From restaurants to hotel launches, we have it all.
By Ashima Sethi
Le Normandie by Alain Roux
One of the city’s most recognised restaurants has officially been relaunched as Le Normandie by Alain Roux now that the celebrated three Michelin-starred chef has taken over the kitchen (pictured above). No stranger to fine dining, Chef Alain worked at The Waterside Inn before joining the restaurant as Chef Patron. The Waterside Inn has retained its three Michelin star status for 38 years, and is the only restaurant outside of France to achieve this incredible recognition. The partnership between the two restaurants is something Chef Alain’s father, the late Michel Roux O.B.E, aspired to complete together and was discussed often across the two decades that Chef Michel worked at Le Normandie. Each menu will showcase the unique take on French cuisine made famous by the Roux family and will feature dishes crafted with only the finest and freshest ingredients.
Facebook: @MandarinOrientalBangkok
Cetara
Having recently opened its doors in Sathorn, Cetara is an Italian eatery serving up authentic delicacies from the country’s Southern region, including the famed Amalfi Coast. Taking its name from a traditional fishing village, the restaurant puts focus on ancient marine traditions and cooking techniques, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy seafood. The menu comprises of a range of appetisers, pasta dishes, seafood platters, and more. Some of their recommended dishes include Grouper crudo (THB 320) marinated with lemon and caper leaves; Mussels (THB 460) sautéed with white wine and black (THB 460); Scialatielli pasta with tiger prawn and fresh piennolo tomato (THB 420); and Carnaroli rice with blue lobster and stracciatella cheese (THB 990).
Facebook: @cetarabangkok
Maison Bleue
Maison Bleue is a new café and restaurant that will transport you to the streets of Paris. Modelled after a traditional salon de thé or ‘tea room,’ the establishment offers brunch fare like omelettes and smoked salmon mille-feuilles, pasta and small dishes, and several varieties of brioche French toast, including a DIY option. Their Classic brioche (THB 295) is crafted from brioche mousseline, Tahitian vanilla custard, all-flower honey, almond crumble and tuile, crème fraiche, and fresh berries, making it perfect for diners with a sweet tooth. The same goes for their Black forest brioche (THB 295), which is made with a chocolate brioche, chocolate custard, macerated sour cherries, a cherry sauce, and a chocolate ganache.
Facebook: @maisonbleuelecafe
Antito
Now open inside of the Eastin Grand Sathorn, Antito is a resto-bar by Michelin-starred Chef Amerigo Tito Sesti who once led the kitchen of J’Aime by Jean-Michel Lorain. The vibrant eatery is located poolside on the 14th floor of the hotel, boasting spectacular city views, pop art-inspired décor, and and modern Italian dishes that pay tribute to the country’s ‘aperitivo’ lifestyle. The menu has plenty of affordable antipasti and snacks ranging from seafood fritters to cold cuts and cheese, stuffed meatballs, bread and dips, and more. For mains, options include fresh pasta; meatier items such as pork chops, veal rolls, roasted chicken, and lamb shoulder that’s great for sharing, among other dishes. Elevate the meal with one of their punchy signature cocktails or refreshing alcoholic spritzers.
Facebook: @antitobangkok
Lahnyai Nusara
Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, the brain behind some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants including Le Du, has established a new eatery called Lahnyai Nusara, which takes inspiration from his original Nusara restaurant. The menu pays tribute to the chef’s ancestors by taking their original recipes and reimagining them into stellar, modern dishes that guests can tuck into while sitting in the intimate dining room, styled with pastel green walls, heritage photographs, and a semi-open kitchen where you can catch a glimpse of the chefs in motion. The current tasting menu (THB 3,590) is packed with bold flavours, and includes dishes like spiced egg custard served with generous chunks of crab, Thai caviar and black truffle; 14-day dry-aged roast duck; wagyu krapao, and much more.
Facebook: @lahnyainusara
Resonance
Chef Shunsuke Shimomura, a young talent who once worked in the kitchen at Gaggan, has launched his very own restaurant called Resonance tucked away inside of Sukhumvit Soi 65. Offering multiple-course
tasting menus that change often (THB 3,900), each dish is thoughtfully constructed using premium, seasonal ingredients. Dishes that have been featured in the past include tiger prawn with a curry leaf masala, the chef’s modern take on ‘khao man gai’ where drumsticks are stuffed with rice, squid with shiso pesto, and a memorable mozzarella ice cream, a subtly savoury take on dessert served with olive oil and salt. Despite its intimate setting, the restaurant has catapulted to popularity due to word of mouth so seats are only available from February onwards.
Instagram: @resonance.bkk
The Standard Hua Hin
The Standard Hua Hin is the first Thailand-based property from the celebrated hospitality brand that has world renowned boutique hotels in Los Angeles, London, Miami, New York, and the Maldives. Their first hotel in the Kingdom is located on one of the most prized beaches in the country, boasts 199 guestrooms and suites, and 28 pool villas, and aims to blend Hua Hin’s elegance with The Standard’s playful approach to hospitality to create a unique experience for all guests. The resort is home to several dining outlets including Lido Restaurant and Bar, an Italian-inspired eatery with al fresco dining, and Praça, which serves Thai dishes and craft cocktails in an intimate beachfront setting. The property also houses The Spa, a colourful wellness centre that has experiences to reinvigorate all the senses.
Hyatt Regency Phuket’s New Outlets
If you enjoy five-star dining on your holidays, the Hyatt Regency Phuket should be next on your list as the property have added several exciting new dining outlets encompassing global cuisines. Top of the list is Casa
Boho, which was designed by the team at Soho Hospitality (Havana Social and Above Eleven). The clifftop establishment is fitted with stylish Bohemian décor and functions as a tapas restaurant, rooftop bar, and entertainment lounge with its own infinity pool so you can take in the incredible views of Kamala below. Other must-visit outlets include Mizu, the resort’s poolside Teppanyaki restaurant serving up Japanese fare with an innovative twist; and One80°, located on an elevated terrace for cocktails and light bites with a view.
Facebook: @HyattRegencyPhuket
Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai is opening its doors early next year but the property is already taking bookings for February onwards for those who want to indulge in their special brand of hospitality without breaking the bank. The hotel stands tall in the heart of Chiang Mai’s city centre, just a stone’s throw from tourist attractions, markets, temples, and heritage sites. In addition to modern and spacious accommodations, the hotel also boasts a fitness centre, the YHI Spa, a Kids’ Club, and versatile event venues. The Meliá brand’s unique Spanish vibe shines through in the authentic Mediterranean flavours served at Laan Na Kitchen, the Tien Pool Bar, as well as the Mai The Sky Bar, the hotel’s premier rooftop bar with spectacular views from the 22nd floor.
Facebook: @meliachiangmai1
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Opening this month, the Kimpton Kitalay Samui is one of the island’s most exciting new entrants. Situated on an oceanfront plot on the peaceful Chong Mon beach, the resort is home to 138 guestrooms, suites, and villas, many with large terraces, access to a swimming pool or their own private pool, as well as views of the sea. Beyond accommodations that effortlessly blend contemporary design with traditional, nautical-inspired accents, the resort will also be a destination for dining. From the beach house-style Fish House serving up seafood delights, to the beachside Shades that’s perfect for light bites and soaking up the sun; Lanai, the hotel’s crafted spirits bar; and Boho, a chic café set in a botanic-inspired gallery, foodies will be spoilt for
choice during their stay.
H&M Town Square
After much anticipation, H&M Town Square officially opened its doors last month! Located on the first floor of CentralWorld, the vibrant mixed-use destination is the first of its kind in Asia and combines H&M Fashion with an H&M HOME concept store, a design-driven interior brand with products available for affordable prices in order to give design enthusiasts the opportunity to create their dream homes; the world’s first H&M Music Studio, a multi-purpose audio facility for karaoke, music podcasts, original recording, band practice, livestreaming and jamming; and a D’ARK Café, across 4,000sqm space. With the aim to redefine the retail experience, H&M Town Square allows for patrons to come together to enjoy some of their favourite pastimes all under one roof, from shopping and meeting friends over a meal to making music.
