Daahlings,
Happy Chinese New Year to you and I hope you are having a great weekend celebrating with your family and loved ones. If not celebrating I trust you are resting well and just enjoying your Sunday!
Chinese New Year is an important traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival, the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally run from Chinese New Year's Eve, the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month, making the festival the longest in the Chinese calendar. Because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the Chinese New Year is often referred to as the "Lunar New Year". The source of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippinesand also in Chinatownselsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar New Year celebrations of its geographic neighbors. And of course the great tradition of “Ang Pow” which is the best bit I think! J
If you are thinking of getting away somewhere over this holiday period what about Bangkok for a change? It's always a great place to visit with plenty of things to do and see and Bangkok is very much into celebrating the Chinese New Year.
The newly renovated Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, situated in Silom Road, is a great choice and provides style and class in laid back rooms and restaurants that remind you of what freedom is all about. This lifestyle hotel features 469 stylish rooms with floor to ceiling window overlooking Bangkok Skyline. The trendy hotel has a wide range of cutting edge food and beverage outlets, 12 meeting spaces, a fitness centre, open air pool and spa.
On my last visit to the Pullman I was treated to an upgrade on their club floor and as I was in Bangkok for a business meeting and had arrived on an early flight. I forgot to mention to the hotel that I would be arriving early but that was not a problem. On arrival I was escorted to the club floor lounge for check-in and a much needed cup of coffee. We were then showed to our rooms by the polite and friendly staff. Shortly after the doorbell rang and we were re-united with our bags. I needed a jacket pressed so called room service and the request was seen to within minutes. This always make me happy as then I know my stay is going to be a nice one.
The room was modern and light and all white, which can make things clinical I think but I think here they pulled it off well and got a stylish effect instead. Rooms had all the necessities and are comfortable. I especially liked the bathrooms and the modern tilings!
Before setting off to my meeting, I thought I would get a few rays of sun so went to the pool and gym floor. The pool is great with a strong power jet at one end - perfect for giving yourself a water massage. The pool area has fantastic views of Bangkok but is not so large, so if you’re looking to hang around the pool a lot during your stay in Bangkok then maybe this hotel is not the best choice. Service was again efficient and I had my dip before heading off for my meeting.
Bangkok rush hour is really something else to experience. To get back to the hotel quickly I took a motorbike taxi which for me is the fastest and easiest way to get around Bangkok at this time other than the sky train which is also pretty good! I arrived back to the club floor just in time for cocktails and snacks before going to get ready for my dinner at the hotel’s premier restaurant, “Scarlet” which I have frequented a couple of times and love it.
Scarlett Wine Bar and Restaurant, located on the 37th floor is the latest meeting point for young executives who like to have fun and chill out. Scarlett boasts a fine selection of wines along with tapas, daily specials, imported cold cuts and showcases a large variety of cheeses. The Menu is inspired by 2-Michelin star French Chef Manuel Martinez, owner of the Louis XIII restaurant in Paris. The food and service is excellent and great value for money and well worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
For appetizers we chose a selection of cold cuts and cheeses and a bottle of well priced Merlot which was a perfect match for the food. It was served at a perfect temperature to show off its flavour and bouquet.
At the entrance of the restaurant the chef shows a sampler of his special main courses for the evening to tempt and tease you but for this evening we decided to share a classic chateaubriand which I always love to see on men. I was not disappointed. It was tender like butter and came with a choice of delicious sauces. Another bottle I think!
The dessert selection is also good and I had to have the rum baba, my favourite, even though I was already happily full. Delicious, and to say it was lightly punched with rum would be an understatement. With lashings of whipped cream it was quite sublime! We finished our evening with drinks on the outside seating area while enjoying the views of Bangkok at night. I was happy that I was staying in the hotel and happily waddled back to my room to sleep.
There are other restaurants to choose from at the hotel:
Mistral Restaurant is a contemporary all day dining restaurant located on the 2nd floor featuring a gourmet selection of Asian and Western cuisines overseen by our French Executive Chef Sylvain Royer. 25 Degrees Restaurant is a funky new sister venue to the legendary Los Angeles burger and wine bar 25 Degrees. Named after the precise temperature difference between a raw and well-done hamburger, 25 Degrees introduces a sophisticated new twist on the traditional American burger bar concept – complete with funky music and cool décor. It also opens late which is great if you’re returning from a night out in Bangkok.
The bar in the lobby was also a great place to hang out and people watch while having your favourite cocktail.
Breakfast at the club lounge was nice with a varied selection to choose from. Unfortunately we had to depart much sooner than we would have liked. It was a short trip but a good one and, the Pullman is definitely an excellent choice. The hotel is well situated and bustling. I highly recommend it for your next visit to Bangkok.
Happy Sunday!
Chef Peter
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
188 Silom Road,
Suriyawongse, Bangrak
Bangkok,
THAILAND
Tel: (+66) 2238 1991
Fax: (+66) 2238 1992
*Happy New Year picture kindly borrowed from 123greetings.com with thanks.