Dinner at Four Seasons
On our last day of our TAT-sponsored tour of Amazing Thailand, we were given free time in the city of angels — Bangkok — to do whatever we liked. During most of our stay we went together as a group but this time, we all had different things in mind. I went to a baking supply store along Srinakarin Road to buy baking tins and ingredients; While I was out shopping, Norma Chikiamco called to invite me and the rest to dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok. We were to meet there at the acclaimed Spice Market, which I had heard serves the yummiest traditional Thai food in the city.
I’d heard a lot about the iconic Four Seasons and thought that it would be a splendid idea. When we are presented with famous brands, we form an immediate impression in our minds — say when you lounge and chat over tea at your favorite coffee bar, browse the latest fashions at your favorite clothing store or splurge on that chocolate that you love more than life itself.
Whenever I hear news about The Four Seasons global hotel chain, the word “luxury” is never far behind. How does a brand become synonymous with something as wonderfully romantic as luxury? This I would soon discover for myself. I finished my grocery chores and hailed a cab to the famous hotel located in the heart of the exuberant metropolis. I was just a bit wary of my attire since I was not able to go back to the hotel to freshen up and change.
And without question, I was smitten. Enchanted. The moment I stepped out of the cab I was overtaken by what I saw with my own two eyes. To describe it as serene as well as opulent seems paradoxical; how they manage to capture those somewhat contrasting qualities and weave them together is sheer genius. No wonder Four Seasons Hotel has won so many awards and accolades in its 26 years of operation. Just soaking in the sights as I entered the lobby with its grand columns and high ceilings adorned with exquisite hand-painted silk panels was quite moving. I found it a grand gesture on the part of the Four Seasons international hotel chain to pay homage to the charms of Thailand by designing its edifice in honor of the country’s tradition and culture rather than model it on the continental five-star lodging that it is known for. It is a celebration of Thai culture, a showcase of traditional Thai woodwork, paintings and other works of art — stunning hand-painted silk panels and exquisite Thai sculptures.
I guess I was lucky to be a bit early so I walked around. Right in the middle of the hotel building I discovered a secret garden. I found myself amid lush foliage — a huge tropical garden open to the natural sunlight and rain to capture the feeling of a tropical paradise. And there, nestled in this lush and peaceful courtyard, is their pastry and deli shop called Mocha and Muffins. On display: assorted cookies, chocolates and pastries. I enjoyed the peaceful ambience.
When the others arrived, Norma introduced me to our hostess Annabelle Laokaew, Four Seasons PR manager, a Filipina who has been with the hotel group for over 25 years. A warm and gracious lady, she was happy to entertain us fellow kababayans for the night as she walked us around the place. I was mesmerized by the hotel’s walls and ceiling murals painted to recreate Thai folklore. There are colorful paintings of mythical beasts, such as the half-woman/half-bird who is called Kinaree according to our hostess, a heroine from an ancient folk tale. A mandala-like star dominates the center of each panel. Forty artists painstakingly worked on these paintings, originally conceived by a celebrated Thai artist, the late Adjan Paibun Suwannakudt. His legacy is continued by his children who are artists as well. The murals spoke of celebration of Thai life, chronicling the entire spectrum of Thai society, children playing ancient games, women preparing meals. The backdrop of the main scene is a procession to a royal coronation. I was amazed to discover from our hostess that in over 25 years of the hotel’s existence, the Four Seasons has never been renovated. This speaks well of the superb quality of service that the staff provides to keep the place as luxuriously elegant as it is.
We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at the Spice Market located in the hotel’s Parichart Court. The dining establishment serves a variety of Royal Thai and traditional dishes and has comprehensive set menus. The restaurant made me feel like I was lost in another era. It was decked out to reflect an old Thai Spicesshop. As I entered the restaurant, I saw a traditional spice cart laden with a variety of local spices of all colors and textures. Canisters, jars and sacks of every spice from A to Z lined the walls. I spotted anise, dry galangal and cardamom among others.
Among the endless and exotic fruit juices being offered (recommended are the lychee and mint, Thai tangerine and pomelo juice), I felt refreshed as I washed down all the food I enjoyed with a tall glass of coconut juice.
I felt that our last supper in Bangkok at the Spice Market was the best during our six-day trip, and also one of the best that I had had in a while. It was the ideal representation of Thai food and culture and the dishes were glorious; it made my heart sing. If we were billeted there, I would have tried out the other restaurants there, too. There are actually seven dining places in the hotel to give one a unique experience on every day of the week. If I had the luxury of time, I would have wanted to try their Japanese sushi bar called Shintaro. Our hostess told me that their sushi counter runs almost the entire length of the restaurant!
Sometimes the best of times occur during a good meal! And it does not happen by chance or accident. A lot of work and painstaking preparation have to be put in to pull off the perfect magical moment. Having that experience of great food, served in a luxurious atmosphere shared with warm company, lavished and pampered with impeccable service felt like that — magical.
Our final night at Four Seasons was the best way to end our “Thai high” experience. Such good memories will keep me recharged and inspired to recreate perfect moments such as these back home! Till then, magical, amazing Thailand, I shall miss you! But I will be back soon. Sawasdee!
