Nature’s finest: vegan afternoon tea, with a side of art

Sometimes, nature appreciation can also come in the form of a swanky afternoon spent in a luxury boutique hotel. For those who aren’t fans of having to trek into the wilderness in order to get in touch with Mother Nature, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok has just launched a multi-sensory experience: Aesthetics of Nature Exhibition and Nature’s Opulence Afternoon Tea.

If you’d like to explore contemporary Thai art, this hotel in the heart of Sukhumvit is one of the few names that continuously offers solid art programming throughout the year. It’s a great way to discover Thai talents, whether through their art tours, art therapy workshops or exhibitions. In this latest case, a collaboration sets the hotel’s vegan afternoon tea against the backdrop of Supmanee Chaisansuk‘s colorful paintings inspired by nature.

Baan Borneo Club, the hotel’s elegant dining venue on the 26th floor, doubles as an airy art gallery. What’s to love about this cozy room is their floor-to-ceiling windows that offers gorgeous, uninterrupted views of Bangkok’s cityscape. Curved dining booths and lounge seats that are separated by divider screens ensconce visitors with a sense of privacy, despite the sun-lit ambiance. The room is posh and proper, but Supmanee’s “Aesthetics of Nature” exhibition dabs a lively splash to the setting when you look up from your cup of tea.

Featuring semi-abstract paintings in color schemes all across the rainbow, the artist presents her own imagination of nature, alongside the most delicate aesthetics that can be found in Mother Earth’s greatest creations. “I wanted to showcase the ‘cutesy’ side of nature,” says Supmanee. “There’s a profound delicateness I’ve captured and it makes you see how nature is designed to be this soft. It’s only when you look closely that you see the fluffy bits a flower may have.”

Her intricate strokes depict the softness and fluffiness of fur, hair, wool and feathers — all of which reminds viewers of the abundance of beautiful and stunning textures that can be found in nature. “I have always loved to zoom in onto patterns of wildlife, such as trees, herbs, fungus, stones, flowers and small creatures, down to the microscopic level,” explains the artist.

Initially trained as an architect, Supmanee first fostered her interest for the microscopic by working as a researcher for construction projects. Her job was to identify the best building practices and to offer solutions that would be less obtrusive to the environment. This has influenced her artwork, where she tends to zoom into the meticulous details of nature, after stints of keeping tabs on how to minimize bacteria in a building’s workflow.

That beauty can be found everywhere is ultimately the message. “This exhibition invites viewers to appreciate nature on all levels,” says curator Gain Metacharunon. “Just stop and take a look at that patch of moss or flower coming up from the crack of a road. Nature is so abundant and it’s not like you have to go hiking on mountains or visit a beach in order to see this beauty.”

To elevate this experience, guests can also approach this idea from the opposite end: by indulging in the bountiful taste of nature with “Nature’s Opulence”, the hotel’s lavish vegan afternoon tea set (THB 1,600++ for two). Refined and sophisticated, the luxurious spread of savory and sweet bites showcase both European and Japanese flavors. Even if you’re not a vegan or among the health-conscious, there’s much to swoon over with meat-free delights such as the Truffle Cashew Nut Cheese, Pine Nuts & Purple Sweet Potatoes Millefeuille (umami heaven), Avocado Carpaccio on Sesame Cracker (intriguing mouthfeel) and Parsnip Cremeux on Quinoa Crunch (apparently vegan food can be fun too).

It’s a marvel that such richness can be derived from solely plant-based ingredients, all the while not sacrificing any flavors or enjoyment. Their sweets also follow suit: don’t miss the glossy Red Berry Entremets with Strawberry and lush Almond Praline on Sponge Biscuit. They’ve managed to whip up vegan scones too, which are flavored vanilla and apricot, served with strawberry jam, apricot miso jam and chocolate cremeux. Made with almond flour and emitting a sponge-like texture, it is important to note that everything on the menu was carefully curated to be gluten-free. Included in the set are a selection of tea blends from Monsoon Tea, including exclusive 137 Pillars Tea Blends such as Longan Moringa Green Tea, Mangosteen Anchan Oolong Tea, among others.

The artworks and tea provide a contrasting dialogue — that there’s beauty in the simple, as well as the sophisticated. They say you just need to know where to look. If you happen to look here, you’ll definitely be met with delicious plant-based wizardry, as well as a reminder to keep an eye out for overlooked beauties in our everyday lives.

“Aesthetics of Nature” is on display from 11 am – 6 pm until 7 January 2023 at Baan Borneo Club, located on Level 26 at 137 Pillars Suite & Residences Bangkok. “Nature’s Opulence” Vegan Afternoon Tea Set is available every day from 1 pm – 5 pm, also at Baan Borneo Club. Minimum one day advance reservation required. For reservations, call 02-079-7000.