New, Thrilling Bar Experiences in Southeast Asia (Update June 2022)
By Lifestyle+Travel
If you are into creative drinks, design-forward venues, or one-of-a-kind tasting experiences, check out these recently-opened bars offering surprises that could be one of the highlights of your travel.
Club Soda Bali, Indonesia
Images by Club Soda Bali
The ‘postmodern happiness portal’ has recently been launched in Berawa, curated by the founders of award-winning Restaurant Locavore in Ubud. Here, you can indulge in creative concoctions while surrounded by art installation and energetic beats.
What to expect: Innovative cocktails, mocktails, as well as natural wines that will never cease to amaze, as well as Asian and Japanese-inspired bites – all of which are crafted using local Indonesian ingredients.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 17:00 onwards
More details: locavorenext.com/family/club-soda
Villa Frantzén Cocktail Bar, Bangkok, Thailand
Images by Villa Frantzén
The cosy Nordic barn is situated in the very heart of Bangkok, serving up fascinating modern Nordic cocktail with Asian influences. The bar is led by Gabriel Valdés, who was the mastermind behind Pharmarium, a unique bar experience in Stockholm.
What to expect: Smooth cocktails boasting pure taste of natural ingredients that reflect the Scandinavian landscape. Don’t be fooled by the drinks’ plain looks – you will definitely be stunned.
Hours: Open daily, 17:00 until midnight
More details: villafrantzen.com
COCOA XO at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand
Image by Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Centara Grand at CentralWorld has recently introduced its new, unique tasting experience in an alfresco setting, COCOA XO, Bangkok’s first cacao pod, on the 57th floor, in collaboration with Martell Cognac and artisanal French Chocolatier Cacao Barry.
What to expect: A marvelous world of decadence featuring premium chocolate and cognac, a chocolate fountain, bespoke choctails by talented mixologists, among others, overlooking stunning Bangkok skyline.
Hours: Open daily, 16:00-00:30
More details: www.cocoaxobangkok.com
Metropole Underground at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Image by Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s first subterranean bar, Metropole Underground, takes inspiration from the metro system of the early 20th Century Paris, seamlessly blending European with Khmer influences.
What to expect: Speakeasy-style cocktails to be savoured in a chic surrounding, together with lively DJ beats.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 18:00-01:00
More details: www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/hyatt-regency-phnom-penh/pnhrp/dining
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Joyous Time
The holiday season is even more joyful when celebrated through meaningful collaboration. For the first time, The St. Regis Bangkok has teamed up with local textile artist Rungploy Lorpaitoon to bring festive touches to the St. Regis Bangkok Festive Hampers and ornaments around the hotel this season. The magical atmosphere of the festive season is enhanced by bespoke decorations, such as the “bubble memory” ornaments designed by Rungploy, and the uniquely artistic Christmas tree centerpiece. Beyond decorations, Rungploy has also designed the interiors of the festive hampers, adorned with twelve handmade bubble memories symbolizing each month of the year, along with purple fabric to enhance their elegance. Guests are encouraged to reflect on the past year and cherish these moments of love through the bubble memories. Each hamper is crafted to embody the art of giving. The St. Regis Bangkok Classic Hamper is filled with a curated selection of Italian-inspired holiday delicacies, including Italian biscotti, homemade traditional panettone (yeast-free, made over three days), mixed fruit jelly, chocolate Santa, The St. Regis macarons, chocolate truffles, mixed nut tart, locally sourced Chonburi 70.5% chocolate bar, amaretti cookies, mini “Torroncini” nougat, imported premium apple compote, imported “Morra Tartufi” white truffle oil (a highlight of Winter in Italy), and The St. Regis Blend Tea. The St. Regis Bangkok Luxury Hamper includes all of this plus a bottle of Prosecco Follador, IGT, Italy. The St. Regis Bangkok hampers are available daily at The Lounge from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Early bird pricing is available from December 1-15, 2024. Advance reservations of at least 3-7 days are required. The St. Regis Bangkok Classic Hamper – THB 7,200 net, with an early bird price of THB 6,500 net. The St. Regis Bangkok Luxury Hamper (includes Prosecco Follador, IGT, Italy) – THB 8,500 net, with an early bird price of THB 7,500 net. The St. Regis Bangkok www.stregisbangkok.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Michelin-Star Dining Residency at Biscotti, Anantara Siam!
From 6 November to 30 December 2024, Biscotti at Anantara Siam proudly hosts Michelin-starred Chef Cristina Bowerman from Rome’s renowned Glass Hostaria. With both à la carte options and 3- and 5-course tasting menus, diners can indulge in signature dishes like "Liquid Parmigiano Reggiano Stuffed Ravioli with Butter and Seasonal Truffle" – a Glass Hostaria classic for over 13 years. Other highlights include "Almost A Pizza", a creamy celery root “pizza” with pomegranate molasses, and "Amberjack Sashimi" infused with red beet juice and miso. Conclude this culinary journey with Chef Bowerman’s twist on tiramisu, served in a stunning chocolate sphere, alcohol-free for all to enjoy. With one Michelin star and Three Forks from Gambero Rosso, Glass Hostaria is a must-try for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine. Don’t miss this exclusive dining experience! ⏰️ Lunch: Mon-Sat (12:00pm - 2:30pm) ⏰️ Dinner: Mon-Sun (6:00pm - 10:30pm) 📞 Call 02 431 9497 📌 Biscotti, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel