Take a peek at what’s coming to town this year. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

1881 by Water Library

The opening of Groove last month included this intriguing gastro bar, run by the people behind the two branches of Water Library. The international comfort dishes (B150-B900) span snacks to brunch, full courses and desserts—all served up by Swiss Chef Urs Lustenberger, who you'll sometimes spot in Water Library Thonglor’s kitchen. Nighttime is when things really heat up with live bands and a bar that illuminates the dining room and is inspired by a 19th-century steam power plant. If you’re like us, you’ll jump at any chance to taste a cocktail from top mixologist Mirko Gardelliano. Groove, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. Open daily 10-2am.

Siam Wisdom

Popular Chef Chumpol Jangprai (of Iron Chef fame and formerly of Blue Elephant Copenhagen) opens his first restaurant in Bangkok. The eatery will be set in three Thai traditional houses and, as the name suggests, put the emphasis on local recipes and produce from vegetables to frog and buffalo. The menu will be seasonal, in line with traditional Buddhist beliefs, with a focus on ancient recipes sourced from old records, favorites such as tom yam and pad Thai, innovative dishes making use of modern techniques and what they are calling "Thai-pas," a local take on tapas. Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yeak 4.

The Lab

When we heard the inventive Chef Gaggan was opening a bar, we knew we’d be in for something special. As the name suggests, it will house all sorts of lab gear to prepare infused liquors and cask-aged cocktails. Your table will be the scene for the mixologists to create tailor-made drinks right in front of you or you can try the cocktail tasting menu that Chef Gaggan claims is ideal for those after a little adventure. Scheduled to open sometime in the third quarter in the same neighborhood (Langsuan) as the restaurant.

Japanese Restaurant by Tenyuu Grand

Tenyuu Grand’s menu reads like classic Japanese—all sushi and rolls, but it’s the new and exciting ingredients that keep the crowds coming back. This year, its food-obsessed owner Chavayos Rattakul will join with other new restaurants in EmQuartier (see page 7), putting more focus on modern food presentation, a trendy vibe and the use of lesser known ingredients such as Mangalitz pork from Hungary. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of the year.

Tequila Bar by Roast

The team behind Roast will soon open a tequila bar in the same community mall, Seenspace. The food will take its cues from Mexican favorites with some tweaking for the Thai palate. Expect local produce, homegrown herbs and adaptations, such as ox cheek in the tacos. The tequila list, meanwhile, will be imported from all over the world. They tell us it should be open by March, but we’ll have to wait longer for their community mall project, The Commons, a place where you’ll find quality products, some from the regular vendors at the city's farmer’s market. That’s set to open in 2015. On top of that, they’ll also have a new branch of Roast in EmQuartier promising a bigger space and an outdoor area. 

WHAT WE WANT

 

Small, Casual Restaurants Doing Great Food

The city’s new crop of talented chefs still seem to prefer doing their thing in swanky venues. In fact, we’ve seen fewer exciting pop-ups of late, compared to the days when Paolo Vitaletti (now at Appia) and Jess Barnes (now at Opposite) were introducing themselves to Bangkok through booked-out events at Opposite (which was then an event space, not a restaurant). We like scrappy and tiny. And we want more great food in places with  real character.

 

 

Artisanal Thai Food Stars 

Let’s hand it to Europeans like Joe Sloane (Sloane’s Sausages) and Jean Philippe Arnaud Landry (Maison Jean-Philippe) for launching quality artisanal food brands that have slowly taken over every chic new restaurant or trendy farmer’s market. But aside from Bo (Bo.lan), isn’t it time that Bangkok’s artisanal food scene had more locals doing lovingly handcrafted food that stands out from the ordinary stuff available at a fresh market. Hipster green curry paste, anyone?

PROPERTIES

Dean and Deluca 

Already present at MahaNakhon at Chong Nonsi, Dean and Deluca Thailand is set to open its latest and biggest flagship retail market store on the same premises. The café is expected to be the largest Dean and Deluca in Asia, and the third largest in the world, occupying over 800 sq meters. It will offer three different “eat in” concepts: an espresso bar, a pizza counter and a table service restaurant with wine bar—all, of course, serving up New York’s favorite gourmet delights. One innovative program they are working on is a daily cooking show. www.facebook.com/ddbkk. Other restaurants set for MahaNakhon are even more exciting, with the list including the Michelin-star chef associated Le Salon de The de Joel Robuchon.

Central Embassy 

Central Embassy is the latest development project from the Central Group. Scheduled to open in March, it will house high-end street fashion and lifestyle products. The building’s modern design will highlight curves and textures over a total of 37 floors, eight of which will be dedicated to retail, with the rest being part of a six-star hotel, the Park Hyatt, to be opened in 2014. Think CentralWorld with higher-end brands and more emphasis on deconstructionist architectural design. Among the big names, American brand Ralph Lauren will open a two-story flagship store (see below). Right now, construction is almost completed with most of the building’s retail space already booked. Next to Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-650-3600. BTS Chidlom or Ploenchit. www.centralembassy.com

MahaNakhon

Soon to be the city’s highest landmark, the 314-meter-tall Mahanakhon Hotel & Residence will stand 77 stories high and cover 14,569 square meters split between apartments, retail space, an outdoor plaza and luxury serviced residences by The Ritz-Carlton Residences. The building has a direct link to BTS Chongnonsi, with residences from two to five bedrooms. Other facilities include a three-floor terrace bar, restaurants, cafes, a 24-hour marketplace, private dining facilities, and a rooftop outdoor bar with a 360-degree view. Rooms are B250,000 per sq meter. Scheduled to open beginning of the year for Dean and Deluca. 92 Narathiwas Ratchanakharin Rd., 02-234-1414. www.maha-nakhon.com

Siam Square One 

As you'll have spotted from the BTS, the area opposite Siam Paragon will soon be transformed into another shopping mall known as Siam Square One. The seven-story mall will look to embody the concept of a shopping street combining fashion, dining, lifestyle and digital products. With a budget of B1.8 billion, the 13,525-square-meter venue will also comprise 270 parking spots and a rooftop garden. The interior will follow the lead of the contemporary exterior, which will highlight the building’s dimensions with a multitude of massive blocks. Scheduled to open by the end of this year. Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02-255-9999. 

Ralph Lauren

Central Embassy has already confirmed one major brand arrival, with the news that preppy US brand Ralph Lauren, will have a two-story flagship store inside the mall. Expect all the signature fragrances, accessories, menswear and women’s wear you'd find in the original store.

EmQuartier

Sat directly opposite from Emporium, this is another project developed by The Mall group. Said to open by the end of 2014, the high-end shopping mall will also include the Bhiraj Tower, a 45-story office tower developed by the Bhiraj Buri Group. The construction is said to be 60-70% complete, and the mall will eventually feature a whopping 250,000 sq meters of retail space. Opposite The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phromphong.

California Modern Market

This project on Ratchaphruek Road covers an area of over 10 hectares. The place is designed to imitate a California-style setting with palm trees and fountains, and will feature a modern market divided into nine zones with shops and restaurants aiming to attract families from the nearby residential area. Ratchaphruek Rd., 083-042-9536.

WHAT WE WANT

 

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Popular community malls like K Village or Rainhill have proved that we can actually survive in a non-air-con environment for a few minutes at a time, provided there’s shade and good air circulation. We hope upcoming malls will offer more of that, as opposed to the giant energy-guzzling behemoth alternatives. Moreover, we wish this trend would catch on with condos, which continue to pair 30 stories of apartments with only a tiny rooftop terrace as a nod to greenery.

Recycling Old Buildings

Bangkok might not have the best track record for preservation but we think we’re at a crucial time. Whole swathes of the city are currently being consumed by major developments, with little or no care for what was there before. We hope that people start taking a reality check on the genuine benefits of repurposing existing spaces. Quick bucks are no trade-off for decades of character and a little hard work.

MUSIC

Avril Lavigne 

The pop-punk princess will return to Bangkok in support of her fifth studio album. Feb 11 is the date, Impact Arena Muangthong Thani the venue. Expect all the hits like “My Happy Ending,” “Sk8ter Boi,” and “Complicated,” as well as newer releases like “Let Me Go” and “Here’s To Never Growing Up.” However, some might be more interested in whether she’ll bw bringing along her husband, Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Tickets are B1,000-4,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Bruno Mars

Just one month later, the same venue will welcome American chart-topper Bruno Mars as part of his Moonshine Jungle Tour, on Mar 20. The guy who famously doesn’t feel like doing anything may be a bit late coming to our shores, with this world tour meant to be in support of his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox, released way back in 2012.

Thirty Second to Mars

Maybe you like your pop-rock a tiny bit harder or maybe you just like watching Jared Leto jump around on stage. Either way, you’ll be pleased to note that the critically praised former actor is bringing his rather less acclaimed (but much-loved) band to Bangkok to celebrate their fourth studio album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams. Thai fans mark the date, Apr 5, venue TBA.

Silverlake Music Festival

You’ll have to leave town for the biggest rock concert, though. Pattaya will be the scene of the second rock-loving Silverlake Music Festival, set to return on Mar 1. The festival will be headlined by Trent Reznor’s industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails as they continue to tour their new album Hesitation Marks. They’ll be supported by Swedish garage rockers The Hives, English indie band The Foals, and other notable inter acts like The Used, Taking Back Sunday, and Rebelution.  

Swim Deep

To mark the welcome reopening of Sonic Ekkamai, long-time indie organizer Dudesweet have already announced they’ll be bringing over fast-rising British indie pop band Swim Deep to Bangkok on Feb 7. There’s still not much information out yet, but we suggest you prepare yourself by checking out the band’s debut album, Where the Heaven Are We.

Popscene Pop-ups

The indie crew Popscene will follow up on a big 2013 by welcoming more international acts on a regular basis, kicking off on Jan 25 at Cosmic Café with provocative rapper Heems (USA) who will share the stage with Despot (USA), and other yet tbc acts. Two weeks later, Feb 7, will see a gig by three bands Unicorn Domination (USA), Bloodsugar Politik (Burma) and locals Deadtown Trash. 

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Next year is shaping up rather nicely for indie tragics. Hot organizer Have You Heard? will start the year by bringing over another hipster-approved indie act, American/New Zealand psych-rock trio, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, to perform live at Mongkol Studio RCA on Jan 22. Opening acts include two local talents, post-rockers Desktop Error and Two Million Thanks.

WHAT WE WANT

 

More Diversity

The music scene has developed incredibly in the last few years, with more and more international acts gracing our city, and it seems we’re getting a more diverse set of venues, too. There was a time when it felt like almost every week we ended up at Cosmic Café or Sonic Ekkamai. That’s not to detract from both venue’s great work but since the latter closed for renovations we’ve seen a lot of interesting venues really step up. 2013 saw the rise of small joints like Harmonica, SOL Space, Fatty’s Diner and Playyard all hosting a diverse set of acts. Cafes-cum-bars Jam and WTF Gallery have also got in on the action, opening their doors to more experimental artists, and we’re excited about the prospect of more indie venues bringing together the disciplines of music and art.

More Festivals

While Silverlake Music Festival looms large on the horizon in March, Thailand still lags behind regional neighbors when it comes to cool music fests. Hipsters are still forced to lay down top dollar to fly out to Hong Kong and Singapore for the likes of Clockenflap and Laneway, but we can’t help but think that that money could be better spent here, where the demand for top international acts is now really bubbling over. 

FILM

The Legend of King Naresuan Part V

After a year's break, the epic film series written and directed by Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol is set to flirt once more with commercial success. Boasting the same all-star cast of Chatchai Plengpanich, Intira Jaroenpura, Taksaorn Paksukcharern and Wanchana Sawatdee, who plays the king, the fifth episode of the biographical historical drama will narrate the incidents after King Naresuan led a group of Thai people to escape from Burma and announced freedom from Burmese rule. The historic elephant battle looks likely to be among the set-piece highlights.

Teacher’s Diary.

The new romance from big film house GTH looks set to make headlines this year as it features two huge Thai showbiz names, Ploy Chermarn Boonyasak and pop star Bie Sukrit Wisetkaew making his film debut. Directed by Ton Nithiwat Tharathorn (Fanchan and Season Change), it will see the two leads portray the romance between two teachers set against a backdrop of academia. The actual storyline has yet to be revealed, but given it’s GTH, we’re expecting another feel-good blockbuster.  

Rarng (The Parallel) 

We don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes at production company Golden A, but it’s a little strange to note that Rarng, a film that director Pharm Rangsi (Pawnshop) previously told us was to be his next release is about to come out credited to Bhana Worawaranyoo (Sam Chook and Bangrajun 2). Starring Paula Taylor, the horror set to be screened this January tells the story of a lady who adopts a little girl whose mother died in front of her and whose favorite doll has somehow taken on her mother’s spirit. 

Sayong Songbuntud (Horror in Two Lines)

Director Parm Rangsi has founded his own production house Parmpicture, which will launch its first ghost film this year, too. Parm’s new flick is called Sayong Songbuntud or Horror in Two Lines (whether they’re parallel or not, we do not know) and follows a group of teenagers who find themselves placed under a deadly curse after meddling with an ancient talisman. While we’re sure the cinematography will be pleasing on the eye, we can only hope that Pharm has learned from Pawnshop that character development and narrative prowess have their place 

Khun Phan

This biopic from Sahamongkol Film is directed by Kongkiat Khomesiri whose previous flicks include Cheun, Chaiya and Anthapan. It will tell the story of Khun Phantharak Rajjadej of Nakhonsrithammaraj, whose life is nothing short of fantasy folklore. Khun Phantharak was a police officer who made his name by wiping out all the infamous criminals in the Southern provinces in the 1920s. But it wasn’t solely what he did, but how, that really made him stand out; Khun Phantharak is said to have used magic to prevail over the bad guys. If the tale isn’t exciting enough, though, the cast comprising Krisada Sukosol (Noi Pru), Chupong Changprung and Ananda Everingham, who plays the legendary cop, should get you going.

WHAT WE WANT

Indie Appreciation

Last year might have been a watershed one for the Thai indie film industry, judging by the long queues outside House RCA for Nawapol’s Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy. But we’d still like to see more interesting homegrown films like Karaoke Girl and The Isthmus, which both attracted a lot of attention abroad, appearing at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and Busan International Film Festival, get a proper extended screening here in Bangkok, so that they can actually reach the wider audience they deserve.  

 

 

Big Budget, Big Brains

As for mainstream pictures, it’s probably too much to ask for some originality, but surely a little more creativity isn’t out of the question. A year of films about teens battling ghosts (Mor Hok Tub Ha Pak Mhar Ta Pee, Hachima Project) and formulaic rom-coms (Fud Jung To, Love Syndrome and Love in the Rain), is, well, a little boring. Also, we think we can speak for all cinema-goers in hoping that the big production houses finally grow the balls to do away with ugly and obvious product placements once and for all. 

MISC

Digital TV

After hearing about digital TV for ages, it’s actually happening this year. After the license auction last December, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) expects digital broadcasts to start this February. That seems optimistic but the new era will offer us up to 48 channels with better picture and sound quality, more choices, and interactive features. It's said there’ll be 12 community, 12 public, and 20 commercial channels. The remaining four slots will be dedicated to HDTV and there are more to come. 

extension of BTS Sukhumvit Line from Mo Chit to Khu Khot

The political breakdown may have stalled many mega railroad projects, but not the approved B58,590-million green line extension which will continue as planned, according to Chula Sukmanop, Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning. The 19km rail line will run along Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, from BTS Mochit to Khu Kot, with the main stops including Saphan Mai, Kasetsart University, and one in front of Don Muang Airport. The construction is scheduled to start in mid-2014, but it’s not until 2018 that we can hop on. So why talk about it now? Well, as construction taking place along one of the most traveled roads in Bangkok, including one platform at the ever-hectic Lad Phrao, we think everyone should prepare for a year-long traffic nightmare. 

WHAT WE WANT

Good Fashion Bloggers

 

Although Thailand has a vibrant beauty blogging society, with big names like Pearypie and Momay Pa Plern exhibiting their talents in hiding blemishes and changing your bone structure (no surgery needed), it is still lacking bloggers producing quality content for fashion. Yeah, we do have mepanya.blogspot.com but that’s about it. More fashion bloggers would go a long way to driving our local scene forward, including blow-by-blow accounts of fashion shows, designer interviews and the occasional “real-world” fashion shoot. Oh and, dear aspiring fashion bloggers, don’t take your cues from Thailand’s makeup gurus, who endlessly, shamelessly and unimaginatively promote brands just to make a quick buck.

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Here are the top gaming releases for the next-gen consoles to look out for.

Battlefield 4

Pitch: Battlefield differs from your usual first-person shooters in its ability to give you control of vehicles and jump around from soldier to soldier, giving you the impression of leading an entire campaign at both a strategic and tactical level. This edition of the beloved game, set in the near-future, pits the USA, China and Russia against each other.
Who made it: EA Digital Illusions CE (DICE) it’s published by Electronic Arts.
Most anticipated feature: Battlefield 4 will run up to 60 frames per second and it will feature support for 64-player multiplayer matches on PS4 and Xbox One. 
Bonus drama: There’s an actual Jason Bourne-style plot in the single player campaign by Jesse Stern, who has writing credits on scores of US TV series like NCIS (about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service). His series have a tendency to never make it past the first season, though. Just sayin’.
Perfect for: Those who dodged their military service and are having second thoughts.

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Pitch: This is the first-person shooter of choice. And while most kids on the multiplayer maps won’t care about the plot, here goes: The game is set 10 years in the future, after a nuclear bomb detonated in the Middle East, leaving the USA crippled. South America’s oil-producing nations have formed The Federation, which invades and conquers Central America. They then hijack an orbital super weapon, ODIN, and use it to destroy cities in the southwestern United States.
Who made it: Infinity Ward, Neversoft, and Raven Software.
Most anticipated feature: “Dynamic Maps” introduce mid-game events that can flatten entire portions of a map, while players can strategically destroy parts of the map to open or block passageways.
Bonus drama: Tony-Award nominated Stephen Lang (Col. Miles Quaritch from Avatar) is the voice of Elias Walker and the game’s script is written by Stephen Gaghan (Traffic and Syrianna).
Perfect for: Your typical gamer who needs a little more violence in his life.

Dead Rising 3

Pitch: Following the well-received previous installments, Dead Rising 3 takes place 10 years after the events at Fortune City. The protagonist, a young mechanic named Nick Ramos, attempts to survive a massive zombie outbreak. To do so, Nick has a tendency to build madcap contraptions that cause massive mayhem.
Who made it: Capcom Vancouver and Microsoft
Most anticipated feature: Players now have the ability to create weapons and vehicles on the go. Rollerhawg, anyone? It’s the combination of a chopper and a steamroller.
Bonus drama: This is a Capcom game and its many references to Hollywood zombie flicks have trickled through Japanese arcade game culture, making it a pretty brain-dead experience. But hey, you’re here to kill zombies, not watch Oscar-winning performances.
Perfect for: Walking Dead fans who would like to experience the thrill of crushing hordes of zombies.

NBA Live 14

Pitch: The 14th edition of the NBA’s only official basketball simulator.
Who made it: EA Sports.
Most anticipated feature: BounceTek; a new dribbling physics-based system that allows the players to have more control over the ball and better responsiveness.
Bonus drama: Six of the league’s youngest point guards lend their faces and physiques to the game: Kyrie Irving (NBA All Star 2013), alongside Damian Lillard, John Wall, Kemba Walker, Ricky Rubio, and Victor Oladipo. 
Perfect for: Those too short to make the high-school team. 

Need for Speed Rivals

Pitch: Your usual Need for Speed format: cops chase you, you shake them off your tail, you challenge rival racers, your reputation grows. This time around, you can also play as the cops, though.
Who made it: Ghost Games and Criterion Games.
Most anticipated feature: AllDrive is a new online feature that allows players to seamlessly transition between single player, co-op, to multiplayer mode.
Bonus drama: Ken Block is the series’ appointed racing advisor. He’s this mad Gymkhana driver who can pull some awesome driving stunts.
Perfect for: Guys who crashed their car trying to pull these stunts in the real world.


TECH KNOW: Meet the Consoles

Xbox One

Microsoft launches the third Xbox edition, Xbox One, almost six years after the release of the previous Xbox 360.

Release Date: Unfortunately it won't be available in Singapore until late 2014 (!) but you should be able to find units on eBay.

New Features: 

  • Blu-ray player, 500GB hard-drive and 8GB of system memory.
  • Multitasking with music, video, Skype and Internet Explorer.
  • Improved cloud computing and on-demand streaming of games onto your consoles.
  • Improved Kinect functionality: a 1080p wide-angle camera that captures your movements and gestures allowing you to control the on-screen action.
  • Kinect microphone that remains active at all times, and can be awoken with a voice command when in sleep mode. 
  • The new wireless Xbox One controller features new vibration motors in the triggers.  
  • Expanded TV and entertainment options.

PlayStation 4

The PS4 is the successor of PlayStation 3, which was released in 2006.

Release Dates: December 19 for Singapore

New Features: 

  • New controllers have a “Share” button for easy access to social features like the “view-in-game” live stream from friends.
  • A cloud-based gaming service that streams video games and connects to your Sony smartphones, tablets and PlayStation Vita.  
  • It includes a blu-ray player (like the previous model), 500GB hard-drive for additional storage, 8GB of system memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and two 3.0 USB ports.
  • The PlayStation Camera, a motion-sensing digital camera.
  • There are other audio/video output options such as HDMI TV and Optical S/PDIF audio to use your PlayStation 4 as a one-stop media center.
  • $639 from Challenger

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Don't party on an empty stomach. Here's how much Bangkok's biggest New Year's feasts (Dec 31) will set you back. (Updated Dec 25, 2014)

For a luxury hotel buffet

Brasserie Europa (Siam Kempinski) 

We really like their garden, and the all-you-can-eat festive offerings are also right up there with what all the top hotels are doing.
 
Dec 24-25 At B4,200 you get free-flow Moët & Chandon Imperial Rosé and a traditional buffet (noon-4pm) of imported seafood, premium roast meats and heavy yuletide desserts. Kids pay B1,450. 
 
1/F, Siam Kempinski, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000. BTS Siam
 

For an all-you-can-eat bargain

Latest Recipe (Le Méridien)

Dec 24-25 The price of B2,550 is over 1K short of what most fancy hotels are charging for their festive buffets, and you still get foie gras, Alaskan king crab and oysters to go with your traditional turkey. Free-flow wines, beers, cocktails and bubbles included. 
 
Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet lunch from noon-2:30pm (B1,650) and dinner from 5:30-9:30pm (B1,950), both with free- flow booze and wines. 
 
2/F, Le Meridien Bangkok. 40/5 Surawong Road, Bangrak, 02-232 -8888
 

57th Street (Marriott Sukhumvit)

Dec 25 For those looking to eat around Thonglor, the Marriott has a similarly priced deal at B2,690 with free-flow wine, beer and bubbles (B2,350 if you just want to eat) from 12-4pm. The buffet includes a live foie gras cooking station, wagyu beef, smoked salmon, caviar, sashimi and plenty more international and Asian dishes. 
 
Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner starting from B2,600. 
Complimentary entree for the countdown at Octave Rooftop Bar for the first 60 diners.
 

The District Grill Room & Bar (Marriott Sukhumvit)

Dec 31 A six-course set menu starting from B4,200.
 
2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797-0000. BTS Thong Lo
 

For something Asian

The Okura Prestige

Thanks to its Japanese heritage, The Okura Prestige has a very alternative offering this Christmas.
 
Dec 24-25 Chef Hagiwara Shigeru of Yamazato will be doing a six-course teppanyaki dinner for B4,000, featuring king crab, scallops from Hokkaido and wagyu sirloin. You can also order Osechi Boxes (starting from B3,000) from now-Dec 27, and collect them on Dec 31.

Dec 31 Henry Jordan will create eight-course menu (B5,200) at Elements, featuring a choice of slow –cooked halibut and salt bush lamb. While there will be The Prestige buffet dinner and dance (starting from B4,800) at Up & Above.

25/F, The Okura Prestige, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. BTS Phloen Chit

 

For an elaborate set dinner

Park Society 

Dec 24-25 Want a Christmas dinner with theater and flair? Head up to the 29/F of Sofitel So, where chef Angela Brown whips up a five-course Christmas degustation dinner for B4,800.
 
Expect molecular flourishes and foams as well as substantial mains like the mustard-and-herb crusted Tajima wagyu tenderloin.
 
Dec 31 six-course degustation dinner starting from B9,000 at 6pm.
 
29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumpini
 

For a well-priced set menu

Rossini’s

Dec 25 With most top hotel’s set dinners pushing B4,000, we like the sound of chef Luca Cesarini’s Tuscan-style Christmas menu.
 
The B2,500 price not only includes four courses like pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with rosemary potato foam and   roasted deep water cod but also a selection of Primo Vino wines. 
 
1/F, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8888. BTS Asoke  
 

Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen

Dec 24-25 Apparently real Italian Catholics only eat fish for Christmas.
 
That’s why Lenzi’s B2,400 six-course Tuscan Christmas menu features dishes like gratin scallops and fresh tagliolina pasta with sea urchin, prawns and cherry tomatoes.
 
It’s all finished off with a traditional slice of panettone in vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Dec 31 Seven-course dinner with a complimentary glass of Prosecco at B3,200. 

Ruamruedee Soi 2, Wireless Rd., 02-001-0116
 

For a Michelin-level experience

J’aime

Dec 24-25 At B3,399 net, we’re impressed by the sound of what the three-Michelin-star-winning Jean-Michel Lorain has planned. His four-course degustation menu features Fin de Claire oysters, lobster medallions and turkey roulades. To guarantee you leave uncomfortably stuffed is a Provencal dessert buffet.
 
Dec 31 five-course dinner, inclusive of a seafood platter at B4,499 net.
 
U Sathorn Bangkok, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4888
 

Savelberg

Dec 24-26 You may need to break the bank to get a taste of Savelberg, but Christmas is actually a little cheaper than regular days. For B4,472 net per head, feast on a five-course menu of luxurious dishes like lobster with goose liver and black truffle vinaigrette, and poached North Sea sole with capers and white wine sauce. You’ll also receive complimentary sweets to take home.
 
G/F, Oriental Residence, 110 Wireless Rd., 02-252-8001
 

Vogue Lounge

Dec 31 A 16-course dinner with a bottle of Dom Pérignon at B24,000 per couple.

6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd. 02-001-0697. BTS Chong Nonsi

 

 

Deals from our favorite restaurants

Quince

Dec 31  A six-course dinner at B2,900, plus Roederer Champagne from B3,000 per bottle.

Sukhumvit Soi 45. 02-662-4478. BTS Phrom Pong

Mejico

Dec 31 three-course set menu at B999.

2/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd. 081-616-4026. BTS Chit Lom

Vesper

Dec 31 A special NYE menu featuring Oscietra Caviar Set (B590 per 30 gram) and grilled Fiorentina Tomahawk steak (B440 per 100 grams).
 
10/15 Convent Rd. 02-235-2777. BTS Sala Daeng

Attico

Dec 24 five-course Tuscan dinner starting from B1,900.

Dec 31 substantial four-course dinner starting B2,900.

28/F, Radisson Blu, 27 Sukhumvit Rd.

 


More Hotel Deals

The Berkeley Hotel

Dec 31 A buffet dinner (B2,558) followed by free entry to The Deck countdown party and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at The Berkeley Dining Room. Kids aged 6-12 dine at half price.
 
559 Ratchaprarop Rd. 02-309-9999. ARL Ratchaprarop
 

Westin Grande Sukhumvit

Dec 31 From 7pm, a masquerade ball-themed all-you-can-eat buffet and party (B3,200 net). at Seasonal Tastes, Zest Bar, Terrace.
 
259 Sukhumvit Soi 19. 02-207-8033. BTS Asok
 

Intercontinental

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B3,000 at Espresso.
An eight-course dinner at B5,999 Fireplace Grill.
 
973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0444. BTS Chit Lom
 

Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner with free-flow booze at B2,150 per head​ at Coco Café.
 
Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-610-0111. BTS Asok
 

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel &  Towers

Dec 31 An international gala dinner at B 8,200 net. at The Riverside Terrace.
An Italian dinner buffet at B 6,500 net. at Giorgio’s.
A royal Thai set dinner at B 6,500 net. at Thara Thong.
 
2 Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-0123
 

Grand Millennium Sukhumvit

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B2,750 including free-flow booze Atelier. A five-course dinner at B2,450 Tapas Y Vino.
 
30 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asoke), 02-204-4000. MRT Sukhumvit
 

Sofitel So

Dec 25 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B2,400 at Red Oven.
 
Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B3,900 at Red Oven. 
A five-course degustation dinner at B6,200 at The Water Club with a glass of Gosset Brut Champagne.
 
Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumpini

Radisson Blu

Dec 24 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B990 at Twenty-Seven Bites.

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B1,215 at Twenty-Seven Bites.
 
27 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333. BTS Asok 
 

St. Regis Bangkok

Dec 24  An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B4,150 at VIU with free-flow booze and wines.
Family-style dinner at B3,500 at JoJo.
 
Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B4,150 at VIU with free-flow booze and wines.
Family-style dinner at B3,500  at JoJo.
 
159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7826. BTS Ratchadamri
 

The Peninsula Bangkok 

Dec 31 A gala buffet dinner at B17,900 net. at River Cafe & Terrace.
A six-course Thai set menu at B15,800 net. at Thiptara.
A six-course Western set menu at B17,900 net. at The Lobby Terrace.
A six-course Chinese set menu at B10,500 net. at Mei Jiang.
 
Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888
 

The Sukosol

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner starting from B2,000 at Patummat .
 
Si Ayutthaya Rd. 02-247-0123. BTS Phaya Thai
 

Sofitel Sukhumvit 

Dec 31 Starting 6pm, a buffet dinner at B 2,400 net per person with a glass of Chandon at Voilà!. Kids aged 6-12 dine at half the price.
Starting 5pm, a five-course menu at B 7,500 per person including a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne for every two guests at L’Appart.
 
189 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999
 

Siam @ Siam

Dec 31 Starting 6:30pm, an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B2,400 at Party House One Restaurant. Couples get a bottle of sparkling wine included in the price. Kids aged 5-15 dine at half the price. Starting 8pm, a seven-course set dinner (B7,700) including one glass of Champagne at La Vue and The Roof. 
 
865 Rama 1 Rd. 02-217-3070. BTS National Stadium
 

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat seafood buffet (B3,500) plus live jazz music at The Living Room. Come as a pair and pay B12,000 to receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. An all-you-can-eat surf and turf dinner at B3,200 at The Sala. Kids aged 6-12 dine at half the price.
 
250 Sukhumvit Rd. 02-649-8888
 

Four Points by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Now - Dec 27 A platter of roasted Christmas turkey at B3500 at Beervault.

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at B3,000 at Am Bar.

4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000

 

W Bangkok

Dec 25 An all-you-can-eat brunch (12:30-4:30pm) buffet starting B2,999 at Kitchen Table.

106 Sathorn Rd, 02-344-4000

 

Pullman Bangkok Kingpower

Dec 24 Four-course set dinner (B1,790), 6-11pm at Winepub.

Dec 31 seven-course set dinner (B3,999 net), 7-11pm at Déjà Vu. Three-course set dinner (B2,999), 6-11pm at Winepub.

8/2 Soi Rangnam, Sri Ayutthaya Rd.

Maverick

Dec 24-25 seven-course set dinner  starting from B2,400.

G/F, Ocean Tower II, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Asoke Soi 3, 02-665-2885. MRT Sukhumvit

 

Grand Hyatt Erawan

Dec 24 An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, 7-11pm at either Tables Grill or The Dining Room (both B4,500). Christmas set menu at Spasso (B3,000), 7-10pm. An All-you-can-eat Thai dinner buffet (B1,700) Erawan Tea Room, 7-11pm.

Dec 25 An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, 7-11pm at either Tables Grill(B4,500) or The Dining Room (B 2,900). Christmas set menu at Spasso (B2,500), 7-10pm. An All-you-can-eat Thai dinner buffet (B1,300) Erawan Tea Room, 7-11pm.

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, 7-11pm at either Tables Grill (B5,888)or The Dining Room (B 5,400). Christmas set menu at Spasso (B5,400), 6-11pm. An All-you-can-eat Thai dinner buffet (B2,500) Erawan Tea Room, 7-11pm.

494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234. BTS Ratchadamri

 

Plaza Athenee Bangkok

Dec 24-25  An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet with free flow alcohol (B3,499), 6-10:30pm on Dec 24 and (B1,980) on Dec 25 without  the alcohol at The Rain Tree Café. Five-course set dinner with a glass of Champagne (B4,500) at The Reflexions. Seven-course Kaiseki set menu (B2,800), 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm at Utage.

Dec 31 An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet with free flow alcohol (B3,990), 6-10:30pm at The Rain Tree Café. Six-course set dinner with a glass of Champagne (B6,500) at The Reflexions. Seven-course Kaiseki set menu (B2,800), 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm at Utage.

61 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800

 

Comptoir Eiffel

Dec 24-25  Six-course set dinner (B1,490).

110/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23. 02-259-3033

Stay tuned as we will have more deal updates.

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