BK Magazine 13 March 2015

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Wakey Wakey

BK MAGAZINE NO. 581 FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

Rise and Shine A guide to the best breakfast spots in Bangkok

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page 3 Dear Dear Leade 6 cover story

Breakfasts of Champions 16 fashion

20 bites & blends

Summer Skins

Ripper Cones

22 blends

23 bites

Whiskey Flights

Peruvian Picks 30 BK Now

37 last word

Arty Openings

Chef’s Table

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sales Associates Doungporn Wanasinchai, Buttri Tanrungruang

Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Kanin Srimaneekulroj, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Tewit Phanitprachaya, Nareerat Yoddamnern, Jetnipit Sahusyotin, Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong Cover by Chanakarn Limpanapongthep

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg

Where to find us!

The Asia City Publishing Group Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

Shanghai Email: shonline@asia-city.com.cn Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14-03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552

Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: ismag@asia-city.com.sg Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd

Lot 2.44-2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60-3-2144-4886 Fax: 60-3-2141-1911

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Fancy helmets

Not: Orange caps

That orange cap and silk jacket thing. That is not a good look to ride a motorcycle. We’re also worried about the slippery, Putin-esque slope Dear Leader has embarked on. What’s next? Shirtless horseriding? Wrestling tigers? Don’t commit the same faux pas and get yourself a chic fake-watermelon bike helmet at Sealee (sealeestore.com).

Hot: Household debt Not: Delayed gratification Household debt is approaching 90 percent of our GDP. Unfortunately, we’ve been hearing its “near crisis point” for five years now and have stopped listening. Hey, did you see you can get a free iPhone 6 Plus if you put a down payment on that new condo?

ALMOST FAMOUS Last year, Thammasat University caused a stir when it employed transgender lecturer Kath Khangpiboon, 28. The ensuing social media storm fired up opinion on whether it’s appropriate for transgender people to work in education. A graduate of Thammasat herself (with both a bachelor’s and master’s from the Faculty of Social Administration), Kath was drawn back to the university from a career as an NGO worker for organizations including the Thai Transgender Alliance. Here, she discusses Thailand’s attitude to sex and education.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Hot: Eggs

Not: Robuchon

After praising the heck out of Robuchon for raising the city’s fine-dining standards, the new black is to go around town saying that your meal there wasn’t all that amazing given how much you paid. Meanwhile, everyone’s obsessed with eggs, whether it’s flying in The King of Eggs Paolo Parisi, having at least one egg dish on every degustation menu, or just our ongoing love for breakfast (see page 6).

Hot: 7-Eleven Slurpees Not: Craft cocktails The notorious Big Gulp, which is already very American in its over-sized proportions, just had its cup extended with an extra plastic rim (add B9) that allows those pouring themselves a Slurpee at 7-Eleven to build massive stalagmite-like formations in their cup. Social media madness ensues. Everyone’s stopped going to fancy bars and hangs out at Seh-when instead.

I’d been working with non-governmental organizations [including the Thai Transgender Alliance] in the realms of social development, people’s rights and equality, so when I heard that Thammasat University was recruiting a lecturer specializing in these areas, I felt like it was high time to bring forth my knowledge.

What do you think about society’s perspectives on transgender people?

Thais have a negative attitude towards transgender people—they act distant, obnoxious or embarrassed. Students are never properly taught sex education. Our society has long cultivated selectivity and prejudice. Some, if not most, people lack understanding, which leads to deep-rooted hatred for some reason.

They think transgender people are to be quarantined only in the area of

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entertainment, especially for slapstick comedy, while in fact they can do anything.

How have you found working in education as a transgender?

In 2014, I saw more new LGBT lecturers than ever before. That seems to be a good sign for long-term acceptance. Personally, I think this has stemmed from people viewing education as money-driven. In other words, the majority do not care what gender you are as long as you know how to teach well. On the other hand, some still perceive lecturers and/or teachers as role models which, disappointingly, kru kra toey [transgender teachers] are not viewed as.

Have you encountered any negative attitudes towards you, from staff or the faculty?

I’m quite new here. I haven’t felt anything like that. But even if I

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had found Thammasat folks who despise transgender people, I still think that would be fascinating since the school is supposedly so liberal.

What can be done to implement change?

Sex education. It’s essential that students be properly educated about sex. Not only stuff like how to wear condoms but gender diversity, gender distinction, sexuality—making these topics speakable rather than taboo. We need to be open-minded when it comes to issues like sexuality. The lives of LGBT people are not rosy; we’re the subject of gossiping, mockery and even physical bullying. I want everyone, regardless of their gender, to be respected and to have self-respect. Once you respect yourself, it’s easier to begin respecting others. Interview by Tewit Phanitprachaya

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

Big Breakfasts Bangkok’s 31 best places to enjoy the most important meal of the day. By BK Editorial

4. BKK Bagel Bakery Situated right beside BTS Phloen Chit, this is Bangkok’s go-to bagel spot. The New York-style bagels are boiled and baked daily. We dig the classics like the Reuben (corned beef, sauerkraut, gruyere cheese, Russian dressing, B240) and Breakfast Epic (egg, sausage or bacon, brie, mustard and gouda or gruyere, B185). Follow it up with some NY-style cheesecake (B155).

Star dish: Lox, Stock & Bagel (bagel with house-cured salmon, cream cheese, red onion, dill and capers, B210) G/F, Maneeya Center, 518/3 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-254-8157.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-5.30pm. BTS Phloen Chit Fw

5. Brooklyn Baker Opening bright and early, this cozy cafe is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle, nestled down a quiet soi at the entrance to Retreat on Vitayu spa. Grab a seat in the small garden and go classic with the American Breakfast (pancakes, bacon, sausages and eggs, B250) or try something a little more adventurous like shakshouka (Arabic style poached egg, sausage and tomato, B250).

Star dish: Egg Rothko (egg with cheese, salsa and Italian sausage, B240) Crepes & Co

51/7 Soi Polo, Wireless Rd., 081-855-7090. Open Thu-Tue 8am-5pm (last order 4.30pm) F

Langsuan/Phloen Chit

Asoke

1. Black Box (NEW)

6. Chu

Opened by the same people behind the now-closed Café Bicycle, this place started appearing all over our Instagram feeds last December. The brekkie menu (available all day on weekends and 8-10am on weekdays) includes straight-up fare like two eggs cooked any style, served with toast, sausages, potato, grilled tomatoes and mini salad (B150). Still hungry? Order the Hungryman (B350), which adds bacon and pancakes to the regular set.

Chirayu na Ranong’s Chu started out with a humble mission of churning out churros and hot chocolate (still our favorite things on the menu), but it also packs in the crowds with its breakfast offerings. Top picks include the eggs Benedict with bacon (B250) and scrambled eggs with cherry tomato salsa and Joe Sloane’s chorizo (B260).

BKK Bagel Bakery

Brooklyn Baker

Star dish: The pulled-pork Benedict (B220), a contender for the city’s ultimate hipster breakfast

2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-663-4554. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. BTS Asok F

Mahatun Plaza, 888/8-9 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-5188.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-4:30pm BTS Phloen Chit F

7. Kuppa For consistency and comfort, this brasserie-style venue is still a solid place to spend a slow Sunday. The coffee hits the spot, as does do the brunch staples like the French toast (with berries, whipped cream and maple syrup, B195). Don’t forget you can also try its younger brother, Kuppadeli (Asoke Towers, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-2350).

2. Crepes & Co Sweet and savory crepes are the order of the day at this popular restaurant set in a charming white house on Lang Suan. Great service and a nice garden complete the picture. The brunch set is a very reasonable B518, which gets you one hot drink, one fruit juice, yogurt and muesli, two eggs, pancakes and more.

Star dish: Kuppa Breakfast (two eggs, bacon, ham, sausage and toast, B295)

Star dish: Savory crepe supreme (B310), filled with bacon, mushroom, cheese, Béchamel sauce and topped with egg

39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-259-1954. Open daily 10am-11pm.

MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre F Black Box

59/4 Lang Suan Soi 1, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-652-0208. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 8am-11pm. BTS Chit Lom

3. Cafe Tartine

Sathorn 8. The Corner

We love this family-friendly spot’s French sandwiches made with great crusty baguettes and simple but high-quality ingredients. But you can also get a proper breakfast (eggs, croissant, sausages and coffee, B179) or treats like the croque monsieur (B190) and pork tenderloin sandwich (B190).

This humble Mediterranean and French restaurant in the expat-heavy Sribumphen neighborhood serves up a very serviceable breakfast, including a number of all-day breakfast sets (B110-B150).

Star dish: The croque monsieur (B190) or other homespun sandwich options like Le Provencal (roasted vegetables, olives, parmesan cheese and pesto on homemade ciabatta, B140).

Star dish: Chocolate pumpkin tart (B100)—delicious, even for breakfast 1/F, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-168-5464. Open daily 7am-8pm. BTS Phloen Chit F

Star dish: The creamy, velvety, dark hot chocolate (B135)—one of the best in town

Cafe Tartine

Chu

27/39 Soi Sribumphen, Sathorn Rd., 02-679-8438. Open Tue-Sun 7am-11pm

F free parking 6

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cover story Thonglor

9. Rocket Coffeebar Following the success of its first branch in Sathorn Soi 12, the stylish brunch-and-cocktail cafe has since opened another two branches—in Siwilai (a fashion store in the luxe mall Central Embassy) and on Sukhumvit Soi 49.

The winning formula remains: wholesome food, freshly baked goods and artisanal coffee. The highlight has to be the delightful breakfast menu which includes dishes like house-made granola served with yogurt (B110), plus lots of egg-centric offerings.

15. Taper (NEW) Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, of Le Du, has teamed up with his former classmate from the Culinary Institute of America, Tatchapol “Toon” Choomduang, to open this Asian-inspired brunch restaurant. The exciting menu is headed by the likes of congee with mushroom, pork belly bacon, sous-vide egg, ginger and soy reduction (B330) and the soft tofu with soy carrot puree, crispy rice and honey soy reduction (B220).

Star dish: Rocket Benedict (B210), pretty much the best version of this overdone dish in town

Star dish: The complete breakfast set (eggs, sausage, smoked bacon, tomato, mushroom and toast, B375)

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0404. Open daily 7am-11pm F 1/F, Grease, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6637.

Open daily 7am-11pm F

Rocket Coffeebar

5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-635-0404.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit F

16. Roast Coffee & Eatery

10. Moko This gallery-like restaurant tucked down a quiet, surprisingly lush soi in Sathorn offers up simple dishes with Mediterranean influences, plus all the usual breakfast dishes and sets (B200-400).

Roast remains high on most brunch-goers’ checklists, which means that, come the weekend you can face some crazy queues. It’s with good reason, too; on top of the great coffee, the menu packs genuine crowd-pleasers like the crab cake Benedict (B350) and smoked salmon with rosti matched with lemon creme fraiche (B320).

Star dish: The international breakfast set (eggs, smoked salmon, white ham, salami, emmental cheese, salad and baguette, B400)

Star dish: Strawberry waffle (B240)

71/1 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3673. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 8am-10:30pm

SeenSpace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2865. Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm and Sun 9am-10pm F

Sukhumvit

Simple

With its adorable garden and hanging greenery, this is one of the city’s best places for a lazy, long brunch (make the most of it because service is pretty slow). The sweet dishes are delightful, but so too is the poached egg with mushroom, asparagus and truffle oil (B320).

The venue is an intimate weekend retreat and the adjoining gallery has some interesting exhibitions.

Star dish: The flourless chocolate cake (B185) and New York cheesecake (B155) are simply amazing: massive portions of tender, rich, moist goodness.

Star dish: The fluffy French toast (B195), served with seasonal fruit and topped with honey

G/F, Nihon Mura Mall, 85 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712- 9209.

Open daily 9am-10pm F

RMA Studio, Soi Sainamthip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 080-6036421. Open Tue-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm

18. Calin Cafe

12. Gram Gram

Taper

This quaint, Parisian-style venue does one of the best eggs Benedicts in town, served with salmon and zucchini (B260), while the oeufs en cocotte (eggs in pot with spinach and parma ham, B220) are another must-try. The brioche here is baked on-premises twice a day.

Star dish: That eggs Benedict G/F, Eight Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 081-586-7305.

Open daily 8am-11pm. BTS Thonglor F

19. Little Home Bakery

Star dish: Ovaltine Volcano pancake (B220) 1/F, 49 Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 081-884-8554. Open TueSun 9am-5pm F

The restaurant does a very cheap American breakfast set at B200 and a solid fried rice at B110, but their specialty is pancakes. There’s now another branch at Tesco Lotus Bang Yai called Tempura Den, which focuses on Japanese dishes like tempura at wallet-friendly prices but there’s no brekkie menu.

13. Simple Chef Natcha Chatlaong’s charming organic restaurant certainly looks the part, and makes for a healthy start to the day. Dishes like the full English breakfast (B280), which is served in a big pan, and the frittata and slowroasted tomato (B190) don’t always hit the high points, but we love the refreshing juices and granola.

17. Tribeca Restobar Now that the hype’s died down, we can just say this stylish place, created by Whitespace Company, makes for a quieter and cheaper spot for breakfast than many of its neighbors. The Brooklyn-centric menu features pancake Benedict (with maple-glazed pork belly, B290) and the humble club sandwich (B280), but we’re mostly enamored with the desserts.

11. Gastro

Sure, service is a little slow, but that’s mostly because this cute garden spot is usually packed out with Thonglor’s stylish set. The brunch-focused menu is filled with eggs, pancakes and sausages, all cooked behind a small kitchen counter. Highlights include the salmon scrambled eggs (B260) and barbecue pulled pork burger with coleslaw (B340).

44/11, Soi Akkapat, Thonglor Soi 13, 099-929-5464. Open Tue-Sun 9am-4pm

Gastro

Star dish: The fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with a scoop of creamy butter in an array of awesome combinations (banana, pineapple, bacon—you name it, starting from B120)

Star dish: Homemade nutty and fruity granola with yogurt and seasonal fruits (B220)

413/10-20 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-185-1485.

Open daily 7am-9pm

235/5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-2510. Open Tue-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm F

2/F, Tesco Lotus Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, 02-002-4480.

Open daily 10am-9pm F

14. La Creperie

20. Plearnwan Panich

This beautiful white house sitting amid a lovely garden is the perfect spot for a laidback Sunday. For breakfast, try the savory crepes or pan-fried scallops (leeks, asparagus, white wine and asparagus sauce, B320). You can’t go wrong with some French cider on the terrace, either.

Run by the same people behind Hua Hin tourist hot-spot Plearnwan, this vintage-style eatery is just the place for anyone tired of eggs Benedict. Try old-school bites like the simple egg pan with minced pork and Chinese sausage (B80), rice with roasted chicken (B80) or steamed bread with sangkaya (egg custard, B60).

Star dish: The savory crepe of ham and grated emmental cheese, served with egg sunny side up and tomato a la Provencale (B220) 86 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02- 662- 6499. Open daily 10am-9:30pm

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Star dish: It’s a good thing those egg pans are so cheap; they’re bound to pile up Tribeca Restobar

Thonglor Soi 13, 084-541-4565. Open daily 7am-9pm F

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cover story 21. Tiny Cup Cafe

27. Theera

This unassuming, vintage nook focuses on all-day breakfast, with highlights like tuna melt (B260) and egg with chorizo (B190). There’s another branch on Wireless Road.

This healthy, gluten-free, non-dairy cafe rolls out a rotating range of bakery treats, including a tasty carrot cake (B140). Another pick is the salmon sandwich on gluten-free, house-made bread (B280). A new option to order custom items will be available for vegans and omnivores later this month.

Star dish: The very serviceable full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, whole-wheat toast, salad and coffee or tea (B390)

Star dish: Whole-wheat, soy buttermilk waffle with broccoli, chicken and white sauce (B180). Do try the smoothies, made with soy milk and coconut yogurt.

411/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between Sois 21 and 23, 02-712-5112. Open daily 7am-7pm. BTS Thonglor F 83/4 Sutavong’s places, Soi Wireless 1, Wireless Rd., 061-3827001. Open Mon-Sat 7am-5pm– Wireless branch F

Sukhumvit Soi 42, 090-506-2222. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10:30am-6pm. BTS Ekkamai

22. Eatdustry (NEW)

28. Vanilla Garden

This photogenic all-day dining spot is a bit of everything, but the breakfast reigns supreme. The coffee, available as drip (from B120) or siphon (B340 per pot for local beans/B380 for imported), is pretty decent, too. See our Open Door, page 24.

The Coffee Club

Star dish: The light and airy strawberry waffles (B280), which sit somewhere between the crunchy American version and the super-soft Japanese style.

Star dish: Vanilla Bakeshop’s baked Danish toast with smoked ham, mozzarella and mixed berries sauce (B360)

555/55 Thonglor Soi 19, 081-567-5544. Open daily 9am-10pm F

Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-381-6120. Open daily 10am-10pm F

Town in Town

29. The Coffee Club

23. Tinee Eatery

Sure, it’s an Australian chain. Sure, it’s popping up all over the country. But it’s hard to deny that The Coffee Club does a fine, no-frills breakfast menu that’s focused on egg dishes. Save the coffee for Ink & Lion just down the road, though.

Having just reopened after a long trip to Australia, chef Sutinee Suntivatana continues to please the expats and workers at nearby production houses with dishes like the Breakie Pizza (bacon, sausage, caramelized onion, tomato, egg and rocket salad, B300) and Bircher muesli (overnight oats, tropical juice, yogurt, fruits and nuts, B220).

Star dish: Any of the omelet dishes (B170-175) or the poached egg with avocado (B220) Eatdustry

Star dish: We’re most excited for the new menu, said to take even more inspiration from Australian produce and recipes, which should be available later this month.

Near Major Ekamai, 1239 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-381-2736.

Open daily 7am-11pm. BTS Ekkamai F

Srinakarin

1023 Town in Town Soi 4, 02-559-2475. Open daily 10am-10pm F

30. Amatissimo Cafe

Rattanakosin

Best known for its outstanding coffee, made from their own blend of beans, and delicious pastries like the bacon cheese roll (B85) and almond croissant (B80), Amatissimo is your spot for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.

24.On Lok Yun What more needs to be said about this classic? The 80-year-old spot has a loyal following who come for the kanom pang sangkaya (bread with Thai-style egg custard) and Thai-style American breakfast (from B60), and stick around for the old-world atmosphere. The no-frills decor only adds to the charm, with wooden cabinets filled with tins of Milo from the 80s. Drinks like coffee and milk start from B20. Driving? Park at The Old Siam or Saranrom Park and take a stroll through the old town.

Comprising Vanilla Cafe and Vanilla Bakeshop side by side, this is one of Bangkok’s hottest breakfast destinations. At the cafe you’ll find Japanese and Italian dishes, including the salmon tempura crispy roll (B290), and more standard morning fare like the Nutella Banana crepe (B220). Come in a group, these dishes are big.

Star dish: We can’t go past the almond croissant Tiny Cup Cafe

Tinee Eatery

Behind Paradise Park, Srinakarin Soi 55, 081-898-0070.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm

Chaengwattana 31. Waft Me (NEW)

Star dish: The sangkaya, hands down

One of a slew of cool new cafes to have opened recently in Chaengwattana, Waft Me is one of the few to actually open early enough for breakfast. Having started life as a made-to-order bakery selling through Instagram (IG: Waft_Me), the highlights are obviously the patisseries, while there’s also a long list of waffles, coffee and smoothies.

72 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-223-9621. Open daily 6am-4pm

25. Kopi Hya Tai Kee Another old-school shop that serves up Thai-style breakfasts. Over 60 years old, Kopi may lack the charm of On Lok Yun, but still makes for a good stop-off if you happen to be biking around the area.

Star dish: The Wafger—a customizable waffle that lets you pick between plain, chocolate or whole-wheat waffle, ice-cream flavors and toppings (B155)

Star dish: Sit at the counter and order signature dishes like kai kata (baked egg) with minced pork and ham (B75).

Waft Me

37 Soi Samran Rat, Siriphong Rd., 02-621-0828. Open daily 7am-8:30pm (except the last Tue of every month)

Chaengwattana Soi 29, 094-669-6146. Open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm

Ekkamai 26. Bourbon Street Claiming to be the only genuine Cajun and Creole restaurant in Bangkok, this expat favorite does New Orleans-style treats like eggs Benedict with crab cake (B310) and shrimp bisque (B195). Beware, these portions are huge.

Star dish: The homemade Italian cheese sausage plate (B320) or spicy Chaurice jalapeno sausage plate (B220) Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-6801-3. Open daily 7am-1am. BTS Ekkamai F

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On Lok Yun

Amatissimo Cafe

Vanilla Garden

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon

PHUKET

Home Comforts Tucked away in the non-touristy area of Chalong, 2W Urban Retreat Escape (089-7577770) is a guesthouse with an airy, spa-esque atmosphere. This lakeside establishment offers both dormitories and private sleeping arrangements, a Japanese-style stone garden, as well as spacious living, cooking, dining and movie screening areas. On top of the free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, guests can also partake in activities like boxing, meditation, massages and cooking classes. Dorms start at B385 a night per person, while private rooms with a shared bathroom cost B850 per night. A private bedroom with your own bathroom and a view of the lake costs B1,500 per night, while stays of a week get a 15-percent discount and a month or longer a 25-percent discount.

Down Town Located right in the center of Phuket’s Old Town, The RoManee Classic (081-968-6154, www. therommanee.com) is a brand new Sino-Portuguese-style drugstore-turned-guesthouse that combines heritage charm with all the mod cons. Guests can choose between old-school and modern-style bedrooms with prices ranging from B990-1,200. Overnight guests also have access to Wi-Fi and cable TV. During your stay, you can hit up Limelight (www.limelightphuket.com), a new dining-oriented shopping mall nearby.

Full Throttle The annual Phuket Bike Week returns to Patong Beach and Phuket Town from Apr 11-13 and Apr 17-19, respectively. This year’s event features live music and shows, beach parties, a custom bike competition and the annual Miss Phuket Bike Week contest. It’s B200 for general entry, B1,500 for those who want to take home official merchandise and join the official VIP Grand dinner. Tour packages range from B9,90023,800, inclusive of activities and accomodation. More information can be found at www.phuketbikeweek.com.

HUA HIN

Easy Rider Cyclists can soon add another route to their bucket list as a proposed 5km bike trail has been approved by the Hua Hin Department of Highways. The bike trail will stretch from the Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital along Petchkasem Road, all the way to the Khao Tao intersection. The project has been granted a B30 million budget which will also cover parking lots for cars and bicycles along the route, as well as the construction of new roads (for cars and bikes) between Rajamangala Institute of Technology Klai Kangwon and the end of the bike trail.

AIRLINE

Take Flight Traveling around Southeast Asia on a budget seems to have gotten even cheaper thanks to AirAsia’s ASEAN pass, which lets you buy credits for one or two months’ worth of flights to other countries in the region. Here’s how it works: a 10-credit pass valid for 30 days costs B5,300 and a 20-credit pass valid for 60 days costs B9,300. Flights under two hours are worth one credit while flights over two hours are worth two credits. The pass can be used on more than 140 routes all across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. But be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before you hit checkout –– that price doesn’t include airport taxes and fees, and the pass doesn’t allow last-minute flights (you have to book 14 days in advance). Get the full details at ow.ly/JOap1

Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

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CAFE

All Aboard There’s a new board game cafe in town. Boarding Time Board Game Cafe offers more than 300 titles (including Dixit, The Game of Thrones Board Game and Ticket to Ride), available both to play in-house or purchase. To encourage more gamers, the cafe has rolled out a pay-what-you-want promo for newcomers and regular customers who bring along new friends. Otherwise, the place is priced at B150/day or B50/ hour with a B20 discount every hour (if you purchase food, drinks or a board game).

While you’re there, sustain yourself with the mini burger (B55), tuna sandwich (B45) or the special menu served up every crowded Friday and Saturday. 888/20 Phloen Chit Rd. (next to Mahatun Plaza), 092-985-6673. Open Mon-Thu 2pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm. BTS Phloen Chit

BEAUTY

SHOPPING

HOME

Shampoo to the Stars

Toy Land

Top Brass

One of the world’s most expensive shampoos, Philip B. Botanicals, is now available here in Bangkok. Hollywood stylist Philip B’s range of all-natural hair and body products are, he says, made with only the purest botanical ingredients. Celebs like Lady Gaga and Madonna supposedly dig them, too. Options include the Russian Amber Imperial (B3,400/260ml), a highly restorative shampoo made with protective silk, wheat and soy proteins, and the Thai Tea Mind and Body Wash (B2,350/350ml), which features skin-softening extracts that apparently originated here in Thailand.

The Chocolate Body Wash (B2,350/350ml) may be made from real chocolate, but they do warn you that it’s inedible. Available at G/F, Beauty Hall, The Emporium Department Store, Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong

The Gate is a huge new store from the organizers of Thailand Toy Expo, offering official figurines, clothing and costumes of some of the most beloved cartoon characters from around the world. The 300-sq-meter space is separated into multiple zones such as the Disney Zone, Marvel Zone and Japan Anime Zone consisting of 27 Japanese anime brands. Our pick is probably Thailand’s first official DC Comic Super Heroes Store. Up on the second floor you’ll find the Super Hero Cafe Zone, where hungry fanboys and girls can get together. 7/F, Central World, Ratchadamri Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. 02-646-1004. BTS Chit Lom

The European-focused furniture showroom Casa Pagoda has released a new set of bronze, brass and leather decorations. The Make it Simple but Significant collection plays around with classic materials like metal and leather to produce simple designs with a solid and timeless look. Standout items include the Anthony chair (pipe legs with antique blue leather seat, B15,900), Duke chair (steel frame with faded brown leather seat, B19,800), Royal Master Clock (a retro, aluminum table clock, B12,000) and Tripod Lamp (in gunmetal, B27,000). 4 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-258-1917. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Phrom Phong. www. casapagoda.com

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Poolside Essentials

Get set for summer with these top swimwear picks for men and women.

By Vasachol Quadri

Disco print high-waisted swimsuit, Sretsis, price TBA

Swimming dog trunks, Timo x The Barkyard, B3,500

Pop floral bandeau bikini, Topshop, B990 (top) and B790 (pants)

Short swimsuit, Pull & Bear, price TBA

Beach prints, Topman, B1,690

One piece, Greyhound, B3,595 Striped swimsuit, Zara, B1,490

Mirage Mf Driven Boardshort, Ripcurl, B2,975

Essentials Timo x The Barkyard available at The Barkyard Bangkok, 65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 081-735-4666, 02-663-0126

Patterned swim shorts, H&M, B699

Pull & Bear and Topman. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000.

BTS Siam/Chit Lom Greyhound. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-7000. BTS Siam Sretsis. 2/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit Aprilpoolday. fb.com/aprilpoolday-aprilpoolday order via aprilpoolday@gmail.com Bulldog swim shorts, Orlebar Brown, price TBA

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Tennis Swimsuit, Aprilpooday, B1,390

Ripcurl. 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-8000. BTS Siam Orlebar Brown available at Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5809. BTS Phloen Chit

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Face the Heat

Eight new-in-store cosmetics to celebrate the arrival of summer. By Vasachol Quadri

Eyebrow Expert Shaping & Defining, Bisous Bisous 1

Price: B395 Why you need it: Like so many Korean brands, Bisous Bisous is all about the eyes. This doubled-headed brow pencil offers one angled end and a spooly brush on the other. The best thing about this pencil is its creaminess—easy to apply and water resistant. The angled end gets you sharper results, while the spooly brush helps manage messy hair. The low price makes this a very good investment.

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Fusion Ink Foundation, YSL

Price: B2,400 Why you need it: This silicone-based foundation sold out in the US on its very first day of release.

What we like is how it delivers a matte look that doesn’t crack during the day, while providing a high level of oil control. The easy-to-apply texture gives great coverage to your skin without creating a layer of oil or requiring regular touchups. It also contains SPF 18—enough for daily wear unless you’re a big outdoors person.

Art Stick Hot Orange, Bobbi Brown

Laque Supreme Lip Cream in BG01-03 shade, Shu Uemura

Price: B1,150

Price: B1,200

Why you need it: For summer 2015, American brand Bobbi Brown has launched a Hot Collection featuring limited-edition lipsticks, cheek palettes and eye shadow palettes. Our pick is the chubby Art Stick lip pencil in Hot Orange, for four simple reasons: orange is always a good match for summer; hot shades look way better in matte than sheer or satin textures for daily wear; this creamy matte texture prevents cracked lips; and this stick will last basically forever (normal lipstick lasts about six months after first use, but pencil form has a much longer lifespan).

Why you need it: You need more than one lip shade for any given season, and while bold colors go well with matte textures, more subdued shades work best with glassy coverage. On cue, this Japanese brand has just released 15 new shades as part of its Laque Supreme lipstick. Our pick is the beige shade from BG01-BG03, which goes well with day-wear if you’re looking for an easy no-makeup look.

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Air Brush Concealer, Clinique

Price: B750 Why you need it: This product may not be for you if you have dark spots or heavy circles under your eyes since the texture is relatively creamy and quite light. But for everyone else, this concealer pen is your all-in-one first-aid kit. The loose texture won’t add another layer to your foundation, like other concealers, but does just what you’d expect.

The design also makes it easy to use, especially for touch-ups on-the-go.

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Sunflower Illumunating Bronzing Powder, Prestige Cosmetics 4

Price: B650 Why you need it: Need that summer tan? Try this new product by Prestige Cosmetics. Bronzers help add contours and dimensions to your face, as well as a healthy glow. This dual package comes in brown and gold—brown for outlines and gold as highlighter. You can blend the two using the bronzing brush and dabbing loosely on your cheek, forehead and a little on your nose.

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Ultra Definition Powder Foundation, Urban Decay 7

Price: B1,530 Why you need it: Widely known for its Naked eye-shadow palettes, Urban Decay’s skin line is also worth your money. This new foundation is similar to the brand’s Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, but comes in a cream-like texture that gives medium-to-high coverage. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly and doesn’t crack. If you’re not a foundation person and looking for one-stop skin preparation, this pressed powder foundation may be for you.

Smooth Infusion Smoothing Masque, Aveda 8

Price: B1,250 Why you need it: On top of its hair-strengthening products, Aveda also has items geared at reducing the uncontrollable volume brought on by summer heat. Put simply, too much sun can cause split ends and tangled hair. For many people, conditioning more often can help bring back healthy hair volume and vitality, but for even better results, you might consider using a mask once a week.

This bottle contains rich cupuacu and shea butters for softer and easier-to-style hair.

Essentials YSL, Bobbi Brown, Bisous Bisous, Shu Uemura and Clinique. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. BTS Siam Urban Decay available at Sephora. 1/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-7000. BTS Siam Prestige Cosmetics available via www.luxola.com Aveda. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-9656. BTS Siam

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Hippie Hooray Ladprao hipsters no longer have to trek to CentralWorld for their big scoops of marshmallow-topped ice-cream. Boston’s Emack & Bolio’s, dubbed the “original hippie ice-cream company,” has opened its third Thailand branch—and biggest yet—at Central Plaza Ladprao. The focus, of course, is on the small batches of ice-cream shipped over from the US. Prices start from B120 a scoop. Try the colorful fruit loops cone (B70) and be careful not to spill the four bright scoops piled atop one another.

2/F, Central Plaza Ladprao, 1695 Phahon Yothin Rd., tel 02-937-0081.

MRT Phahon Yothin

RESTAURANT

NEW CHEF

HAPPY HOUR

Easy as ABC

Turn the Table

Boys & Girls

Situated in Thonglor’s new 9:53 Community Mall, ABC suggests a healthy food concept straight from its clean, white decor. But this is no salad bar. Chef Patimaporn Ruangcharoen’s menu also comprises a range of pasta and steak dishes. She tells us her aim is to serve food rich in the five main nutrients the body needs— proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats—with a particular focus on veggies and fruits. The chef’s recommendation is the skinny sumo salad (B300), which features chicken yakitori, seaweed-wrapped kimchi, fried bean curd and sesame dressing. Highlight drinks include the ABC signature iced coffee (B140), which is brewed from single origin beans from Chiang Mai. 3/F, 9:53 Community Mall, Thonglor Soi 9, 083-096-0425. Open daily 11am-11pm

French restaurant-slash-bar Maverick has been renamed Le Maverick. It’s also welcomed a new executive chef, Vorapoj Christian Caluwaert, who trained under Alain Ducasse at Rivea at Byblos, Saint-Tropez, and whose first order of duty has been to introduce a new chef’s table concept—at the very humble price of B950. Now you can watch the chefs prepare your threecourse set menu right in front of you, with dishes including maquerel rollmops and mussels, red cabbage salad, apple and cold potato cream, and poached poultry breast served with a Waterzooi-style sauce. Desserts include the new crepe beer with caramelized apple, jam and apple ice-cream. Reservations recommended. G/F, Ocean Tower ll, 75 Sukhumvit 21 Soi 3, 02-6652772. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10:30pm; Sat 5:3011pm. MRT Sukhumvit

Chef Ramneek Singh Lamba’s sky-high North Indian restaurant Maya is making an unconventional move into nightlife by unveiling Men’s Night Out every Thursday night. Hot on the heels of Wednesday Ladies’ Night, which offers free-flow sparkling wine until 9pm with no charge, the new promo allows guys to enjoy three hours of free-flow Heineken draught beer at B499 per person. On top of drinks, you can order bar snacks like fried fish and chicken at the special price of B149. Call 02-6834888 for reservations. 29/F, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-683-4888. BTS Phrom Phong

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blends

Whisgars Sukhumvit 23

Balcony Lounge & Humidor

WHISKEY

Black Amber Thonglor Social Club

Tasting Flights Bangkok’s whiskey scene is on the rise with a more diverse range of bars dedicated to the spirit. Here are four places to get a taster.

By Vasachol Quadri

Whisgars Sukhumvit 23

Black Amber Thonglor Social Club

Opened back in late 2013, Whisgars was one of the rare places to attempt the whiskey bar concept outside a hotel. Known for having one of the longest whiskey menus in town (mostly single malts) the brand has already expanded with branches in Phloen Chit and Silom. Bottles come not only from all over Scotland but around the world, most notably Japan. The tasting sets allow you to try five different drops, starting from B950 (Glenmorangie 10-year-old, Singleton 12-year-old, Balvenie 12-year-old and Glenlivet 12-year-old) up to B5,350 (Glenburgie 26-yearold, Longmorn 27-year-old, Teaninich 30-year-old and Rosebank 1990), before deciding on a bottle.

The super-stylish Black Amber Barber Shop & Tattoo (between Thonglor Sois 5 and 7) has expanded across the road with a full-on gentlemen’s whiskey bar. The building offers a community-like atmosphere, with a vintage clothing store and bespoke tailor up on the second and third floors, respectively. Whiskey, single malt and rum are the main focus, here. The shelf is filled with familiar bottles like Glendfiddich, Ballantine’s and Suntory, as well as the more esoteric Monkey Shoulder, Teacher’s and Bowmore. Prices, rather surprisingly, start from just B200 a glass. The bar also offers four tasting flights categorized by tasting note: Flight No.1 (B650) offers fruity and floral notes with Glenkinchie 12-year-old, Dalwhinnie 15-year-old and Oban 14-year-old; Flight No.2 (B500) does spicy and well-rounded tastes with Glenmorangie Original 10-year-old, Cragganmore 12-year-old and Singleton of Glen Ord 12-year-old, Flight No. 3 (B550) is for full bodied and smoky consisting of Ardbeg 10-year-old, Talisker 10-year-old and Lagavulin 16-year-old, and Flight No. 4 (B550) is for malt lovers with selection includes Talisker 10-year-old, Glenmorangie Original 10-year-old and Dalwhinnie 15-year-old.

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220

Yoishi Nikka Bar Solemnly toned and moodily lit, this high-end addition to the great array of Japanese bars around Sukhumvit Soi 39 specializes in food and drinks from that country’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. The main draw is the whiskey, which is a different selection from next door’s Hanakaruta, and includes Takesuru 17-year-old (B400), named the World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky 2014 at the World Whiskies Awards 2014. The tasting flights cover three different periods in the whiskey maturation process. The Taketsuru set (B700) consists of 12-year-old, 17-year-old and 21-year-old whiskey, while the Yoichi Set (B700) consists of 10-year-old, 12-year-old and 15-year-old. Follow it up with some karaoke upstairs.

Sukhumvit Soi 39. 02-662-4270. BTS Phrom Phong

Whisgars Sukhumvit 23

160/17 Thonglor Soi 6. 092-276-2772

Balcony Lounge & Humidor If you’re looking for a classic setting that doesn’t require membership, Intercontinental Hotel’s Balcony Lounge & Humidor is your spot. The handsome day-and-night hangout offers an extensive range of malt whiskey as well as cigars. The Whiskey Journey tasting flight (B1,499 per person) includes Ballantine’s 17-year-old, Chivas Regal 18-year-old and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 21-yearold, served with Speyside Glenlivet water and a complimentary Romeo & Julieta No.2 cigar.

L/F, Intercontinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-6560444 ext.6477. Open daily 8-1am

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Yoishi Nikka Bar

Coming Soon Chef Somkiat “Joke” Pairojmahaki, of Seven Spoons and Sheepshank fame, is expanding his empire in the Old Town with a whiskey bar. Chef Joke told us he found a spot that used to be an old printing shop, active since the 1930s, which immediately stirred up images of old-school soda shops and whiskey bars. As such, the venue will be split into a homemade ice-cream and soda shop in the front and a whiskey bar inside. The focus will be on rare single malts, while there will also be whiskey-based cocktails.

The as-yet-unnamed bar is currently under construction and expected to open in June.

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bites CHEFS Q&A

DINING TREND

Lima at Last

Peruvian food has been hot in food circles for years.

Now, it’s finally catching on in Bangkok. Here’s what you need to know, and where to get it.

By Natcha Sanguankiattichai Chef Virgilio Marinez Veliz of Central restaurant in Lima, Peru (voted No. 1 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014; No.15 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 VOF

Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura of Maido in Lima, Peru (voted No. 7 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014)

22 Kitchen & Bar

W

In fact, Peru is so biodiverse that the country yields e were sad to hear that just a few months more than 2,000 varieties of potato and more than ago, the only traditional Peruvian restaurant 50 kinds of chili. “Peruvian cuisine is simple because in Bangkok, Familia Chicken & you can get fresh ingredients and cook them right Grill, shut its doors. But not away,” says Ramirez. “This makes the dishes perfect so long afterwards, news without needing complicated techniques or elabobroke that the once French rate sauces.” fine-dining stronghold on On top of that, the country’s cultural diversity has the roof of the Dusit Thani resulted in a cuisine that naturally draws from many hotel, D’Sens, had been different influences. “To know about the food, you transformed into 22 Kitchen & need to know the history of Peru,” says Omar Frank Bar, a Pacific-coastal restau- Chef Nikolas Ramirez Maruy, who originates from Lima, Peru. “We were rant led by the young Hawairun by Incas before being conquered by the Spanian chef Nikolas Ramirez. He joins chef Omar Frank ish. When the Spanish came they influMaruy of Above Eleven as one of the few people enced a lot of our culture—the lanin town specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine. This guage we now speak, the religion country on the Pacific coast of South America is and the food. After the Spanish home to one of the most trending cuisines in there were waves of migration the world. Even Ferran Adria of El Bulli, the Catfrom Italy, Africa, China and most alan restaurant that led the way for modernist, recently Japan. That makes Peru a molecular cuisine throughout the 2000s, said that fusion country. We’re a little bit of the future of gastronomy lies in Peru. everything.”

“Peru is so interesting because they have the ocean, the Andes and the Amazon,” says chef Chef Omar Frank Maruy Here, the two chefs run through some of their most popular Peruvian dishes.

Nikolas Ramirez. “It’s the mix of food, depending on where you are. Location plays such a big part.”

Ceviche

Ceviche basically means cooked by acid. The principles are simple: fresh fish, lime juice, onion and chili. It’s a dish from the coast. “We used to marinate the fish for 2-3 hours,” says Ramirez, “but then the Japanese brought the knowledge of handling raw fish and encouraged us to eat it fresh.” The potent, milky marinade is know as leche de tigre— literally translated, tiger’s milk. Pour it into a glass for a fiery drink.

Eat this: Peruvian ceviche, sea bass, tiger’s milk and lemongrass marinated calamari (B540) at 22 Kitchen & Bar. Ceviche Above Eleven, which features sea bass and prawns with deep-fried calamari, served with sweet potato (B470) at Above Eleven.

Causa

Potatoes supposedly originate from Peru, and this dish refers to the homey Peruvian staple of pressed mashed potato topped with any form of protein. The potato is mixed with chili paste and layered almost like a lasagna.

Eat this: Barbecued salmon belly on pressed potato with tomato relish (B290) at 22 Kitchen & Bar. Causa tuna tartare (B380) at Above Eleven.

22 Kitchen & Bar

Virgilio: I think we share the exoticism of a country that is so culturally rich. Both cuisines are flavorful, colorful, surprising, and have immense potential to evolve all the time with the use of local ingredients.

Mitsuharu: The use of citruses such as lemon and lime, and the use of chilies. Both cuisines use these ingredients very often.

Above Eleven

Mitsuharu: Nikkei cuisine. That is what we serve at Maido. It’s an intriguing fusion of East meets West— Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.

In Peru, this dish of whole-roasted chicken marinated with lots of cumin and garlic is cooked on a skewer over charcoal.

What recent dishes have you created that encapsulate your style of cooking?

Above Eleven

Virgilio: Potatoes from 4,000 meters above sea level, along with their surroundings, and cyanobacterias with chaco clay.

Mitsuharu: Nikkei-style ceviche.

Anticuchos

Essentials

This dish apparently originates from the beef entrails that the Spanish would feed to slaves. These skewers of cheap cuts of meat are still a popular street snack in Peru, featuring meat or offal (particularly beef heart) marinated with spices like chili, cumin and garlic and dipped in hot sauce.

Eat this: Chicken anticuchos marinated in Singha beer, vinegar, soy sauce, spices, chili and miso (B250) at 22 Kitchen & Bar. Beef heart anticuchos (B250) at Above Eleven. Chicken thigh anticuchos (B160) and chick heart anticuchos (B120) at VOF.

What are you personally most excited about in your work right now?

Virgilio: I’ve discovered the resin of an Amazonian bark, which forms a special gel when it is boiled. Natives named this tree Huampo.

Pollo a la Brasa

Eat this: The pollo a la brasa of Familia Chicken and Grill is still available at the same spot at new restaurant VOF (B650/whole chicken), served with salad and Peruvian rice or deep-fried yuca (cassava). Omar Frank Maruy is currently also working on a new restaurant specializing in this chicken dish. More details to follow shortly.

What are some parallels between Peruvian and Thai cuisine?

22 Kitchen & Bar. 22/F, Dusit Thani, 946 Silom Rd., 02-200-9000. Open daily 4pm-midnight MRT Silom Above Eleven. 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Nana

22 Kitchen & Bar

VOF. 66 Rama 9 Soi 41, 091-7634436. Open Mon-Fri 4–10pm, Sat-Sun 11am–10pm

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OPEN DOOR

Eatdustry This new Thonglor hangout rolls a bar and all-day breakfast cafe into one.

The buzz: Restaurateur Pitchayada Treetipbut, of Chicago-based Thai restaurant Green Basil, and five other partners have opened this new establishment tucked inside the little soi beside DM Home in Thonglor. On offer is a little bit of everything—an all-day breakfast spot, a cafe, a bakery and a bar.

The decor: Modern rustic, dominated by straight lines and rectangles. You know the drill: bare concrete walls, reinforced bars, incandescent bulbs, gunny sacks and a floor-to-ceiling black chalkboard.

The bar is a rectangular box of wood and black steel, as is the open bakery zone, where the bakers are genuinely at work, not just adding decorative touches to cakes. If you can’t be seen without your dog, do note man’s best friend is welcome at one of the outdoor tables on the terrace.

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The food and drinks: Californian-inspired American comfort food.

All-day breakfast is king, namely the eggs Benedict (from B250), with the bestselling option coming with crispy crab cake (B290).

The rest of the menu is full of soups, salads, burgers, pastas and steaks with minor tweaks. Their clam chowder is not overly creamy, only lightly seasoned and served with side condiments in a housemade bread bowl. We also like the light and airy strawberry waffles (B280), too, which sit somewhere between the crunchy American version and the super-soft Japanese style, and come piled with fresh cream and strawberries. Coffee is made with both imported and local beans, available as drip (from B120) or siphon (B340 per pot for local beans/B380 for imported). The bar serves some classic cocktails like kiwi mojito starting at B260 and fruity virgins at B180.

Why you should care: There's nothing new about what Eatdustry's trying to do (just take a look at these places, page 6)—but they don't skimp on ingredients here, as evident in the crab meat of the crab cake, and the fresh fruits of the desserts and drinks.

Natcha Sanguankiattichai

555/55 Thonglor Soi 19, 081-567-5544.Open daily 9am-10pm

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only (Today – 31 Dec 15)

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Barcelona Gaudi

TABLE TALK Barcelona Gaudi

Root Garden Cafe

64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 098-829-8878. Open daily 6:3011pm

NEW AND NOTED

Barca to Bangkok

It seems an age since we last welcomed a new Spanish restaurant, let alone a low-key, affordable option. The small Barcelona Gaudi (Le Premier 1 Condominium, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-6617410) specializes in homespun Catalan, Mediterranean and Thai-Catalan fusion dishes. The specialty is paella which starts at B430 and rises to B560, while you can also get a dish of the gigantic daily special for B100. Other highlights include homemade croquettes (B70), codfish aioli (B460) and Iberico ham and brie sandwich (B520). You can also sip sangria (B200-500) while watching your favorite La Liga team on the big screen.

Grass Roots

Surrounded by fields of vegetables, rice and animals in the middle of Thonglor, Root Garden Cafe (Thonglor Soi 3, goo. gl/IUJaUx) is not your average coffee shop. Here, you can play farmer by watering the crops and feeding goats and chickens

Khao

before retiring to a cup of coffee. Root Garden is a project run

by Plick Fuen Puen Din Thai, or Land Reform in Thailand, an NGO promoting land-related laws that assist farmers and the poor.

Check their Facebook for updates about agricultural events and activities that happen every second week of the month.

Fortune Teller

Fortune Cookie (099-645-5515, www.fb.com/fortunecookieresto) is a new delivery service specializing in the type of guilty-pleasure, hybrid Chinese cuisine that’s big in the United States. The American-Chinese chef whips up dishes like General Tso’s chicken (B280), sweet and sour pork (B220) and lemon chicken (B220), which he then dispatches to you in those iconic oyster pail containers. You can also order Italian soda, blended in-house, in flavors like lemongrass ginger (B100) and pineapple mint (B100). Order via their hotline or through Foodpanda, between 11am and 10pm. Dharath Hoonchamlong

Chef Vichit Mukura, the long-time former head chef of Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam, set up his Thai food chef’s table on the same premises as the exclusive Japanese restaurant Yuutaro. Khao serves up Thai cuisine with modern presentation in six-to-ten courses and only welcomes a small group of 4-12 people each evening. The chef serves up modern takes on classic Thai dishes like spicy salad and curries cooked with premium ingredients such as matsusaka beef and taraba crab leg. Desserts are just as creative, such as the red-bean and-chestnut-filled tua paep (sweet split mung bean pocket) and the whole strawberry-stuffed yokmanee (emerald tapioca with shredded coconut).

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get complimentary Thai drink valued 220 baht for everyone at the table (Today – 30 Jun 15)

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com.

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites & blends market Events

Happy Hours Eatdustry Every Tue-Fri from 5:30-7:30pm, buy1-get-s1 free on classic cocktails, bottled beers and house wine.

555/55 Thonglor Soi 19, 081-567-5544

Sway

St. Patrick’s Day at Sway On Mar 17, the bar provides a special menu by Canadian chefs, with a live performance by Lovers Eyes and DJs Green Machine and Shamrock. One free drink for those who wear green.

Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-7116052

Lady Brett

Lady Brett Two for one on spirits, cocktails, wines and beers every day from 5-7pm.

On the trail of the Burghound The monthly series of What’s Your Grape wine workshops by The Hive Bangkok and Wine Garage continues with the focus on wine from Burgundy. Session is conducted in both Thai and English with the chance to taste at least five wines. Mar 19, 7:30pm. B500. Reservations required.

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405

The Hive Bangkok 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062

New Venue

Thursday Stories Every Thursday from 7-9pm, enjoy free-flow sparkling wine and selected cocktails for ladies with a live DJ from Kollectiv at 22 Kitchen & Bar. 22/F Dusit Thani, 946 Silom Rd., 02-2009000

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601

St. Patrick’s Party Dee Lounge & Beer Garden celebrates this year’s St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17) with corned beef and cabbage (B250) and buy-3-get-4 on Carlsberg bottles (B420). During happy hour (4-6pm), get draught beer at B89.

Novotel Ploenchit, Lobby/F, 566 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS. Phloen Chit. www.bangkokbeergarden.com

The Purest Love On Mar 27, S-Pure, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and Dusit Thani Bangkok co-host the five-course Purest Love charity gala dinner by Le Cordon Bleu and Dusit Thani chefs. Proceeds go to organizations working for children. B10,000.

Napalai Ballrom, Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom

Pala Pizza Romana

Pala Pizza Romana (Silom) Asok’s favorite pizza joint finally lands on Silom.

CP Tower, 313 Silom Rd. BTS Sala Daeng

Mario Chow Bao I’m Park’s new joint specializes in Taiwanese gua bao (steam buns).

3/F, I’m Park, 272 Chula Soi 22, Charoenmuang Rd., 090-974-4000

Who’s going to make the cut this year?

Deals

Octagon

Wine Pub

Executive chef Dominique Ferchaud holds a chef’s table with 5-course bistro-style set dinner with a focus on scallops and French wine pairing at Wine Pub on Mar 18, 7-10pm. B3,150 net.

Wine Pub, Pullman Bangkok King Power, 8/2 Rangnam Rd., 02-680-9999. BTS Victory Monument

Coming Soon in March

Octagon The rooftop bar serves Asahi on tap, extra cold at -2 degree Celsius.

Sign up for Bites & Blends e-newsletter to get more updates www.bkmagazine.com/ newsletters

4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd., 088842-4044. BTS Chit Lom

The Smokin’ Pug BBQ and Blues Bar Surawong’s new American barbecue bar focuses on smoked meats.

88 Surawong Rd., 089-8184963. Open daily 11:30-12am

Get your fix of seafood at this special buffet featuring 12 different types of imported French oysters. Mar 27-29, lunch and dinner. B1,650 net.

Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power, 8/2 Rangnam Rd., 02-680-9999. BTS Victory Monument

updates on Bangkok’s dining scene THE BITES & BLENDS NEWSLETTER The latestwww.bkmagazine.com/newsletters 26

BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Alice’s Rustic Seafood HHHH

International. 2/F, Qiss Mall, Rama 4 Soi 1 (Rong Phayaban), 02-339-3848-9. Open daily noon 3pm, 6-10pm. BTS Ekkamai BBB

As far as themed restaurants go, Alice’s Rustic Seafood is stylishly subdued. The Wonderland allusions of the name only present themselves in the playful presentation of a few dishes and some decorative touches that do little to clutter the airy, industrial space. The menu, a refreshing single-page affair (two-sided, though), is hardly dedicated to seafood, even if locally-sourced seabass, shrimp and shellfish figure prominently. Chef Skanda Manibhandu spent considerable time training and working in Australia, and it shows in the clean, understated setting, and the continent-hopping nature of the food: burgers, pastas, pizzas, salads. If this also sounds like your ubiquitous, mid-range Thai bistro, you needn’t worry. Better than most, chef Skanda’s dishes let the natural flavors of fresh ingredients shine, as evident in the fish tacos with fennel and apple

Manorah Royal Cuisine HHHH

T h a i . 1 / F, G ra n d Po st a l B u i l d i n g , 1 1 6 0 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-206-7310. B-BB F

This Thai restaurant in one wing of the beautiful Grand Postal Building is run by the Impact Exhibition Management group, whose reputation lies not in food and drink but rather the huge event halls on Chaengwattana Road. You can somehow feel this in the way Manorah is decorated.

The space feels like a canteen filled with row upon row of tables rather than an intimate restaurant . The mundane atmosphere is replicated in the food, which largely comprises tourist-friendly Thai staples, from tom yum kung (B220) to chicken and cashew nut (B140) and massaman curry (chicken or beef, B180).

Most of it is very traditional, though they do incorporate the occasional modern twist, too. The pla duk foo (crispy fish and Ratings

Price guide

PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

remoulade (B300) with their large, full chunks of juicy seabass with the crispy skin left on. The sweet remoulade can be balanced out with a few splashes of Thaibasco hot sauce, the result being a simple, light take on a dish that’s often a stodgy mess. The poached black mussels and smoked eggplant salad (B260) comes with nice big pieces of fennel and mint that blend well with a sweet, nutty dressing that recalls yum tua pu (wingbean salad).

There are many Thai touches throughout the menu, but these tend to be subtle rather than showy. The pizza with pork sausage and nam prik ong (B320) basically tastes like one really satisfying spicy sausage pie. Made using a big clay oven that sits in one corner, the pizza’s base is soft and springy yet firm and crunchy, more than making up for the slightly sparse topping. Better yet is the version with portabello mushroom, chili and water mimosa (B360)—spicy and yet oddly refreshing. Like much of the menu, it’s a lighter version of comfort food. Desserts such as lemon tart with a dense Kit Kat sauce (B120) and Alice’s Garden (B200), an Eton mess made to resemble a fantasy garden with chocolate soil and colorful berries, keep up the light, zesty theme.

Craft beers, Raitong Organics Farm’s Ginger Fizz (B100), cocktails starting at B195, and lunch deals (salad, soup, pasta and drink, B290) add to Alice’s Rustic Seafood’s lowkey allure. It all deserves a better setting than Ekkamai’s deserted, perpetually halffinished QISS mall.

green mango salad, B150), for example, is made with shredded salmon and cashew nuts instead of the usual catfish and peanuts. The flossy strands of deepfried fish have a lovely texture and are not too oily, pairing nicely with the mango salad, even if the salad alone is too sharp and spicy. The yam som-o (pomelo and prawn salad, B150) is also very fiery, not helped by the chunky clusters of bittertasting pomelo. The kua gling gai (stirfried chicken in Southern-style curry paste, B150) is even more palate-burningly hot and also very salty. Thankfully, the gaeng gai gorlae (fried chicken in Southern-style curry sauce, B150) provides some letup from the heat with its sweet sauce, though the fried chicken is so dry it scratches your mouth. Dessert is no better, whether it’s the mismatched flavors of their grilled banana stuffed with sweet taro paste (B65) or the floury pumpkin dumplings in coconut milk (B55). Though the food is far from perfect, service is excellent and dishes come out of the kitchen at a rapid pace. But there were only six diners (including us) when we last visited, so the two wait staff weren’t exactly kept busy.

Sitting in such a vast dining room, this makes for an awkward-feeling meal—just one more reason why we won’t be rushing back.

Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music

Sign up to Newsletters www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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now SAT Creative Spirit Rejoice, fashionistas! The annual Bangkok International Fashion Fair & Bangkok International Leather Fair is here again, open to the public this Mar 14-15 at Impact Arena, with over 800 booths of the latest designers’ products spread across four zones: business attire, casual wear, Thai-inspired products and fashion accessories hardware.

See HAPPENINGS, page 34.

FRI House of Sin Enter the wild Trasher House of Capulet Party, inspired by 1997’s Romeo & Juliet, this Friday (Mar 13), when it takes over the third floor of Siam Center. Be prepared for three hours of free bar from 6:30pm onwards, and fabulous pop tunes from Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea to Spice Girls and Britney Spears. See NIGHTLIFE, this page.

SAT On The Road Again It’s lining up to be a boyband packed year, kicking off this month with the Brit boys One Direction. On Mar 14, they take the stage at Rajamangala National Stadium for screaming fangirls willing to pay up to B10,000 a ticket. See MUSIC, page 30.

FRI Outside Chance Temperatures may be soaring, but that hasn’t stopped the Great Outdoor Market from returning this Mar 13-15 at a new riverside venue, Capanaya Riverfront. This time’s highlight is a floating bar with a private deck, along with Bangkok’s most popular roaming eateries and local design shops. See HAPPENINGS, page 34.

FRI Rock Action Not a fan of pop? This Friday (Mar 13) also sees the return of post-rockers Mogwai after their last sold-out Bangkok show. This year’s gig at Moonstar Studio promises new instrumental sounds from their latest album, Rave Tapes.

See MUSIC, page 30.

NIGHTLIFE Trasher Presents "Romeo & Juliet" House of Capulet Party The gay-friendly organizer is back in a new venue. The third-floor of Siam Center will turn into a fantasy house party. Expect lots of fancy costumes and the usual pop hits. Free bar for part of the night Mar 13, 6pm. Siam Center, 321/1 Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. Free.

Off the Grid by Superzaaap & Zoo Studio

Abel Rogers

28

DJs Kingkong and Supersonic play variants of techno, dub and indie at the new bar in Ekamai Mall. Mar 13, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090-528-4646. B100.

American Drunkster

Lorem Ipsum

The Ekkamai bar turns into an American-style house party, with drinking games like beer pong and unlimited beer buffet through 11pm, and music by Jelly Rocket and DJ Freaker. Presale at B499 for girls and B599 for guys. Mar 14, 6pm. Haus, 396 Ekkamai Soi 24. B699.

The new Ekkamai bar holds a late-night rave with live DJs playing techno. Mar 20, 10pm.

Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090 528 4646. Free.

Abel Rogers at Vogue Lounge The Hong Kong-based DJ, from the Armani/Prive club, plays soulful house and disco. Dress code is smart/fashionable, with Johnnie Walker Gold Label at B4,999 (three mixers) all night. Mar 20, 10pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697.

Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Moodwax Presents Inhale Exhale: Moodwax & Oliver Osborne A three-hour set by Moodwax, with support from Oliver Osborne from Singapore. Mar 21, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B350 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

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now One Direction On the Road Again Tour

ART

The British boy group that needs no introduction returns to Bangkok after two years for a mega-scale concert as part of their tour of Asia and Australia. Doors open at 5pm.

Mar 14, 8pm. Rajamangala National Stadium, Sports Authority of Thailand, 286 Ramkhamhaeng Rd., 02-369-0999. B1,80010,000.

Exhibitions Opening this Week in Charoenkrung

The One & Only 10 years of Aof Pongsak Concert Boston Brass

NIGHTLIFE/CONTINUED Dood x Studio Lam *Electrosonic Trip!

HAYNESVILLE

American-Swedish photographer Jesper Haynes opens another exhibition in Bangkok, showing black and white photography through the eyes of a tenyear-old boy who’s just received his first camera in Haynesville, Louisiana. His other exhibition, New York Darkroom, just opened last week, and is available for viewing at nearby Speedy Grandma, through Mar 29.

Dates: Opens Mar 13 at 7pm, runs through Apr 18 Venue: Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 081-301-2669. MRT Hua Lamphong Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859. MRT Hua Lamphong

An indie lineup of BeforeChamp, Aerolips, Highlag, BrokenYaakBeat and Stylish Nonsense, with DJ Masa and VJ Qotaroo in the house. Mar 22, 6pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. BTS Thong Lo. Price TBA.

Tools For School The monthly electro-dance music night returns with DJ Sunju Hargun and the Kolour Crew's Sarah De La Rosa from Germany and Atma from Australia, playing at Case 49 (4/F). Mar 27, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. Free.

A Guy Called Gerald The DJ with nine albums and 25 years of EDM experience, best known for his "live session" performances, plays in Bangkok with support from local house/electronica duo Wasabi Bytes. B100 on standard beers all night. Only 150 tickets available at the door.

Apr 3, 9pm. The Overground Bar & Cafe, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 081-701-7664. B350.

MUSIC

gigs A Little Bit of Rock and Roll, and a Little Bit of Metal Vol. 01

TZISSS

Concrete.Projects curates a new group exhibition by Asin, Diamond, Druide, Matt Adams, Phai Amp, Toska, Trick and Trk that explores the artistic significance of graffiti, street and tattoo art. The opening party combines live painting, live hip-hop, a few pop-up shops and special drinks.

Dates: Opens Mar 13 at 6pm, runs through Apr 11 Venue: Bridge, Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086-986-9421. BTS Saphan Taksin

The rock-focused bar hosts heavy metal performances by local groups Fathers of Medicine, LowFat, The Ladz and The Ginkz.

Free entry for those under 20. Mar 14, 7pm.

Immortal Bar, 6 Soi 6 (Bun Chu Si), 086707-1749. B200.

Paradise Fest Ten hours of hard-rocking local acts like Ebola, Sweet Mullet, Retrospect, Lomosonic and Kluay Thai at the indoor Chatuchak Mall.

Purchase five tickets to get one free. Don't forget to wear black. Mar 14, 3pm. JJ Mall, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. B900 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Kamphaeng Phet.

Artmor Art Street The university's Faculty of Architecture hosts a two-day arts and crafts market with a farmlike atmosphere, featuring local indie bands Zweed N' Roll, Tabasco, Proud, Yanin, Better Weather, The Jukks, Polycat and Sqweez Animal, playing from 5:30pm till late. Mar 13-14, 5pm. King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Lad Kra Bang Rd. Free.

Experimental Electronic South East presents "Ordinary" INHABITED HYPERCUBE

After the closure of its Ekkamai space early this year, Toot Yung Gallery organizes its first “nomad project,” a seven-day solo exhibition/block party in Chinatown’s Soi Nana. Dutch artist Daan Botlek exhibits large-scale paintings, posters, silkscreen prints and laser cut art objects over three art spaces. There will be daily workshops with street artists for children at Hub Sai Dek, a Chinatown NGO. The opening party will see Cho Why turn into a rooftop cocktail bar, El Chiringuito roll out special tapas, more food from street vendors and music from DJ Marine Caillat. New venue The Food Court will also be a part of the exhibition.

Dates: Opens Mar 14 at 6pm, runs through Mar 22 Venues: Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd. MRT Hua Lamphong El Chiringuito, 221 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 086-340-4791. MRT Hua Lamphong

30

An experimental evening with performances by thisquietarmy, Luong Hue Trinh, Koichi Shimizu, Space360 and Clokue. Visuals by Electrobacillus. Mar 14, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B200 (one free drink). BTS Surasak.

classical Mass for Love The world premiere of the piece by the Korean composer Thomas Hyuk Cha, the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra 10th season composer in residence, along with Tchaikovsky, Dukas and Brouwer. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts.

B100 for students. Mar 13, 7pm; Mar 14, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500.

An Afternoon of Concerti with Philip Fowke & Nat Yontararak (2 Pianos) The distinguished British pianist meets the Thai classical pianist and composer for an afternoon piano recital of Mozart and Addinsell.

Reservations at 02-541-8662 or www.salasudasirisobha.com. Mar 15, 4pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B700.

Beethoven's Pastorale German conductor Stefan Willich debuts with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performing a program of Beethoven, while Thai classical saxophonist Wisuwat Pruksavanich performs the Peterson Saxophone Concerto. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Mar 20, 7pm; Mar 21, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

An Afternoon of Classic Delight Ian Lloyd (flute and cello), Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, accompanies Nat Yontararak (piano) through a program of Faure, Bach and Mendelssohn. A reception takes place before and after the concert, with proceeds going towards the Gift of Life Foundation to help blood disease patients in Thailand. Reservations at www.salasudasirisobha. com. Mar 22, 4pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B700.

Boston Brass Live in Concert The brass quintet with 27 years' experience play classical and jazz in Bangkok. Tuba player Sam Pilafian will also hold a workshop on how to breathe (free of charge) at 2:30pm. B100 for students. More information at 02-800-2525 ext.10. Mar 23, 7pm.

Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B200.

BSO Classical Concert No. 3 The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and solo violinist Pisoot Saay-Op-Oua play Mozart's The Magic Flute and Serenade in C minor KV 388, and Haydn's Violin Concerto No. 1 in C major and Symphony No. 82 in C major.

Mar 24, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B300800. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Art Music Fest VII The CU Symphony Orchestra hosts three free concerts at the Music Hall, Culture Building. The Voice Recital is on Mar 13, the Woodwine Ensemble on Mar 17, the Percussion Ensemble on Mar 20 and the Saxophone Ensemble on Mar 27. Reservations at cusymphony@gmail.com.

Mar 13-27, 7pm. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-215-0871/-3. Free.

concerts Mogwai Live in Bangkok 2015 The veteran Scottish post-rock band returns to Bangkok with music from their latest album, Rave Tapes. Mar 13, 8pm. Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80, 02-539-3881.

B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Arch Enemy Live in Bangkok The Swedish death metal group goes on tour with its new guitarist Jeff Loomis and new lead singer Alissa White-Gluz from Canada. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Mar 14, 6pm. Hollywood Hall Ratchada, Ratchadaphisek Soi 8 (Ratchadaphisek). B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The Academy Fantasia finalist performs two rounds of full-scale solo concerts, including the biggest hits from his 10-year music career. Mar 14-15, 7pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6108023. B1,500-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Jason Mraz and Raining Jane The acoustic singer-songwriter, whose latest album Yes! peaked at number 1 in 46 countries around the world, is back in Bangkok for a third visit. He will also be joined by his long-time musical companions Raining Jane. Sold Out. Mar 21, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,000-5,000.

The Masterpiece Koh Mr. Saxman Concert 2015 The popular Thai saxophonist plays two rounds of jazz concerts, with support from Thailand's Got Talent winners Myra, Yazzmn Dinesen, The Voice Thailand's Fangkhao and Non, The Sound of Siam and Takeshi Band, among many other special guests. Mar 22, 2pm. Aksra Theatre, 3/F, King Power Complex, 8/1 Rangnam Rd., 02-677-8888.

B1,500-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Victory Monument.

Sunsilk Perfect Straight Presents Popular pop and rock acts Potato, Tattoo Colour, Joey Boy, DJ Spydamonkee and Tata Young, plus the Trasher Bangkok party crew, join forces at this UFO Dance arena, with Miss Thailand World 2014 Maeya as special guest. Mar 28, 6pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455. B800 from Thaiticketmajor.

music festivals Festival of India in Thailand A two-month Indian art and music festival, with performances taking place throughout Bangkok. Daksha Seth Dance Company performance takes place on Mar 13 at Aksra Theatre and the Indian Fun Fair will be at Thammasat University on Mar 22. An art exhibition at Chula runs from Apr 27May 10 and the festival ends with literary talks on May 25 at Chula. Through May 25, 6:30pm.

STAGE

dance Butoh Decade: The 10th International Butoh Festival Thailand 2015 In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the special dance festival features workshops (B500-1,000) and a one-show live performance by international performers Yumiko Yoshioka, Miguel Camarero, Sainkho Namtchylak and special guests. Suggested donations for performances at B500 (B400 for students). Reservations at 089-167-4039 or email bkkbutoh@gmail.com. Mar 13, 6pm; Mar 15, 8pm. Pridi Banomyong Institute, B-Floor Room, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-3813860-1, 08-6787-7155. Free.

One Night Stand This 90-minute contemporary solo dance

by Vidura Amranand integrates movement with text and audience interaction, questioning the idea of dignity through onenight stands. No performance on Mon-Tue. Advance tickets B400. Ticket information at 092-252-0024 and 081-441-5718. Mar 24-Apr 9, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B450.

MRT Lumphini.

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Disney's Beauty and the Beast

STAGE/CONTINUED

musicals Disney on Ice! Dare to Dream Meet your favorite Disney princesses, from Rapunzel (Tangled) and Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) to Cinderella and Snow White in a magical ice-skate musical. Performance in English on Mar 28 at 11am and Mar 29 at 7pm. Mar 26, 3pm; Mar 27, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; Mar 28, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; Mar 29, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02833-4455. B300-2,500.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Original Broadway Musical Spectacular The award-winning production returns to Bangkok after 13 years of successful performances.

Shows run Tue-Sun. 2pm performances every weekend. Through Mar 15, 7:30pm. Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre, 4/F, The Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,0004,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

ART

ongoing 15 Minutes German photo-artist Patrik Budenz captures the emotions of Muay Thai boxers as they leave the boxing ring at stadiums across Bangkok. The photographer won the New York Photo Award with his series "Post Mortem." Through Apr 26. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700.

A Light in Time

The gallery's main exhibition for the first half of 2015 explores how Thai art has been collected throughout history. Exhibits range from wellknown pieces to the work of previously underrated artists, amassed from the collections of both private individuals and organizations. Through Jun 14. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium

Design Plant 2.5 Young Thai furniture designers exhibit their new, innovative designs for a month, ahead of the International Fashion Fair 2015 at Impact Arena.

Through Mar 25. Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (RCAC), 84 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-422-8837.

Hope in the Darkness Bangkok artists Preecha Noulnim and Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon depict urban life in Thai society using various media. Through Mar 29.

Whitespace Gallery, 4/F, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/7-9, 02-235-2500, 081-699-5298.

Imply Reply: Huang Yong Ping and Sakarin Krue-on The avant-garde Chinese/French artist presents sculptures, installations and drawings from his previous collections together with the multimedia work of contemporary Bangkok artist Sakarin Krue-on. Through Apr 26. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02214-6630-8.

Joyful Khaen, Joyful Dance The gallery explores traditional Isaan folk music and culture, and its history, through a variety of music and narrative performances. Through Mar 31. Jim Thompson House & Art Center, Jim Thompson House, Soi Kasem San 2, Rama 1 Rd., 02-216-7368.

A memorial exhibition for Petite Fleur Lukae Paschal (Theresa Ann Moriarty), which combines her photographs, paintings and journals.

All her artwork will be for sale, and proceeds will be given as a grant for two International Community School students applying to pursue art or creative writing at university level.

Through Mar 31. Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, 440/10 Sukhumvit 55 (between Thonglor Soi 14-16), 091-573-6841.

Visual artists Jan Krogsgaard and Liam Morgan present a projection installation with an integrated sound system, creating different pieces that cannot be repeated despite strict control of the conditions. Through Mar 29, 10am. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium

Barry x Ball: Portraits and Photos

Letter from Rome

The internationally renowned sculptor from California exhibits his work for the first time in Asia, featuring various images based on his past Italian stone sculpture installations. Closing party on March 19, 2015 at 7pm. Through Mar 29.

100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-684-1527.

Build Your Own Bangkok Bangkok-born illustrator Kathy MacLeod presents an exhibition of large-scale drawings mapping out Bangkok as a series of eco-systems, each with its own unique inhabitants. Viewers are provided with field guides to learn about species from sex tourists to backpackers. Through Apr 11. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. BTS Thong Lo.

Copy-Paste The exhibition explores problems found in the Thai education system, featuring the work of seven artists who have been students and teachers in the system. Through May 9. Sombat Permpoon Gallery, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 1, 02-254-6040.

Disquiet Chiang Mai-based British artist Will Klose presents a series of realistic paintings based on his suburban London memories. Through Mar 31.

H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508.

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Crossover: The Unveiled Collection

Knowledge is Everything

An exhibtion of drawings by Siriswat Phanthumasut, aka Na Pat, the legendary artist from Silpakorn whose unique illustrations have regularly been featured in local magazines. Na Pat created this set of unseen drawings while studying at Academia di belle Art di Rome, Italy. Through Mar 31. Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71. BTS Phra Khanong

Luong Trung/Street Feelings A solo exhibition by the young Vietnamese contemporary artist, showing the changes to Hanoi, Vietnam, and its art scene over past years.

Through Apr 20. Artha Gallery, 5-7 Charoen Krung Soi 36, 02-630-9489.

Maitrii Art Exhibition A group art exhibition by Thai artists and the gallery's resident Indian artists, featuring sculptures, paintings and drawings that represent the history of the two cultures. Through Mar 31. The Seven Art Gallery, 1/F, Tara Sathorn Building, 119 Sathorn Soi 5, 02-639-2315.

Michael Shaowanasai presents...

A daring new collection of paintings, interactive sculptures and installations that ask the audience to look beyond seemingly sexual visuals.

Through Apr 19. The Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-0299.

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ART

Exhibitions Opening this Week

Truthful Energy

Print Make Print

TRUTHFUL ENERGY

LIFE IN MONOGRAM

Korean artist Young Ji Kim translates the energy and dynamism she finds in Bangkok through colorful and striking portraits of the people she confronts.

Silawat Poolsawat creates oil paintings from old photographic portraits of Asian women, revealing past ways of living, traditional culture and beliefs in Southeast Asia.

Dates: Opens Mar 17 at 6pm, runs through Dates: Opens Mar 13 at 6:30pm, runs Apr 19 through Apr 30 Venue: Chamchuri Art Gallery, Chulalong- Venue: Koi Art Gallery, 245 Sukhumvit Soi korn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-215- 13, 02-662-3218. MRT Sukhumvit 0871-3. MRT Sam Yan PRINT MAKE PRINT

Trairat Sriburin presents his huge collection The second part of the Paintbox Vol.3 series of prints, depicting the daily life of somesees photographs of fireworks taken by one who’s migrated from the countryside quirky American-Japanese artist Mance to Bangkok.

Thompson. Opening party on Mar 17 at 7pm, Dates: Opens Mar 14 at 6pm, runs through with live DJ, and a free welcome drink.

Mar 29 HANABI

Dates: Mar 13-23

Venue: National Gallery, 4 Chao Fa Rd., 02 Venue: Goja Gallery Cafe, 5/2 Pridi Ban- 281-2224 omyong Soi 3, 085-848-7576. BTS Phra Khanong

Myanmar: Recent Portraits by Hamid Sardar-Afkhami A preview of the filmmaker/photographer's ethno-religious portraits shot in the northwest region of Myanmar. Through Mar 22. Serindia Gallery, Room 3101, 3201, OP Garden, 4-6 Charoenkrung Soi 36, 02-238-6410.

New York Darkroom The art space turns into a darkroom for American-Swedish photographer Jesper Haynes' selected shots from his time in downtown New York in the 1980s and 1990s. Through Mar 29.

Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28, 089-508-3859.

Representing Localities: Memory and Experience Painter Therdkiat Wangwatchakul joins up-andcoming sculptor Rattana Salee in this exhibition curated by Rathsaran Sireekan. Through Mar 21. Thavibu Gallery, Room 433, 4/F, JTC Jewelry Trade Center, 919/1 Silom Rd., 02-266-5454.

State of the Ridiculous Tuksina Pipitkul and Wantanee Siripattananuntakul's new installation take over the gallery's main space, as well as H Project Space , to question how we relate to circumstances in the contemporary world. Through Apr 26. H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508.

Thai Neotraditional Art This exhibition brings together 50 pieces of work by six Thai artists who painted the walls of Buddhapadipa Temple, the first Buddhist temple in the UK, in 1987, including those of Professor Panya Vijinthanasarn, last year's National Artist in Visual Arts. Through Apr 26. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Room 499, Bejajinda Building, Wiphawadi-Rangsit Rd., 02953-1005-7.

Toystory The first exhibition by the new project Speedy Grandchild (2/F) features the work of Kunlapak Chintanakorn, who tells a personal story through objects from two of the seven houses he lived in. Through Mar 28. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28, 089508-3859.

Trunkated Tales The historic library's Rotunda Gallery and Cafe's new exhibition features the work of Millie Young, who captures images of elephants, the national animal of Thailand, through various media. Thailand National Elephant Day Fundraiser on Mar 13 featuring an auction of her paintings, and a children's event and artist's talk on Mar 14 and 28. Through Mar 29. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

BK Magazine Friday, March 6, 2015

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now NEIGHBORHOOD

Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2015

Asoke

Suit central by weekday, this ‘hood is also an underrated weekend destination.

The theme this year is "Catching the Creative Spirit." Designers from ASEAN fashion and leather industries showcase their products across more than 700 booths. Also expect workshops, fashion shows, seminars and more. Mar 14-15, 10am. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455. Free.

Bangkok Wonderland 68 Years of Vespa La Festa

ART/CONTINUED Peppina

Untie Group Exhibition Local artists Kittaya Poolsawatdi, Prang Jorakhet and Songwoot Kaewwisit show off their different experiences through various artistic styles free from creative restrictions. Through Apr 5. The Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-0299

HAPPENINGS

classes & workshops Contact Improvisation with Ralf Jaroschinski

Glow

Life in Monogram

Sun Dance Theater hosts two contact improvisation and alignment workshops, to be run by the international artist/chreographer.

Suggested donation is B150-B350. Contact Improvisation is a well-known form of postmodern dance. Suitable for dance students of all levels and disciplines. More information at 083-094-5950. Mar 19, 20, 1pm. Sun Dance Theatre, 5/F, Silom Society, 12/3 Silom Rd., 088-018-5966. Free. BTS Sala Daeng.

design exhibitions

Chu

Mark Fischer

Design Object Movement: Indonesia - the Philippines

Benjakitti Park

BRUNCH

Chu remains a popular brunch spot (see Cover Story, page 6), especially for its solid eggs Benedict (B290 with salmon). Its popular dark chocolate drinks and brownies have also been making regular appearances at pop-up markets lately.

2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-663-4554

The mini exhibition selects selects local, creative design products from Indonesia and the Philippines that have been adapted to meet global trends, as well as global products that have been adapted to meet local tastes.

Through Mar 31. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. Free.

BTS Phrom Phong.

sales & fairs In the Box Market "Summer Chill Out" Over 200 pop-up stalls by Instagram fashion brands and celebrity shops, plus homemade food and bakery goods, take over Square A, with live music and various activities by Mellow magazine. Mar 20-22, 2pm. CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. BTS Chit Lom. Free.

68 Years of Vespa La Festa An Italian-style carnival, with an exhibition of Vespas throughout the decades, with shows, game booths, a concert by Yellow Fang, Greasy Cafe, Scrubb, Stamp and Flure, as well and vintage flea market by Cheeze and Looker Magazines. There will also be an Italian Food Fair. Mar 14, 3:30pm.

Nang Loeng Race Course, Phitsanulok Rd. B200.

The Great Outdoor Market Back by popular demand, after its Bangkok Docklands debut late last year, this niche outdoor market serves up a garden deck full of eateries, mini cafes, designer pop-up stalls and a floating bar. Mar 13-15, 4pm.

Canapaya Riverfront, 888 Rama 3 Rd., 02-291-9499.

House and Condo Show #32 A comprehensive exhibition for those looking for houses and condos, with promotional packages on offer. Through Mar 15, 10am.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-2293000. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

CentralWorld will be filled with hundreds of white tents with the return of this designer market, offering jewelry, shoes, clothes, accessories to home decor and other lifestyle products. Expect lots of celebrity stalls. Mar 19-22, 10am. CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. BTS Chit Lom.

Zaap On Sale The massive shopping event returns for its third time, taking over Royal Paragon Hall with the usual parade of fashion items for the shoppers of Bangkok. Interested vendors can still book their spot at www.fb.com/zaaponsale. Mar 28-29, 12pm. Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. Free. Siam.

43rd National Book Fair & 13th Bangkok International Book Fair 2015 Expect a massive crowd to gather for the biggest book fair in Thailand, which brings together local and international books of all genres. Organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand. Mar 27-Apr 6, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

sports Run For Your Lives Thailand A new take on marathons. Participants who register as "survivors" must pass obstacles like the laser grid, blood pit, cage crawl, tire graveyard and zombies to reach the safe zone and receive a survivor medal. All participants must register at register.runforyourlivesthailand.com and claim their kit on the day. Post-run concert by local artists Lomosonic, The Mousses, Flure and DJ Roxy June with a food and drink fair. Mar 28, 8am.

Wonder World Fun Park, 41 Kanchanaphisek Rd. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

WHY NOT Wine and Dine to Stage Classics

CONTEMPORARY THAI ART

Koi Art Gallery (Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-3218) launches a new art exhibition on Friday, Mar 13, featuring the beautiful oil paintings of Silawat Poolsawat. Titled Life in Monogram, the works are inspired by old photographs of Asian women in decades past. Through Apr 30. The nearby La Lanta Fine Art (Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-204-0583) currently exhibits the debut solo exhibition of Thanawat Promsuk, who integrates woven yarns into prints on canvas in Love Interlaced. Through Apr 2.

New Broadway Company

BREAK TIME

For a coffee break, the first branch of the Chinese-chic Salapao Koouan (68 Soi Julin, Sukhumvit 21, 02-664-3231) makes a nice change from the cutesy cafes. It serves up traditional and creative steamed baos like krapao gai kai dao (B30) and other fried buns. Alternatively, you can hide away under the green patches of Benjakitti Park (Ratchadaphisek Rd., open daily 5am-8pm), a bit beyond Asoke intersection for a chill bike ride, or have a laugh on a duck paddle boat.

DINNER

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. Al Majlis (68/2 Soi Julin, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0212) offers a Moroccan-style escape, with Middle Eastern-inspired fusion food and live acoustic performances in the laid-back garden. You also have some of the best pizzas in town at Pala Pizza Romana (MRT Sukhumvit, 02-259-1228-9), which just opened a new branch in Silom, and Chef Paolo Vitaletti’s Peppina (27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-119-7677).

For Japanese, Isao (5 Sukhumvit 31. 02-258-0645) is a sleek option for sushi.

DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE

For rooftop drinks, try Axis & Spin (38-39/F, The Continent Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686-7000). Whisgars 23 (02-661-3220, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 23) is your place for whiskey and cigars, and hosts live blues every Friday night, featuring Keith Nolan. For a late, late night, hit infamous dance venue Glow (02261-3007, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23), which is the setting for Underground Circus this Saturday, Mar 14.

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Grand Opera Thailand

The Grand Opera Thailand brings back its opera dinner Classic Stories: Everlasting Memories every Friday this month at Angelini, Shangri-La Hotel. B2,200 for a four-course Italian dinner (B3,600 with wine-pairing) by chef Omar Ugoletti plus a classic opera performance of My Fair Lady on Mar 13, Fiddler on the Roof on Mar 20 and Love Conquers All on Mar 27. Reservations at 02-236-9952.

Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road. 02-236-7777.

BTS Saphan Taksin

More of a musical person? The New Broadway Company has also been running its monthly Magic of the Musicals at The St. Regis. At B1,850, you can enjoy tapas and unlimited white, red, sparkling wines and selected

Medici Kitchen & Bar

cocktails while watching a performance of the Sound of Music this Mar 27, Les Miserables on Apr 24 and Phantom of the Opera on May 29. Reservations at 02-2077777 or email fb.bangkok@stregis.com.

The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd. 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri

Alternatively, you can indulge in Chef Nicolino's culinary creations at Hotel Muse's Medici Kitchen & Bar, which also hosts live opera at 8:30pm every Monday to Saturday.

Hotel Muse Bangkok, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-630-4000. BTS Ratchadamri

BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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3/9/15 6:16 PM

now upcoming

GERMAN FILM WEEK 2015

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (USA) Action. In the ruins of a futuristic Chicago, Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) run from the power hungry Eridites, and search to discover why Tris’s family sacrificed their lives. Mar 19

Zhong Kui (China) Fantasy. Facing the forces of Heaven, Earth and Hell, the young Zhong Kui (Chen Kun) must use his powers to save his countrymen and the woman he loves. Mar 19

Life Partners (USA) Cinderella

West

FILM

opening Son of a Gun (USA) Action. A young convict, JR (Brenton Thwaites), escapes from prison with Australia’s most notorious criminal, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor). Together, they form an unlikely master-apprentice relationship, but as Lynch’s gang plans a gold heist, the two men soon turn against one another.

Cinderella (USA) Fantasy. Disney’s new live-action movie takes on the classic fairy tale of a young servant girl (Lilly James) in pursuit of her prince charming. Also stars Cate Blanchett.

Kaddish for a Friend

Love Is (Thai) Romance. A Thai-Chinese man must fight to be with his true love against his family’s wishes for an arranged marriage.

Run All Night (USA) Action. An aging professional hitman (Liam Neeson) fights to protect his estranged son (Joel Kinnaman) from a dangerous mob boss.

Everly (USA) Thriller. A popcorn flick about Everly (Salma Hayek), a woman holed up in her apartment by assassins sent by her ex.

Superfast (USA)

Jakob the Liar

From Mar 16–22, Bangkok’s German Film Week 2015, orchestrated by Goethe-Institut Thailand together with Paragon Cineplex, presents a multifaceted selection of fine German films from the postwar period to the present day.

THE GOLDEN GOOSE (CARSTEN FIEBELER, 2013) A beggar rewards a naïve but warm-hearted carpenter for his kindness by giving him a golden goose. Mar 16

Comedy. Undercover cop Lucas White (Alex Ashbaugh) joins a group of illegal street-racers who plan to rob the local kingpin of all his cash, which he keeps in a downtown Taco Bell.

Ode to My Father (Korea) Drama. Longing to reunite his family, North Korean refugee Deok-Su (Hwang Jung-min) tries to keep a promise he made to his father before they were separated by war.

La Famille Bélier (France)

In the summer of 1978, before the fall of the Berlin Wall, a mother and son journey from East to West Berlin after the death of their beloved father. Mar 17

Comedy. A French high-school girl must choose between advancing her singing career and taking care of her deaf family.

At SF Cinema CentralWorld.

JAKOB THE LIAR (FRANK BEYER, 1974)

now showing

WEST (CHRISTIAN SCHWOCHOW, 2014)

In 1944, a Polish-Jewish shop keeper is summoned to Nazi headquarters, where he overhears news concerning his community. After bringing the story home, rumor spreads that Jakob possesses a radio capable of picking up Nazi secrets. Mar 18

Cat a Wabb! (Thai) HHHHH

This road movie follows a man fleeing Berlin with the plan to reach southern Germany on foot. Mar 20

Romcom. Meyo (Pimchanok Luewisetpaiboon), an intern at an ad agency, develops a crush on her trainer, More (Arrak Amornsupsiri). Her hopes are quickly dashed, however, when she loses Johnny, the cat starring in a big commercial.

KADDISH FOR A FRIEND (LEO KHASIN, 2012)

Mor 6/5 Pak Mha Taa Kod Phee

THE MAN WHO JUMPED OVER CARS (NICK BAKER-MONTEYS, 2010)

As a 14-year-old boy in a Palestinian refugee camp, Ali Messalam learns nothing but hate for Jews, until he comes to depend on an old Jewish war veteran for support. Mar 21

EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES (R.A. STEMMLE, 1954) In this adaptation of a well-known children’s book, a boy traveling to Berlin during the war is robbed of the money he is carrying for his grandmother. He sets out to catch the thief with the support of the Berlin Boys. Mar 22 From Mar 16-22. Paragon Cineplex, 5/F, Siam Paragon 991 Rama 1 rd. BTS Siam. Free entry. Screenings start at 7pm, in German with English subtitles. For more information call 02-108-8231/32 or visit bit.ly/1ElosBT

(Thai) HHHHH Horror/Comedy. The third film in the teenage horror-comedy series sees the previous films’ characters finally graduate from high school and head on a trip to Phuket together before leaving for college.

Chappie (US) HHHHH Sci-Fi/Drama. The third feature film from the director of District 9 and Elysium tells the story of a police robot in a futuristic post-apocalyptic Earth that develops human feelings and thoughts.

Parasyte: Part 1 (Japan) HHHHH Horror/Action. This live-action adaptation of the phenomenally popular Japanese manga follows teenager Shinichi Izumi (Shota Sometani), who wakes up one day to find that his right hand has been replaced by a man-eating alien parasite.

Focus (US) HHHHH Drama/Comedy. Veteran con-artist Nicky (Will Smith) takes the seductive Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the tricks of the trade.

The Lazarus Effect (US) HHHHH Horror. Medical researchers Frank (Mark Duplass) and Zoe (Olivia Wilde) successfully develop a way to revive the dead. But when Zoe is killed in an accident, Frank is forced to use the method on her.

Predestination (Australia) HHHHH Action/Drama. Ethan Hawke stars as The Barkeep, an agent of the Temporal Bureau, a peace-keeping organization that sends agents back through time to stop major crimes.

Penguins of Madagascar (US) HHHHH Animation. Madagascar’s penguin spies must work with Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch) to stop the evil schemes of Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich).

Dragon Blade (China/Hong Kong) HHHHH Historical/Action . A Han dynasty squad commander (Jackie Chan) and a Roman general (John Cusack) try to escape China after successfully rescuing a hostage.

Comedy. The friendship between Sasha (Leighton Meester) and Paige (Gillian Jacobs) is put to the test when one of them gets serious with a guy for the first time.

Mar 19

2538 Al Ter Ma Jeep (Thai) Romcom. The social network-addicted Kong (Danaroon Ramnarong) finds himself transported back in time to the golden age of Bangkok’s alternative rock ’n’ roll scene, where he must help his teenage father meet his mother. Mar 19

Feel Good (Thai) Comedy. A high-school boy is assigned a school project under the subject of love.

Mar 19

The Way He Looks (Brazil) HHHHH Drama. This coming-of-age tale follows a blind teenager whose world is changed forever by the arrival of a handsome new classmate. At SF Cinema Centralworld Mar 19

free screenings Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for March is Filmed in Thailand. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight.

The Friese-Greene Club The schedule follows a daily theme. Films start from 8pm, visit www.fgc.in.th for the full line up and to reserve your seat.

259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795.

Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.

Birdman (US) HHHHH Drama/Comedy. Washed-up superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) organizes an ambitious Broadway production in the hopes of jump-starting his stagnant career and proving that he’s a real artist.

Unbroken (US) HHHHH Drama. Olympic runner Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) fights for survival in a WWII Japanese POW camp in this perilous tale of endurance.

Love Confession (Thai) HHHHH Drama. After a devastating break-up, Guy (Jirawat Manassanit) falls back on his best friend and first love Blue (Pornpimol Siyatong) for support, only to fall in love with her again.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (UK/US) HHHHH Action/Comedy. Secret service agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth) recruits Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), the talented-yet-delinquent son of a late spy, to the secret service, in order to thwart the villainous plans of Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson).

Fifty Shades of Grey (US) HHHHH Erotic drama. Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) grudgingly agrees to interview secretive millionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) for her sick friend, only to realize that she is powerfully attracted to him, and him to her.

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BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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3/6/15 7:21 PM

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): In the fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling,” the young hero suffers from a peculiar case of mistaken identity. He believes that he is a duck. All of his problems stem from this erroneous idea. By duck standards, he is a homely mess. He gets taunted and abused by other animals, goes into exile, and endures terrible loneliness. In the end, though, his anguish dissolves when he finally realizes that he is in fact a swan. United with his true nature, he no longer compares himself to an inappropriate ideal. Fellow swans welcome him into their community, and he flies away with them. Is there anything in this story that resonates with you, Pisces? I’m guessing there is. It’s high time to free yourself from false notions about who you really are.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): In the old Superman comics, Mister Mxyztplk was a fiendish imp whose home was in the fifth dimension. He sometimes sneaked over into our world to bedevil the Man of Steel with pranks. There was one sure way he could be instantly banished back to his own realm for a long time: If Superman fooled him into saying his own name backwards. You might think it would be hard to trick a magic rascal into saying “Klptzyxm” when he knew very well what the consequences would be, but Superman usually succeeded. I’d like to suggest that you have a similar power to get rid of a bugaboo that has been bothering you, Aries. Don’t underestimate your ability to outsmart the pest.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): In 1637, mathematician Pierre de Fermat declared that he had solved the “Last Theorem,” a particularly knotty mathematical problem. Unfortunately, he never actually provided the proof that he had done so. The mystery remained. Other math experts toiled for centuries looking for the answer.

It wasn’t until 1994, more than 350 years later, that anyone succeeded.

I think you are on the verge of discovering a possible solution to one of your own long-running riddles, Taurus.

It may take a few more weeks, but

36

you’re almost there. Can you sense that twinkle in your third eye? Keep the faith.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Your upcoming efforts might not be flawless in all respects, but I suspect you will triumph anyway. You may not even be completely sure of what you want, but I bet you’ll get a reward you didn’t know you were looking for. Cagey innocence and high expectations will be your secret weapons. Dumb luck and crazy coincidences will be your X-factors. Here’s one of your main tasks: As the unreasonable blessings flow in your direction, don’t disrupt or obstruct the flow.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): As soon as a baby loggerhead turtle leaves its nest on a Florida beach, it heads for the ocean. It’s only two inches long.

Although it can swim just one mile every two hours, it begins an 8,000mile journey that takes ten years.

It travels east to Africa, then turns around and circles back to where it originated. Along the way it grows big and strong as it eats a wide variety of food, from corals to sea cucumbers to squid. Succeeding at such an epic journey requires a stellar sense of direction and a prodigious will to thrive.

I nominate the loggerhead turtle to be your power animal for the coming weeks, Cancerian.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In 1961, 19-yearold Bob Dylan began doing solo performances of folk songs at New York clubs.

To accompany his vocals, he played an acoustic guitar and harmonica. By 1963, his career had skyrocketed. Critics called him a creative genius. Pop stars were recording the songs he wrote, making him rich. But he still kept his instrumentation simple, relying entirely on his acoustic guitar and harmonica. That changed in 1965, when he made the leap to rock and roll. For the first time, his music featured a full drum set and electric guitar, bass, and keyboards.

Some of his fans were offended. How dare he renounce his folk roots? I wonder if it might be time for you to consider a comparable transition, Leo. Are you willing to risk disorienting or disturbing those who would prefer you to stay as you are?

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): “Whoever travels without a guide needs 200 years for a two-day journey.” That’s an old Sufi saying sometimes attributed to the poet Rumi. I don’t think it’s accurate in all cases. Sometimes we are drawn to wander into frontiers that few people have visited and none have mastered.

There are no guides! On other occasions, we can’t get the fullness of our learning experience unless we are free to stumble and bumble all by ourselves. A

knowledgeable helper would only interfere with that odd magic. But right now, Virgo, I believe the Sufi saying holds true for you. Where you’re headed, you would benefit from an advisor, teacher, or role model.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): There’s a meme rolling around Tumblr and Facebook that goes like this: “Everyone wants a magical solution for their problems, but they refuse to believe in magic.” Judging from the astrological omens, I think this Internet folk wisdom applies to your current situation. As I see it, you have two choices. If you intend to keep fantasizing about finding a magical solution, you will have to work harder to believe in magic. But if you can’t finagle your brain into actually believing in magic, you should stop fantasizing about a magical solution. Which will it be?

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): I have taken a passage from a letter that Henry Miller wrote to Anais Nin, and I have chopped it up and rearranged it and added to it so as to create an oracle that’s perfect for you right now. Ready? “This is the wild dream: you with your chameleon’s soul being anchored always in no matter what storm, sensing you are at home wherever you are. You asserting yourself, getting the rich varied life you desire; and the more you assert yourself, the more you love going deeper, thicker, fuller. Resurrection after resurrection: that’s your gift, your promise. The insatiable delight of constant change.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): One of your important assignments in the coming week is to get high without the use of drugs and alcohol. Let me elaborate. In my oracular opinion, you sim-

ply must escape the numbing trance of the daily rhythm. Experiencing altered states of awareness will provide you with crucial benefits. At the same time, you can’t afford to risk hurting yourself, and it’s essential to avoid stupidly excessive behavior that has negative repercussions. So what do you think? Do you have any methods to get sozzled and squiffed or jiggled and jingled that will also keep you sane and healthy?

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Singer Gloria Gaynor recorded the song “I Will Survive” in 1978. It sold over two million copies and ultimately became an iconic disco anthem. And yet it was originally the B-side of “Substitute,” the song that Gaynor’s record company released as her main offering. Luckily, radio DJs ignored “Substitute” and played the hell out of “I Will Survive,” making it a global hit. I foresee the possibility of a similar development for you, Capricorn. What you currently consider to be secondary should perhaps be primary. A gift or creation or skill you think is less important could turn out to be pre-eminent.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 -Feb 18): I’m tempted to furrow my brow and raise my voice as I tell you to please please please go out and do the dicey task you’ve been postponing. But that would just be a way to vent my frustration, and probably not helpful or constructive for you. So here’s my wiser advice: To prepare for that dicey task, lock yourself in your sanctuary until you figure out what you first need to change about yourself before you can accomplish the dicey task. I think that once you make the inner shift, doing the deed will be pretty easy.

BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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last word

Vichit Mukura After working as head chef of Mandarin Oriental’s renowned Sala Rim Naam for nearly three decades, Vichit Mukura recently quit at the age of 52 to start Khao, a single table where he cooks Thai food for up to 12 guests. BK talks to him about his career as a chef and a farmer, and the future of Thai fine dining.

I’ve liked cooking since I was young. I was the youngest son and always hung around my mom—she loved to use me as her assistant in the kitchen.

millions of baht into their traditional Thai food; it was a huge responsibility.

The death of my mom changed my life. My dad told me to find a job after I finished ninth grade. I started out as a dishwasher at a hotel in Chonburi, my hometown. There were no Western chefs in Pattaya then; they were all Chinese.

Do the things you desire while you still have the power to do them. If you wait till you’re in your 60s or when you’re retired, how can you have the power to pursue your goals? That’s why I quit to start doing a chef’s table at my own place, Khao.

It’s Thai food with modern presentation.

I learned through experience. I moved around to learn different types of cooking from various kitchens, like Chinese food at Mandarin Hotel [Samyan], Western food at Regent and Hilton, and then I became a Thai chef at the Mandarin Oriental. I was there for 28 years.

That’s such a long time.

Our fine-dining potential is limited by a perceived Thainess. Thai food isn’t just about sharing the same meal. It can grow beyond this. At my chef’s table, I do away with the Thai tradition that everything is served in sharing portions. I only do single servings, so that everyone can taste every element of every dish.

Quitting my job at Mandarin Oriental wasn’t an easy decision. I enjoyed working at Sala Rim Naam, but deep inside, I’ve always had the desire to cook the way I want. At Sala Rim Naam there were certain rules I had to abide by. They put hundreds of

Elevating Thai food to fine-dining doesn’t mean losing Thai flavors.

Real Thai food tells the story of recipes that have been fine-tuned over centuries. It’s about knowing your ingredients and the right time to use them.

I do modern presentation, but I’m not interested in molecular dining.

Thai food is clean; it needs fresh produce. You need to go to the market to pick out the freshest ingredients and cook them straight away.

You should be able to taste the very essence of nature.

I love rice. I grow rice and eat rice.

That’s why I named my restaurant Khao [Thai for rice]—it’s the food I love most.

We should know our food best.

I chose to do a chef’s table because I want to present a journey and promote Thai food as an intimate experience. It lets you explain the origin of every dish and the cooking techniques behind them.

It’s good to have Michelin chefs here so Thais can get a taste of the world’s finest cuisine and learn how to develop our own. But we should know our food best; not wait for foreigners to tell us.

Most Thais know nothing about rice. I was embarrassed when, years ago, a foreigner asked me about rice and I couldn’t answer his question.

It’s shameful that we live in a country that has some of the best jasmine rice in the world, and yet we know nothing about it.

I’ve grown rice for five years now.

I bought land in my hometown especially to grow it; land that hadn’t yielded anything for 50 years.

my feelings. I get that through growing rice. I transplant the rice seedlings one by one all by myself.

Thai spicy salad is my favourite dish. I love that it’s got everything; it’s spicy, sour, sweet and salty. I also like pastes with lots of herbs in them, like nam prik khee ga.

It takes a mix of skills to be a good chef. You need to be able to teach people, take care of your people, manage them and know how to promote yourself. Needless to say, you can’t do it all alone.

Be a frank person. I love to speak out, instead of bottling things inside me—that’s a sure-fire way to add stress to your life. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan and Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Khao, 64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 098829 -8878. Open daily 6:30 -11pm.

BTS Thong Lo

Growing rice isn’t an easy task at all. My wife warned me that the sun would burn my face, but I don’t care.

I experience the beauty of the world not through my eyes, but through

BK Magazine Friday, March 13, 2015

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