VIVA Bangkok Issue 55

VIVA

Bangkok June 4th 2014

The

Nutcracker: Ballet in Bangkok

Long Table Sixth Kabab Feast Radisson Blu Honda Jazz Senor Pico Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas Your Fortnightly What s On Guide to Bangkok

Highlights

Contents

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4

COVER: The Nutcracker.

Photo by Paul Hutton.

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Page 4 The Radisson Blu.

Page 14 Honda Jazz Unveiled.

Page 18 Thailand WIDE.

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The Nutcracker at M Theatre.

Page 38 Senor Pico Mexican Restaurant.

Page 42 Long Table Restaurant Sixth Anniversary.

Page 46 The Great Kabab Factory.

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Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas.

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Daily Events South American Cuisine @ Wine Pub FIFA World Cup 2014 is coming and Wine Pub at Pullman Bangkok King Power invites you and your friends to enjoy their four selections of South American Cuisine to get in the World Cup spirit. All dishes are derived from South America and use herbs and spices for seasoning such as Cumin, Thyme, Cilantro and Oregano which are widely available internationally. On the menu are: Jerk Cedar-Plank Snow Fish, Peruvian Style Beer Can Chicken, Colombian Stewed Flank and Beef Tenderloin Medallions with grilled marinated shrimp skewers.

Throughout June.

Gourmandises Café & Bakery @ Swissotel Nai Lert Park Passionate pastry chefs have created a new salad, sandwich and dessert menu for sophisticated bakery lovers to discover in June 2014. Basil, Pine Nut and Parmesan Pasta Salad blends basil pesto with toasted walnuts and pasta shells offering healthiness without compromising on deliciousness. Price is THB 165++ per dish. Smoked Ham and Emmental Ciabatta is given a succulent relish of sundried tomatoes and black olive tapenade for a fabulous fusion of flavors. Priced is THB 185++ per dish.

Throughout June.

Basil, Pine Nut and Parmesan Pasta Salad

Art Exhibition: Green Sun @ BACC Exhibition by Tao Zhou, the first Han Nefkens - BACC Award for Contemporary Art winner. Opening Reception 5 June @ 14.00 hrs. Artist's talk on Saturday 7 June, 14.00 - 16.00 Hrs. Green Sun consists of videos, photos, paintings, and mural paintings.

6th - 29th June.

Beautiful Snow Fish @ River Barge Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok features a Beautiful Snow Fish promotion at River Barge Restaurant for both lunch and dinner throughout June where you can sample the specially created dishes such as Wok-fried Snow Fish with Green Vegetables and Panang Sauce, Baked Snow Fish with Coconut Risotto, Pan-fried Spiced Marinated Snow Fish or Japanese Steamed Snow Fish on the a la carte menu, or indulge on the nightly WoW buffet.

Throughout June.

The New Sapphire of Sukhumvit is Finally Revealed as Bangkok s First Radisson Blu Hotel Opens

The Radisson Blu Swimming Pool

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Emily Yimsup serves a Blu Butterfly cocktail in the B/Sharp Lobby Bar

Chic Bar Esc sits poolside on the sixth floor

Bangkok s first Radisson Blu opened for trade with a soft launch last month.

Situated close to the busy Asoke junction on Sukhumvit Road, the 290 room hotel is close to completion, and is already dispensing classy cuisine from three of its food and beverage outlets.

Guests seeking a culinary experience will eventually be spoilt for choice with seven restaurants and bars including Tuscan-inspired restaurant Attico offering rustic Italian cuisine and contemporary dim sum bar China Table (already open) providing fine Cantonese dining.

Adventure-seeking palates will find sweet haven at the B/Sharp lobby bar and B/Sweet dessert lounge where cocktail mixology meets a molecular dessert menu.

An intimate wine bar experience combining the old world and the new is soon to be offered at Vintage, a bar with panoramic views located at the 29th floor.

Twenty-Seven Bites sits on the second floor, is already open, and provides all-day global brasserie style dining.

Offering buffet and a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Twenty-Seven Bites emphasizes healthy homemade gourmet cuisine.

Radisson Blu s signature Super Breakfast sees interactive cooking stations offering made-to-order Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Western favourites, as well as freshly baked breads and pastries, tropical fruits, juices and smoothies, and an espresso and herbal tea bar.

Specialties include dim sum available for both breakfast and weekend brunches, an array of spicy Thai salads recommended and whipped up according to each guest s preferences by the cooking station chefs, and afternoon tea with fine cakes, scones and pastries.

Twenty-Seven Bites has a 200 cover capacity and is open from 6.30am until 10.30pm.

The hotel is the latest addition to the brand s portfolio of more than 368 hotels in operation and development.

At Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok, all 290 guest rooms and suites are distinguished by a wealth of space, an aesthetic based on clean lines and soothing palettes set against a backdrop of radiant views of the city.

All rooms have essential in-room technology including free Internet.

Discerning guests welcome luxury with the hotel s amenity line In Transit by This Works, an all-natural skin care, body and bath range that pays homage to the lifestyle of the modern conscious traveller.

This Works was developed by Kathy Phillips, a leading beauty and health expert and is exclusively available at all Radisson Blu hotels and resorts.

Located at the nexus of the city s public transport systems and nestled in the middle of one of Bangkok s major business hubs, the hotel benefits from ease of access that allows business travellers to significantly cut down on precious travel time between meetings.

An array of meeting facilities ranging from a 420 square metre pillarless ballroom with a pre-function area that boasts of floor-to-ceiling views of Bangkok, to smaller meetings spaces including The Suite, with a built-in show kitchen and The Gallery, a multi-functional space suited to elaborate décor installations for sophisticated receptions are available to fit every organiser s need.

Guests can take their pick of enviable rest and relaxation options with a state-of-the-art gym, open-air pool and Spa Esc, a sanctuary offering body and mind holistic treatments, Award-winning hotelier Peter Schuler, General Manager, Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok said, We are excited to be the first Radisson Blu hotel in Bangkok, one of the most vibrant cities in Asia.

When travellers plan a trip to Bangkok, they expect an engaging, memorable experience enveloped in local flavour. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok provides the perfect offering of first class accommodation at the heart of business, the heart of flavours with unparalleled dining choices and at the heart of lifestyle and leisure.

Photos by Paul Hutton

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A butterfly chandelier is the centrepiece of B/Sharp

Attico Cucina Italiano

Ball Permpoonpipat serves a Sukhumvit Cosmo in B/Sharp

Twenty-Seven Bites

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Twenty-Seven Bites

Attico Cucina Italiano

China Table

RADISSON BLU SOFT LAUNCH OPENING PARTY IN LOBBY BAR B/SHARP

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Wednesday June 4th Burlesque Cabaret Wednesdays Bangkok Betty An award winning dining experience every Wednesday with smoking hot 1940's entertainment. The Show includes three rounds of vintage performances with acting, live singing and dancing by New York Show Girl Broadway Babe Kristen Rossi. Shows are inspired by the original Burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee, Broadway star Liza Minelli and legend Marlene Dietrich!

First W.O.W Night (Wine on Wednesdays) Indulge 100 baht glasses of wine with choices of: Jump Yards, Shiraz or Chardonnay.

5pm until 10pm

Thursday June 5th BSO series 2014 - Thailand-Israel Concert Thailand Cultural Centre Israeli music stars Keren Hadar (a stunning soprano), Amir Gwirtzman (virtuoso woodwind multi-instrumentalist), and Shalev-Ad El (renowned conductor of Israel s top chamber orchestra - Netanya-Kibbutz ) will appear alongside famous Thai bass-baritone Kittinant Chinsamran and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Friday June 6th Lego Block Party KU DE TA In aid of Habitat for Humanity Thailand, to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The happenings: colourful décor, celebrities and models fashion show, sponsored

by Ballizza, and many exciting activities, all geared towards the contribution. Entrance fee is 500 THB inclusive one welcome drink, courtesy of Italasia; 100% door proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity Thailand to build houses under the Andaman build programme in Southern Thailand. Fantastic prizes and great giveaways to win!

Smileland: Welcome to Thailand BITEC Headline acts are: Moderndog, Thaitanium and Groove Riders.

Entry: 1,200 Baht.

Marcus Intalex Glow Postponed Due to the Curfew!

Saturday June 7th Stanton Warriors Live KU DÉ TA Fresh and original, the mighty Stanton Warriors return to Asia after a two year hiatus, bringing their unique brand of open format music of garage, house, techno, drum n bass, 90s rave, & hip hop to KU DÉ TA Bangkok. Since bursting onto the scene with their multi award-winning compilation The Stanton Sessions in 2001, the Stanton Warrior s irresistible and inimitable sound has consistently remained the soundtrack to some of the world s biggest and best parties over the past thirteen years; from East London warehouses, Miami boat parties and illegal Detroit raves, to the stages of Glastonbury, Exit, Burning Man, Ultra and Coachella, selling out global tours and topping DJ lists along the way.

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First Anniversary Party Velvet Nightclub Everybody is expected to dress up in classic style for an exclusive dress code for an exclusive night.

Kool by the Pool Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Afternoon Pool Party and BBQ Brunch from 1pm - 8pm at Liquide Pool Bar. Spend the afternoon in style chilling and grooving to awesome beats mixed and presented by some of the hottest DJ's in Bangkok. Featuring Eddie Frampton, Yui and KC. DJ D Zier Insanity D'zier first got into DJ-ing in 2003 during a visit to Susie Club where she found the interest and the desire of wanting to play the music that she loves became a passion. Her DJ career kicked off soon after. In her seven years as a DJ D'zier s talent and ability led her to become one of the most recognizable female DJs on the club circuit in Bangkok,Thailand and Singapore.

Underground Circus Glow Featuring Moodwax, Trust, Electronique and Special Guests.

Sunday June 8th DJ D Zier

Radiointeractive Improv Comedy Ocean Two teams battle once again in an all-out duel for world supremacy. Enter a world of laughter and be amazed by improv comedy made famous by the likes of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and "The Second City". Comedy gold will be created with your suggestions in front of your very eyes. Entry is 350 baht for a brand new show with a drink that s already been called dangerously funny.

Monday June 9th Award Winning Photographer Jeff Widener Lecture Neilson Hays Library Jeff Widener is an American photographer who took the image of a lone man confronting a column of tanks during the June 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising in China, an image so iconic that it is known simply as the tank man photo.

For that picture, Widener became a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Widener, then the Associated Press Southeast Asia photo editor based in Bangkok, positioned himself to take the photo and then had it furtively sent for transmission, and eventual front page display in newspapers worldwide. While documenting the student uprising, Widener was almost killed when a stray rock thrown by a protester struck him in the face. Widener will also discuss images from other major stories he covered in Thailand and more than 100 countries, including the Gulf War, the Polish Solidarity movement, Khmer Rouge fighting in Cambodia, Pope John Paul II s visit to Papua New Guinea, and the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. Widener s work has received hundreds of awards and citations. During this event, Widener will offer autographed prints for sale.

Tuesday June 10th Yoshiki Classical Live in Bangkok Royal JubiLee Ballroom at Impact Arena Expect to hear the songs that made her famous: Miracle, Sieze The Light, Golden Globe Theme, Tears, Red Christmas, Anniversary, Forever Love, I ll be Your Love, Amethyst, The Last Song and many more.

All That Jazz!

Honda s New Model Strikes a Chord Honda has launched the all-new Jazz with an unveiling ceremony at BITEC in Bangna. With this new model, the company is aiming to create a new definition of the five-door hatchback.

Redesigned with a sporty style, from the front headlights to the rear LED tail-lights, the new Jazz comes with a spacious interior and comfortable cabin.

Asian drivers will get to grips with the new Jazz earlier than most, with Japan, Thailand and India among the first markets to receive delivery.

It can be used for multi-utility with the Ultra Seat, which allows for Utility Mode, Long Mode, Tall Mode and Refresh Mode, thereby giving the Jazz an incredible range of carrying options.

In other areas of the world the car will be known as the Honda Fit, and will not be expected in the UK, for example, before 2015.

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Photos by Paul Hutton.

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The car is powered by a 117-horsepower1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that works with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda s Earth Dreams Technology, and is equipped with an Eco Assist system to save fuel.

Features include a fuel consumption display screen, an automatic air-conditioning system with touch control panel, and a One-Push Ignition System.

Thailand

The Bridge on the River

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W - I - D - E

r Kwai in Kanchanaburi

Composite Photo by Paul Hutton

Rising Star Dance Studio s

THE

NUTCRACKER One of the world s most popular ballets, The Nutcracker, was brought to appreciative Bangkok audiences at M Theatre last weekend when two special performances were staged by Rising Star Dance Studio.

The Nutcracker was first performed in Russia in 1892, alongside Tchaikovsky s musical score, The Nutcracker Suite, and the characters and orchestrations have gone on to receive a massive global reach ever since, although the music was more popular than the ballet until American audiences took to the production in a big way in the late 1950 s and early 1960 s.

Traditionally performed at Christmas, The Nutcracker features such notable characters as The Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, The Arabian Coffee Dancers, The Spanish Hot Chocolate Dancers, The Chinese Tea Dancers and The Russian Candy Cane Dancers.

The production was originally written around the book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman. Director Fay Pansringarm, from New York, has extensive experience as a ballet dancer and choreographer; she based the rendition on the popular Ballanchine staging in the USA, and incorporated more than 125 dancers, from over 25 countries, all students or teachers at Rising Star Dance Studio.

Maho Mashimo played the lead role of The Sugarplum Fairy; she is a former student of Rising Star and also trained professionally at the esteemed Rock School in the USA. Partnering Maho as The Cavalier was Anurak Ngamta, Thailand s principal male ballet dancer.

Photos by Paul Hutton.

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Art Exhibition by Jean-Michel Aucler at Four Seasons

The artist works on paper, making collages with different kind of papers and textiles and finished on canvas. He works in France and Asia, often drawing inspiration from stays on Bali and in Thailand. These series of portraits were completed for Lotus Arts de Vivre, but Jean-Michel also works for a gallery in Shanghai (Hong Merchant Gallery) and another in Paris (Galerie Lelouch).

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Thursday June 12th

Friday June 13th

Bon Solo Show Soy Sauce Factory 12th June - 18th June A show that s taken nearly two years to paint and curate, with large scale installations, oil paintings, etching, sculptures, automatons and live music.

Bon has steadily built his reputation as one of Asia s most prolific street artists.

Niche Nation Embassy Opening Party Central Embassy Presenting the Mykita and Maison Martin Margiela eyewear collections for the first time in Thailand.

DJ Romain Pelletti V Club Free entry.

Presented by Audio Max.

Saturday June 14th La Fete Hi So Full Moon Party Hi So, Sofitel So

This full moon, Sofitel So Bangkok brings Koh Phangan s most happening full moon party up to Bangkok city.

The rooftop will be transformed with decorations drawing inspiration from the legendary full moon parties, complete with black light-illuminated installations and a glow in the dark setup.

Featuring popular full moon party DJs DJ Space Monkey and DJ Dukeku along with talented percussionist Num T-Bone.

Full Moon: Thursday 12, June 2014 Time: 9:00pm - Late Entry: 250 Baht, including one drink.

Bangkok Boat Party Get ready for a night to remember whilst cruising down Bangkok's Chaophraya River on an open top boat, taking in the sights whilst drinking and dancing to the sounds of some of the best local DJs. They have a new boat for the new year, open topped, with a huge top deck dance floor and a big turbo sound system to make sure the city can hear the party.

Leaves from Sathorn Pier at Saphan Taksin.

Time: 21:00 01:30 Tickets are 900 baht from www.bangkokboatparty.com/

Retro Night Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok A party that takes you back in time to the charms of the 70s and 80s. The evergreen Telefon band will be holding centre stage with your favourites of yesteryear like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", "Crocodile Rock", "September" to name just a few. Plus a special guest appearance by The Voice star, King Pichet, who will enthrall you with more songs down memory lane with his powerful voice. Free entry.

Retro style dress gets one Sailor Jerry cocktail or coke free! 8.30 pm.-10.00 pm.

A Grande Wedding Fair Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit June 14 and 15.

At the glamorous two day event you can meet a selection of exceptional wedding photographers, bespoke wedding dress makers, jewellers and wedding invitation card boutiques.

Vacancy 12 Jam Free Entry.

Good sounds with vinyl records.

Featured DJs: Moola ESCB Gaolao Meehaa 41 Soi Rong Nam Kang (Charoen Rat Soi 1), Sathorn - Surasak BTS Exit 2, Bangkok

Guacamole is made fresh table side

Senor Pico DOWN MEXICO WAY

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Fans of Mexican food can feast their senses at Senor Pico, the well established restaurant at the Rembrandt Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 18. A wide range of delicious South of the Border specialties including Fajitas, Enchiladas, Carnitas, Espetadas, one of the greatest margaritas in town, available by the glass or by the jug, fist sized sangrias and much more. Symbols of Mexico adorn the walls, and the Senor Pico Band keeps the ambience just right with sounds of Latin America every night except Monday. The band is believed to be the only native Mexican band performing in Thailand at present, and they have been the resident band at Senor Pico for the last year.

Special promotions include Los Niños Day (Mondays), when kids under 12 eat free from the little ones menu, and Tijuana Tuesdays when Señor Pico gives guests access to unlimited tacos and margaritas.

Photos by Paul Hutton The Senor Pico Band

Fajitas Supreme: Chicken, Beef and Prawn Served with guacamole, sour cream and flour tortillas

Atun del Diablo: Seared tuna rubbed with Mexican spices served with avocado and mango

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Al Pastor Pork Tacos: Soft flour tortillas served with onion, cilantro, salsa and grilled knob onions

LONG TABLE SIXTH ANNIV Photos by Paul Hutton

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VERSARY

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The Great Kabab Factory

Restaurant Manager Balaji Lakshmipathi with the daily menu

One of India s largest restaurant chains has come to Bangkok, with the opening of The Great Kabab Factory at the Majestic Grande Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi Two. The chain began in 1998 with the opening of the first outlet near Delhi, and has now grown to include 16 locations.

A unique concept has been devised to encourage diners to come back on numerous occasions, with a different menu set for each day and guests served unlimited servings of each dish, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

The journey begins with six varieties of kababs served one after the other. After that, the main course is served. This consists of daal, biryani, vegetarian and non vegetarian curry-of-the-day alongside specialty Indian breads. The meal is then topped off with a variety of desserts. Everything offered is unlimited and only at one fixed price!

When dining at TGKF, a guest would get the feeling of being in a virtual food factory. An open kitchen, the cutlery resembling tools and the metal serving dishes all contribute to an industrial feel. Each TGKF outlet exudes vibrant colours, lively sounds and a very distinct ambience that adds to the ethnic yet modern feel.

Kababs originated in Middle Eastern countries, but in the 14th century, when the Mughals from these countries invaded India and made it their home, they brought with them Rikabdars and Bawarchis (personal chefs of kings) and the specialised tandoor equipment to India.

For almost two centuries when Mughals ruled over India, these Rikabdars and Bawarchis created various types of kababs to please their masters. One such kabab is Galauti Kabab which is also a signature dish of The Great Kabab Factory. It is said that Galauti (melt in your mouth) Kabab was invented by one of the chefs for his ageing and toothless King.

Many such legendary kababs will be served at TGKF. The range is so large that a unique menu will be available every day for around three months before the cycle can begin again.

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Photos by Paul Hutton

GETAWAY

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas may be just 22 kilometres south of Hua Hin, but once ensconced behind the walls of your own private villa it will seem like you are a million miles from anywhere.

This is definitely a retreat where you can enjoy beautiful surroundings and world class accommodation amid a 10 acre beachfront resort that offers a relaxed getaway overlooking the Gulf of Siam surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waterways.

You will feel enveloped in an atmosphere of genuine caring for which the Thai people are famous worldwide.

Guests can experience familiar Sheraton comforts and service in each of the 53 incredibly private villas, each with their own inviting pool and sun deck within a walled garden.

The Pool Villa Suites offer even more space and luxury, including butler service, and interconnecting pool villas are an option for family or group stays.

All villas are designed to offer modern comforts, the luxury of space and up-to-date connectivity, assisting you on your journey to ultimate relaxation.

Top Cuisine Chef Jérôme Chautard, a native of France, has cooked all around the world and now brings the flavours of his experience to the Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas as Chef de Cuisine of "Dalah" Restaurant & Bar. His vision for the resort is one of culinary delights in an innovative restaurant serving excellent new world cuisine with personalised five-star levels of service to exceed every expectation. The passionate French chef enjoys using fresh local produce and just the right combination of flavour. It s about balance and respecting the product, not masking it with too many flavours,” says Chef Jérôme.

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Villas: The Ultimate Retreat

Photos by Paul Hutton

is eager to fulfil at the "Dalah" restaurant.

I love making people happy , he says, I can reach people through great food and service and the most satisfying thing for me is if someone tells me that they had a great meal. As a Chef that means the most to me .

Delectable buffet spreads await you at the all-day dining restaurant Dalah: for an energy filled breakfast or for something to satisfy your cravings right through the day. Talented chefs use only the freshest ingredients, including organic, local and international produce, to create memorable

Thai, Asian and western dishes. The open kitchen encourages an interactive dining experience for you to share with someone special.

The Lounge and Bar provides an inviting evening retreat for a nightcap or to meet friends for a pre-dinner drink. Adjoining Dalah restaurant, the outlet offers a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and beers to suit every occasion.

You can be at your peak at all times by letting Sheraton Fitness be your solution to a healthy lifestyle while on the road. Take time out to indulge

GETAWAY

in a revitalizing massage, or a complementary therapy, as part of your perfect retreat. Or if you feel more energetic borrow one of the resort s numerous bicycles to explore the beach road and the nearby fishing village.

Or pamper yourself in the Spa Villa which offers a full massage service.

Using Shine Spa for Sheraton's East meets West technique, a soothing philosophy which offers a wide range of personalized treatments, guests experience magical spa relaxation and 'special pampering moments' in their own oasis. Lifestyle experts have taken the amazing surroundings and worked them into unique treatments that will linger with you long after the professional spa therapists leave you.

In addition to the access to all these facilities, guests can also enjoy free use of fitness, swimming pool and Kids Club at the sister property Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Guests can also enjoy an entirely different variety of food and beverage venues at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and charge to their account at Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas.

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GETAWAY

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La Fete 2014

La Fête, a Franco­Thai cultural festival organized by the Embassy of France in Thailand, in partnership with the Alliance Française of Bangkok, will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year.

A dozen events will be presented between June 4th and July 6th 2014, covering various styles of contemporary artistic creation: classical and electronic music, hip hop and contemporary dance, new magic , puppetry, photography, as well as paintings and sculptures exhibitions.

Several shows will highlight the fruitful result of Franco-Thai co-operation and most artists will meet with students and Thai creators for a truly multicultural festival that will increase and deepen exchanges between France and Thailand.

The opening concert will be chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and will take place at the Alliance Française. Quatuor Parisii, one of the most prestigious string quartets in the world, will perform a musical selection of their impressively wide repertoire.

On July 5th, the festival s closing event will feature the second edition of Galleries Night , inviting Bangkokians to stroll from one art gallery to another in order to discover new exhibition spaces and artists until late at night.

Among others, one of the other most-awaited shows of the festival will be the Pockemon Crew Company s Silence on tourne! On June 18th, at Aksra Theatre King Power (8pm).

To find out more about the festival s full programming please visit: www.lafete-bangkok.com

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UNHCR Announces Ploy Chermarn as the First Celebrity Supporter in Thailand

Renowned Thai actress Chermarn Ploy Boonyasak, has joined forces with the UN Refugee Agency and celebrities around the world to release video messages in support of refugee families and ask the public to show solidarity by sharing their stories.

Over twenty celebrities from around the world, including best-selling author Khaled Hosseini, American actress Kat Graham, German actress Diane Kruger and Colombian pop music singer Juanes, along with Ploy, have released a series of 30 second videos supporting refugees ahead of this year s World Refugee Day on 20th June.

At a time when conflicts are forcing record numbers of people to flee their homes, UNHCR is working with its Goodwill Ambassadors and other high profile supporters to tell refugee stories of courage and survival in a bid to bring more attention to the devastating impact of war on families.

UNHCR Thailand Representative Mireille Girard said We are delighted to have highly influential people like Ploy join UNHCR in speaking up for refugees and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Ploy and stepping up her role to mobilize more support for refugees.

A refugee experiences the universal emotions each and every one of us would feel if we are faced with the prospect of losing everything, starting from scratch, or safeguarding our family from violence, Ploy said. The more we share, the more we put ourselves in their shoes. We will see that refugee stories are relevant to our daily lives.

To watch Ploy s World Refugee Day video, please click http://youtu.be/fdQvzucXtvg The celebrity videos are part of a co-ordinated campaign ahead of World Refugee Day, June 20th. They will be hosted on a website that will feature hundreds of refugee stories: http://stories.unhcr.org & www.unhcr.or.th

Savour the Flavours of Scandinavia

Taste, a modern international dining restaurant at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, will once again keep Bangkok abreast of leading-edge cuisine when it hosts one of Sweden s top chefs to present classic and contemporary Scandinavian dishes from June 6th to 15th.

The culinary mastermind, 40-year-old Mathias Olsson, Executive Chef from Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, arrives at Taste via executive chef stints staging Scandinavian food festivals in several countries.

Today s Scandinavian chefs are notable foragers, bakers and preservers. From sweet berries to free-ranging game and cured fish, the cuisine emphasises wild, natural ingredients making it a perfect fit with The Westin ethos of healthy indulgence.

Mathias and the Taste team will present the pick of the flavours and textures with each ingredient specially selected for freshness and authenticity at Taste.

On the ice bar will be Löjrom (whitebait roe with condiments) and hot smoked salmon. Next to it find Västerbotten cheese, Swedish crisp bread and Smorrebrod canapées and Janssons Frestelse. Highlight main menus include Cauliflower Velouté (Hokkaido Scallop and Truffle Cream with a flavour of cauliflower), Grandmother Greta s Meatballs (cream sauce with Lingon berries and pickled cucumbers), and Oxroulader (braised beef roulades with Gherkins mustard and bacon).

Desserts range from Rhubarb, Parfait with Cloudberry to Budapest Bakelse, all of which are equally irresistible.

All these and more will greet diners in a variety of formats, including: Saturday Lunch Buffet (June 7 and 14)

Baht 1,140 net

Weekday Dinner Buffet (June 8 - 12)

Baht 1,290 net

Come 2 Pay 1 Seafood & Grill Dinner Buffet (June 6-7 and June 13-14)

Baht 2,190 net

Come 2 Pay 1 Sunday Lunch Buffet (June 8 and 15)

Scandinavian Cooking Class (June 14)

Baht 1,590 net

Baht 2,190 net

Chef Mathias will command the kitchen in person from June 6th to June 15th and his signature Scandinavian dishes will continue to feature on Taste s menu from June 16th until month-end.

Guests can enroll free in SPG® (Starwood Preferred Guests) and enjoy come 2 pay 1 on Seafood & Grill Dinner Buffet and Sunday Lunch Buffet.

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The Last Executioner Chosen to Debut at Shanghai International Film Festival Two Thai films have been chosen for screening at the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival: The Last Executioner, which makes its world premiere in the main Golden Goblet competition, and Concrete Clouds, which is in the Asian New Talent line-up.

Directed by Tom Waller, The Last Executioner makes its bow in Shanghai ahead of its July 3rd release in Thai cinemas.

Selected from 1,099 entries as one of 11 films chosen in the Golden Goblet competition, award-winning director Tom Waller s second Thai-language film The Last Executioner will be judged by a jury headed by famous Chinese actress Gong Li. After its World Premiere at Shanghai, the film will have its Thai Premiere on June 19th, before going on general release in Thai cinemas on July 3rd through Handmade Distribution.

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Your Kick Off Guide to The World Cup Group Stage Friday, June 13 3am.: Brazil vs. Croatia at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 11pm: Mexico vs. Cameroon at Estadio das Dunas, Natal Saturday, June 14 2am Spain vs. Netherlands at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 5am: Chile vs. Australia at Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 11pm: Colombia vs. Greece at Estádio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Sunday, June 15 2am: Uruguay vs. Costa Rica at Estádio Castelao, Fortaleza 5am: England vs. Italy at Arena Amazonia, Manaus 8am: Ivory Coast vs. Japan at Arena Pernambuco, Recife 11pm: Switzerland vs. Ecuador at Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia Monday, June 16 2am: France vs. Honduras at Estádio Beira­Rio, Porto Alegre 5am: Argentina vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro 11pm: Germany vs. Portugal at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Tuesday, June 17 2am: Iran vs. Nigeria at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba 5am: Ghana vs. United States at Estadio das Dunas, Natal 11pm: Belgium vs. Algeria at Estádio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Wednesday, June 18 2am: Brazil vs. Mexico at Estádio Castelao, Fortaleza 5am: Russia vs. South Korea at Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 11pm: Australia vs. Netherlands at Estádio Beira­Rio, Porto Alegre Thursday, June 19 2am: Spain vs. Chile at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro 5am: Cameroon vs. Croatia at Arena Amazonia, Manaus 11pm: Colombia vs. Ivory Coast at Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia Friday, June 20 2am: Uruguay vs. England at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 5am: Japan vs. Greece at Estadio das Dunas, Natal 11pm: Italy vs. Costa Rica at Arena Pernambuco, Recife Saturday, June 21 2am: Switzerland vs. France at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 5am: Honduras vs. Ecuador at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba 11pm: Argentina vs. Iran at Estádio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Sunday, June 22 2am: Germany vs. Ghana at Estádio Castelao, Fortaleza 5am: Nigeria vs. Bosnia Herzegovina at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá 11pm: Belgium vs. Russia at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro Monday, June 23 2am: South Korea vs. Algeria at Estádio Beira­Rio, Porto Alegre 5am: United States vs. Portugal at Arena Amazonia, Manaus 11pm: Netherlands vs. Chile at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 11pm: Australia vs. Spain at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Tuesday, June 24 3am: Croatia vs. Mexico at Arena Pernambuco, Recife 3am: Cameroon vs. Brazil at Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia 11pm: Italy vs. Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas, Natal 11pm: Costa Rica vs. England at Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Wednesday, June 25 3am: Japan vs. Colombia at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá 3am: Greece vs. Ivory Coast at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza 11pm: Nigeria vs. Argentina at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 11pm: Bosnia Herzegovina vs. Iran at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Thursday, June 26 3am: Ecuador vs. France at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro 3am: Honduras vs. Switzerland at Arena Amazonia, Manaus 11pm: United States vs. Germany at Arena Pernambuco, Recife 11pm: Portugal vs. Ghana at Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia Friday, June 27 3am: South Korea vs. Belgium at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 3am: Algeria vs. Russia at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

All Times are for Thailand Audiences

Singapore Crab Promotion at St. Regis The St. Regis Bangkok held a Singapore Crab Promotion at VIU restaurant when guest chef Cassidy Shen Zhi Wei from the W Sentosa Cove, Singapore, flew in to cook up his crab creations for lunch and dinner.

Born and raised in Singapore, Cassidy s first foray into the culinary industry was at the age of 18 in 2001. Starting his apprenticeship with a catering company at a young age, Cassidy soon found his dream as he ventured into the vibrant and dynamic hotel industry in 2005.

Chef Cassidy began his extensive hospitality and culinary career with Amara Singapore as Cook 1 and was quickly promoted to Senior Chef De Partie within one year. With a deep passion to serve every guest the best quality of mouth-watering delights, Chef Cassidy has grown to be highly motivated and creative in his skills and dish presentation.

A fast learner with high adaptability to his surroundings, Chef Cassidy has garnered a wide repertoire of experiences across many hotels in Singapore. Expanding his reach from Ritz-Carlton to Raffles Singapore and Oriental Hotel, Chef Cassidy has grown in his capacity to earn his position as the Restaurant Sous Chef at W Singapore Sentosa Cove. With 30 cooks under his direction, the enthusiastic Restaurant Sous Chef of The Kitchen Table is responsible for overseeing the Indian, Western and Asian Cuisine sections.

With more than a decade of experience, Chef Cassidy has conducted many successful Singapore Food Promotion events at the Prestige Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok, as well as in W Guang Zhou.

He also assisted Chef Micheal Ginor at the Sabar do World Gourmet Summit in 2011, and participated in the Food & Wine Dinner with Chef Santi Santamaria.

Chef Cassidy takes pride in presenting the highest quality for every dish that is prepared and served to the guests, guaranteeing freshness in every bite.

Fluent in speaking four languages, he enjoys going the extra mile in interacting and getting to know the patrons of his delectable dishes. Chef Cassidy believes that fine dining is not just about the food, but the entire experience, including getting to know the creator of every dish. He is also on the planning team for new menus with the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine of W Singapore.

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Movie of the Week

Supermodel 2013 at Aetas Lumpini in Bangkok. Movie by Paul Hutton, Bangkok Scene.

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