17 August 2012

The Siam Awakens the Palate with Flair

The Siam, Bangkok’s newest luxury urban retreat isnestled among the city’s historical palaces, temples and museums in the royal Dusit district. Inspired by its surroundings, the 39-suite riverfront property offers ample places to savor gourmet dining at leisure, drawing on centuries of Thai life and culture.

The Siam’s signature Thai restaurant, Chon, is set within a cluster of three traditional teakwood houses. Once part of Thai socialite Connie Mangksau’s home, the venue allows guests to enjoy home-cooked Thai cuisine in the same space that once entertained Jackie Kennedy, John Rockefeller and Henry Ford. Specialty dishes include Tom Yum Goong, a curry soup flavored with chilli, lime, and lemongrass, and Phad Krapaow Gai, a chicken dish mixed with garlic, holy basil, and oyster sauce.

Chon is also home to a cooking school where guests can master the art of Thai cuisine through private classes with Executive Chef Blair Mathieson. The exclusive lessons include trips to the local market followed by culinary instruction, teaching guests to prepare three of their favorite Thai dishes. At night, Chon offers an intimate Chef’s Table where guests can enjoy an indulgent dinner with their closest friends, prepared privately by one of the resort's chefs.

The Siam’s soul and history continue in its Deco Bar and Bistro, which evokes the timeless atmosphere of Thailand’s Art Deco period with snappy black and white interiors and a dazzling display of wall-mounted brass instruments. This casual chic venue is open all day, offering international comfort food and bistro cuisine with a jazzy ambiance.

For the jet-set social crowd, The Siam’s Café Cha patisserie offers the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Freshly baked treats, coffee, tea, and exotic infusions can be enjoyed with views of the Chao Praya river, or in the hotel’s spacious courtyard, complete with intimate Poetry & Book Readings.

Of course guests can also enjoy 24-hour room service, presented in Thai Bento Boxes, in the privacy of their suite, or nosh poolside at the hotel’s Bather’s Bar.

Chef Mathieson, who overseas The Siam’s four main restaurants, brings a global cooking sensibility encompassing many different styles and techniques from the Mediterranean, Europe, Middle East and Asia. A true master of his craft, his creations pay homage to traditional dishes and styles of cooking that have evolved since the beginning of time while using only top quality fresh market produce and ingredients.