BK Magazine 598 July 17, 2015 by BK Magazine

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 598 FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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it's free! No water? Drink beer

BK MAGAZINE NO. 598 FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

IS YOUR HOOD HIP ENOUGH? Bangkok’s districts’ cool ratings unveiled

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page 3 Steps to Success 12 cover story

How Hip is Your Hood? 6 escapes

18 beauty

The New Pattaya

Drugstore Beauty

Last week, we showed you where not to open a restaurant in Bangkok. We hope you were taking notes, because this week, BK’s armchair pundits have more advice on how to do it properly. 1. Gather for drinks with your well-off friends and discuss how you’d love to open a restaurant like the ones you miss from college in New York. 2. Go to your parents and each ask for 4 million baht.

22 digital

28 bites

3. Make a Pinterest board of all the stuff you like from Brooklyn.

Go Wireless

Rare Cuisines

4. Show it to Begray and ask them to create something EXACTLY like it. 5. Find a chef. Good luck! Your friend Pancake just graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. She has no experience whatsoever but 80,000 people follow her Instagram bakery.

26 blends

41 last word

Pre-Drinks

Korea Opportunities

7. Choose a name by combining two European words from different languages—one of which has to be an animal. 8. Hire Ploy Chaunpis to draw you a logo. Specify you want a cross at a 90-degree angle, but make it clear that you’re very open-minded—she doesn’t need to use a knife and fork.

Who's in charge? General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor, Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon, Lily Kittisrikangwan Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong 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

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Thammika Sawaengsri, Lalita Kittisrikangwan, Pimploy Phongsirivech, Jatuphorn Yamprasert, Varunthorn Uraroongroj, Pornchanit Visitchaichan, Korakodch Suratanamongkon, Pinyapat Bannarakhiran

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

Cover by Jatuphorn Yamprasert and Varunthorn Uraroongroj

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

Where to find us!

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

6. Now you need a celeb partner. Which is easy, since a guy you went to college with now stars in the Gossip Girl remake.

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

9. Hire some Swedish people to make a cocktail menu of classics with playful tweaks out of home-infused spirits. These can all be sold for over B400, no matter how much alcohol is in them. 10. Devise a “nose-to-tail” menu serving nothing but prime cuts... and a sausage. 11. Buy the URL of your restaurant name and design a “Coming Soon” landing page. Then completely ignore your new website and start a Facebook page instead. 12. Look for a cool old warehouse location. Give up and rent space in a new community mall instead. 13. Start sending out news about your restaurant to local media so they can blog a succession of opening dates, all of which are wrong. 14. Great, now you’re open! Wait six months until all the buzz has died down and then hold a Gatsby-themed grand opening party. 15. Start losing money hand over fist. Shut it down and launch again with a new “Peruvian-Japanese concept.”

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

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Minions

Not: Be@rbrick

IG @melony_forfan

Did you put on 10lbs eating McDonald’s Happy Meals twice daily with hopes of putting together a full set of collectible Minions? Well, you can stop now. They’re already sold out at the 200 Mickey D’s nationwide and you’ll need B1,500 to buy a full set on the black market instead. But think of how cheap that is compared to the money you can stop wasting on Be@rbricks now.

Hot: Thai movies

Not: Tangmo coverage

How to Win at Checkers, directed by American-Korean Josh Kim (see our interview, page 41) is getting glowing reviews for its sensitive portrayal of both LGBT issues and the power of money in Thai society. There’s also the most excellent Y/Our Music, a documentary on Thai music which is getting accepted into every film festival around. Too bad Thai TV still sucks.

Hot: Mexican restaurants

Not: Beer bars

So many new Mexican restaurants—and they’re all pretty amazing: Casa Azul, Tacos Factory and La Monita 2. We wish we could be as excited about the opening of a new beer bar (see page 24). With so many venues gettings their brews from the same handful of importers, our excitement for craft brands and the places selling them is going flat.

INTERVIEW Miss Thailand 2006 Lalana Kongtoranin, 27, also known to her fans as Dr. Jeab Lanana, has gained an even bigger following of late due to her new tomboy look and recent appearance on Woody Talk earlier this year. But the one-time beauty queen is also now a fully-qualified doctor. We caught up with her ahead of her big concert, “What Women Worth,” taking place this Jul 18 at BCC Hall, Central Ladprao (see BK Now, page 30), to discuss where her priorities lie. So, tell us about your “new look.”

What’s your day-to-day life like?

People have asked me in so many interviews why I look more “masculine” now. But I haven’t really changed. I’ve looked like this for a while—short hair and all—but there’s probably more hype now because of my Instagram account. The biggest change for me over the years is actually becoming a full-time resident doctor at Ramathibodi Hospital. It’s a big responsibility, and I want to do it well.

I rarely have a day off. I work in the emergency ward, so I could be on call at literally any time of the day. But it’s all out of choice. If I could have a proper weekend, I’d probably want to rest at home, spend quality time with my family, my niece and the people that I love… and run around with my dogs.

Why did you become a doctor?

Hot: Charoenkrung

Not: Nana-Asoke

It’s gonna take more than the weekly new bar openings on Soi 11 to make us want to live in that area. We crunched the numbers and figured it to be the leastcool, most expensive place you can live in the whole of Bangkok. See the whole list and figure out where you should be living on page 12.

I never wanted to become a doctor, or Miss Thailand for that matter. In middle school, I went to see the dentist to get a retainer, and felt like they were able to make so much money by doing so little. I decided that was what I wanted to do! When I got to spend time with patients during my internships, I actually realized how much work there is.

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How do you compare your various achievements? I don’t have a “biggest achievement.” I’ve never thought about life that way. As long as I’m actively doing something good for society, that makes me happy. Becoming Miss Thailand was, to me, just a way to reach a wider audience, and direct people’s attention towards serious social issues that I care about. Ultimately, I do have a dream to open a free clinic.

being where I am today. I embrace everything, and I think it’s a blessing getting to learn from my mistakes. We all have to face them at some point. I also learned you don’t have to be the prettiest person in the room. You just need to be comfortable with who you are, and be who you want to be. Are you excited about your upcoming concert? I’ve never had to sing or dance in front of a huge crowd before. So I’m actually a bit nervous. But the team is great, and the concert is packed with leading female artists and celebrities in Thailand—it’ll be a fun, entertaining evening. What’s next for you? On the side, I have a Club Friday series coming out soon, as well as other TV series lined up, but that’s all in the pipeline at the moment. Interview by

Do you have any regrets about your beauty-pageant past?

Lily Kittisrikangwan.

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I actually really like

Tickets are B1,200 -2,500, available on Thaiticketmajor

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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escapes

Silver Lining

The Cottage

NEW OPENINGS

Primed for Pattaya Forget the tacky tourist spots and head to these recent arrivals. By Monruedee Jansuttipan

Silver Lining

Spa Cafe

After the huge success of seaside Thai restaurant The Glass House in 2011, its owner, Atthapol Itthirattanakomol, has opened this new Japanese-Italian venture on Wongamat Beach. Silver Lining features a giant, seven-ton awning that sits above a smaller glass dining room furnished with art deco details, steel surfaces and ancient samurai armor. The menu was devised by TV’s Iron Chef Noom Thaninthorn, and features both traditional and fusion dishes like sashimi sets (hamachi, tuna, salmon B1,700), robasta Kagoshima wagyu (B1,850) and chilled angel hair pasta with salmon tartar (B250), while mixologist Karn Liangsrisuk (Escapade Burgers & Shakes) designed the cocktails. Try the torched watermelon sake (B320) or Little Blood (B320), a twist on the Bloody Mary featuring crispy bacon. Live jazz and soul plays Tue-Sun. Book ahead if you want to get one of the three beachside tables.

After running Silavadee, a small spa in the Naklua area for a decade, Chairat Ratnopas revamped this abandoned house on the same soi into this all-day cafe. Taking its name from the Latin saying salus per alimentum (meaning good health by food), Spa Cafe serves food and drink with a healthy angle, such as the Spa coffee (hot B75/cold B90), which is made with soymilk and flavored with fragrant ingredients like orange peel and cinnamon, which is said to alleviate muscle pain and spasms. Even the black honey toast (B150) is made using health-conscious ingredients like Japanese bamboo charcoal, which is believed to clean bacteria from your digestive tract. You’ll also find it in the black beef burger (B250) and black spaghetti salmon (B180).

ZIRE Wongamat Condominium, 456 Soi Naklua 18. 098930-9800. Open daily 11-midnight. www.fb.com/silverliningbyglasshouse

Loaf Bakery and Cafe

The Cottage This small cafe-cum-bar belongs to a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Sydney, Thakorn Wannawong (who also runs Betta x Beach Cafe in Bangsaen). The menu is packed with nearly a hundred dishes and desserts, from traditional Thai to fusion creations, but we recommend the simpler items like nam prik long rua tuna foo (shrimp paste rice with crispy tuna, B140) and gaeng phed ped yang (roasted duck in red curry, B120). For dessert, there are various toasts (from B170), chocolate fondue (B120), pancakes and, the highlight, mango meringue (B120). At night, the cute wooden barn-like cafe turns into a bar with live folk music on weekdays from 9-11pm. 3/286 Moo 6, Soi Phettrakul, Naklua. 038-111-343. Open daily 11am-midnight. www.fb.com/thecottagepattaya

Spa Cafe

571/32 Moo 5 Soi Naklua 16/2. 095-949-7132. Open daily 8am-midnight. goo.gl/UcnsvN

This four-year old breakfast place has expanded to a second branch in the new community mall, Welcome Town. The space matches industrial loft style with surfing influences, and also features a shopping corner for swimwear. The owner, Uthai Niratkulchai, gained his cooking credentials through a short course at Ecole Ritz Escoffier at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and serves both Eastern and Western dishes. Try the Doi Mae Salong shitake mushrooms cooked Yunnan style (B155), ciabatta bread topped with mascarpone cheese, smoked salmon and spices (B185), French toast (start B225) and English breakfast (B275). Next door you’ll also find the well-regarded Thai restaurant Bor Bai Mai.

Loaf Bakery and Café

Spa Cafe

47/92 Welcome Town, Central Pattaya. 096-696-8665. Open daily 9am-10pm. www.loafthailand.com Loaf Bakery and Café

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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escapes

Surf and Turf

The Sky Gallery

Kandy

Situated at the foot of Pratamnak Mountain, this seaside resort’s cafe is a good spot to sip healthy drinks, like their 10 signature mocktails, while watching the sunset. The small menu spans cold-pressed juices along with sandwiches, spaghetti and roasted pork ribs. The full kitchen is planned to open at the end of next month. Cosy Beach Hotel, 400 Moo 12 Soi Rajchawaroon, Pratamnuk Rd. 081-931-8588 , 038-418-588. Open daily 6am-midnight. www.fb.com/skygallerypattaya

Opened late last year, this lounge and bar serves international dishes and inventive tapas like tuna tartare (fresh tuna with capers, cucumbers and exotic spices served with passion fruit foam, B320) and Karoga Chicken (bite-size chicken pieces marinated in East Asian spices, B190). The setting matches speakeasy references with Sandinavian simplicity, and also makes for a good spot to party later at night. They regularly host salsa dance parties, too.

Surf and Turf

304/64 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road. 038-364611. Open daily 6pm-midnight. www.kandypattaya.com

Decorated with surfboards and colorful graffiti, this beach club specializes in various takes of the surf and turf format, such as beef stroganoff with Cajun-spice salmon (B390) and the surf and turf burger (ground beef topped with sauteed prawn, B270) as well as with fresh oysters (6 pcs. B395/12 pcs. B700). They also do a good all-day breakfast. The drinks list covers Italian sodas, smoothies, cocktails, beers and wine.

Sense of the Sea

Kandy

Bor Bai Mai

Run by the same people as Differ club, this new bar on Jomtien Beach features colorful beanbags dotted on artificial grass. The kitchen serves Thai and fusion plates like king prawn spaghetti and panang-stuffed squid. Jomtien Rd. (next to Reflection condominium). 038-232353. Open daily 4pm-2am

499/5 Moo 5 Wongamat Beach, Naklua Soi 16. 091-7583895. Open daily 9am-11pm. goo.gl/7zoqtp The Sky Gallery

GRAND OPENING U Pattaya Overview: Settled on the quiet beachfront between Jomtien and Bang Saray beaches, this boutique hotel offers a more intimate and down-to-earth atmosphere than other luxurious offerings in Pattaya. It’s also packed with the U brand’s signature services: 24-hour stay from check-in time and whenever/wherever breakfast service. Rooms: Designed by Be Gray, the architecture firm behind the famous Casa Lapin cafes in Bangkok, U Pattaya takes its concept from the surrounding fishermen’s villages. All 54 rooms (19 villas and 25 rooms under seven types, including two bedrooms) are filled with modern rustic charm in the form of rock-piled walls, vintage lanterns, bamboo ceilings, boat ropes and hanging beams with sheer curtains. Each unit consists of a bath tub, some of which come in an alfresco setting. The Beachfront Pool Villa has a sunken pool facing the ocean. Facilities: Eco-friendly materials are everywhere, as in the thatched roofs of the leaf-shaped garden villas. Instead of an elevator, a large circular staircase at the entrance leads guests to their rooms in the three-story building. Hanging fishnets line the wooden walkway to U Spa. There’s also a 45-meter swimming pool right by the beach. Adrenaline junkies can get their morning run on the treadmill at the beachfront gym. The clean, rockfree stretch of beach is also great for sea swimming.

venue is focused on French cuisine with some classic Thai dishes like fried rice with crab meat and green curry, along with pastas. Highlights include the bouillabaisse (clear saffron soup with fresh seafood, B680) and beef cheek vol-au-vent (braised beef cheek with white wine cream mushroom sauce, B550). The second floor is home to La Vela, a laid-back rooftop bar that’s a little reminiscent of Sri Panwa’s amazing Baba Nest. At night, they also serve classic and modern cocktails around the pool, which lights up with LED stars. Rave: The rustic design is both chic and romantic for couples who want a quick trip out of Bangkok. The beach, too, is rather quieter than other parts of Pattaya. Every corner is Instagram-worthy. Rant: Some room types are too small like the pool-access villa. And the garden view villa room’s terrace lacks privacy. But the hi-so pool villas have plenty of private space. The location is far from the city center (about 20km)—no nightlife, guys. But the delicious seafood joints at nearby Bang Saray make up for that. Rates: Starts at B3,599 for Superior Garden View, B4,399 for Superior Seaview, B5,599 for Garden Villa, B7,599 for Pool Access, B9,599 for Pool Villa, B13,599 for Two Bedroom Pool Villa, B15,599 for Beachfront Pool Villa. 70/14 Moo8, Soi Na-Chomtien 56/3, Sattahip. 033046-100. www.uhotelsresorts.com/upattaya

Dining: The only restaurant, Papillon, is decorated with thatched ceilings and hanging seats. This all-day dining

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By BK Staff

SRI LANKA

Front Row Ozo Kandy (www.ozohotels.com/kandy-srilanka) is offering a special Esala Perahera package for visitors to experience one of the world’s oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals, taking place between Aug 20-30. For approximately B26,851, you’ll get a threenight stay at this contemporary, minimalist hotel in a room that offers a view of either the garden or mountain, along with two front-row festival tickets that are valued at B2,705 each. As a bonus, the hotel will also offer a half-day tour through the picturesque city. The package is also inclusive of breakfast at the hotel’s own restaurant, EAT, which specializes in breakfast juices and healthy dining. The festival itself consists of a series of vibrant evening parades with fire and whip dancers.

KOH SAMUI

Michelin Wish If you happen to be in Koh Samui this July, you’re in luck. W Retreat is presenting two dinners on Jul 27 and 28 by renowned chef Jacob Jan Boerma, co-founder and owner of fine-dining restaurant De Leest in the Netherlands, which received it’s first Michelin star within six months of opening in 2002. It claimed its third Michelin star in 2013. Boerma will be joined by mixologist Guillermo Gonzalez of Amsterdam’s highly-credentialled bar Hiding in Plain Sight. The B6,500 eight-course dinner at W Retreat’s Namu (www.wretreatkohsamui.com/namu) will feature ingredients such as turbot, caviar, Lozere lamb, duck liver, king crab and lobster. For reservations or more information, contact 07791-5999.

LOEI

Capsule Collection Tucked in the little town of Chiangkhan, the aptly named Capsule Hostel (www.capsule-thailand.com) is perfect for those looking for a clean, convenient and wallet-friendly bed for the night. Sleek gray walls, dim lighting, tiled sinks and concrete floors make for a modern, industrial interior. And the capsules? Well, apart from the bed, they come equipped with manual temperature control, a lamp, charging sockets and free Wi-Fi. You can also book a “family room,” actually an entire dorm consisting of 14 capsules for privacy between your family and friends. Rates range from B390590 per night per capsule, and the hostel is conveniently located right next to 7-Eleven and 100 meters from the town’s walking street.

MALDIVES

Island Home Located on the small island of Vaavu Thinadhoo 78km south of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Plumeria (www.plumeriamaldives.com) boutique guesthouse promises more than affordable luxury. With a registered population of only 500, the island is surrounded by sandy beaches and lush barrier reefs, which makes it a favorite spot for recreational fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The newly opened four-star boutique guesthouse has 21 rooms, with a restaurant that serves Western, Asian and local cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s also an on-site PADI-certified diving school. Room rates range from US$80-180 (about B2,700-6,100), which covers all three meals and speed-boat transfers to and from the airport. There are also honeymoon, family and diving packages. Resorts are most expensive during the peak season between December-April, so get booking now. Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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cover story

HOW HOW HIP HIP IS IS YOUR YOUR HOOD? HOOD? The definitive guide to what everyone thinks about where you live. By BK Editorial, Illustration by Jatuphorn Yamprasert and Varunthorn Uraroongroj

Coffee shops

Thonburi Oh dear. Your hood is so unhip that we don’t even know what’s in it. For a time we thought Jam Factory was finally making Thonburi the cool Bangkok riverside equivalent of London’s Bankside. Then we looked it up on a map—that place isn’t even in Thonburi!

Lad Phrao Long the home of banished expats who can no longer afford Silom or Sukhumvit. We know it best as that area where our friend got his camera stolen, our sister lost her phone and our co-worker was mugged. At least Lad Phrao is never far from anyone’s mind thanks to the true crime stories on our Facebook feed.

Bike cafes

Vintage shops

Charoenkrung There’s more to Bangkok’s historic heart than museums, temples and wrinkly poor people. We say you’ve got a couple more years tops of cheap rent, sipping illegal craft beers on shop-house rooftops and partying at bohemian art galleries before the gentrification is complete.

Thonglor Keep it between sois 10-20 and you’ll be in bourgeois Bangkok heaven: trustfund babies parking Porsches outside nightclubs and fashion-savvy moms with French bulldogs and Birkins. None of that makes it hip, of course, but the many vintage shops and only Casa Lapin we actually like do.

Craft cocktail/ beer bars

Galleries

Upper Sathorn Forget anything east of Naradhiwas Road. Sathorn Soi 10-12 has it all: a Rocket Coffeebar, a Crossfit gym and, round the corner, even a Dean and DeLuca (breakfast), Joel Robuchon (dinner) and Maggie Choo’s (drinks). This is hip from a very moneyed perspective.

Lower Sathorn Ayyyyye. Yes, the rent’s cheap for somewhere so close to Lumphini Park. But it’s cheap for a reason. And that reason comes in a singlet top, strappy sandals, and holding the hand of a moneyboy. At least Soi Suan Phlu (Smalls, Kom-Ba-Wa) is just around the corner.

Ari Oh, to cycle your drop-handlebar single-speed through leafy sois before stopping for a slow-drip and a browse of Kinfolk. These streets lined with food trucks, coffee shops and fusion Japanese-slash-Italian-restaurants are made for you. Buy in now before everything gets turned into a condo.

Phloen Chit Living the high life you gotta expect to pay high rent. And forget street food, the only Thai food you’ll find around here comes made with ingredients flown in from Japan. Never mind, a stiff drink at Hyde & Seek and an afternoon shop (all to yourself) at Central Embassy will take your mind off the fact your super-expensive downtown pad isn’t actually all that hip.

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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PHLOEN CHIT

COST OF LIVING

NANAASOKE

PHROM PHONG

UPPER SATHORN

THONGLOR

EKKAMAI

LOWER SATHORN

PHAYA THAI

LAD PHRAO

PHRA KHANONG

ARI

TS PO

RATTANAKOSIN

CHAROENKRUNG

ON NUT

UDOMSUK

THONBURI

HIPNESS Ekkamai By day you’ve got artisanal brownies and Aeropress coffee, by night it’s your pick of the city’s nightlife (hidden hipster cocktails or late-night dive bar, all choices eventually leading to Tul Apartmentkhunpa). Some people say there’s more to life, but we’re not convinced.

Phra Khanong Give up the lie: you don’t live in Ekkamai. You live in Ekkamai’s gray, unloved, try-hard cousin. GOJA and a community mall that pretends to be an art gallery are not enough to make this the Ari of East Bangkok.

Rattanakosin The National Gallery, RCAC, hip hostels, coffee shops, small music venues—you sacrificed the convenience of mass public transport to enjoy all this. There’s even a bike lane and the occasional flea market at Museum Siam. Stay away from Khaosan and you’re area has some serious cred.

On Nut You don’t live in On Nut because you want to. You live there because it’s cheap. At least you have the BTS to carry you swiftly to other ’hoods.

NanaAsoke Congratulations, you managed to pick the least-cool yet most-expensive place in the whole of Bangkok. Arguments over what sport to watch in the British pub, pool tournaments with bar girls and plenty of short-time hotel rooms—a Monocle City Survey winner this ain’t.

Phrom Phong

Phaya Thai You really wanted to live in Ari, but you’re stuck somewhere between Victory Monument (a giant parking lot for minivans) and Ratchatewi (a place frequented by tourists on their way to Pantip and underage drinkers at Coco Walk). Cheaper, less pretentious, three stations closer to Siam (not to mention right by the Airport Link) and with a proper park on Soi Rangnam, Phaya Thai is actually better than Ari in some ways, but not nearly as hip.

Udomsuk Nothing to see here.

Hip, but it’ll cost you. Hi-so 20-somethings, Japanese families and perpetually bar-bound British expats all coexist in relative harmony. What the area lacks in tradition, it makes up for with hipsters working on their Apple laptop, yo-pros get their morning drip coffee, and Japanese housewives doing their weekly groceries.

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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avenue

CO-WORKING SPACE

Work More Phynn (a Thai word for opium but widely used as slang meaning freelance work) is a new co-working space run by Vasuphon “Mor” Kriangpratakit, the frontman of Believe Records’ Ten To Twelve and an established TVC and music video director. The simple, lofty blue space is, he says, designed to be a new community for people in the media. Day rates are divided into two packages— Quick Use (B150/3 hours) and Daily Use (B250/day)—while a 15-person meeting room costs B500 per hour. Memberhip ranges from B4,950/month up to B39,500/year, covering high-speed Wi-Fi, printing, copying, scanning and lockers, as well as free snacks and drinks. Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39, Pracha Uthit Rd., near Meng Jai Intersection, 092-250-2802. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.fb.com/phynncoworkingspace

SPORT

City Surfing Surf Set, the surfing-inspired indoor workout studio from the States, has arrived in Bangkok. The brainchild of Mike Hartwick, a former American hockey player and long-time surfer, the program combines techniques from surfing with other workout practices. There are four classes on offer: Balance (yoga-inspired workout, focusing on slow movement and balance), Burn (cardio workout, focusing on fast movement), Build (muscle building using resistance bands) and Blend (a combination of all the workout programs). A drop-in class is B700, while packages start at B3,780/6 classes. There’s also a monthly unlimited pack for B9,000. 5/F, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-4566. www.surfsetthailand.com

FASHION

Sweet Hinds Earlier this year, the party organizer Supersweet brought us a live gig from all-female Spanish garage rock band Hinds. Following the collaboration, the crew has taken the group’s fun-loving (and weird) identity as inspiration for the Supersweet x Moumi fall/winter collection, The Weird and The Wonderful. The designs are all about chic bohemian style, with the brand’s signature cat-centric designs, psychedelic prints and colors ranging from soft pastel purple to earthy tones. Highlight items include the Strange Tunic (B5,950), Cascade Halter (B5,400), Veiled Petal Skirt (B11,580) and footwear in collaboration with Croon Shoes, like Frill Seeker Booties (B4,250), Frilly Mary Janes (B4,250) and Tutu Boots (B6,190). Supersweet x Moumi Concept Store, G/F, The 49 Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-5535. www.supersweetshop.com

FASHION

Ethnic Chic For its latest LifeWear collection, Uniqlo has collaborated with UK-born Muslim fashion designer and blogger Hana Tajima on a line for women looking for modest fashion. The Uniqlo x Hana Tajima collection consists of neutral-toned, loose-fitting basics with a Middle Eastern twist. Items range from casual pieces such as the tapered ankle-length pants (B1,290) to more traditional ones like the printed hijab headscarves (B790). Look out for the Rayon Layered Blouse (B990), a two-part sleeve blouse with a sophisticated look, and the Rayon Tuck Pleated Tunic (B990), a loose-fitting tunic made from a cool, lightweight fabric with the illusion of layering. www.uniqlo.com

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

OPPORTUNITY IS EVERYTHING LIFESTYLE IS PLEASURE Seven dining and nightlife hot spots around Sukhumvit 71

Mapo Galbi

Mapo Galbi This Korean yakiniku chain has spread its branches around the world, from Los Angeles, California, to Thailand. Here you’ll find classic Korean dishes done well like pork samgabsal, kimchi jjigae and bibimbap, along with plenty of Korean soju. The pocket-friendly prices are a bonus. Pridi Panomyong Soi 3, Sukhumvit 71, 02-381-1931

Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant

From niche Japanese cuisine and flavorful noodle stalls to luxury rooftop restaurants with 360-degree city views, the lifestyle around Sukhumvit 71 is all about variety. Thanks to coffee shops, international restaurants and buzzing bars, the area has everything to keep you occupied till day turns to night. Coffee @ Sea

Coffee @ Sea

Nikko Cafe Nikko Cafe

Nikko Cafe

Kinjo Okinawa Restaurant

Kinjo Okinawa Restaurant Bangkokians love Japanese food. And for something different, this charming izakaya is one of very few places serving traditional dishes from the tropical Okinawa prefecture of Japan (think tofu and seaweed, among other Japanese staples). Popular orders include: Kinjo shabu, Okinawa soba, Rafute Okinawan-style glazed pork and goya Okinawa (bitter melon stir-fried in Okinawan sauce). Not only is the food unique; its second floor, known as Livecube, is also a concert space that occasionally hosts intimate gigs from local and international indie acts. 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-711-0536. BTS Phra Khanong

Drop by this little coffee shop in Pridi Panomyong Soi 35 for a relaxing day. The tiny place offers a few comfy seating areas for you to set up for the afternoon with your laptop and use their free Wi-Fi while sipping on a hot latte. Opposite Pridi Panomyong Soi 35, Sukhumvit Soi 71, 02-713-0757

This Zen-inspired coffee shop is a young and always happening spot that’s as much a daytime work-spot as it is a night-time hangout. The wood-dominated two-story venue has all the feeling of a comfy home office, with the added bonus of a large outdoor space. Drop by for drinks or a bite from the similarly expansive menu which covers sandwiches, udon and Thai favorites. Pridi Panomyong Soi 3, 02-381-5291. www.facebook.com/NikkoCafe

Akiyoshi This is another nice option for a satisfying Japanese meal. This sukiyaki chain offers one of the best-quality and value-for-money suki experiences in Bangkok. The staff will just help you choose your tabletop cooking method: shabu shabu, which is a ceramic pot filled with water, or sukiyaki, which is a shallow, flat pan. We say opt for the all-you-can eat meat platter. Taisin Square Building, 1521/1 Sukhumvit Rd., 025-714-0791

Khaotom Kraduk Mu As for the Thai food scene, Sukhumvit 71 has plenty of street stalls lined up throughout the area. Khaotom Kraduk Mu Sukhumvit Soi 71 is one of the most highly recommended spots in town. The stall has grown a huge reputation over 40 years for its specialty rice soup. Don’t miss the bestselling rice soup with pork ribs, rice soup with fish, deepfried mackerel in fish sauce and pork satay.

Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant

Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant Located on the 46th floor of Le Luk Condominium, this sky-high bar was rebranded from the previous Zeppelin Bar. Here you’ll find a chilled–out vibe and dishes that focus on international favorites, from spaghetti carbonara to Australian rib-eye steak and roasted duck with fresh orange thyme sauce. 46-47/F Le Luk Condominium, 1595/500 Sukhumvit Rd., 02348-9100. BTS Phra Khanong

216-220 Pridi Panomyong Soi 16, Sukhumvit Soi 71, 02-7112057 Khaotom Kraduk Mu

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Everything is happening online. I embrace it. If there is anything you want to share, do it.

Rapper's Vision Thailand’s king of rap Apisit Opas-aimlikit, aka Joey Boy, has made a name for himself breaking down the walls of traditional Thai music. Ever since shooting to fame in 1995 with his legendary hit “A-Pode,” the down-to-earth rapper has been at the top of this country’s hip-hop industry. But the world of rap music has changed a lot since then. Here, Joey Boy describes how he’s stayed on top of the game for 20 years.

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ADVERTORIAL

I still rap for a living. There is a certain beauty in the aggressive tones of rap music. I always wanted to become an athlete. Rap music came later. I was like a boy in middle school who wanted to try out everything. But then my interests shifted. Rap was something that not many Thais were doing professionally—like the music equivalent of ice-hockey, archery or skateboarding. If I wasn’t into sport there wouldn’t be Joey Boy. One thing led to another. I joined a skateboarding club in the era when people used hashtalk instead of hashtags. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people is important. The pioneers of Thai hip-hop were in our circle of friends. We all shared the same interest in skateboarding, which later turned into hip-hop music. Nowadays, everything is happening online. I embrace it. I Tweet, upload pictures of me doing cool stuff on Instagram and send Snapchat videos to my friends. My lifestyle isn’t normal. One minute I’m sipping Champagne and the next I’m paramotoring over a beach in Pattaya. Becoming Joey Boy was the craziest decision I ever made. It didn’t take long for me to realize that school was not right for me. I dropped out of high school to pursue my dream of becoming a rapper. As you can tell from my choice of sport, I wanted to be different. This is why I wanted to bring hip-hop to the Thai music industry—nobody had ever heard it before. My mom was shell-shocked when I announced my plans. "I didn’t know you could even sing!" she said. Good rappers write their own lyrics. You can’t be a good rapper if you don’t know how to bring out your anger or your insecurities and state them out loud. Hip-hop is very different from any other genre as it’s you and only you who can truly feel the words you write. As a rapper, I think my lyrics influence young people just the right amount. I’m not trying to shove my beliefs down other people’s throats. I respect people who think differently. You can believe whatever you want to believe. I want to collaborate with legends like Asanee and Wasan. We are living in a time when country music can merge with electronic. Everything is possible. Now I’m forty-something, but my core is still the same. I still go to the same restaurants, have the same lifestyle and get pissed off about the same old things. If there is anything you want to do, or to share, as long as it doesn’t bother other people, do it.

JOEY BOY’S SIX PHONE ESSENTIALS

It’s important that I have a responsive screen and wide front camera angle in order to capture vivid and authentic moments.

I like simplicity. A clear, uncomplicated, straightforward device can win me over any time.

A high-power camera in low-light situaton. The pictures I take at events and concerts remind me

that these are moments I experienced for real. Even in the low-light day, the picture is still clear and help me recall all those feelings. It’s like rewinding a tape, but in HD!

Unique Design.Choosing a smart-phone is like choosing your outfit; it must show your personality.

Long battery life. It gives me the assurance my phone is not going to stop working on me when I’m out on a day-long bike trip or something.

Having a quick charging time is also really important. I’m happy that within 10 minutes I can get four hours of battery life—I’m not the kind of guy who can sit around all day with my phone chained to cables.

www.samsung.com/th/galaxy

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avenue BEAUTY

LUXE

Beauty on a Budget

Five new cosmetic musthaves to spend some real cash on.

The seven best beauty items you can find at your local drugstore. By Vasachol Quadri COUTURE VAIATION, YSL, B3,650 This eye-shadow palette contains 10 shades available in two color schemes—golden nude and purple blue. 7

AFTERGLOW 8-HOUR URBAN DECAY, B1,000

POWDER

BLUSH,

Blush available in nine choices of color, from Obsessed (light pink) and Bang (bright red orange) to Rapture (deep mauve with shimmer).

LIP & CHEEK BLOOM, BURBERRY, B1,500

Zendori UV Oil-Free Foundation SPF12 1

Price: B79 Why we like it: This compact powder might scare you with its cheap looks and price, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The mix of foundation, powder and sunscreen is oil-free and blends perfectly with your skin. The texture is pretty smooth, not too dusty, and gives a medium to high coverage level as well as oil control. The only let downs are that the plastic packaging breaks easily and there are only three shades available. Available at: Selected branches of 7-Eleven. Visit Zendori.co.th

Bourjois Paris 123 Perfect Foundation 2

Price: B530 Why we like it: This drugstore brand from Paris just arrived in Bangkok last year but has already gained a reputation from many bloggers for its high-performance foundation (they actually have three series). The 123 Perfect is the most serious foundation, containing three color-correcting pigments that help cover your imperfections. The texture is creamy, easy to apply and dries out quite quickly so as not to leave any oil. Again, shades are limited to three choices—none of which work if you have pink undertones. Available at: Selected Watsons. www.facebook.com/BourjoisThailand

Bisous Bisous Brilliant Twist Mascara Extreme Volume 3

Price: B695 Why we like it: This Korean brand is causing a stir with its line of eye products. Even though this mascara sounds a little bit pricey, the automatic curling technology makes it worth the extra cash. Instead of using an eyelash curler, the machine rolls your lashes and curls them at the same time. A good choice for those rush moments. Available at: Counter at M/F, Siam Paragon or check nearest branch at www.bisousbisousthailand.com

4U2 Celebrity 2 Way Brilliance SPF 35 PA+++ 4

Price: B294 Why we like it: It works well for when you want to break from using foundation but find that translucent powder just isn’t enough. The compact product can be worn alone or on top of liquid foundation to help control your oil production. Applying it with a wet sponge gives even more coverage. Available at: Selected Watsons www.4u2cosmetics.com

Srichand Translucent

Price: B280 Why we like it: Most translucent powders are quite pricey compared to their strengths. You need something that can control your oil production for at least 12 hours and which blends naturally when you make daily touchups. Srichand ticks all the boxes at just B280. Available at: Selected Watsons and Boots. www.srichandpowder.com 6

Natriv BB Powder

Price: B19 Why we like it: You might have heard about this Thai drugstore brand a lot. Like Zendori (#1), the packaging looks a little scary but trust us and give it a try. The underrated product makes a good choice as an alternative to foundation or touch up. Best to use with a powder brush. Available at: Selected branches of 7-Eleven 7

Multi-purpose color pot available in six shades, includes Rose (soft pink), Orange Blossom (pastel orange) and Purple Tulip (bright purple).

CREMESHEEN PEARL LIPSTICK, MAC, B850 This creamy lipstick containing pearl pigment is available in 10 shades, from Nippon (coral pink) and Tokyo Tizzy (bright yellow-orange) to Pickled Plum (blue-pink).

Passion Ville Lipstick

Price: B380 Why we like it: Most drugstore lipsticks don’t last long or have many color choices. Passion Ville has tons of shades—both conventional and surreal—and comes in three different textures (creamy, matte and moisture). We like the matte, which doesn’t dehydrate your lips. Available at: www.facebook.com/PassionVille

RALPH FRESH, RALPH LAUREN, B3,300/100ML Fresh flowery notes from magnolia and lemon, available in one 100ml portion.

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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avenue DIGITAL

Speakers Unplugged Untangle your life with these amazing wireless speakers for every part of the home. By Thammika Sawaengsri WATERPROOF WONDERS

PORTABLE PARTIES

Sony SRS-X1 (B2,490)

Harman Kardon (B5,990)

This compact ball-shaped speaker is totally waterproof up to one meter, provides powerful sound for up to 12 hours and features a built-in microphone. It also connects with Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC One-touch to stream music. Best for: Bathroom

TDK Trek Micro (B1,990) This one’s rugged looks don’t lie. This case is built from sturdy aluminum and is completely waterproof and dust-proof. The stereo sound also has impressive bass for something this cheap. Compatible with any Bluetooth device and also equipped with an auxiliary input. Best for: Outdoors

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Esquire

Mini

LG Sound Tower Model LHD 675 (B9,990)

Masked in an elegant shell, this ultra-thin, lightweight portable speaker has dual, high-performance drivers that give clear sound and distinctive bass. Use Bluetooth to connect with smartphones, tablets and computers.

This wireless version of LG’s Sound Tower offers 1,000W audio power and dual subwoofers for surround audio that’s equal to many more expensive home theater systems. Compatible with any Bluetooth device.

Best for: Anywhere

Best for: A budget home theater setup

BeoPlay A2 (B16,900, except Black Copper [B18,500])

BeoPlay A9 (B144,000)

The high-end brand’s stylish portable speaker offers True360 omni-directional sound technology, which they say projects sound right around the room for up to 24 hours. Connect using Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless streaming and line-in for MP3 players, mobile devices and laptops.

BeoPlay A9 offers something very special. The Oivind Slaatto design is already something of an icon, packaging an 8-inch subwoofer, 2 x 3-inch midrange drivers and 2 x ¾-inch tweeters into a single, functional unit. Compatible with any Bluetooth device. Best for: Looking good

Best for: Travel

TDK Trek Flex (B3,990) Another waterproof and wireless speaker with auxiliary input from TDK. This one has much more powerful sound and also rich bass. Compatible with any Bluetooth device. Best for: Pool party

Harman Kardon Go + Play Wireless Bluetooth (B9,900)

BeoLab 18 (B171,000)

This adorable-looking speaker features high-quality sound noted for its crystal clear treble, and also comes with a line-in stereo input. Compatible with any Bluetooth device.

Another B&O classic, this one received the International CES Best of Innovations 2014 Award for “High Performance Home Audio/Video.” Connect using BeoVision 11, BeoLab Transmitter 1 and all WiSA-compliant products.

Best for: Small gatherings

Best for: Home theater

Essentials Sony. Available at Sony stores nationwide

TDK. DotLife 4/F, Glass Lift Zone, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-6131299, BTS Chidlom

Harman Kardon. Sound City by Mahajak 3/F, The Helix Quartier Building, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6147, BTS Phrom Phong

Bang & Olufsen. 1/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Phleon Chit Rd., 02-656-1017, BTS Chidlom

LG. Available at LG dealers nationwide

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Meeting Sustainable Goals Thanks to the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) encouragement of local businesses to get certification for sustainable event management, Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel became the first ISO 20121-accredited hotel worldwide. In 2013, Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel was recognized for its commitment to sustainability by becoming the world’s first ISO 20121-certified hotel. Here, we talk to General in their MICE services and how everyone–from hotel suppliers to guests–can work together to achieve this tremendous feat. Why is ISO 20121 good for your business? Since ISO 20121 is about organizing events and functions, it’s especially relevant to hotels. Our hotel has 28 meeting rooms so it’s a great opportunity to work towards becoming more effective and efficient. I believe that the MICE industry generates immense waste–food, electricity, energy, paper – and with ISO 20121, we address that. How does TCEB help out with the certification process? TCEB promotes the country as a preferred destination for MICE, and as a hotel with complete meeting facilities, we meet their demands by holding some of tradeshows and events. Under the MICE Capabilities Department, TCEB assists businesses getting ISO

“

Manager ChooLeng Goh about implementing sustainable practices

Sustainability is a long journey, but the right time is always now. If you don’t have money, start slowly. At least you're still moving forward step by step.

certification and subsidizes 70 percent of the costs involved.

ChooLeng Goh

General Manager, Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel Do you also work with local farmers? Definitely. Shortening the food chain is key to reducing carbon footprint. As a hotel, we need tons of food so we’re a huge potential buyer for farmers. We buy whatever they have, and we adapt our menus accordingly; for example, many of our dishes read “seasonal organic vegetables,” which means farmers are also happy because we’re not demanding specific goods. Not every country can do that. Hotels in Singapore for example rely almost entirely on imported produce. How do you encourage guests to join the sustainable movement?

How did you get your staff on board?

They receive forms asking whether they want to be a part of our

Getting 500 people to understand a concept isn’t easy. It took

sustainable practices, so they won’t assume that the hotel is

months of work, but the change is something our associates are

trying to cut corners or save money. Guests can participate by

proud of. They also get to give back to the community by donating

simply ticking ‘yes’ to things like keeping their room temperature

leftover food from large events to temples, churches, orphanages

at 25 degrees Celsius, using water coolers instead of plastic

and organizations like The Mirror Foundation.

bottles or linen napkins instead of paper. For MICE, organizers are also asked whether they want to donate any leftover food, and if they say yes, we donate together. This is how we involve the guests. What should businesses in the MICE industry keep in mind about sustainability? I think every businessperson needs to consider doing business in a sustainable world. Increase efficiency instead of increasing prices. Sustainability is a long journey, but the right time is always now. If you don’t have money, start slowly. At least you're still moving forward step by step.

The 30/20 by 20 Plan Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel plans to reduce energy use by 30 percent and water use by 20 percent by 2020:

Changing light bulbs for high efficiency lighting

Switching to low-flow faucets

Implementing low-flow showerheads

Offering sustainable meeting packages

Creating a community involvement database

To get more information, please visit www.micecapabilities.com

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bites & blends

RESTAURANT

Yes, Yes This new project by chef-couple Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones, the masterminds behind one of Bangkok’s top Thai restaurants, Bo.lan, goes for a more casual and raw vibe, set in a twounit shop-house near the river. With it’s name taken from the informal Thai word for agreement, Err aims to be a fun hangout spot focusing on small-portioned Thai dishes that go well with drinks. These include the likes of chicken satay with brioche (B195), naem (Northern-style garlic and sticky rice cured pork, B195) and the so-called Chicken Movie (B150), deepfried whole-chicken skin with homemade Sriracha sauce (B150). There are also serious meal options like pad krapao nuea (stir-fried beef with holy basil, B380), clay pot braised black-lip mussels with glass noodles and black bean sauce (B320), and pork hock in tom yam soup with pickled cabbage (B180). The bar boasts a lot of cocktails made with Thai spirits, like the Waan Noi (Maa Jai Dam banana spirit, shade grown coffee and coffee liqueur, B250) and the LTBT (Lamai Takrai Bai Toey, Lamai sugar cane spirit, lemongrass and pandan essence and lime, B220). 394/35 Maharaj Rd. www.errbkk.com

NEW BAR

BRUNCH

POP-UP

Brew Dog

Tiki Sunday

Chinese Mess

Joining the community of bars and restaurants at Mahatun Plaza Arcade, next to La Monita and Whisgars, Hair of the Dog is the latest serious beer bar in town, run by a former tap master at Mikkeller Bangkok and his Canadian friends. This tiny bare concrete room provides an intimate drinking hole, while surgical lighting above the bar and hospital beds doubling as tables give off a haunted hospital vibe. They’ve selected a rotating batch of 13 beers on tap, supplied by all the familiar faces (Beervana, Brewdog, Hopsession and Mikkeller). These are no cheap drinks, though: prices range from B220-430. The owners are promising ciders and more bottle options soon. 2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-7589. Open daily 5am-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit

Claiming to be the home of the Mai Tai cocktail, the Trader Vic’s restaurant chain is pretty serious when it comes to this tiki-style drink. Now, in keeping with its Polynesian decor, the Anantara Riverside’s branch has added a free-flow Mai Tai package to its allyou-can-eat Sunday brunch. At B1,999 per person, you can indulge in lines of seafood on ice, cold cuts, sashimi and sushi rolls as well as the restaurant’s signature ribs, teppanyaki and grilled seafood. To go with the food, pick between a virgin Mai Tai, a barrel-aged Mai Tai and three special Mai Tais infused with peppermint, wild berries or earl grey tea. On top of that, you can also taste twisted versions, such as margarita and mojito Mai Tai, and take a short class from resident mixologist Ron Ramirez. Available every Sunday from 10:30am. 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-476-0022

Ahead of his long-awaited new restaurant on Sathorn Soi 12, chef Jess Barnes of Opposite Mess Hall has announced a Silom pop-up at Maggie Choo’s in collaboration with chef Blair Mathieson (formerly of Quince and No Idea). Called Big Trouble in Little China, the pop-up will be serving what Jess describes as “classic and trashy Chinese food,” and will be headed by Blair. “We will use organic and free range of course—no cheap shit,” says Jess. “The whole idea is you can eat for dirt cheap or spend big bucks if you want to, just like your neighborhood chinese joint.” Prices will range from B150-2,000, with food available for both dine-in and takeaway. Underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7:30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 7:30pm-3am

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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7/13/15 6:42 PM

ADVERTORIAL

F O E C A F G N I G N A THE CH

THE N O O M L L U F ! Y T R PA 5 1 0 2 1 AUG

JOIN LEO TO WRITE A NEW CHAPTER IN FULL MOON HISTORY!

@ CACTUS BAR, KOH PHANGAN

Leo Full Moon 2015 makes its annual Full Moon mark at Haad Rin’s Cactus Bar this Aug 1, complete with DJ J2K, DJ Mettro and DJ Crazyboyz, The legendary DJs from Cactus Bar will be spinning electronic beats amid a vibrant atmosphere from 8pm. Dance the night away on the spacious and epic T-stage dance floor with the Sexy Leo Dancers, lose yourself to the music and enjoy the grand fire shows the party has to offer. There’s no better way to complete a local party experience than this!

SWAG: YOU GET IT, AND YOU CAN WIN IT Score goodies and merchandise from Leo, the local favorite beer with a True Thai taste. Selective merchandise will be given to those who pre-register online. Also, enjoy the special promotions brought to you by Leo and its brother brand, Singha, where all participants can get both beers for B80. Not a big beer person? No big deal. There will also be B350 Leo mojito buckets available all night long.

CLEANING THE BEACH COULDN’T GET ANY MORE FUN… Sign up to join the Leo Full Moon beach cleaning crew at Cactus Bar, and give back to the beautiful party island by joining an hour-long beach cleaning activity prior to the event from 4-5pm. Additionally, all beach cleaning participants will receive two free beers at the Leo Full Moon party.

BE PREPARED: TIPS AND TRICKS 1. Book your accommodation in advance. 2. Know how you’ll get there (plane, ferry and speed boat options available). 3. Pre-register online for access to exclusive Leo merchandise. 4. Paint more, wear less. 5. Stay cool, rock those cool shades.

For more information please visit

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blends Q&A Tim Mondavi

Game On Good food and cheap drinks—here’s where to get the party started around Bangkok. By Vashachol Quadri

Tapas

Smokin’ Pug

Hot Rod

THONGLOR

Teriyaki Bar Kelly’s Named after the silver screen icon Grace Kelly, this retro, tavern-like Japanese bar and restaurant should already be on your hit-list if you are a Suk 51 regular. Expect affordable izakaya-style comfort food, headlined by teriyaki skewers. Leave it to the chef to select your meat (B315/five, B498/eight), while you focus on the B180 classic cocktails or the all-too-tempting Asahi promotion (B400/person/120min). Where next: Take the well-trodden path of “just one” at WTF before joining the party at Studio Lam. 4 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5155. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight. BTS Thong Lo

Nirai Kanai Okinawa Japanese At last count, one of only two Okinawan restaurants in Bangkok, Nirai Kanai is just the place to knock back a few draught Sapporos or Asahis before hitting the Thonglor party strip. The dishes like aburi saba sushi (seared saba, B300) and the drink-friendly aji tataki (pounded mackerel, B250) are great value for money, but it’s the boisterous, saloon-like vibe that has us coming back for more. Where next: From Badmotel to Iron Fairies, Thonglor’s bright lights await. Thonglor Soi 11, 02-381-2882. Open daily 5pm-midnight

EKKAMAI

Ban Rie Coffee This 24-hour coffee shop chain from Chiang Rai opened its Ekkamai branch back in 2003. Despite the focus on coffee, the large garden here is an ideal spot for spicy Thai dishes, draught beer and

live cover bands. The food’s cheap compared to others in the neighborhood, and also comes in big portions. The best thing? If you order a jug or tower of draught beer, they’ll show you a separate menu where dishes like salt-crusted grilled fish (B400) and steamed cockles (B150) come at discounted prices. Where next: Wine Bibber Sangria is just a stumble away. Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-381-2772. Open daily 24 hours. BTS Ekkamai

Hot Rod From the same designer as the Dickensian-themed Iron Fairies and the 1930s Shanghai-inspired Maggie Choo’s, this small venue does a range of elaborate cocktails at fair prices (B220). Despite the elaborate design, the vibe is casual and so is the food. Chow down on solid Thai pub grub like nuea romkwan namprik khai (smoked beef brisket with galangal chili relish and grilled mushrooms, B160) while you drink. Where next: Go swanky at next door’s A.R. Sutton. G/F, Park Lane, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-7142 5 7 5 . O p e n d a i l y- m i d n i g ht . w w w. f b. co m / hotrodbangkok

Happy Monday If the mainstream reggae and acoustic jingles at Baan Puen aren’t your thing, then head downstairs to this indie scene mainstay. The bar serves easygoing Thai food like khao na kai (B120) and khao pad kaew wan (B120), while small bottles of Sangsom come at B280. You can always rely on the playlist, too. Where next: Dark Bar, of course. Ekkamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-714-3953. Open Mon-Sat 7pm-midnight

Teriyaki Bar Kelly’s

SILOM

Tapas This Silom Soi 4 nightlife institution’s soundtrack of Latino-heavy house music and great drink deals ought to distract you from the middling food menu. Following glass after glass of B150 mojito, there’s only one option… Where next: Burn those calories on DJ Station’s dance floor. Silom Soi 4, 02-234-4737. BTS Sala Daeng

Sunrise Tacos The old-school Mexican haunt is another good option down on Silom. The Mexican food’s not much to write home about—and the burritos are so big they’ll send you straight home to bed—but you can’t beat one-liter pitchers of margarita for B485. Where next: Catch the show at Stranger Bar, Silom Soi 4. Silom Rd., corner of Silom Soi 4. 02-229-4851. BTS Sala Daeng

Smokin’ Pug This place is the brainchild of the American barbecue aficionados behind the 10-year-old Lazy Pug in Chengdu, China. Enjoy tender and aromatic smoked buffalo wings, pulled pork (in sandwiches and chili) and full racks of baby back ribs with craft beers and smoky bourbon cocktails (all under B300). Where next: Choose between an indie gig at Whiteline or a hip-hop DJ at Ku De Ta. 88 Surawong Rd., 083-029-7598. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight

After 30 years working as a winemaker for California’s famous Robert Mondavi wine company, Tim Mondavi has taken a new direction. Rather than do as his father did and focus on wines by varietal, Tim’s newly founded Continuum Estate is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes grown in the Napa Valley, much like wines from the Bordeaux region of France. Why have you chosen to diversify now? What we’re doing—emphasizing the details that wouldn’t have been appreciated in the past—is more expensive. It’s only possible if people are willing to pay for it. When the market was very young, it called for one type of interaction; when it was a little bit more mature, it called for another. Now it’s even more mature and the definition of what is the best has evolved with it. I believe what we’re doing now wouldn’t be successful when my grandfather and my father were there because America wasn’t there yet. How do you find working for a family winery? Working with family is rewarding and challenging. But ultimately, studies have shown that family entities have the ability to transmit a positive culture where everyone understands the same objectives, which results in harmony. That’s when family runs well. I’ve had the opportunity to work and see three generations of interaction. Now our fourth generation is actively involved with what we’re doing. Do you have any suggestions for pairing Thai food with your wine? Richer food like satay chicken, pork, beef or even fish will go wel l. B asical ly, you want something with a bit of smokiness. A s someone who’s grown up with pasta, I’d say pad Thai can also go well with it. I’d stay away from sweeter dishes. Interview by Natcha Sanguankiattichai Continuum is available at King Power Duty Free, selected hotels/ restaurants and Uncorked Wine Club at B13,750.

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blends

Grape Spots What your favorite wine says about you and where you should be drinking it.

Roof 409

Fresh & Easygoing Chardonnay

Sweet & Fun Moscato

Why you like it: Versatility must be your forte. Fresh and easygoing, chardonnay grapes just soak up influences like terroir and oak. In cool climates, you’ll get something crisp with high minerality. In warmer locations, such as Australia, you’ll get wonderful citrus, peach and melon notes. Where you should drink it: A chilled glass of chardonnay is best enjoyed in a garden or rooftop location. Try Red Sky Bar on the top floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld. We like it much better than some of the other tourist-packed rooftop spots. Drinking suggestion: Jacob’s Creek Reeves Point Chardonnay Adelaide Hills, a zesty combination of lemon flavors and white peach ably supported by a textural creaminess and an acid backbone.

Why you like it: Sweet and fun, moscato (or muscat) is a wine on the bright side of things. It’s either used for fortified wines that reach a rich, liqueur quality or, on the contrary, made into sparkling wine for a light, celebratory touch. Either way, expect to actually taste the grapes along with citrus, peach and rose notes. Where you should drink it: If you’re going to celebrate, make sure you throw in a panoramic view. Step out onto Roof 409 Bar & Bistro’s impressive rooftop garden overlooking Phloen Chit and order a chilled bottle of sparkling moscato. Isn’t life sweet? Drinking suggestion: Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Moscato Rose, whose refreshing berry flavors are balanced by light bubbles and a crisp finish. (B299 for 20cl daily, B800 net for 75cl on the Perfect Sunday events). And ladies get a complimentary glass of Moscato Rose every Tuesday.

Red Sky Bar, 56/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1. 02-100-1234. BTS Chit Lom Open daily 4pm-1am. Happy Hours 4-6pm. Facebook: Red Sky Centara Grand Central World

Roof 409 Bar & Bistro, 4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd. 081-995-6984. BTS Chit Lom Open daily 11am-midnight

Crisp & Elegant Sauvignon Blanc

Sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon

Why you like it: Crisp, elegant and fresh (just like you), sauvignon blanc often develops “green” flavors ranging from grass to nettles and green bell peppers. It can also be floral (elderflower, in particular) but does get increasingly tropical and fruity when grown in warmer climates. Where you should drink it: Sauvignon blanc is the perfect after-dark white wine. Have it in an equally refined setting such as Metro on Wireless at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. White wine is a much lighter way to unwind than a sweet cocktail, and the perfect introduction to the light Thai dishes served here. Drinking suggestion: Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which balances ripe tropical aromas with nettle aromatics and ripe grapefruit highlights.

Why you like it: Complex and sophisticated, cabernet sauvignon rules over the wine world and is known as one of the major varietals used in Bordeaux blends. It is prized for its full body, high tannins and acidity. You’ll detect blackcurrant notes, maybe even a jammy touch or a hint of black olives, but you should also be picking up notes reminiscent of eucalyptus, cedar or mint. Where you should drink it: You need a casual wine place that allows you to enjoy a bottle of cabernet sauvignon with some nice roasted ribs, lamb cutlets or a platter of matured cheese. Try Wine I Love You, especially if you haven’t had a chance to visit its latest location at the trending mall Groove @ CentralWorld. Drinking suggestion: Jacob’s Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra, an elegantly structured wine with vibrant, intense flavours and a long, harmonious finish.

Metro on Wireless, 2/F, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road, 81 Wireless Rd. 02-207-4999. Open daily 6am-11:30pm

Wine I Love You, G/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd. 02-646-1864. BTS Siam Open daily 11am-midnight

Earthy & Full-bodied Shiraz

Intense & Velvety Merlot

Why you like it: Earthy and balanced, shiraz is the kind of varietal you can count on. In the Southern hemisphere, warm climates produce a shiraz that can evoke blackberry jams, liquorice, anise and even “masculine” aromas like leather. Medium to full-bodied, shiraz wines have the kind of complexity and acidity that allows them to mature very well. Where you should drink it: It’s ideally served with dishes like lamb shanks, eye-fillet of beef or hard cheese, which sounds perfect for a Saturday night at The World at CentralWorld, when the buffet is dedicated to wagyu beef. Drinking suggestion: Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz Barossa, a finely balanced shiraz typical of Australia’s Barossa Valley for its silky tannins and long, satisfying finish. Not included in the buffet, you can order by the bottle at B2,300.

Why you like it: Rich, velvety and inky, merlot is an intense experience, bursting with intense plum and blackberry fruit flavors. With a full body and lush tannins, merlot is for those who like to experience things to their fullest. Where you should drink it: Merlot is a great idea for a Friday night spent celebrating on a rooftop. Swing by the chic option on the fifth floor of Taka Town, Monde, where the laidback garden vibe boasts a great view of Bangkok’s skyline. Pair your bottle with a choice of Italian-style pizza or pasta. Drinking suggestion: Wyndham Estate Bin 999 Merlot, a juicy wine with ripe cherry and plum flavors, hints of spice, a nutty oak aroma and a soft, velvety finish.

The World at CentralWorld, 24/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1. 02-100-1234. BTS Chit Lom Open 24 hours daily Facebook: The World Centara Grand Central World brought to you by Jacob’s Creek

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Metro on Wireless

Wine I Love You

The World

Red Sky

Monde, 555/27 Sukhumvit Soi 39. 085-009-6508. Open daily 6pm-2am

Monde

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Sambalacha Cafe

Brasil Churrasco

RESTAURANTS

Rare Finds

Take a tour of some lesser-known cuisines in Bangkok. By Pimploy Phongsirivech

Brazilian

RASA KHAS

The highlight at this restaurant is the namesake Brazilian steak grilled on skewers, ranging from picanha (rump cap) to fillet wrapped in bacon. Here, it works on a buffet basis where meats are gradually brought from the grill straight to the table, cut and served right in front of you. A meal starts at B899 (exclusive of drinks), while classic Brazilian cocktails like the caipirinha (B290) are available.

With its name translating to “special flavors,” Rasa Khas claims to prepare the city’s most authentic Indonesian cuisine, without adapting its recipes to suit foreign palates. Recommended dishes include the classics: nasi ayam padang (chicken padang curry served with rice, B180), and nasi ayam goreng kremes (chicken marinated and simmered in spices and herbs, served with rice, fried tofu and tempe, B180).

Hotel Mermaid, 6 Sukhumvit Soi 29, 02-261-3841. Open daily 7am-11am, 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm. BTS Asoke

Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-108-5437. Open Tues-Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-9:30pm. BTS Asoke

Cuban

Filipino

CUBA LIBRE

NEW MABUHAY

This recently opened Cuban restaurant offers favorites such as masas de puerco fritas (fried pork, B160), camarones enchilados (shrimps with Cuban sauce, B195), potaje de frijoles (bean stew, B100), tostones (fried banana, B40) and dulce de fruta bomba (B50 papaya with cheese and cinnamon). Drinks include daiquiri (classic, strawberry, banana or peach, B180), the namesake Cuba Libre (highball of cola, lime and rum, B120) and Cuban-style coffee (B45), though the beans come from Vietnam.

In a city where Japanese, Chinese and even Vietnamese food are ubiquitous, it’s refreshing to bump into an Asian cuisine that seems exotic, even to the Thai palate. While sinigang na hipon (shrimp soup B190/B240) may remind you of tom yam, most dishes are a surprise. Adobong manok (more commonly known as chicken adobo, B150), for example, has a potent tart and peppery flavor, as the chicken is cooked in vinegar. Kare kare (B180) is even more intense, with oxtail and tripe cooked in a thick peanut sauce and served alongside a pungent fermented shrimp paste. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but we think you just might warm to it.

Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/57 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-5657. Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5-10pm; Sat 5pm-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit

Okinawan

OKINAWA RESTAURANT KINJO

With some of its ingredients imported from the tropical Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, this restaurant’s menu comprises dishes both familiar (takowasabi, gyoza) and unfamiliar. The place bursts with character, and so does the food, such as the specialty jimaamitofu (B65), a generous 200g serving of creamy homemade tofu that has an almost chewy texture. Be sure to try the succulent rafuty (B140): fatty pork leg slow-cooked in sweet and thick soy sauce. Instead of sake, follow bites with sips of the fiery Okinawan spirit, awamori , either straight (B160 for a glass) or in a cocktail (B110-B190). 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-711-0536. Open daily 11:30am-midnight. BTS Phra Khanong

Indonesian

BRASIL CHURRASCO

Okinawa Restaurant Kinjo

Rasa Khas

1/31 Petchaburi Soi 19, 02-255-2689. Open daily 11am-11pm. BTS Ratchathewi

Singaporean SAMBALACHA CAFE Only four months old, this restaurant presents a menu comprised of both Singaporean and Malaysian dishes. Popular picks include My Mother’s Nasi Lemak Set (coconut rice with fried chicken, spicy sampal belacan, fried anchovies, peanuts, eggs and cucumber, B150) and Singaporean laksa (imported laksa noodles, chicken, prawns, fish balls, fried bean curds in a rich coconut-based soup, B180). 3/F, I’m Park @ Chula, Chula Soi 22, Samyan, 091-025-7269. Open Mon 11am-9:30pm, Thurs-Sun 11am-9:30pm

Cuba Libre

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OPEN DOOR

Baan A casual Thai restaurant that doesn’t compromise on ingredients and flavors. The buzz: Led by Thitid Tassanakajohn (owner/chef of Le Du), this Thai restaurant takes over the stylish spot where the shortlived Origin used to reside, yet goes for a relaxed, family-gathering vibe and more pocket-friendly meals. By baan (Thai for home), the chef really means it. The front of house is run by his younger brother Chaisiri Tassanakajohn while the dishes are made from his family recipes and his co-owner girlfriend’s. The decor: Anghin Architecture's design was originally for the cutting-edge molecular cuisine at Origin. As such, it's a minimal mix of geometric designs and pure whites that seems at odds with Baan's name and Thai comfort food menu. After a couple of stiff cocktails, its complete lack of trendiness (no dangling lightbulbs or roughly hewn wood) will grow on you, though. The

place looks chic and grownup, and maybe it's high time Thai food be eaten in such settings. The food and drinks: Here, Thitid retreats from the modernist cuisine he learned in New York in favor of homey, everyday Thai meals. That said, the chef still takes his ingredients seriously; so expect the same quality as at Le Du. The clipboard menu tells all about the origins of the local produce: eggs from Udomchai Farm, beef from Company B and pork from Sloane’s. Expect simple dishes with real Thai flavors like tom kha gai (coconut curry soup with chicken, B220) and som tam Thai (B120), as well as creative signature dishes like the kai palo tom sap (spicy five-spice egg soup, B280) and dry-stir-fried minced dry-aged beef with holy basil (B350), which also comes with an interesting aroma

of cumin. The newly-built bar serves up street-inspired cocktails made with local spirits like the Cha Manao (B200), comprising tea-infused Lamoon rum and lime. Mocktails like Baan Summer (lychee, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass) are priced at B200. The wine list is curated by the chef himself, who’s also a certified sommelier and focuses on white and light-bodied wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Why you should care: Comfort food, casual vibes. Throw in good ingredients and reasonable prices, and it’s hard to find a reason why you shouldn’t. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 139/5 Wireless Rd., 02-655-8995. Open Mon 11am-2:30pm, 5:3010:30pm; Wed-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. MRT Lumphini

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The Lucky Room

TABLE TALK Sweet Monster

The Loaf

G/F, Emquartier, 693 Sukhumvit Rd. Open daily 10am10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

NEW AND NOTED

Sweetest Thing

This vibrant blue-green kiosk in front of J Avenue could only be an ice cream shop. Hailing from South Korea, Sweet Monster (Thonglor Soi 15, on.fb.me/1KJFtY8) specializes in soft serve made from organic milk, and guaranteed to have at least 75-percent milk in the ice-cream blend. A plain cup starts at B105 while a cup with toppings (ranging from cookie crumbs to popcorn) is priced at B125, including the recommended Mix Monster which is topped with cheese and caramel popcorn. A pack of its air-popped popcorn will cost you B120, while milkshakes and other drinks will be available soon.

Lucked Out

Tucked down Sathorn Soi 11, The Lucky Room (18/9-10 Sathorn Soi 11, 090-980-2441) is a chic, all-day diner from the team behind Katsu King, serving American and Japanese food in generous portions and at reasonable prices. Kick off your day with the Big Breakfast (B245), which features two eggs, hash brown,

Ceret

baked beans, Sloane’s sausage and two large pancakes, or the DIY Crab Cake Benedict (B295) which comprises English muffin, crab cake, sous-vide egg, cajun hollandaise, house-made onion peach chutney and greens. Other savory and sweet pancake dishes are also available. The lunch menu features more Japanese dishes like the Tokyo Stamina set (pork or beef in a special sauce, served with rice and soup, B195-225) and, of course, the company’s speciality, tonkatsu (pork cutlet, B175). Drinks cover coffee, juices and Hitachino beers (starting at B240).

Making Bread

The brainchild of chef-siblings Chris and Gunn Sangwanich Ceret serves up classic comfort food with a focus on local organic ingredients, all plated up in a handsome, pared-back Nordic interior. Veggie-focused dishes range from the vegetable salad with tofu and spicy nut dressing (B280) to the wild mushroom with confit egg-yolk, parmesan, truffle, and coffee (B360). Elsewhere there are street-food touches, like kanom pung ping (toasted bread, B220) served with a twist of tres-leches, milk ganache and house-made ice-cream. Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

There’s a new face in Bangkok’s rising bread scene. Having appeared at some of the recent foodie events, The Loaf (093954-4335, on.fb.me/1MXK20) currently takes orders online and by phone, bakes its specialty breads and delivers only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Breads on offer include white, wholewheat and rye (each B195/700g; B390/1.5kg), olive, jalapeno and a mix of both (each B265/900g). Free delivery in Bangkok with cash payment on delivery. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Get 10% discount on food only when spending 500 Baht or more/sales slip and get complimentary dessert of the day when spending 2,000 Baht or more/sales slip (limit 1 dish / card /table /sales slip) Today-30 Jun 16

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

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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bites & blends market + Events

A Michelin Star Extravaganza From Aug 1-5, Jojo plays host to chef Alfredo Russo, the lynchpin of the Michelin-starred Dolce Stil Novo alla Reggia in Turin. Set lunch starts from B2,500 for four courses while dinner is from B4,200 for five courses. St. Regis, 159 Rajadamri Rd., 02-207-7777

Vertigo

Chef Kunihisa Goto’s Visit This Aug 22-25, Vertigo welcomes Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto from French restaurant L’Axel in Fontainebleau, France. B4,500 for four courses and B4,900 for five courses. Banyan Tree, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-6791200

Dutch Star From Jul 22-26, Dutch chef Jacob Jan Boerma, head chef and owner of the three-Michelin-star De Leest restaurant in the Netherlands, visits The Sukhothai to show his talents at La Scala and Colonnade’s Sunday brunch. Prices start from B4,000. 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888

La Vue

Journey of the Giant Spanish chef Jonay Armas of Hong Kong’s two-Michelin-star restaurant The Principal visits La Vue this Aug 7-8. His seven-course dinner is priced at B3,500/person and B4,700 with wine pairing. 25/F, Siam @ Siam, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 02-2173000. BTS National Stadium

Deals

Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000

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

Dim Sum Feast Every Mon-Sat, China Table offers allyou-can-eat dim sum at B688/person. Radisson Blu, 498 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-3023333

Urban Eatery

Urban Eatery This foodie market promises international dishes, mini cafes, handicrafts, clothing, home decor and more in a vintage garden atmosphere. It has also launched a new zone for drinking games, open till 11pm. Jul 24-26, Fri from 4-8pm; Sat-Sun from 10am-8pm.

Ladies Night Ladies get a glass of red/white or prosecco wine at B100 every Mon-Wed, from 6-9pm. Wine Depot, 28 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-0004238

K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26

Na Krung Food Truck A food truck gathering with a vintage vibe in the Old Town. Jul 25-26. 164-172 Krung Kasem Rd., 097-009-3604.

Park Society

Wine Down Friday Every Fri from 7-9pm, Mixo offers freeflow wine and tapas at B600/person. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000

New Venues Clik Above Eleven

Peruvian Day and 3rd Anniversary Above Eleven celebrates its third anniversary along with Peruvian Day this Jul 29. Free snacks and open bar from Barcardi from 6-9pm and a salsa after party till 2am. 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. BTS Nana

Missed the guide? Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables

Healthy dishes from across Asia with a few Western touches. 25/10 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 090-984- 0840

Viva 21 A collaboration between the team behind riverside haunt Viva & Aviv and chef Tim Butler of Eat Me. 387 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-7128184

Bangkok Farmers’ Market at Gateway Ekkamai The weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source. Jul 25-26, 10am-8pm. Gateway Ekkamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 32

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

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Ippudo HHHH Japanese. 3/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd. Open daily 10:30am-10pm. 02-160-5672. BTS Phloen Chit F BB

Bangkok’s hunger for ramen seemingly knows no bounds, as we welcome chain after well-loved Japanese chain each claiming to use only the very best produce. Arguably, the most high-profile of recent times is Ippudo, led by three-time ramen champion of Japan chef Shigemi Kawahara, from Fukuoka, which now has two branches in the premium malls Central Embassy and Emporium. With its oversized kanji calligraphy screen and backlit logo, the Central Embassy branch looks like a glam, high-end clothing store. While ramen is very much the centerpiece, the menu here also branches out to straight soups, salads and fusion appetizers—with much success. The Bataniku Bun (pork bun, B80) is aromatic and sweet; it’s just a shame that the mayonnaise overpowers most of the good things about the tender, juicy braised pork belly. The fried Hakatastyle gyoza (B90), however, are a total

Heritage Bistro French Bakery HHHH French, Western. 14/2-3 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-001-2299. Open Mon-Sat 7:30am-11pm; Sun 7:30am-6pm. BTS Sala Daeng BB-BBB

This two-story venue is hardly the most original opening on Silom. With its glassy European bistro facade, it immediately strikes you as a poor man’s Vesper, the stylish cocktail bar some 500 meters away on the same street. Inside, too, the artcovered walls bring to mind neighboring Eat Me, only we doubt the stuff here sells. (On a completely different tack , its soundtrack of ’80s power ballads, and their modern popsanova renditions, is fairly endemic of the neighborhood, too.) While Heritage’s food doesn’t come anywhere near these Bangkok dining touchstones’, there is a certain charm to its European deli staples and baked goods, if you can navigate past the mediocre French dishes and fusion kee mao-alikes of the menu. It’s hard to go wrong with simple, produce-

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.

success, with crisp, thin flour encasing full flavors, while the spicy shrimp mayo (B150) packs a surprisingly spicy kick. Onto the main attraction, the signature Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen comes in three variations—the traditional and delicate Shiromaru Motoaji (B220), the intense miso-and-garlic-flavored Akamaru Shinaji (B220) and the spicy Karaka-men (B260)—in which you can choose the level of doneness of your noodles. Both the shiromaru (ultra-thin straight noodles, pork loin and tamago) and karaka-men (curly noodles and tender pork cubes simmered in Ippudo’s special soy sauce) are less greasy than the offerings at Bankara and Kio, but still contain enough fat to deter anyone dieting. Ultimately, we feel the salty broth here falls slightly short of these two benchmarks. But on the plus side, the menu offers more variety, including desserts and cocktails. The shochu-based drinks are surprisingly cheap yet strong—we recommend the Shochu Night (shochu, grapefruit juice, triple sec liqueur, B165). Dessert goes well beyond matcha ice cream too, with items like Itachoco Monaka (crunchy chocolate sandwich with vanilla ice cream and wafer, B90). The Daifuku (Japanese mochi filled with vanilla ice cream with sliced lemon and strawberry, B90), in particular, offers a nice, sour kick to wash down all the fatty ramen goodness. With a prime but quiet location and relatively cheap prices, Ippudo justifies the hype that saw long queues mark its arrival in Bangkok.

driven dishes such as parma ham with melon (B380) or burrata rocket salad with walnuts and pomegranate (B290), with its huge dollop of gooey cheese from Hua Hin’s Del Casaro. Both dishes are unassuming and bursting with freshness, if a tad pricey. The heartier mains, however, reveal a lack of finesse in the kitchen (though, rest assured, all dishes come plated up with massive sprigs of rosemary). The Australian Angus beef steak (B540) may be generously sized for the price, but our medium-rare ribeye was gristly, underdone, unseasoned and a little buttery on our last visit. The side of “rustic fried potato” suffered a similarly flavorless fate. Better is the homey coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine, B490) which, though one-dimensional with only massive hunks of potato for accompaniment, features a thick gravy that’s rich and salty, as well as juicy, tender chicken. The bakery display case is not just for decoration, showing off a decent range of breads (from B60), tarts, eclairs (both from B80) and croissants (B40) that come from the same kitchen as Heritage’s smaller Ekkamai establishment. The croissants, especially, are decent, and at B40 the pain au chocolat represents good value. This is not fine dining—for a selfacknowledged French bistro, the wine list is downright sad—but we’ll take Heritage’s attempt at handcrafted fare over the lipservice paid by similar bistros in Silom and beyond (looking at you Bitterman, Dexter).

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 BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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now

SAT Surasak Celebration SUN War Rages On

Join the motley crew of hipsters and ne’er-do-wells at Jam’s 3 Years Anniversary (41 Charoenrat Soi 1. BTS Surasak) this Saturday, Jul 18. The party starts from 5pm with a free barbecue, an interactive lighting installation by Keep Your Eyes On and BeView and an art installation on the second-floor titled “Dialogue in the Basement,” before things progress with techno, drum 'n' bass and other eclectic sounds by DJs Moola, Toru, Be Woken, Remy Gold, Krit Morton, Thar Khone and Dragon until late. Drinks sponsored by Pistonhead Lager to keep the party going till late.

The second production by B-Floor this rainy season is a dramatic physical theater performance that commemorates the 101st anniversary of the First World War. Launching this Jul 19 at B-Floor Theatre (Pridi Banomyong Institute, Sukhumvit Rd.), WW101 is also the co-directorial debut of Sarut Komalittipong and Sasapin Siriwanij, the latter of whom was inspired by her visit to the Dacchau concentration camp in Germany to start a discourse on war. Tickets are B450, available at bfloortheatre@gmail.com and 089-167-4039. Shows run at 8pm on Mon-Thu while Sunday shows are at 4pm. Through Aug 3.

SAT Alt Sounds For a night of experimental dream-pop and synth-rock, head over to Moose at 8pm this Friday Jul 17 (24 Ekkamai Soi 21) for Braids x Monomania. At this gig organized by Mind the Gap Thailand, the arty Canadian group Braids will perform tracks from their latest album Deep in the Iris, while rising local rockers Monomania will be determined to show what all the hype is about. Entry is B500, with one free drink from Sandport craft beer.

FRI Center Stage Journey Along the Silk Road is a theatrical dance production in collaboration between Rumpuree Dance Studio and Bellyqueen Dance company from New York. With two shows running at Petralai Management Theatre (Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Rd.) this Jul 18 at 2pm and 8pm, the multi-genre dance originating from the Middle East features 31 professional dancers from around the world. It follows the story of a princess in search of three magical ingredients across three exotic lands in the quest to save her dying Empress mother. Tickets are B1,000, available at www.rumpuree.com and 091-204-9677.

WED Live In Bkk In keeping with the city’s ongoing series of hot international concerts, this Jul 22 sees the Bangkok launch of Sound Box: Music to be Heard, a brand new touring live music series powered by Live Nation. Aiming to promote cutting-edge music across Asia, the concert will take over Muang Thai GMM Live House (8/F CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd.), bringing over the niche American “schizophrenic” pop duo Twenty One Pilots, the “Samurai” Japanese rock singer-songwriter/ guitarist Miyavi and local hip-hop DJ Ono to entertain the Bangkok crowd from 7pm onwards. Tickets are B1,500, still available on Thaiticketmajor.

FRI High-Rise Hideout The Great Outdoor Market returns to another interesting venue this weekend, Jul 17-19. This time, they’ll be taking refuge on the 9th-11th-floor parking lot of the Bangkok Business Center Building (Sukhumvit Soi 63. BTS Ekkamai). Expect all the usual eateries, design shops and a panoramic view of the city, as well as live sets from Yellow Fang, DJ Ekko, Aey The Voice, Gym & Swim, Fwends and more.

FRI Beyond The Covers Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium) hosts its first ever Bangkok Book Festival 2015 this Jul 17-19. Aiming to present the artistic intricacies of book production and illustration, the team will be holding talks and workshops throughout the weekend. Special highlights include a talk by Kenny Leck, owner of indie bookstore BooksActually from Singapore, and “The Early Book Cover Designs” exhibition by Chuang Moolphinit, 2013’s National Artist in Visual Arts. To see who else is speaking at the event, see page 30.

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NIGHTLIFE

Montonn Jira

Stereo Express

DeLorean

KONTRABAND AT DARK BAR

The monthly bass music party returns with resident DJs DeLorean, Azek and Will, plus special guest Stuart Bombluez, bringing the usual blend of hip-hop, dubstep, dub techno and drum 'n' bass. Jul 18, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-3819896, 090 528 4646. B200. SUPERHERO "CHARITY PARTY"

Dress up as your favorite superhero and win prizes at this charity night out. Donations accepted upon entry, with all door proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Thailand to build houses under the program "Make Her Day" in Pathumthani. Jul 18, 9pm. Ku De Ta, 39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. BTS Chong Nonsi. OSKAR SUMMER FESTIVAL

The first summer festival organized by the Suk 11 bar, featuring 10 local DJs across the two floors, plus drinks specials all night. Jul 23, 7pm. Oskar, 24 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02255-3377. Free. STEREO EXPRESS

The house music DJ and producer of "La Vie En Rose" and "Shadoorack" headlines the party, with Beatgarden DJs Messie Joe, Dylan Holtman and Zidov Akuma spinning on the outside terrace. Open bar from 7-9pm. Jul 24, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B300. BRAINS: IDM, GLITCH HOP AND EXPERIMENTAL BEATS

Alternative, electronic beats by Thai actor-producer-DJ Jay Montonn Jira, the mastermind behind Samutprakarn Sound Records. Jul 24, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. GIVERS@SIAM SUNSET ROOFTOP PARTY

A new urban rooftop party with house, techno and tribal music by DJs Mg Pulse, Mizuyo and Il Toro, promising a 360-degree view of the city, light shows and drinks deals. Set to take place every last Saturday of the month. Jul 25, 5pm. Siam@Siam Hotel and Spa, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 02-217-3000. B400 (one free drink). BTS National Stadium. EPIC FESTIVAL: WHITE EDITION FEAT. BORGEOUS

The DJ who debuted earlier this year makes a comeback at the first music festival by Epic Entertainment. The theme is white, with three dance zones featuring EDM, future house and tropical house. Food and drinks provided on-site. Pre-sale tickets available at www. epicbangkok.com. Aug 5, 6pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808.

GIGS

Ebola

GABRIEL LYNCH + JUNTA + JENNY AND THE SKALLYWAGS

Expect a blend of folk and pop acoustic sounds by the three Bangkok-based independent acts. Doors open at 8:30pm. Jul 18, 9pm. Skytrain Jazz Pub, 5/F, 6 Rangnam Rd., 02-640-0303. B200 (one free beer). BTS Victory Monument. JUSTICE (MUSIC) FOR ALL

The rocking venue promises a night of heavy metal by local bands, bringing the likes of Ebola, Macaroni, Quake and special cover act Project Metallica to the same stage. Contact 093-124-0434 to

purchase advanced tickets. Jul 22, 8pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ramindra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B300. DAVE GROHL RULES

A tribute night to rock legends Foo Fighters and Nirvana, featuring six bands—Jimmy Revolt, Revive 90's, The Layers, Founder and CEO, Madman and Pretty Punks—covering 50 songs. Ticket reservations at 099-191-5666. Jul 25, 8pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086-977-0621. B200 (one free drink). BTS Ratchathewi. BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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now HIGHLIGHT Bangkok Book Festival 2015

CONCERTS & MUSIC FESTIVALS

Although all the workshops are fully booked, you can still take part in the talks, all of which will be organized at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium) this Jul 17-19. Here’s what’s happening. By Lalita Kittisrikangwan

SIGN WAVE ELECTRIC DREAM 0.1

Echosmith

WHAT WOMEN WORTH

JUL 17 BOOKSACTUALLY: SMALL BOOKSHOPS IN BIG CITIES

Time: 1-3pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room The owner of Singaporean independent bookstore BooksActually, Kenny Leck, talks about running a decade-long 24/7 business, how he made reading part of Singapore’s pop culture, and the launch of his publishing house, Math Paper Press. CREATE PHOTOS, CREATE STORIES: NARRATIVES THROUGH PICTURES

Time: 1:30-3pm Where: 4/F, Bookmoby Join painter/illustrator Tawan Wattaya and professional photographer Supachai Ketkarunkul for a conversation about the art and science of telling narratives through pictures. Interviewed by publisher Banglumpoo’s Worapoj Panwong, both will be answering questions about creating photobooks. BOOKTALK: THE LEMON TREE

Join Silpakorn University philosophy professor Kongkrit Triyawong, writer Newglom and book translator Usanee Nuchanong in a discussion about Zen monk Shunryu Suzuki’s debut book, Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen. THE COVER DESIGNERS

Time: 3-4:30pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room Learn the creative process behind top publishers in Thailand from cover designer Thongratch Theparak and Openwords press designer Koramaipol Sirismongkolrujikul.

JUL 19 THE TYPE DESIGNERS

Time: 11am-12:30pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room Learn about typography and the process of creating aesthetics from type designers Anutin Wongsankorn and Sirin Kunklai. BOOKTALK: DORK MAI NEUNG MITI (FLOWER FROM ONE DIMENSION)

Time: 3-5pm

Time: 12:30-1:30pm

Where: 4/F, Bookmoby

Middle-Eastern specialist Chukiat Panasapornprasert and Mahidol University’s research center for peace professor Ngamsuk Rattanasatian discuss and analyze Sandy Tolan’s 2006 book The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East, and compare problems in the Middle East to Thailand’s violent southern borders.

JUL 18 OASIS WORLD OF BOOKS: LITERARY MAGAZINES IN THAI SOCIETY

Time: 11am-12:30pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room Hear talks and discussions from top Thai literary magazine founders Suchart Sawatsri from Chorkarakate, Uthit Hemamul from Writer, Wart Rawee from Underground Buleteen and Niwat Puttaprasart from Reungsan to learn about planting seeds in modern Thai literature. POETRY ON THE ROCK: TUL VAITOONKIAT

Time: 1-2pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room Tul Vaitoonkiat, rock star and lyricist for Apartment Khunpa, explains the satirical lyrics and poems from his latest book, Pleng Tee Khun Mai Dai Fung (Song You’re Not Listening To). BOOKTALK: TRANSLATE ZEN OUT OF ZEN

Time: 2pm-3pm Where: 4/F, Bookmoby

A discussion and analysis of horror poetry through excerpts from Flower from One Dimension by author Fah Poolworaluck and translator Anusorn Tipyanont.

A colorful, girl-power concert featuring an all-women's mini orchestra, and popular Thai female powerhouses such as Parn Tanaporn, Tai Penpak, Tak Siriporn, Zani Nipaporn and Jeab Lalana. Part of the proceeds will go towards the One for Lives Foundation. Jul 18, 6pm. Bangkok Convention Center at CentralPlaza Ladprao, 5/F, Central Ladprao, 1695 Phahon Yothin Rd. B1,200-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Phahon Yothin. BORN TO BE BEN - COME INTO MY WORLD

Thai pop-singer, actor and entertainer Ben Chalatit takes the audience into his sci-fi fantasy world at this full-scale concert by BEC-TERO, featuring his greatest ballads, dance hits and popular covers. Jul 25, 8pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02833-4455. B1,000-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. THE PLATTERS "ONLY YOU" LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

One of the most successful groups from the early rock 'n' roll era, known for their all-time hits "Only You", "The Great Pretender," and "Magic Touch," return to Bangkok for another concert, after a

successful Thailand show back in 2013. Jul 26, 2pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-2,500. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. THE USED LIVE IN BANGKOK

SINGHA STREET

The American rock band makes an epic debut in Bangkok after the cancellation of Silverlake Music Festival Pattaya back in 2014. There are only 900 tickets, available at Indy Pop Concerts, HOF The Mall Bangkapi, Gram Siam Paragon, Sick Chaisaws MRT Chatuchak, and Musicland, Indra Square. Aug 5, 8pm. Hollywood Hall Ratchada, Ratchadaphisek Soi 8 (Ratchadaphisek). B1,500. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

A two-day outdoor concert featuring local acts Yellow Fang, Sqweez Animal, Greasy Cafe, Seal Pillow, Polycat and Gene Kasidit. B299 pre-sale tickets for a drink and a Singha toy, available at 091-0500239. One ticket required per day. Entry for 20+ only. Jul 24-25, 3pm. Makkasan Airport Link Station, Ratchaprarop Rd. B200-399.

ECHOSMITH LIVE IN BANGKOK

Known for their hit single "Cool Kids," the up-and-coming indie pop group make their debut in Bangkok in this concert organized by Feoh Performing Arts. They've also recently featured German DJ Zedd on a track from his latest album, Illusion. Early bird tickets at B1,500, available thorugh Jul 15 at gixtix.com. Aug 7, 6pm. The Palladium Hall, Palladium Shopping Mall, Ratchaprarop Rd., 02-309-9888 B1,800.

Bangkok, Pathumwan, 61 Rd., 02-650-8800. B1,500.

DEBUT: BOOKMOBY PRESS & KNOW SERIES

MAHLER & VILLA LOBOS

Where: 4/F, Bookmoby The festival organizers' debut of Bookmoby Press and its first publication, the Know Series of pocketbooks. Speakers include writer of the Know Series Bancha Suwannanont and cover designer Prabda Yoon.

Time: 3:30-5pm Where: 4/F, Bookmoby Based on the book Plagiarism, Irony, and Incense Stick: A Sketch of Thai Translation Traditions, National Literature artist Suchat Sawassri and Chulalongkorn University’s Thai literature professor Prae Jittipalungsri discuss the problems faced by Thai translators influenced by Western literature. THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN BOOKS

Time: 3:30-5pm Where: 1/F, Multipurpose room Learn the art of street photography from the winner of Japan’s Ihei Kimura Photography Award, Kayo Ume. www.bangkokbookfestival.com

DANZN FESTIVAL

Tempology and Elektro Delikatessen promise a 10-hour musical journey, with live bands, DJs and art exhibitions as well as food and drinks brought to you in a “Berlin-style” flea market. Headlining the fest is Julian Ganzer, plus Bangkok-based acts like Stylish Nonsense, Koichi Shimizu, Koish, Kingkong, Ikono, Krit Morton, Dennis Frost and many more. Open bar from 4-6pm. B400 early bird tickets at www. amiando.com/danzn. Jul 25, 4pm. Live RCA (Block A), Rama 9 Rd. www.livercabangkok.com.

CLASSICAL PERFORMANCES

Time: 1:30-3pm

JARK PLAE(NG) TO PLAE (FROM CHANGE TO TRANSLATE)

The first edition of a new live electro-synth platform takes inspiration from Electric Dreams, the 1984 sci-fi film about a love triangle between a man, a woman and a computer. Expect variants of electronic-synth music by Stylish Nonsense, Handicat, Black and Brown, Cyndi Seui & Gramaphone Children and Celebrities Owls. After party provided by DJ Jib. Jul 28, 8pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ramindra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B250 (one free drink).

Gudni Emilson

BOHEMIAN-MORAVIAN MUSIC NIGHT

Gudni Emilsson conducts the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in a program of Martinu, Mahler and the world premiere of Ogburn's "Escaping," featuring solo cellist Tomas Strasil. B100 tickets for students. Pre-concert talks 45 minutes before the show starts. Jul 17, 7pm; Jul 18, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor. DUO PIANO RECITAL

Professor-student duo Harald Ossberger and Christos Marantos from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna perform a program of Mozart, Schumann and Stravinsky. The two previously collaborated on

a four-hand piano program in celebration of Schumann's 200th birthday in 2010. Tickets available at the door and 081-6828000. Jul 17, 20, 7:30pm. Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-245-7717. B300-600. GOODWILL GALA DINNER AND CHARITY CONCERT

The Goodwill Group Foundation holds a three-course gourmet dinner followed by a performance of Mozart, Chopin, Haydn and Schubert by David Glen Hatch, who was nominated for two 1999 Grammy Awards. Tickets available at 02-000-9320 and staff@goodwillbangkok. org. All proceeds go towards the foundation to support disadvantaged Thai women and girls. Jul 18, 6:30pm. Plaza Athénée

Alfonso Scarano conducts the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, with support from solo guitarist Paul Cezarczyk, who'll be performing Lobos' Guitar Concerto and Mahler's Symphony No. 5. Pre-concert talks 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Jul 24, 7pm; Jul 25, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor. THE WHIFFENPOOFS @ SUKOSOL HOTELS

Yale University's prestigious acapella group perform two shows in Bangkok: Jul 17, 7:30pm at Rattanakosin Lounge at The Sukosol Bangkok (B500 with one free cocktail/B1,500 with one free cocktail and a pre-concert buffet dinner), Jul 18, 7:30pm at Opium Den at The Siam Hotel (B1,500++ with one hour of free-flow cocktails and canapes). Ticket reservations at www. sukosolhotels.com or www.thesiamhotel.com. 3/2 Khao Rd., Dusit, 02-206-6999.

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PLAN AHEAD

Bangkok Fests

Get ready for the beginning of the music and culture season, which will run till the end of the year.

Theatrical Treats PERFORMING ART FESTIVAL #4

Date: Aug 5-Dec 20 Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, in collaboration with the Bangkok Theatre Network, will be hosting a series of shows, from experimental performances to interdisciplinary physical theater plus talks and workshops in an attempt to widen the general public’s access to performing arts. The festival comprises two major performances, namely B-Floor Theatre’s Secret Keeper (Aug 5-23) and the Singaporean production Si Ti Kay (Dec 11-13, 18-20), as well as three different festivals; Asiatopia International Performance Art Festival (Oct 29-Nov 1), Bangkok Theatre Festival (Nov 3-15) and International Dance Festival (Nov 17-Dec 6). More details to follow at www.bacc. or.th and www.fb.com/baccpage. BACC, 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. BTS National Stadium

Explore your favorite

Neighborhoods

Indie Festivities PSYCH-OUT 2 MINI FEST

Date: Aug 15, 3pm-midnight Start the outdoor music festival season early and get super high to the sounds of experimental, psychedelic and folk music this August on the roof of Hof Art Residency Bangkok. Organized by the people behind Stone Free Music Festival and Keep on the Grass Folk Music Festival, this mini-fest features 10 top local bands to watch, including the likes of Tug Suk, Yena, Chladni Chandi and the Kom Chad Leuk Award’s Best New Artists of 2015, Abstraction XL. Limited to only 200 guests, with no tickets sold at the door. Make your booking now at www.fb.com/ArchiveRecordsStore. B400 early bird tickets available through Jul 31, B600 thereafter. Hof Art Residency, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71. BTS Phra Khanong

www.bkmagazine.com/neighborhoods

Complete guides on where to eat, drink, shop and play in all your favorite areas of Bangkok.

For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, email advertising@asia-city.co.th or call 026249613, 614, 620

Dance Fest BANGKOK’S 17TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF DANCE & MUSIC

Date: Sep 11-Oct 18 The 17th edition of the festival celebrates the 60th birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri with world-class productions from around the world. Expect performances like Prince Igor (opera), Swan Lake (ballet), Prague Symphony Orchestra (classical), The Fame Monster (contemporary tribute to Lady Gaga), Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty on Ice (dance). Tickets range from B800-4,500, and will be available at Thaiticketmajor. More information at www.bangkokfestivals.com and www.fb.com/ BangkoksInternationalFestivalofDanceMusic. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre

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now CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

STAGE

drawing or design skills not required. More information at info@atelierrudee.com. Jul 18, 1pm; Jul 25, 9am. Atelier Rudee, 70/3 Sukhumvit. B2,900. ARTIST TALK: PARALLEL WORLD - JEWELLERY AND PHOTOGRAPH

Iceberg

Smallroom Music Camp

ICEBERG

ACCORDING TO MARGUERITE DURAS

PHOTOGRAPHER NICK DUNLOP

A restaging of Ka-ge Teerawat Mulvilai's solo, movement-based production, addressing the controversial issue of oppression in society, which launched last year to critical acclaim. A part of the Monsoon Theater program by B-Floor Theatre and Democrazy Theatre Studio. More package deals available at democrazystudio.com. Through Jul 18, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B490. MRT Lumphini.

A reconstructed, experimental performance of the controversial "An Epilogue to the Malady of Death," which touches upon issues of male homosexuality. 7:30pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. B390 advance tickets. Films directed by the playwright will also be screened every Tue-Wed at 7:30pm. Through Aug 1, 7:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B500.

A five-day intensive photography workshop, run by award-winning photographers Nic Dunlop and Yvan Cohen, who will be teaching you how to research, shoot and edit a photo essay. Limited to 15 participants. More details at www.photographer.asia. Jul 12-17, 10am. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-8610950. $1,495.

3 DAYS IN MAY

A two-person, three-act production by For What Theatre, which follows the story of a pair of siblings who meet up to make merit for their late father. Shows run Thu-Mon. Ticket reservations at 086-787-7155. More details at forwhattheatre@gmail.com. Jul 1627, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B400. BTS Thong Lo.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL QUIDAM LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

The world's most famous modern circus premieres its first show in Thailand. Under the tutelage of director Franco Dragone, the ninth edition of the show takes you into the imaginary world of Zoey, a girl who wishes to escape her mundane daily life. Expect acrobatic artistry from over 100 performers along with exceptional sound and stage production. 4:30pm rounds from Jul 30-Aug 2. Jul 29-Aug 3, 8pm. Impact Arena, Popular Rd. B1,0005,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

LATTE ART

Master latte art at this workshop run by the hotel's inhouse artisan Kerry Dole, who has 13 years' experience working as a barista in Seattle. Jul 18, 2pm. Hansar Bangkok, 3 Soi Mahadlekluang 2, Ratchadamri Rd., +66 (0) 2209-1234. Free. BTS Ratchadamri. CREATIVE WAX

A two-day workshop that covers the basics of wax working and lost wax casting, as well as exercises to find your unique wax-work style for jewelry-making. At least one piece of jewelry/metal work to take home, plus a guideline to search for new ideas. Previous metal work,

The craft studio holds a talk by award-winning Japanese jeweler Mari Ishikawa, whose creations have been showcased all over the world. She'll be discussing the idea of a parallel world as conveyed through her work. She also recently held an exhibition at Atta Gallery in Bangkok. Talk is in English. Jul 25, 4pm. Atelier Rudee, 70/3 Sukhumvit Rd. Free. SMALL ROOM MUSIC CAMP

For four weekends starting Aug 1, Bangkok indie groups Two Pills After Meal, Somkiat, The Richman Toy, Polycat, The Jukks and Summer Stop hold a series of private music workshops. Classes include: vocals, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. Four classes per course, open for all music abilities. Register now at goo.gl/forms/nqFh0jkkSv. More information at 086-555-2533. Aug 1, 11am. Rainhill, Sukhumvit Soi 47. B4,000. BTS Phrom Phong. MIME WORKSHOP: SPEAK WITH YOUR BODY

Ten classes of classic-style mime workshop for beginners, run by veteran instructor Paitoon Laisakul (who also taught the famed Babymime), all of which will cover the basic elements of mime. Classes run every Saturday and Sunday. Students must be over 18, and foreigners are also welcome. Bookings available at 095-924-4555. Through Aug 9, 6pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B6,000.

MARKETS & FAIRS

ART Opening Exhibitions The Knack Market

BLACK & WHITE WEEKEND MARKET

BANGKOK BANGKOK BANGKOK

GUSHING OUT MY CONFESSION

Filmmaker/photographer Luis Galindo launches his painting exhibition inspired by Bangkok, in conjunction with a screening of short independent films by Purple Room Productions. Music performances by H3xthree, Woot Root and Roosrocker Sound System. Food by Cactus Taco, with margaritas served all night. B200 (one free drink). Dates: Jul 18, 7:30pm

A series of emotive photographs of people, words and flowers, produced by Thai photographer Naraphat Sakarthornsap as part of his personal journal collection. One of the featured exhibitions at Photo Bangkok Festival 2015. Dates: Opens Jul 18 at 6pm. Through Aug 15

Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117.

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

BRANDNEW 2015 PROJECT LAUNCH

TRANSFORM

An art thesis exhibition about creative change and social discourse by the graduating class of Painting Master's Degree students from Silpakorn University. Dates: Opens Jul 17 at 7pm. Through Aug 31

THE KNACK MARKET

The colorful new market promises

BAAN LAE SUAN FAIR MID YEAR 2015

The magazine's mid-year fair returns with the usual home decor booths, electronics, household and

BKK STARTUP JOB FEST 2015

The first tech startup fair of its kind in Bangkok with 40 leading companies like Lazada, Google and Uber, plus 20 speakers from around the country. Special activities by Drone Club, 3D Printing and Oculus Rift. Suitable for coders, programmers, digital marketers and university students. Sign up now at bkkstartupjobfest.getlinks.co. Jul 25-26, 9am. Cyberworld Tower, 90 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-168-3332. Free. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

BE GOOD Go Organic Plant Conservation Project in Suphanburi to learn about the ecological impacts of organic farming from the chao baan (locals).

The annual art project's launch night, in collaboration with leading Thai universities and local contemporary art galleries. This week features portable mobile home assembled from vinyl boards from the street by Titapa Thinnaracha, and 3D printed mini sculptures by Anon Chaisansook. Dates: Opens Jul 18 at 7pm. Through Aug 8 Bangkok University Gallery, 2-4/F, BU International College, 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-3503626.

A monochrome pop-up market, with fashion brands from Instagram and Facebook, handmade goods and art workshops. There will also be a live "black and white" folk music concert by the Chao Phraya River. Dress code is black and white. Jul 18-19, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

crafts, design, vintage items, books, arts and music, plus lots of street food in collaboration with Bangkok Farmers' Market and Taste of Bangkok. Set to take place every last weekend of the month. Jul 25, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

garden decor and crafts. Highlight zones this year include: Eco Village (Thai designs), Craft Village (workshops), Room Life Studio (by Room and Health & Cuisine), Green House (plants and gardening tools) and Color Party (home decor). There will also be a food truck zone on-site. Jul 22-26, 10am. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. Free. BTS Bang Na.

HOF Art Gallery, 1588/288-290 W District, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-178-0095.

Take the weekend off this Jul 25-26 to learn top secrets to becoming an organic farm entrepreneur at Study Tour: Organic Farm Entrepreneur Wannabe organized by social enterprises Local Alike and Sal Forest. For B7,900/ person, you get to learn business models, understand the challenges, opportunities and social impacts at three different organic farms in Thailand: Rai Thong Organic Farm to understand the connection between organic farmers and consumers in big cities; Rai Plook Rak Pak Insee in Ratchaburi, which produces organic products in and outside the country; and finally, the Organic Ecology and

Local Alike is a social enterprise focusing on community-based tourism, where you can experience an immersive village excursion with locals. The social enterprise works on the ground with villages that are ready to accept tourism, and teaches them how to manage and plan tours by themselves. They are then connected to customers through Local Alike’s online marketplace, which also compiles detailed profiles and user reviews. Profit is split 30:70 between LocalAlike and the community, with five percent from each party’s share ring-fenced to address development issues within the community. Sal Forest is the first “sustainable business accelerator” in Thailand, which specializes in sustainability research and runs short courses and workshops with the purpose of creating and sustaining a public discourse on sustainable business via events, print and online media. Reserve a spot at www.localalike.com

BK Magazine Friday, July 17, 2015

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now FILM Opening

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “A poet must not cross an interval with a step when he can cross it with a leap.” That’s an English translation of an aphorism written by French author Joseph Joubert. Another way to say it might be, “A smart person isn’t drab and plodding as she bridges a gap, but does it with high style and brisk delight.” A further alternative: “An imaginative soul isn’t predictable as she travels over and around obstacles, but calls on creative magic to fuel her ingenious liberations.” Please use these ideas during your adventures in the coming weeks, Cancerian.

Ant-Man (USA)

Dark Places (USA)

Action. A con-man (Paul Rudd) must assist his mentor Dr. Hank Pym to protect the prized Ant-Man technology, which allows its user to shrink in size but grow in strength, and save the Earth. Jul 15

Thriller. After growing up believing that her brother brutally murdered their family when she was seven, Libby Day (Charlize Theron) must face up to a new reality. Jul 16

How To Win At Checkers (Every Time) (Thai) Drama. Based on the book Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap. Two brothers living in Thailand must learn to accept one another’s differences on the morning of the military draft day. Jul 16

Free Screenings Alliance Francaise

Jam

Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Jul 22. In a Rush (2012): Ada (Valentina Cervi) is unhappy with her marriage, but everything suddenly changes when she meets mysterious writer Paul (Louis-Do de lencquesaing). Auditorium Alliance Francaise, 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200.

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Screenings start from 8pm. Jul 22. Fantastic Voyage (1966): A medical science fiction film about a scientist making new discoveries about miniaturization during the Cold War. Visit www.fb.com/ JAMCAFEBKK for weekly schedule. 41 Chareon Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. BTS Surasak.

The Friese-Greene Club

Japan Foundation

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.

Movies are subtitled in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for July is Spirit. July 17. Uneasy Encounters (1994): Five short films showing five strange encounters. 10/F, Sermmit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02-260-8560. www.jfbkk.or.rth

SPECIAL SCREENING

A Design Film Festival Bangkok 2015

Capital C

Dior & I

From Jul 18-19 and Jul 25-26, this festival will screen 10 documentaries about design and production, each shown for the first time in theaters across Asia. All films have Thai subtitles.

Sat Jul 18 & 26

Sundays Jul 19 & 26

CAPITAL C (USA)

PRINT THE LEGEND (USA)

A film following the hopes, dreams and fears of poker card designer Jackson Robinson, hippie Zach Crain and video game creator Brian Fargo— all of whom are fundraising their businesses through the internet.

Explore the modern world of 3D printing, from action figures to human organs.

TIME ZERO: THE LAST YEAR OF POLAROID FILM (USA) Grant Hamilton documents the final year of Polaroid’s instant film production.

THE HUMAN SCALE (DENMARK) Danish architect Jan Gehl studies the dichotomy between human behavior and modernity over four decades, exploring human-centric urban planning in the midst of fossil fuel exploitation, changing atmospheres and pollution.

TEMA HIMA: TIME, WORK AND LIFE IN TOHOKU, NORTH EAST JAPAN (JAPAN) Seven short films focused on timeless traditional Japanese craftsmanship that survived the 3/11 earthquake.

THE NAKED BRAND (USA) A look at the big corporations finding creative ways to create sustainable products and save the planet with advanced technologies.

MAKER (USA/TAIWAN) A look at how the modern digital age is fueling new methods of local production, crowdfunding and open source creation.

TADAO ANDO: FROM EMPTINESS TO INFINITY (JAPAN) A portraiture of Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect dubbed “The Father of Haiku Architecture.”

HANDMADE WITH LOVE IN FRANCE (FRANCE) A documentary that shines a light on the craftsmen behind the dazzling designs of Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

DIOR AND I (FRANCE) Go behind the scenes of the world-renowned Christian Dior fashion house for the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as new artistic director.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): July is barely half over, but your recent scrapes with cosmic law have already earned you the title of “The Most Lyrically Tormented Struggler of the Month.” Another few days of this productive mayhem and you may be eligible for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records. I could see you being selected as “The Soul Wrangler with the Craziest Wisdom.” But it’s my duty to let you know that you could also just walk away from it all. Even if you’re tempted to stick around and see how much more of the entertaining chaos you can overcome, it might be better not to. In my opinion, you have done enough impossible work for now. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): “People who have their feet planted too firmly on the ground have difficulty getting their pants off,” said author Richard Kehl. That’s good advice for you. To attract the help and resources you need, you can’t afford to be overly prim or proper. You should, in fact, be willing to put yourself in situations where it would be easy and natural to remove your pants, throw off your inhibitions, and dare to be surprising. If you’re addicted to business-as-usual, you may miss opportunities to engage in therapeutic play and healing pleasure. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): “A failure is a person who has blundered but is not able to cash in on the experience,” wrote American author Elbert Hubbard. In light of this formulation, I’m pleased to announce that you are likely to achieve at least one resounding success in the coming weeks. You know exactly how to convert a past mistake into a future triumph. A gaffe that once brought you anguish or woe will soon deliver its fully ripened teaching, enabling you to claim a powerful joy or joyful power. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): The poet Mary Ruefle describes reading books as “a great extension of time, a way for one person to live a thousand and one lives in a single lifespan.” Are there other ways to do that? Watching films and plays and TV shows, of course. You can also listen to people as they tell you their adventures. Or you can simply use your imagination to visualize what life is like for others. However you pursue this expansive pleasure, Scorpio, I highly recommend it. You are set up to absorb the equivalent of many years’ experience in a few short weeks. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Sagittarian rapper Nicki Minaj is not timid about going after what she wants. She told Cosmopolitan magazine that she’s “high-maintenance in bed.” Every time she’s involved in a sexual encounter, she demands to have an orgasm. I invite you to follow her lead— not just during your erotic adventures, but everywhere else, too. Ask for what you want, preferably with enough adroitness to actually obtain what you want. Note: To get exactly what you want, you must know exactly what you want. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): A college basketball player named Mark Snow told reporters that “Strength is my biggest weakness.” Was he trying to be funny? No. Was he a bit dim-witted? Perhaps. But I’m not really interested in what he meant. Rather, I want to hijack it for my own purpose, which is to recommend it as a meditation for you in the coming weeks. Can you think of any ways that your strength might at least temporarily be a weakness? I can. I suspect that if you rely

too much on the power you already possess and the skills you have previously mastered, you may miss important clues about what you need to learn next. The most valuable lessons could come to you as you’re practicing the virtues of humility, innocence and receptivity. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): In Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind, Rhett Butler delivers the following speech to Scarlett O’Hara: “I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together again and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken—and I’d rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places as long as I lived.” Adopt an approach that is the exact opposite of Rhett Butler’s. Patiently gather the broken fragments and glue them together again. I predict that the result will not only be as good as new; it will be better. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Australian actress Rebel Wilson has appeared in several successful movies, including Bridesmaids, Bachelorette and Pitch Perfect. But she didn’t start out to be a film star. Mathematics was her main interest. Then, while serving as a youth ambassador in South Africa at age 18, she contracted malaria. At the height of her sickness, she had hallucinatory visions that she would one day be “a really good actress who also won an Oscar.” The visions were so vivid that she decided to shift her career path. I foresee the possibility that you will soon experience a version of her epiphany. During a phase when you’re feeling less than spectacular, you may get a glimpse of an intriguing future possibility. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Stop Making Sense was originally the name of the film and music soundtrack produced by the Talking Heads in the 1980s, and now it is the central theme of your horoscope. I think your brain would benefit from a thorough washing. That’s why I invite you to scour it clean of all the dust and muck that have accumulated there. One of the best ways to launch this healing purge is to flood all the neural pathways with a firehose-surge of absurdity, jokes and silliness. As the wise physician of the soul, Dr. Seuss, said, “I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells.” TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): When you read a book that has footnotes, you tend to regard the footnotes as being of secondary importance. Although they may add color to the text’s main messages, you can probably skip them without losing much of the meaning. But I don’t recommend this approach. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, footnotes will carry crucial information that’s important for you to know. I mean this in a metaphorical sense as you live your life as well as in the literal act of reading books. Pay close attention to the afterthoughts, the digressions, and the asides. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): The English word “quiddity” has two contrary definitions. It can refer to a trivial quibble. Or it can mean the essential nature of a thing—the quality that makes it unique. I suspect that in the coming weeks you will get numerous invitations to engage with quiddities of both types. Your first task will be to cultivate an acute ability to know which is which. Your second task: Be relentless in avoiding the trivial quibbles as you home in on the essential nature of things.

Tickets are available at TCDC PR at Emporium and programs.tcdc.or.th/DFFBKK2015, B150 for non-members and B130 for members. See the full schedule at www.tcdc.or.th. 7/F, SF World Cinema, CentralWorld, BTS Siam.

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marketplace PROPERTY

SERVICE

For rent

ONYX Phahonyothin, part of the condominium collection by Sansiri. Located close to BTS Saphan Kwai, super market, food stalls, hospital and a short walk to Jatujak market. You will enjoy full facilities at the building such as swimming pool, exercise room and garden. 1 Bed from 17k/month. Call 0843610798

For Sale

OFFICE for Rent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18,000 THB â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 100 m2 Office for rent in Soi 33 of Sukhumvit 107 (Bearing), 3 km from Bearing BTS station, 100 Sq m office space with conference room, ample parking & CCTV. The office, with separate entry, is situated on 1st floor above EuropenAccountants offices. Available immediately. Call Paul on 081- 633 8468

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

Anghin Architecture. 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. 08-9201-2692. 02-254-9327.

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last word

Josh Kim Josh Kim, 34, is a Korean-American director with a degree in finance from Trinity University. He went to Hong Kong Film Academy for three months before dropping out to pursue his passion for filmmaking. Notably, he directed controversial gay film My Hero (How to Win at Checkers ––Every Time), which received rave reviews at the Berlin International Film Festival 2015. Premiered in Thailand on Jul 16, the film depicts the story of Oat, who looks back on his childhood with his brother, on the morning of his own military draft day. Here, BK talks to the director about the inspiration behind his production. the process was for ka-toey on a draft day and everyone gave me different answers. So I felt like I needed to see it for myself. I followed two transgender girls on the day of their draft and made a short 10-minute documentary called Draft Day. After I made the documentary, I then knew what was real and was not. I felt I had the poetic license to write what was best for the story. In making the documentary, I went to more than seven different draft lotteries across Thailand. I probably have been to more drafts than many Thais.

How did you discover Rattawaut Lapcharoensap’s collection of short stories Sightseeing and decide to weave some of them into a movie? I initially heard about the author on National Public Radio in 2007 when he read an excerpt from the book. His writing was very visual. After I read it, I felt as if I had just watched a movie. The stories were very different from other English language novels about Thailand I had read, which usually depicted a world of crime, sex, drugs and poisonous snakes. In Sightseeing, the characters felt real to me. Even though I didn’t grow up in Thailand I felt as if I knew the characters, so I decided to make a movie based on two of the short stories––At the Cafe Lovely and Draft Day.

What was the most difficult thing about making the film? Initially, I was too concerned about keeping true to the book even though Rattawut gave me permission to adapt his stories any way I wanted. I would show people drafts of the screenplay and they couldn’t understand some scenes or characters. I would explain, “Well, in the book—” and they would cut me off, “Look, I didn’t read the book, so I don’t know.” That was when I realized I needed to put the book away and make the screenplay stand on its own. I finally started to

Did you do any further research before filming it? It took quite a few years to realize the film. I moved to Thailand three years ago to learn the language and start research for the script. Back then, I had never been to a draft before and didn’t feel comfortable writing about those scenes. I would ask friends what

Join us

NOW HIRING:

JUNIOR WRITERS

feel like this film was my own. And now, even though some scenes are different from the book, many people have said that the film is actually more true to the book than if I had religiously shot it scene-by-scene. The most difficult part of the shoot, though, was when we had to recreate the draft scenes. There were over 200 extras and we had so many scenes to get through. I remember asking myself at that time, “Why am I doing this?”

a good fortune, you’re rewarded with the opportunity to serve your country. I felt the draft lottery was a good example of the world at large today: a world where people who have more money have more choices. We’re taught that as long as we work hard and get a good education, we can succeed. This is not always the case, however.

You’re Korean-American. Rattawut is Thai-American. How important is that to the movie, to your art, to your interest in this story? Both Rattawut and I have roots outside of Thailand. In the U.S., military service is voluntary; in Korea it is mandatory. Thailand is somewhere in the middle. I found the process very interesting. It’s like a lottery but instead of winning

Thailand is often described as very permissive or tolerant with regards to LGBTs. What’s your take on that? Thailand is more open to LGBT people than other countries in the region. However, many of my gay friends have not come out to their parents. The country, as well as the rest of the world, still has a long ways to go. There’s this Nigerian quote say-

“People who have more money have more chances.”

JUNIOR WRITERS WRITE COPY FOR OUR VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS: our upcoming Thai-language website, BK magazine, WHERE Magazine and various custom publications. We’re looking for great writers in either Thai or English (or both).

ing, “Until the lions have their own storytellers, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” When I watch some films or TV shows that have gay characters, I feel like I don’t know these people. I thought this was my chance to depict gay characters that feel more human and realistic, like the gay people I know in my life. How has making this film affected you personally? Three years ago when I decided to make this movie, I sold my cameras and any expensive possessions I owned. Some people said it was like the author of Eat Pray Love, but instead of going on a spiritual journey, I spent three years making this movie. I now have great friends and memories and feel that Thailand is my second home. In Berlin, a German woman in her 50s came up to me and said that she initially refused to see the film because it had gay characters. But after watching it, she was really happy and said that she felt it was a film anyone could watch. I was happy to hear that the film also works for non-gay audiences as well. Interview by Gregoire Glachant.

We’re looking for writers with: - A fun, energetic, creative personality - Superlative English-language or Thai-language writing skills - Curiosity for everything cool that’s going on in Bangkok - An eye for detail and fact-checking - Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines

Requirements: - Thai national - Bachelor’s degree

Send us your writing samples (or portfolio), cover letter and resume with a salary expectation at gglachant@asia-city.co.th. Please specify which position you’re applying for in your email’s subject line.

Asia City Media Group is Southeast Asia’s leading media company specializing in providing lifestyle and visitor content through our own well-loved brands, as well as creating custom media and marketing solutions for companies. Our content directly reaches Asia’s top demographic of urban residents and affluent visitors via digital and print channels. The Group currently operates in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

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