com), another themed shopping plaza and this one resembles Venice. While there is a San Marco bell tower replica out the front, plus a 200 meter canal where one can go for gondola rides, this park goes over the top with a 3D art gallery, a wax museum, an upside down house, a mini-train, and a petting zoo on the premises. There are even horse cart rides around the Mediterranean-looking grounds! Needless to say, there’s also plenty of dining and drinking options available here, plus lots and lots of shopping. If you are in town on the
weekend, make sure to catch the Cicada Market (www. cicadamarket.com), an evening market held from Friday-Sunday at the southern end of Hua Hin, which features local art and handicrafts as well as other creative artistic endeavors. The market is held in a garden that is lit up by sparkling lights, and has a low key and relaxed vibe. There are traditional puppet shows, live music, dance performances, plus food and drink. The market has sections selling handmade bags, fashion items, paintings, sculptures and cards, and
is an outlet for young artists looking for a venue to generate an income for their work. While in downtown Hua Hin, do make sure to call in at the Hua Hin Railway Station. It is one of Thailand’s oldest train stations, built by Rama VI in the 1920s, and features the Thai-style Royal Waiting Room, used to greet the King and his court, built in the same style as the Maruekkhathayawan Palace in Cha Am. The station has a rather Victorian feel to it, and is quite photogenic, painted in bright red and yellow hues. It’s also worth getting up early JULY 2015 | 23
contemporary indian dining
#71 Sukhumvit Soi 26. | Tel. 02-258-4900 | www.indusbangkok.com | indus@indusbangkok.com
All photos by Dave Stamboulis
light filters in from the openings that creates a dramatic and surreal effect on the surroundings. The cave was named after its discoverer; a lord from Nakhon Sri Thammarat named Phraya Nakhon who wandered into it some 200 years ago, after being shipwrecked in a violent storm. What makes the cave so interesting is that there is a giant throne pavilion with a four-gabled roof sitting in the middle of it, which is also illuminated by the fantastic light. The pavilion was constructed for the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1890, and has since
been visited by numerous dignitaries, including twice by King Bhumibol. In addition to the caves and hiking trails, the park has two white sandy beaches namely Sam Phraya and Laem Sala. Laem Sala has bungalows and tents for camping along with a restaurant. Due to its location around a rocky headland, the only way the beach can be reached is via a longtail boat or a 20-minute climb over a rocky trail. Other than day trippers coming to visit the Phraya Nakhon Cave or a few local fishermen who come out with their nets early in the morning, you are
likely to have the place to yourself. For those who don’t want to camp or stay in the National Park bungalows, there are some nice seaside lodges just a 10-15 minute drive from the park’s northern end, but it’s far more atmospheric to camp along the beach itself. The park service rents out tents, as well as offers a few indoor options with some bungalows just off the beach, and there is one restaurant to ensure nobody goes hungry. For more details, check with the park (www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/ nationalpark.asp?lg=2)
Opposite Page: A beautiful coastal scenery in Khao Sam Roi Yod Above: The surreal Phraya Nakhon Cave and throne pavilion (top); and some fishermen at dawn (bottom).
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Perfectly located overlooking pristine surf and white sands, InterContinental Hua Hin has 119 rooms, three beachfront villas with private plunge pools and a range of suites. This posh resort is elegant in every detail. There are six restaurants and bars, from casual to formal, serving authentic local Thai cuisine and international flavors, to choose from. The resort is also very accessible to the area's seven golf courses, with further diversions of vineyards, elephant treks, and night markets. The spectacular Royal Summer Palace is also within easy reach.
InterContinental Hua Hin
InterContinental Hua Hin
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
Spread over 16 acres of exotic foliage and secluded ponds, the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin offers visitors an array of luxury rooms and suites overlooking a lush tropical garden or magnificent lagoon, delectable cuisine from one of its food outlets, and more. It also plays host to The Barai Residential Spa, which provides decadent spa services in any one of the 18 exotic treatment rooms. This luxury hotel has a 250m-beachfront, regarded as the longest of all Hua Hin hotels, and is in close proximity to national parks, mountains, and the downtown shopping boulevards.
V Villas Hua Hin
Luxurious and peaceful, V Villas Hua Hin is a sophisticated retreat designed for discerning guests in search of romance, revival, and recreation. The resort features 13 exclusive pool villas, each with an inviting living space, welcoming bedrooms, spacious en suite bathrooms, and a secluded garden with a large private pool. Guests enjoy the life of luxury, outstanding facilities and amenities, privacy and 24-hour butler service.
Centara Grand Hua Hin
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
Located between Cha Am and Hua Hin, Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort and Spa is within 10-15 minutes drive from the Hua Hin airport and night market. The hotel provides 243 rooms with every room offering a balcony with stunning sea-view of the Gulf of Thailand. The resorts beachfront outdoor swimming pool Kids' World meeting facilities and spacious tropical garden for team building activities make the resort a perfect choice for families, couples, and meeting organizers.
Escape Hua Hin
Chelona Khao Tao
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin first opened its doors in the early 20s, at a time when the new railway line to Malaysia was transforming the sleepy fishing village of Hua Hin into Thailand’s first beach resort. The hotel, originally named the Railway Hotel, was built along the classic lines of the era, and today is regarded as one of the grand hotels of the East. Sensitively extended and renovated, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin retains that air of bygone age of elegance. Set on the beachfront, with a wide expanse of gardens perfect for strolling and enjoying the sea breezes, and with a prime town center location ideal for exploring and shopping, the resort is a prime destination for couples and families.
Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach
Chelona Khao Tao
Chelona Khao Tao’s Mediterraneanstyle architectural design featuring white plaster walls with bright blue painted door and window frames will surely enhance your beach vacation experience. The landscape is thoughtfully designed, inspired by spectacular seaside Mediterranean villages, and brings fresh and cheerful atmosphere into every unit. Chelona also features a complete range of facilities and amenities. The property is nestled amid white sandy beaches where you get experience the peaceful simplicity of the fisherman’s village, and savor fresh and delicious seafood, just 10 minutes away from the town proper.
Escape Hua Hin Hotel boasts 36 guestrooms that are also furnished with local arts, crafts and woven fabrics rendering an idyllic rustic ambience. All 18 king-sized and 18 twin-bedrooms boast a 6sqm-private balcony that faces inward to a vision of the magnificent lush foliage and beautifully clear blue pool that promises the best for a lazy time under the sun.
Evason Hua Hin
After a major (US$2.4 million) enhancement program, Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa becomes an even more desirable destination for a family–friendly vacation or an intimate getaway. Set on some 20 acres of lush tropical gardens and parklands and featuring five individual accommodation low-rise buildings and three Pool Villa areas, this resort is a favorite of many high-end travelers who believe in the Evason stamp of service and facilities.
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opening of the rebranded resort marks the return of the Dusit Thani label to Krabi, and coming as it is at a most auspicious time. As the destination emerges from the shadows of its more popular neighbors such as Phuket and Samui, it now stands heads and shoulders with them as a travel destination for all kinds of tourists, and especially preferred by some of the world’s highrollers and jetsetters. The rebranding also comes at a time when Thai tourism is strongly emphasizing the elements of “Thainess” in its campaign to attract more tourists to the kingdom. “The rebranding under the Dusit Thani label, means the resort now fully embodies the beauty of being Thai,’” said Suvait Theeravachirakul, resort owner and president–CEO of the MBK Group. Dusit Thani is the flagship hotel brand of the leading Asian hospitality group Dusit International. “With a world-class management team in place, we are confident in the 5-star service Dusit will provide, as it has been recognized globally for over 65 years,” he continued. “The
resort’s location and facilities, coupled with Dusit’s signature gracious Thai hospitality, will surely impress tourists from around the world.” The modern-Thai architecture of the 240-room resort blends in harmoniously with its natural surrounds and offers guests a variety of settings to unwind and enjoy themselves in. Sun worshippers can choose to sunbathe on the resort’s grand, green lawn adjacent to the beach while families can take advantage of the Kid’s Club and two sea-facing swimming pools. Those on business can mix work and play by hosting an event at one of the resort’s five meeting rooms. Three international restaurants, two bars, and a spa complete the list of exquisite facilities on offer to create an even more unforgettable experience for guests in Krabi. The rebranded resort makes for a fitting complement to the destination’s white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone karsts that have made it a preferred location for movie producers from around the world. Activities abound both within the resort -- nature lovers
can take part in the conservation of Klong Muang Beach’s Fiddler Crabs, play a variety of watersports, or stroll through the ground’s unspoiled mangroves, among others – as well as outside. With such features and attractions, the rebranded Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is expected to play an even more major role in the continuing growth of tourism and hospitality in Krabi. “We are proud to add the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort to our portfolio, and to play a role in making Krabi a major tourist destination in the region,” said Chanin Donavanik, managing director and CEO of Dusit International. “We believe that under the professional management of Dusit International, the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort will be truly a great success.” To celebrate its opening, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach resort is offering 50% off on all room types, with complimentary breakfast. The offer is valid for reservations via www. dusitthanikrabi.com from July 1 to Oct. 31, 2015.
This Page, Clockwise: The Malati Restaurant The Club Suite with Plunge Pool The other pool: The Infinity Swimming Pool The Mangosteen Restaurant
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To the contrary, we decide to make a steep, seven kilometer diversion through the mountains towering right behind Bontoc, yet it feels like a world away. “Are you staying in Maligcong for the night?” asks a friendly, skinny man who rubs elbows with me on the jeepney’s top railing. “I believe so,” I answer. “Watch the time, then. If you want to return to Bontoc, the last ride down is at 2 p.m. You can stay with Suzette, one of the two homestays in the village.” We stop at the center of Maligcong, a dead-end concrete slab surrounded by houses on stilts facing an open amphitheater of interconnected rice terraces, which immediately takes your breath away. “If you follow the paths along the slopes, you can walk all the way to Banaue,” suggests our travel companion. But before we can start navigating over the mountain-side, we must first find a place to stay. It’s not hard to locate Suzette’s. The
All photos by Kit Yeng Chan
I
’m surrounded by an amphitheater of green pathways, chiseled into the slopes of hills that roll away farther than the horizon. A giant hand asperses their flanks with clusters of concrete and metal homes like grains of salt sprinkled on top of a fresh salad. I walk along concrete paths that unfold like blood vessels in an untamed wilderness, my reflection floating over pools of shimmering water. Who could have known I would find such bliss in Maligcong? Looking at a map of the Philippines' Cordillera, there’s no reason to stop here. In fact, everyone zooms to the two most famous stars of this mountain trail: Banaue, with its valley of Ifugao’s rice terraces, and Sagada, the region’s adventure capital. And when some German tourists ask us where we are headed as we bump together in a jeepney between Banaue and Bontoc, I’m not surprised when the name of our destination makes their eyebrows furrow: “Maligcong? Aren’t you going to Sagada?”
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Upon hiking down, we ask for directions back to Maligcong’s town from an old woman crouched in the tall grass. She’s taking a rest from shuttling her wooden basket full of farming tools up and down the hill. We don’t speak a common language, but she keeps pointing at a building ahead saying “clinic,” shaking her head each time we say “Maligcong.” We resolve that to her, Maligcong is all of the world around us. It’s the place she knows like the back of her hand, and she trudged it all on foot for the best part of her life. Possibly, it’s the one and only place she knows, indeed.
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Bangkok – Prince Hotels & Resorts, one of the most famous hotel and resort group in Japan led by Mr. Stan Brown, Executive Vice President of Prince Hotels, Inc. together with its executive team recently visited Thailand to introduce its business and marketing strategy focusing on boosting its brand value by renewing the existing hotels and opening new hotel facilities in order to increase the capacity to accommodate foreign inbound tourists to Japan. Additionally, the company disclosed about the latest news of “The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho,” which will be opened next year as a most luxurious brand-new hotel. Photo shows (from left to right): Satoshi Kasai, Marketing Department, Prince Hotels, Inc.; Yoshihiro Tatara, senior manager Marketing Department, Prince Hotels, Inc.; Stan Brown, executive vice president of Prince Hotels, Inc.; and Harutoshi Kusumi, director, Prince Hotels (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Hotel Muse
Oasis Spa
Prince Hotels
Oasis Spa joins ‘Best of Thailand' shortlist
Prince Hotels introduce biz
Bangkok – Hotel Muse Bangkok has won five awards in the “Best Hotel for Thailand” category in the “International Hotel Awards 2014-2015. However, the hotel has yet to learn the level of the award or awards it has won – whether highly commended or five-star. International Hotel Awards is sponsored by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Winners of the awards initially have to prove they are the best nationally before competing against other top scoring hotels from across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Arabia, Africa and the UK. “We are delighted to be the winner of such a prestigious award only three years after opening in such a competitive city. It is testament to the hard work and commitment of the Muse team and this is achievement is for them to celebrate,” said Nicolas Peth, general manager of Hotel Muse Bangkok.
Amari Phuket
Novotel Suvarnabhumi
Bangkok - Oasis Spa joins was recently shortlisted -- the only one out of 10 of the leading spas in Thailand -- for the spa category of “The Best of Thailand Awards Voted by Chinese Tourist” marketing campaign. This social media promotion is a joint effort of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the popular micro-blog, Weibo. The promotion, running until end of July encourages Chinese tourism to Thailand. Photo shows Somying Ngeonyen, Oasis regional spa manager, receiving the certificate from Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanawarangkul at the award ceremony held in Bangkok recently. Oasis Spa has been offering extraordinary spa services for more than a decade and now has 10 branches located in Thailand’s most renowned tourist destinations – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket.
Hotel Muse Bangkok wins ‘International Hotel Award’
Bouquet presentation
Chittimas Ketvoravit (2nd right), managing director of Universal Hospitality Joint Venture presented a bouquet of flowers to congratulate Sirote Duangratana (2nd left), GM of Suvarnabhumi Airport - Airports of Thailand PLC on his new position. On hand to witness the occasion were Punpimol Wongthongsri (left), assistant MD of Universal Hospitality Joint Venture and Christophe Geoffroy (right), GM of Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Amari Phuket Sales Blitz
Phuket – The management team of ONYX Hospitality Group and Amari Phuket, led by Debrah Pascoe, senior vice president, sales & marketing of ONYX Hospitality Group (front row, center); and Pierre-Andre Pelletier, vice president and area general manager, South Thailand (front row, 5th from right), recently led a Sales Blitz by the Amari sales team. The blitz aims to showcase the new Ocean Wing of Amari Phuket to travel agencies in Bangkok. The Amari Phuket Ocean Wing started operation last month. JULY 2015 | 49
SIMPLICITY BECOMES HER In work, as in life, Putahracsa Hua Hin owner Velvadi Sritrairatana says she just keeps on doing what she does the best, the best she can -- one step at a time!
W
earing a classic black top and a black and white printed skirt, Velvadi Sritrairatana is the epitome of elegant simplicity. Simplicity, in fact, is the operative word for her. “I lead a very simple life,” the 48-year-old businesswoman who doesn’t even like to wear makeup tells Look East. Velvadi owns the Putharacsa Resort Hua Hin, and it is just one of the several real estate businesses that she owns and runs. The resort was built on a land originally owned by her grandmother, Khunying Supatra Singholaka who served under the royal court of King Rama VI; inherited by her mother, the actress Patravadi; and eventually passed on to her. Despite being as scion of such an illustrious family – the eldest in a brood of four, all successful in their own right -- Velvadi insists on keeping a low-profile, living her life as simply as she can. Her no-nonsense view of life revolves around the simple, the functional, the “less-is-more” kind of thing, and extends even in her concept of the true and the beautiful. This is probably why she eschewed the flamboyant world of show business, although it runs in her blood. “I have never liked the entertainment business,” she admits. “When I was young, I'd often follow my grandmother and watch her when she worked.” Velvadi is a graduate of business administration from Vancouver, Canada, and holds a master’s degree from Sasin. But her Grandma and her Mom both had a strong influence on her. “When I came back from Vancouver, I would hang around my Grandma’s office and absorb information. I didn’t think then that I would be continuing some of her businesses today. She’s a true workaholic, as is my Mom, and they both taught me how to be a decent owner and leader.” Putahracsa, named in memory
by Percy Roxas of her grandmother, was one of Hua Hin’s first boutique hotels. “As my business is to develop properties on hand, I thought this land is the best location for a hotel business,” she says. But there was never a question of what she wanted her hotel to be. As a frequent traveler herself, the ideal hotel is one that feels like a second home. A place where people can relax, enjoy great service, and get some pampering as they would in their own homes. Every outlet has to be comfortable: the bed, the pillows, sitting area, etc. “And in the restaurant,” she adds, “I would like the ambiance to be homey as well as the food presentation. Basically, the concept of 'home' should carry throughout the resort. This is very important to me.” From the beginning, a small scale boutique hotel was her perfect model as she has always been partial to small (boutique) hotels. In fact, she wanted to open an intimate hotel with 20 rooms. Her interior decorator husband, Viboon Techakalayatum -- who also owns an interior design firm – agreed. But after consulting with their management team, it turned out to be the extravaganza that it is today, which, however, still contains their concepts and personal touch. Velvadi is happy with how Putharacsa is doing business today -- the nine-year-old resort that is successful and happy with the number of return guests. She’s says there’s always room for improvement. Thus, she is always upgrading, always doing something new for, the resort. “Our goal is to continue to lead Putharacsa to meet individual needs. As guests expectations for hotel/ resort is higher, we have to improve and do our best to satisfy our guests all the time. But of course within the concept that we want it to remain,” she says. Velvadi has another project
coming up, the Theater Residence in Bangkok, "with the concept of my mother’s establishments and showing her work that she has done since she was young," she says. Besides that, she is running over 340-stalls fresh market in Talad Bangkok Noi, she renting out retail spaces in the Wang Lang Plaza and a few service apartments in Bangkok, and operating a kindergarten school -a legacy of her grandmother (Supatra Kindergarden School). But she works very hard to keep things simple, and always strives to find balance in what she does. “I never measure my success because I have limits,” she says. “Family and children are always on top of my priorities. I should be doing a lot more but I won’t if I have to sacrifice my time for them. That’s just not me.” So Velvadi continues with her typical day as modestly as she can: Sending off her children to school every morning before going to her office. Picking up kids after work, then family dinner together. I spend quality time with my kids during dinner and at night." “I don’t have time for extravagance now; just work and family, that’s it,” she continues. “As I get older, I tend to be more choosy of what I do, who I am with, and how I spend my free time. I am grateful of what I have today and I want to give back to the community.” The kindergarten that she runs for the Wang Lang community – with its philosophy of quality education at a lower cost -- is solid proof of the last one. “My philosophy is to appreciate what you have, do what you love, and put your heart and soul into it. I mean this for everything that I put my hands on whether it is work, family, employees, or friends,” she concludes. “I believe that honesty and good morals arethe best guidance to a happy life.”
As I get older, I tend to be more choosy of what I do, who I am with, and how I spend my free time. I am grateful of what I have today and I want to give back to the community.
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India, but of the whole world. “In many ways, the pageant also reflects the changing aspirations of a new India, where women are confident in their careers and dreams,” says Ramon Lamba, CEO of Indian Princess. “Even after the Word Grand Finale, the contestants’ presence and personalities will continue to make a difference.” The pageant was last held in Thailand in March 2013, with the organizers getting big support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The wonderful support and cooperation that the Indian Princess organizers received was among the main reasons for the pageant’s return to Thailand this year. “Thailand is renowned for its hospitality, tourism, aesthetic temples, and arts and crafts,” says Rane. “It is also famous for its silk and a mosaic of diffferent dialects and languages. With so much cultural resemblance between our two countries, we decided to give the Indian Princess 2015 a feel of the Thai tradition. We blended Indian fashion with Thai fashion and organized a fashion carnival with the combined effort of designers and contestants.” The Indian Princess journey this year started May 7, when all the contestants reported in Mumbai.
The contestants underwent training and grooming activities from May 8 to 15 at the Blue Ocean Resort & Spa, before flying to Thailand where they continued their training and participating in all aspects of the competition. The World Grand Finale was held on May 24 at the Rangsit University Music Hall in Pathum Thani, Bangkok. During their entire stay in Thailand, the Indian Princess entourage received a warm welcome wherever they went, and received lots of support from the TAT, as well as from the other major sponsor, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. “In line with our wish to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for film, fashion, and weddings, we are more than delighted to be part of this year’s Indian Princess beauty pageant,” says Satish Sehgal, president of the India-Thai Business Association. “It is indeed a distinct honor to be able to showcase the best of Thailand to the Indian Princess delegates and contestants at this world-class tour, and be part of their activities here. It was a truly memorable event for this beauty pageant with a cause that reflects the long-standing friendship between our two countries and our people.”
Opposite Page: The Indian Princess winners beam with pride (top); and below, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul (in green), minister of tourism and sportS, crowning the winner. This Page: The beauties received a warm welcome from Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya (top) and Asita Eco Resort (below), Samut Songkhram; to the Grand Palace (topmost, right). Center photo: The Thai Fashion extravaganza. At left: A glorious night for the winner. JULY 2015 | 57
the resulting list of “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015” are protected. Following this year’s result, the criteria was criticized by luminaries such as Joel Robuchon - the collective holder of the largest number of Michelin stars - who said that the criteria was opaque and obscure. To address the issue we spoke with William Drew, group editor of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In response to the criticism, William said: “We don't recognize those descriptions. We are very clear about how the voting process is structured. We do not publicize the names of the voters precisely to reduce the potential for lobbying.” "It's impossible for all of the Academy voters to visit all of the restaurants,” he says. “But they do cast their votes based on the quality of the dining experience they have, so performance is key. The list provides a snapshot of current tastes and a raft of great places to eat around the world. The awards are a barometer of tastes in global gastronomy for that year.” This was the last time the awards will be held in London. In 2016, the awards will move to New York.
Making it to 10th place makes Gaggan the highest placed Bangkokbased restaurant ever at “The World’s 50 Best
L'Atelier Robuchon
with strong French influences and his standout dish “Bread of the Forest 2001” is made from a ritual of fermenting and making the bread at diner’s tables in an extraordinary nest of twigs and leaves. Making it to 10th place makes Gaggan the highest placed Bangkokbased restaurant ever at “The World’s 50 Best.” He has re-invented Indian cuisine by using modernist techniques that he learnt during his internship with Ferran Adria’s research team in Spain. The use of liquid nitrogen, smoke and dehydrated ingredients add theatre as well as taste and texture to the dining experience. The Spanish trend continues with the cutting edge Basque-based Azurmendi in 19th place, which has a Thai connection being the parent restaurant of Aziamendi in Phuket. The Basque native Eneko Atxa’s philosophy has always been about pushing the boundaries. His outstanding truffled egg is cooked ‘inside out’ with part of the yolk being removed and replaced with truffle consommé, which gives a mind blowing taste experience. The voting for the awards is done by 1,000 international leaders in the restaurant community. The Academy comprises 27 separate regions around the world, each of which has 36 members, including a chairperson, and each member can cast seven votes. Of those seven, at least three votes must recognize restaurants outside of the academy member’s own region. The panel in each region is made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and highly regarded ‘gastronomes.’ Members list their choices in order of preference, based on their best restaurant experiences of the previous 18 months. There is no pre-determined checklist of criteria, which is intended to make the list as varied and as open as possible. This year, for the first time, “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” is working with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner. The adjudication by Deloitte will ensure that the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and
L'Atelier Robuchon
A
t the recent “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015” held at Guildhall in London, Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca regained its title as “The S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant” that it last held in 2013. Narisawa claimed the title of “Acqua Panna Best Restaurant in Asia,” climbing six places to the No. 8 spot, and 2015’s “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” winner - Gaggan in Bangkok - jumped an impressive seven places to No. 10. Bangkok’s second restaurant was Nahm at Metropolitan Bangkok, which took 27th place. The highest new entry was Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet from China in at 24th place. Overall, Asia claimed seven places in the “50 Best” list, with Spain claiming a similar number underscoring the trend for Spanish and Latin American restaurants. El Celler de Can Roca is the collective holy trinity of the three Roca brothers, representing the very best of modern Spanish cuisine. Head Chef Joan produces thoughtful but original cooking, his stand-out dish being mackerel with pickles and mullet roe. Pastry Chef Jordi creates imagination-defying desserts, with sensory wonderments to create perfume-inspired dishes. To complete the triangle are Josep’s beautifully considered wine pairings. The synergy is a vibrant family dynamic dining experience, with a deep sense of hospitality. The food is simultaneously artisanal and technical, with influence from both the traditional and avant-garde. Most importantly, it has never forgotten its humble roots, as it boasts a sense of familial warmth and the need to serve remarkably delicious dishes paired with outstanding wines. The first two placings at “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” between Gaggan and Narisawa were reversed in London. Narisawa in Tokyo, Japan came in 8th place also to take The “Acqua Pana Best Restaurant in Asia” award. Here, the restaurant, the man and his food are all deeply in tune with the landscape and the moment. The food style is Japanese,
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Gaggan
While each has their own way to decide which restaurants are their favorites, the consensus of opinion is similar. The variation is usually the order in which each of the restaurants appear on the different lists.
L'Atelier Robuchon
Photo from "World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards" in London.
Benjarong Dusit Thani Bangkok
Two Trends
The "Reader’s Choice Awards" is voted for by postal ballot or online. The awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious events (by invitation only) and is attended by industry professionals, socialites, and dignitaries with each of the awardwinning restaurants hosting a booth for guests to sample the delights they serve.
everyone has eaten everywhere in the past 12 months. They can also suggest worthy places that the magazine may have overlooked. The result is a list of around 100 restaurants. Each judge then picks their Top 10 restaurants that score 1-10 points, depending on their ranking. All of the restaurants are visited anonymously and are not influenced by advertising.
BK Magazine's Top Tables
Thailand Restaurant's Top 20 Restaurants
Gregoire Glachant, managing editor of BK Magazine said that their awards start from a short list of restaurants that the magazine has reviewed in the past 12 months. This is then sent to their judging panel of 12 foodies, chefs, and industry experts who are asked to decide which of those chosen will remain on the list, be removed or get the “I don’t know” comment, which allows for the fact that not
Narong Roojum, editor of Thailand Restaurant News, told us for their awards he invites judges drawn from chefs, food and wine suppliers, and the media. Each are invited to submit their Top 10 eateries in order of preference. To ensure to ensure impartiality and that the result is free from outside influence, the list of judges remains confidential.
Currently, they identify two trends. The first is that internationally famous chefs are opening their own restaurants, which is raising Bangkok’s profile as a regional dining destination. The most successful in this category is L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which topped the list in BK Magazine's 'Top Tables.' Located on the fifth floor of The Cube MahaNakorn at Chong Nonsi, it brings a unique, excellent modern dining experience delivered with informality, conviviality and a high level of interaction between chefs and diners. At its core is a dining experience that gives pleasure to their guests. The second trend is that many new restaurants are serving Thai food as creative fine dining. The best example of this is LeDu, where Thitid Tassanakajohn serves modern Thai-inspired cuisine made with 99 percent local ingredients, cooked with traditional Thai flavors using the latest techniques. Rated third on "Top Tables," it is also their highest-rated Thai restaurant. Eat Me is always there or thereabouts in the awards, rated 7th on BK's "Top Tables" list and 25th at “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015.” Here, New Yorker Tim Butler’s fresh, progressive approach presents dishes with a global mix of ingredients and influences ranging from Australian Wagyu beef to line-caught Japanese black cod and Manila clams with a fresh nam & coriander lime broth. But our most internationally recognized award-winning restaurant is Gaggan, rated first in “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015” and 10th in the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015.” Currently, it is Bangkok’s most popular destination restaurant. This is where we are in 2015. Next year, the rankings could, and most likely will, change. That is a reflection of the controversial nature of restaurant awards - it’s a fluid landscape.
Like the Oscars, they will be subjective as they reflect the opinions of a group of experts
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When we visited it was a Wednesday evening, usually a quiet time for many similar establishments, but Italics was very busy with a mix of Thai, expats, and tourist diners -- a telling indication of how rapidly the restaurant has earned a reputation for its quality and service. To emphasize the focus on customer care and despite the pressure of dashing from table to table, the staff remained attentive and genial. Next up we tried an interesting marriage of seared watermelon and cured belly pork and grape balsamic, which proved to be a zingy fusion of ingredients. A tangy slow braised beef penne with sambucca peppercorn sauce was finished off quickly and just as we craved some more fluid intake, the staff anticipated our needs and provided us with a gorgeously refreshing twin set of mocktails.
“Asian Fruit Punch” was a combination of pineapple and orange juice, lime, and grenadine syrup -- a feisty little number. The other half of the pairing was a moreish “Pink Rambutan” with rambutans, pineapple juice, lime, and the same syrup. The inventiveness continued with my favorite pizza: Hawaiian, not however, the usual ham or bacon, but smoked duck meat -- a splendid new take on a standard. Could we find room for the main course? No need to answer that. Coffee braised beef short rib, crispy duck fat gnocchi, and assorted greens vanished quickly from our plates. We received our just desserts with an aromatic and scrumptious Kahlua Butter Pudding. Our verdict: italics -- ingenious, intriguing menu in an imaginative, setting. In short I like it!
Indeed the restaurant strives to provide something different from the usual Italian fare
All photos from Italics
‘What we’re doing here is offering a casual and fun dining experience,” said Eugene Oelofse, director of brand communications. “We have the Italian food, but with a Thai twist. I’d like to say we have the spaghetti and meatballs but in tom yum sauce and one of our strengths is that all the products are 100% sourced from Thailand.” There is an outside dining area available, and once you move inside, the color scheme is essentially a classic: classy black, plus a fusion of grey and white. There is a chic but relaxed ambience to the whole place combined with funky artwork and photography on the walls, which is even featured on the main menu, making what is usually a bland document into almost a collector’s piece. I liked the amusing descriptions too, again veering from the norm, for example: “Something to eat while you wait” and “Liquid soup station.” The first part of italics is the deli and takeaway area where you can sit on large sofas next to wooden tables. Adjoining it is a more roomy section where larger groups can be seated and is suitable for a range of functions. Attention to detail counts and we noted the separate leather wallet style drinks menus by each set of cutlery, a nice touch. A frothy latte’ was downed while we waited for what turned out to be an excellent starter of creamy spinach and coriander soup. Thai wine is sometimes neglected and I think unjustly as we sampled a very acceptable Monsoon Valley 2011 white and Monsoon Valley 2010 red both produced in the seaside resort of Hua Hin. Still sipping on the wine, we enjoyed a delicious deli dish of comfit belly pork with spicy sausage dressed with wild rocket, continuing the meaty theme that was followed by “East Meets West,” a flavorful ensemble’ of sausages, cured and smoked, sweet potato salad, and edamame. My wife smiled at the appearance of a buffalo chicken Caesar salad, which arrived next, and once tasted it confirmed her expression.
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