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.