Mea culpa. Last week there were several grand parties that I should have attended but didn’t. Among them was the concert by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra at the National Theatre playing compositions by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in tribute to the late King Rama IX. There was also the 9th Celebration of Silk Grand Fashion Extravaganza by designers from over 60 countries. I had good excuses for all, like I was not in town or had something else to attend, but I suppose I could have tried harder. I will try to do better next time.Â
Kinu by Takagi
So let’s talk about the events I did attend. This must be a good time to open new restaurants as I am getting invitations for quite a few openings. I went to one, Kinuby Takagi, a 10-seater kaiseki eatery at what used to be the private room at the Lord Jim’s seafood restaurant. Completed as part of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s renovations, it presents Japanese fine dining Kyoto-style created by chef Takagi Kazuo of the two-Michelin-starred Kyoto Cuisine Takagi. We were able to see the chefs preparing each of the 12-course menu, all of which were delicate and full of flavour.
With chef Takagi Kazuo at Kinu by Takagi
Wolf Blass X Le Du
Another food event was held by Australian wine brand Wolf Blass at two-Michelin-starred Le Du, hosted by chief winemaker Chris Hatcher. Working with chef Ton Thitid Tassanakajohn, he introduced Wolf Blass’s Gold Label and Grey Label wines to pair with the five Thai cuisine dishes. The Find Your Flavour campaign encourages consumers to match Wolf Blass wines with their local food and also features partnerships with chefs from Singapore and Taiwan.
With Chris Hatcher of Wolf Blass
Chef Fae’s Norwegian Special
Then there was the Norwegian dinner held at the Front Room at Waldorf Astoria to highlight fjord trout and other seafood from Norway. Prepared by chef Fae Rungthiwa Chummongkhon, who spent more than 10 years working in Norway and other European countries, the dinner was hosted by Asbjorn Warvik Rortveit of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
With chef Fae Rungthiwa Chummongkhon at the Norwegian Seafood Council dinner
World Week of Italian Cuisine
The Italians also launched the 4th World Week of Italian Cuisine with the Ospitalita Italiana award ceremony at Gaysorn Urban Resort. 20 of the top Italian restaurants in Thailand were presented with the award which kicks off a week of food and wine from the land of La Dolce Vita.
Giuseppe Lamacchia, HE Lorenzo Galanti, Federico Cardini and Ugo Boni
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
With Christmas just around the corner, many establishments are holding tree lighting events. Central World unveiled what is supposed to be Southeast Asia’s tallest tree, presided over by the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn. Jeweller Tiffany & Co also lit up a huge tree decked with the brand’s light blue colour decorations at IconSiam. Flying in for the event hosted by Tiffany director Apinya Dolan was Wei Ling Wong, vice president for Asia-Pacific.
At Tiffany’s tree lighting with Apinya Dolan, Wei Ling Wong and Caroline Murphy 
Southeast Asia’s tallest Christmas tree at Central World
World Of Fashion
Although I wasn’t able to join in the Celebration of Silk fashion extravaganza, I did stop by Central World to see the mini-fashion shows of some of the international designers. From November 18 to 22, almost 50 designers presented their creations throughout the day, including Ozlem Suer from Turkey and Kiri Nathan from New Zealand, the only two whose shows I managed to attend. A pity, if I had more time I would have liked to see the works of more designers.
At the fashion show of Turkish designer Ozlem Suer with Supatra Chirathivat, the designer and Turkish ambassador HE Evren Dagdelen Akgun
New MaxMara Boutique
Pacifica Group, distributor of MaxMara, opened a new branch of the store at Siam Paragon. Hosted by Sopana Lavichant, the occasion also saw the launch of the Resort 2020 collection inspired by the city of Berlin.
Luxurious in a MaxMara coat at the opening of its Siam Paragon boutique
Moo Capsule Collection
And just in time for the upcoming festive season, Polpat Asavaprapha launched the MOO capsule collection at the pop-up store at Central World. The brand features basic pieces for men influenced by workwear and a preppy style. Colours take on a festive palette in cobalt blue, orange and mustard in addition to the basic shades.
Grand Seiko Unleashes ‘Godzilla’
This year Grand Seiko celebrates the 65th anniversary of its Godzilla collection. On this occasion, Seiko Thailand managing director Hiroyuki Akashi and general manager Kenichi Kito held a party at Duke’s at Gaysorn which also saw the launch of the limited edition version, only 650 of which are available worldwide.
St Regis Polo Generations
On Friday I was on board a plane to Singapore to attend the inaugural St Regis Polo Generations. St Regis is a supporter of polo at major tournaments, and this is the first time it is launching an event that is aimed at families and children, with activities for the younger ones including a match for a children’s cup. Held at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, St Regis guests were offered afternoon tea (with champagne of course) as they enjoyed the tournament. The charity event helped to raise funds for the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer.
Admiring a horse at the St Regis Polo Generations in Singapore
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: November 4-17
