Catch the festive feasting fever at Up & Above

The Okura Prestige Hotel’s international buffet restaurant presents some culinary innovations while observing the inviolable traditions of Christmas and New Year family dining

Christmas feasting at Up & Above is all about capturing the nostalgia of the occasion, for those who have had a lot of Christmases, and standing by tradition so those less familiar with the celebrations can be sure of authentic experiences — all while presenting gourmet specialties alongside all the essential dishes.

“As an Australian with my family coming from England and Holland, and my father being a chef, we had our own style of Christmas dinners with family and friends,” reminisces Executive Chef Antony Scholtmeyer.

“So whenever I create Christmas menus, I always think about the things you looked forward to as a child–primarily the turkey, ham and chestnut roasts, lots of seafood, nice beverages and Christmas pudding.”

“Christmas isn’t the time for super original menus or you’d upset people’s expectations.”

On the other hand, Antony’s dad would arrive home on Christmas Eve laden with smoked salmon, oysters and prawns and, similarly, the seafood selections at Up & Above will also be splendid.

But there still are some surprises — unique ingredients that make the menus that extra bit special.

“As a sister property of the famous Hotel Okura Tokyo, we are in the process of enriching The Okura Prestige Bangkok with cross-overs of the culture, traditions and achievements of the flagship, including some of the cuisine.

So even the festive buffets feature outstanding Japanese sections personally arranged by Shigeru Hagiwara, Master Chef at Yamazato, the hotel’s top Tokyo-quality Japanese restaurant.

“We are always looking for a Japanese dish or ingredient to make something a little different, not just with Up & Above but with Elements also.”

If you manage to secure a seat at Up & Above on Christmas Eve, expect to meet Santa Claus who will bring gifts for the children. You will also be regaled by live jazz and carol singers. And all for Bt2,500++ or Bt3,500++ with free-flow selected wines, local beers and cocktails. The Christmas Day festive brunch is another family occasion with a magic show added to the above. It’s priced Bt2,400++ and Bt3,400++. Christmas Day Dinner will be served, too, priced Bt1,800++ and Bt2,800++. Children aged 4-12 years pay Bt950++ for each.

New Year’s Eve is a different occasion ruled by other principles. “It allows you to be more creative and diversified,” says Antony. Moreover, he points out, the New Year’s Eve crowd is different. However, Japanese influences will again be resplendent. “One dish that we had a lot of success with last year which we are going to do again was our authentic Japanese shabu shabu. Plus you can expect lots of lobsters, oysters, prawns, clams and other seafood. Plus our sushi and sashimi are really exquisite — we even blow torch some of the fish a la minute to take it to another level of delectability.”

Expect also Thai and Chinese dishes including wok-fried rock lobster with black pepper sauce and steamed dumplings with minced chicken. Plus a carvery with lamb, beef and salmon, a live foie gras station, and such delights as Wagyu cheek braised in Barolo. Not to mention artisanal cheese and simply amazing desserts by Chef Sebastiaan, Executive Pastry Chef.

To summarise, it’s all about cuisine that inspires feelings of celebration.

With the option of free-flow selected wines, local beers and cocktails until 11:00 pm, the sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration includes a live band playing through midnight, when it’s time to watch the city’s spectacular fireworks from the restaurant’s 24th floor balcony and half-moon terrace.

And all for Bt3,900++ or Bt5,000++ with free-flow drinks from 7:00pm until 11:00 pm (cash bar after 11:00 pm). Bt950++ for kids 4-12.

“People save themselves up for this night the whole year round so the thing is to give them something really special.”

It certainly will be that.