Tapas in Thailand

In most of Spain, it would be sacrilegious to enjoy tapas without at least a few tulips of the country's delectable national drink - sherry.

Most of us aren't likely to be in Spain anytime soon, but closer to home you can experience some spectacular tapas at Plaza Athenee's relaxing Rain Tree café and Glaz Bar.

Last week, hotel manager Patrick Schaub launched the second edition of "Thai Tapas-Thai Wines" with an afternoon press party co-hosted by Siam Winery.

"We did a similar promotion last year and it proved so popular that we are making it a permanent feature beginning this week," he announced.

Its previous popularity was obvious to the assembled members of the press from the moment the first of nine courses - roasted duck salad in a petite cone - appeared. Like each of the remaining courses, it was an absolute treat for both the eyes and the palate.

From carpaccio of tuna on rice cracker to grilled chicken satay in cabbage cup to marinated lamb chop with green chilli sauce, each tapa showcased the talents of new junior executive sous chef Suksant Chutinthratip.

Just arrived from Singapore's renowned Raffles, hotel chef Suksant is returning to his native Thailand where he has 15 years experience in creating innovative dishes from local foods. Probably the most striking thing about the Thai Tapas-Thai Wines promotion is how well Siam Winery's Monsoon Valley wines complement the variety of Suksant's tapas.

"It's a big help when the wines have actually been developed to harmonise with flavours found in many Asian dishes. Having the winery nearby provides the opportunity to work closely with them in developing compatible recipes," said Suksant.

While the Thai Tapas programme gives guests the option to choose other wines from the hotel's Wine Boutique list, it's a great chance to experience the progress Monsoon Valley has made with its wines.

The bone-dry '07 white shiraz played off the spicy tuna and salmon to near perfection while the low-tannin, ripe-plum '06 shiraz wove itself nicely with the spices of beef massaman curry and the chilli-sauced lamb chop. At Bt760 including wines, this has to be one of the city's best-value feasts and it's further enhanced by the classy ambience of Plaza Athenee.

Thailand isn't the only Southeast Asian country becoming known for quality locally produced wine.

An entrepreneurial German with years of business development skills in the region, Bert Morsbach has been quietly but efficiently developing Aythaya winery and vineyards in Burma.

Several of us tasted his crisp, slightly herbaceous sauvignon blanc and rose of muscat, both of which show real promise. The winery is near Inle Lake in Shan Province and boasts full facilities for tourists along with some 60 hectares of vineyards. More on Aythaya Winery later.

For Plaza Athenee reservations, call (02) 650 2650. For information on Aythaya, visit www.myanmar-vineyard.com.