LA SCALA - An Eclectic Italian Fine Dining In Bangkok

Bangkok has what one would describe as an "electric" culinary scene – new dining establishments are opening every other day and there is stiff competition to get attention with so much on offer. La Scala at the Sukhotai Bangkok, is home to its signature Italian restaurant and is the epitome of fine dining in Bangkok. mylifetylenews writes.

Dining out is one of the main events or things to do when in Bangkok, as it is an eclectic scene, bounding with energy and experimentation and often spoiling you with its exotic and tempting choices. If you want starched tablecloths and hushed dining rooms, then think again, as La Sacala sets a more relaxed environment and is a lively place to indulge in superb Italian cuisine and wine. The dining room is not overly large, so it has a bit more intimacy with some alfresco seating as well. The table tops are simple with a touch of red napkins and glassware brightens up the table settings and corners, yet adds an elegant touch and the service is top notch.

The menu is not incredibly large, so you don’t have to spend too much time thinking about your options, which means the kitchen focuses intently on what is available. The night is also about surprises, the first surprise was the simplicity of flavours with a delicate touch: Pecorino Sardo (from Sardinia), White turnip and edible flowers (Calendula and Begonia). A few wafers were presented on a ‘tree’ and this touch of whimsy in presentation whetted our appetite with expectations for what was to come. This was followed by another Amuse Bouche of Smoked Egg Custard Guanciale (cured Pork Cheek) - a richness of flavor encapsulated on such a small dish that we loved and piqued our appetite.

<Pomodoro Infornato, Gamberi Rossi alla Griglia, Mandoria>

We felt that a selection of soup was the way to kick off the evening, beginning with Pomodoro Infornato, Gamberi Rossi alla Griglia, Mandoria which translates as baked tomato soup like a bisque, Sicilian red prawns, almond cream. The Sicilian Red Prawn lightly grilled atop a prawn soup that was almost like a bouillabaisse encompassing rich flavours. The sweet prawns were perfectly cooked with an infusion of basil leaf and prawn head juice. The presentation in itself could not fail to impress, with aromatics from the sea, but the food speaks for itself and an utter delight to taste.

<Stracciatella, Funghi Primaverili e Asparagi>

To provide a complete counterpoint, we also ordered the Stracciatella, Funghi Primaverili e Asparagi - A clear chicken soup stracciatella, parmigiano “cloud”, wild spring mushrooms, asparagus. This was as expected, with a delicate flavor and utterly delicious, with beautiful morel mushrooms to add body to the presentation as well as a highlight in flavor. We simply could not get enough of this soup.

<Battuta di Fassone, Asparagi, Uovo e Parmigiano>

Next came the Battuta di Fassone, Asparagi, Uovo e Parmigiano - An Italian fassone beef tartate, green asparagus, marinated egg yolk, crispy parmigiano with mushroom mayonnaise underneath. This dish was a revelation, as the chef had presented this classic dish in a way that we felt was new, with the crispy parmigiano a touch of genius, as the flavor and crunchiness was divine and the perfect counterpoint to the rich beef tartare which was perfection in itself.

<Linguine Limone e Scampi e Ecaglita di Mandoria>

The other dish to accompany our Primi piatti was the Linguine Limone e Scampi e Ecaglita di Mandoria - Linguine cooked in lemon leaves infused fish broth, langoustines and avila almond “cheese”. This was a perfectly cooked dish with a hint of the sea and simplicity of flavours that reminds you how and why classic Italian cuisine tastes so good.

<Piccione Farcito>

For Secondi di carne, we began with an all time favourite: Piccione Farcito - Stuffed whole pigeon served with “red salad” and liver pate. The presentation in itself was stunning and eye-catching. The pigeon meat was rich, gamey and beautiful with the stuffing that created a gorgeous palate of flavours.

This was an outstanding dish in execution and was balanced by the delicate touches of raspberries and strawberries that counteracted the richness of the stuffing, as indeed did the small sprinkling of salad leaves as well. This is a dish to last long in the culinary memory banks.

<Filetto di Manzo e Verdure alla Griglia>

The next dish was the Filetto di Manzo e Verdure alla Griglia - Ireland Hereford grass fed beef tenderloin with grilled vegetables a la La Scala. The grass-fed beef tenderloin from Ireland was packed full of flavor and tenderness. Being grass fed beef, the texture had an individuality and graininess that we loved and was utterly more-ish and distinctive in its own right. With the accompaniment of char-grilled vegetables, this was absolutely the quintessential dish to savour in a trustworthy fine dining restaurant and had to be complimented by a superb red wine to heighten the moment.

<Fichi e Gelato all’aceto>
Desserts could not be ignored, given how fabulous the culinary journey had been so far for the evening, we were looking for some unusual flavours and focused on two options: Fichi e Gelato all’aceto - Figs, walnuts and lemon leaves compote, organic apple vinegar ice cream. The poached figs with fig jam and a white sesame semi-freddo with Italian meringue and lemon puree is a good combination for a classic Italian dolce. On reading the menu description, we felt these desserts had a more unique dimension than the usual choices and we were right.  The poached figs were more savoury, rather than the usual sweet concoctions that many chefs choose to produce and we loved the less is more approach to sweetness. The semi-freddo of sesame paste and honey also gave us another palate dimension that we weren’t expecting, resulting in an interesting journey of flavours that wasn’t overly sweet and the perfect foil to all the rich courses we had eaten earlier.

<Gocce di Latte, Mela e Aloe – Milk Drops>
Milk “Panna Cotta” drops in red apple juice, aloa vera, begonia flowers served in the cut out of a moon and stars form. Do not expect the usual silky smooth texture from a panna cotta perspective as this is the alternative version created by the culinary team in order for you to appreciate their creation.

The multi award-wining La Scala restaurant occasionally hosts world acclaimed chefs by doing pop-up dinners for food connoisseurs - both residents and visitors to Bangkok, not only for its food but also for its excellent and impeccable service. We were excited and not once did the kitchen let us down and each course was just as memorable as the last and the evening finished with a glass of limoncello which reminded us why Italians have such a love for simple ingredients and a zest for life.

A good dining experience is not only when the food speaks for itself, but can continually ‘wow’ you with superb flavours and produce, then La Scala is a must and to indulge in an incredible carefully crafted menu that changes every season.The service was faultless, with each member of the waiting team having a complete understanding of the menu and we left feeling very privileged to have been able to enjoy such a spectacular evening of Italian cuisine. For an upscale, outstanding Italian fine dining experience in Bangkok, with incredible attention to detail, La Scala ticks all the essential boxes.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5

Design & Decor: 4/5

Food & Beverage: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 5/5

Highlights:

Battuta di Fassone, Asparagi, Uovo e Parmigiano

Piccione Farcito

LA SCALA

13/3 South Sathorn Road,
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 344 8888 Ext 8654

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

CERRUTI SS2018 Runway Collection

This season Jason Basmajian took inspiration from the tropical look designed by Nino Cerruti in 1984 for the TV series “Miami Vice”. The collection that exudes chic and lightness, softening the boundaries between sportswear and tailoring.

A palette of refreshing, pop rock shades – sangria, cream, lime, electric blue and ocean– joins forces with refined, natural fabrics, including cool wool cotton, silk, linen and ultralight nubuck, to create streamlined tailored pieces in a casual luxe and sporty mood.

Tailoring, which the Cerruti man chooses for pleasure rather than out of a sense of obligation, takes on a related flowing silhouette this season. The oversized unlined double-breasted jackets are worn over T-shirts or V-neck shirts, with bermudas, or are simply swapped for loose easy summer coats.

 There is a playful mix of stripes, and a palm leaf pattern is worked into the collection in a variety of ways – printed on shirts, woven into knitwear, and on jacquard pieces – injecting a burst of pop energy into oversized silhouettes inspired by the 80s. The Cerruti logo in ultra-graphic form, is reinvented on T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Denim comes into its own this season, too, in ultra-faded or striped versions, in the form of items given a new twist, like a jumpsuit or hooded poncho. As with the tailored wear, it is paired with colour-blocked sneakers, or suede lace up shoes or boots with natural rubber soles.

The accessories encompass an array of XXL or compact bags, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from a revisited beach tote bag in a mix of fabric and leather, to a canvas and calfskin army bag, to shoulder bags, and sunglasses with transparent, and coloured frames.

Metal key chains with leather detailing add a final casual touch to jeans and tailored wear alike. A feature which, like the collection, conjures up the famous words of Nino Cerruti: “I want men to enjoy a greater sense of freedom in being elegant”.

BAAN Restaurant Taste As Home

You've got to admire someone’s persistence and consistently getting the right ingredients from trustworthy resources or even using their own homegrown vegetables to reduce the carbon footprint, cooking it the most traditional way and bringing modest dishes to your table that taste as close as home cooking. Baan Restaurant is not an ordinary “home” that strives to deliver what they believe in with their very own gastronomy originating from Thai family recipes. mylifestylenews writes.

The way we were brought up, being fed food from our very own family recipes as a child passed on from previous generations is the most delicious and memorable meals ever had. As times goes by, the genuine palate begins to fade and we begin to forget the taste of its origin. The people behind Baan restaurant knew about this “lost palette” more than any established restaurants in town and they are here to bring back many good childhood memories to re-stimulate your taste buds through their Thai family recipes. Baan Restaurant is a hidden gem that dates back to 2015 and is one of the understated finds on the Bangkok dining scene. It is run by the family and cooks home recipes that are passed on from generation to generation. The sons are running this restaurant and they want it to be more modern and homey, rather than a traditional Thai restaurant. Converted from shop houses, this quaint restaurant on the eponymous Wireless Road might not be the easiest to find, but the search is worth it.

It is rare these days that you can still find genuine recipes, especially when hailing from the family’s roots that displays cooking with complete passion, heart and love – thanks to those who invest their time in culinary search with their utmost passion, believe in themselves and strive so hard to upkeep the lost and fading traditional recipes, especially those from grandma. Because of that, word of mouth travels, Baan Restaurant attracts many food aficionados who appreciate such effort and draws more regulars patronizing the restaurant for some of the particular palate. Baan stands for House or Home in Thai, it only brings you the most honest and freshest of ingredients to your table and provenance of all ingredients is especially notable, using suppliers that focus on bio-dynamic practices - for example, all meat is chemical and hormone free, seafood is from sustainable fisheries and line-caught where applicable, eggs are free-range, vegetables are 100% grown with love and zero chemicals or pesticides. The culinary team is a champion of sustainability by respecting the land, the sea and its natural equilibrium.

This upbeat eatery is stylish and modern where minimalist plays at the core from its interior and deco to table setting, with accents of chic lighting and reflective light panels and signature artwork for a pop of colour in the otherwise monochrome interior. Feng Shui is partly behind the interior design, which creates a warm welcome and harmony, particularly by creating an off-street side entrance, as this address is on an exceptionally busy road.

Each recipe is the fruit of authentic Thai cuisine, while each dish features quality fresh ingredients, always accompanied by the touch that enhances the classic Thai flavors. We had to try a good selection of classic dishes with some twists starting with <Deep Fried Sun-Dried Pork> Delicate strips of pork with sesame seed, with the crispy curry leaves giving an additional pungent sense to compliment the pork strips. These are simple flavours that put a smile on your face. <Tod Mun Kung> is Baan’s signature deep-fried pork & shrimp pancake which is beautifully moist and tender with an excellent deep fried outer coating, plus delicate flavours with the plum dipping sauce.

<Hot & Sour Pork Ribs Soup> 

This Chinese influenced hot and sour soup with hard boiled eggs is rather appetizing, every bite of the soft and tender pork ribs being boiled for hours gives you zingy flavours and perfectly goes well with a bowl of hot and steamy jasmine rice.

Baan’s signature <Stir-fried Minced Dry-aged Beef in Spicy Holy Basil> is not to be missed and is a staple for Thai people (Usually minced pork or chicken is used) and this did not disappoint.

<Pad Ped Kor Moo> 

Another Baan signature dish – stir-fried pork jowl in red curry paste. These pork slices were tender and juicy, the aromatics of lemongrass, kaffir leaves added a local complexity that was delicious to taste and packed this dish with so much flavor.

<Stir-Fried Fern Leaves> 

Many Thai restaurants use morning glory in Thai vegetable stir-fries and fern leaves is another great rare find in the region and always over cooked the vegetables but Baan has done it perfectly well with the right crunchiness to the leaves and is not over powered by the oyster sauce. Extremely tasty!

<Phad Thai> 
Phad Thai dish is always a popular dish to order in a Thai restaurant. This stir-fried Thai noodle dish in shrimp gravy was a generous portion with two decent sized prawns on top and was tasty, but took the middle road in terms of heightened flavours, with the addition of a little “nam jim” seafood sauce, it was spot on for our palate preference.

To end the good meal, three deserts were served and we started with the <Mango Sticky Rice> - Perfectly ripe seasonal mangoes and with the right texture in the sticky rice, the essence of this dish is always the coconut milk syrups use to brighten the entire bite. <Tapioca Sticky Rice with Black Bean in Coconut Milk> It is sweet, rich, creamy and flavoursome. Best to have it warm. <Salak in Ice Syrup>  Water chestnuts are commonly used in this classic sweet Thai dessert and serves with creamy coconut milk over crushed ice. Salak - Snake Fruits are used in Baan to offer a more distinctive flavour and texture which is well worth trying if you have never sampled.

 With clear intention, Baan wants to bring its customer into their big family, by sharing the tastes of food that they grew up with that they proudly called it their “Family Recipe”. It is always begins at home as home is where the heart is, so you get the picture and to love your food sincerely.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4/5

Design & Decor: 4/5

Food & Beverage: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 4/5

Highlights:

Thai Family Recipes

BAAN Restaurant

139/5 Wireless Road
Lumphini Pathumwan
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 655 8995

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

Daniel Wellington Introduces Classic Roselyn & Bayswater

Daniel Wellington Introduces Classic Roselyn & Bayswater that is adhering to the aesthetic modern design in Northern Europe. In 2018, DW ceremoniously launched another two iconic minimalist style timepieces - Classic Roselyn & Bayswater. With sophisticated features such as the slim case, details in rose gold or silver, and its heritage NATO strap in either ruby red or midnight blue, Roselyn & Bayswater are effortless day-to-evening timepieces. Daniel Wellington uses color to give time more charm. In the natural world, red and blue are the strongest contrasting colors. The colors are both contrastive and elegant, and they continue to inspire fashion inspiration: Bayswater 's midnight blue makes people feel calm and serene, and its deep colors match the neat fashion dress, adding elegance and solemnity; Roselyn 's ruby red is full of enthusiasm, vigor and romance, and has become a new choice of fun in matching with simple and casual costumes, instantly lighting up the overall mix. Daniel Wellington firmly believes that color is not merely color itself, it has far-reaching significance. By contrasting and integrating midnight blue and ruby red, DW expresses its yearning for a better life and pays tribute to the classics.

SO Sofitel Bangkok - A Stylish Staycation

When all eyes are in branded accommodation/lodging as existing and significant new players raise the bar, SO Sofitel Bangkok is among the pioneers in Bangkok who brought in the concept of the Five Elements by a group of five reknown Thai designers and flamboyant fashion designer Christian Lacroix. mylifestylenews writes.

The well-polished design concept in SO Sofitel Bangkok is inspiring and exhilarating. Get ready for a rebellious lifestyle and avant-garde hotel living and be inspired by all design aspects in and around the hotel. Unashamedly loud and chic, it keeps your eyes busy the moment you enter the lower lobby even before you are escorted to the reception foyer on the 9th level with floor to ceiling windows looking at the Majestic Lumpini Park, SO simply enthralling.

The lobby is well spread out with one end being the lounge bar and the other a long-marbled reception desk. Ceiling high floating lamps with the star motif are juxtaposed with the perforated floral copper wall panels contrasting the red hue flame leaves spreading out from the black vases, all of which is rather eye-catching. Metal based stools and small round top coffee tables enhance the earth tone plush sofa that balances the entire lobby social equilibrium. It is a smart play along with The Five Elements of design feature that is energizing, vibrant and daring yet creates a harmony within the ambience.

Illuminated stairways adds the mood by making a grand entrance.

Design elements and art installations are seen everywhere in the hotel.

With staff wearing the most fashion forward outfit that is cut to fit and impose a perfect silhouette of the wearer, these aka front-of-the-house uniforms carefully crafted in a mixture of Thai silk prints fabric designed by monsieur Christian Lacroix for its colorful, bright, and avant-garde concept creation not only hyping up the vibe of the entire hotel design ambience and deco and it is beyond traditional.

*Monsieur Lacroix and his uniform creations

Not all the staff has the privilege to wear Lacroix to work and the lucky one mainly goes to the front line staff from the reception to concierge among other hostesses in the restaurants, thanks to the gallant effort that Monsieur Lacroix had put in to top off a bonzer flash image and impression of the entire hotel image standard. This is what SO Sofitel is all about - dare to be unique with forward thinking and never afraid to express.

Bursting with lots of design elements and strategically situated on the prime location of Sathorn road, the 23 themed rooms and suites are created around The Five Elements with innovative food & beverage concepts from rooftop dining to market-style restaurants, thus SO Sofitel Bangkok is determined to offer you a SO amazing voyage and experience in not so typical urban design luxury hotel living.

Being a design hotel, details are being looked into. All the rooms and suites here are themed with the essential elements in life – Water, earth, metal, wood and which is completely different from each other, not a color or pattern is the same and well separated by different floor levels.

 Room numbers that play with shadows reflection adds a playful and inventive touch.

Our 38 sqm So Comfy Water Element room has the stunning panoramic view of Lumpini Park and Bangkok skyline. A spacious earth tone design bathroom room comes with a separate rain shower and bath as well as the tech savvy Apple Mac Mini as a 40 inches LCD TV and a daily replenished complimentary mini bar.

The wood shutter panel provides privacy and also brings in more lights to the bathroom with a gentle push.

Our room overlooking the beautiful Lumpini Park and Bangkok skyline.

The savoir bed is heavenly. After a beautiful night sleep, breakfast at Red Oven – where the Fire element belongs. Red Oven offers a wide buffet spread of International and inviting local Thai selections to choose from. Be prepared for large crowds that flock into the restaurant after 9am, you may need to be a little patient if you want your preferred corner or window seats looking at the lush Lumpini Park. Nonetheless, everyone deserves to stay in for a later breakfast.

Red Oven's interior is astonishing.

With plentiful food well displayed to stimulate your morning appetite, try with your open mind by sampling Thai curries or wok-fried dishes as well as the live cooking station for its local favorites – The fish and meatball noodle soups served with your choice of noodles and various condiments to compliment a comfort noodle dish in the morning. Simply SO delicious!

Since Lumpini Park is just a stone's throw away and is a true oasis in the heart of Bangkok, it is one of the best parks to stroll or ride on the hotel’s self-paddle bicycle to discover more wonders in this most lovable park that is equivalent of Central Park in Manhattan to Bangkok that attracts locals who live around the neighborhood as well as diplomats from the nearly consulates and tourists alike. Concerts and special events are held occasionally in the park over most weekends with day and night activities that makes the park even more alive. There are times that it is remarkably quiet, especially during weekday mornings and it is the best time to enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful park.

There is more to be discovered within the premises that is showcasing a high-concept property with interior and furnishings chosen to impart a theme, indeed various themes and elements from every aspect. The long infinity swimming pool is another best spot to hang out, relax and soak in the sun. SO Pool Party is held on every last Saturday of the month and open to public to get wet ‘n’ wild. The state-of-art gym by the pool side is another SO Fit venue to work off some extra calories while watching the action in the pool. Otherwise, walk another level up to SO SPA for a well being indulgence would be the next best choice.

Another alternative is to “award” yourself to take part in the chocolate making class for limitless sampling of your own creation.

A chic hotel like this had been endlessly photographed not only for the “World of interior” but with an overall visual stimulation and inspiration. If you gravitate towards modernity and stylish design interior, you will gratify yourself with the hotel’s sleek and forward thinking design concept with contemporary motifs being imposed in an eclectic way. Style and glamorous are expected here. For design aficionados, SO Sofitel Bangkok presents an intoxicating and ever-wider choice of design hotel brand. Staying in a design branded hotel effectively will not only fascinate your inspiration, but from every element of detail being put in to stimulate ideas and views – which in rare cases is a potential pitfall.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5

Design & Decor: 5/5

Room Amenities: 4.5/5

Food & Beverages: 4.5/5

Housekeeping: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 4.5/5

Highlights:

 Design & decor

SO Sofitel Bangkok

 2 North Sathorn Road

Bangkok, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 624 0000 
Email: H6835@sofitel.com

Image Credit: Copyright of mylifestylenews & *SO Sofitel Bangkok

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.