I don’t usually have any problems at airport security checks. I breeze through easily most times. But it was different this time round and I was body searched–quite thoroughly I might add–and my carry-on went through with a fine comb. This was at Frankfurt airport last Saturday, where I had a stopover on my way to Rome. Being an editor and not a smuggler, nothing was found of course but with only a short transit time of only about an hour, and all the prodding and searching I almost missed my connecting flight. Thankfully it was slightly delayed so I got on just in time.
When In Rome
I was in Rome where I will be boarding the Regent Seven Seas Splendour on her inaugural cruise to Barcelona this coming Monday. But in the meantime, I spent two days in Rome doing the sightseeing bits. And what better way to see the Eternal City than on a Vespa. I wasn’t driving of course, but the owners of these vintage motorcycles drove while each of us sat behind on a two and a half hour tour of the city centre and nearby areas. The cavalcade of 20-odd Vespas must have been quite a sight as well as we ended up being photographed by people on the street.
Getting ready for the Vespa tour 
Nai Lert Flower & Garden Art Fair
As was to be expected, last week was rather hectic in the office where there was quite a bit to get done before my trip. In addition, there were several events that I attended, not big ones but nice anyway. All were food and beverage related except for two. The first was the Nai Lert Flower & Garden Art Fair, held annually for the last 34 years at Nai Lert Park. Highlights of the four-day occasion was the 575 sqm Flower Carpet, the Floral Chandelier Room, the Apothecary Garden and the Chinese Lantern Extravaganza in cooperation with the Chinese embassy.
With Vatanika Patamasingh and Nai Lert Park’s Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura by the Flower Carpet
A Night At The Crimson Room With Roger Vivier
The other non-food event was the presentation of Roger Vivier’s new collection for both men and women. This was held at the Crimson Room at Velaa Sindhorn, a jazz bar dressed in red where a cabaret show and the shoes and bags were the centrepiece. Saying hi to the many guests who showed up was distributor PP Group’s Orand Puipanthavong.
With Nachanok Ratanadaros and Cindy Bishop at Roger Vivier
Did Somebody Say French Butter & Cheese?
Now on to the food affairs. Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar welcomed French butter and cheese artisan Jean-Yves Bordier who prepared a huge spread of some of his most delectable products for the guests to try. Hosted by managing director Marc Begassat, everyone enjoyed the cheese and wine available.
With Marc Begassat at Mahanakhon Sky Bar’s cheese and wine evening
Introducing The Mumm Olympe Rose
GH Mumm also unveiled its latest addition to its champagne range, Mumm Olympe Rose, at the brand’s rooftop CRU Champagne Bar at Centara Grand at Central World. It was also the occasion to meet Pernod Ricard’s new executive managing director Sebastien Mouquet, marketing director Emmanuel Dokhelar and wine ambassador Billy Brigham, all relatively new to Bangkok.
With Emmanuel Dokhelar and Billy Brigham at Mumm Olympe Rose launch
Park Hyatt’s Masters of Wine Food & Wine Programme 2020
Park Hyatt meanwhile invited media friends to its Whisky Room to introduce its Masters of Wine Food & Wine Programme for 2020. According to general manager Michael Golden, the programme will start with a Hokkaido snow beef and Italian wine event on February 26. There was also a whiskey tasting course presented by Macallan, paired with food.
Greyhound X Citibank X Marimekko
Over at Greyhound Cafe at Groove, Central World, the restaurant joined hands with Citibank and Marimekko to present Bold & Bright, a menu of colourful dishes for spring available until April 30. Hosting the introductory lunch were Greyhound’s Limlee Thippongprapas, Citibank’s Sandeep Batra and Marimekko’s Tanapong Chirapanidchakul.
Limlee Thippongprapas, Sandeep Batra and Tanapong Chirapanidchakul at Greyhound Cafe
A Nespresso Pop-Up
Finally, at The EmQuartier, Nespresso launched a pop-up space with a 360-degree Italian Coffee Bar to introduce Ispirazione Italiana, a range of coffees inspired by six Italian cities. Utt Panichkul acted as MC to take guests on a tour of these cities. Since I was due to fly to Rome that evening, it was the perfect teaser to get me into the mood for my trip.
With Utt Panichkul at Nespresso
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: January 20-26
