Guru’s Weekly Buzz: Sept 27-Oct 3

Guru By Bangkok Post’s pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
JOIN
Kitchen takeover / Samlor x F*nkytown / Sept 29
Samlor will take over F*nkytown on Sept 29 for an exclusive bar and kitchen takeover, bringing its signature Thai flavours. The menu will feature dishes like Smoked duck breast with Chinese five-spice “palo” sauce, Moo ping or smoked pork ribs with coconut glaze and jaew sauce, and the Thai-style prawn ceviche. To cap off the evening, guests can indulge in the Khanom chun or a coconut and butterfly pea mochi with coconut ice cream and crumble. Visit the bar’s website.
Street Food Buffet / Shangri-La Bangkok / Oct 5
Shangri-La Bangkok will hold the 19th “Raan Dung Ross Ded: RDRD Street Food Buffet Under The Stars @Poolside”. Bangkok’s first and only riverfront outdoor market features an all-you-can-eat buffet from stalls listed in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, along with Shangri-La Bangkok food stations and desserts all in one venue, with live music entertainment and fun activities for family and friends. The buffet on Oct 5 is 50% off for children between the ages of six and 12. Visit the hotel’s website.
Kitchen takeover / Camphor x Chenin / Until Sept 28
A four-hands dinner at Chenin will bring the culinary expertise of chef Max Boonthanakit  to Bangkok until Sept 28. Camphor, a Michelin-starred French bistro in Los Angeles, is headed by chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, who previously worked in Bangkok. Camphor plates  French fare with a sprinkle of Southeast Asian flavours. Chef Max will serve an eight-course tasting menu. Visit the restaurant’s website. 
Kitchen takeover / Jhol x Slink & Bardot / Oct 4-5
“Coast To Coast” will see executive chef Ali Akbar Baldiwala and head bartender Mayur Tanpure from Slink & Bardot, Mumbai, take over the kitchen at Jhol on Oct 4-5. The pop-up will showcase Slink & Bardot’s a la carte menu along with sa few dishes from Jhol, showcasing the culinary flavours of coastal India, paired with Slink’s signature cocktails fuelled by Gulp Bkk. The menu includes dishes such as the Kolhapuri lamb chops, Rawa fried fish, Braised porkbelly and Surthi anda ghotala. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Healthy brunch / The Kitchen Table / Oct 6
W Bangkok will launch the “W Does Brunch Veggie And Healthy Edition” at The Kitchen Table on Oct 6. Begin the day with a fitness class led by fitness influencer, VJ Ja Natthaweeranuch Thongmee. The session begins with 20 minutes of mindful yoga stretching, followed by 45-minute chair bodyweight workout. Following the class, guests will be treated to a unique veggie brunch experience at The Kitchen Table. The brunch celebrates the Thai vegetarian festival traditions with a contemporary twist, featuring a curated selection of exquisite dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. Highlights include Quinoa fried rice, Smashed mushroom burger, Mushroom Peking wraps, Baby beetroot tart, Vegetarian maki and nigiri, Vegan pistachio tiramisu, Coconut panna cotta, Vegan apple tart and more. Book by Sept 30 for an early bird price. Visit the hotel’s website.
EAT
Afternoon tea / Sirivannavari Maison x Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok 
Sirivannavari Maison, in collaboration with Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok presents the “Garden Of Eden” afternoon tea set inspired by colourful hues reminiscent of Impressionist art. Each morsel of the high tea is adorned with vibrant yellow and pink colours, and crafted into delicious designs. Scones, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts are carefully arranged in the “Maison des Fleurs” limited edition collection, crafted from Bone China ceramics. The tableware patterns are printed using decal technique and are Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, creative director of Sirivannavari. Each pattern is imbued with meaning, whether it’s the peacock, the brand symbol of sirivannavari or her favourite flowers, the iris and Lily of the Valley, which symbolise happiness. Visit the hotel’s website.
Lanna flavours / The Siam Tea Room / Until Oct 31
The Siam Tea Room, at Asiatique The Riverfront will transport diners to the cool mountains of northern Thailand until Oct 31, with an enticing new promotion that celebrates Lanna cuisine. In the “Lanna Discovery” promo, diners can choose from a Lanna set, Sai oua moo, Larb kua aew mueang, Gaeng hung lay kha moo, Jor pak gad or Khanom jeen nam ngiao. End on a sweet note with a choice of traditional Lanna desserts: Khanom paad i-tim guay or Khanom piak tanyaput. The Northern Cuisine Set includes a sharing platter of dishes. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Anniversary menu / Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar
Crowning Thailand’s first Innside hotel, sky-high Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar is marking its first anniversary with a vibrant new menu that applies a novel twist to classic Spanish dishes. Crafted by Spanish chef de cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the menu takes diners on a culinary crusade through Spain, with a dynamic variety of local Thai ingredients in the mix. Enjoy Gilda de pulpo or grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil; Sardine ahumada con lima or smoked sardines with lime and avocado cream; Gambas al ajillo or sautéed prawns with chilli, garlic and olive oil; and Ensalada de salmorejo burrata or burrata with cold tomato creamy soup, anchovy and avocado. The “Chef’s Tapas Selection” includes Luz salmon or Norwegian salmon with mango-passionfruit dressing and Tuna taki taki rumba or Akani tuna with citrus dressing. Visit the hotel’s website.
New opening / Somtum Der 
Somtum Der has moved into the Tha Tien area, offering a 360° view of the riverside community.  The menu at Somtum Der Tha Tien covers all popular dishes such as Sapoak gai tod der (Der-styled deep fried chicken thighs), Moo rong hai der (House special grilled marinated pork), Tum suo der (papaya salad with rice noodles) and all-time favourite desserts like Chao guay granita (black jelly granita with fresh milk), with an addition of aromatic charcoal-grilled dishes like River prawn, squid, Wagyu ox tongue and marinated Wagyu beef. The interiors still adhere to the original concept of vibrant colours like yellow and red. The unmissable som tum bar is still the highlight for everyone on the first floor and the mezzanine to be entertained with live session of som tum-making. The restaurant is in a small alley in Tha Tien where the historic stupa of the Temple of Dawn is fully visible. The rooftop offers views of Wat Pho, the Temple of Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn and the Chao Phraya river. Visit the restaurant’s website. 
STUFF
New single / Noah Raquel
After amassing a loyal fanbase of almost 2 million followers and subscribers, Filipino singer/songwriter and digital star, Noah Raquel, is releasing his highly anticipated single on Ostereo. “Move On” is an OPM ballad in Tagalog about heartbreak, healing and reminiscence. The track blends vulnerability and finality in its lyrics, set against a minimalist orchestral backdrop for an intimate and cinematic feel. “‘Move On’ is my take on the classic break-up ballad. More than anything, I think this song captures the heartache of nostalgia in an honest and pure form — no frills! I hope it doesn’t make my fans too sad, but maybe it gives them some validation for their feelings and lets them know they’re not alone, we all need a good cry sometimes,” says the singer. 
Guilty pleasure / SF Cinema 
Take your Transformers One viewing experience up a notch at SF Cinema this weekend. This time around, you’ll learn the origin of the beef between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Your tickets come with freebies such as a postcard set, posters, collectable tickets and even a chance to win Blokees boxes. Of course, they come with buying conditions and terms. These premiums are available until supplies last.  
Classic in digital / Monopoly
Ubisoft today launches a next-generation digital take on the iconic tabletop classic Monopoly. A decade after Monopoly Plus, the new Monopoly digital game, under license from Hasbro, features improved graphics and gameplay that brings the classic tabletop experience to life with a fully animated 3D city. While moving around the board, players can admire the neighbourhood and watch as it transforms before their eyes, from sunny mornings to stormy nights. The classic board game is about to turn 90 years old next year and the uninitiated may want to consider this digital rendition. Play with up to six players in person or take matches online to compete against property moguls from around the world. The new game gives you the ability to customise your favourite dice and token aesthetic, or by crafting homemade rules. Also, you don’t have to follow the same steps with each game as there are Fast Mode that forces players to switch strategies to Speed Die that allows for faster board progression and shorter matches. Basically, you can play Monopoly old school way or new ways. It is available now on Ubisoft+, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, the Epic Games Store and Steam. 
New entry / Swatch 
Swatch launched “The Simpson Family Maxi”, a super-sized watch, as a new member into the family of The Simpsons-inspired watches that have been released over the past year. So far, each watch in The Simpsons Collection has captured the humour and unique charm of the beloved television series. The Simpson Family Maxi, the final watch in The Simpsons Collection, pays tribute to the spirit of family and the joy of shared experiences that can unfold at any given moment throughout the year. Featuring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie on a yellow background, this 2.10-metre-tall timepiece reminds us that, just like the iconic family from Springfield, each family member has their own unique flair and personality. And it is precisely these unique quirks and qualities that make those special family moments even more lively, fun and memorable. Available for purchase online on Swatch’s website.
STAY
Year-end escape / Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town / Oct 1 to Dec 31
The “Stay Elevated, Stay Elite” promotion offers premium stays, exclusive amenities and thousands of bonus points from Oct 1 to Dec 31. The promotion at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town includes winter school holidays and the festive period. Benefits include thousands of bonus points from the first night onwards (up to a maximum of 5,000 points), plus daily breakfast for up to two people. Guests can also choose from daily breakfast for kids below the age of 12 or complimentary couples’ cocktails at Talung Lounge. Enjoy a 4pm check-out. Visit the hotel’s website.
Suite deal /  Centara Hotels & Resorts / Until Nov 30
Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched the exclusive “Suite Heaven” offer, providing guests the opportunity to indulge in exceptional accommodations with a host of benefits, especially for those who look for a longer and indulgent stay. Guests who book by Nov 30 for stays until Mar 31, 2025, will get to enjoy a complimentary final night for every three to five consecutive nights booked in premium rooms, suites and villas at participating Centara properties around the world. Additional extras include a chilled bottle of wine or Champagne, as well as hotel credit equivalent to 10% or more of the paid booking value to be redeemed for dining and spa experiences during their stay. As inclusions may vary by property, guests are encouraged to consult the individual property for specific benefits and details. Go to Centara’s website. 
Flash sale / AirAsia Move / Sept 27-29
You have until Sunday to take advantage of AirAsia’s “Flyday Flash Sale” where you can browse through many offerings to score your next trip at affordable prices. You stand a chance to win free flights and, if you book flights, accommodation and other add-ons in one go, you get big discounts. For example, affordable one-way flights from DMK to popular destinations such as Nagoya, Maldives and Seoul (if they let you in) are available for those to look to enjoy year-end travelling from Oct 4 to Dec 8. Only on the app.