< Previous60 COME DINE WITH ME THE FEAST61 What is presented is an array of luxurious glasshouse pavilions with different, exquisite cuisines. Sitting at The Grill House Bar with its classy ambience and openness will bring you closer to the action of this stunning bar's mixologists, who expertly prepare and serve from a list of signature cocktails tailored for each of the private dining rooms. A trip to India can be taken with their subtly sweet and delicious signature cocktail of the same name, using dark rum, silk black tea and a chai spice mix; or perhaps a trip to China is more your style with a blend of Puerh & Rosella cordial and Peach Purée topped with sparkling wine. These are sure to be the perfectly aperitifs you have been looking for. If dipping your toes into the excellent signature cocktail menu isn’t for you, then try the well- curated drink menu of the finest wines, beers and spirits, so you will be sure to find something for your pre-dinner tipple. After you have had time to enjoy a drink or two, it is time to head to your table. There is no shortage of excellent views and you may choose to dine under the glasshouse roof of the Grill House Kitchen and watch Chef Som and her team artfully prepare and cook fresh ingredients on the wood-fired Josper Grill, or sit on the alfresco terrace and watch life on the river roll on by. However, the premier dining experience has to be any of the five glamorously and perfectly executed glasshouse pavilions whose names and designs are given to five countries: America, India, Persia, China and Japan, all of whom began trading with Thailand and sailed through this historical port. Choosing an appetiser can always be a tricky task and it's no easier here with all that's on offer. Particular highlights include the Brie AOC can be cut and served on a piece of fig salami with a touch of raspberry; the flavours of this dessert would complement an after-dinner glass of sparkling wine perfectly. The velvety centre of the baked cheesecake served with a wholesome and delicious berry compote is just the thing to end a night with a fruity freshness. The Crystal Grill House is certainly making waves and will undoubtedly become a dining magnet in this vibrant area of Bangkok, as it showcases the cultural significance of this historical port fabulously with a menu that will no doubt have food-lovers flocking for a table. Hokkaido scallop housed on a watermelon base and given a refreshing kick with an avocado wasabi purée The locally-sourced Tiger Prawns fried in Katafi pastry have a light crispiness to them that is complemented well with a remoulade sauce. If you want to head for a different flavour profile, then try the luscious grilled octopus served with new potatoes in a fragrant Romesco sauce with arugula. The majority of the food menu consists of specially-selected cuts of Australian and American beef and seafood. The grass-fed Wagyu NY Striploin is best cooked medium to keep it tender, allow it to work in perfect harmony with Chef Som's secret sauce and also to melt perfectly in your mouth. But if beef isn't what you're craving for your main course, the Tasmanian salmon steak is sure to further whet the appetite you gained from whichever sumptuous appetiser you chose. Give the creamy-like soft salmon a zing of fresh lemon, and you’ll be in heaven. Towards the end of a perfect evening in beautiful surroundings, there is no better way to finish than with a mouth-watering dessert, and the selections here add the final sparkle to this restaurant's stellar menu. The French THE CRYSTAL GRILL HOUSE Asiatique The Riverfront, 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok, Thailand T. +66 (0) 2 059 5999 E. restaurant-reservations.bkkqp @marriotthotels.com W. www.thecrystalgrillhouse.com Text by Ryan Lee Every city's port plays a role in how culturally expansive it is; from Auckland to New York there are wondrous varieties to explore and on the banks of the Chao Phraya in Bangkok, that is no different. The cultural rainbow that is Asiatique today, which lies at Thailand's first historical port, bustles with life and diversity in ways probably not very dissimilar in the early 1900s. The Crystal Grill House from Marriott Marquis is bridging the heritage of this historical trading port with an ambience and culinary experience befitting of its past and present. GLITZ AND GLAMOUR ON THE BANKS OF THE CHAO PHRAYA62 COME DINE WITH ME THE FEAST63 Tong Peng grew up in a traditional Chinese family. His early years were spent learning the ropes at his family's restaurant, Chokechai 4 Roasted Duck. In 1989 the restaurant was transformed into a Chinese eatery and re- named Tong Peng, using Charlie's Chinese name as a tribute to Chinese heritage. He studied and worked in the USA for 20 years, then opened two restaurants in New York City and started his second career as a restaurateur. With decades of experience under his belt, Charlie returned to Thailand with a new vision – to bring his love of Chinese food back to his Roasted Pork (THB 200). For a punch of flavour, don't miss out on the Crispy Skin Pork with Spicy Salted Garlic (THB 165), a heavenly pairing with steaming hot jasmine rice. And if you're looking for something lighter, The Stirred Fried Spinach with Oyster Sauce (THB 155) and Steamed Sea Bass with Soy Sauce (THB 185) are simple yet bursting with unique, unforgettable flavours. No Chinese feast is complete without the bite-sized delights of dim sum! Experience the best of it at Charlie's by Tong Peng! From steamed stuff bun, dumplings, to Cantonese Sponge Cake, you'll be spoilt for choice. My personal favourite is the Salted Egg Lava Bun (THB 33), with a soft and fluffy bun encasing a creamy and not too sweet lava centre. And don't forget the juicy and mouthful Shrimp Dumpling (THB 59), packed with a generous amount of shrimp meat in every bite. If you're craving for Chinese, then look no further than Charlie's by Tong Peng! This popular restaurant’s location is convenient, and prices are reasonable. I couldn't resist coming back again with my family for a second round of indulgence! home country. The result, Charlie's by Tong Peng, offers an uncomplicated Chinese menu of mouth-watering appetisers, dim sum, entrées, quick meals and breakfast. Start your meal with a tantalising twist by ordering Fried Coconut Pandan Cake (THB 85), a delicious appetizer here that's crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside. Follow it up with Salted Fried Ginkgo (THB 85), a favourite snack that you won't be able to stop eating. With your tastebuds awakened, try the Crispy Crab Meat Roll (THB 125) next which is filled with succulent, flavoursome crab meat. The star of the show here is Roasted Duck (THB 180), the recipe of which was finetuned over 40 years and passed down from generation to generation. The dish takes up to 10 hours to cook to perfection with juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. Other highlights are Pot Stewed Duck (THB 175), delectable Roasted Pork (THB 180), and Crispy Skin CHARLIE'S BY TONG PENG Seekers Finders Rama IV Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western 1198 Rama IV, Klong Toei, Bangkok 10110 T. +66 (0) 63 220 7555 E. tongpeng.office02@gmail.com W. seekersfindershotel.com Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya Discover Charlie’s by Tong Peng, a fresh take on 40-year-old family restaurant Tong Peng! From the original Chinese restaurant in Chokechai 4 to the second-generation venue along the stretch of Rama IV Road, the name continues to be a favourite for authentic Chinese dishes. The man himself Tong Peng (Charlie Trakulsantirat) was inspired by his visits to Chinatowns from New York to Hong Kong and across China to open a modern Chinese restaurant that would delight diners. CHINESE WITH A CHIC TWIST64 THE JOURNEY65 66 PARADISIACAL PEARL ISLAND Phu Quoc is dubbed the “Pearl Island” of South Vietnam due to its dear beauty and purity that is second to none. 72 GASTRONOMIC CELEBRATIONS IN THE FRAGRANT HARBOUR Now that Hong Kong has fully reopened its borders and withdrawn any quarantine regulations, the city has become a happening destination once again with its noted epicurean scene. URNEY66 THE JOURNEY PHU QUOC IS ALSO CALLED THE “PEARL ISLAND” OF SOUTH VIETNAM WITH GOOD REASON. ITS PRISTINE NATURAL BEAUTY IS SECOND TO NONE AND, BEING THE LARGEST ISLAND IN THE COUNTRY, HAS VARIED SPECTACULAR ATTRACTIONS THAT HAVE PUT THE ISLAND HIGH ON THE INTERNATIONAL TOURIST MAP IN RECENT YEARS. Text and Photos by Urasa Chittamvanich PARADISIACAL PEARL ISLAND67 THE ISLAND Forget the primitive fishermen’s island that Phu Quoc was associated with a mere five years ago. Today, Phu Quoc is on par with, if not ahead of, many beach destinations with new modern buildings and facilities with cutting-edge technology. Its lush natural surroundings including tranquil ocean remain a major charm, of course. With its 150 km. coastline, Phu Quoc features many serene beaches stretching from its north to its south. For nature lovers, there are many sister islands nearby to explore and water activities to try which can be done on a daytrip from Phu Quoc. With its rich geological past, the underwater world here is really worth visiting be it by snorkelling on the surface of the turquoise sea, or by diving further down to greet countless and diverse marine creatures. Besides the treasures of the sea, the island also offers the fascinating Phu Quoc National Park that covers an area of over 314 mill. sqm., or about 70% of the whole island with a mix of continental and coastal climate that’s created a diverse ecosystem with distinct flora and fauna. Trekking here is a must; you may like to start with the popular Ganh Dau Trail which is five kilometres and not strenuous. SUN WORLD PHU QUOC Located on Hon Thom Island and only accessible via boat or cable car – which holds a Guinness World record as the longest three-rope, sea-crossing, non-stop cable car in the world at 7,899.9 m. – Sun World Phu Quoc is an amusement park for all. The remarkable view over the serene turquoise ocean dotted with fishermen’s boats as the cable car glides smoothly from the mainland to Hon Thom Island is marvellous, before it continues its journey over lush nature and then finally comes to a rest at par with the horizon. The fun vibes of Sun World Phu Quoc greet the senses of visitors on arrival with music from a live band and eye-catching sights. There are plenty of activities to plunge into, but you should not miss the Roaring Timbers, which is the very first wooden roller coaster in Vietnam, or the Aquatopia Water Park with highlights such as Monkey Beach, Splash Playground, Lost Lagoon, Caves of Waves Tropical Twister, Flow Rider, and Paradise Bay. 68 SUNSET SANATO One of the check-in spots for countless Instagrammable shots in Phu Quoc, Sunset Sanato is located in the centre of Bai Truong, on a mountainside and alongside a wonderful beachfront. The entrance fee of VND100,000 entitles you to access to the beach bar with its ample chairs, free wi-fi and beach activities, shower, kids’ playground, daily live music, and striking architecture and corners for photo opportunities. The eye-catching figurines on stilts at the edge of the turquoise sea, some of which are fish and elephants, provide a seamless connection between the natural and manmade. Other eye-catching figurines and structures include ethereal jellyfish, a fairy, a sky gate, floating fish and a pastel-coloured stairway to heaven. These are not only visible during the day but also at night, when they are lit up. THE JOURNEYHO QUOC PAGODA The largest temple in Phu Quoc, awe-inspiring Ho Quoc Pagoda sits 18 km. away from the town and is where the graceful 32 m.-high Lady Buddha resides. To reach the pagoda, one needs to climb the Dragon Stairs embraced by verdant foliage. The Lady Buddha, visible from afar, is believed by the locals to be the protector of the island. The pagoda was built in the architectural style of the Ly-Tran Dynasty and completed in 2012. Within the compound, one can also pay homage to giant Buddhas as well as Chinese gods within exquisite pavilions carved with intricate details, and also enjoy the serene open-air ambience far above the sea. Next >