Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend another wine dinner with him. This time, it was a wine dinner held at Bistro M, located on the lower floor (behind the lobby) of the Marriott Executive Apartments. The event was organized by & Cafe Buongiorno, a well-established and trusted source for Italian wines.

Bistro M on the ground floor (behind the lobby) of Marriott Executive Apartments

Initially, the price of 800 baht made me hesitate to book. I wondered what kind of wine they would serve for that price. However, seeing the name of Cafe Buongiorno as the organizer and Bistro M as the venue, which guarantees the quality of the food, I decided to call and make a reservation. 800 baht per person is very reasonable for a wine dinner. I almost missed it, but luckily I made it in time. The fact that it was held on a Thursday, which is a weekday, was not an obstacle at all. I definitely had to go!

The event started at 6:30 PM, but we arrived at 6:00 PM. We were not worried and went in to take our seats. If we had arrived exactly on time, we might not have made it due to the notorious traffic jams in the Sukhumvit and Khlong Toei areas.

The place was empty and quiet, allowing for a leisurely stroll and plenty of photo opportunities.

Brochure and sample food and wine pairing menu

The first dish is a sparkling wine with a refreshing aroma.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine, its sweet aroma dispelling any travel weariness. This delightful aperitif serves to awaken the palate for the culinary journey ahead. Attentive waiters provide expert guidance on wine pairing, ensuring a harmonious complement to the meticulously prepared dishes.

Salsa with slightly toasted bread

I can't help but rave about the delicious salsa here. Freshly diced tomatoes, finely chopped and mixed with spices, served with small pieces of crusty bread and sparkling wine. It's incredibly refreshing! The salsa has a tangy sweetness, the bread has a satisfying texture, and the sparkling wine leaves a slightly tart but bubbly sensation on the palate.

Bruschetta with crab meat.

In addition to the refreshing salsa, the crab meat bruschetta evokes the invigorating essence of the ocean with its wave-like flavors. The succulent crab meat, seasoned with aromatic spices, pairs perfectly with the crispy, toasted garlic bread, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The sparkling wine, with its sweet and fragrant aroma, complements the dish beautifully, infusing the palate with a delightful blend of flavors. The wine's bouquet dances across the tongue, harmonizing with the fresh, succulent crab meat, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

The atmosphere while waiting for guests to arrive.

Moving on from sparkling wine, let's delve into a white wine with a slightly bolder flavor profile, perfect for pairing with seafood. Cafe Buongiorno's offering strikes the ideal balance between taste and refreshing qualities.

New Zealand mussels with white wine and garlic

The wine's sweet and sour notes enhance the freshness of the mussels and the saltiness of the spices, which are the main ingredients of this dish. Additionally, the lingering grape aroma that fills the mouth and throat when drinking this wine helps to neutralize the fishy and garlicky flavors, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.

Large, fresh New Zealand mussels, perfectly bite-sized.

Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese cracker

This dish is meticulously crafted with an adorable presentation. Fresh salmon is artfully rolled into delicate flowers, resting atop a bed of tangy cream cheese and crisp crackers. The salty pop of capers atop the salmon harmonizes beautifully with the smooth white wine, releasing a burst of sweet and savory flavors that dance on the palate.

Various side dishes can be enjoyed with white and red wine, depending on personal taste and preference.

Smoked duck is incredibly delicious and pairs well with both white and red wine.

The kitchen at Bistro M is an open kitchen, showcasing the preparation of each dish beautifully, orderly, and hygienically. This further enhances the confidence in the freshness and cleanliness of the food, which will be accompanied by delicious flavors.

Following the commencement of the event, Cavaliere Enzo Peroni, the proprietor of Cafe Buongiorno, delivered an opening address outlining the objectives of the evening's gathering.

Sir Enzo Peroni

In addition to the various types of white wine that have been discussed, there are also many different types of red wine that can be paired with different foods.

This red wine pairs exceptionally well with the penne and meat sauce. The rich flavor of the ground meat sauce is perfectly balanced by the thick, tender penne pasta cooked to perfection. The sweet and aromatic notes of the red wine make it easy to drink, making this dish a standout favorite at today's event.

Penne with Bolognese Sauce.

Rich meat sauce, topped with a thin layer of parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Roasted strip loin with ricotta cheese sauce.

Succulent Short Ribs with a Zestful Ricotta Sauce

The next course, a carnivore's delight, features succulent short ribs, cooked to tender perfection and kissed with a smoky char. The generous marbling melts in your mouth, while the accompanying ricotta sauce adds a touch of creamy indulgence. The sauce's subtle sweetness and tangy notes perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of the meat, creating a symphony of taste that tantalizes the palate. This dish is a testament to the power of simple, yet expertly prepared ingredients, elevating the dining experience to a new level of culinary satisfaction.

Grilled Pork with Balsamic and Honey

This dish features succulent grilled pork drizzled with a delectable balsamic and honey glaze.

The absence of a pork dish alongside a beef menu would be a culinary oversight. To address this, the chef has prepared bite-sized pieces of pork, skewered and grilled with a balsamic and honey glaze, imparting a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of honey. This dish pairs well with a robust red wine that enhances the sweetness and aroma of ripe grapes, further elevating the flavor profile of each skewer. The addition of sliced onions and colorful peppers adds a touch of zest and visual appeal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Today's most full-bodied red wine.

Smoked duck breast.

For the final, but not least, dish of the day, we have a fine Italian red wine with a rich and aromatic flavor, the best of the evening, paired with smoked duck and gooseberry. The fun part is the duck meat, which is fragrant with the aroma of cherry wood smoke and has a slightly salty taste. When eaten with the juicy and sweet gooseberry, the flavor is further enhanced by this excellent Italian wine. The wine's subtle sweetness and tannins help to elevate the smoked duck, making it even more interesting and delicious. The aroma of the wine, which wafts up as soon as it is poured from the bottle, the sweetness that passes over the lips, and the fragrance that spreads throughout the mouth and throat are all testament to the fact that this is a wine with a truly excellent flavor, the richest and most aromatic of the evening.

In addition to the wine tasting paired with delicious food, a selection of the wines sampled today are available for purchase for those who enjoyed the experience and wish to continue their indulgence at home. The prices are reasonable considering the exceptional taste and aroma of these premium wines (approximately 1,100 - 1,200 baht).

As previously mentioned, the last bottle of excellent red wine was the final one, but not the last of the evening. The event also featured dessert wines, accompanied by a selection of desserts, including Black Forest strawberry cake, macarons with cream and chocolate fillings, and various dried fruits.

Black Forest Cake with Strawberries

This wine pairs exceptionally well with chocolate desserts. The wine's sweet and aromatic notes enhance the chocolate's flavor, allowing you to fully appreciate its bittersweet richness. The addition of strawberries adds a touch of sweet and tartness, creating a refreshing and invigorating flavor combination.

Macaroon cream and chocolate

As mentioned, the wine pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, but it also complements the sweet and creamy cheese filling of the macaron. The macaron's sweetness, which is not overpowering, allows the wine's sweetness to shine through, while the fragrant grape aroma fills the palate.

It's unbelievable that a hotel-level wine dinner would only cost 800 baht per person. Just drinking the wine is worth it, not to mention the buffet-style food that you can eat as much as you want, and the soft drinks that are also served at the event. Oh, and if you're feeling a little tipsy, just park your car here and take a taxi home. Before you go, have a nice cup of coffee. The 800 baht price includes tea and coffee.

For inquiries about the date, time, and location of the Wine Tasting event at Cafe Buongiorno, please contact:

Contact Tel: 062 494 1649


Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments

90 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 302 5555

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