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MASTER GLASS

10/4/2022

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Many of the world’s leading hotels are among the many high-end customers heading to Thailand to order glass artworks of incredible beauty and quality from Pattaya-based American Stephen Gormley
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"Focusing mostly on large commissions, especially turnkey projects for major chain hotels, the company begins the process by creating scaled and life-size mock-ups of the agreed design to get a sense of what the final product will look and feel like."

Tucked inside a narrow street at the north end of Pattaya is a ramshackle building whose tin roof and corrugated walls couldn’t be more different from the architectural precision of the gleaming white condos that tower over it.
But that unlovely exterior gives no clue to the magnificent workmanship going on inside. For under its aged beams a team of master craftsmen produce an array of glass artworks and sculptures of such breathtaking beauty and creativity, they are in demand across the globe.
Their spectacular handiwork adorns scores of famous five-star hotels, major buildings, golf clubs, restaurants and corporate offices in no less than 18 countries. Exquisitely fashioned, they come in many different designs, from huge glass archways, elaborate counter fronts and glass columns to multi-hued wall murals, massive glass table pedestals and the company’s so-called ‘curvsture’ signature sculptures infused with gorgeous colours.
The creative genius behind this amazing enterprise is Stephen Gormley, a 70-year-old New Yorker who founded his company ‘Gormley Glass’ in Pattaya almost 40 years ago and whose passion for this work remains undimmed.
Stephen arrived here with lots of experience having produced custom glasswork in the US and later in Taiwan, realized that this type of business did not exist in Thailand, liked the vibe of Pattaya and set up a workshop in the then quiet district of Wong Amat.
It wasn’t long before Gormley Glass began winning contracts here and overseas, and earning the company a glowing reputation for the quality and artistry of its work.

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Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie

10/4/2022

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After two years enduring the Covid pandemic, the Club was finally able to return to a new, if modified normality we hope may continue.  This was our fourth visit to Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie at Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel, and it was more than just a long-awaited treat.  Executive Chef Nicolas Basset, Master of Beer and Ceremony Peter Laird, and their entire team provided us a wonderful experience from start to finish.
Several members arrived early, availing themselves of the opportunity to try some of the Belgian beers on offer before the proceedings began with canapés around the bar.  Delicious morsels of Beef Tartar on toast and Tuna with Lemongrass on Endive (Bangkok meets Brussels) were served with an Austrian Grüner Veltliner from Fritz Wieninger (2018) as aperitif.  Wine Spokesman Robert Lea, admittedly not a big fan of white wines, still found this a suitable, if not awe-inspiring, complement to the food.
Robert was more pleased with our second white wine, a Cantina Terlan Gewurztaminer (2018) from the Südtirol, Alto Adige Region of Northeastern Italy.  He appreciated the slightly spicy richness of this wine, which was paired with Poached Asparagus with Truffle Vinaigrette, Marscapone Cream and Pickled Mushrooms.  Our Food Spokesman (and Club Wine Master) Thomas Boedinger said this crisp and fresh starter was, for him, the best dish of the day.
We next enjoyed a Salmon Mi-Cuit with Tarragon Crust on Braised Lentils and Petits Legumes.  It was a beautifully delicate preparation – the fish was perfectly done, with just a hint of the duck fat in which it was cooked sous-vide style and served with a reduced sherry vinegar sauce.  It was accompanied by Two Paddocks Fusilier Bannockburn Pinot Noir (2017) from the South Island, New Zealand.  Robert expressed surprise that such a red, with its spicy cherry notes, would go so well with the salmon.  He also felt it was perhaps a bit “young” but some others thought it actually tasted nearer the end of its life. 

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Gianni Ristorante

10/4/2022

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S​ome mysteries defy explanation.  For example, how is it possible, in the nearly 20-year history of our Club, we never before had a lunch at Gianni Ristorante – one of Bangkok’s most popular and iconic Italian restaurants?  Oh, individually, of course, we have all enjoyed on many occasions the fine dining and service standards proffered by Gianni Favro since he opened in 1996.  Yet it was only now, after the restaurant moved to stunning new surroundings at the Plaza Athenee in Wireless Road, that we visited as a group – a sadly belated decision, but still more than worth the wait.  
Upon our arrival, the famously hospitable service staff offered an aperitif, Kellerei St. Pauls Plötzner Weissbergunder 2019, from Südtirol DOC in the Alto Adige region of Italy.  Wine Spokesman Alex Fisken declared this Pinot Bianco to be “elegantly understated – like a lot of the people around this table”.  He also noted that it was highly rated by experts, refreshingly fruity with hints of pear, apple, and herbs.  It went very well with the fine selection of amuse-bouches we enjoyed: Rice ‘Arancino’ with Tomato Gel, Citrus-Fruit Cured Hamachi Carpaccio, Steamed Prawn with Cocktail Sauce, and Tapioca Waffles Topped with Burrata & Anchovies.
Once seated at a long table in the beautiful terrace room, surrounded by glass and mirrors, we were served an Italian classic, Vitello Tonnato – thinly sliced roast veal and tuna sauce, garnished with capers and pickled peppers.  Food Spokesman Andrew McDowell enjoyed the delicate flavors of this dish, but was most impressed with how it paired with the wine:  Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis 2016, a widely acclaimed name among Tuscan red blends.  Robert Parker gave it 93 points, noting “the Promis has always seen Merlot in a leading role...” and the 2016 (55% Merlot, 35% Syrah and 10% Sangiovese) “is a full and complete wine with nice roundness and bright freshness on the close”.  Alex especially appreciated its “fresh and spicy” character. 

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Edwin Wiek: Saving Tigers

5/4/2022

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Credit: www.abc.net.au
Facing constant setbacks, threats, intimidation, legal battles and several arrests over the years, Edwin Wiek, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), has never faltered in his courageous 20-year crusade to save wild animals from the abuse and machinations of his fellow human beings.
His latest and arguably bravest challenge involves the rescue of eleven tigers and two bears from Phuket Zoo, which has closed its doors due to financial reasons and requested WFFT’s help in re-homing the emaciated animals.
Thanks to sponsors and a team of volunteers, this tireless Dutchman has already safely transported one of the tigers to WFFT’s base near Hua Hin, where an extensive compound has been erected for the new arrival. It is expected that the other ten tigers and bears will follow in the next few weeks.
Since its founding in 2001, WFFT has been a major component in the campaign against all forms of animal exploitation and illegal wildlife trade, often incurring the wrath of its perpetrators. It also strives to educate and encourage the local and international communities to understand, protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
Edwin, a former fashion industry executive, is an advisor to the Thai government on animal law reform. Through his work and dedication, he has unquestionably made a difference in Thailand.
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Time to give Pattaya another try?

5/4/2022

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​Since the 1980s, Pattaya has labored under a largely self-inflicted reputation as a venue for sex tourism. Such infamy couldn’t be allowed to last and authorities in the beach resort have reacted by launching a series of changes to try and give the resort a more family-friendly image. It’s an enormous task given that Pattaya, with its ‘anything goes’ attitude, has grown uncontrollably during the past four decades. However, signs of physical improvement are everywhere, including beach widening and welcome landscaping on both the main Pattaya Bay and nearby Jomtien Beach. The lesser known Dongtan Beach has already undergone a major upgrade and is now unquestionably the most attractive of the three beaches.
Many of the once ubiquitous seafront beer bars have been killed off by rapidly rising land values and escalating rents, to be replaced, no doubt, by more hotels and fancy restaurants, while the jury’s out on whether Walking Street will make a comeback after its two-year pandemic shutdown. It seems that the authorities are determined to ‘clean up’ the most visible areas of Pattaya, leaving its entrenched bar culture to hide and thrive away from the beaches. Down the line, there are plans to build a mono-rail to ease the resort’s notorious traffic jams.
Will Pattaya succeed in ridding itself of that 40-year reputation for sleaze and compete with Hua Hin for family business? It’s not going to be easy, especially as so many aspects of its character are deeply embedded. But the resort is definitely changing for the better and its detractors, most of whom haven’t visited Pattaya in years, should give it another chance.
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Death of a young Irishman on Bangkok’s deadly roads

4/4/2022

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​Niall Doran hit by a speeding taxi just days before the tragic death of a young Thai doctor
The entire nation was shocked and appalled when news broke that a beautiful young doctor had been killed in broad daylight by a speeding motorcyclist driven by an off-duty police officer while walking on a zebra crossing in Bangkok.
The tragic death of ophthalmologist Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul has predictably fueled demands for stricter safety measures on Thailand’s roads – consistently ranked among the world’s most dangerous.
Understandably, the passing of Dr Ratchanee dominated the headlines in Thailand for many days. She was popular, successful and from a prominent Thai family.
For sure, dozens of people are killed every day on the kingdom’s roads. Most of their deaths go largely unnoticed.
Those overlooked victims include a young Irishman, Niall Doran, who was fatally mowed down by a speeding taxi on Sukhumvit Road on January 16, 2022, a few days before Dr Ratchanee’s sad demise.

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THE LIST WE ASKED READERS OF THE BIGCHILLI TO TELL US THEIR FAVORITE BANGKOK RESTAURANTS. PART 2

4/4/2022

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La Dolta Pasta
Chef-partner Francesco Deiana is reckoned to make some of the pastas in town. Luckily, Bangkok has two branches of this simple but popular restaurant.
Thonglor Branch: 161/6 Thonglor 9 Road, North Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2 392 8688, +66 (0) 86 300 1111
info@ladotta.co     
Silom Branch: 10/15 Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Tel. +66 (0) 2 236 5558, +66 (0) 61 773 6526
info@ladotta.co    
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​Don Asado
Yen Akart’s new Argentinian restaurant, highlighting premium cuts of beef slow-cooked over an open fire pit. Informal interior design promotes a relaxed dining experience. Lots of parking space.
237, Yen Akat 2, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120 
Tel. 02 005 6627

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The List We asked readers of The BigChilli to tell us their favorite Bangkok restaurants. Part 1

4/4/2022

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Beluga
Impressive newcomer serving modern Italian cuisine a la carte and a tasting menu. Located on the first floor of a chic purpose-built venue, with parking below.
726 Soi Suan Phlu, Bangkok.
www.belugabangkok.com Tel. 097 229 4353
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​Rendezvous au Lys
Tucked away in a small ‘moo baan’ in Nang Linchi, Rendezvous au Lys is set in a delightful garden surrounded by trees. Most of the seating is outdoors, but there is handsome bar within. The cuisine is French. Outstanding wine list.
148/11 Nang Linchi 6 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Tel.02 077 5453
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Le Cabanon
Hugely successful French-Mediterranean restaurant occupying a wooden house in a quiet side street, with a reputation for serving outstanding seafood dishes that are updated daily according to the season. Run by chef/owner Martine Pailloux from France. Expect to see another branch soon.
44 Narathiwas, Soi 15, 10120 Yannawa, Bangkok Tel. 6692 568 0444
lecabanonbangkok@gmail.com
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Ruenton
A Bangkok institution that’s been cleverly updated into a retro modern eatery serving authentic Thai/Chinese street food, including its famous Hainanese chicken rice. Recognized by Michelin as one of the best of its kind.
Montien Hotel, 54 Surawong Road, Bangrak 10500 
Tel. 02 233 7060
info@montienbangkok.com
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El Mercado
One of Bangkok’s great success stories, El Mercado is a bistro-deli famed for its cold cuts, cheese board and Mediterranean daily changing dishes.
490 Soi Phai Singto, Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok. Tel. 099-078-3444
www.facebook.com/elmercadobangkok
Cagette
Run by suave owner-chef Cedric, Cagette is a relaxed French restaurant with a certain degree of Italian influence in its menu, set over three floors offering a great selection of Parisian starters, reasonably priced mains, oysters, pastas and fresh seafood from France. Its many large windows and balcony look out onto lots of mature trees.
15 Yen Akat Road, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 02 249 1684 contact@cagettebkk.com

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ILCA National Championship 2022 Royal Varuna Yacht Club

27/2/2022

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Life at the top – why Aussie businessman Graeme Harlow chose Residences aat Sindhorn Kempinski as his family home in Bangkok

3/2/2022

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When Australian business executive Graeme Harlow and his Thai wife Chutima were looking for a permanent family home in Bangkok, they knew exactly which part of the city it would be.
“We had been renting an apartment in Soi Lang Suan for some time, and had got to know this area very well, and loved everything it had to offer,” explained Graeme. “So when the launch of the Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski was first announced, we immediately reserved a three-bedroom unit.”
The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski is a super luxurious development project known as The Sindhorn Village spanning 42 rai of prime land in inner Bangkok, adjacent Soi Lang Suan and Soi Tonson, two of the city’s most attractive roads.
The couple bought off plan and eventually moved into their 330 sq m three-bedroom apartment in December 2020, becoming one of the project’s first occupants. And they’ve been absolutely delighted with their new home ever since.
“The Residences are so perfect in so many ways,” continued Graeme. “Chutima and I enjoy living in this ‘Green Heart’ of Bangkok, near to everything in the Central Business District, but also close to open spaces like Lumpini Park, where we go jogging most days. We also like to stroll through the project’s beautiful gardens.
“We have a great circle of friends and love to entertain them – and it’s so easy and convenient here in Sindhorn Village with its many great restaurants, shops and supermarket. We don’t have to go far.
“The five-star Sindhorn Kempinski and the Kimpton Maa-Lai hotels are right next door and both have some fantastic restaurants as well. As residents here, we have a loyalty card that gives us valuable dining and other discounts at the Kempinski hotel.
“Getting around town from here is also easy, with easy access to two BTS Skytrain station at Chidlom and Rajdamri. In actual fact, we rarely venture outside this area as it has everything we need.”
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