NARA Siam Paragon Zone Gourmet Garden - All THAI Favourite

Salivating Thai food can be easily found on any street corner in Bangkok for its irresistible flavours and authenticity and some are well nestled in major shopping malls not only delivering the traditional bites but also offer a handsome twist of your all time and all THAI favorites. Nara Thai Cuisine is to no stranger. mylifestylenews writes.

Shopping malls loom large in Bangkok and there seems to be one at every turn and it has expanded significantly when it comes to mall architecture design, facilities as well as its glorious and almost endless variety of Thai and international gastronomy to delight your taste bud. One good aspect is that you can get some excellent quality food all under one roof. Ask any Bangkokian which Thai restaurant franchise sticks firmly in their mind and they will probably say Nara Thai Cuisine for being “Thailand’s No.1 Authentic Thai Cuisine” that is evoking a sense of culture and combines the highest quality ingredients and age old recipes of a truly Thai spirit.

Founded in 2003 by Narawadee Srikarnchana and Sirisopa Chulasewok out of their passion for food, the word “Nara” comes from the Sanskrit language meaning ‘Thai woman’ and the logo depicts a traditional accessory worn by Thai women, and has a firm goal to deliver the most exotic, humble yet genuine Thai food to tantalize your fussy palate. Hence, it makes perfect sense for the restaurant name passing down the most desirable Thai taste over decades. Nara Thai Cuisine has spread their wings in the city’s prime and prestige locations, endlessly striving to deliver the true flavour of Thai being passed on from their humble heritage through skilful cooking techniques to your table with pride. It had earned the recognition from many words of mouth of a restaurant where anybody, whether locals, expatriates or tourists alike, with a passion for Thai food can now experience and savour authentic Thai cuisine with assuring quality in a modern and relaxed ambience followed by warm and attentive service.

Nara Thai Cuisine is a stand-alone restaurant offering table service and strategically chosen to be in a high traffic area. One of the many Nara Thai Cuisine most frequented restaurants is located on the ground floor food court zone Gourmet Garden in one of the city's most prestigious malls - Siam Paragon Bangkok, which is back to its full-on bustling self with huge amounts of foot traffic. It has a bright, modern and cozy interior with a touch of gold which is the brands signature colour and touch, with a soaring high ceiling that creates a class of sophistication especially with the eye catching paved golden tile and Sino-Portugese corretta motifs blue and white tiles adorned with draping purple orchids which is a perfect yin and yang complement. The fit-out is clever with the use of mosaic tile panels interspersed with perforated panels that have decorative metal bells contrasting the tailor-made industrial four-golden-leaves electric fans referencing the ancient Thai design motif where giant fans were manually controlled by servants for the royals or masters of the mansion.

An attractive pergola seating at the very front is one of the most frequented hot-seats and is always booked out and to pique your interest when passing by. There is a large digital menu inserted on the front entrance wall highlighting most of the best-seller dishes as well as a few seasonal creations. For the uninitiated, you will not know where to start on the menu, but when you do you will not want it to stop when the food is such a high calibre as here. We recommend you ask your server for advice so they can guide you to your preferred culinary spectrum, but do get outside your comfort zone, otherwise you will never get to know the length and breadth of classic Thai cuisine. Get ready to be amazed by its incredible range of menu selection that delivers the blissful aroi mak mak Thai flavours derived from authentic recipes which have been adapted into a modern context that is really on point to satisfy your craving desire.

<Yum Som O>

The quintessential refreshing and juicy tangy pomelo salad came in rich secret home-made palm sugar sauce with a hint of spice to excite your palate. Tossed well with the accompanying condiments such as grounded cashew nuts, deep fried crispy shallots, dried chilli and dried shrimps together with the soul ingredient - hand pulled chunky pomelo as well as two giant cooked prawns was an instant hit for our first course of the evening.

<Tom Yum Goong>

Just while you think your appetite has just been opened from the salad, this beautiful medium spicy lemongrass and lime Tom Yum Goong that was so delightful in how it piques the palate with the giant halved river prawns that are firm, juicy, sizeable served in a very generous portion. Everything expected for such a famous Thai national dish is encapsulated in the bowl. This is sour and spicy all in one go with all the key ingredients having a voice to create one of the most likeable Thai dishes that you have to order. Simply divine!

<Nara’s Mix Appetizer>

This Nara’s signature platter of mix appetizer hors d’oeuvre consists of plum and juicy Fish Cake, tender and tasty Chicken Satay Skewer, crispy and memorable bites of Chicken Wanton, thin and moist Chicken Spring rolls and salivating mini Pomelo Salad of all your favourites rolled into one and let you savour the journey of Thai taste.

<Deep-Fried Whole Seabass with Garlic Peppercorns & Herbs>

What a perfectly cooked fish that is generously covered with deep-fried garlic, herbs (basil leaf, ginger, onion and more) and spring onion. The “dancing” fish is well presented and has been filleted into big chunky and meaty pieces, so you are free to enjoy without the worry of bones with a smoky and aromatic flavour that is deceptively complex yet very enjoyable with each bite.

<Pad Krapao Moo>

This is delicious comfort food when cooked to perfection as this dish was on this occasion. Smoky wok-fired minced pork with holy Thai basil leaf and chilli create a great combination of flavours that makes it such a joy to enjoy every morsel over jasmine steamed rice.

<Phad Thai>

A perfect rendition of a much-loved dish and tastes what one comes to expect from this dish. A lovely melange of sliced pork, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts accompanied with chive, a wedge of lime and banana palm that gives a harmony palate that we all love made it such a simple pleasure to enjoy.

<Khao Soi>

We love rich and thick curry dishes and this northern Thai classic chicken curry noodle is so condensed in coconut milk flavour served with yellow noodles and topped with crispy noodles, a giant chicken drumstick and the side accompaniment of pickles, chopped red onion, a wedge of fresh lime and chili oil that made this dish a triumph of flavours. So unctuous and thick and so moreish! The memories of enjoying this northern Thai dish came flooding back.

<Mango Sticky Rice>

An all-time favourite that is simplicity in itself and it did not disappoint – beautifully prepared and the moist sticky rice covered in a mini bamboo cage with a generous amount of sweet and ripe sliced mango artfully presented on a round stoneware and garnished with mini Look Choup - a Thai mini fruit sculptures sweet treats as well as a small jug of coconut milk to round up the entire Thai journey of taste.

We were suitably looked after by the outlet Manager Khun Tiaw for the evening of her generous hospitality and engaging to make our evening a memorable one. You can see the joy and passion in her character for this eponymous cuisine brand with consistency in delivering the service and of course the delicious food front regardless which branch you are dining in. Nara Thai Cuisine wide opens its doors wide to welcome you to experience a unforgettable journey of Thai taste to have your taste buds dancing with delight!

Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverages: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

NARA Siam Paragon
G23B, 991, Rama I Road,
Pathum Wan,
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 129 4863

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

 

SABAYON - Sunday Brunch Rendezvous

Dinning in one of Kuala Lumpur’s bespoke destinations perched atop 51 floors in the heart of the city with uninterrupted majestic views right at the bustling hub of Kuala Lumpur city centre, Sabayon ticks a few boxes to bring you an unforgettable stylish and picture-perfect Continental gourmet dining experience. mylifestylenews writes.

While the bygone legendary Equatorial hotel was previously known and was once a landmark for KL’s nightlife scene, making many star-dusted entertainments of endearing histories, hosting uncountable royalty and celebrity dinners from its conceptualized dining concepts and being named and leading the city’s forward thinking dining scenes in the past decades, there are plentiful certainties to be indulged in such an exciting dining destination to celebrate those very special moments.

And now the newly redeveloped Equatorial Hotel, to be precise - EQ Hotel, has made a posh and fresh comeback for an entirely new hospitality, dining and entertainment concept since the revamp. Reopening in September 2021, it is now in full swing delivering a next level of hospitality experience to the forward thinking and next generation with the best views in KL. More exciting and innovative dining experiences await.

Sabayon has stylishly crafted a new Sunday Sky Brunch experience to go with the new look of EQ hotel image. Forget the old and in with the new lush experience while they do not aim to go too far above and beyond the culinary expectations yet classically delivering the most anticipated contemporary European menu to delight your palate. From entrée, starter, main to dessert, the 4-course menu with 3 selections from each course to choose from, allowing you to indulge with the pairing cocktails, wine and of course premium Champagne generously and lavishly poured while chilling yourself by soaking up the most desired and magnificent Kuala Lumpur’s skyline that is unsurpassed for most other hotels and restaurants.

Stepping into the award-winning Sky Dining Sabayon while the lift door opens, the first impression is with the most iconic Petronas Twin Towers right in your face and this never disappoints. Contrasting the majestic views are the wall mirrors in between the hallways expanding the vision to an almost 270 degrees view from within. Such clever reflection illuminates and sparks the evening ambience with hundreds of ceiling high hanging petit mood light bulbs making your entrance even more elegant. A magical starry night has just begun!

While Sabayon is located on the highest floor with stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers, the modern interior plays around with the contemporary velvety lounge chairs and furniture contrasting the earth tone linen table clothes setting as well as the gigantic tree well allocated almost in the middle of the room catching the attention from all walk-ins with its ever-ready wine and champagne section to be served and enjoyed at all times, accompanied by a full on, ready to rock and roll mixology premium liquor trolly to get you started.

Elegant and dreamy high ceilings accented by copper and bronze tones are embodied by a backdrop of the ever-changing hues of the KL cityscape. Tres chic and table settings are well spaced out to ensure privacy and be ready to indulge yourself in the star dining sojourn.

To kick off proceedings, you have the quintessential sourdough and salted French butter, so you are feeling rather happy at this first taste to root all the flavours that are to follow in this contemporary European dining with premium imported ingredients and locally sourced produce to immerse yourself. While you are making sure that your champagne glass is not empty, by establishing a good conversation with the manager is never a bad thing to start your brunch, not only knowing a more in depth understanding from the menu creation with selected beverage pairings but also to explore a couple more dishes that may inspire. If you are lucky, a few extras can be thrown in to enhance and deluxe your brunching experience as the brunch keeps your appetite in check. Here is what we got over brunch with lots of sharing and sampling:

<Hokkaido Scallop>
Two large and meaty Hokkaido scallops lightly seared, set on a base of rich cauliflower puree and topped with pine nut, shaved truffle & sultana grapes. So deliciously tender and juicy, beautifully presented on a blue stoneware capturing the best essence of the entire presentation.
 

<House Smoked Norwegian Salmon>
Classic plating of a roll of thick cut salmon with a caper on top and a sprinkling of fennel and onion pickles with a side of a dollop of crème fraiche. Simply satiable!

 
<Cecina>
A large chunk of creamy and airy buffalo mozzarella heavily sitting on a bed of rughetta salad accompanied by the colourful halved heirloom cherry tomatoes and the almost see-through thin sliced intense flavoured air-dried beef that comes in quite an appetizing presentation topped with edible flowers. A perfect temporary cleanser from the sea to the farm of the previous two entrées.
 

<Poached Eggs>
Classic way of a poached egg dish well presented, perfectly cooked with that indelible soft centre yolks that sit on top of half a warm English muffin, drenched with a bed of home-made hollandaise truffle sauce accompanied by a lightly tossed green salad over olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance the palate.
 

<Mushroom Consommé>
A well-made consommé is always a delightful entry for the meal especially when the natural aromatic porcini mushrooms are used adequately to elevate the clear savory stock that is always most contented. The quintessential consommé stock with oodles of flavour and small chunks of mushroom that are redolent of the forest floor. A rather well warm palate cleanser if you have been having those bubbly fluids poured unlimited. YUM!

 

<Spaghetti alla Chitarra>
Small portion of spaghetti served just over a mouth full yet precise to tantalize your appetite. This classic pasta dish ticked all the boxes, al dente texture to perfection with an intense roughly minced veal ragout meat topped with large slices of parmesan cheese that oozed flavour and then some!
 

<Pan-Fried Snapper>
First main dish came to our table was this generous portion of expertly pan-fried snapper with crispy skin and a rich flesh well paired with spinach. A truth homage to the dish was accompanied by the unavoidable classic French beurre blanc that created a delicious counterpart with piquant flavour. A triumph!
 

<Roasted Duck Confit>
A delectable confit canard is hard to come by. Light and crispy on the skin with fat and oil being reduced to create that less greasy palate. The moist, soft and tender flesh easily pulled off by a gentle slice of the fork and knife is the basic “must-have” character for a triumphant duck confit. This intense flavour of tender gamey meat is complimented by a lentil cassoulet and a rich reduction of duck jus to dial down the richness and we simply loved it!
 

<Lamb Navarin>
A triumph of execution with tender flavoursome meat that you know just falls off the bone is packed full of flavours and the new potatoes that were cooked to light and rather crispy on the side accompanied with seasonal autumn vegetables. Another most satisfying dish to pamper.
 

<Duo Sorbet>
While one sorbet won’t easily satisfy your craving, Sabayon culinary team decided to pamper you with their duo Yuzu & Raspberry Sorbet. You cannot surpass this interpretation of these two classic refreshing sorbets that are rich and delicious, yet delights your tastebud again after all the courses we have just gone through.
 

<Vanilla Panna Cotta>
A beautiful rendition of silky-smooth panna cotta with a vanilla emphasis that is ornamented with a touch of strawberry. A must try!

<Chocolate Tart>
Think dark, chocolatey intensity with Madagascan vanilla gelato that is so moreish. A chocolate lover’s delight and one of the best ways to conclude by savouring the crafted brunch menu.

Service is rather attentive and prompt, drinks are poured liberally and food came to the table without rushing you in, everyone seems to be having a great time and you wish it wouldn’t end as early as 3pm. In between, you have to ‘stop and smell the roses” – aka take in the view from all angles, admire the chill surrounds in the relaxing ambience and make sure you don’t miss any favourites and max out the time you spend in Sabayon. This is a classy affair and everyone seems to want to dress up to impress and enjoy. Sunday champagne brunch is always a joy when quality gourmet food with limitless pour of bubbly together with your family and great company that will make you want to book ahead for another one! Be warned that they seem to be fully booked every week, so plan in advance!

In case you decided to stay on a little longer and to watch the city’s rooftop and above all ground legendary sunset, adjourn yourself to Sky 51 - KL’s top bespoke outdoor rooftop bar that offers handcrafted cocktails prepared by seasoned mixologists. Signature cocktail Every Sip Takes You Home featuring Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Tamarind, Coconut and Soda Water is simply so refreshing and certainly will quench your thirst. For the masculine you, the classic smoky Negroni comes with Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth is another most sought after drink to unwind.

The enormous instagrammable sky bar provides you the front row seat to the best panoramic views of the city, spanning from the KL Tower to the Petronas Twin Towers as far as Genting Highlands and beyond. VIP members will have the upper deck to party in private. The lustrous new rooftop bar is ideal for social get together.

Spectacular KL skyline sunset view above all ground you won't get tired of.

Once home to the legendary Blue Moon club in the roaring 1980s, it is now reimagined and reborn as BLUE, and the new cozy interior set to uphold its iconic heritage for you to unwind with live performance. BLUE beckons with its wide selections of signature house pouring brands and cocktails that dazzles your palate.

Diamonds won’t shine any brighter than the sparkling evening skyline of Kuala Lumpur especially when gazing out from the soaring vantage point towering 51 stories. Give the special occasion that extra shine by indulging yourself for a refined dining experience as well as a stylish brunching weekend followed by an unrivalled sunset cocktail moment. The sky dining experience in EQ hotel is a legendary dining reborn. It is time to be out and about, have yourself a picture-perfect and haute memorable rendezvous.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 5/5

Design & Decor: 5/5

Food & Beverage: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 5/5

 

SABAYON

EQ

Equatorial Plaza

Jalan Sultan Ismail

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +6 03 2789 7777

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

UGG X KEVIN GERMANIER AW2022 Runway Collection

UGG invites Kevin Germanier to reinterpret his classics during his first show at PFW Fall 2022. Classic black tall & short boots are merged together to create high knee boots with extravaganza embroideries. "I envisionned a very unique UGG Couture boot for this carte blanche. I like that the final result is unexpected" says Kevin Germanier. Upcycled swarovskis and feathers are embroidered all over the boots to create this out of space rainbow style.

"Lava foam, embroidered bugs, burning waves - A first show in Paris, the city I dreamed of, in the heart of a place where past and future collide, a ballroom buzzing with hopes and apparitions. Paris, in crazy majesty, piled-up of high voltage neon lights, couture acids, sequined skin. Underwater fireworks.

Passengers of the night weighted with cabochon masks and jeweled bags. Stretch velvet, constellation leather satin, 3D printed corn plastic, and set with crystals.

Flowers from the abyss, shivers of feathers, electric demons. In these silhouettes, there is everything that roars in me, everything that pushes me to transform darkness into light, to tell life in all its brilliance.

Not to pick up the pieces, but to organize something like an encounter between know-how and out-of-control; giving the embroidery the illusion that it is imploding, dripping wax over ice cubes, and smearing it with hair gel, photo-printing it.

Go further while dressing attitudes and not just images. It's my first show, and that's what I've been trying to tell since my debut. Demonstrate that recycling is not a passion-killer. The idea is not to make something new out of the old, but to transform oblivion into desire, waste into love, debris into promise.

 It is taking the light that no one wanted. The line becomes curved, following body contours, while the timeless pieces, from the tuxedo jacket to the denim one, are adorned with shards of pearls, silicone comets. We are working on anatomy, it's an emotion, and the whole collection starts from this inner explosion. " - Kevin Germanier, Designer

COACH Introduces The Coachies

COACH introduces the Coachies, a limited-edition collection packed with personality. The collection is introduced with an animated film where the Coachies get up to some mischief in the Coach workshop. Each piece contains a set of animated eyes with colorful detailing on a bold and vibrant backdrop. It’s fun, playful, and eccentric in the chicest way!

First introduced on the runway in 2016, the Rogue is inspired by free-spirits, rebels and dreamers.

The Coachies is a collection of leather goods crafted of glovetanned leather and Signature Textile Jacquard – a sustainable material made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles.

Each bag features the iconic COACH details: turnlocks, tassel hair, polished rivet or grommet eyes, zipper tab or metal-cap hangtag hands, and key hood legs.

The collection spotlights the house’s Signature Textile Jacquard Gusset Rogue Bag 17, 25 and card holders.

The Coachies are also brought to life with a digital experience where users can explore and learn about the collection, Instagram story filters Find Your Character by coach where they can find out which Coachie you are.