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Published on November 18, 2007

The Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, the first in Asia bearing management group Accor's new upscale moniker, opened for guests on October 15. With 386 rooms decorated in contemporary Asian themes each featuring complete IT amenities, the hotel is located next to its owner's modern new duty-free shopping centre, King Power Complex.

At the opening night Grand Ballroom soiree were King Power chairman Vichai Raksriaksorn, board members and 130 privilege card holders, most of whom are wine lovers. Penfolds wines as the exclusive pour for this inaugural wine dinner were probably as much an attraction for guests as experiencing the sleek Pullman environs for the first time.

Evan Seah, Asia sales manager for Foster's Group, owners of Penfolds, attended the dinner to answer questions about the incredibly popular brand. "Rather than take up time better spent enjoying your dinner, I'd like to thank all of you for helping make Penfolds the amazing success it is in Thailand." Figures available show that sales of the brand in Thailand are three times larger than the combined sales of all other countries in South and Southeast Asia.

Penfolds popularity seemed confirmed by a wait staff that never stopped running throughout the evening, pouring second glasses of Rawson's Retreat '06 chardonnay, Bin 2 shiraz-mouvedre, Bin 138 grenache-shiraz-mouvedre and Bin 389 '04 cabernet-shiraz. The four wines were nicely complemented by Pullman's newly assembled kitchen crew under the coordination of resident manager Marc Schaub. A creamy foie gras served with a wonderful rhubarb marmalade got the evening off to an unctuous start, followed by pan-seared scallops in a truffle glace.

Two courses crowned the evening. A succulent veal cheek casserole prepared in Penfolds Bin 138 red wine then paired with the wine was a masterful combination and beautifully presented. Warm Brie de Meaux cheese in puff pastry - a difficult preparation under any circumstance, let alone for 150 guests - was the right match for the rich and extended finish of '04 Bin 389.

A mixed pastry dish was followed by a selection of coffees from Australia's premium Italian-style gourmet Vittoria Coffee company.

There's more coming from Pullman, with finishing touches being added to several dining venues not yet open. Primary among them for wine aficionados will be WB, the wine bar, scheduled for action in January. Mathias Birembaux, with extensive wine bar management experience from Europe, has been brought in specifically to make this a focus of Pullman's premium gathering sites. A large, visible central wine cellar with wines on offer at standard retail net prices, extensive cheese and cold-cut selections along with tapas and antipasti should make this a wine-lovers paradise.

Also on tap for a January opening is Deja Vu, described as a contemporary brasserie-style restaurant featuring Mediterranean- and California-inspired cuisine.