BK Magazine May 08, 2015 by BK Magazine

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it's free! We’re melting

BK MAGAZINE NO. 588 FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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page 3 6 cover story

See Singapore

#prayforslaves

Hi guys! 16 fashion

18 beauty

High Time

Local Legends

22 bites

27 bk now

Surasak Feasts

Katy Perry, OMG! 29 neighborhood

31 last word

Ari in a Day

Rotsaniyom

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 Associate Doungporn Wanasinchai

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, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong, Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Natchaya Angsatitanan Cover by Peeraya Sirathanisa

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

Group Directors

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

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

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@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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contest, updates, stories

OH MY GOD. Have you heard about how we have slaves and all in Thailand? That is sooo GoT. [Yes, that’s stands for Game of Thrones, grandpa]. I totally wanna go Khaleesi on those fishermen’s asses and breathe fire on their boats to totally free them. Then I’ll be their queen and go free Pattaya from the Sexpats of the West. But right now, I don’t have a dragon. Bummer. Good thing we have Dear Leader, who’s nearly as bad-ass, especially when he’s on a motorcycle and firing lasers through his eyes while shooting truffle foam from his snouts. Go get ‘em, Dear Leader!

Who's in charge? General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

It’s Pancake! Your favorite dek inter from Mader Tei School!

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We can help, too! Here’s how. First you can hashtag all your stuff #prayforslaves. It totally sux balls being stuck on a boat with like nothing to do. I know cuz I had to go on my friend’s yacht in Phuket and it was majorly boring I thought I would die and where are the NGOs when you need them? So yeah, when you’re checking your instagram, and you see others care, you feel better. So get those hashtags going, Mader Funkers! Also, we totally have to boycott Thai fish. First of all, Thai fish is eww. Thai people pee and poop in the ocean whereas in Japan, people are really clean and use toilets that blow dry your butt. Plus, they don’t have slaves. So show you totally care and switch to tuna and other totally Japanese fish like salmon, which comes from their feeyords and can also be used to make Hibiki whiskey. I know cuz that’s all my brother drinks now. He says Scotch gives him IBS (that’s irritable bowel syndrome, EWW!). We also want to tell our friends in Burma to never get on a stranger’s boat—even if you’re being told it’s a really, really nice boat. Pretti’s parents once went on this cruise, and the pictures looked really nice on the website and all, but they said that the food was really so-so and the cabin smelled of mildew and everyone was super old, which is cray-cray considering her parents are annncieeeent. So I got this #osom idea: a kind of tripadvisor for boats, that people could use to get honest reviews about the living conditions and all. I’ll put it up on kickstarter and if we get a few mill in the first days, we can rent a co-working space and totally brainstorm some video ideas to raise awareness. Peace out! xoxox Pancake #prayforslaves

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Land grabs

Not: Beach cleanups

So you canceled your holiday to Phuket’s Mai Khao Beach because there’s nowhere to sit, no umbrellas and no one to hand you a cold one. Instead, you made plans for some country resort in Khao Yai. Well that’s not happening either, as the boys in green are cracking down on Kirimaya and Bonanza as part of their fight against land encroachment.

Hot: Steak frites

Not: Siam Banana

Another week, another showdown over dubious claims to an original idea, that isn’t really original and isn’t from these here parts. This time, we’re seeing Le Boeuf duking it out with L’Entrecote de Paris. None of these places are related to L’Entrecote in Paris, which is just as well since Cafe de Paris sauce wasn’t even invented in Paris. Confused? See page 24.

STREET TALK With the final round of Miss Tiffany Universe 2015 taking place on May 8 in Pattaya, we spoke with one of the most high-profile cosmetic surgeons in Thailand, Dr. Greechart Pornsinsirarak, 55, who sees around 10 gender reassignment patients every month at Yanhee Hospital in Bangkok. Here, he discusses his work and how Thailand’s transgender community has changed. How did you become a cosmetic surgeon?

Hot: Dubious brand associations

Not: Fashion cafes

Would you like a deodorant company to fix you a cup of coffee? Are you tantalized by the idea of a German engineering firm making you lunch? Of course you are. That’s why there’s now an Axe coffee shop on the G/F of Siam Center and a Mercedes-Benz cafe at Emporium (see page 20). This all makes fashion cafes very last season despite the opening of another Onion in Ari (see page 29).

Hot: Sathorn Unique Not: Maya Beach photographers tourists Turns out Sathorn’s abandoned skyscraper isn’t so abandoned after all. First came the video of foreigners base jumping, next was the Youtube clip of foreigners free running, and now the news that, on any day of the week, its top floors are as busy with Thai photographers as Koh Phi Phi Leh’s most famous film set is with daytripping tourists.

I studied general surgery. Cosmetic surgery is something I picked up along the way. It requires artistic skills and craftsmanship—it’s crucial for cosmetic surgeons to have artistic skills. What do you need to consider before carrying out a sex change operation? Our patients need to have felt as though they were a woman since a young age. We will not operate on those who just one day decide to transform their gender. They have to show significant commitment to living as that gender: dressing like a woman, taking female hormones, not playing with their original sexual organs.

he came back and asked to be changed back. It is possible to do a penis implant but it will never be the same. We respect everybody’s decision. His psyche is still female; it was his family that forced him to do it. Do you provide any post-operation counseling? The operation is the final process. We don’t necessarily need to do that because we have fulfilled the patient’s needs and assessed that they are finally become a woman. They’re in perfectly good condition both physically and emotionally. If we had to provide post-operation counseling, that would mean we hadn’t carefully evaluated the patient to begin with.

Have any of your patients regretted their decision?

Have you seen Thailand’s acceptance of transgender people change?

There was one German guy who passed the pre-operation evaluation. But within the next two years

In the past they were really confined to small groups—men were fearful to express themselves as gay, let

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alone as women. Today, both the media and the number of people willing to come out set a better example for men in the same situation. But social acceptance doesn’t mean that the number [of gender reassignment patients] has changed. We have about 10 customers per month, which is the same as when I started. How would you like to see the cosmetic surgery industry in Thailand change? I would like to see more doctors working ethically. It doesn’t seem to be many doctors’ primary concern—so customers need to be careful with their decision. Do your research first and don’t think that you can achieve everything you see on the internet. Interview by Sam Nathapong. Visit misstiffanyuniverse.com to see the contest finalists

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Running Wild Thanks to spacious, interconnecting parks and tree-lined pathways, Chatuchak is a Bangkok runners’ paradise.

Healthy JJ Running not your thing? There are plenty more healthy activities on offer in the area.

Chatuchak is one of the very few districts in Bangkok with parks big enough to satisfy marathon runners’ training needs. It’s even the destination of choice for many of the city’s top running events, including TMB's Park Run, the TBCA Mini Marathon and RMHC Kids' Mini Marathon. For this very reason, the area has become a hot-spot for those who like to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle. “Training in a small park leaves you no choice but to face the same view over and over again, which makes it boring,” says Wanwasa Kaewchompoo, a full-time banker and avid runner who often trains in the Chatuchak neighborhood. “That’s why the 2.5km lap of Chatuchak Park is just right.”

Yoga Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (aka Suan Mokkh) is in collaboration with Thai Yoga Institute (Folk Doctor Foundation) to organize free yoga lessons. Classes are held in Suan Mokkh, which is located at the entrance of Rodfai Park, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-6:30pm and the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am-noon. Yoga mats are provided. For more information, contact 02-7322016-17.

Wanwasa normally comes to train at Chatuchak Park after work, sometimes with a couple of friends, sometimes just by herself. But, in spite of coming at quite late hours, “I totally feel safe running here,” she says. “The guards do their job really well and are always around. Even after dark in Bangkok, I don’t have to feel at all worried.”

“As both Rodfai Park and Chatuchak Park are connected, it just simply feels great to continuously run such a big lap. It’s leafy. It’s huge. What else could a runner ask for? ”

Vachirabenjatas Sport Centre Here, you’ll find plenty of activities on offer. With an annual fee of only B40, you can gain access to the sport center’s full facilities, including swimming pool, outdoor courts for football, basketball, petanque and more. Registration hours are 10am-4pm. Bring a copy of your ID card and a medical certificate. For more information, contact 02-272-4844. You can use most of the facilities for free but there are some exceptions.

Thanks to excellent transportation links, with both BTS and MRT lines as well as a big car park right by the BTS station, the area is not just easy to access, but within convenient reach of other areas for a nutritious postworkout meal. “You can easily head over to Ladprao or back to Ari for a nice place to eat after training,” says Wanwasa.

Swimming B15 per 1:30hr. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. Tennis B35 per hour. Court reservation can be made from 10am daily. Gym Free of charge. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm.

Fellow runner and triathlon athlete Suparaporn Asawathipaibul, agrees. “I go straight to Or Tor Kor Market where there’s so much healthy and yummy food to choose from,” she says. Suparaporn also chooses to train in the Chatuchak district. Though there are other parks in Bangkok, her reasons for favoring Chatuchak are simple: “As both Rodfai Park and Chatuchak Park are connected, it just simply feels great to continuously run such a big lap. It’s leafy. It’s huge. What else could a runner ask for?"

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cover story

The Singapore Hot List Get there before the rains hit. Here are the coolest things in Singapore right now. By Asia City Editorial

Ku De Ta

bars

bars Der Raum and Tippling Club. The space is sleek but not uptight, with a bar counter accented by lime green tiles, black leather bar stools (the best seats in the house) and comfortably dim lighting. The focus is obviously on cocktails—fun tipples like Walking Dead (SG$25), made with spices and a secret blend of 13 different rums and garnished with a candy eyeball—but there are also some nice bar nibbles like chorizo Iberico bellota (SG$8) and prosciutto di Parma (SG$8). On the stereo is a mix of old school R&B and feel-good tunes.

28 Hong Kong Street It’s all very hush-hush (no signage, just a nondescript door) at this neat cocktail bar. The almost non-existent lighting from old-fashioned bulbs creates a great speakeasy vibe to match the sassy menu of drinks with names like Whore’s Bath (SG$22), which features Manuka honey vodka, umeshu, poire William liqueur, lemon, pickled ginger. We also like the Clark County Cousin (SG$22), a wonderfully balanced concoction of black pepper-infused Laphroaig, housemade grilled peach marmalade, lemon and bourbon. Unlike most cocktail bars, the food is pretty damn good. Try the meltin-your-mouth Reuben sandwich with pastrami and cheese (SG$16).

Sugarhall

Ku de Ta OK, so Bangkok has its own Ku De Ta now, but Singapore’s venue is still something well worth heading over to Marina Bay Sands for, sitting 200 meters above ground with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. The luxurious, 14,500-sq-foot space features three separate outlets: restaurant, club lounge and poolside terrace—the definitive destination for high rollers in town for one night. Signature cocktails start at $24.

28 Hongkong St., +65 6533-2001. Open Mon-Wed 5:30pm-1am; Thu 5:30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-3am. MRT Clarke Quay

Good Beer Company/Smith Street Taps This pop-up stall selling craft beer on tap—the first of its kind—is a collaborative effort between craft beer stalwart The Good Beer Company (right next door) and bottle shop Brewer’s Craft (#01-191 Blk 354, Clementi Ave. 2, 98152613. www.brewerscraft.com.sg). It’s basically your usual kopitiam (Singaporean drinks stall) setup with no frills. Choose from a discerning selection of craft beer on tap such as Brewdog Mashtag (SG$13/pint), Thornbridge Kipling South Pacific Pale Ale (SG$12/pint) and Jungle Beer Vanilla Porter (SG$9/pint), and take a seat on the plastic chairs with the expat young professional crowd.

57/F Skypark, Marina Bay Sands , Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., +65 6688-7688. Open daily noon-3pm for lunch; Sat-Sun 11:30am-1:30pm for brunch; Sun-Wed 6-11pm, Thu-Sat 6-11:30pm for dinner; midnight-late for club lounge

Sugarhall

Ku De Ta

Casual, unpretentious fare in a relaxed environment. The mix of high and low tables and clean white furniture juxtaposed with wood elements and a clock made of kitchen utensils catches your eye as much as the plates of food coming out of the kitchen. Dishes like grilled bacon chop glazed with maple syrup (SG10) and lamb salad with organic abalone mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini and aubergine use the freshest ingredients and beautifully balance sweet and salty flavors.

Sugarhall The folks from Jigger & Pony, an all-American grill and rum bar in Chinatown, have followed it up with this Japanese-centric cocktail bar right next door. It has that same industrial thing going on as half the new places in Bangkok, with a wooden crate-like structure serving as backlit bar shelving, communal tables with high chairs, exposed light fixtures hanging from hemp ropes and an indie meets rock ’n’ roll playlist. As well as reinvented classic cocktails (all SG$22) like the fantastic Ron Negroni (Plantation Grande Reserve rum, velvet Falernum, Mancino Rosso and Campari) be sure to try the barbecue food. A juicy hanger steak with chimichurri sauce will set you back SG$24—surprisingly restrained for this town.

Long Chim

Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Rd., +65 6336-6949. Open TueSat 6:30-9:45pm; Sat 11:30am-4pm; Sun 11:30-2:45pm. MRT Bras Basah

Long Chim

102 Amoy St., +65 6222-9102. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. MRT Telok Ayer

Cufflink Club

RESTAURANTS Artichoke

#02-62 Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith St., +65 9430-2750. Open Tue-Sat 6:30-10:30pm. MRT Chinatown

This newbie Chinatown shop-house renovation is headed by a mixologist who’s worked at award-winning Melbourne

6 Jiak Chuan Rd., +65 9694-9623. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-1am; Sat 6pm-1am. MRT Outram Park

Long Chim

Artichoke

World’s Best Restaurants-lauded David Thompson has brought his studied and wonderfully executed Thai cooking to Singapore. A far cry from Bangkok’s Nahm, this sprawling space matches street food motifs with Wong Kar Wai-esque lushness, featuring a long open kitchen, graffiti from our most celebrated street artists, retro Thai cinema pop-art and luxurious booths. On the menu are small plates like the tart and toothsome seafood vermicelli salad and earthy Chiang Mai mixed chicken salad. On the cocktail front, try Tears of the Black Tiger (mezcal, sherry and tamarind). L2-02 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., +65 6688-7299. Open daily 6pm-midnight. MRT Bayfront

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cover story Esquina This intimate space by hotelier-restaurateur Loh Lik Peng and Jason Atherton of London’s Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social doesn’t take reservations but the food is well worth the wait. Tapas is the name of the game; executive chef Andrew Walsh makes superb wagyu beef rump with fried oyster, oyster mayonaise and dashi jelly (SG37) and baked sea-bass with heirloom tomatoes, sweet garlic, black olive and charred squid (SG32); best washed down with Spanish brews like Ferran Adria’s Estrella Damm Inedit, sherry or Cava.

Esquina

16 Jiak Chuan Rd., +65 6222-1616. Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm; MonSat 6-10:30pm. MRT Outram Park

Meat Smith An American smokehouse by the Unlisted Collection restaurant group, this cozy brick-and-concrete place on the party bit of Telok Ayer Street specializes in meats smoked on premises, bourbon and picklebacks (that is, shots of whiskey chased by shots of pickle brine). 167 Telok Ayer St., MRT Telok Ayer Esquina

Violet Oon’s Kitchen

Monocle Cafe and Shop

With various cookbooks and television appearances to her name, Violet Oon is Singapore’s don of Nyonya (or Peranakan) cuisine, which fuses flavors from all over East Asia. Her new family-run establishment—her children are co-owners and help to keep things running smoothly—is cozy and welcoming, with full-flavored Nyonya classics such as beef rendang (SG24), as well as fusion dishes including black pepper prawn pasta (SG25) and Western offerings like shepherd’s pie (SG19). 881 Bukit Timah Rd., +65 6468-5430. Open Tue-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 10:30am-11pm; Sun 10:30am-10pm Strangelets

Shops Strangelets Sick of mass-produced items that everyone seems to have? This design boutique will provide that breath of fresh air. Established in 2008, Strangelets is still one of the best spots in town for wild and wow furnishings and curious accessories sourced from all over the world, like porcelain wares from Studio Gu and a side tables from Mark Product.

Wanderlust

7 Yong Siak St., +65 6222-1456. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. MRT Tiong Bahru

Strangelets

Monocle Cafe and Shop

Curated Records

The magazine, famous for everything super hip and desirable, now has a bureau, store and cafe in the quiet Chip Bee Gardens. The predominantly residential neighborhood is a blank canvas for the shop peddling everything utilitarian, chic and super-luxe. Think bags, suits, pocket squares, home and desk accessories, as well as backdated issues of the magazine. There’s also a small cafe space integrated into the shop where you can sip on coffee while browsing the selection. 74 Jalan Kelabu Asap, Singapore, 278267, +65 6475-1791. Open daily 11am-8pm. MRT Holland Village

Lululemon Athletica There are still a few brands left which Singapore has and we don’t. This must-have sportswear brand has just opened its first ever Asian store at ION Orchard. The interior is pretty minimalist with lots of blond wood, bright lighting and peppy sales assistants. Although yoga-inspired, Lululemon has all your classic workout gear. Leggings, running shorts, sports bras and singlets dominate, with a smaller range of accessories like sports bags, sweat bands and yoga mats. Leggings range between SG$100-150, singlets SG$70100, sports bras and shorts from SG$70 and sweat bands SG$22. #B1-11 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Open daily 10am-10pm. MRT Orchard

Curated Records

Lululemon Athletica

hotels Heritage Revamp

Capella Singapore Everything from the reception area in a restored colonial villa to the tumbling, three-tiered swimming pool elicits involuntary murmurs of awe on arrival. It’s a sprawling complex, meaning plenty of privacy and a buggy to get down to the tennis court. Our only gripe—a few too many mosquitoes. All the more reason to keep your balcony door shut and bask in the widescreen views. Rooms start at $520 per night.

As the name suggests, this independent record store has a carefully curated range of vinyl, from mainstream hits to small indie releases. The tiny shop space squeezes in over a thousand records covering pop, electronic, folk and rock ’n’ roll, with prices starting from SG$27.

1 The Knolls, +65-6377-8888

#01-53 55 Tiong Bahru Rd., +65 6438-3644. Open Tue-Sun 1-8pm. MRT Outram Park

Singaporean hotelier Loh Lik Peng owns a range of design-savvy boutique hotels including 1929 and New Majestic Hotel. This one

Affordable Style

Wanderlust

Violet Oon’s Kitchen

features flight-of-fancy room categories like the space-themed Whimsical room, which features egg-shaped chairs, soft-toy aliens, walls aglow with LEDs and a king-sized bed accessed by ladder. The location is convenient, within walking-distance of the MRT and only 10 minutes from the main shopping drag on Orchard. Rooms start at SG180 per night. Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd., +65-6396-3322. MRT Bugis

Budget Crash-pad

The Pod Think Tokyo capsule hotel crossed with stylish contemporary hostel. The property has 83 beds starting at just SG89 per night. What the spaces lack in size they make up for in cleanliness and well-considered minimal design—these are not the kind of dorms you stumble into drunk at 3am. Within walking distance you’ll find the lively Arab Quarter and Bugis Village for street snacks and shopping. 289 Beach Road Level 3, +65 6298 8505. www.thepod.sg

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Direct Flights

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Wanderlust

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Pinnyada Tanitnon

TAIPEI

Massive Makeover The 25-year-old Grand Hyatt Taipei (www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com) was recently stripped to its bare bones and redesigned from scratch, trading its classic primness for a more modern, less-formal vibe. The reopened hotel, now decked out in relaxed muted colors, boasts a whole new level of comfort with its new deep-soaking bathtubs, goose-down duvets and sophisticated lighting. The makeover also comes with the opening of two new restaurants and a brand new open kitchen and decor for the hotel’s well-known Club Lounge, serving Eastern and Western comfort foods. Room rates vary according to season, but currently start at approximately B9,700 per night.

CHIANG MAI

Japan Town Chiang Mai just welcomed a new Japanese-themed community mall complete with all the Nippon signifiers like red cochins hanging on bamboo poles, drymulched roads and walkways, and wooden structures with curved eaves. Located right by the Ping River, Hako Town (www.fb.com/hakotownchiangmai) is home to an array of reasonably-priced Japanese-style street-stalls and restaurants. Like its Bangkok sister Hako Town (www.fb.com/ hakotown), it also serves as an event venue for Japanese fairs, flea markets and outdoor concerts. While you’re there, stop by the Maru Sembei stall for some crispy ebi sembei (B38), or if you’re looking for something light and sweet, head to one of the dessert stalls for a yogurt-based ice cream (B49). The mall opens its doors from 4-10pm on Mon-Thu and 11am-10pm on Friday-Sunday.

PATTAYA

Beach, Bunnies, Bikinis

Songkran and wan lai may be over, but Pattaya is still down to party. Release your inner wild child by the beach on May 16 at Playboy’s Hideaway Night: Secret Party on the Beach at Zign Hotel (555/65 Moo 5, 12 Naklua Rd., 038-909-800, www.thezignhotel. com) with free-flow beer all night long. The party will feature artists signed to the Bakery Music label such as POP Pause and Pod Modern Dog, DJs Cleo and Aopsher, as well as shows starring Thailand’s Playboy Bunnies. Single tickets cost B1,800 and a bundle including two tickets and a hotel room costs B5,500. Tickets can be purchased at ow.ly/LPzjh.

HUA HIN

Run for the Forest On May 21, runners, nature lovers and active families can head to Hua Hin for the Preserve Hua Hin Run, where they can participate in one or more of the following events: the half marathon, quarter marathon or 3km fun run. The race will start at the Hin Lek Fai Hill with the path cutting through many of Hua Hin’s popular landmarks and a forest, before finishing back by the hill. The fees for the half marathon, quarter marathon and fun run are B400, B300 and B250, respectively, and registered runners will receive a T-shirt and finishers’ medal. All proceeds of the race will go towards the conservation of Hua Hin’s last mangrove forest. For more information and registration, visit goo.gl/z17C7G.

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

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avenue

HOSTEL

Cool Yard It seems hostels are not just places for tourists to sleep anymore; they’re also hangout spots for locals. Tucked down Phahon Yothin Soi 5 in ever-happening Ari, The Yard Bangkok is a new hostel with a shipping-container façade and a large garden for day-and-night activities. Rooms include the boutique hotelstyle private garden for two (B1,500/room/night), private room for four featuring two double-bunk beds (B2,500/room/night), mixed four-bed dorm (B650/ person/night) and six-girl room (B550/person/night). The highlight for us locals is the spacious yard where you can spend the day on your laptop with a bottle of Singha (B75). The owners say there’s also a proper coffee shop to come. 51 Phahon Yothin Soi 5, 089-677-4050. theyardhostel.com

FASHION

BEAUTY

GROOMING

It’s Personal

Pastel Perfect

Hot Cut

Founded by former singer and actress Buachompoo Ford and her friends including Plearnwan owner Patra Sahawat and GMM Grammy stylist Siwaporn “Mamm” Moonnoi, Tuaton is the latest streetwear brand to join Siam Square. The label, whose name means “identity” in Thai, offers simple men’s and women’s pieces that are easy to mix and match. Highlights of the first collection include the grey off-shoulder top (B590), olive short jumpsuit (B1,290) and brown linen suit (B1,890). 1/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02-001-5707. Open daily 11am-9pm. BTS Siam

Chic US cosmetic brand M.A.C. has a new collection that harkens back to the 60s through pastel shades in products like creamy peach lipstick (B830), Doll Me Up pastel mint green nail lacquer (B650) and Wow Factor lavender eye-paint pot in satin (B800). Spanning a total 16 colors from sparkly burgundy to intense black, the Pro Longwear Fluidline gel liners (B850) are said to be long-wearing and smudge-proof. Released at the same time, the Eyes on M.A.C. eye palette (B1,850) is a combination of nine eyeshadow shades ideal for a smokey-eye look. Available at M.A.C. Cosmetic counters nationwide; try M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

Situated right beside Carl’s Jr. on Soi Thaniya, the retro-styled David No. 5 is the new spot for street barber Yothin Kulsamrong “Yo”. It’s open during the unusual hours of 5pm-4am and any rockabilly style will set you back B200: no shampoo; just cut, razor, set and dry. Yo can design your look or you can choose from the shop’s picture menu of classic cuts. Reservations are recommended as there are only two seats and two barbers. Feel like just walking in? Near the parking gate between Yada Building and Thaniya Plaza, Silom Rd., 093-001-2371. BTS Sala Daeng

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ADVERTORIAL

Heineken

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avenue FASHION

Time Savers

Seven watches you can be proud of that cost under B25,000. By Sam Nathapong 1

1 TSOVET

3 SWATCH YVB402

5 BULBUL PEBBLE WATCH

7 NIXON

JPT-PW 36

Destination NYC

Pebble 03

Why we like it: The domed crystal screen, the Horween leather strap with all-important hand stitches near the lugs and off-white face with sans-serif numerals make this a retro gem.

Why we like it: Black is cool, Swatch is cool and retro-looking sports chronographs are cool. With its black ion-plated steel case, black dial and black fabric strap, we think this is the brand’s best looking yet.

Why we like it: With its curvaceous looks and Italian brown leather strap, this matt steel timepiece from Germany is simply beautiful.

Price: B8,145 Available at: Loft, 3F, Siam Discovery. www. tsovet.com 2 TISSOT TRADITION

Perpetual Calender Why we like it: This contemporary watch with perpetual calendar, brown leather strap and steel bracelet balances classic details with a subtly vintage look. Price: B11,800 Available at: Tissot stores nationwide. Try M/F ,Siam Paragon.

Price: B6,300 Available at: Swatch stores nationwide. 1/F, CentralWorld. 4 MVMT

White Face/Tan Leather Why we like it: This awesome offering from the under-the-radar company from Oakland in the States is their only watch with a slick white face. Price: Under B4,000 Available at: www.mvmtwatches.com

Price: B13,000 Available at: www.bulbul.dk 6 BRAUN BN106

Gunsmith Collection: The Time Teller Why we like it: This popular brand’s latest collection features details like minimal hour markers, darkened steel clasps and rough brown leather straps that are simultaneously vintage and modern. Price: B2,865

EasySkroll

Why we like it: Braun’s clocks and watches have a load more style than their razors thanks to a long connection with the modernist German designer Dieter Rams. This latest digital offering carries his characteristic uncluttered look thanks to a single-control scrolling wheel.

Available at: Nixon shops nationwide. Try CentralWorld. www.nixon.com

Price: B21,900 Available at: Braun stores nationwide. Try M/F, Siam Paragon. www.braun-clocks.com/ watches

OPEN STORE Another Story The buzz: Located on the fourth floor of Emquartier’s Helix Building, this new concept store gathers designer products from all over the world with a heavy focus on stationery and home decor, plus some fashion. The huge one-stop space also comprises a gallery, cafe and flower shop. The products: Here you can find over 160 imported brands, with another 70 from Thailand, displayed over seven different zones. The 3.0 is a tech zone which houses brands such as Australian phone accessories specialists Native Union and Bangkok’s Studio Hole. Right beside it, Funky Zone focuses on fun gadgets for the house like tea infusers from Luckies of London. Lush Zone is all about aromatherapy products from the likes of Bsab Thailand, while Parisian Chic comprises fashion from France like handmade Veja shoes and Reiko jeans. Coastal Zone is a mix of resort-wear

and home decor under a coastal theme, with brands like Ancient Greek Sandals and Le Slip Francais swimwear. The Script offer stationery from local favorites Gray Ray, Labrador and Midori together with inter brands like Papier Tigre. Cozy Zone features stylish home decor, from imported Serax kitchenware to Tom Dixon brassware and products from local names Plural Design, PDM Brand, Karv Design and Alltag. The cafe is no afterthought, featuring sweets from Issaya Siamese Club, baked goods from Amantee, butter and cheese from Jean Yves Bordier and wine supplied by Wine Garage. The Yellow Korner is a gallery space with permanent and rotating exhibitions, while the Plant House is a flower shop. 4/F, Helix Building, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6138/9. BTS Phrom Phong.

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avenue BEAUTY

FASHION

Here and Wow

Hearts are Hot It’s not just Comme de Garcons. Thai designers are going crazy about hearts this season.

The reincarnation of Srichand Powder has gained the old Thai brand rave reviews. But it’s not the only local beauty brand worth checking out. By Natchaya Angsatitanan

Shades, Sretsis, B6,900 2/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5874. BTS Chit Lom/ Phloen Chit

Madame Heng

Square bag in pink Champagne, Tu’i, B12,900 2/F Thai Thai zone, Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloen Chit Rd. 02-793-7777. BTS Chit Lom

Srichand Powder

Madame Heng The brand: Since 1949, it has grown from a family-run operation producing no-brand soap into the renowned Madame Heng herbal soap formula. Today, the product line also includes mask powder, lotion and herbal beverages. Our pick: The classic Merry Bell. Despite its strong smell, the soap works wonderfully for acne, especially on the back, as well as body odor improvement—an ideal skin soap for Asian skin in hot and humid climates. Where to get it: Madame Heng shops nationwide; try B1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. BTS Siam. Other branches at www.madameheng.com/branch.asp Price: B35

Abhaibhubejhr The brand: Well-known for its Ma Kham Pom sore throat liquid and many more herbal extract supplements certified by GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), Abhaibhubejhr also has a line of skincare products made with herbal ingredients. Our pick: The Alcohol-Free Herbal Toner. It’s mild, perfect for sensitive skin, and packed with natural ingredients: Indian gooseberry, gotu kola and cucumber. Since it’s alcohol-free, it leaves your face feeling soft without the loss of natural moisture.

Abhaibhubejhr

Our pick: The extra virgin coconut oil, to use as a makeup remover. Why? It’s chemical-free and full of vitamin E. Coconut oil is also a high-performance cleanser. Where to get it: Gourmet Market, G/F, The Glass Quartier, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. More info at www.fb.com/nuttarinbrand or 02-184-9680

The brand: Born in 1948, the aunties’ favorite cosmetics brand has now been given a vintage makeover that retains the original brand image while hauling it into the 21st century. Our pick: Srichand Translucent Powder. This new release is an heir to the brand’s classic “pink powder,” and works really well for controlling oily skin while smoothing the surface and leaving a matte texture. Where to get it: Eve & Boy store nationwide; try Siam Square, 186 Soi Siam Square 1, 02-252-7566. BTS Siam Price: B280

3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.commitasin.com

“If you’re looking for a very matte oil-control powder, Srichand Translucent Powder is really good for using with sunscreen or as a touch-up during the day. However, it doesn’t suit dark complexions or use with a heavy base foundation—it may leave a powder stain.” Kwankhao Sumalee, makeup artist at Pretty Potion by Kwankhao

Arty Professional

Shirt, Sretsis, B6,100 2/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5874. BTS Chit Lom/ Phloen Chit

The brand: Founded in 2000, Arty Professional is an extension of the brand BSC that specializes in cosmetics. It offers Thai customers products designed for a variety of skin types at affordable prices.

Nuttarin

Where to get it: Cosmetics zone, 1F, Robinson Rama 9, MRT Rama 9, 088-002-9865. Open daily 10am-10pm

Heart-button blazer, Commit a Sin, B7,900

Srichand Powder

Price: B150

The brand: This relatively young brand, founded in 2007, has made a big impression both domestically and internationally thanks to its GMP-certified cold-pressed manufacturing process.

Makeup artists tell us their favorite Thai cosmetic brands.

Price: B290 for 250ml

Our pick: Natural Matte Finish Foundation SPF35 to protect your skin from daily UV rays. As the name suggests, the foundation provides long-lasting coverage and feels light on the skin. Available in four colors.

Where to get it: Abhaibhubejhr Bangkok stores (nationwide); try 1/F, Thai CC Tower, Sathorn Rd., 02-210-0321. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. BTS Surasak

BK Asks

Price: B1,150

“Nuttarin’s Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a must-have. I use it to naturally remove my makeup, condition my hair, and as a suntan oil to moisturize my skin in the dry Bangkok heat. It absorbs quickly and has that delicious Thai coconut smell.” Mallika Matta, makeup artist and co-founder of Sponge Me

3D heart bag, Daydream, B5,500 available at Something Boudoir at 3/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5647. BTS Chit Lom/Phloen Chit

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bites & blends BAR

Gin Garden Fortieth-floor views and good gin. Yes, please. The gin in the blue bottle, Bombay Sapphire, this month opens its first outlet in Bangkok at Zoom, Anantara Sathorn’s rooftop bar. Named Bombay Sapphire Bar, the rooftop venue will kick off with a series of “Find Sublime” parties with exclusively designed cocktails every Friday throughout May. Each week’s party will take inspiration from a legendary film with a special drink to match: May 8 is Lady Sings the Blues with the Bombay Blue Collins, May 15 is Saturday Night Fever with the Tipsy Milkshake, May 22 is Billy Elliot with the yellow Bombay Electricity and May 29 is Chicago with the red Guilt-Free Bombay Sapphire. 40/F, Anantara Sathorn, 36 Narathiwas Rd., 02-210-9000. BTS Chong Nonsi and BRT Arkan Songkhro.

POP-UP

BAKERY

DEAL

Drink and Drive

Made in Japan

Italian Fix

Mercedes-Benz is the latest big brand to open a pop-up cafe. Designed by Thai architect Winai Chairakpong, the vast space comprises three zones: a showroom exhibiting the latest models, an exhibition space and the cafe. The menu is designed by German chef Mirco Keller of Water Library Chamchuri, and serves German-inspired dishes like schwarzwaldschinken (black forest ham, mustard cream, pickles, sauerkraut bread, B300) and lachs schmorgurken (salmon, creme fraiche, onion, yellow mustard, 440). There are also wines (B290-350/ glass), cocktails (B300-380), beers (B250-260/bottle), coffee (B90-120) and soft drinks. The cafe runs from now through Jul 31. 1/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

One of the few shops in Bangkok offering the traditional Japanese sweet treat obanyaki (a form of round cake with various fillings) has moved from its old location at Center One to Central Plaza Ladprao. The new Dadaya has a more Japanese look to it, and not only does traditional sweet obanyaki in flavors like red bean and custard (both B40) but also many cheap savory dishes, such as the squid okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza, B45), chicken teriyaki (B45) and tuna salad (B45). Also, keep your eye out for special monthly fillings like Japanese curry. In front of Tops, G/F, Central Plaza Ladprao, 1693 Phahon Yothin Rd., 095-003-2830. Open 9am-10pm. www.fb.com/dadaya. washowy

The Continent Hotel’s Italian restaurant, Medinii, has launched an all-you-can-eat promotion at B999 per person from 6-10pm daily. Each diner can order as often as they like from a menu of seven varieties of pizza and six styles of pasta, in addition to one choice of main dish from options like Australian lamb shank with mash and seared sea bass with bercy sauce, and one dessert (mainly classics like creme brulee, panna cotta and tiramisu). The price also includes free-flow white and red house wine, selected beers, cocktails and soft drinks. 35/F, The Continent, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686-7000. BTS Asok

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blends

Vino Not-So Veritas We debunk five commonly heard wine myths.

2 0 10

“Don’t store “Screw caps “Drink red your wine in are only for wine at room the fridge” cheap wines” temperature” Wine snobs are so stuck up about this. Honestly, we’ve stored corkstopped bottles in the fridge for a few months and they were fine. If your place doesn’t have the AC running 24/7 (or a fancy wine cellar), it’s definitely preferable to cooking your wine at 30-degree heat. Beyond a couple months in the fridge, you are taking risks, though. Your fridge has very low humidity and will dry up the cork. The cork may then break when you try to remove it, or air might get into the bottle and ruin the wine. Now if your wine has a screwcap, you can keep it in the fridge for as long as you please.

The use of cork stoppers survives to this day for the same reasons mechanical watches have survived. They’re charming, they hark back to an ancient tradition, they conjure luxury. Except that cork sometimes dries up, breaks when you’re trying to open it, or even develops a mold that ruins the whole bottle. That’s why New World winemakers just roll their eyes at the stuff and use screwcaps, which are the smartest way to keep your wine intact.

That’s somewhat true if by room temperature, you mean a dining hall in your French castle hovering between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. That would be just about right for a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend. But for anything lighter (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc), you should aim for 14 degrees. In fact, aim for less given that your air-con room at 24-degrees will quickly heat them up. Still, don’t drink red wine straight out of the fridge unless it’s a rose or sparkling Lambrusco.

“Old wines are better”

“Good wine is expensive”

Nearly all wines are really designed for you to take home and drink now. That’s particularly true of white wines, but reds too are meant to be gulped down within 1-5 years of purchase. Wines are vibrant, fresh, fruity, living things. After a few years, only the most high-end red wines continue to evolve. Everything else begins to lose its vitality.

A lot of things get factored into price. If the bottle says “France” or even “California,” you’re paying a premium. If the bottle says “Bordeaux,” you’re paying a huge premium. The secret is to try a lot of different wines and remember which ones you enjoyed. You might find a favorite from Australia, New Zealand or Spain at a surprisingly low price point—and that it didn’t get 90 points from Parker. Be your own judge.

Hot Restaurants Serving Bold New Wines

Charm Thai

Long Table

Nara Thai Cuisine

Discover the authentic taste of Thailand at Charm Thai, Holiday Inn Bangkok. Prepared with local herbs and spices and the finest produce fresh from the market, the extensive menu includes a mouth-watering selection of authentic Thai cuisine and vegetarian specialties such as Yam Nua Yang spicy grilled beef cucumber and sliced tomato, Pla Kao Sam Rod deep-fired Garoupa sweet and sour chilli sauce, Geang Mussaman Gai mussaman curry with chicken. To complete the meal, Jacob’s Creek recently launched a red wine that perfectly matches Thai cuisine, Jacob’s Creek Lamoon, already available at Charm Thai.

Located on the 25th floor of the Column Building in Sukhumvit Soi 16, Long Table combines a laidback dinner-and-drinks atmosphere with a stunning panoramic view of the Bangkok skyline. The minimalist design and 24-meter-long communal table comes complete with white bed seating and good-looking staff. The menu is rounded and balanced while the cellar stocks up a wide range of Old World and New World wines designed to complement spicy dishes. Especially for this summer, beat the heat with the light and aromatic Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose. The aroma—berries finishing with a hint of pear—is just perfect for Thai cuisine.

Nara is a renowned Thai Restaurant famous amongst Thai, expatiates and international clientele who likes to experience authentic Thai cuisine. The dishes at Nara offer intensity of taste and flavor presented in a simple uncomplicated style serving in a sense of comfort at home. The rounded, Central Thai flavors call for a subtle wine pairing. We recommend the new Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay Adelaide Hills whose elegant character sees white peach notes and creamy texture culminating into a citrus finale.

971 Phloen Chit Rd. 02-656-1555. BTS Chit Lom. Open daily for din ner: 6:30-10:30pm

Column Building, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-302-2557/9. Open daily 5pm-2am.

brought to you by Jacob’s Creek

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LG/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd, 02-250-7707/8. Open daily 10am-10pm.

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bites BK ASKS

TASTE TREK

Beyond Surasak Eating in Sathorn can be expensive, but not so far from BTS Surasak you’ll find a real hidden gem of a street-food destination. By Dharath Hoonchamlong and Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Kitti Guayteaw Ped

Chawadee Nualkhair, blogger and author of Bangkok’s Top 50 Street Stalls and the newly launched Thailand’s Best Street Food, dishes out some advice for street eating in Thailand.

Lod Chong Singapore

What were some of the challenges tracking down the best street food all over Thailand?

Salapao Shanghai

he sois and alleys around St. Louis Hospital on Sathorn Tai Road are a well-known haven for street food, but if you venture further down Sathorn Soi 11 you’ll find even more rewarding stalls and shop-house restaurants. To get there take the BTS to Surasak station. From either in front of Mode Sathorn Hotel or the corner of Sathorn Soi 11, you can catch a red songtaew (converted pickup with benches) which will take you all the way down Soi 11 to the adjoining St. Louis Soi 3 for just B7. Here are some of the highlights to be found there. 1

Odeng

Around for more than 50 years, this spot sells some of the best sukiyaki in town. Here, you can be guaranteed a well-seasoned soup, succulent sauce and juicy meats. Odeng now only offers take-home suki sets (B250-300), which comprise soup, eggs, suki sauce, plentiful vegetables and your choice of meat (pork, chicken, shrimp or squid). 125 Sathorn Soi 11, opposite Assumption College Primary Section, 02-676-2552. Open daily 11am-8pm

Tee Yai Muay Lek Patong Koh

This little food cart seemingly always has hot-out-ofthe-wok pa tong koh (Chinese doughnut). Both the salty and sweet options start at just B3 each. If you’re particularly famished, order the palm-size ones at B5. They tick all the boxes—crispy and airy yet very soft inside, and not at all greasy. Their hot soy milk (B810) is a perfect match, too. Together they can make a nice on-the-go breakfast. Chan Soi 18/7, opposite top charoen optical, 081-4225060, 086-718-5868. Open daily 3:30-10:30pm (closed every other Monday)

Yum Jae Ouan (by Or)

306 Chan Soi 18/7, near Yum Jae Ouan (by Or), 081-9344464. Open daily 6am-6pm

Chan Soi 18/7, next to Pueng Tao Gong St.Louis shrine, 083-838-3639. Open Tue-Sun 4.30-9pm

Salapao Shanghai

The bao buns at Ratchawong Pier have been a Yaowarat staple for more than 50 years. This lesser known branch steams up the same fresh bao with various fillings (all B15/piece) as well as shumai (pork and shrimp, B50/10pieces). We particularly like the mung bean and black bean options.

This much-hyped cart sells a variety of Thai spicy salads (B80-150). Just pick your favorite combination of ingredients, level of spiciness and sourness, or go with the classics like yum sam grob (crispy spicy salad, B100), pla goong (shrimp spicy salad with lemongrass, B150), yum pla (fish with spicy dressing, B120). Prices are based on the ingredients you choose.

Moo-Satay

A few steps from Itim Kai Kang you’ll see people gathering around a charcoal grill. The pork satay (B6/stick) here is mildly flavored with light charcoal notes. Order it with some bread (B5/slice), peanut sauce and arjard (cucumber, shallot and chili pepper in vinegar syrup). While waiting, you can visit the Pueng Tao Gong St. Louis shrine opposite.

Kitti Guayteaw Ped

Open for almost 40 years, this restaurant is now helmed by second-generation owners who ensure it’s still a must-visit in this area. While the name would suggest you order guayteaw ped (duck noodle, B50), we recommend the rice topped with chunky and juicy braised duck (B40)—super-aromatic. Don’t forget to order duck entrails (from B70) as your side dish.

Chan Soi 18/7, in front of SCB, 089-794-1246. Open daily 4-7pm

It’s not easy to find a good itim kai kang (frozen egg ice cream) these days. The fun begins from the time the lady spreads an egg yolk over her creamy coconut milk ice cream. Once it sets, you’ll have a rich, cheese-like treat. While you can opt for a variety of toppings, we prefer the straight option. Pro tip: if you drop by late, bring some eggs because the shop often runs out. Ice-cream is B15 or B25 with egg.

I really like Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. I think that part of the country is criminally under-visited. The people are warm, the parks are really beautiful, the culture is interesting and, of course, the food is fantastic. What’s your number-one favorite spot for street food in Bangkok?

What are the rules of thumb to decide whether or not to dine at a particular stall?

Chan Soi 18/7 Yaek 19, 089-588-8707. Open Tue-Sun 11am-5:30pm, www.fb.com/LodchongsingaporePhichit

Itim Kai Kang

What province has the most i nte re st i n g st re et fo o d scene?

I love the Old Town area off Rachadamnern Avenue, especially Mahachai Road. I think the atmosphere is great—especially in the early evenings—and a lot of the vendors there have been around for decades.

152 Chan Soi 18/7, 084-016-7844. Open daily 8am-4:30pm. www.fb.com/TheDuckNoodle

Lod Chong Singapore Phichit

The cart sells pastel green lod chong (cendol, B20), aka lod chong Singapore. We like that it’s not too chewy, while the fresh coconut milk is not overly creamy or sweet, making for a refreshing cup. They also have other Thai icy treats such as look tarn loy kaew (toddypalm in syrup and ice), tub tim krob (water chestnut in syrup) and chao guay (grass jelly). Better come early as they usually sell out before closing time.

When we started doing research for the first book , Google Maps was nowhere near as good as it is now. Spellings weren’t really standardized and it was really hard finding a lot of the places on a map. A handful of the places I set out for were never found. The silver lining to all of this, of course, was that you had to talk to a lot of different people, and you know Thais— everyone has a different opinion. Once they knew what you were looking for, they had their own favorite that they wanted to show you. It made research a lot easier.

6 5 2

8 4

If someone has a delicate stomach, I’d stick with non-seafood stalls that center around grilling, like Isaan places, or dishes that are freshly made in front of you, like aharn tham sung (madeto-order) stalls or guay teaw (soup noodles). I’d stay away from curry stalls, where the food is left out all morning, or the pickled chilies in the condiment tray.

Chan Soi 18/7, in front of SCB. Open daily 3-7pm

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FOOD REVIEWS

Madame Ong HHHH Vietnamese. V.P. Tower, 21/45 Soi Chawakul, Rangnam Rd. 02-248-0322. Open daily 11am-10:30pm. B F

Ever so slowly, Madame Ong has built up a steady following. Despite being tucked away down a soi, past a parking lot and the lobby of VP Tower, the place is busy even on weeknights with families and friends getting together for some fresh, healthy Vietnamese food. The elderly Madame Ong (who you’ll spot dining at her own restaurant on many a night) can’t compete with top players like Le Dalat or Vietnamese & More. For one, her restaurant has the charm of a basement food court: neon lighting, formica tables (many of which can host a dozen dinners) and white floor tiles. In the plate, there just isn’t that wondrous blend of flavors and texture Vietnamese food can sometimes achieve: the nam

Touka HHHH Japanese. Bandara Suites Silom, 75/1 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-236-8230. Open daily noon-2pm, 5-11pm. BBB-BBBB Corkage B300. F

There’s no shortage of izakaya in Bangkok, but a new one is always cause for at least a little celebration. Nestled down a peaceful part of Saladaeng Soi 1, Touka resembles a Japanese house hidden in a bamboo garden. (Don’t mistake it for nearby Bitterman which also sits in a nice glasshouse facing the road.) Specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers), the restaurant offers a range of meat from basic chicken thigh (B70) to wagyu (B180, grade A3). Not long after ordering, a complimentary appetizer is served—on our last visit, tamago (Japanese rolled egg) with a slice of okra and arare (fried droplets of batter). The kushi yaki set (B600) represents a fair deal for six assorted skewers, all of which we find enjoyable if not spectacular. The chicken liver (B70) and gizzard (B70) are

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.

nueng is bland (and served cold, as opposed to freshly grilled), the rice sheets are rubbery instead of paper-like, the chao tom (grilled shrimp paste on a sugarcane, B90) is deep-fried and battered in a thick layer of breadcrumbs as opposed to lightly grilled. But the kitchen still manages to capture the spirit of Vietnamese food: a host of super fresh herbs, diced vegetables and unripe fruits, sauces that pack a kick, and cooking that uses hardly any oil. The result is a meal that is bursting with flavor despite being light and healthy. Everyone’s fave here seems to be the ban bai (B180), nine little rice pancakes artfully topped with slivers of marinated barbecued pork, herbs, chili and crispy pork skin. You’ll probably want to order a Vietnamese fondue, too, which combines shrimp, fish, and squid into an umami -packed broth (B220). The aforementioned nam nueng (B120/220, 6/9 pieces) isn’t that great, but combined with all the sauces and trimmings—from green banana to cucumber and garlic—it’s still pleasing enough. Similarly, the marinated pork in cha-plu leaves (B90) feels as sad and dry as it looks but tastes OK—the herbal kick and sauce come to the rescue once again. We’ve been here many times, we really like the place—and it’s cheap!—but once you’ve left the neighborhood, Madame Ong is definitely not reason alone to visit Soi Rangnam.

well-cooked, combining a juicy texture with crispy chewiness, yet the gizzard is a bit salty for our tastes. The A3 wagyu with wasabi lemon is tender and goes well with the petite amount of wasabi on top. The negima (chicken thigh with Welsh onion, B70), however, is a little on the bland side. Much better is the perfect combination of meat and vegetables in the crispy morning glory wrapped in pork belly (B80)— deliciously crunchy—and the cherry tomatoes wrapped in bacon (B80). The chicken meatball, a yakitori staple, is a real contender, too—great texture and seasoning. Aside from the skewers, there’s also a short list of other dishes including salads, various deep-fried meats and veggies, rice and nabe (Japanese hot pot). While the hakata mizutaki nabe (B500) is nothing amazing, it comes with a comforting amount of veggies, lightly marinated chicken and warm soup. As Touka is an izakaya, you can also expect plenty of beer, sake, wine, plum wine (which are all available by the glass) and cocktails. The saki sake cocktail (B180) is a bit of a letdown; simply too dense and overwhelmed by grenadine syrup so you barely taste the sake. While not everything is to our tastes, we really like the atmosphere. There was only a thin crowd at the restaurant on our last visit, but we think Touka’s spacious dining area and easy-listening soundtrack do provide for a relaxing retreat if not an amazing meal.

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

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Le Boeuf

Renowned Parisian restaurant L'Entrecote's Cafe de Paris sauce is here. Sort of.

The buzz: Queuing up has always been hot at Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote, a 50-year-old Parisian restaurant where the wait for steak in the classic Cafe de Paris green sauce served with bottomless fries can take more than an hour. The restaurant is so popular, the founder's children went on to open L'Entrecote restaurants all over the world. This new restaurant in Bangkok isn't affiliated with them, but David Perrot (of Crepes & Co.) claims he's got something even better, the original recipe from the Cafe de Paris in Geneva, which popularized L'Entrecote's sauce some 20 years before the Parisian restaurant opened. Both the Cafe de Paris and the various L'Entrecote restaurants serve but one single dish, the namesake entrecote, but Bangkok's Le Boeuf has a couple more options.

The decor: The restaurant has taken over the glass dome in front of the Marriott apartment complex on Soi Langsuan, and does a good imitation of a classic Parisian bistro—red and white table cloths, leather-upholstered sofas, wooden chairs and a wellstocked bar. Even the red-rimmed white plates and staff uniforms evoke the original Cafe de Paris. Want to puff on a Gitane? There are also some outdoor tables. The food and drinks: At L'Entrecote and Cafe de Paris, wait staff only ask whether you want your beef steak (B680/180g; B1,128/300g) rare, medium or well done. Here you have a couple more choices: salmon (B880) and lamb (B740). Each choice comes with walnut salad as an appetizer and refillable crispy

fries. On top of these, there are four starters, including pork rillettes (B295) and foie gras terrine (B560). Desserts are another highlight. There are 13 on offer, including a vacherin with frozen yogurt and profiteroles filled with ice cream (both B260). Seven red and white wines are available by the glass starting at B180/125ml. Why you should care: Even if you’re skeptical about Perrot’s claims to have the exact Cafe de Paris recipe, think of Le Boeuf as a steak place that can actually fill you up for under a thousand baht. Natcha Sanguankiattichai Marriott Executive Apartments, 60 Langsuan Rd., 02-652-0207. BTS Chit Lom

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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Hot Star

TABLE TALK Laemgate

Hands and Heart

Vivarium 3675 Rama 4 Rd., 02-261-9507. Open daily 5-11pm

NEW AND NOTED

Pour it Out With its minimalist black-and-white decor inspired by the Teshima Art Museum, in Japan's Kagawa prefecture, Hands and Heart (33 Ascella Condominium, Sukhumvit Soi 38, 081442-7977. Open daily 7am-9:30pm. www.fb.com/handsandheartcoffee) is serious about hand-brewed coffee (Aeropress, pour-over and Chemex), made from seasonal AA-grade single-origin beans. In keeping with the decor, they serve their black coffee (Colombia, Kenya, Thailand) in a white cup, and their white coffee (from partner Roots) in a black cup. You can also order homemade pastries such as charcoal croissant (B80) and cheesecake brownie (B120), while herbal juices are B60.

From the Sea Previously at Rain Hill, the renowned seafood restaurant from Sriracha Laemgate (30/1 Phaholyothin Soi 11, 084-959-5959. Open Wed-Mon 11:30am-9pm. www.fb.com/laemgate) has opened in Ari, where it offers an all-you-can-eat deal (B555

net) featuring fresh catches from Chonburi and oysters from their farm. Recommended dishes include namprik kaipoo (crab egg chili paste), moo kam wan (sweet grilled pork) and the oysters. Finish your meal with ice-cream (lime, Thai tea), crispy roti and floral tea. Reservations are mandatory. The buffet last 90 mins and starts at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm only. Be cautious with your order because you'll be charged an extra B200 per left-over dish.

Big Bird The Taiwanese junk food sensation Hot Star (B/F, The Glass Quartier, Emquartier, 693 Sukhumvit Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm ) has arrived at Emquartier with fried chicken fillets the size of your head and two-hour-long queues. The much-hyped 30cm-long chicken comes in two flavors—original and spicy (both B139)— along with other treats like the well-fried Shilin squid (spicy and salty fried squid, B89) and blue Hot Star lemonade (B49). Stay tuned for a follow-up location at Esplanade Ratchadapisek, complete with table dining. By Dharath Hoonchamlong

Two big-name local chefs, Chumpol Jangprai of Siam Wisdom and Boontham Pakpoh of Honmono Sushi, have collaborated to open this Thai restaurant which makes all its dishes using the finest Japanese ingredients. Think Northeastern dishes like goy pla salmon (Northeastern-style salmon salad, B550), ama ebi (sweet shrimp) and tom yum soup (B950-1,300). The vast space is flooded with natural light and also comprises a wine cellar, single malt bar and cocktail bar. Mixologist Surasak Janruang, finalist in Diageo World Class 2013, helms the bar and serves signature cocktails with a focus on Thai herbs, such as The 4th (Ketel One vodka, Chambord liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh ginger, fresh lime and star anise, B350). Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get 20% discount on food only (Today – 30 Sep 15)

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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bites & blends market + Events

sublime supper, Saturday and Sunday lunch. Throughout April. Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-207-8000

K Village Farmers’ Market

K Village Farmers’ Market The weekend market gives you access to meet the producers and buy your food from them. May 9-10, 9am-5pm. K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-9919

Ethiopian Delight On May 9 from 11am-5:30pm, A Taste of Africa presents Ethiopian cuisine along with a coffee ceremony, music and live percussions at Ambar. Tickets are B650 for advance booking (till May 6), B750 for walk-ins and B200 for kids. Book at ethiopiandelights. peatix.com.

Up & Above

Anniversary Celebrations Three-for-two for lunch (B1,200) and weekend brunch (B2,300-3,000) at Up & Above, set lunch at Elements (B910) from May 1-30. BTS Phloen Chit The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000.

Happy Hours

Mandarin Oriental, 48, Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000

starting from B6,000

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

Four Points by Sheraton, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000

Thomas Buhner debuts at Mandarin Oriental German chef Thomas Buhner of the three-Michelin-star La Vie restaurant in Osnabruck visits Lord Jim’s and does his five- and seven-course dinner on May 11-15 (B4,700; B5,400) and an exclusive wine-pairing sixcourse dinner on May 16 (B,6900). Reservations required.

Advertise your business with us

Water Library Brasserie Terrace

Sundowner Special Buy-1-get-1-free wine, long drinks, cocktails and beers from 6-8pm daily. Water Library Brasserie Terrace, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd, pktk. BTS Phloen Chit

Hemingway’s Every Monday Hemingway’s offers buy-one-get-one-free on margaritas from noon-midnight and happy hours from 4-9pm with bottled beers and wines starting at B95; house spirits from B100. 1 Sukhumvit Soi 14, 02-653-3900. Open daily 11:30-1am. BTS Asok

Niche

Austrian Food Promotion Executive chef Caspar Bork of Austria’s Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol comes to Siam Kempinski’s Niche Restaurant & Bar for the Austrian food promotion on May 11-16. 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000

ThaiFex - World of food Asia The annual huge food expo comes back again on May 20-24 from 10am-8pm at Impact Exhibition Center. Muangthong Thani, Popular Rd.

Panorama’s Spanish Week Panorama presents Spanish Week on May 25-31. Ranges of Spanish favorites by chef Marco Turatti will be added in their buffet line. B1,200 on Sun-Thu; B1,800 (Fri-Sat)

Sofitel So Bangkok

Gentlemen’s Night Every Thursday from 7-9pm, guys get free-flow Carlsberg at B450/person at Hi-So.

Missed the guide? Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables2015

Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000. MRT Lumphini

New Venues Saddle and Bun A combination of burgers, bikes and coffee on Charoenkrung.

23/F, Crowne Plaza, 952, Rama 4 Rd.

1052-1054, Charoenkrung Soi 26, 061-8356834

Deals

Crab & Claw A New England-inspired seafood joint.

1 Baht Dining Every second diner pays B1 at Seasonal Tastes international buffet. Just enroll as a free Starwood Preferred Guest. Available for weekday lunch, weekend

Helix, Emquartier

Kitaohji The Japanese kaiseki restaurant flies its produce directly from Ginza. 212 Thonglor Soi 8, 061-387-3207

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 26

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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now FRI United We Are Life’s pretty good for EDM heads. While you count down to The Road to Ultra, get acquainted with the supposed world #1 DJ Hardwell when he lights up the stage of Together Festival 2015 at BITEC this May 8-9, alongside other big names like Steve Aoki, W&W and Vinai.

SAT Super Bad Also on May 9, Bangkok's favorite gay party organizer Trasher will bypass all the EDM hype with its own “ED(O)K” rave celebrating the cheesiest guilty-pleasure tunes out there, with a playlist full of Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce and Ariana Grande. Shame they’ve moved back to The Mansion RCA this time.

FRI Off Script We said it was going to be an expensive month. This May 8 sees Irish pop-rockers The Script make their Bangkok concert debut at Impact Arena. Here’s a chance to see frontman Danny O'Donoghue, perhaps even better known as an ex-judge of The Voice UK, belting out catchy ditties like "Superheroes" and "No Good in Goodbye.”

WED Fireworks The wait is over. Katy Perry is finally bringing The Prismatic Tour to Bangkok this May 14. It’s no surprise that tickets have all sold out. Aside from a catalog of Billboard hits, her grand concert production is world-class (who didn’t love the dancing s h a r ks at t h e S u p e rbowl?).

THU It's a Wonderful Life Even if you’re just back from a long break, don’t let that stop you from planning ahead for the rest of the year. Plus, the TAT clearly wants us to take more leave, with a whole travel fair dedicated to weekday promotions, Wonderful Thailand Wonderful World 2015, taking place this May 14-17 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. See Markets & Fairs, page 31. .

SUN Pretty Hurts Culture Collective Studio (Chatrium Residence) launches a new play this May 10 at 8pm, which is scheduled to run every Thu-Sun through Jun 7. The Death of Miss America is a comedy about a fictional Miss Tomorrow Pageant that touches on stereotypes of Asian women. Tickets are B800.

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now bums, Internet Albums and Hard Rock Albums, make a stop at Live House BKK as a part of their Southeast Asia tour. May 25-24, 9pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B900 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

Sangsom Presents Fullmoon Party Live in Bangkok

DJ Martin Garrix Jacopo Gianninoto

CLASSICAL MUSIC Complete Beethoven's Piano Sonatas by Christian Leotta Dubbed one of the best Beethoven soloists of our time, the award-winning pianist who first played in Bangkok last year returns with a series of performances, taking the audience through all of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In collaboration with The Embassy of Italy. Cocktail reception at 6:30pm. May 11, 14, 18, 21, 7:30pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. Free (donations accepted).

The Paganini of the Oboe Christoph Hartmann, solo oboist from the Berlin Philharmonic, performs with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in a program of Italian composers. The performance will be conducted by Gudni A. Emilsson. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for undergraduate students. May 8, 7pm; May 9-8, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500.

Salotto Musicale BKK Italian lutenist/guitarist Jacopo Gianninoto, local violinist Athiya Voravijitrapun and Japanese guest singer Ayano Kimura perform rare musical pieces from the baroque period. The show features a collaboration with

Thai fashion designers Vvon Sugunnasil and Nasha Mekraksavanic to complete the "Salon" musical experience. B300 for students and members. May 9, 8pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731. B500.

Bangkok String Quartet and Friends Concert 1 Leading musicians from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Siripong Tiptan (violin), Omporn Kowintha (violin), Miti Wisutthumporn (viola) and Apichai Leamthong (cello) join forces with famed pianist and founder of Sunrise String Orchestra Usa Napawan in a program of Brahms and Dvorak. B300 for students. Reservations at 02-256-9938. May 9, 8pm. Goethe Institute Auditorium, 18/1 Soi 1, 02-108-8200. B600.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Sangsom Presents Single Festival The popular music festival for single partygoers returns with performances by Thaitanium, Slot Machine, Lomosonic, Paradox, Polycat, Electric Neon Lamp and Boom Boom Cash. B399 for girls and B499 for guys. Dress code: white if you're taken, black if you're feeling lonely. May 23, 5pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02749-3939. B399-499. BTS Bang Na.

King Kong and the Chum, Didier Mpondo "Afro-Thai" Live Concert The authentic Japanese restaurant in Phra Khanong hosts a special concert, limited to only 30 guests, featuring Thai-Afro

music. B350 including African cuisine. Reservations only, through kinjobkk@ hotmail.com or 089-047-1456. May 23, 8pm. Bangkok Okinawa Restaurant Kinjo, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-7110536. B200-350 (one free drink).

Boyzone BZ20 The Anniversary Tour The Irish boy band of the 90s promises 2 hours of nostalgia on their reunion world tour in celebration of their twenty two years together. May 24, 8pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. B1,200-5,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

The American metalcore group, whose latest album Tracing Back Roots topped the Billboard charts for Independent Al-

The Canadian trumpet soloist, recently named "International Brass Personality of the Year," returns to Bangkok to perform two shows with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Caude Villaret. He will also be running a master class for Thai students on May 21 from 1pm-3pm at the College of Music, Mahidol University. B100 tickets for students. May 22, 7pm; May 23, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Bangkok Boat Party Board the boat at Sathorn Pier for a party on the top deck in collaboration with Vedett. DJs include Kolour's Sunju Hargun, Phatfunk's Delorean, Bangkok Boat Party crew B2B and special guest DJ Lazcru from the UK. Tickets available now at www.bangkokboatparty. com or 081-887-1032. May 16, 8:30pm. Sathorn Pier. B800-1,200 (one free drink). BTS Saphan Taksin.

Paris Blohm at Live RCA

Bally Sagoo @ Ku De Ta The British-Indian producer plays his fusion mixes with support by DJ Xunny Dey. May 8, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn, 02-108-2000. B1,300 (one free drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.

Mendy Indigo w/ Shubo Star

Free Typewriter

Live performances by Japan's Taiki Hatazaki and Life Garden, plus local groups Free Typewriter, The Ginkz, Handicat and LowFat at the rock-focused live music venue. May 8, 7:30pm. Immortal Bar, 6 Soi Bun Chu Si, 086-707-1749. B150.

Sound Craft: The Socialist Local indie groups Fwends, Safeplanet, Two Pills After Meal and Summer Dress play at the hip Lad Phrao bar. May 9, 8pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616. Price TBA. MRT Phahon Yothin.

Jetlab: Nap On Green and Lean On Grass A mini party for the launch of indie group Nap A Lean's first EP, with chill music and drinks in a garden atmosphere. May 16, 3pm. The 66 Cottage, 66 Sukhumvit Soi 66, 086-895-0202. Free. BTS Udom Suk.

Cat Radio's two-day T-shirt fest features over 200 stores and 2,000 new T-shirt patterns. Live concert by local groups 25 Hours, Paradox, Superbaker, Slur, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Aire, The Parkinson, Sqweez Animal, Polycat and Greasy Cafe, to name a few. B300 for a two-day pass. May 30-31, 11am. Makkasan Airport Link Station, B200 from Thaiticketmajor.

Jens Lindemann with TPO

DJS & CLUB NIGHTS

Show Your Attitude Vol. 9

Cat T-Shirt

We Came As Romans Live in Bangkok

Mendy Indigo

GIGS IN BARS

A neon EDM party featuring DJ Martin Garrix, the guy responsible for the club tune "Animal," plus local DJs April, Make You Freak, Machina & Botcash and Phunknomenon & Ssd. Dress code is neon, shorts and sandals. Pre-sale tickets at B999 through May 9. May 15, 5pm. Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoen Krung Rd., (free ferry from Sathorn Pier). B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor.

Johnny Spitz Featuring Adam Gorecki Australian vocalist/guitarist Johnny Spitz returns to Dee Lounge Beer Garden, with the support of guitarist Adam Gorecki to entertain the guests with easy-listening acoustic sounds. Daily happy hour with daught beer at B89 from 4pm-6pm. May 5-16, 7pm. Novotel Ploenchit Sukhumvit, 566 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-305-6000. Free. BTS Phloen Chit.

The Thai electro DJ and Korean DJ/producer join forces for a night at the hot Ekkamai party venue. May 9, 10pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090 528 4646. Price TBA.

Funky Freeland: Studio 54 - Bert Bevans A rooftop charity party for counter-trafficking organization Freeland Foundation, with music provided by Bert Bevans and resident DJs Luck-E and Jaydubb plus live sax by Andre Saxman Brown. Tickets available at the door. May 9, 9pm. Above Eleven, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. B600 (one free drink). BTS Nana.

Mayhem by Vibe The second LGBTQ event by new party organizer Vibe features electro by DJs Mizuyo and She's Cracking Up. Red stickers are available at the door for anyone who doesn't want their photo to be published post-event. Men must be accompanied by women. May 9, 9pm. The Overground Bar & Cafe, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 081-701-7664. B200 (one free drink).

FMD 5: Made in Thailand The mixed-martial arts tournament is back at Live House Studio, packed with fights across three weight classes. The winner receives a cash prize of B20,000 plus a chance to go pro at the next event. There will also be two super fights: FMD Founder Jon Nutt vs Referee Dana Boulin, and Pongsiri Mitsatit vs an as-yet-unnamed opponent. May 9, 6pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-3315657-8. B1,500-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

After a successful debut in Bangkok last year, the LA DJ is back for a gig at the new RCA venue. Tickets available at the door. May 16, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. Price TBA.

Visual Lounge Reggae Repeat After launching last September, the Samsen bar hosts a second edition of the party in collaboration with Bangkok Reggae Appreciation Society. Expect reggae music by DJ Woken and guests, plus reggae visuals and special drinks deals. May 23, 7:30pm. Cinema Wine House, 59/61 Samsen Rd., 096-465-6526, 083-554-0170. Free.

AKA-WTF 5th Year Anniversary The bar/art space celebrates its five-year anniversary with a two-day festival, showcasing the creative works of artists and craftsmen in Bangkok. May 29-30, 6pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Free. BTS Thong Lo.

Recharge Joe Delaney of Rhubarb and Custard hosts a day of live music by indie acts including The Sticky Rice, The Sangsom Massacre, Triggs & The Longest Day, Rocket Science, The Ladz, Hope the Flowers and Degaruda. There will also be live street art by Asin Acids, Cboy, Toska Vosd, Watcharin Rodnit, and many more. Thai and international food available on site. May 17, 12pm. Brownstone Studio, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 087-703-0448. B200 (one free drink).

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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NEIGHBORHOOD Ari

Christian Hogue

Phahon Yothin Soi 7 (Ari) is a delightful blend of residential and happening bars, restaurants and coffee shops. The opening of a new exhibition this May 9 gives you the perfect excuse to spend the day chilling around this lively neighborhood.

Salt Smoke

O'Glee

The Yard Bangkok

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST

It’s 10am and you’re hungry. Ari is such a foodie hub that there’s really no excuse to miss the most important meal of the day. Try Farmily (Phahon Yothin Soi 9, 081495-1555), which offers more savory options than its Instagram-haven sister, 103+ Factory (24/4 Ari Soi 4. 081-495-1555), like the Wake Up Together breakfast set or kai gata. For a quick bite, stop by Panary Cafe (G/F Noble Reform Condominium, 8/1 Phahon Yothin Soi 7, 02-116-6889) for one of its specialized Dutch baby pancakes or grab a slow-drip coffee and pastry at Casa Lapin x Aree (G/F Noble Reform Condominium, 8/1 Phahon Yothin Soi 7. 081-261-2040). At Witty Ville (Ari Soi 1, 0817356604), you’ll also find many new variants of scones you’ve yet to try. LIVE THE SLOW LIFE

It’s past midday and you want to enjoy the weekend break. While away the hours at this area’s many trendy slow-life places. For an above average co-working space, FabCafe (77/1 Ari Soi 1, 083-619-9983) comes equipped with a laser cutter and 3D printer and also offers some light bites. For a longer freelancing session, PH1b Coffee Bar (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 088-222-6700) has been a solid choice for years thanks to its great coffee. Try one of the bike cafes like Tokyobike (20 Soi Ari 2, 02-1171016) or Aran Bicicletta (128/10 Phahon Yothin Soi 2, 081-821-9603), or do some shopping at the second branch of fashion store/cafe Onion Store: Aree (2/G, 66 Ari Samphan Soi 10-11 ), a collaboration with Brave Roasters, the area's newest addition. ENJOY THE ARTS

It’s 6pm. If you’re not an art junkie and haven’t already heard, Ari is the home of Numthong Gallery (72/3 Ari Soi 5, 02-617-2794), which this weekend opens Conversation of Breath, a new abstract exhibition by Jiratchaya Pripwai. Ponder over her line drawings for yourself this May 9. DINNER TIME

It’s about 7pm and you want to refuel. Head to Salt Smoke (Piyawan Bldg., Ari Soi 1) for its WTF burger—we rate it slightly above the ones at Jim’s Burgers and Beers (Ari Samphan Soi 3, 085-660-8880), though they’re also worth a try. Afterwards, head on to the new Irish-style bar nearby, O’Glee (Ari Soi 1, 02-619-5354), for a nice selection of beers. If all you’re after is a grab-and-go bite, head to Zinkid Hot Dog (Phahon Yothin Soi 7, 081-817-7424). STICK AROUND

It’s getting late. If you don’t want to call it a night, go chill out on the lawn of The Yard Bangkok (51 Phahon Yothin Soi 5, 089-677-4050, see page 14), a very friendly hostel that welcomes locals and tourists like family (yard means relatives in Thai), hosts small events and workshops, and has a small bar. For some live music and standard booze, try the newbie Moire Bar (Phahonyothin Soi 5, 081-646-0537) before heading home, or simply pull up a chair outside Aree Bar (Ari Soi 4, 087-511-4466), which three years after opening is still going strong.

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

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now ART

MARKETS & FAIRS

MOVED

POPLITCALLY INCORRECT

Abstract and impressionist paintings by Thai artist Arkom Doungchawna, whose work has been exhibited in New York, Philadelphia and Sierra Leone. Opening party at 6pm, to be presided over by Nonthiwan Chantanaphalin, National Artist of Thailand in Visual Arts (2006). Dates: May 8-31

The debut exhibition by Saint Hoax, who controversially recreates images of political figures, from Putin to Kim Jong Un. Running alongside Plastik Magazine’s exhibition, “Life in Plastik.” Dates: May 11-Jun 12 Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39. BTS Phrom Phong

National Gallery, 4 Chao Fah Rd.

Arturo Sotillo

Opening

Creative Ride Retro

Fashion

Art x Food PORTOBELLO MARKET BY SINGHA

CELEB STREET MARKET

May 7-10, 10pm

The team behind K-Village's Urban Eatery hosts a cute market at the English vintage-themed community mall, with stalls selling handicrafts, DIY products, stationery, jewelry, home decor, fashion amd organic food. There will also be the usual food trucks plus live music by Room 39 and the Parkinsons.

Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

May 8-10m, 4pm

Bikes

Pickadaily Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 77. BTS On Nut

CREATIVE RIDE RETRO

Travel

A flea market-style pop-up at the outdoor mall with local celebrities selling beauty items, fashion, accessories and baked goods.

A special weekend for vintage bicycle lovers, with a one-off Artists’ Bike Show on May 8 from 6pm onwards, and a flea market on May 9 featuring an auction of rare bike parts plus an on-site mini concert.

CONVERSATION OF BREATH

PAUSED DREAMS

British-Thai photographer Cattleya Jaruthavee captures the lives of bar hostesses working near the Thai-Lao border in a new series of photographs. Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Ari Soi 5, 02-617- Dates: May 9-Jun 28 This second solo exhibition by Jiratchaya Pripwai features abstract line drawings on canvas. Dates: May 9 (opens at 6pm)-June 13 2794. BTS Ari

May 8 (6pm), May 9 (12-9pm) Hof Art Space @ W District, 085-900-0900. BTS Phra Khanong

May 14-17, 10am Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229-3000. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

Bangkok is over 3,000km away from Kathmandu, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing we can do to contribute to the relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that took place on Apr 25. Here are some reliable channels for donations: UNICEF Thailand online at bit.ly/1DtFgkh, Habitat for Humanity Thailand via bank transfer to 109-1-41368-0, Krungsri Bank (Si Yaek Asoke Branch), or just go on Paypal (bit.ly/1HHzuS6) and donate to an international organization of your choice, all transfer fees waived. It's quick and easy. Don’t just #PrayForNepal, make a difference too.

YEAST: THE WORK OF A CREATIVE CATALYST THE 4TH BANGKOK TRIENNALE INTERNATIONAL PRINT AND DRAWING EXHIBITION

Some 94 prints and 55 drawings chosen from across 56 countries will be on display in celebration of HRH Maha Chakri’s Brownstone Studios, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, birthday and Silpakorn University’s 72nd BTS On Nut anniversary. The university will also host workshops on printmaking, etching and monoprints every Fri-Sat at 2-5pm from May 22-Jul 31. Dates: May 14-Aug 2

WONDERFUL THAILAND WONDERFUL WORLD 2015 The annual fair to promote Thai tourism on weekdays offers tours at discounted rates and promotions from leading hotels, resorts, cruises and flights.

WHY NOT Support Nepal

Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700

Thai artist Peerawayt Krasaesom recreates his previous digital art experiments from the past decade and turns them into large-scale flat paintings on canvas. Dates: May 9-Jun 9

Portobello Market

BREAKING NEWS

8/F BACC, Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium

Art Events

PHOTOJOURN - STORIES THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER

A SHADE OF GREEN

A special Sunday of live painting, art The first interactive forum for documen- exhibitions, talks and live music by tary photography in Thailand, featur- independent artists in a garden atmoing slideshows, portfolio reviews by sphere. award-winning photography profes- Dates: May 10, 12pm-11pm sionals, a panel discussion under the The Gardens of Dinsor Palace, between title “Visual Conscience: How Photo Sukhumvit Soi 59 and 61. 02-714-2112. BTS Essays Tell Stories beyond a Single Ekkamai Image,” as well as a photo book exhibition. Dates: May 9, 10am-9pm BACC, Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium

HOT LEGACY

GERMAN HIDEOUT

READ SOME MORE

SHOP THAI-STYLE

The weather may be searing hot, but that isn't stopping the outdoor markets from popping up week after week. And this just in: the hit Brooklyn-style vintage market Made by Legacy promises to return this Jul 11-12. After a very successful run last Children's Day at the State Railway of Thailand, Hua Lamphong, the market will this time take shelter at Studio 61 (Sukhumvit Soi 61, BTS Ekkamai), under the theme "Modern Market." Entry is still B100.

This May 8 marks the return of Goethe-Institut’s Library, under the concept “Where Digitalisation Meets Tradition.” The library features a minimalist design, a new “gadget bar” equipped with iPads for easier access to online resources, PS4s and German board games. Most of the books are now digitized. It’s open to the public, and is also free of charge, which makes a nice change from the rather pricey Bangkok co-working spaces and cafes.

This year’s Thai Independent Bookstores Week is confirmed to take place on Jun 20-28. Participating independent bookstores all over the country will be putting up special sales and promotions for the whole week. This is the third edition of the event, which will feature some of our favorites in Bangkok like Candide Bookstore, The Passport Bookshop, Mahuna, Bookburi Station and many more. Get updates at www. fb.com/ThaiIndieBookstoreLovers.

Sukhumvit Soi 61, BTS Ekkamai. www.madebylegacy.com

Goethe-Institut, 18/1 Sathorn Soi 1, 02-108-8242. Open Mon-Thu 9:30am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-1pm

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in collaboration with the Central Group, The Mall Group and other big retailers outside of Bangkok, are giving out even bigger discounts during the annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sale in Jun-Jul this year. Shoppers only have to wear a traditional Thai outfit to participating malls and they’ll automatically be eligible for discounts of up to 80 percent. This comes as a part of the government’s efforts to promote “Thainess” this year, for both tourists and locals, after the success of this year’s Songkran Festival.

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SCENE STEALER Cattleya Jaruthavee

Opening this May 9 at Kathmandu Photo Gallery, British-Thai photographer Cattleya Jaruthavee’s exhibition Paused Dreams (see page 30) delves into the lives of career sex workers near the Thai-Lao border. Where do you find the inspiration for your work? Everything is inspired from daily findings and social issues. Most of my work captures reality—which is a Cattleya Jaruthavee debatable topic itself—or at least what I see through my eyes, which is as closest to the living truth that the subject will allow me to see. Paused Dreams came out of a larger project I did on migrant women. I chose to highlight this segment because of its relevance to all societies, whether you’re a migrant or not. I collaborated with a local NGO in the area, and the subjects in Paused Dreams are all career sex workers. Did your subjects have much to say about their conditions? They don’t hate their work, as it is a matter of choice. Even though there is a yearning to do something else, and this is just a money-saving pit stop, most of them have been there for quite some time and don’t seem to be quitting any time soon. Being migrant workers, these girls don’t go home at the end of their working night, but lodge on-site in the sleeping quarters at each of their karaoke bars. Some of the occupational pitfalls are clients coercing them to partake in something they’re not comfortable with. They also tend to self-medicate: morning-after pills, birth-control pills, beauty enhancement shots. You did an earlier set of photographs on “Pretties.” Is there a similarity? Even though the core definition of these two occupations are very different, sadly over time, there has become some overlap. Many of the workers that I came across are in it by choice. Some do it because they started and just kept going. Others, like the Laotian sex workers, said they did it to save money before moving onto something else. These were very similar answers I got from the subjects in my Pretties series as well. The one obvious similarity they have is they are both male appeasement occupations, which brings up the topic of using femininity as your occupational drive, and whether this is a healthy tool. Is there a message you’re trying to send to the audience? Paused Dreams is not an attempt to sensationalize pity, but to show the lounge hostesses as they are, like any other job that involves waiting for clients. Like most artists, there is always the intention to evoke a ‘desired’ thought pattern within the audience. My intention is to show topics that people sometimes feel uncomfortable with, or don’t want to know anything about. In the case of the sex worker industry, you have charities going in and trying to empower them to change jobs. A lot of the time, they are in it by choice, and this is what people have to understand and respect. This is why it turns into a victimizing occupation—charities and individuals who want to feel better about themselves make it that way. There are some very positive charities out there who act as support groups, creating contraception awareness and counsellors, but never trying to make them change. Interview by Lily Kittisrikangwan

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now FILM Upcoming

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Here’s one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health: Withdraw your attention from the life that lies behind you, and be excited about the life that stretches ahead of you. Forgive everyone who has offended you, and fantasize about the fun adventures you’ll go on, the inspiring plans you’ll carry out, and the invigorating lessons you hope to learn.

LOST RIVER (USA)

THE BLACK DEATH (THAI)

Drama. Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut follows one mother’s (Christina Hendricks) struggle to protect her kids after they discover an underwater town. Also stars Saoirse Ronan and Eva Mendes. May 14

Action. In the Ayutthaya period, a group of the mysterious plague survivors must fight the undead before it’s too late. May 14

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (USA) Action. In a post-apocalyptic world run by a savage warlord, Max (Tom Hardy) teams up with the mysterious Furiousa (Charlize Theron) and her band of travelers in an effort to survive. May 14

LIFE PARTNERS (USA) 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. May 14

PITCH PERFECT 2 (USA)

FILM napping of beer mogul Freddy Heineken, which resulted in the largest ransom ever paid for an individual. Limited screening at House RCA and APEX Siam Square.

Free screenings opening Postcard from Nowhere (Thai) Romance. A man obsessed with analog photography always turns his photographs into postcards waiting for a chance to send them to someone special. One day he decides to sell them to a woman destined to be his true love. Parasyte: Part 1 (Japan) HHHHH Mystery. A teenager boy forms a symbiotic relationship with an alien invader after it accidentally burrows into his hand. The Last Five Years (USA) HHHHH Romance. This adaptation of the stage musical follows the five-year-long relationship between aspiring writer Jamie Wellerstein (Jereme Jordan) and stage performer Cathy Hiatt (Anna Kendrick). Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (USA) HHHHH

Crime. Based on the true story of the kid-

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Here’s a confession: I have taken a vow to foster beauty, truth, love, justice, equality, tolerance, creativity, playfulness and hope. I approach this work with the devotion of a monk and the rigor of a warrior. Does that mean I ignore difficulty and suffering and cruelty? Of course not. I’m trying to diminish the power of those problems, so I sure as hell better know a lot about them. On the other hand, my main focus is on redemption and exaltation. I prefer not to describe in detail the world’s poisons, but rather to provide an antidote for them. Even if you don’t normally share my approach, Cancerian, I invite you to try it for the next two weeks. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): The hill where I take my late afternoon hikes is teeming with the six-petaled purple wildflower known as the elegant cluster-lily. Every one of them—and there are hundreds—lean hard in the direction of the sun in the west. Should I deride them as conformists that follow the law of the pack? Or should I more sensibly regard them as having a healthy instinct to gravitate toward the life-giving light? I’ll go with the latter theory. In that spirit, Leo, I urge you to ignore the opinions of others as you turn strongly toward the sources that provide you with essential nourishment.

Comedy/Musical. The Barden Bellas are back, this time to enter an international a cappella competition which no American team has ever won. Stars Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks. May 14

Kidnapping Mr. Heineken

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In the children’s book The Little Engine That Could, a little blue engine volunteers to pull a long chain of train cars up a steep hill, even though it’s not confident it has the power to do so. As it strains to haul the heavy weight, it recites a mantra to give itself hope: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” The story ends happily. As you deal with your own challenge, Gemini, I recommend that you use an even more forceful incantation: “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can.”

Alliance Française Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. May 13. Tristesse Club (Fool Circle): A comedy by Vincent Mariette. At the funeral of their father, two brothers meet a girl named Chloe who brings with her surprise news: she’s their sister. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200.

Goethe Institut: German Film Series 2015 Movies are in German and subtitled in English. May 12. My Beautiful Country (2012): the young Serbian widow Danica lives with her two sons are in danger after she offers a wounded, fearsome enemy soldier in place to hide. 6pm, 2F Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. For more information or contact 02-108-8200, info@bangkok. goethe.org

Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for May is TKTK. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. BTS Surasak. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Am I reading the astrological omens correctly? I hope so. From what I can tell, you have been flying under the radar and over the rainbow. At this point in the adventure, you may be worried that your lucky streak can’t continue much longer. I’m here to tell you that it can. I predict that your detail-loving intelligence will paradoxically guide you to expand your possibilities even further. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): According to the three science fiction films collectively known as The Matrix , we humans suffer from a fundamental delusion. What we think is real life is actually a sophisticated computer simulation. Now as far as I can tell, this scenario isn’t literally true. But it is an apt metaphor for how many of us seem to be half-asleep, lost in our addiction to the simulated world created by technology. Now is a favorable time to diminish the hold that the metaphorical Matrix has on you. What can you do to at least partially escape your bondage? (Hint: A little more contact with nature could do the trick.) SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In the coming weeks, you may be as alluring and intriguing and tempting as you have been in a long time. I suggest you capitalize on this advantage. Proceed as if you do indeed have the power to attract more of the emotional riches you desire. Cultivate your ability to be the kind of trusted ally and imaginative lover who creates successful relationships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Physicist Frank Wilczek won a Nobel Prize for his research into quarks, the tiny particles that compose protons and neutrons. Here’s one of his operating principles: “If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not working on hard enough problems. And that’s a big mistake.” I think you’re strong enough and brave enough to go hunting for some new superrich dilemmas. Yes, they may lead you to commit some booboos. But they will also stretch your intelligence beyond its previous limits, giving you a more vigorous understanding of the way the world works. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): In 1934, Capricorn baseball player Dizzy Dean was named the Most Valuable Player after winning 30 games. It was a feat that no National League pitcher has repeated ever since. After Dean retired, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Never shy about acknowledging his own prowess, he declared that “if you can do it, it ain’t bragging.” I invite you to freely expound on your talents in the coming week. You won’t be boasting. You will simply be providing information. And that will ultimately result in you being offered an interesting new opportunity or two. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): There has rarely been a better time than now to refine the art of being your own mommy or daddy. You’re finally ready to take over from the parental voices in your head and assume full responsibility for raising yourself the rest of the way. What do you want to be when you grow up? You may feel a giddy sense of freedom as it becomes clear that the only authority who has the right to answer that question is you. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The universe has always played tricks on you. Some have been so perplexing that you’ve barely understood the joke. Others have been amusing but not particularly educational. However, I suspect that the universe’s pranks are becoming more comprehensible. They may have already begun to contain hints of kindness. What’s the meaning of this lovely turn of events? It’s conceivable that your sense of humor has matured so much that you’re able to laugh at some of the crazier plot twists. Here’s another possibility: You are cashing in on the wisdom you were compelled to develop over the years as you dealt with the universe’s tricks. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Benedictine monks observe the Latin motto Laborare est Orare. The 19th-century abbot Maurus Wolter interpreted these words to mean “work is worship” or “work is prayer.” He was trying to impress upon his fellow monks that the work they did was not a grudging distraction from their service to God, but rather at the heart of their devotion. I propose that you experiment with this approach in the coming weeks, even if your version is more secular. What would it be like to feel contentment with and appreciation for the duties you have been allotted?

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.

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marketplace PROPERTY For rent

“Baan Tippawan, a serviced apartment in Bangkok centre, 500m from Sam-Yan MRT, minutes from Silom Road. We offer WiFi, Cable TV, cleaning services, etc. For additional information, please visit our website, www.tippawan.net or contact us: info@tippawan.net, tel. 02.266.8921-3.”

“AtSathorn” Luxurious Home Apartment in Sathorn–Studio, 1BD, 2BD 140Sqm: in the heart of Bangkok, enjoy privacy and comfort. 30-140 Sqm, Studio1-2 BDs, 3 BRs, Jacuzzi,Balconies, RoofGarden& Fitness. FREE Wireless12MB+ CableTV+ Cleaning Walking distance to BTS& MRT(10-40K/Month)/ Tanadon 08-1903-2390,tb_147@hotmail. com, www.Atsathorn.com

For Sale

A-SPACE Condo. 2 klm from BTS On-Nuch (Sukhumvit 77). 6 Floor, 35.5 SQM. 1 bed 1 living, wide balcony. Swimming pool view. Furniture includes: Bed, Sofa, TV, Air-con, Microwave, Fridge. Facilities are pool, security card & guard, parking. 1.87 MB. or rent minimum 1 year contract. Contact: Duke 084-081-1178

A n g h i n A rc h i t e c t u re . Bangkok-based designer, architect and interior architect with experience in residential and commercial projects, handling both design and project oversight. At Anghin Architecture, we believe simple, functional design is naturally elegant. Do you have a project? Contact us for a consultation and see our work at www.anghin. com. info@anghin.com. 089201-2692. 02-254-9327.

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ADVERTORIAL

Farm Fresh

Meet Bangkok’s finest food producers and shop for artisanal delicacies at K Village Farmers’ Market There’s a new way to enjoy your grocery shopping in Bangkok, one that allows you to actually meet the producers of your food and choose the freshest produce right from the source. K Village Farmer’s Market makes it possible for people concerned about their health to get in touch with food producers and engage in conversation about exactly where their food comes from. There’s also no middleman to double the price. Nestled on a courtyard inside the K Village community mall, the market is, though not airconditioned, made for peaceful weekend shopping no matter how hard the sun shines or the rain pours outside. With a lively atmosphere and friendly staff, you’ll enjoy shopping for Bangkok’s most lovingly prepared food. Not only can you find raw produce like fresh vegetables, rice, nuts, herbs, coffee and fruits, but also snacks and delicacies from your favorite craftsmen. Expect artisanal bread from Maison Jean-Philippe, foie gras pate from Vivin, organic sausages from Slone's, burrata and mozzarella from Mille Stelle, as well as juices, salad dressing, jam and desserts from many producers. You’ll also find

plenty of freshly-cooked dishes, whether it’s the grilled seafood, fried pork, steamed buns, spaghetti or barbecue ribs. On top of food, there are also plenty of other handmade items like natural soaps, sponge, shampoos, coconut oil, candles, canvas bags, ceramics and clothes. Thanks to good food and a welcoming environment, the market makes for family time well spent. Kids can enjoy themselves while you shop thanks to an art corner in which K Village has prepared all the materials for their masterpieces. Or let them have fun riding the friendly little ponies in the front yard. The best part of all: you don’t have to travel upcountry to meet firsthand Bangkok’s most trustworthy food producers. K Village is right on Sukhumvit Soi 26, accessible by both BTS and MRT. If you come from the Sukhumvit side, get off at BTS Phrom Phong and take exit 2 to Sukhumvit Soi 26. A motorbike trip won’t exceed B20. Or you can travel by MRT. Get off at Queen Sirikit Center station and take a short trip along Rama 4 Rd. K Village Farmers’ Market happens every second weekend of the month. Make sure you drop by the next market on May 9-10.

K Village Farmers' Market Date :: Every Second Weekend Time :: 09.00 am.- 05.00 pm. Place :: K Square, K Village Sukhumvit 26 Contace :: 02-258-9919 Social Media :: /kvillagebkk

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last word

Rotsaniyom From a couple of stalls at Chatuchak Market to fully-fledged stores at Siam Center and, just recently, Emquartier, the vintage-style fashion label Rotsaniyom continues to find new admirers. Just after returning from London Fashion Week, where they represented Thailand as a guest designer brand, designer couple Pongsak “Off” Kobrattanasuk and Thita “Gift” Kamonnetsawat, both 29, spoke to BK about their rise to fashion fame and why it didn’t require big money.

How did Rotsaniyom start?

What’s your proudest moment?

Gift: My love for fashion drove me to open a clothes shop. My parents owned a small children’s clothes factory. But that’s not my thing. So I finally asked my boyfriend, Off, who worked as an exhibition designer, to open a shop with me. We started selling T-shirts at Fat Fest before opening Rotsaniyom at Chatuchak Market in 2007.

Gift: Our dream came true when we opened our flagship store in Siam Center last year. Everything since then has been a bonus. I’m not even sure we want to grow beyond this. We love the way we are now. If 10 out of 100 customers understand the message in our design, we’re already a success.

Who are your inspirations?

Off: To make design and business go together, you need to fix problems at the right point. As we are a designfirst brand, if we have problems with sales, we won’t change our business by churning out mass products. We once tried to do trendy stuff while at Chatuchak and it made us feel worse than if we didn’t have money.

Gift: We really admire the way Thai designers built their brands in the old days. We were never interested in the foreign brand names; we’d always go to Siam Center to check out Thai designers like Greyhound, It’s Happening and Theoddyssee. Their designs and displays were so cool; it lit up our imagination. Off: We want our clothes to be seen as art pieces. It’s always been our passion to cultivate Rotsaniyom as a fashion brand, not just a shop selling clothes. Our sales at Chatuchak were better than in the mall. But good sales don’t always mean good design. We chose to make art and we’re proud of it.

How do you combine design and business?

How do you spend your down-time? Gift: We love vintage stuff. Items that have stories. Some things need time to make them valuable. The oldest piece I’ve bought is a 1920s dress from Japan. We also love living in the Old Town. Living near Thewet, there are no flashy crowds. You don’t feel the

need to dress up to match the upscale vibe like in Ekkamai or Thonglor. We’d rather go to Khao San Road for drinks and people-watching. It’s like we’re in another city.

conservative. But as a designer, I accept that times have changed, and we try to interpret Thai things to match the present-day. It’s frustrating that when we add Western touches to our design, it’s considered Western design. But when we do something with a Thai touch some people get outraged. A lot of Thai people got mad about our Malai [garland] collection because we used garlands in our shoe design, when garlands are normally used to pay respect to revered things like Buddha images or elders. Sometimes it seems there is no meeting point between traditional Thai and new design. We, designers, don’t have a duty to preserve everything exactly the way it used to be. We have a duty to create something

The main asset of a fashion brand is ideas, not money.

Off: We also love renting movies, and actually still do it. We love going to Frame, a movie shop at Tha Pharchan. They have every movie we can think of. We want to support this kind of business.

Gift: I love watching movies and studying the female characters. Mae Ploy in Four Reigns is my favorite character. I love the historic detail. It also makes me admire our royal family, too. How do you incorporate your love of tradition in modern clothing? Off: I’m so patriotic. I have a very high opinion about Thai culture. Mae Ploy is like our muse. She accepts change even though she is pretty

NEEDS...

new. We can showcase the unique creativity of Thais on the global stage without sacrificing our precious culture. What do you think of the Thai fashion scene right now? Off: It’s so boring. People like wearing the same thing because it’s celebrity-endorsed. I’m not totally against this kind of marketing. Hollywood also does it. But in the long term, I want to see brands in it for the design, not the fame. Don’t damage the fashion industry just because you want to be famous. I preferred our fashion scene in the old days when we loved brands for the overall design and quality, not for the celebrities. What advice do you have for those starting out in fashion? Off: The main asset of a fashion brand is ideas, not money. You don’t have to be a rich kid or borrow lots of money to create a brand. You just need passion, ideas and a good business plan to make it work. We first started out with just B7,000. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan and Arisa Wiwatsomwong

MARKETING/EDIT /PRODUCTION INTERNS • get experience • develop your portfolio email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

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