec 2017

Our festive-themed Christmas Eve buffet dinner will include a lavish selection of classic Christmas dishes such as Grass-fed prime rib roast, Turkey with herbs stuffing, Roasted whole Guinea Fowl, Whole Turbot with onion and white wine at The Peninsula Lawn while overlooking the majestic Chao Phraya River. Finish off something from our spectacular dessert range.

Baht 4,900 net.

TeDDY BeaR afTeRnOOn PiCniCThe Peninsula Lawn16 - 17 Dec 20172pm–4pm

The Peninsula Bangkok presents the Teddy Bear Afternoon Picnic on The Pen-insula Lawn on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 Dec. Our VICs (very important children) are invited to a fun-filled  afternoon in which their creativity will shine as they design and dress up their own teddy bears. A snacks, kids’ menu, desserts and drinks buffet is for the children to enjoy. Children are welcome

“Frozen Beats” New Year Party

Join our “Frozen Beats” New Year Party at our Rooftop Event location Altitude and storm into the New Year in a blur

of blue and white. As we blow artificial snow, fog, beam lights and moody blue hues, our live DJs spin a surging soundtrack to stir your spirit.

Altitude is located on the 25th floor and takes advantage of dramatic views of down-town Bangkok. Dance to the beat indoor or gather on The Terrace and take in what is surely one of the best panoramas in the city. The vitalizing New Year’s Eve Party starts at 21 hrs. and continues through a suspenseful countdown till 2 hrs. on the first day of 2018.

DJ LINE UP: NATSHA (RUS): The Bang-kok resident has emerged as one of the city’s most important dance music tastemakers. Hypnotic and captivating, Natsha’s regular DJ sessions at nightclubs and Westin’s Pool Parties draw big crowds around the city.

RICHIE B (CAN): Born and raised in Canada, DJ Richie B has been making a name for himself behind the turntables and worked with some of the biggest interna-tional acts. He is known throughout Bang-kok for his ability to entertain every crowd and brings energy to any dance floor.

JEROME G (FRA): French DJ Jerome G is booked for international performances from Paris to Miami and appears in TV shows around Europe and Asia. With over 15 years of DJ experience, Jerome G is ready to take Bangkok and the dance floor to new heights.

TICKET PRICES: Baht 900 net per person (including 1 drink).

Early-Bird Ticket until December 30, 2017

Baht 1,200 net per person (including 1 drink) On the door ticket.

PaCKaGe PRiCeS: VIP PACKAGE 1 1 bottle of premium spirit 70cl + free

entrance up to 4 person (Baht 3,500).VIP PACKAGE 2 2 Bottles of premium spirit 70cl free

entrance up to 8 person (Baht 7,000).VIP PACKAGE 3 3 Bottles of premium spirit 70cl + free

entrance up to 12 people + 1 bottle of chan-don brut (Baht 10,000).

The nearest Skytrain station to The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok is Asoke (Exit No. 5) which is directly at the doorstep. The nearest MRT from the hotel is MRT Sukhumvit (Exit No. 3), within walk-ing distance.

aLTiTUDe The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, 259 Sukhumvit 19. Tel. 02 207 8000. email: fb.bangkok@westin.com www.westingrandesukhumvit.com www.facebook.com/westinbangkokinstagram @westinbangkok.

Sunday, December 31, 2017; 21.00 - 02.00 hrs; @ Altitude, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok

ExCEPTioNal NEw YEar PaCkagE

Cheerfully celebrate New Year’s Eve with a 7-course dinner at our rooftop restaurant during your stay from 30th December 2017 – 1st January 2018 at Centara

Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok. Experience our seasonal benefits package offering a full range of useful ser-vices and welcoming touches.

Available for reservation from now until 30th December 2017. Applying to Deluxe, Premium Deluxe categories. Spe-cial 20% discount off all Best Available Rate. Free upgrade to Club Deluxe room for a stay of at least two consecutive nights.

Exclusive benefits for New Year Package include: unlim-ited in-room internet for two persons; one-time “New Year’s Eve 7-course set dinner” including a glass of sparkling wine at Blue Sky restaurant; 20% discount on food and beverage at all of the hotel’s restaurants; complimentary one way transfer from hotel to airport.

Terms & Conditions apply. 

CenTaRa GRanD CenTRaL PLaZa Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak. Tel. 02 541 1234 ext. 4116-19. email: reservationcglb@chr.co.th.

Inclusive of 7-course New Year’s Eve Dinner on the rooftop at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok  

to bring their own teddy bear to join the picnic. Children will also be entertained with face painting, balloon making and teddy bear dress up.

The Peninsula Bangkok has partnered with Teddy House Company to present various  teddy bear outfits  to choose from plus several styles of teddy.

A portion of the Teddy Bear picnic pro-ceeds will be donated to UNICEF Thailand.

Baht 800 net per child excluding teddy bear and outfits.

Baht 1,766 net for a workshop of teddy bear dress up including one 12-inch soft teddy bear, one set of outfit and two accessories.

neW YeaR’S eVe - CiRCUS niGhTThe Peninsula LawnSunday, 31 Dec 2017

Bid farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018 with joyous elegance. Dress up in classic and glamorous style and celebrate with flair. The night will be filled with amuse-ment in an ambience of a circus festival.

Explore a wide selection of cuisines includ-ing premium seafood on ice and unlimited lobster, and enjoy a dazzling midnight fire-works display above the Chao Phraya River.

Baht 18,800 net.

The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoennakorn Road. Tel. 0 2020 2888 email: diningpbk@peninsula.com.

Wednesday, december 13, 2017 I Bangkok Post HOLIDAY TIME I 3

Long known as a leisure hub, Pattaya has become a lead-ing destination for business travellers lately, too. Located within earshot of such key

hubs as the Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang Industrial Estates, but blessed with a beachside setting and high-octane entertainment, Pattaya offers a perfect place for business leaders to rest their heels at the end of the day.

In the heart of it all is the Hilton Pattaya. The hotel not only offers five-star accom-modation and easy access to Pattaya’s top attractions – it also comes equipped with a superb range of facilities that cater to the needs of today’s travellers in the meetings, incentives and events sector.

Across two floors, the Hilton Pattaya provides a number of amenities and facil-ities that cater to small, medium and large groups. This includes a business centre, the latest audio and visual technology, three meeting rooms and a 640-sq-m Sea-board Ballroom.

For business groups, the main attrac-tion might be the three meeting rooms and a boardroom on the 15th floor. Each of these offers flexible space and can accommodate up to 90 people. Com-bined with state-of-the-art technology, the rooms are ideally equipped for small- to medium-sized meetings.

The ballroom, meanwhile, has become a popular place for wedding receptions, both amongst local group and interna-tional guests. It is easy to see why.

The ballroom features the same design cues and elements that distinguish the rest of the property. The recently refur-bished carpet comes in a soft, sandy colour, while dangling chandeliers and a dark-tinted reflective ceiling provide a greater sense of space and fluidity, as well as the feeling of being one with the water.

The ballroom also has an outdoor bal-cony, a great place to catch some fresh sea breezes during breaks. Add to that a choice of wedding menus and support from the hotel’s wedding specialist, and couples can rest assured that all facets of their big day will go off without a hitch.

No matter the event, the Hilton

Pattaya’s location is sure to be a hit. Pat-taya Beach is directly across the road from the hotel – in fact, every room in the hotel takes in a sea view. Guests can escape to the sands in less than five minutes. Adven-tures further afield are just as convenient.

Five golf courses are found within 50 kilometres of the hotel, including Siam Country Club, the first privately owned golf course in Thailand, and the Jack Nick-laus-designed Laem Chabang Interna-tional Country Club.

Guests can reach Koh Larn – occasion-ally known as Coral Island – by boat in less than 20 minutes. The Nongnooch Botan-ical Garden is likewise a short trip away, and cultural experiences, including the Sanctuary of Truth, a magnificent wooden temple built without nails, is just down the beach road.

Even closer are the attractions found within CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, Southeast Asia’s largest beachfront, life-style, shopping and entertainment centre. The hotel is linked to this complex, which houses more than 300 shops and restau-rants, as well as a 16-lane bowling alley and a 10-theatre SFX cinema.

From 11am until 11pm, an elevator takes guests directly to CentralFestival, too, so groups travelling with families do not have to worry about transportation.

Adding another dimension to meet-ings groups and wedding parties are the Hilton Pattaya’s corporate social respon-sibility (CSR) programmes. Earlier this year, the Hilton Pattaya donated more

than B250,000 to Habitat for Humanity, a figure that was raised with the support of its guests. This year, the hotel team hopes to raise even more funds for a good cause.

As part of its “Teddy for Charity” cam-paign, the Hilton Pattaya gives teddy bears to those who purchase the hotel’s after-noon tea set at Drift (priced at B1,200 net). On top of red velvet jam rolls, blueberry cheesecake, cranberry scones with clotted cream and smoked salmon and cream cheese wraps, guests receive a choice of coffee or tea and a cute teddy bear.

That is not all. Anyone can purchase a teddy bear dressed to the sevens in a

colourful raincoat for B599, which are on display at every restaurant and frequently showcased on the smart TVs found in every guestroom.

Thanks to these efforts, the teddy bear has become something of a mascot for the hotel. More importantly, the Hilton Pattaya team has been able to help build homes to families in need in rural Baan Bo Kwang Thong in Chonburi Province. That means volunteering in the actual construction process, too: moving bricks, laying bricks and digging the pit for the house.

The “Teddy for Charity” campaign con-tinues this year, helping groups give back to the local community while also walking away with something to commemorate their stay in Pattaya.

While tourism may be Pattaya’s calling card, the Hilton Pattaya is proving this city can justifiably be called a leading desti-nation for business travellers and event groups, too.

For more information about the Hilton Pattaya’s meeting services and facilities, please visit www.pattaya.hilton.com. to learn more about the “teddy for Charity” campaign, or to purchase a teddy bear, please visit www.facebook.com/PattayaHilton or call 038 253 000.

Open fOr ServiceHow the Hilton Pattaya is helping groups get more out of meetings and events 

Musical Sunday Brunch Buffet with Michelin Star chefs

put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a Michelin Star Brunch Buffet on Sunday 17 December 2017 from 12.00

– 15.00 hrs. at Cuisine Unplugged, The Junc-tion At Pullman and Eternity Ballroom.

Sample dishes by Michelin Star French Chef Stephane Gaborieau and Michelin Star Indian Chef Manjunath Mural from Singa-pore, plus guest Japanese, Italian, French and Chinese chefs preparing an international cui-sine extravaganza.

Eternity Ballroom will be transformed into a dance floor moving to the sounds of Suntaraporn.

Special dishes range: Seared Périgord duck liver with rhubarb and grenadine; Ravioli of buffalo ricotta, lemon and mint coulis/dressing; Kashmiri Wazwan Lamb Racks; Enormous whole tuna sashimi and a variety of sushi bar; Crispy pork with sweet & sour sauce; Assorted Dim Sum Basket; Roasted leg of beef with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce; The Longest Oyster Bar (4,000 pieces of oysters including Fine de Claire and Marennes-Oléron varieties.

SUNDAY BRUNCH: Baht 1,699 net / adult including soft drinks plus 1 child below 11 years old dines for FREE and can enjoy activ-ities and kids’ buffet.

Additional Baht 999 net / adult for free-flow mixology package

Pullman Bangkok king Power 8-2 rangnam road, thanon Phayathai ratchathewi, tel. 02 680 9999. http://www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com/offers/michelin-star-brunch-in-bangkok/.

Pullman Bangkok King Power celebrates its 10th anniversary in style

feStive haMperS fOr yOur LOved OneS

treat your loved ones to gourmet delicacies throughout this festive season. Create a personalised hamper with our wide range of homemade products and products from Royal

Initiative Project that everyone will be delighted with.A selection of festive cakes, chocolates, cookies, Oolong Tea and

Mulberry Juice from Phufa and many more tantalizing sweets come in an elegant hamper specially designed for this giving season only.

Select a special presents at Dusit Gourmet and Dusit Shop from now until 6 January 2018.

For pre-order call Dusit Gourmet at 02 200 9000 Ext. 2577-8 or email dtbgourmet@dusit.com.

www.dusit.com/dtbk, www.facebook.com/dusitthani

Dusit tHani Bangkok 946 rama iV road. 

Craig sauers

Italian’s really know how to celebrate Christmas and especially the tradi-tional treats of the occasion. Now is

your chance to savor the unique tastes of a authentic Italian Christmas meal. Sicil-ian Chef de Cuisine Roberto Panariello has brought his own deep knowledge of rustic Italian food to bear in creating a spectacular 4-course meal that will delight all diners.

This wonderful festive feast begins with a superb Eggplant Involtini with garlic and parmesan, served with Roberto’s home-made tomato sauce, followed by a Sea-food Broth with grilled bread and saffron dip. The main course of Paccheri tubed pasta with saffron and succulent Medi-terranean lobster is a true Italian delight, after which a short rest may be required before finishing the meal with a delicious Cannolo pastry with pistachio cream and strawberries.

For those who wish to take some wine with their meal, Roberto will be pleased to recommend an appropriate choice from his well-stocked cellar.

This festive season special is available on Sunday 24th December from 6pm- 10.30pm and is priced at just Baht 999 net ea. Open 11am-10.30pm.

Terrazza ITalIan resTauranT 8th floor. Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center. Tel. 02-216-3700 ext. 20818.

4 I HOLIDAY TIME Bangkok Post I Wednesday, december 13, 2017

This Christmas at The Okura Prestige Bangkok, we invite you, your family and friends to enjoy our sparkling cele-brations and gourmet dining

at our award-winning venues.At Yamazato, the hotel’s award-winning

signature Japanese restaurant, Master Chef Shigeru Hagiwara celebrates the festive season with exquisite Japanese Gozen and Kaiseki Dinner throughout December.

Festive Gozen lunch is Baht 1,300++. Fes-tive Kaiseki dinner is Baht 4,500++. availa-ble on 4 - 30 December 2017, except 24 – 25 December 2017.

Make your Christmas memorable with an exquisite Japanese Gozen, Kaiseki, and Teppanyaki menus at Yamazato Restaurant, served for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Gozen lunch is Baht 1,500++, Christmas Kaiseki dinner is Baht 4,500++. Christmas Teppa-nyaki Baht 7,000++ for 2 persons. Availa-ble on 24 - 25 December 2017. Yamazato lunch from 11.30 am–2.30pm, dinner from 6pm–10.30 pm.

Enjoy sparkling Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations at Up & Above with a fabulous festive Brunch and Dinner Buffet with free flow Prosecco or Cham-pagne, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus with presents for the children. 

Christmas Eve Brunch & Dinner on 24 December 2017 is Baht 2,900++ with one welcome Christmas cocktail and soft drinks. Sparkling Christmas Eve Brunch & Dinner, Baht 3,900++ with free flow Prosecco and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Champagne Christmas Eve Brunch & Dinner, Baht 4,900++ with free flow Champagne and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Children, 4-12 years old, are Baht 1,000++. Brunch starts from 12 noon to 3pm and dinner starts from 6 pm to 10.30pm.

Christmas Day Brunch on 25 December 2017 is B2,900++ with one welcome Christ-mas cocktail and soft drinks. Sparkling Christmas Day Brunch is Baht 3,900++ with free flow Prosecco and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Champagne Christ-mas Day Brunch is Baht 4,900++ with free flow Champagne and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Children, 4-12 years old, are Baht 1,000++. Brunch starts from 12 noon to 3 pm.

Christmas Day Dinner is on 25 Decem-ber 2017 at Baht 2,200++ with one welcome Christmas cocktail and soft drinks. Spar-kling Christmas Day Dinner is Baht 3,200++ with free flow Prosecco and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Champagne Christmas Day Dinner is Baht 4,200++ with free flow Champagne and selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Children, 4-12 years old, are Baht 1,000++. Dinner starts from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Pre-pay before 15 December 2017 and receive one complimentary bottle of wine for bookings of four people.

Elements Restaurant offers Christmas dinner of signature French cuisine with Jap-anese influences on 24-25 December 2017. Serving a 6-course menu at Baht 4,600++ including a glass of Champagne or signa-ture cocktail. Dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm.

FesTIVe aFTernOOn TeaThroughout December, celebrate the season of joy and meet friends for our special Festive afternoon Tea at up & above Bar. Baht 1,190++. Festive afternoon Tea  with sparkling sake or Prosecco is Baht 1,750++. Festive afternoon Tea served with Champagne is Baht 2,750++. served from 2pm– 5pm, daily from 1 - 31 December 2017.

OKura PresTIGe HaMPersembrace the joy of giving with one of our gourmet festive hampers. Choose from three unique hampers packed with traditional Christmas favourites and a touch of Japanese inspiration. The beautiful custom-made packages are filled with treats such as Okura signature macarons, Christmas stollen, sake, illy coffee, chocolates, Prosecco, and more.Collect from la Pâtisserie, 15 november 2017 – 15 January 2018 on weekdays from 7 am–7pm.

THe OKura PresTIGe BanGKOK Park Ventures ecoplex, 57 Wireless road, Bangkok. Tel. 02 687 9000. or email: fbreservations@okurabangkok.com.

Festive Feasts & Family CelebrationsChristmas at The Okura Prestige Bangkok

Traditional Italian Christmas