Oh Yes, You DO Want Fries with That Holiday Cheer At

Holiday TimeBangkok Post  Read more news at bangkokpost.com Monday, December 24, 2018

Festive celebrations

revered tuber, that som- melier-served condiment, Brussels-style mussels and Oh yes, you DO want fries with that holiday cheer at an abbey’s worth of monk- brewed beer — those are Ajust the highlights at Belga, Sofitel Bang- kok Sukhumvit’s newly opened restaurant and craft beer bar that’s already generating Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s buzz among cerevisaphiles and Euro-nosh lovers alike. new rooftop dining venue is Located on the 32nd floor of the luxury BELGA BAR an authentic Belgian brasserie lower Sukhumvit property, Belga is the result of a comprehensive remodelling effort that included an impressively rejigged that puts spuds and suds floorplan and vastly increased terrace zone which takes advantage of the spectacular on a pedestal city views. As Bangkok’s first and only purebred Belgian eatery-pub, Belga bores down into & BRASSERIE that country’s centuries old cooking and brewing heritage. Here, ‘F’ & ‘B’ are the twin pillars upon which the venue’s distinctive Christopher Lombardi exclusives — Duvel, Maredsous with a tantalising à la carte menu of Belgian two-fold appeal is borne. Blonde/Bruin and De Koninck. specialties, live entertainment and a toast Billed as a bar and brasserie, Belga does Significantly, each of nearly 40 to 2019 under the stars. indeed deliver on both fronts. A menu of prized Monalisa potatoes, Belga’s frites highly recommended. beers on offer is served in its exquisitely prepared main dishes and pub are twice cooked to a deep golden brown While available as own official custom-shaped CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY EUROPEAN fare made with uncompromisingly pre- and tender-crispiness, bringing out the a bar-snack order, glass, designed to highlight WINTER NIGHT MARKET DINING mium-quality imported ingredients aptly yellow-skinned taters’ distinctive flavour our Frites Maison their distinctive charac- AT BELGA showcase Belgium’s world-famous cuisine, and bite. (B250++) was the teristics of flavour, nose Monday 24 December/ including mussels, French fries, croquettes It is worth noting that the Belgians take accompaniment and effervescence, while Tuesday 25 December, 6.30pm - late and of course those famed waffles. their frites seriously, giving them a place to another beloved sampling flights are also Part of Belga’s allure is its “stunning of honour in the country’s pantheon of national dish, available if you have trou- ROOFTOP NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY authenticity”, according to restaurant national foods. But be prepared for an sautéed mussels. ble deciding. AT BELGA General Manager and Beer Master Peter alternate condiment reality, sans ketchup: Imported from Marking its maiden year- Monday 31 December, 6.30pm - late Laird. “Some may presume we serve Bel- Belgian frites are paired with mayonnaise. Netherlands, the end season at Sofitel, Belga Minimum restaurant purchase gian-‘style’ food and beer, but even Belgian Live with it. Better yet, embrace it — Belga Moules Marinière is celebrating the holidays per person for this event: customers give us high marks for our real- not only makes its mayo fresh every day, with white wine and with these festive events: B2,500++ (indoor seating) deal ingredients and preparation.” the ultra-smooth sauce is served at-ta- Shallots (B590++ ½ We play host a traditional B3,500++ (terrace seating) Fair enough, but we wanted proof, and ble by a specialist ‘Maître Mayonnaise’, kg/1,090++ 1 kg.) are del- European Winter Night Market so our first-ever Belgian cuisine dining who mixes a batch before the eyes-, icately flavoured with firm dining event, with a special à la carte BELGA ROOFTOP BAR & BRASSERIE experience began with… French Fries? and according to the individual taste of bite and clean finish. menu along with DJ, Christmas carol- 32nd Floor, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Known in the motherland simply as “frites” the diner and flavour profile of the dish Let us now mention endive, lers and a visit from St Nick on Christmas 189 Sukhumvit Rd. (Between soi 13-15). (literally: fries), these are not your typical ordered — a Belga exclusive. We opted which in Belgium enjoys celebrity-leaf Eve, then… Tel. 02 126 9999 ext. “Festive Desk”. fast food side order. Made from the highly for the black truffle blend, which is status. Here it can be enjoyed fresh: Salade Join us for a rooftop New Year’s Eve party Email: [email protected]. de Chicons with Comté, Walnut and Green To ensure its claim to authenticity Apple (B290++); stewed: Pan-Seared is more than just a tagline, prior to its Hokkaido Scallops with Braised endive launch Belga Head Chef Nicolas Basset (B690++); or cheesed: Endive au Gratin, was dispatched on sabbatical to Brussels, Paris Ham, Béchamel (B290++). where he absorbed the finer points of A legacy dish worthy of a ‘must-try’ the local cuisine, acquiring the neces- rating, the Cheese Croquette (B290++) is sary culinary superpowers to create this an irresistible homage to fromagerie. With fabulous menu. But great food is just half a delicately crisp breadcrumb crust which the story… can barely contain the decadent blend of Showcasing the country’s renowned Gruyère, Emmental, Mozzarella and Par- beer culture, Belga invites discerning mesan cheeses, these uber-cheesy crunch- sipsters to “Feel the Craft Moment” ies are a menu highlight, as mentioned, not with its impressive selection of bottled to be missed. craft brews (B280-450++) representing Beef lovers are well catered to with the huge variety of beer types produced Bone-in Ribeye (B2,900++), Beer-Braised in Belgium, including Blondes, Bruins, Beef (B790++) and Beef Tartare (B490++) Wits, IPAs, Fruit beers, Lambics and a populating a meats selection that also half-dozen Trappist beers — which by includes “Waterzooi”, an impossibly tender law must be made by actual Christian Sous Vide-prepared Chicken Breast in monks within the walls of a consecrated White Wine Sauce and Champignon Monastery. There are also nine premium (B650++). draughts (B250-390++) including four

holiday time’s online @ www.bangkokpost.com/specials/holidaytime2018 2 I HOLIDAY TIME Bangkok Post I Monday, December 24, 2018 Live an unforgettable New Year’s AT WALDORF ASTORIA BANGKOK

his December, join us for a Festive afternoon Tea Peacock Alley magical Festive Season and Daily in December enjoy bespoke menus created Relax at the iconic Peacock Alley for a Festive by Waldorf Astoria Bangkok’s Festive Afternoon Tea and savour the taste celebrations culinary team. of the holiday. A special Festive Afternoon TOur special Festive Afternoon Tea at Tea set includes cherry coconut Santa Peacock Alley, a remarkable dining expe- Claus, orange and chocolate mini yule log, rience at our Nordic-Thai Restaurant Front mini Christmas pudding, festive-inspired Room or celebrate with a Festive Buffet at scones with homemade clotted cream and The Brasserie. jam, and many more. Set against the spectacular night time B2,100 ++ for two. backdrop of Bangkok, Bull & Bear Grill is the perfect setting to create an unforgetta- COUNTING DOWN YOUR YEAR END ble experience while glittering New Year’s 3 2 1 . . . Eve celebrations await at The Loft & The New Year’s Eve Celebrations Champagne Bar. 9pm - 1am Ring in the New Year in the elegant FRONT ROOM setting of Peacock Alley. As the clock ticks “Contextual Flavors” towards midnight, enjoy a dramatic city- New Year’s Eve, 6pm - 10.30pm scape view while waiting for the post count- Join us for a fun and innovative dinner down fireworks. as Chef Fae takes you on a journey of Nor- B2,500++ / person including canapés dic-Thai cuisine. Dine on an exclusive and one glass of Champagne eight-course menu while witnessing our “Every end marks a new beginning. Keep chefs in action. your spirits and determination unshaken, B6,500 ++ / person including a glass of and you shall always walk the glory road. Billecart-Salmon Champagne. With courage, faith and great effort, you shall achieve everything you desire. THE BRASSERIE We wish you a very Happy New Year.” “Traditional Fare Daily” New Year’s Eve, 7pm - 11pm BULL & BEAR Dress up in your finest evening “Ultimate Place To Celebrate And THE LOFT wear and join us for a New Year’s Eve Indulge” Art Nouveau, Countdown at The Loft experience that is second to none. New Year’s Eve, 8.30pm to late 9pm to late The Brasserie offers the perfect What better way to wrap up 2018 than Spend the last hours of 2018 at The Loft, surrounding for a grand dinner on with a great meal with an amazing view an opulent and glamorous New York-in- December 31. The exciting evening of Bangkok? spired bar, while indulging in premium features a buffet dinner, live music per- Treat yourself and your loved ones to a and handcrafted cocktails as you are wait- formance and a Champagne toast for meal to remember at Bull & Bear featuring ing for the countdown fireworks. Taking New Year. the restaurant’s specialties of grilled meats inspiration from the original 1935 Waldorf New Year’s Eve B6,500 ++ including and seafood. Enjoy a glass of Champagne, Astoria Bar Book, Head Bartender Michele free-flow house wines and a glass of Bill- join Bangkok to ring in the New Year and Montauti and his team have crafted arti- cart-Salmon Champagne. witness spectacular fireworks that will light sanal spirits and forgotten cocktails to the *Children aged 6-12 dine at B2,250 up the sky at midnight. modern palate using an extensive collec- ++ when visiting the restaurant with A minimum spend of B10,000++ per tion of house-made ingredients, accom- adults. person is required. panied by gourmet bar bites. Enjoy the stylishly curated interior while indulging in heavy spirit-based cocktails such as Astoria, a refreshing citrus blend of Beef- eater 24 London Gin, house blend dry Vermouth and orange bitters. Those who are looking for a unique locally inspired tipple can opt for the Waldorf, an exquisite herbal mix of Michter’s Bourbon, Thai Basil-Mancino sweet Vermouth, chocolate bitters and coriander. A minimum spend of B5,000++ / person with a minimum charge per table applies.

THE CHAMPAGNE BAR Exclusive Celebrations At New Heights New Year’s Eve, 5pm - 10.30pm The intimate 34-seater Champagne Bar on level 57 is the perfect place for an exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration with family and friends. With breathtaking views of Bangkok skyline, artistic decor and a standout Champagne collection, it is one of the most desirable spots in the city. The Champagne Bar is available for a private party for a group of up to 50 person.

WALDORF ASTORIA BANGKOK 151 Ratchadamri Road. Tel. 02 846 8888. Email: [email protected].

Burberry has released its new Christmas campaign, celebrating the eccentricity of a British Christ- mas. The campaign, which centres The campaign is rooted in around a film entitled ‘Close Your iconic Burberry pieces for men Eyes and Think of Christmas’, and women; from the trench features an all-star cast including coat, car coat TB Monogram Kristin Scott Thomas and M.I.A, and archive- print scarves, to who make their Burberry campaign The Belt Bag, tailoring and debut, alongside previous cam- evening wear. paign stars Matt Smith and Naomi Campbell. Valerie Morris-Campbell, Naomi’s mother, also appears.

Naomi Campbell and her mother BURBERRY RELEASES NEW Valerie Morris- Campbell captured on set wearing pieces from the Vivienne CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN Westwood & Burb- erry collection. >>> More Information, please contact: Z communications, Pawitra Rodphotong/Mobile: 069 7749 555 or Email: [email protected].

Gift ideas The campaign, which was shot and directed by British artist and photographer Juno Calypso, explores celebratory Christmas traditions and rituals. From the A preview of the new Vivienne unpredictable British weather, Westwood & Burberry col- to family togetherness, delayed laboration can also be seen trains and Christmas feasts, on Naomi Campbell and her these themes are captured mother Valerie Morris- Camp- through Juno’s subverted and bell. The 16-piece collection will unexpected lens. launch in store and online on 6 December 2018. Monday, December 24, 2018 I Bangkok Post HOLIDAY TIME I 3

Festive In the Garden of Sumptuous celebrations

New Year Delights Christopher Lombardi

The House On Sathorn welcomes twenty-nineteen with this Festive celebrations supremely elegant al fresco dining affair.

luxurious, majestic anachro- nism amid the modern high- rise jungle of the Sathorn area, The House On Sathorn is hosting a gala year-end Aculinary event for those who yearn for the stately refinement of yore, and who can appreciate the fine dining innovations of today. The New Year’s Eve Garden Dinner At The Courtyard offers a 5-course set menu Gourmet Dining & Sparkling featuring scrupulously curated highlight ingredients sourced from the world’s most renowned and respected food-ori- New Year Entertainment gin locales. A setting worthy of this grand culinary event, The Courtyard is the dine- at The Okura Prestige Bangkok under-the-stars quarter of The House On Sathorn, a more than century-old, ith its enviable downtown loca- salmon roe, sarashina soba with kakiage meticulously restored colonial mansion tion and elevated views of the tempura of sakura shrimp. Our New Year’s and Thai national heritage home located WBangkok skyline, The Okura Eve Teppanyaki menu includes two kinds in the heart of Bangkok’s emergent next- Prestige Bangkok is the best place to enjoy of sashimi, ezo abalone, snow crab, and wave CBD. your New Year celebrations. Gourmet satsuma wagyu beef sirloin. A prologue to this sumptuous repast, dining at award-winning restaurants and The New Year’s Eve Gozen lunch is Taste Of The Sea is a mesmerizing sea- live entertainment will make it truly unfor- B1,700++ , New Year’s Eve Yama Kaiseki food medley of Tsarskaya oysters, prawns, gettable for you and your loved ones. dinner is B4,700++ , New Year’s Eve Sato Maine lobster, king crab, tuna, ikura and Kaiseki dinner is B3,700++ and New Year’s avocado with garlic aioli, mignonette Up & Above Eve Teppanyaki dinner is B5,000++ . Lunch sauce, chili tomato puree and sour cream See out the year with family and friends at is served from 11.30am – 2.30am and dinner in supporting roles. our New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, a truly from 6-11pm on 31 December 2018. The foie-gras torchon served with sparkling celebration at Up & Above Res- On 1 and 2 January 2019, Master Chef quince, toasted brioche and balsami- taurant with gourmet cuisine, live enter- Shigeru Hagiwara presents special Gozen co-kabayaki eel precedes a pasta dish of tainment, a wonderful atmosphere, and set lunch and Kaiseki set dinner, as well as breathtaking views of Bangkok. a Teppanyaki dinner to welcome the New confit pulled duck, mushrooms and aged with live music and plenty of good cheer The extensive New Year’s Eve Dinner Year. Highlights include assorted Osechi, gorgonzola with thyme jus. through to midnight. Buffet includes a Japanese station with the a traditional Japanese New Year treat, sim- A trio of mains options presents diners finest sushi, sashimi, and beef shabu shabu, mered black soy beans, marinated herring with quite a tantalizing dilemma, starting The New Year’s Eve Garden a wide selection of seafood on ice, roast roe, fish roe rolled in kombu kelp, and much with Iberian pork belly with parsnip puree Dinner at the Courtyard prime rib with parsley mashed potatoes more. Each item is carefully chosen to sym- and onions in red capsicum-aged xeres jus, 31 December 2018 and mushroom jus, delicious Thai and bolise good health, fertility, happiness, and Or… roast lamb saddle with spinach and B4,200++ per person (6-8pm) Chinese dishes, a variety of international a long life. mashed potato in lavender-honey gravy, B5,200++ per person (8.30-10.30pm) dishes including crispy skin Norwegian The New Year’s Day Gozen lunch is Or… steamed red spotted grouper with One glass of champagne plus free flow salmon and lemon vodka sauce, lobster B2,700++ , New Year’s Day Yama Kaiseki black mussels, provence vegetables and wine and cocktails: casserole with vegetables and a simply dinner is B4,700++ , New Year’s Day Sato olives in a saffron nage. add B2,200++ per person. amazing selection of homemade desserts. Kaiseki dinner is B3,700++ and New Year’s The suitably dazzling afters course New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet is on 31 Day Teppanyaki set is B5,000++ . Lunch is features a pre-dessert of Champagne and The House On Sathorn December 2018 at B4,200++ with one served from 11.30am–2.30pm and dinner berries sorbet, followed by a grand finale of 106 North Sathorn Road. welcome New Year cocktail and soft from 6–10.30pm. 70% chocolate & caramel tart with premium Tel. 02 344 4025. drinks. Sparkling New Year’s Eve Dinner vanilla ice cream. Email: [email protected]. is B5,200++ with free flow Prosecco and Osechi Following dinner service, guests are www.thehouseonsathorn.com selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. Yamazato’s Master Chef Shigeru Hagiwara invited to join us for The Courtyard at The Champagne New Year’s Eve Dinner is also offers a jubako box of Osechi Ryori at House On Sathorn countdown garden party B6,200++ with free flow Champagne and Bt9,500 net, only 30 sets are available. Each selected wines, local beers, and cocktails. item is carefully chosen to symbolise good Children, 6-12 years old, are B1,200++ . health, fertility, happiness, and a long life. Dinner from 7pm-12pm. Orders available from 1 November – 28 December 2018 at Yamazato Restaurant EXPERIENCE MAGICAL Elements or email [email protected]. On 31 December welcome the New Year Prepayment required before 28 December Festive with an indulgent celebratory 7-course 2018 in order to confirm the order. celebrations NEW YEAR’S EVE MOMENTS dinner of signature French cuisine with Pick–up 31 December 2018 from 2-6pm Japanese influences at Michelin-starred at Yamazato Restaurant. AT THE PENINSULA BANGKOK Elements restaurant. Gastronomic highlights created with the freshest European Mochi Ceremony and Japanese premium produce from the You are cordially invited to join the tradi- In light of the hotel’s 20th anniver- land and sea, fabulous desserts and great tional New Year mochi rice cakes ceremony sary, The Peninsula Bangkok presents a drinks options guarantee an epicurean start on the 1st of January 2019 at the lobby on 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve event. Guests to 2019. 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok are encouraged to wear outfits reminiscent The 7-course dinner is available on at 10am. of this decadent era. 31 December 2018 from 7pm onwards at A wide selection of international cuisine, B7,000++ including a glass of Champagne The Okura Prestige Bangkok Park including live cooking stations, live carving or a signature cocktail. Ventures Ecoplex 57 Wireless Road. station and seafood on ice station offering Tel. 02 687 9000. he Peninsula Bangkok invites you to premium quality lobsters, prawns, mussels Yamazato Email: [email protected] enjoy a wonderful New Year’s Eve and oysters, will delight until countdown to On New Year’s Eve, join loved ones and Tdining experience. Enjoy traditional 2019. The highlight will be the dazzling mid- friends for our authentic Japanese Gozen, end-of-the-year festivities with family and night fireworks display orchestrated above Kaiseki and Teppanyaki menus at Yama- loved ones in the hotel’s luxurious riverside and along the Chao Phraya River from the zato. Highlights from the New Year’s Eve setting. hotel’s riverside down to Lhong 1919. Gozen and Kaiseki menus include delights New Year’s Eve dinner at The Peninsula such as simmered soy milk skin rolls with NEW YEAR’S EVE – CELEBRATE Lawn is priced at B19,900 net. royal fern, taro, sweet fish with roe, bamboo THE ROARING TWENTIES shoot and plum-shaped carrot, grilled The Peninsula Lawn THE PENINSULA BANGKOK amberjack with miso and wagyu beef teri- Monday, 31 December Tel. 02 020 2888. yaki, red snapper with yuba, ginko nuts, 7pm-midnight Email [email protected]. crab meat, matsutake mushroom, and 4 I HOLIDAY TIME Bangkok Post I Monday, December 24, 2018

travel & Christmas in any language leisure Here’s a look at yuletide celebrations worldwide

Christopher Lombardi the song “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve 1918. The smell of gluhwein wafts through the hile Thailand certainly air as holiday-light festooned imperial style deserves credit for its edifices twinkle in the night — this must impressively tinsel-y be Vienna, Austria at Christmastime! Sea- Christmas spirit, these son-smitten holidaymakers will delight in European and U.S. des- strolling through the three outdoor Christ- Wtinations represent the purest modern kindlmarkts (seasonal marketplace) while incarnation of the holiday’s many-faceted nibbling scrumptious traditional snacks legacy. washed down with mugs of the steaming With its snow-capped mountains spiced wine, and perhaps catching a per- and stunning Baroque architecture, the formance by the world renowned Vienna charming and historically rich city of Salz- Boys’ Choir. burg, Austria is awash in Christmas spirit The city of Rovaniemi in Finland’s Lap- every December. land region is a frozen winter wonderland Visitors can witness the spectacle of of deep snow and pine forests located just the annual Krampus Run, where people north of the Arctic Circle. Amid an all-en- costumed up as Alpine beasts — or kram- compassing “St. Nick town” motif, kids puses, dash through the streets in search of can live out their holiday fantasies making naughty children (all in god fun, of course), cookies with “Mrs. Claus” or hone their or visit the nearby town of Oberndorf where Little Helper skills attending Elf School. Outdoor snow-cation activities include There’s the landmark ice-skating rink for tobogganing, dog-sled tours and a sleigh- romantic blade-cruising, while the light-up ride safari adventure at an actual reindeer ceremony for the towering yuletide tree is farm. Sleep in rooms made of solid ice at going on its 85th year. Nearby, Radio City the Arctic Snow Hotel, then up at midnight Music Hall hosts the annual Christmas to step out and view the stunning North- Spectacular starring those leggy line-danc- ern Lights. ing lovelies The Rockettes, while in the 5th Though it may not be the actual arctic Ave. shopping district, flagship boutiques locale, the town of North Pole, Alaska and department stores like Saks and Berg- takes its Yuletide holiday cheer very seri- dorf roll out elaborate window displays that ously. Located in the U.S. state of, it’s lit- would bring Anna Wintour herself to tears. erally Christmas every day, with holiday A December holiday in the renowned decorations displayed year round. Even US ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado is asking directions is fun with street names like stepping into a 19th-century painting. like Kris Kringle Drive, Mistletoe Lane and The entire town is transformed into a glit- Santa Clause Way — even more so if you’re tering Victorian-style Christmas paradise, booked at the Santaland RV Park. The town with gorgeous handmade displays and of 2,200 hosts the annual North Pole Christ- folks wandering about dressed in period mas In Ice Contest, which attracts ice sculp- costumes. There are old-fashioned car- tors from across the globe. Be sure to mail riage rides and lots of unique shopping home some postcards stamped with the opportunities, and the whole thing kicks postmark: “North Pole.” off with the traditional “Lightening of The heart of New York City’s Christ- Breckenridge”, when town officials throw mas celebrations takes place at the iconic the switch, bringing the twinkling, town- Rockefeller Center (of TV’s “30 Rock” fame). wide spectacle to life.

Festive celebrations

Elevated New Year’s Eve Chinese Set Menu by the River at Silver Waves Restaurant

ake the high road this New Year’s The New Year’s Eve Chinese Set Eve, celebrating the passing of the Dinner on Monday, 31 December 2018, Tyear and the onset of 2019 with will be priced at Bt3,990 net for a 4-course exquisite views and delectable dishes set menu or Bt4,990 net for a 5-course set at the Silver Waves Chinese Restaurant menu. Drink and wine lists are available. high above the Chao Phraya River on the 36th floor. Chef’s exquisite Chinese Set Silver Waves Restaurant, Chatrium Dinner Menus and a live band will carry Hotel Riverside Bangkok, 28 you into the countdown and magnificent Charoenkrung Soi 70. Tel. 02 fireworks display over the river to ring in 307 8888 ext 1948-49 or e-mail: the New Year. [email protected].