Things that are considered “luxury” items are heavily taxed in Thailand making them very expensive. Unfortunately this levy applies to two of my favorite things: wine and cheese. I mourn for the lifestyle I once had when I lived in the wine belt of the Central California coastline, as I am now limited to one or two cheeses and bottles to get me through the week. But then I discovered the “Cheese at SO: For the Love of Cheese” event!
Every first Friday of the month the SO Sofitel Bangkok has a 2 hour long all you can drink wine and cheese buffet from 7 – 9pm at the MIXO Bar and Lounge on the 9th floor. For me this was like being unleashed in Disney World with the whole park to myself and a Fast Pass ticket. It was pure cheese eating/wine drinking bliss as I sampled my way through an extensive selection of VIVIN cheeses from France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, and England, a few charcuterie boards, an assortment of artisan breads, various appetizers, and even a Raclette station!
The selection of cheeses is impressive in its range of textures and flavors. Selected by Executive Chef Paul Smart, the buffet includes such cheeses as: Brie de Meaux, Comté, Valençay, Camembert, Manchego, Brillat-Savarin, Morbier, Mimolette, Roquefort, Parmesan, Coulommiers, Gouda, Tête de Moine, Gruyère, Provolone, Camembert Calvados, Petit Gros Lorrain, English Cheddar Cheese, Goats Cheese with Nut Crust, Petit Blanc, Molone, Longkhot Ashed, Buchette, Emmental, Smoked Cheese, Reblochon, Edam, Coeur de Neufchâtel, Brique du Nord, and Raclette. If you’re a fan of the fromage you will be delighted, and unless you are a Maître Fromager you are certain to discover something new here–perhaps even a new favorite!
The wine menu varies with each event with a decent selection of both reds and whites that are very enjoyable. What I appreciated most was the wine service. Instead of long queues for new glasses of wine, their staff serviced amongst the crowd with trays of full glasses or bottles for pouring generous refills. This ensured guests could spend time chatting with their friends or colleagues instead of waiting for a drink. For the impatient imbiber, you had the option to go to the bar counter which was lined with glasses in sections neatly labeled so you knew what you were getting.
SO Sofitel Bangkok has orchestrated this event to create the best sight and sound ambience possible for enjoying wine and cheese whilst being social. The MIXO Bar and Lounge offers an amazing full view of the Bangkok skyline; the lit high rises in the background create an illusion that the entire wall is a giant television screen. A DJ and saxophonist play jazzy tunes throughout the experience that perfectly balance the mood between upbeat and mellow.
This is a great way to end the week and start the weekend with colleagues or friends who also share an affinity for wine and cheese. It is also an incredible value! For two hours of wine and cheese feasting it is 999++ which works out to 1,176 baht net/person (booked in advance and paid at the event). Advance bookings are highly recommended as this event sells out quickly (it is capped at 120 guests). For more information or to book, contact the SO Sofitel Bangkok at 02-624-0000 or email: H6835-FB3@sofitel.com.
Because of traffic at this time (Friday after work) I highly recommend those attending this event consider taking the Bangkok MRT. The SO Sofitel Bangkok is located within walking distance of the Lumphini MRT station and you will avoid the gridlock traffic in this area.
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