BK Magazine 600 July 31, 2015 by BK Magazine

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page 3 News Quiz

6 cover story

Readers’ Choice Awards 2015

12 home

13 bites

Flamingo Style

House Rules

15 bites

18 bites

To Your Door

Frida’s House

21 BK Now

22 BK Now

Live in Bangkok

Arty Openings

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 Writers Pinnyada Tanitnon, Lily Kittisrikangwan Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writer Natcha Sanguankiattichai Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang

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

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

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

Cover by Production BK

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

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

In our continued effort to draw your minds from Korean dessert fads and spark interest in current affairs, here is this month’s news quiz. What did General Prayuth imply about the hunger strikers campaigning against a proposed power plant in Krabi? a) They have fat asses and could do with the weight loss. b) They’re sneaking out to eat at night. c) They’re gay. d) They’re Cambodian. Why is the NRC preparing to put a media reform bill through cabinet? a) To prevent the next leaked sex tape being censored in the news. b) To strengthen media ethics. c) To strengthen lakorn remakes. d) To make being nice to Prayuth part of every journalist’s agenda. How did Pol.Lt. Sriwara Rangsipramanakul react to being asked to take a breathalyzer test? a) Complied and congratulated officers on doing their job. b) Refused and announced his outrage to the press. c) Cried. d) Gave officers the finger and sped away. Why does Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon insist the country is changing for the better? a) Because he’s solving all our problems and soon we’ll even be friends with America again. b) Because Dee Nitipong has pledged to write another hundred hit songs. c) Because there’s a Be@rbrick exhibition at Siam Center. d) Because he never liked the street food on Sukhumvit Soi 38 anyway.

Where to find us!

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

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg

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

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

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Your favorite bar Not: Your favorite pizza In the past year, some amazing things have happened on Bangkok’s pizza scene. Like world-beating, you-won’t-find-pizza-this-good-outside-of-Naples amazing. All of which went completely unnoticed by the voters of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards (see page 6). On the other hand, is it really any surprise that BK readers know where to seek out a good, stiff drink?

Hot: Online grocers

Not: Farmers’ markets

With its rebranding as Knack Market, it looks like Jam Factory has finally accepted its “farmers’ market“ for what it always was: a showcase of design students’ efforts to be craftsmen. But don’t worry if you think this is in anyway going to interrupt your ability to purchase food products made in home kitchens to no health and safety standards whatsoever. A new raft of online delivery companies will bring them straight to your door (see page 15).

INTERVIEW Following the arrival of the likes of Deezer and KKbox last year, Sarun “Top” Pinyarat (fourth from left), 30, joined with four partners to launch Fungjai, a music streaming service focused on independent Thai musicians. Here, we speak to Top about the future of the Thai music industry.

www.madonna.com

Why start Fungjai?

Hot: Rumored concerts Not: Canceled concerts Whether you view him as post-Britpop’s prince of pop or just “that fat dancer from Take That” (thanks Noel Gallagher), there’s little denying Robbie Williams is still a drawcard. But now that his Bangkok concert has bitten the dust, the rumor mill’s gone into overdrive as two who will be the next big name headed our way. For more on that, and a list of shows still going ahead, see page 21.

I’m interested in the small bands just starting out. These bands have limited room to move: create a Facebook page, share some songs on Soundcloud, and then what? It’s not like back in the day with Fat Radio. Radio is quite limited, anyway. Music streaming leaves the playlist up to the individual. Previously, I was a graphic designer. I got the idea of doing my own startup when I lived in the US. I got to use Spotify, and that good user experience stuck with me till my return to Thailand. I realized that music was my biggest passion. I was lucky to find three developers who liked the idea and were willing to help out for free until we launched the Fungjai website. The music business is pretty hard to crack…

Hot: Flamingoes

Not: Pineapples

In the fashion and design worlds, flamingoes are having a moment in the sun. Forget pineapples and swaying palm trees, these hot-pink, long-legged birds are the tropical successors to cats; that is, they’re everywhere. Madame Flamingo founder Pantila “Janet” Promfang and her fiance, TVC assistant director Montanuth “Ty” Kedmontri, like them so much they filled their house with a flamboyance of flamingoes. Take a peek inside, page 12.

Actually, when I first shared my Fungjai idea with others, they all tried to stop me. But I thought, surely others would see the value of being able to stream quality Thai music. We kept at it. I went out talking to every band I knew, ask-

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ing them if we could stream their music on our site; went to gigs with Fungjai flyers just to get exposure.

make an album. Their work shouldn’t be free. I think streaming services can help combat this misperception.

What was the feedback?

What’s the biggest problem you have encountered?

Colorcode [Slow Reverse, Aerolips and Basement Tape] was the first record label I talked to. Everyone in music circles was so supportive. Pok Stylish Nonsense, of Panda Records, really encouraged me. Another life-changing moment happened when I spoke to Yellow Fang. A day later I received a super-long Facebook message from the brother of YF’s bassist. Pye introduced himself and said he’d been working on a similar project. Now he’s one of the integral forces behind Fungjai. Do people still spend money on music? Well, I still buy CDs and merchandise from my favorite bands, but it’s true that people probably don’t spend that much. I think people have the wrong perception about being in a band. Back in the day being a rock-star was seen a high-paying job. Now it’s all salarymen saving their hard-earned to

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Money. I don’t come from a rich family. I launched Fungjai while working my graphic designer job and also working part time as a teacher just to have the funds. Fortunately, we now have our first investor, helping us expand the business. So how do you make money? For now, Fungjai is 100-percent free. It’s about converting users into money. Advertising is one way; another is premium membership. What’s next? We can’t stop at just being a music streaming service. Globally, there are new players every day. Eventually, the scene will become highly competitive. What Fungjai is trying to do is build a music community. We hold things like Hed-Sod concerts and seminars. In the future we might help with crowdfunding for rising artists. Interview by Vasachol Quadri

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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cover story

Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 The votes have been counted. Here’s what you, the readers of BK Magazine, ranked as your favorite places and brands in Bangkok.

Favorite Restaurant

Favorite New Bar

Favorite Mall

Favorite Hotel for F&B

Favorite Food Truck

Gaggan

Smalls

Emquartier

Is this because you eat there regularly? Or is it because a self-described panel of “international restaurant industry experts” called this the very best restaurant in Asia earlier in the year? Whatever the reason, this to us is still a very deserved winner.

One of a number of cool new places making Suan Phlu the Ekkamai of Sathorn: a ramshackle three-story shop-house filled with artwork way too valuable to be kept near drunk people. And a deserved winner for the city’s best new bar.

Mandarin Oriental

186/3 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 095-585-1398

Le Normandie has the kind of oldschool, starched tablecloth vibe you’ll find nowhere else in town; China House is about the only dim sum restaurant we can think of that actually looks good; and Bamboo Bar (see Favorite Cocktail Bar) has recently been transformed into somewhere we now go out of choice—a very rare thing for a hotel bar.

Daniel Thaiger

68/1 Soi Langsuan, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-652-1700. BTS Ratchadamri

The latest opening from the Mall Group just managed to do everything right: enough luxury names to make you feel fancy; enough highstreet brands to make you actually shop; and snacks (arguably) worth queuing up for. Pair that with plenty of green space (even if it is only viewed from air-conditioned comfort) and you’ve got a winning shopping mall combination.

Runner Up: Eat Me (1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931. BTS Sala Daeng)

Runner Up: A.R. Sutton Engineers Siam (G/F, Park Lane Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Soi 63)

Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong

Runner Up: CentralWorld (Ratchadamri

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

We’ve been on the receiving end of public opinion when you say something even remotely bad about this place. Believe us, it’s not pretty. Hopefully it’s position here means we can show our faces in public again. Sukhumvit Soi 23, 084-549-0995

Runner Up: Mother Trucker (Opposite Joke Bang Lamphu, Khaosarn Rd., 085-121-3767)

Runner Up: Sofitel Sukhumvit (168 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999)

Rd., 02-635-1111. BTS Siam/Chit Lom)

Favorite Barber

Favorite Hairdresser

Favorite Men’s Fashion Brand

Favorite Women’s Favorite Fashion Brand Cinema

Never Say Cutz

Chalachol

Greyhound

Paragon Cineplex

The world doesn’t begin and end with Greyhound and Playhound, people. Though the women’s line exudes similar quirkiness and is undeniably chic, it seems less accessible and much harder to pull off than the guys’. We kind of saw this one coming given the brand’s popularity, but we say leave the hounds to the men.

Runner Up: Black Amber (Sukhum-

Try Sukhumvit Soi 55, between Thonglor soi 9 and 11, 02-712-6481

We agree, even if the lack of new menswear contenders is a little disheartening. The label’s been around for decades and its bold collections never fail to impress. With its audacious prints and graphics, Greyhound continuously smudges the line between formal and casual, bouncing from wildly eccentric to minimalistic, but somehow always remaining hip.

All the city’s much-hyped new VIP screens and dying indie cinemas combined weren’t enough to topple this classic. Now, if someone could do something about the air-con, we’d be in full agreeance.

Try 927 Sukhumvit Soi 51. BTS Thong Lo

Award-winning hairstylist and national celebrity Somsak Chalachol’s 15 branches across the country never fail to impress us with their take on a classic pixie cut (B750) and modern ashy pastel highlights (B3,000). Even today, the 27-yearold business continues to evolve and seems sure to earn our stamp of approval for many years to come.

Greyhound

And we can’t argue. Once you realize that, left to their own devices, these barbers will give you the kind of fade that should never be seen outside a Drake music video, there’s no beating these cheap (B350 every time), efficient (forget the shampoo and scalp massage) and reliable men’s cuts. Just remember this: mai krien!

vit Soi 55, between Thonglor soi 5-7, 081869-9393)

Runner Up: Panipa (Ekkamai Soi 19, 02-392-6218)

3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-2514917. BTS Siam

Runner Up: Dapper (2/F, Siam Center,

3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-4917 BTS Siam

5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-1294635. BTS Siam

Runner Up: SF Cinema World (7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-264555. BTS Siam/Chit Lom)

Runner Up: Kloset (3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1729. BTS Siam)

Rama 1 Rd., 02-255-3931)

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

OPPORTUNITY IS EVERYTHING

PROPERTY IS FINANCIAL SAFETY Five reasons why buying on Sukhumvit 71 might be the best financial decision you ever make.

4. Foreigners Live Here. And Pay Sweet Money for Rent. This is prime rental territory for foreign residents looking for comfortable, stylish, well-connected accommodation right by the BTS. And that’s reflected in what new condo owners can charge for monthly rents. In particular, the neighborhood has seen a steady increase in the number of Korean and Japanese residents in recent years, pushed out of their previous neighborhoods of choice, Phrom Phong and Thonglor, by the unaffordable prices. But the neighborhood isn’t slowing down anytime soon, with the opening of new attractions in the area ensuring that the rental market just gets stronger and stronger.

1. The Sukhumvit 71 Neighborhood is Booming It’s no longer all about what’s happening near Suk 71. The neighborhood itself is thriving thanks to small independent restaurants, cafes, art galleries and some of the best, most-affordable fitness facilities in the city. Japanesethemed coffee shop Nikko Cafe, elegant rooftop lounge Cielo Sky Bar, Okinawan cuisine specialist Kinjo, indie-art darling GOJA and epic fitness facility Training Ground BKK are just a few of the reasons why this is a spot on the up. 5. The Transport Links are Amazing

3. Bangkok’s Coolest Areas Are Just Around the Corner

2. Property Values are Going One Way: UP!

Prices for new condominiums on Soi Thonglor are growing increasingly out of reach, while over on Ekkamai, you’ll be paying not far less. Meanwhile, Sukhumvit 71 still enjoys perfectly affordable prices per square meter while also offering the lifestyle that makes its neighbors so desirable. And if you’re not content with the variety of cafes, galleries, restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, then it takes just 15 minutes to reach Siam station by BTS.

At the top of Sukhumvit 71 you have BTS Phra Khanong, which takes you to On Nut in one direction for shopping at a giant Tesco Lotus, and Ekkamai in the other direction, where you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants anywhere in town. Public transport not your thing? No problem. Sukhumvit 71 itself is one of those perfectly positioned roads, connecting with Phetchaburi, Ramkamhaeng and Rama IV roads to take you to every part of the city, while the Sirat Expressway and Raminthra-At Narong Expressway are also right at hand.

More cool stuff in the area means more people are willing to buy into this boom-time neighborhood. As prices rise, Ekkamai, Thonglor and the city center, more people are choosing to move out just that little bit further, driving prices around Phra Khanong up. Now is the perfect time to buy, while condos are still affordable yet steadily increasing. Act fast and we predict you’ll continue to see your asset move in the same direction for many years to come.

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cover story Favorite Dessert

Favorite Cocktail Bar

Favorite Jazz Bar

Favorite Dim Sum

Favorite Pizza

After You

Bamboo Bar

Saxophone

Din Tai Fung

Limoncello

The only appearance on this list for anywhere even remotely near Victory Monument comes from the only jazz bar in town which every Friday night confuses reggae for jazz. Still, there’s an undeniable charm to this old-timer.

Really? After an 18-month wave that gave us Peppina, Sfizio, Pizza Massilia and a follow-up to Pala, you still voted this your favorite pizza. It seems old habits die hard.

3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592. BTS Victory Monument

Good prices and service aside, we’re still of the opinion that the offerings at Din Tai Fung are little more than above average. Even if you don’t agree with us that Chef Man was robbed, chances are if you like dim sum you’re salivating over the impending arrival of Tim Ho Wan, aka the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.

Runner Up: Brown Sugar (469 Phra

7/F CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-646-1282

Croissant Taiyaki, Hot Star chicken— pfft. Even after eight years, you’ll still find the biggest queues in Bangkok outside After You, and all for the Shibuya honey toast. Try G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7659. BTS Siam

Runner Up: Mandarin Oriental Shop (1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-252-6863)

When it came to overhauling this classic, jungle-kitsch bar, P49 design agency managed to forget its backcatalogue of uninspiring hotel projects and created something truly beautiful. Meanwhile, Mirco Keller of Water Libray did a similar job on the drinks menu, creating one of the best lists of barrelaged and molecular cocktails in town. 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoen Krung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000

Runner Up: Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar

Sumen Rd., 081-805-7759)

(65/1 Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd.,02-168-5152)

17 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-0707. BTS Nana

Runner Up: Peppina (27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-119-7677)

Runner Up: Chef Man Express (9/F, Helix Quartier, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong)

Favorite Burger Restaurant

Favorite Local Coffee Shop

Favorite Breakfast Favorite & Brunch Mexican

Favorite Ice-Cream

Nerd by Daniel Thaiger

Roots

Crepes & Co

La Monita Taqueria

iBerry

Roast, probably the first Bangkok coffee shop to roast and blend its beans in-house, moved its giant roasting machine over to a tiny shop-house in Ekkamai which for about a year we couldn’t find. But we’re glad we did, because it still serves some of the fruitiest slowdrip in town. Weekends only, people.

Some things change. Some things stay the same. Despite a wave of egg-centric restaurants that has swept vast stretches of Sukhumvit and Sathorn, you still voted this, the down-to-earth crepe and tagine specialist that first opened in 1996, to be your go-to breakfast haunt.

The past year saw an explosion of new Mexican restaurants— all pretty amazing: Casa Azul, Mejico, the return of Coyote. Not even the opening of its own high-end spin-off (La Monita Urban Cantina) could take the shine off this institution, which continues to serve up Mexican classics that are big on flavor, if not presentation.

The store that made dessert cafes a thing is still setting the bar for Bangkok’s icy treats. What’s more, the Thonglor branch is actually a really nice place to sit, whether at the huge solid wood table indoors or out on J Avenue’s terrace.

Put the produce of Bangkok’s bestloved food truck (see Favorite Food Truck) in a huge Thonglor bar dedicated to gaming and you have one irresistible package for Bangkok’s fratpack eternal. We’re just glad we can get those salty, buttery delights without fear they’ll run out. Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-1707684

Runner Up: The Firehouse (Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3643)

295 Sukhumvit Soi 63, between Ekkamai soi 15-17, 088-190-5950

Runner Up: Rocket Coffeebar (Try

59/4 Langsuan Soi 1, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-652-0208

Runner Up: Cafe Tartine (Athenee Residence, 65 Wireless Rd., 02-168-5464)

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0404)

88/26-25 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. BTS Ploen Chit

Runner Up: Tacos & Salsa (Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-663-6366)

(J Avenue Thonglor)

J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15, 02-712-6054. www.iberryhomemade.com

Runner Up: Buddhi Belly (7/F, CentralWorld, 02-613-1643. BTS Siam/Chit Lom)

Favorite Ramen

Favorite Casual Thai Bistro

Favorite Budget Sushi

Favorite Vietnamese

Favorite Barbecue and Wings

Bankara

Greyhound

Sushi Hiro

Le Dalat (Emquartier)

BonChon

Fending off stiff competition from any number of “Ramen Champions” and globally recognized Japanese noodle chains, this dark tavern with its sinfully decadent bowls of fatty, buttery pork tonkotsu broth is still on top. We approve.

We were talking to Gaggan Anand the other day. You know, the guy whose restaurant ranks #1 in Asia (see Favorite Restaurant), and even he said that Greyhound’s Complicated Noodles are one of his fave dishes in town. We can’t argue. And neither, it seems, can you.

Seeing how many branches it has opened in the past year, and how long the queue gets outside each one, there must be something more to this place than its massive promotions. Or maybe not. For now, we’ll still be spending our money in Sushi Cyu.

The most refined Vietnamese restaurant in town now has a shopping mall branch. The updated decor and contemporary presentation haven’t done much to lower the prices, but the buzz was presumably enough to beat more down-to-earth offerings of Vietnamese & More and Saigon Recipe.

The chicken wing scene has been on fire, whether it’s the New-York-hailing Mono Mono or the Korean big chain Kyochon, not to mention other friedchicken specialists from Japan and Taiwan. But it seems the first on the scene is still on top.

The Manor, 32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-622-5162

Runner Up: Ippudo (3/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5672. BTS Phloen Chit)

Try G/F, J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15, 02-7126547

Runner Up: Taling Pling (Baan Silom, 653 Silom Soi 19, 02-236-4829)

G/F, The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9, Rama 9 Rd., 089-888-2078.

Runner Up: Sushi Masa (359/1 Soi Phayanak Phetchaburi Rd., 02-215-9289)

7/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-2691000. BTS Phrom Phong

Runner Up: Saigon Recipe (Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6311)

Try 4/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6581575. BTS Siam

Runner Up: Tony Roma’s (4/F, Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-1080790)

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Sustainable MICE Master Plan In order to promote Thailand as one of the world’s leading sustainable MICE destinations by 2020, MICE Capabilities Development Department, under Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), has rolled out a five-year master plan to strengthen the country’s competences.

Why does Thailand’s MICE industry need such a master plan? All business sectors in the MICE industry need to look to the future. Over the next decade, we want Bangkok to be recognized as one of the world’s top sustainable cities of the world and this master plan can help us meet this future trend. We hope that this master plan will be used in big organization both in and outside MICE industry. How do you plan to convince people sustainability is important? We have set benchmarks that we need to achieve like community engagement, stakeholder engagement, education, incentive, PPP

“

[Private Public Partnership], network and marketing communications to make all business sectors understand. When they understand, they will create responsible practices to run their businesses responsibly.

The MICE industry plays a crucial role in growing the Thai

Bangkok to be recognized as one of the world’s top sustainable cities of the world.

economy and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future. To cultivate this development, TCEB has rolled out the Sustainable Destination Master Plan for Thailand’s MICE Industry with the aim of boosting Thailand to become a world-leading sustainable MICE destination. Here, we talk to

Nichapa Yoswee MICE Capabilties Director at TCEB

Nichapa Yoswee, MICE Capabilities Director at TCEB, who explains why the master plan is so important.

The Roadmap Strategy and Governance

Develop policies and incentives that inspire investment and development in a sustainable MICE industry.

Partner, Develop Launch

Business Development Use sustainability as an engine for economic growth by developing initiatives to attract organizations committed to sustainable event practices.

Cultivate key strategic alliances to ensure the Master Plan is supporting national and community development.

Policy and Incentives

2016

Create strategic plans and a clear multiyear roadmap with effective structure of organization and governance.

Stakeholder Engagement

Sustainable Destination Master Plan

2017

Awareness, Capabilities & Tools

2018

Marketing Communications

Innovate & Differentiate

Build a strong marketing platform to strengthen Thailand’s sustainable MICE brand and inspire greater action.

Product and Capacity Building Implement programs and products that are accessible to viable business ventures and developing new sustainable innovations in MICE industry.

“

The plan will run from 2016-2020.

2019

Policy & Incentives

Internal Sustainability Program Develop TCEB as a model of a sustainable enterprise to support the Master Plan’s vision and principles.

2020

Measure & Win

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

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Pinnyada Tanitnon and Pimploy Phongsirivech

CHIANG MAI

Family Escape Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai (www.dharadhevi.com) has rolled out a “family fun experience” package, which aims to offer an educational family getaway. Priced at B59,000, the package includes four days and three nights’ stay in the resort’s spacious deluxe colonial suite for two adults and two children. Scheduled activities for children under 12 include traditional lantern making, painting and yoga. While the kids are occupied, parents can sneak away to the on-site spa, where they will be able to enjoy a complimentary 60-minute treatment. The whole family also get to experience a private rice planting experience, which comes with a neat souvenir photo. The offer is valid through Sep 30 and comes with a daily American buffet and Thai set dinner for two (don’t worry, there’s also a kid’s menu). If you wish to stay any additional nights, you’ll get a special rate of B18,500 per night with a complimentary American breakfast buffet for all.

Cool Cats What’s cooler than a cat cafe? Introducing Chiang Mai’s first cat icecream parlor, Cats on Ice (www.fb. com/catsonice). Aside from housing 13 friendly cats of many popular breeds (such as Persian, American Shorthaired and the grouchy-faced Persian Chinchilla), the venue specializes in Taiwanese ice delicacies, ranging from single flavors such as vanilla, coffee and mango (B49) to premium flavors like blueberry and green tea (B59) and the colossal vanilla ice lava set (B149). The iced desserts come with a large selection of toppings, ranging from seasonal fruits to Oreos. Because the owners care a lot about their cats, there are a number of rules for customers to follow, such as no flash photography.

HUA HIN

Attention Shutterbugs Open just two months ago, the tenroom, monochromatic Remix Photo House (www.remixphotohouse. com) reflects owner Anuchai Secharunputong’s love for photography. Here, bathrooms are designed to imitate dark rooms and vintage film cameras are on display throughout. Though beachfront rooms aren’t available, there are seaview rooms that start at B3,000 and street view rooms that start at B1,500.

Pit Stop The recently opened Bike Loft (www.thebikelofthotel.com, 092281-7722) aims to be the perfect stop off for cyclists in the middle of their bike tour. Decked out in artwork made from real bicycle parts, this industrial-style hostel is a cyclist’s haven. Not only do they allow guests to bring their prized wheels into their rooms with them, they’re also located uphill above an ideal bike path. The two-story compound comes with two different price points: rooms upstairs cost B1,500 per night, while downstairs is B1,700 per night. Every loft-like room is decorated differently, either with bike-themed vibrant mural paintings, bicycle-part art or canvas paintings. The hostel also boasts a saltwater pool and a restaurant serving Thai and Western dishes. Wood-fired pizza is in the pipeline.

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

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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avenue FASHION

Emotional Boy Men’s spring/summer was all about pale and vintage floral prints. Now, we’re seeing plenty of grayscale in local and international fall/winter collections, including that of men’s streetwear label Leisure Project Store. Our highlights include the Love Always French terry jumper (B1,890), the Love embroidered oxford shirt (B3,290), the Love printed baseball cap (1,290) and the multi-panel quarter length jacket (price TBA). The brand can be found at multi-label stores like Gin & Milk, The Selected and the men’s zone at Emquartier and Siam Paragon. www.leisureprojectstore.com

FITNESS

Aerobics Oz Style There seems to be new fitness programs and facilities popping up in Bangkok every other day. To make sure you’ve got the right gear, check out Australian women’s sportswear label Lorna Jane, which has just arrived in Thailand carrying with it a variety of workout necessities, from yoga mats to running shorts. Look out for the sports bra (B2,690) and yoga pants (B3,490), which incorporate Lorna Jane’s moisture-wicking LJ Excel fabric to keep wearers cool and dry. Try The Emporium Sports Mall, 2/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 099-532-8632. BTS Phrom Phong

CAFE

Game Time Bangkok has welcomed a new board game cafe. Turn the Tables Board Game Cafe is located on the third floor of Let’s Say Cafe, a new 4-story, 24-hour cafe offering savory dishes, desserts and drinks (and also home to Vanilla Box, an open space of 7x7m for workshops and meetings). Turn the Tables offers over a hundred games both to play in house and to purchase, with a pre-order service available via Facebook message and 092-7608881. Games are priced from B50 per hour to B300 for 10 hours. Special events like themed game nights and overnight game events are also held on weekends. 440/19-20 Soi Ratchawithi 3, Phaya Thai Rd., 092-760-8881. www.fb.com/tttboardgamecafe

SPA

Tub Thumping You don’t have to travel all the way to Udomsuk any more to experience Kashikiri Soda Onsen’s private baths. The one-year-old onsen spa has now opened a second branch at the always-happening Sukhumvit Soi 49. The bigger space offers seven private tubs, including four tubs for couples and four private massage rooms. Try the basic Kashikiri Balancing Bath (B1,150/1:15hr) for a 45-minute private onsen and 30-minute head, shoulders and back massage. Or try one out of ten new signature massages like facial treatments by Jurlique: brightening (B2,800/1hr), hydrating (B2,800/1hr) and anti-aging (B3,500/1hr). All spa products like shampoo, conditioner, body scrubs and body lotion are also available to purchase. 84 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 081-268-46224. Open daily 9:30am-10:30pm. BTS Phrom Phong. on.fb.me/1fhAEcL BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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avenue HOME

Gray Scale Rustic furnishings-meet-pink flamingoes at the three-story townhouse of Madame Flamingo founder Pantila “Janet” Promfang and her fiance, TVC assistant director Montanuth “Ty” Kedmontri. By Vasachol Quadri, photos by Peeraya Sirathanisa

INTERVIEW Ty Kedmontri What’s the story behind this three-story townhouse? We decided to buy a house around 3-4 years ago, but at that time we had a limited budget. This place belonged to friend of a friend who I knew wanted to sell it, but my mom didn’t like it and stopped us buying it at that time. After searching for condos and new houses, none gave us the feeling of a family home like this place. So we came back last year and got the project started. What inspired the design? The designer was a close friend but the mood and tone was set very much by me. Janet found it too rugged at first and said it didn’t look comfortable. That brought us to discuss how to blend femininity with my dark and rustic tastes. She loves flamingoes, and that’s why you can see them everywhere. Like this painting; we had just a plain gray wall initially but Janet requested something to lighten the mood. A friend and I painted it together. Why did you decide on gray and what impact did it have on lighting?

Shopping List

Hook with deer, Casa Pagoda, B1,300

Watson trunk with Union Jack, Casa Pagoda, B39,000

Brass deer, Motif, price TBA

London suitcase, Casa Pagoda, B26,000

Gold flamingo, Motif, price TBA

Teak burger bed, Ethnicraft, B64,500 Flamingo statue, My Happy Pet, B1,150-4,250 Socker plant pot with holder in white, Ikea, B1,199

Chest Of 3x3 drawers, Casa Pagoda, B59,000

Vivaldi classic sofa, 128 Studio, B133,000-232,000

Essentials Jester sofa, SB Furniture, B79,900

This house was originally gray, which I liked and might have chosen myself anyway. We repainted the exterior and chose a gray that’s two shades brighter for the upstairs living room. I personally don’t like too much light, so that’s not a problem for me, and also why we skipped trying to add more natural light in the design process. But coincidentally, the wall-to-ceiling glass accordion doors do bring in plenty of light, as does the big window at the back of the house. At night, we use only tungsten bulbs. Where did you buy all your props? We love collecting stuff. During our free time we go shopping at Rod Fai Market or JJ Green. I personally like vintage stuff, while Janet bought all the flamingoes—I call it her bird-hunting time. Some of the furniture I also got from my job; shopping from the setup once the shoot is done. Other pieces of furniture are custom-made by the set team I work with. We have more pieces in storage that aren’t displayed here. What’s the biggest problem you encountered? This house is located at a T-junction which Thais believe brings bad luck. Previously, I didn’t believe in this kind of thing, but when everyone’s warning you and you’re spending quite a lot of money, it starts to sink in. So we consulted a feng shui master about how to deal with it. Problems arose because the designer, who is my close friend, was done with the designs and I then needed to show them to the feng shui master for approval. Elements which the designer thought were important needed to be changed, so the compromise between the two disciplines was quite challenging.

MOTIF. 3/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-250-7740/1

Ethnicraft available at Craft Noble Soho Thonglor 02-714-9040

Casa Pagoda. 45 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-258-1917

IKEA. Soi Mitraphap, Bangna-Trad KM. 8. 02-708-7999

128 Studio. Phase 1&2, Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham Rd., 02-102-2082

SB Furniture. Praditmanutham Rd., 02-515-0922 My Happy Pet. Order online at @myhappypet

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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bites & blends

RESTAURANT

On the House After three years of restoration, the beautiful mansion that was formerly the Russian Embassy next door to W Hotel is now open. Simply named The House on Sathorn, the building is home to a restaurant, a bar, an alfresco bistro, a club lounge and a function room. The Dining Room is a small restaurant helmed by Turkish chef Fatih Tutak, who previously worked at The Belbrook in Hong Kong, Nihonryori Ryugin in Tokyo and Noma in Denmark. Here, the chef takes his well-traveled background as inspiration to create dishes that, he says, narrate stories. Hunting (B790), for example, is symbolic of a European hunting day, with duck breast lying on splashes of red pomegranate sauce with burnt onion powder as gunpowder. The venue also comprises The Bar, The Courtyard, which is a casual dining bistro that will soon serve afternoon tea, and the second-floor Upstairs, an exclusive club lounge. 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi

DESSERT

DELI

BAR

Over the Moon

Artisan Story

Luck of the Irish

You no longer need to make any last-minute dashes to Hong Kong. Just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival comes the news that Maxim’s renowned mooncakes (aka Mei-Xin mooncakes) are now available in Bangkok. Known for its lava custard and white lotus seed mooncakes made with a special double-roasting method, the brand’s festive products have already been distributed to many countries. Now, for the first time, the mooncakes will be available here at Siam Paragon, Emquartier, Central Chidlom and Terminal 21 from mid-August. The 185g white lotus seed mooncake with double yolk is priced at B385 while a box of four pieces of 45g lava custard is B768. Other fillings include mixed nuts, red bean paste, custard and oolong tea. In the meantime, they are now taking pre-orders via Line (ID: meixinthailand) and meixinmooncake.th@ gmail.com. www.fb.com/meixinmooncakethailand

On the left-hand side of the entrance to the multi-brand store Another Story is a sizable kiosk offering products from some of Bangkok’s best-loved names for bread, cheese, wine and desserts, which you can buy either to take away or enjoy right there. Expect artisanal breads from local French-style breadmaker, Amantee, and specialty butter and cheese from French artisanal butter-maker Jean-Yves Bordier, who has 35 years’ experience and has provided products to many Michelin-star restaurants, including those of Joel Robuchon. There’s also wine from boutique importer Wine Garage and a patisserie shop by Issaya La Patisserie, whose goodies blend Thai flavors into Western desserts. 4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6138. BTS Phrom Phong

It was a little sad to hear of Beer Vault’s demise this month, four years after it first opened as one of Bangkok’s first specialty beer bars. But Four Points by Sheraton isn’t letting you go without a beer for too long. The hotel’s front spot opposite the old BV has been turned into a traditional Irish bar dubbed The Drunken Leprechaun. The wood-dominated beer bar is about half the size of BV and decked out with both sofas and high bar stools with a huge screen for live matches. There’s also a tiny outdoor garden out the back. Beers on tap are pretty much the same, including Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Asahi and Guinness. Daily happy hours run from 4-8pm. In more Four Points news: the original spot departed by BV is set to become Hooters Bar, while amBar will be renovated soon. Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-3093255 BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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blends

Distil Bar

The Speakeasy

Under the Stars Five rooftop bars for a perfect date, with the views to match.

The Conversation Starter

Popsanova Partiers

The 24 and 25th floors of the 1920s-inspired Hotel Muse Bangkok are home to elegant gentlemen’s club-style bar The Speakeasy. You can choose either a panoramic view on the 24th floor or head on up for the private 360-degree skyline view–perfect for intimate conversation. For drinks, you can’t go past classics like Sazerac (B330) or Old Fashioned (B330). For something special, ask the bartender for a customized drink made using whatever new bottles he has in stock. This month, The Speakeasy welcomes Chivas Regal Extra, which they’re using in the house special Extra Crusta (B390) cocktail. Adapted from the best-selling Brandy Crusta, the drink mixes Chivas Regal Extra, instead of brandy, with Grand Marnier, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, sugar syrup and dashes of angostura bitters and spiral lemon peel served in a granulate white sugar-rimmed wine glass.

Situated on the fifth floor of Japanese community mall Taka Town, Monde serves up a fun party vibe. Here, the Bangkok night sky is filled with the sound of popsanova music performed live daily. With its fake grass and leather sofas, the garden-meets-living-room vibe is perfect for a night of cocktails, poured by a mixologist who’s a veteran of the Thonglor bar scene. Be sure to try the new Bathtub Bubble (B380)—a vodka-based drink served in a bathtub-like glass and garnished with a rubber duck. Also try the food, which ranges from pad Thai to fusion sushi to Italian pizza and pastas.

24-25/F, Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-630-4000. Open daily 6pm-1am. BTS Chit Lom

If you’re looking for a formal spot to impress your date, Distil Bar on the 64th floor of the State Tower fits the bill. The bar has an amazing, sky-high view with flawless service to match. For a luxurious evening, treat yourself to the superb cocktails like the recently-launched Heavens Edge (B610) that mixes Chivas Regal 18 Years and spiced rum, pineapple, sweet vermouth and maple syrup before being topped with secret-recipe foam. Alternatively, pay a visit to the neighboring Lebua for plenty of premium whisky that you can’t find anywhere else in Thailand, including Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute and Royal Salute 38 Year Old to Royal Salute, The 100 Cask Selection.

Couples’ Drinks The newly opened French bistro Roof 409 doesn’t only offer a nice view of Phloen Chit Road; it’s also got a lively party vibe perfect for fun-loving couples. Grab one of the white sofas outdoors and enjoy the view with a sweet and creamy Extra Tiramisu (BTK) in hand. This Chivas Regal Extra-based drink is mixed with Amaretto, Baileys, white chocolate, mascarpone and cocoa powder. On top of the tasty and innovative cocktails, Roof 409 also offers a special Ladies’ Night every Tuesday, when all girls receive a complimentary glass of Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose to begin the night. 4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd., 081-995-6984. Open daily 11am-midnight. BTS Chit Lom

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

Suit & Tie

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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Monde

64/F, State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd., 02-624-9999

Starry-Eyed Lovers If you’re looking for a romantic spot with a seriously great view, they don’t come much better than Centara’s 55th-floor bar Red Sky. Take in the stunning city skyline while dining and drinking takes place under a swooping, red-lit arch. Tip: do book ahead for the couple’s sofa seats to ensure the best spot. The bar has an amazing wine cellar, but that’s not its only drink highlight. Check out the recently updated cocktail list, featuring the likes of Extra Crush (B390), comprising Chivas Regal Extra, strawberry puree, Orgeat almond, cherry brandy, cranberry juice and lime juice. 55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 5:30pm-1am. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

Roof 409

Red Sky

brought to you by Chivas Regal

7/24/15 7:22 PM

bites SHOPPING

Net Grocers

No more queuing at the cashiers; here are four of our favorite websites for online grocery shopping. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai, illustration by Varunthorn Uraroongroj

Passion Delivery

Quintessence

Launched almost a year ago, Passion Delivery is focused on local, artisanal and premium products: meat, sausages, bread, cheese, pastries, nuts—basically all the good stuff you find at the weekend farmers’ markets.

This company has been supplying cheese to hotels and restaurants since 2006. Quintessence has an office and showroom on Sukhumvit Soi 21 where you can see the products, but it’s not a shop as such. Note: If you call up, be sure to affect a French accent— they’re quite picky about that.

The goods: Order from some of Bangkok’s favorite producers, such as Sloane’s meat products, Mille Stelle’s burrata, Yogi Diary’s feta cheese, Chef Erwin’s ready-to-eat gourmet meals and Yellow Spoon’s pastries. There are also exclusive in-house products like Passion Chef’s dry-aged beef, imported goods like frozen shrimps, Angus beef, sterling caviar and chocolate, and drinks like Twist’s fresh fruit juices, Raitong Organic’s ginger ale and some imported craft beers and wine. Ordering: There’s no minimum order required. You can order by phone at 096-354-4624 and 096-354-1924 or place your order online. Some products require 1-2 days advance ordering. You can either pay by cash on delivery or bank transfer. Delivery: All orders in Bangkok are delivered within 48 hours, depending on the availability of the items. Delivery charge starts at B90 for inner Bangkok areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn and Rama 4. There are morning and afternoon delivery time slots.

The goods: The focus is on French deli products. Highlights include more than 60 cheese selections from France. There are also jams and wine, as well as butter, caviar, ham, sausage, pate and rillettes. Another specialty are the duck products, including foie gras, duck confit and duck magret. Ordering: Cheese wheels can be cut to a minimum of 100g/slice. Minimum order is B1,500. Payment can be made by cash on delivery, bank transfer or via Paypal (for orders over B5,000 order). Delivery: Delivery to Bangkok downtown is a flat B60 while other districts are B100. 213/18 Asoke Towers Building, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-4497. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm www.cheesequintessence.com

www.passiondelivery.com

Radiance Wholefoods

Delishop

Reflecting their passion for organic ingredients and wholesome food, Ravina Sachdev and Anchal Pathela opened up their small shop on Sukhumvit Soi 22 back in 2012 selling natural, chemical-free products. And it’s also operated as an online delivery service.

Claiming to be the first genuine online supermarket in Thailand, this newly-launched web-based outlet boasts some competitive prices. The goods: The large selection of mostly imported products covers storable dry and canned items like pasta, cereals, soup, jam and canned vegetables. Some brands are actually new in Thailand and carry pretty impressive prices. There are also imported beverages like juices, sparkling water, syrups and wines, as well as dairy products. Ordering: You’ll have to sign up for an account to check out. There’s no minimum order required. And payment can only be made through Paypal. Delivery: For Bangkapi, Huai Khwang, Patumwan, Klongtoey and Sathorn districts, the promise same-day delivery if you place your order before noon. For these areas, it’ll be delivered the following day morning if your order is placed before 4pm, and afternoon if after 4pm. Next day delivery is applied to other areas for order placed before 2pm. You can choose a three-hour delivery time slot. Delivery is at the flat rate of B80 for all areas and free for orders above B1,200. You can also choose to pick up at their collection point, free of charge. 84 Rama 9 Soi 19, 092-517-0202. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. www.delishop.co.th

The goods: Organic products like eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, cereals, oil and a range of flours and derived products including gluten-free pasta and rice cakes. Other niche, health-oriented products include wheat germ, quinoa, teff seeds, spirulina, maca powder, cacao nibs, bee pollen and spirulina pasta. There are also homemade jam, pickles and kombucha. On top of edible goodies, they also sell essential oils, baby products and natural skin care. Ordering: The Radiance store is located on Sukhumvit Soi 22, so you can grab non-perishable products there or place your order online to either pick up or have delivered. Some products require advance ordering. For payment, you can pay cash on delivery, transfer money or use Paypal. Delivery: Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables are delivered Tue-Fri. Order deadline for Tue and Wed delivery is Mon noon while the deadline for Thu and Fri is Wednesday noon. Delivery time slots are morning and afternoon. Fee starts at B50 for Klongtoey and Wattana areas. Some areas have specific delivery days like Nwwichada (Wednesdays). 128/2 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-116-4265 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm. www.radiancewholefoods.com

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

China Palace HHHH Chinese. 279 Si Phraya Rd., Bangrak, 02-6315111. Open daily 11am-2pm, 6-10pm. MRT Sam Yan. BB-BBBB. F

This nearly two-decade-old establishment seems to stay on foodies’ radars no matter how much time goes by. Hidden down a tiny soi off Si Phraya Road, this Cantonese kitchen occupies an old Sino-Portuguese house and a modern house next door, where it serves fine Chinese feasts amid a mixed setting of elegant mirrors and tacky brown wood. The low-ceilinged dining room has all the atmosphere of a basement, its round tables all topped with lazy Susans, where an established crowd of aging academics and businessmen come for two main reasons: pricy dim sum at lunchtime and expert Cantonese dishes like barbecued suckling-pig (B2,000) and Peking duck (B990). The latter, especially, is always very impressive, with its crisp skin going perfectly with the sweet sauce that’s got a pungent kick from Chinese

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen HHHH

HUNGRY?

Japanese. 1 Patpong Soi 2, Suriyawongse Rd., 02-238-5655. Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. BTS Sala Daeng. B-BB

Straight off, this Osaka chain specializing in “volcanic” ramen probably won’t appeal to purists. But as its expansion into Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok (with two branches in Asoke and Patpong) attests, Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen is doing something very right. The gimmick helps, of course. While the specialty is obviously ramen, things are a bit different here. Their signature variety comes served in a hefty earthenware bowl, which not only keeps your soup hot for longer but also provides for some fun meal-time entertainment. Ordering the staple Kazan shoyu ramen (B220/270) will see a member of staff deliver to your table a large, piping hot bowl filled with noodles, veggies and chashu pork. After pouring in the thick, pork bone broth, the waiter will cover the bowl with a volcano-shaped lid, through which steam will start to blow. After a few minutes of excitement, the cover is removed and you’re left with a steaming, bubbling bowl of ramen—just beware,

www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters Straight to your inbox every Wednesday and it’s FREE!

2.indd 1 BKedm_final Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015 16 QP BB

BB_Food_Reviews_600_Jul31_15_NEW.indd 16

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.

liquor. We never fail to be impressed by the accompanying roti that remains soft even at the end of a long meal. Obviously, Peking duck is a big deal here and you can have the meat deep-fried, stir-fried with Chinese fermented beans or miang (stirfried with fresh iceberg lettuce)—all are pretty good. The fried dim sum dishes are superb, too, like the fried Chinese bun stuffed with sweet custard (B70) and thang thong (fried custard stick, B70). Our only complaint would be that the custard tends to be a little too dry. But in other areas, the restaurant’s standards seem to have slipped, particularly the steamed dim sum dishes. On our last visit, the rolled n o o d l e w i t h s c a l l o p ( B 1 0 5 ) wa s overcooked, with chunks of non-descripttasting scallop meat, while the ha gao (steamed shrimp dumpling, B125) was conversely a bit underdone. Meanwhile, the steamed fresh ruby fish with soy sauce and goay si mee (stir fried egg noodle, B150) is OK without setting off any fireworks. A dessert like aogi paeguay (sweet ginkgo nuts with mashed taro, B80) is so tasty it’s almost enough to fully restore our faith though. The service is pretty traditional with attentive, uniformed waiters and an all-valet parking reception that makes you feel like a VIP every time. While China Palace just about maintains its reputation for Chinese staples, the kitchen will need to up its game if it plans to contend with Bangkok’s ever-growing dining scene.

you’re given that bib for a reason! This dining smoke and mirrors, so very Osakan, is complemented in the Patpong branch by a colorful, Amazon-evoking setting— fake trees, plush animals—that’s strangely family-friendly for somewhere so close to Patpong night market. (Sadly, the Asoke branch is a more sedate mall affair.) Adding to the enjoyment, the ramen’s pretty solid, with a broth that’s creamy yet noticeably less fatty than many of the big tonkotsu specialists in town. The juicy and tender chashu, especially, seems to benefit from the steaming process. With its dense, chewy noodles, as well as sliced cabbage, carrot and peppers, there’s even a hint of yakisoba flavoring about this bowl. The menu does also comprise regular bowls of ramen, of which the tonkotsu karamiso (B150/180) is another decent option. The miso paste makes for a spicier broth, which tastes light and, dare we say, almost healthy. Elsewhere, there are serviceable selections like karaage (B150) and gyoza (B90), both of which are crisp and well-portioned. The same can be said of the prawns that come with the Japanese curry hot stone (B190), however as a whole the curry lacks kick and becomes a sticky mess in your bowl far too quickly. Dessert keeps things on theme with mountainous ice monstrosities (B190) in various toppings. A general word on portions: everything’s massive, including lunch sets (starting at B199) you should probably skip breakfast for. Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen makes for good, honest Japanese junk food in a kitschy setting.

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

10/20/14 4:06 PM

7/24/15 5:38 PM

bites & blends market + Events

Say Cheese! Workshop This Aug 18 and Nov 13, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit features a three-hour wine and cheese workshop (B3,000). Aug 18’s seats are all booked so be quick. 1/F Dusit Thani Building, 946, Rama 4 Rd., 02-237-8877. MRT Silom

Deals Jojo

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., 02-2077777. BTS Ratchadamri

Local Craftsmen Comfort Food and Craft Beer Pairing Event Seven Spoons, Mad Moa and Udomsuk Brewing host a beer pairing event this Aug 1-2. B1,950 per person for fivecourse dinner inclusive of beer. Seven Spoons, 22-24 Chakkaphatdi Phong Rd., 02-629-9214

Friday Seafood Spectacular Choose between three Oysters Fine de Claire N3 or 250g of French mussels for B400 with a glass of wine, every Friday from 8-10pm. Wine Depot, 28 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-0004238

Buffet Dinner From now through Aug 16, come three and pay for only two at Starwood hotel buffets across Bangkok.

Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000

Starwood Hotels citywide (try Royal Orchid Sheraton, Plaza Athenee, Fourpoints, St. Regis, W and Le Meridien).

Wine Me Up! From now through Sep 30, every day from 12:30-10:30pm, enjoy a choice of unlimited wines and Aperol cocktails for two hours. A plate of cheese is also offered for every two guests. Price starts at B625.

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

W Terrace, 2/F, 106 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000

La Vue

New Venues

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., 02-217-3000. BTS National Stadium

Cactus

Cactus A new taco truck doing the rounds. Suan Phlu Soi 8, 083-087-9092.

Chef Kunihisa Goto Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Chef Kunihisa Goto’s Visit This Aug 22-25, Vertigo welcomes Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto from the Michelin-starred French restaurant L’Axel in Fontainebleau, France. B4,500 for four courses and B4,900 for five courses.

A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants BKmagazine.com/TopTables

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers Customized burgers c/o Hawaii. G/F, Gateway Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai

Banyan Tree, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-6791200

Bangkok Farmers’ Market The weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source. New locations at Tha Maharaj (2-8pm) and Anantara Riverside (10am-8pm). Aug 1-2. Anantara Bangkok Riverside, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022 Tha Maharaj, 11/1, Maharaj Rd., 02-8663163-4, 090-926-5265

Bella Rocca

Bella Rocca Classic Italian dishes are showcased with a modern presentation 9/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036273. BTS Phrom Phong

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Casa Azul A colorful and comforting Mexican addition to the Ari neighborhood. The buzz: Set in a small blue house toward the end of Soi Ari, Casa Azul is the latest addition to Bangkok's thriving Mexican restaurant scene. With its funky, casual vibe and daily deals like Taco Tuesday and Friday ladies' night, the place has quickly become a favorite among local residents. The decor: Themed and named after Frida Kahlo's house in Mexico City, the setting is certainly lively thanks to wall paintings and other brightly colored art pieces. The window and bookshelf painting on the wall at the back of the dining room make the place look especially homey. The as-yet-uncompleted second floor will be decorated half to resemble the lounge of Diego Rivera, Kahlo's artist boyfriend, and half Kahlo's kitchen.

The food and drinks: Unlike several other recent openings, here they keep the vibe casual with Mexican comfort dishes, adding only minor twists. From the compact menu, expect staples like nachos (starting at B290), burritos with fillings like smoked pork, grilled chicken and grilled veg (starting at B200) and quesadillas (starting at B200). Also keep an eye on the chalkboard menuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily specials like tamales (Mexican steamed corn-dough wrap, B150), fish tacos (B250) and tuna burrito (B300). The bar packs plenty of booze, too, including margaritas (starting B150), Singha (B80), Corona (B200) and Verdett (starting at B240), a few white and red wines (starting at B150 by the glass), and hybrids like Bulldog (margarita with a Corona bottle, upside down, priced from B280-B450 for a small and large size).

Why you should care: After dime-a-dozen coffee shops, dessert cafes, Japanese and Korean restaurants, Casa Azul brings a welcome splash of color to Ari. And the menu of comforting Mexican classics is pretty good, too. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 2/23 Phahon Yothin Soi 7 (Ari), 02-619-5107. Open daily 11am-midnight

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Cafe Riviera

TABLE TALK Perhaps Rabbits'

Broken Eggs

3/F, 9:53 Community Mall, Thonglor Soi 9, 083-0960425. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-10pm

NEW AND NOTED

Year of the Rabbit

After the success of their "cake-pops," the ladies behind Pop Me Up have opened a new kitchen. Perhaps Rabbits’ (Ekkamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 096-616-3314. www.fb.com/perhapsrabbits) has a mad tea party vibe with Wonderland-themed desserts to match, like Blue Bunny Egg (B190), a blueberry cheese pie covered with purple chocolate eggs and the recommended Daniel’s Cup (B160), a double-layer vanilla cake served with ice cream, crumble and berry puree. Drinks include coffees, Italian sodas, teas and rich offerings like the Fluffy Caramel Milk (B140) and Fluffy Strawberry Crumble (B140).

Get Cracking

Phra Khanong's W District has welcomed a new tapas joint. Broken Eggs (W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71, 090-414-2005) is run by Galician-born chef Jacobo Astray, the guy behind Bangkok-based private fine-dining business Gula. The former chef de partie at Spain's legendary El Bulli has partnered with a Spanish

ABC Essence in Eatery

food supplier, to create a menu focused on traditional Spanish egg-centric tapas like huevos rotos (priced B140-B180), which literally translates to "broken eggs" in Spanish. The dish comprises fresh-cut fries topped with eggs and add-ons like mushrooms, chorizo and jamon iberico. Appetizers include garlic shrimps (B160) and tortilla with mushroom and chops (B120). Weekly specials like paella (B180/dish) are available on Fridays, while they also do the dish cooked-to-order (starting from B3,500/pan for 20 people).

On the Riviera

Cafe Riviera (110/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-259-3033, 095-0495705. www.caferivierabkk.com) specializes in Nicoise cuisine from the Cote D’Azur (French Riviera). This cozy restaurant goes for authenticity in dishes like farcis nicois (stuffed and baked vegetables with olives and olive oil, B190) and pissaladiere (thin pizza-like crust with caramelized onions, topped with anchovies, olives, and fresh herbs, B190). Dessert spans grand marnier souffle with vanilla sauce (B210) to tarte Tropezienne (B190). Arisa Wiwatsomwong

ABC suggests a healthy food concept straight from its clean, white decor. But this is no salad bar. Chef Patimaporn "Howwie" Ruangcharoen’s menu also comprises a range of pasta and steak dishes. She says her aim is to serve food rich in the five main nutrients the body needs—proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats—with a particular focus on veggies and fruits. One highlight is the skinny sumo salad (B300), which features chicken yakitori, seaweed-wrapped kimchi, fried bean curd and sesame dressing. Also try the ABC signature iced coffee (B125), which is brewed from single origin beans from Chiang Mai. Get 15%* discount for Ultima, Preferred, and Select Get 10%* discount for other card types (*on food only) Today-31 May 16

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

BK Magazine Friday, July 31, 2015

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now SAT Art on the Mind This year’s BACC Art Talk 2015 will take place on Aug 1 at 2pm (Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium), featuring internationally-recognized, Thai contemporary dance choreographer Pichet Klunchun, who will discuss the importance of art as social welfare. The talk is free, and will be conducted in Thai. Reserve your seat now at 02214-6630-8 or email education@bacc.co.th. This also gives you the perfect excuse to check out the recently launched exhibitions as part of the PhotoBangkok 2015 Festival (see page 22).

SAT Basic Bitches After a long wait between drinks, Bangkok’s trashy party community can go crazy at Trasher Presents Party & Exhibition: Britney's Bitches this Saturday night, Aug 1. Kicking off at 9:30pm, this wild tribute party for the Queen of Pop promises to pack Live RCA (Rama 9 Rd.) with a huge guilty-pleasure playlist, blasting the biggest hits from the class of 1999, namely TLC, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. Tickets are B300 (one free drink), only available at the door.

WED Used and Approved

WED Keep it Secret

August looms as a huge month for international live concerts, starting with the Bangkok debut of veteran emo rock band The Used at Hollywood Awards (72/1 Ratchada Soi 8) this Aug 5. See page 21 for what else is coming up over the next few weeks.

Kicking off the Performative Art Festival #4 this Aug 5 is B-Floor Contemporary Theatre’s latest experimental performance by the renowned dance movement psychotherapist Dujdao Vadhanapakorn. Performed by three of Thailand's leading contemporary dancers, Vidura Amranand, Navinda Pachimsawat Vadtanakovint and Amornsri Pattanasitdanggul, Secret Keeper invites the audience to enter into a safe space, free from societal judgement. Tickets are B600 (B450 for students), available at 089-167-4039. Shows run through Aug 23 at 7pm, with no performances on Mon-Tue.

SAT High Five Markets are all the rage these days (see page 22), but proving it’s not a fad, the famous Train Night Market (Sri Nakarin Soi 51) celebrates its 5-Year Anniversary Rodfai Market this Saturday, Aug 1. From 6pm onwards, expect a classic car carnival, plus live performances by Paradox and The Parkinson, giving you a chance to revisit its late-night food and fashion stalls that never disappoint.

NIGHTLIFE

CLASSICAL GIANT SWING FEAT. BYAKUDAN

The female duo from Kyoto, who combine soulful vocals and electro synths, perform tunes that span jazz, dub, bass, hip-hop and punk with a hint of pop. Local support from VJ Qotaroo and DJs Masa Niwayama and NKChan. Aug 1, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. BTS Thong Lo. EPIC FESTIVAL: WHITE EDITION FEAT. BORGEOUS

Byakudan

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. VOGUE LOUNGE AND RON ZACAPA RUM PRESENT DJ RE:FLEX

The Hong Kong-based DJ, who's performed with the likes of the Ting Tings and Young Guru, presents his style of open-format hip-hop, house and funk to Bangkok. Special Ron Zacapa rum promotions all night. Dress code is smart/fashionable. Aug 7, 9pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-0010697. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

LENINGRAD SYMPHONY

THAI TALENTS

Thai pianist Anant Changwaiwit and the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra perform Shotakovich's piece composed during the 900-day Nazi siege of the city during WWII. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Aug 7, 7pm; Aug 8, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Young Thai pianist Kanchanok Pongpairoj performs a program of Ravel and Dvorak, conducted by Alfonso Scarano, with support from the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. B100 for students. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts. Aug 14, 7pm; Aug 15, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

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now LIVE BKK

LOCAL GIGS & FESTIVALS

What’s Hot this August

Indie gigs just don’t do it for you? Here’s our roundup of the biggest names heading to town for grand-scale concerts this August. All tickets are available on Thaiticketmajor, unless stated otherwise.

Plutonians

PSYCH-OUT 2 MINI FEST

An outdoor music festival of experimental, psychedelic and folk music, organized by the people behind Stone Free Music Festival and Keep on the Grass Folk Music Festival. Performances by 10 top local bands to watch, including the likes of Tug Suk, Yena, Chladni Chandi and Abstraction XL. 200 tickets only. Book tickets at fb. com/ArchiveRecordsStore. B400 early bird tickets through Jul 31. Aug 15, 3pm. HOF Art Gallery, 1588/288-290 W District, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-178-0095. B600. BTS Phra Khanong.

Imagine Dragons

PLUTONIANS

An art-music event takes over the epic riverside venue. Inspired by the story of planet Pluto, it brings together live indie bands Stoondio, The Photo Sticker Machine, the returning 15th Scenery and Goose, plus newcomers White Light, PC 0832/676 and Why Frank. The art exhibition features the work of Eyedropper Fill, Autosave, No Theory Studio, Wishes on the Earth, I Use Films and many more. B380 earlybird tickets (one free drink, available through Aug 14 at fb.com/plutoniansproject). Aug 22, 4pm. Bangkok Docklands, Charoenkrung Rd. B700 one free drink. BTS Saphan Taksin.

Zedd

ROCK THE USED LIVE IN BANGKOK

GOOSE IN MOOSE

The newly reunited Thai post-rock band from Smallroom Records, originally formed in 2004, takes over the stage of the Ekkamai bar, with support from W Map. Aug 5, 8pm. Moose Bangkok, 24 Ekkamai Soi 21. 02-108-9550. B300. 1979 LIVE//MYSTERIOUS WAVE

The small vinyl store hosts an indie gig featuring local bands Gad, Phum & The Crows, LaLa and Third Person. Very limited spaces. Tickets only available at the door. Aug 1, 6pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor, between soi 5-7). B100.

Date: Aug 5, 8pm Tickets: B1,500, available at Indy Pop Concerts, HOF The Mall Bangkapi, Gram Siam Paragon, Sick Chainsaws MRT Chatuchak, and Musicland, Indra Square Why you should go: Formed in 2001, these guys have yet to do a show in Bangkok (they almost did back in 2014 before the cancelation of Silverlake Pattaya). We’ve been told that the set list will focus on songs from their early albums to please their loyal fans. And there are only 900 tickets available for the show. Hollywood Awards, 72/1 Ratchada Soi 8, 02-246-4311

STAGE PERFORMANCES

Ballet Masterpieces

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL QUIDAM LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

The world's most legendary circus premieres its first show in Thailand. This 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. Eleven rounds of performances, with 4:30pm rounds from Jul 30-Aug 2. Through Aug 3, 8pm. B1,000-5,000 from Thaiticketmajor. WW101

Sarut Komalittipong and Sasapin Siriwanij put on a physical theater performance that commemorates the 101st anniversary of the First World War. Mon-Thur shows at 8pm and Sun shows at 4pm. Tickets available at bfloortheatre@gmail.com and 089167-4039. Through Aug 3, 4pm. B-Floor Theater, Pridi Banomyong Institute, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 089-1674039. B450. BTS Thong Lo. BLIND SPOT

Michael Sakamoto, international dance theater artist, presents his "work-in-progress" solo performance, showcasing a mix of narrative, butoh and contemporary dance, integrating

IMAGINE DRAGONS: SMOKE+MIRROR TOUR

the use of video and remixed sounds. B200 tickets for students. Reservations at michaelsakamoto@yahoo. com or 089-755-7059. Aug 7-8, 8pm. B-Floor Theater, Pridi Banomyong Institute, Sukhumvit Soi 55. 089-1674039. B300. BTS Thong Lo. BALLET MASTERPIECES WITH YOUNG THAI MASTER

A pas de deux performance by Ommi Nutnaree Pipit-Suksun, the only Thai principal ballerina of the San Francisco Ballet Company, who will be joined by Rudy Candia from the Carolina Ballet in an evening of Swan Lake, Silvia, Meditation and Carmen. Music will be performed by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Aug 11, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B500-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. WAN SALA SOD THE MUSICAL

In this light-hearted comedy performance, The Star’s Kaengsom plays a charming architect who’s about to marry a Thai girl educated abroad, played by Pleng Asawahem. On the day of the wedding, both must face up to their complicated past. 6:30pm on Sundays and 2pm matinee rounds on weekends. Aug 13-16, 7:30pm, Aug 19-23, 7:30pm, Aug 26-30, 7:30pm. Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theater, Esplanade Ratchada. B500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Center.

Date: Aug 29, 8pm Tickets: B1,500-4,000 Why you should go: The Grammy Award-winning alternative rock band are playing in Bangkok for the first time, after releasing hit after hit like “Radioactive” and “Demons.” You might be a bit disappointed that the organizers never did a standing zone in the end. Most of the tickets in the front zones are now completely sold out, too, so you’d better grab yours now before it’s too late. Impact Arena, Popular Rd.

DRAGONFORCE LIVE IN BANGKOK

Date: Aug 29, 8pm Tickets: B1,500 available at Indy Pop Concerts, HOF The Mall Bangkapi, Gram Siam Paragon, Sick Chainsaws MRT Chatuchak, and Musicland, Indra Square Why you should go: These guys are real musos’ musicians. Herman Li, the guitarist of the British power metal band, in particular, has some serious chops. Hollywood Awards, 72/1 Ratchada Soi 8. 02-246-4311

POP ECHOSMITH LIVE IN BANGKOK

Date: Aug 7, 6pm Tickets: B1,500 presale tickets from Jul 1-15, B1,800 thereafter. Available at gixtix.com. Why you should go: Sure, you probably only know one song by them. But Sydney Sierota’s voice is a dream. They also recently featured on track from Zedd’s latest album, True Colors, and he’s also Bangkok-bound this month. The Palladium Hall, Palladium Shopping Mall.

BOYZ II MEN LIVE IN BANGKOK

Date: Aug 16, 7pm Tickets: B1,500-5,000 Why you should go: You’ll have heard their old-school hits like "One Sweet Day", "I'll Make Love to You" and "End of the Road.” And they can still carry a tune with their acapella skills. For more reasons why you should see the legendary R&B trio (originally a quartet), check out bit.ly/1OgXXyX.

The Prodigy

AGAINST THE CURRENT LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

Date: Aug 26 Tickets: B1,200 pre-sale available at Indy Pop Concerts, HOF The Mall Bangkapi, Gram Siam Paragon, Sick Chainsaws MRT Chatuchak, and Musicland, Indra Square or B1,500 at the door Why you should go: While you may not have heard many of their original songs, they are pretty popular for their covers on Youtube, particularly their collaborations with Kurt Hugo Schneider and lead singer Chrissy Costanza. Only 300 tickets available. The Rock Pub, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd. BTS Ratchathewi

ELECTRONIC MUSIC OUTPUT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Date: Aug 11, 5pm Tickets: B2,700, available at www.amiando.com/outputfestival Why you should go: Zedd’s hardcore fans will be psyched for this music fest as it will be the popular DJ's first Bangkok show, bringing his more “musical” EDM set list. He’ll be headlining this brand-new EDM music fest as part of his True Colors world tour. Also joining him on the night are DJs Moti and Dzeko & Torres. One for the young electro fans. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

OD - THE PRODIGY & MORE LIVE

Date: Aug 11, 5pm Tickets: B2,500-3,500 Why you should go: Aside from the pioneering big beat act, this fest packs a bunch of hip acts. Be prepared for two stages lined up with opening local talents like Barbies, Gene Kasidit and Kidnappers (Main Stage) and The Triple S, Stylish Nonsense, DJs Pichy, Tul Apartment Khunpa, DJs from Superrzaaap, Sunju Hargun, Krit Morton and more (ME Stage). BITEC Bang Na, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd. BTS Bang Na

K-Pop If you had a blast at Big Bang [MADE] in Bangkok last month, you’ve still got Sungha Jung Live in Bangkok 2015 (B1,000-B2,400) on Aug 22, APink Fan Meeting in Bangkok (B1,800-B5,500) and 2PM Fan Meeting in Bangkok (B1,500-5,500) on Aug 29 to look forward to this month.

Unconfirmed MADGE IN BANGKOK

So it’s been going around that the legendary pop queen Madonna may just be making a stop in Bangkok in February, 2016. This has yet to be confirmed by BEC-Tero, but a Rebel Heart tour date for Manila has already been confirmed for Feb 26, 2016, so fingers crossed we may be hearing some good news soon.

BITEC Bang Na, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd. BTS Bang Na

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now POP-UP MARKETS

ART Opening Exhibitions

Here's our roundup of some of the new niche pop-up markets taking over Bangkok city starting this August.

CALL WAITING: BANGKOK PHONE BOOTHS

RAD MARKET IN FIELD

Over 150 stalls of food, drinks and fashion items by local celebrities and Instagram stores across the football grounds, plus live performances by indie bands Sukhumvit 66, Hit The Road, Spicy Disc's Sqweez Animal and Nap a Lean. Dates: Aug 1-2, 10am Arena 10, 225/11 Thonglor Soi 10.

ARTBOX BKK EP. 4: WHEN I WAS YOUNG

The huge outdoor container market returns to the lawn of the Airport Link station with a nostalgic theme, promising 300 stalls of Thai fashion, accessories, handmade crafts, a food and drink zone, and live music stage. This edition will feature an art exhibition by Bangkok-based artists too. Dates: Jul 31-Aug 2, 3pm Makkasan Airport Link Station, 1 Asoke-Din Daeng Rd.

EQUABLE EXHIBITION

IWAN

DC-based photographer Frank Hallam Day captures images of public phone booths and their subtle traces of urban life, from job ads and entertainment listings to graffiti art and street protest messages from the recent political turmoil in Thailand. Curated by Brian Curtin as part of the PhotoBangkok 2015 Festival. Dates: Aug 6-Sep 27

A multimedia art exhibition that explores the simplicity of the human mind through the perspectives of Soichiro Shimizu, Natanel Gluska, Wal Chirachaisakul, Mongkontuch Sittatanakorn, Manee Meejai and more. Opening party with music by Pat The Voice and friends. Happy hour buyone-get-one on drinks from 6-8pm. Dates: Opens on Aug 1 at 6pm. Through Oct 3.

A solo exhibition by Jakarta-born photographer Iwan Bagus at The Space, featuring mainly black and white male nude photographs from his Oblivion series created between 2008-2012 while waiting for his visa application for the United States. Dates: Aug 4-Sep 20.

H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-0215508.

Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Wireless Soi 2 (Ruam Rudi).

BRANDNEW 2015: RODWIROON WANNAKAEW

CHAHN'S IMPRESSION 2015

The artist installs mobile objects featuring audio, electronic appliances and utensils to represent a strictly "Thai" way of living. Part of the Brandnew 2015 contemporary art project. Dates: Opens Aug 1 at 7pm. Through Aug 30.

A series of impressionist paintings by Thai artist Chahn Sutarapong, to be held inside the historic library. Dates: Aug 2-30 Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

GARDEN FLOWERS

CHANGE IS

PANANAMPALATAYA

The annual handmade flea market in Samut Prakarn makes a return to the garden of Little Tree restaurant, offering organic food, second-hand clothes and cute art and craft products, plus mini craft workshops on both days. Dates: Aug 8-9, 9am

A free public art exhibition by SC Asset, touching on the concept of "change" through the eyes of five artists and photographers: Chut Janthachotibutr (Rex photo exhibition), Note Pongsuan Dudesweet (live painting on Aug 1-3 between 3-6pm), O Terawat (analog stop motion on Aug 10-14 from 7-11pm), Toey Suthipa (pencil layering) and Slow Motion (marble art). Dates: Aug 1-Sep 15

A documentary exhibition by Filipino photographers Jose Enrique Soriano, Veejay Villafranca, Jake Verzosa, Carlo Gabuco and Jes Aznar who attempt to capture the Filipino world-view as molded by Hispanic and Christainized influences. An artists' talk takes place on Aug 2. There will also be a popup store selling prints and photobook collections by Imprenta Manila. Part of PhotoBangkok 2015 Festival. Dates: Aug 1, 8pm; Aug 2, 6:30pm

Rex Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 32.

SELECTED WORKS

International award-winning, New York-based photographer Ralph Gibson presents his first solo exhibition in Thailand as part of PhotoBangkok 2015, showing over 30 photographs from different places throughout his 40-year career in photography. Dates: Opens on Aug 5 at 7pm. Aug 5-Oct 4, 7pm RMA Institute, Room 238, 238 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-0809.

WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. BTS Thong Lo.

Little Garden, Sampran District, Samut Prakarn.

G1 Contemporary, 999 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Chid Lom.

SERIAL CUT - DUAL & BISECTIONS

A collaboration between Most and Hansar Bangkok, featuring experimental photographs of different materials combined together to create a new, surreal object, while the other half features the bright party portraits of Bartholot, avisual artist from Madrid. Part of the PhotoBangkok 2015 Festival. Dates: Aug 4-Oct 4, 6:30pm Hansar Bangkok, 3 Soi Mahadlekluang 2, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-209-1234.

Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoen Krung Rd.

BACK TO BLACK

Event organizer Ohsnap! launches a new flea market, bringing over 80 shops of black fashion collections, food and cocktail bars sponsored by JW Black Label. Some of the stalls include Sugarboost, Barbecue Deli, Pordee Recipe, Pomelo and Is.Is brand. There will also be live bands throughout the three days inside the industrial warehouse. Dates: Aug 7-9, 4pm The Warehouse Makkasan - Petchburi, 1643/6 New Petchaburi Rd. Free. MRT Phetchaburi.

THE MARKETS EXCLUSIVE SALE

This pop-up fashion market takes over Parc Paragon, with lots of discounts and live easy-listening music across the two days. Dates: Aug 15-16, 10am Between Siam Center and Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam.

WHY NOT Master Your Language Not confident about your Thai writing? Take some time off from the long holiday this Aug 1 and join the Afterword workshop on how to edit and proofread in Thai. From 1-5pm, students will learn how to produce and improve their own written material from well-respected proofreaders Benjawan Kaewsawang from Happening Magazine and Warinee Worawittayanon from A Day magazine. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn about common spacing, spelling and phrasing mistakes, and how to avoid them. Suitable for Thai writers, editors and communication specialists. The workshop is freeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sign up now at goo.gl/ WpURSg. The workshop is organized by Afterword, a crowd-funding platform aimed at helping aspiring writers get their books published to promote greater diversity in the publishing industry. For more information on what they do, see www.afterword.co. Joint Workspace, 12/F, Asia Building, Phetchaburi Rd. BTS Ratchathewi.

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g that family (Charly. Also Grace

e goes h their Miles dan as Wom6

brought to you by

FILM Opening

TAKE THAT LIVE FROM THE O2 (UK)

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT TOTT (THAI)

Concert Movie. The UK boy band’s reunion concert in all its HD, surround-sound glory. Tickets are B300 or B400. Screening only at SF Cinema City at Paragon Cineplex. Jul 25

Comedy. Flirtatious young man Tott (Nick Kanatip Pinpradap) goes through a series of jobs (and girlfriends) to save money in order to get his grandma (Duangta Toongamanee) out of a nursing home. Jul 30

TED 2 (USA)

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION (USA)

Comedy. John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is now single, while newlywed couple Ted (Seth Macfarlane) and Tami-Lynn want to adopt a child. However, in order to qualify as a parent, the foul-mouthed Ted will have to prove he’s a person in a court of law. Also stars Morgan Freeman. Jul 30.

Bangkok’s casual dining guide To everyone’s favorite restaurants.

Action. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the Impossible Missions Force are back for the fifth time and face their most pressing mission yet: wiping out the Syndicate, an international rogue organization just as skilled as they are. Also stars Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg. Jul 30

Best Pizza, Best Mexican, Best Burgers, Best Yakiniku and much more.

Free Screenings ALLIANCE FRANCAISE

Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Aug 5. A Place on Earth (2013): Detached photographer Antoine (Benoit Poelvoorde) takes photos of the mysterious pianist Elena (Ariane Labed) before the two form an intense relationship. Auditorium Alliance Francaise, 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200. JAM

8059. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight. BTS Surasak THE FRIESE-GREENE CLUB

The schedule follows a daily theme and a request night on Tuesdays. 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.

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Screenings start from 8pm. Visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK for weekly schedule. 41 Chareon Rat Soi 1, 089-889-

SUBMIT NOW

13th Annual World Film Festival of Bangkok

www.bkmagazine.com/besteats Free PDF Guide Available

Whiplash

The 13th Annual World Film Festival of Bangkok returns later this year to showcase top quality non-mainstream films from around the world—and you can be a part of it. The festival is now accepting entries for short and feature film submissions of all genres by Aug 15. Submit your films now for a chance to be featured among rising film-making talents. The festival will also feature talks and workshops from Nov 1322 (details TBA). Apply at www.worldfilmbkk.com/submission.php and send your DVD to Nation Broadcasting Corporation Public Co., Ltd., World Film Festival of Bangkok, 1858/5162, 12/F, Nation Tower, Bangna-Trad Rd. More details at 02-338-3618-9 and www. worldfilmbkk.com. Some of last year’s highlights included Academy award-winner Whiplash (USA), director Krisada Tipchaimeta’s documentary Somboon (Thai), Jean-Luc Godard’s avant garde film Goodbye to Language (France) and Cannes Film Festival-award winner Footnote (Israel). See more at bit.ly/1CRdkNA

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last word FREEWILL ASTROLOGY LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): I expect you to be in a state of constant birth for the next three weeks. Awakening and activation will come naturally. Your drive to blossom and create may be irresistible, bordering on unruly. Does that sound overwhelming? I don’t think it will be a problem as long as you cultivate a mood of amazed amusement about it. (P.S. This upsurge is a healthy response to the dissolution that preceded it.) VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Expiration dates loom. Fond adieus and final hurrahs are on tap. Unfinished business is begging you to give it your smartest attention. So here’s my advice for you: Don’t save any of your tricks, ingenuity, or enthusiasm for later. You are more ready than you realize to try what has always seemed improbable before now. If you handle these endings with righteous decisiveness, you will ensure bright beginnings in the weeks after your birthday. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): A company called Evil Supply sells a satirical poster that reads: “Be the villain you were born to be. Stop waiting for someone to come along and corrupt you. Succumb to the darkness yourself.” The text adds, “Follow your nightmares...Plot your own nefarious path.” Although this counsel is funny to me, I’m too moral and upright to recommend it to you— even now, when I think there would be value in you being less polite and agreeable than you usually are. So I’ll tinker with Evil Supply’s message: “For the greater good, follow your naughty bliss. Be a leader with a wild imagination. Nudge everyone out of their numbing routines.” SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): “Every time you resist acting on your anger and instead restore yourself to calm, it gets easier,” writes psychologist Laura Markham in Psychology Today. In fact, neurologists claim that by using your willpower in this way, “you’re actually rewiring your brain.” The more you practice, the less likely it is that you will

be addled by rage in the future. I see the coming weeks as an especially favorable time for you to do this, Scorpio. Keeping a part of your anger alive is good—sometimes you need its energy to motivate constructive change. But you would benefit from culling the excess. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Much of the action in the world’s novels takes place inside buildings, according to author Robert Bringhurst. But characters in older Russian literature are an exception, he says. They are always out in the forests, traveling and rambling. I suggest that you draw inspiration from the Russians’ example in the coming days. As often as you can, put yourself in locations where the sky is overhead. Your luck, wisdom and courage are likely to increase in direct proportion to how much time you spend outdoors. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Has a beloved teacher disappointed you? Have you become alienated from a person who gave you a blessing but later expressed a flaw you find hard to overlook? Now would be an excellent time to seek healing for rifts like these. Outright forgiveness is one option. You could also work on deepening your appreciation for how complicated and paradoxical everyone is. Meditate on how your longing for what’s perfect might be an enemy of your ability to benefit from what’s merely good. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): French and Italian readers may have no problem with this horoscope. But Americans, Canadians, Brits, and Aussies might be offended, even grossed out. Why?

Because the astrological omens compel me to conclude that “moist” is a central theme for you right now. And research has shown that many speakers of the English language find the sound of the word “moist” equivalent to hearing fingernails scratching a chalkboard. If you are one of those people, I apologize. But the fact is, you will go astray unless you stay metaphorically moist. You need to cultivate an attitude that is damp but not sodden; sensitive and responsive and lyrical, but not overwrought or weepy or histrionic. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Which signs of the zodiac are the most expert sleepers? Who best appreciates the healing power of slumber and feels the least shame about taking naps? My usual answer to these questions would be Taurus and Cancer, but I’m hoping you Pisceans will vie for the top spot in the coming weeks. It’s a very favorable time for you to increase your mastery of this supreme form of self-care. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): “I am very much in love with no one in particular,” says actor Ezra Miller. His statement would make sense coming out of your mouth right about now. So would this one: “I am very much in love with almost everyone I encounter.” Or this one: “I am very much in love with the wind and moon and hills and rain and rivers.” Is this going to be a problem? Will you break people’s hearts and provoke uproars everywhere you go, or will you rouse delight and bestow blessings? As long as you take yourself lightly, I foresee delight and blessings.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): In her io9.com article on untranslatable words, Esther Inglis-Arkell defines the Chinese term wei-wu-wei as “conscious non-action…a deliberate, and principled, decision to do nothing whatsoever, and to do it for a particular reason.” The coming days would be a favorable time to explore this approach. I think you will reap wondrous benefits if you slow down and rest in the embrace of a pregnant pause. The mysteries of silence will be rich resources. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): “I always liked sidepaths, little dark back-alleys behind the main road—there one finds adventures and surprises, and precious metal in the dirt.” The character named Dmitri Karamazov makes that statement in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov. And now I’m thinking that you might like to claim his attitude as your own. Not forever. The magic of the side paths and back-alleys may last for no more than a few weeks, and then gradually fade. But in the meantime, the experiences could be fun and educational. I do have one question for you, though: CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason,” says comedian Jerry Seinfeld. His implication is that rejecting conventional wisdom doesn’t always lead to success. Even as a professional rebel, I think it’s applicable to your life. For the foreseeable future, compulsive nonconformity is likely to yield mediocrity. Putting too much emphasis on being unique might distract you from the truth.

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