L et’s Meet , Christopher Menning

What is your full name and age?

Christopher Mark Menning, 32.

What is your current Job Position?

I’m the Founder & Managing Editor of Gastronomer Lifestyle A media brand and publishing company dedicated to inspiring people to discover and enjoy Southeast Asia’s best food, drink and travel. I also proudly represent the Rémy Martin portfolio in all On Trade engagements, education and activations in Thailand as their Brand Ambassador.

What do you like most about your profession?

I love hospitality. With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, I’m glad to be able to share that passion with our readers and help grow the industry in the region.

How long have you lived in Bangkok, and where did you live prior?

I’ve lived in Thailand for around 5 years now, I’m originally from the UK.

What do you like most about Bangkok?

There is some beauty to Bangkok’s organised chaos. The city is truly a tale of two worlds, but I believe that there is something to suit everyone here.

What is your favorite restaurant, and why?

It’s too hard for me to say! I will list my recent top 3.

In terms of Thai food and fine dining, Taan is one of very few restaurants that has it right.

Pala Pizza, always good for Italian and a glass of vino.

Haoma, Chef DK is taking the world of Gastronomy by storm with one of the best tasting menus around.

What is your favorite “Special Occasion” restaurant?

For something intimate, maybe L’arome by the Sea in Phuket to watch the sunset with dinner or Clara for a date night. If with friends and family a good hearty Italian meal at Via Emilia is a win.

What do you like to do in your free time, and why?

I don’t tend to get a lot of free time but when work is your passion you don’t really require it! But I do love to head down to the beach and soak up some sun when I can, I’m a bit of a fish in water so swimming is an activity I really enjoy. I read fiction often and I also host a podcast called On The Back Bar, where I feature interviews with industry leaders and experts across the globe.

Where do you recommend first time visitors to Bangkok go, and why?

Honestly, I’d avoid most of the usual tourist attractions as they are often not amazing and can be quite stressful your first time around as a result of crowds and tourist traps. Instead, I recommend checking out some of Bangkok’s amazing shopping destinations such as Central World, Icon Siam, and Gaysorn Complex, taking a boat taxi up the river to see the temple of dawn, and visiting Rot Fai train market for street food and shopping at night!

On a night out with friends, where do you like to go?

Well generally I frequent many of Bangkok’s incredible cocktail bars as part of my role, but a good night out would start with Champagne or a Cognac cocktail at BKK Social Club by Four Seasons, a quick stop at Vesper for an espresso martini. Recently we just discovered Rimshot an incredible bar in Sukhumvit 22, definitely worth checking out.

Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?

I’m such an animal lover,. I’ll probably own a small farm one day when I retire. In the meantime, I have a little companion called Spud, he’s a little chubby Hedgehog.

What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done?

I guess moving to Thailand to start a media company with no experience of living in the country is pretty outlandish! Safe to say, I’m glad I took the risk.