New Year’s Eve, Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Bangkok
December 13th, 2009Blue Velvet, Music, Drinks & Dining – Bangkok
December 10th, 2009
Blue Velvet
105/2 Thonglor Soi 5, Sukhumvit 55 Road
Tel. 02 392 1769
Fax. 02 392 1770
email: bluevelvet.thonglor@gmail.com
dressy casual
Credit Cards: Yes
Prices: Moderate-Expensive
A new venue has opened about 25 meters down Soi 5 from Soi Thonglor, serving, a light menu for dinner, drinks and music.
The entrance complete with moat and draw bridge primes you for the interior decor mimicking an ersatz castle 
Above & below: A myriad of light globes mostly off with only a few lighted to give some sparkle is one of the decorative attractions in an otherwise dungeon-like atmosphere
Tamaru-Ya Honten, Japanese Style BBQ – Bangkok
December 9th, 2009
Server Grating Fresh Wasabi (horseradish) a Specialty at Tamaru Ya Honten
Tamaru Ya Honten
Japanese Style BBQ
Isetan 6th Floor
4/1-4/2 Central World, Rajadamri Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel. 02 255 9713
Fax. 02 255 9733
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm
Credit Cards: Yes (after December)
Prices: Moderate
The specialty of their company in Japan is dealing in and providing fresh wasabi root (horseradish), so of course, they are featuring it in their first restaurant operation. The beef that they offer in various cuts has a very high fat content including even the tongue. This may appeal to some that like very oily meat although, other persons that are more health conscious might not be as happy.
Grilled Jo Kalbi at Tamaru Ya
Tongue Ready to be Grilled
Jo Kalbi Beef
Mexican Buffet Every Monday at Coyote Sukhumvit Road – Bangkok
December 8th, 2009
The “Diamond of Alba” has Returned White Truffles at Beccofino – Bangkok
December 5th, 2009
Poderi Luigi Einaudi Wine Dinner at Niu’s – Bangkok
December 5th, 2009
From left: Matteo Sardagna, Luigi Einaudi, (Estate Proprietor). Marco Cammarata, Niu’s
Risotto of Jerusalem Artichokes and Pink Peppercorns
An absolute “winning” dish not only innovative but delicious.
Ravioli of Fontina Mushrooms, Asparagus, Marinated Egg Yolk, Fresh White Truffle
The marinated egg yolk is hidden under the ravioli and I can attest to it being there and also to its “goodness”.
The Chef and the Winemaker flanked by the owners of GDS Co. Ltd
Christmas at the Mandarin Oriental 2009 – Bangkok
December 4th, 2009
Garçon de la Vigne – Hiroo, Tokyo
December 4th, 2009
Hiroo 5-7-11, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Tel. 3445-6626
www.le-garcon.jp
Opening Hours: Noon-2pm, 6pm-2am, Closed Sunday
Credit Cards: Yes
Prices: Inexpensive – Moderate
Garçon de la Vigne is a small French restaurant and Wine Bar with emphasis on the regions of Burgundy including Beaujolais and some selections from the Loire Valley with many choices of “biological” wines (chemical free). There are prix-fixe lunches at very reasonable prices ranging from ¥1200-¥2800. Wine Bottle prices start at ¥4,900. The owner is a sommelier who worked in France in an organic vineyard. He is very “organic” oriented, even going as far as purchasing only organic produce, that is bought on a contract basis from small growers from the countryside.
Sala Rim Naam, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Thai Cuisine – Bangkok
December 1st, 2009
Sala Rim Naam, Thai Cuisine
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Reservations: +(2) 659-9000 ext 7330
G Four Wine Dinner at Sorrento Restaurant – Bangkok
November 28th, 2009
Wines that accompanied the above menu were:
Prosecco Cuvee’ Torri di Credazzo Extra Dry
Area: Veneto
Winery: Follador Wine: Prosecco Cuvee’ Torridi Credazzo
Vintage: 2008
Grape Variety: Prosecco
Tasting Notes: Bright yellow straw with greenish reflections, very fine and persistent bubbles. Elegant with nuances of apple, peach and rose petals. Supple, full bodied, savoury and fulfilling.
Oreno 2006 (95 points Wine Spectator)
Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Wine: Oreno
Vintage: 2006
Wine Profile: Grape Varieties: Merlot, CabernetSauvignon, and
Sangiovese.
Ageing: In French Oak
Tasting Notes: Dark ruby red color tinged with decisive violet tones, expresses on the nose incredible sensations of fullness and complexity with a note of ripe berries that give sensation of chocolate and flashes of balsamic. Oreno is a captivating wine, rich in structure but decisively dynamic, enhanced by the nuances of new oak and an interminable finish. Pairing with full flavored meat, game and roasts. Serving temperature at 8C.
Crognolo 2004 (91 points Wine Spectator)
Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Wine: Crognolo
Vintage: 2004
Wine Profile:
Grape Variety: Prevalently Sangiovese with a
small amount of Merlot.
Ageing: In French oak for 6 months.
Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red color is the prelude to full bouquet of ripe cherry and berries well blended with spicy notes that give class and complexity. Full bodied, well balanced and vibrant on the palate, well rounded tannins and depth. Pairing with full flavored meat, game and roasts.
Serving temperature at 18C.
Chianti Vignadi Pallino 2006 (85 points Wine Spectator)
Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Wine: Chianti Vignadi Pallino
Vintage: 2006
Wine Profile:
Grape Variety: Sangiovese
Ageing: Cement 2-3 months.
TastingNotes: Medium toned ruby red while the bouquet unravels fruity fragrances and floral notes. Juicy and easy to drink, always fresh, well balanced and pleasant.
Pairing with Grilled meats. Serving temperature at 18C.
