Earlier this year, I finally revisited Bangkok and had the pleasure of dining with Tam (Chaisiri Tassanakajohn), the co-founder of the acclaimed Nusara restaurant, who is also the younger brother of Le Du’s Chef Ton (Thitid Tassanakajohn). Since its opening in 2020, Nusara has proved hugely popular for its unique Thai cuisine and family-influenced culinary traditions, garnering a third place at last year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.
Even the worldaround us is building more walls, globalization continues to flow through intangible things. Whether it's the fusion of various cuisines or the subtle tweaks made to local dishes in order to bring in other culinary traditions, one can see that a new generation of chefs is creating trends – each has a story behind. Chef Pam's fusion cuisine stems from her family background. Thai by birth, Chef Pam is the fifth generation of her family who immigrated from southern China. Chinese-Thai cuisine was her everyday diet, which also led to the creation of Potong, one of Bangkok's most sought-after restaurants.
Carlyle & Co., perched above the sumptuous Rosewood Hong Kong below, whispers intimacy and exclusivity. Named after and inspired by its iconic The Carlyle in New York, it is a club destined to be a young elite heaven and the urban tale for the sophisticated affluent Generation Y from the primordial phase.
A person who is able to do simple things to the fullest without being distracted can be called a shokunin (professional). But what is the definition of a person who goes beyond being professional? Tetsuya Saotome, the 78-year-old chef of the prestigious Japanese tempura restaurant Mikawa Zezankyo, is often referred to as one of the gods of Japanese cuisine. He has made “making tempura” a form of art, which is not only backed up by intuition but also by science.
After a six-year hiatus, Four Seasons comes back with an incredibly stylish Jean-Michel Gathy crown jewel. Swapping its central location for the riverside, the Four Seasons Bangkok has transformed into a city resort with overt design credentials.
White truffles possess a unique aroma, often described as a blend of garlic and earthy undertones. Some perceive the subtle notes of garlic and nuts in white truffles, while others describe the alluring scent as hormonal. Ultimately, the charming aroma of white truffles is difficult to define, making it a highly sought-after culinary treasure.
The Siam is undoubtedly the hallmark among the exuberant designs led by starchitect Bill Bensley and, in his own words, it is a unique animal: part hotel, part museum, part resort. Commissioned by the stellar Sukosol family, this 39 units manor houses the stunning 25,000 antiques, it is destined to be its own kind. The ubiquitous Art Decor theme of the hotel transports guests back to the golden age of Bangkok, the reign of Rama V. And the verdant banana trees in the levelled water feature of the Musee d’Orsay inspired main residence add on an incomparable tropical ambience.
Established with the backing of the Ceretto winery and situated in a historical building that has undergone meticulous renovation, Piazza Duomo is led by chef Enrico Crippa, who began his culinary journey at the age of 16. He was mentored by legendary Italian chef Gaultiero Marchesi, and trained under renowned chefs Michel Bras and Ferran Adrià, as well as in Japan for four years. The marshmallow-pink dining space is adorned with Francesco Clemente's frescos, reflecting idyllic natural light, while the window offers a glimpse of Alba’s beautiful main piazza.
Hong Kong always inspires the opinionated zeal: staying in Central or TST has always been THE most important question. The fashionable set prefers the Rosewood Hong Kong or the Upper House for a glance of glam and skips the Central issue. The discerning hotel junkies rave about the stunning harbour view of the Four Seasons Hong Kong or simply stay in the Murray building. Back to the question, I have chosen to reside close to the stature square since 2010s, my address can only be the peerless Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, the exceptional grande-dame on the island.
The inaugural world’s 50 best hotel list surely results in frenzy among hoteliers and luxurious experience fanatics despite the wanting of novelty in view. The palpable optimism in Guildhall to celebrate the growth of post-COVID hospitality industry in mid-September will surely continue for some while. Yet the true impact of this collective, and formative collage of accommodations elected by critiques remains uncertain.