BK Magazine 606 September 11, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 606 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

A neighborhood guide to Sathorn Soi 10-12’s best places to eat and drink

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page 3 6 cover story

Hot Hood

Drawn Out

14 avenue

20 bites

Thin on Time

Grab and Go

24 bites

25 blends

Gallery Seats

Tried and Tasted 25 BK Now

29 BK Now

Take Off

Art Talk

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / 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, Parida Ritthiron

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

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

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kantita Leangcharoenpong, Theerada Moonsiri, Walaipan Anotaiyuenyong, Jirashaya Chairayus, Nutrada Sottivoranan, Sunputt Puangpet

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Cover Panita Thiraphapong

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

Group Directors

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

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

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

This is a message from the Union for People who Make Diagrams in the Press, the UPMD. You probably have never heard of us. When Yingluck got the boot and you were presented with a brand new NCPO, CDD and NRC, you just assumed there would be someone out there to turn that jumble of letters into some colorful chart on the front page of your favorite newspaper or website. Ah, to give an infographic a single cursory glance and then bask in the warm fuzzy confidence of knowing you’ve done your work as a citizen and actually understand how your government works. Great feeling, isn’t it?

And that’s fine. It’s our job. That’s what we do. We draw the complexities of politics into graphs using no more than three colors. Whenever someone has some brilliant idea that some new assembly should be “75-percent appointed and 25-percent elected, the elected portion being based on a German-style first-past-the-post system but not exceeding overall proportions of the national vote,” what do we do? We turn it into a pretty little infographic where every single senator must be copied and pasted a gazillion times for your viewing pleasure. Of course, when taking in our doodle, you still don’t understand what it actually means, but we make it so that you feel like you do. And do we ever get thanked for it? No. And do we ever complain? No, it’s our job.

Except these past few years have pushed us to the limits of human endurance. The need for infographics has ballooned, the pressure (get it wrong and you could go to jail) has shot through the roof. The amount of charters, plans, committees, proposals and systems is just out of control. Every day, someone has this brilliant idea on how to organize elections or on how to organize elections for the committee in charge of deciding how to organize elections. And they just assume it’ll be on the front page of the Bangkok Post or Thai Rath the next morning as a tidy little illustration. When do we sleep?

When do we eat? Some of us haven’t seen our families since the coup. When does the madness end?

Now that the NRC has rejected the CDC’s proposal, the NCPO is saying we’re going to start all over again. Well that’s it. We quit. From now on, they can explain their own processes and mechanisms. Get a whiteboard guys, get some markers. See how that works out for you. Over here, at the UPMD, we’re going on strike indefinitely, or until the next election, whichever comes first.

The UPMD

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, September 11, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit

Not: Mez Tharatorn

GTH has finally done it! Produced a movie that’s worth going to see. And all it took was getting on board one of the most widely acclaimed indie directors in the country. Will Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s Freelance turn into the smash they had last year with I Fine? Probably not. But then that one did have a Japanese porn star in it.

STREET TALK Erawan Flower Sellers

Hot: Musicians doing Not: Designers doing food food Did you see Lek Greasy Cafe’s pubic hair sketches in A Day? Clearly, here’s a guy who needs to stick to what he’s good at. Which, like other indie artists in this town, isn’t necessarily making music. On the heels of Toe Silly Fool’s dry-aged beef, he’s opened a new organic cafe, Organic Supply, that’s actually worth visiting. Which is more than we can say about our fashion designers’ foodie enterprises.

Hot: Cheap beer

Not: Expensive beer

In this week’s Taste Test, just about the most baan baan beer out there won over every other can available in 7-Eleven. And at a time when we’re willing to pay more for an IPA than we are for a glass of good wine. See the results on page 20 and learn how you can save yourself a fortune.

Ratchaprasong may be well known as a place of worship to both Thais and tourists, but no one is more familiar with the area than the flower wreath vendors along Phloen Chit Road. Atsachan “Chan” Meesat, 57, and Lek Laddanon, 28, are two of a number of vendors who come to the area nearly every day to sell flowers both on the sidewalks surrounding the intersection and directly on the corner outside Erawan Shrine. Here, they discuss the aftermath of the bombing and how it has affected their work.

How long have you been selling in this area?

smoke and debris flying around which made me realize it was a bomb.

How has your daily life been affected?

Chan: I’ve been selling here for about 30 years, since my kids were young.

Now they are in their late 20s and early 30s. I sell mostly to tour groups but there are also Thais who regularly come to pray here.

What did you do in the initial aftermath?

Chan: Since the incident there have been far fewer people. Even though there are police around, people still don’t have the courage to come and pray.

Lek: I’ve been selling here for about seven years. It’s like my family around here. I know everyone; my friends are street vendors in this area and we’ve grown up together.

Were you here during the bombing?

Lek: No, it was a Monday so the stalls were not allowed to sell that day.

Chan: Yes, but luckily I was on the other side of the road. A tour group was arriving so I went to sell my flowers there. It was a Monday, which was lucky for many vendors. Thinking back gives me goosebumps. It was really horrible, my ears were ringing and I got some cuts from the debris.

Hot: Drunk makeup

Not: Makeup Plus app

There are enough eerily pale people with botched plastic surgery in this town.

We didn’t need an app that makes you look like one of them. Instead, we’re welcoming the new Japanese makeup trend where one must look drunk thanks to a rosy undereye. Can’t be bothered? Just get drunk for real at new bar The Third Pig (see page 18).

How long before you realized a bomb had gone off?

Chan: I just stood there. I couldn’t move because I was in shock and people were shouting to leave because there might be another explosion. There was glass all over the ground. It took some time until the police arrived. People were helping each other find ways to escape as soon as possible. The BTS stopped running. Traffic wasn’t moving. The next day I went to pray at the temple.

Do you know anyone who was killed or injured by the blast?

Chan: Yes, the person selling flowers with me was injured. Both of our hearing has been affected. I just came back from the doctors because my ears are still ringing.

Lek: One vendor I know broke his jaw and suffered some internal injuries.

He was in intensive care but thankfully he’s out now.

Chan: At first, I thought it was a car tire bursting. There was no screaming.

But then there was a large amount of

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Are you afaid to keep working here?

Chan: Of course, but I still have to work. But now that I’ve seen the police around every day, I have more confidence.

Lek: Not really. There is a police presence to make us feel more safe, and we all help to look out for suspicious people. Sometimes tourists want to leave their things with us, but we can’t allow that. I can hold on to a plastic bag because we can see what’s inside.

But if it’s a backpack, no!

Do you think it was appropriate to reopen the shrine so soon after the bombing?

Chan: I can’t say if it’s right or wrong. I want to keep working and I also want people to keep praying.

Interview by Theerada Moonsiri and Kantita Leangcharoenpong

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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cover story

Second Coming The imminent completion of Mahanakhon Tower and the arrival of more high-end new bars than any other part of the city are making Sathorn Soi 10-12 the hottest part of Bangkok's hottest area right now. But affordable rents and excellent transportation links mean that it remains a highly livable downtown area.

The House on Sathorn

I hope Sathorn will grow into a more mature dining and drinking scene—a place where the scene is quality-driven and diverse. We can already see big names in the neighborhood, and a few local institutions setting up shop as well. So we aren’t far from the end goal now, a few more quality establishments and we won’t have to go far for a well-rounded night out.

"

Lady Brett

Hanakaruta

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Opus

Marcel

6

Dannie Sorum, co - ow n e r of Rocket, Lady Brett and U.N.C.L.E

Nightlife HHHHH The area has boomed recently, and could well be considered one of the most sophisticated nightlife spots in town. 7 U.N.C.L.E (2/F, Lady Brett, 149 Sathorn Soi 12. 02-635-0406) offers a gentlemanly cocktail lounge headed by a Swedish bartender who specializes in tikithemed cocktails; 8 Vogue Lounge (6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 02-001-0697) is one of the best-looking spaces in Bangkok; and 9 Hanakaruta (Sathorn Soi 10, 085-0617318) is a modern Japanese izakaya with floor-to-ceiling shelves of rare-find whiskey, sake and shochu bottles.

Walk a few steps from Hanakaruta and you’ll find the casual French restaurant and bar 10 Marcel (Sathorn Soi 10, 02-653-3533), which has a new French neighbor over on Sathorn Soi 12 in 11 Le Cafe Des Stagiaires (142/21 Sathorn Soi 12, 081-207-3077). Open both day and night, this cafe-bar offers comfort food and drinks in a lofty, retro setting. 12 Revolucion (Sathorn Soi 10, 02-2354823), meanwhile, is the neighborhood’s most hard-partying option, dishing out pricey cocktails from a colorful, Latin-American-themed bar. For something more special, head to 13 The Bar at The House on Sathorn (106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000), a charming cocktail lounge in the long-anticipated heritage building at W Hotel. As for clubbing, the Bangkok branch of 14 Ku De Ta (39/F, Sathorn Square, 02-108-2000), the luxury Southeast Asian nightlife brand, is just around the corner.

Arisa Nakkerd and Louis Brunissen, Owner of Marcel

"

U.N.C.L.E

A handful of Top Tables can be found across the neighborhood, from 1 L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (5/F, Mahanakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-0010698) by the French chef with 28 Michelin stars across 20 restaurants, to 2 Opus (64 Pan Rd., 02-637-9899), the Italian restaurant managed by Alex Morabito, formerly of Vino di Zanotti. 3 Lady Brett (149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405) can also be found alongside its siblings, Rocket and U.N.C.L.E, while joining them next month is Daisy Matthews by Jess Barnes of Opposite Mess Hall.

Also in Soi 12 is 4 Kai (02-635-3800), which serves New Zealand cuisine. Other nearby noteworthy spots include cafe-slash-restaurant 5 Moko (Sathorn Soi 10 02-635-3673) and 6 The Dining Room (106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000) at the newly restored House On Sathorn, an architectural gem built in 1919 that previously housed the Soviet Embassy. Whatever time of day it is, the sidewalk connecting Sathorn Soi 10 with Silom Soi 9 is always lined with street-food stalls servicing the many construction workers in the area.

"

Dining

HHHHH

Now we have a lot of cool bars and cafes in this little soi but it still doesn't feel too crowded. For me it’s like a small community where you always meet friends when hopping around from bar to bar. Also, this area is pretty safe and getting around is quite easy too.

"

BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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cover story What Else Hospitals

St Louis Hospital

•

St Louis Hospital (215 South Sathorn Rd., 02-675-5000)

• Phramongkutklao Hospital (Soi Sueksa Witthaya, 061-326-9172)

Art Galleries

Rd. Silom

Kathmandu 1

18

16

15

4

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

• H Art Gallery (201 Sathorn Soi 12,

14

5

6 13

12

12

17

d. orn R Sath

085-021-5508) . a Rd indr gar jana s Ra iwa adh Nar

rn Soi Satho

y sswa Expre

oi 14 orn S Sath

t Si Ra 2

11

3

oi 10 orn S Sath

10

i ons ngn Cho BTS

8

9

Schools

ak uras BTS S

Bangkok Christian College

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• St. Louis Suksa School (02-2124501)

A lot of condos in this area are already sold out, so you’ll want to move fast. For those looking to rent, monthly rates for a one-bedroom apartment at 15 Life @ Sathorn 10 (Sathorn Soi 10., 02-610-3333) start at B20,000, while AP’s 16 The Address (Sathorn Soi 12, 02-261-2518) offers the same for around B30,000. The more luxurious 17 Ascott Sathorn (187 South Sathorn Rd., 02-676-6868) has units for rent that start at B72,000, and units for sale starting at B5.5 million. The more extravagant 18 Ritz-Carlton Residences (Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-234-1414), which plans to open in 2018 as part of the Mahanakhon super skyscraper, will be home to a penthouse that reportedly sold for B480 million. The smallest unit, a 206-sq-meter two-bedroom apartment, starts at B73 million.

Community HHHHH Very expat-y, with young (and no-longer-young) professionals getting their caffeine fix at Rocket Coffeebar. Still, the upscale nature of many of the venues doesn’t lend Sathorn quite the same casual, friendly vibe as other cafe culture hubs like Ari and Ekkamai. The abundance of office buildings also detract from a laid-back pace.

8

Environment

• Bangkok Christian College (35

HHHHH

There’s a serious lack of green space around here, with both of the closest parks—Lumphini and St. Marco (a Chinese cemetery turned park)—a BTS ride away. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have its charm. Wide streets with relatively mild traffic outside peak hours make for a comfortable environment, as do the number of tidy businesses populated by young, well-dressed customers sitting on terraces. It’s not quite Hong Kong’s Square Street, but it’s as close as downtown Bangkok gets.

Transportation HHHHH BTS Chong Nonsi gets very hectic at rush hours, and is notorious for lines that stretch past the ticketing area and well into the skywalk. MRT Silom is not far away, but getting there will take a motorbike taxi, which are thankfully quite prevalent at the entrance of all the sois around here. The BRT is also helpful, but again, buses can get pretty packed and Sathorn is the last stop on the line. The number of schools in the area also creates quite a mayhem with buses and cars at the beginning and end of the day.

Pramuan Rd., 02-637-1852)

"

Accommodation

HHHHH

Theerapong Assawamahachaitad, 20, Communications student and Sathorn resident

Rush hour is the worst around 8:30am. There’s a lot of traffic.

A lot. Like, if I were pregnant and about to give birth, by the time I reached the hospital my child would’ve graduated from university.

"

• Assumption Convent Silom School Fitness

Virgin Active

• CrossFit Ten500 (KCC Building, Silom Soi 9, 086-008-5805)

• Fitness First (4/F, Sathorn Center, 02-118-6688)

• Virgin Active (Empire Tower, South Sathorn Rd., 02-770-9772)

BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon and Kantita Leangcharoenpong

HUA HIN

Big Ideas Baby Grand Hua Hin (www.babygrandhuahin.com) offers private and peaceful rooms with a panoramic sea view. The resort also has a beachfront swimming pool with a wooden deck and multiple minimal but comfortable lounge areas.

Rates start at B2,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast for two, but the hotel is currently holding a promotion where if you book directly through the resort, you’ll get five-percent off.

Seaside Countryside Hua Hin recently welcomed Laciana by the Sea (ow.ly/RJhus), a casual eatery serving home-style Italian food in hearty portions. The restaurant’s outdoor area consists of country-style wooden furniture, worn brick paths and a birdbath-fountain to make for a particularly laid-back setting. Inside you’ll find large tables, rustic bric-a-brac and couches. Try their grilled rosemary shrimp (B350), seafood bucket (grilled crab, mussels, scallops, squid and shrimps, B890) or spagetti with seafood and house-made marinara sauce (B210).

KOH CHANG

Cali Style

With lots of color-blocking, lifeguard rings, retro signs and vintage marquee lights, Pajamas Koh Chang (www.pajamaskohchang.com) looks like something from the shores of Venice Beach, the hip beach-town in Southern California. Located near Klong Plao Beach, the bohemian-style hostel boasts a swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas with games like pool and chess, a bar and theater. Guests can choose between a dorm-style room for up to eight people (B750 per person) or a double deluxe with a king bed that fits two (B2,600).

HONG KONG

Siamese Invasion Chef Ian Kittichai’s vibrant, traditional Thai restaurant, Issaya Siamese Club (www.issaya.hk) has expanded to Hong Kong. This new branch retains the colorful ambience of the original, adorned with heritage-style tiles, bold wallpaper and regional antiques.

The menu is the same, too, with dishes made from fresh and organic ingredients and produce that is flown in from Thailand, Australia and New Zealand on a daily basis. Should you be feeling homesick on your next HK trip, they’ll also be serving the same potent cocktails, flavored with Thai twists. The restaurant’s open kitchen also comprises a prominent pastry and dessert counter, while diners can enjoy views of the harbour from the sizeable outdoor terrace.

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

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BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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avenue

NEW SHOP

Asian Wear Siam Center has welcomed a tiny new multi-label store, A-very-wear, which is focused on streetwear and accessories from up-and-coming designers around Asia. Highlights include the latest collections from 11 Asian brands, including well-known Singaporean streetwear label Mash-Up, which has collaborated with international brands like Uniqlo, Topshop and Lomography, and Korean womenswear brand Rocket x Lunch, which was recently featured at Who’s Next 2015 in Paris. In fact, Korean brands make up almost half the selection in store, with names like Fleamadonna, Low Classic, menswear specialists Drink Beer Save Water and accessories brand Minuit Moins Sept. The pop-up will be available through Aug 19, 2016. 1/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6580000. BTS Siam

FASHION

TECH

HOME

Arctic Ladies

Take Note

Pure Minimalism

Fun-loving fashion brand Something Boudoir has rolled out its fall/winter 2015 collection “We Are Awesome,” inspired by the viral Greenpeace documentary Everything is Not Awesome about the problem posed by oil drilling in the Arctic.

The designers tackle this issue through cute illustrations of life in the Arctic, with blue as the dominant color. The collection also sticks to the 1970s revival of late with items like the animal print jumpsuit (B2,990) and cropped double-breasted uniform jacket (B3,350). Winter materials like wool and velvet are mixed with jersey in crop tops and skirts, ensuring they are actually wearable in Bangkok. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1098. BTS Siam

After releasing the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge earlier this year, it’s now time for Samsung to update its Note series. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 comes with an upgraded S Pen and functions like Off Screen Memo, which allows immediate jotting even while the screen is dimmed (if you ever bought a fancy B3,000 stylus at iStudio for your iPad, you know what a lost cause stylus use on iDevices is). The Note 5’s stylus isn’t the only reason to love it. Gizmodo described it as “the best Android phone” right now. It looks premium, the screen is amazing and the camera is even better than the iPhone 6 Plus’s. B25,900 for 32GB and B29,900 for 64GB. Available at Samsung dealers nationwide.

Japanese furniture brand Maruni has unveiled its latest collection, dubbed Hiroshima, designed by one of the faces of Japanese minimalism, industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, known for his work with Muji. The wooden furniture pieces are developed to be timeless in form and function. Selected items from the collection are available at Craft by Chanintr Living (Thonglor branch) with prices ranging from B29,000 for dining chairs and B47,000 for armchairs up to B61,000 for armchairs with leather cushions. Craft by Chanintr Living, Noble Solo Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-714-9040

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BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

The Era of Sustainability Rashid Toefy

Recently, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) hosted the MICE Sustainability Forum 2015 in a bid to show businesses that sustainability is a global trend that every company should be striving towards.

UNGC Advisory Board Member, South Africa Chapter, showed numbers that illustrate how global businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability as a primary concern.

Rise of SMART Cities Leading cities now understand that their competitiveness is directly linked to their capacity to prioritize social, economic and environmental wellbeing by using innovative information and technologies (smart). The result is more efficient use of

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has

resources, energy cost savings, improved service delivery and

successfully encouraged Thai MICE industry to make

a better quality of life.

giant strides towards sustainability by adopting ISO 20121,

Sustainable Lifestyle

the sustainable events management standard. To recruit

Global brands have predicted that, in five years, 98 percent of

people to be a part of the sustainability movement, TCEB

consumers will be conscious of the need to live a sustainable

organized the MICE Sustainability Forum 2015 on August

lifestyle. Ninety-three-percent of consumers want to see the

25, showing MICE businesses the real benefits of moving

brands they use support worthy social and environmental causes.

in a sustainable direction. Here are the highlights.

Brand Pressure Brands recognize that sustainable products, behaviors and services are the future. US research by Conde Nast Traveler shows that 93 percent of travelers believe travel companies should be responsible for protecting the environment. Fifty-eight-percent of travelers said their hotel choice is influenced by the support the hotel gives to the local community.

Sustainability is in Demand

Sustainability Through New Technology

“MICE Clients are now

We work on sustainability within many

rethinking their business and

themes including energy, mobility,

communication strategy to

water and waste reduction. We’re

integrate sustainability, while

proud of our 100% waste recycling,

brands are using events to activate

the sustainable catering concept

sustainability commitments

Roger Simons President of Green Meeting Business Council

by engaging audiences and demonstrating innovation. Clients are now increasingly requesting

‘Heartwarming Amsterdam,’ the 1,632

Marjolijn Krul CSR Manager of RAI Amsterdam

solar panels on our roof and total technical fleet replaced by E-cars with 22 charge spots for E-cars. We aim to

sustainability from venues, such as

be one of the visible frontrunners in the

Venetian, Las Vegas Sands, which

field of sustainability in the conference

has made $150 million by offering

and exhibition industry in Europe in the

sustainable client events.

next five years."

ISO 20121 Business Trends Arrut Navaraj, Managing Director of Sampran Riverside

ChooLeng Goh, General Manager of the Plaza Athenee Bangkok

Premporn Saisaengchan, Vice President of N.C.C Management & Development

“Our Sampran Model encouraging

“Most companies request detailed

“QSNCC concerns about the

farmers to grow organic food has

information on hotels’ sustainable

environment helps create a dramatic

attracted more visitors to our hotel

initiatives. We see a significant increase

difference from other venues, while

than ever before. We just welcomed a

in businesses and clients choosing with

material, waste and energy management

large group of International Federation of Organic Ariculture

us as a result of our ongoing initiatives.”

helps save our costs. It brings us new businesses and shows

Movements (IFOAM) to study our project. The money spent

including alliance organizations. Our Sustainability Meeting

at our local organic market, Sukja Market, also steady grows

Package from April 2014 to present has grown to 38 percent of

steadily too.”

our total events.”

By

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

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avenue SHOPPING

About Time Seven minimal men’s watches for under B11,000 available in Bangkok.

By BK Editorial

Mondaine Classic 1

Daniel Wellington Grace 2

Where from: Switzerland Styled after the traditional clocks on Swiss railway platforms, these watches made a big push in Thailand around five years ago, right when clean faces and slim cases were blowing up. But even now, they remain a rare sight on local wrists.

Price: B10,900 Shop at: M/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong

3

Where from: Sweden Among a number of recently launched brands (it came out in 2011) that imitate en vogue traditional designs, Daniel Wellington has gained a big cult following, especially for its NATO straps. In turn, this has led a handful of online distributors to offer the pieces here.

Price: B7,425 Shop at: www.groovegroovy.com

Braun BN0021

Where from: Germany This Braun classic comes straight from the era of Dieter Rams, the minimalist German designer responsible for many of the company’s now-iconic products.

Price: B5,700 Shop at: M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam 5

Jacob Jensen Curve 4

Where from: USA The domed crystal, the chain-link bracelet, the block color seconds hand and clear hour markers all make this a retro gem.

Price: price TBA Shop at: TimeDeco, 3F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-6656. BTS Siam

Where from: Denmark Jacob Jensen, the legendary Danish designer for Bang & Olufsen, died this year. This modern collection from the design house that now bears his name picked up honorary mention in the 2014 Red Dot Awards, with the addition of several new models for 2015.

Price: B7,900 Shop at: M/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-204-2255. BTS Phrom Phong

6

Simpl Monochrome Black 7

Where from: Thailand Based in Bangkok, this brand specializes in minimal unisex fashion watches.

The Monochrome Black features a PVDcoated matte black stainless steel case.

Price: B4,500 (currently reduced to B3,490) Shop at: www.simplstyle.com

Tsovet SVT-SC38

Tathata

Where from: Thailand This local watch name uses handdyed Thai leatherwork and Japanese quartz movements. Of the various different strap and case color combinations, we like the espresso on rose gold model.

Price: B4,800 Shop at: www.tathatabrand.com or 3F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

Note: All these watches have quartz movements.

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Malty Meal Japanese omakase-style restaurant Fillets is teaming up with Glenmorangie single malt for a special four-course whiskey pairing dinner on Sep 30. The meal will start with fresh Hokkaido scallop crudo and braised sea eel on potato and leek puree topped with Osetra caviar paired with Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year Old, followed by whiskey-marinated foie gras served with sauteed grape paired with the spicy and fruity Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old. Main will be a choice of baconwrapped beef tenderloin served with bone marrow, mushroom ketchup and beef fat-fried rice onigiri or miso-marinated black cod, koshihikari risotto served with crispy burdock root and vegetables, paired with the rich and oaky Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year Old. Completing the meal will be yuzu tart meringue paired with the mild Glenmorangie Nectar D’or Sauternes Cask Finish, followed by a serving of the prized Glenmorangie 18 Year Old. B4,500 per person, reservations required. 3/F, Portico, 31 Lang Suan Rd., 02-652-2607

MOONCAKE

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

Moonlighting

Vanilla Essence

End of the Hall

French-style patisserie Moonne celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with the launch of its first line of mooncakes, which adds twists to the traditional desserts. Priced from B150-175 each, these are not your ordinary mooncake flavors; try the custard (Madagascan vanilla custard with salted egg yolk), The Gold (chocolate filled with salted egg yolk) and blueberry cheesecake (cheesecake crust filled with blueberry cake). In addition to the regular round mooncakes, the shop also offers the treat in a variety of cute shapes like rabbits, clouds and flowers. Sets are available in a teak wooden box at B1,650 (regular) and B1,750 (assorted shapes). Orders can be placed via moonneshop@gmail.com or 088-318-7227 and picked up at its pop-up shops either in Siam Paragon or Emquartier.

Emquartier has welcomed another carefully designed restaurant. Vanilla Cafeteria is the fifth outlet of S&P’s Vanilla chain, and it serves food inspired by bestsellers from each of the other four outlets. The menu is focused on hearty Western comfort dishes, namely flour tortilla quesadilla with spinach and Italian sausage (B290), pan-fried salmon with pesto linguine (B420), crunchy prawn quinoa salad (B480) and smoked pork chop with raspberry sauce (B480). On top of new desserts like the charcoal pavlova, Vanilla’s trademark crepe is available in flavors like mango sticky rice (B360) and Kahlua banoffee. They also offer siphon coffee (B180-220) and tea (B220/pot). 2/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6124. BTS Phrom Phong

After two-and-a-half years, Bangkok’s hipster food-trend pioneer Opposite Mess Hall will close its doors on Sep 26. That means you have only a couple of weeks to load up on chef Jess Barnes’s signature bone-marrow dumplings and duck waffles. After leaving his post as head chef at Quince Eatery and Bar, Barnes moved to the petite second floor of a shop-house tucked in Sukhumvit Soi 51, where Opposite grew from a series of pop-ups into a fullfledged restaurant and bar, rolling out inventive dishes drawing on both Mediterranean and Asian influences while focusing on local produce. With his new project Daisy Matthews set to open this October on Sathorn Soi 12, Barnes has decided it’s time to take a short break. But it’s not necessarily the end for Opposite. In his recent blog post, the chef writes, “Opposite Mess Hall will be back in 2016.” 2/F, 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6330. BTS Thong Lo

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blends

TASTE TEST

Can Awards We put seven mass-produced beers you can find in 7-Eleven to a blind tasting—but only the ones available in cans! Here are the results. By BK Editorial

Archa (B31)

Tiger (B37)

This pale lager brewed by Thai Beverage has an ABV of 5.4 percent.

This Singaporean-branded pale lager brewed by Thai Asia Pacific Brewery contains the standard 5-percent ABV.

What we say: The color is lighter than all the others, and you can barely smell anything. Flavor-wise, it’s bitter and way too fizzy.

Verdict: A pale and frothy budget beer.

What we say: Despite the non-descript smell, the taste boasts a slightly fruity character. We’re getting a metallic aftertaste, though the bitterness might clean your palate if you’re eating a greasy meal.

Verdict: Big on bitter.

Singha (B151/4)

Leo (B151/4)

Thailand’s most famous premium lager claims to be a full-bodied barley malt containing 5-percent ABV.

This pale lager is the second line of Singha and comes with a lighter taste but stronger ABV of 5.5 percent.

What we say: Served supercold it tastes fresh with a slightly malty aroma, but becomes increasingly bitter once it warms up.

What we say: The taste is quite weak, but not off-putting despite a hint of something like artificial lemon. The texture is pretty light and surprisingly smooth.

Verdict: Sweet and sour—Thai style!

Verdict: Smooth operator.

Pistonhead (B44)

RUNNER UP!

Available in Bangkok since earlier this year, this imported Swedish lager carries a lighter 4.9-percent ABV. What we say: This golden beer has a very smooth look and texture. There’s even a little bit of an IPA thing going on from the citrus notes.

Heineken (B43) This pale lager from the Netherlands (but made here) contains 5-percent ABV. What we say: The smell is very dry. The taste is slightly subdued, but carries distinct nutty notes that at least keep things interesting.

Verdict: Highly drinkable.

Verdict: A pale lager for those who don’t like pale lager.

Cheers X-Tra (B47)

BK PICK!

Brewed by Thai Asia Pacific Brewery, just like Heineken and Tiger, this is the second product in the Cheers line.

Brewed in a malty style with a strong ABV of 6.25 percent.

What we say: This yellow amber number is the darkest on the list and packs a strong yet sweet smell that carries over into the taste. Not too fizzy, this makes for a solid session beer despite the high alcohol content.

Verdict: All night, alright.

All beers are available in 7-Eleven outlets citywide

ON THE BAR The Third Pig

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The buzz: Themed after the Three Little Pigs fairy tale, The Third Pig is a rustic bar and restaurant run by half of the team behind the renowned Mixology cocktail bar in Chiang Mai.

Islands and Disclosure.

The decor: Intended to resemble the third pig’s house of bricks (that withstood the big, bad wolf’s huffing and puffing), the bar is nothing short of stunning. Pass inside the glass facade with its big wooden door and you’ll find yourself seemingly transported to somewhere in the countryside. On top of lots of exposed red brick, there are hanging lightbulbs and flowers, and even a fireplace complete with a chimney in one corner.

The food: Thai dishes with international presentation. Try the green curry Caesar salad with crispy chicken (B150), beef massaman lasagna (B250), and mussels kang-som white wine marinara (spicy tamarind paste, B260).

Another highlight is the pork knuckle, which comes served in dishes like deep-fried pa-loh pork with sticky rice (B150), pulled pa-loh pork sandwich (B180) and pa-loh carbonara (B180).

The music: The soundtrack is provided by one of the partners, Charlie de Nipana, who happens to be one half of the highly-touted synthpop band DCNXTR. Expect an electro-heavy selection featuring the likes of Grimes, Future

The drinks: The same guy behind Mixology has created signature drinks that really stick to theme, such as Huff&Puff (B260), a light drink that mixes Cognac VSOP, sweet vermouth, black tea, honey and lemon juice,

The crowd: After-work gatherings from the TMB office next door, plus the owners’ friends in media and advertising.

served with a soft cracker topped with cabernet sauvignon jelly. Blowing Twings (B260) is an Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail with a base of Wild Turkey 81 bourbon mixed with sweet vermouth, aperol, Cognac VSOP and vanilla bitters served with a smoking cinnamon stick. The fruity Brick House Cobble (B260) combines vodka, blackcurrant liqueur, chocolate liqueur, port wine and cranberry bitters, served with mixed berries and KitKat. As for beer, there’s currently Limburgse (B130/230 per half pint/pint) and Limburgse Rose (B140/250) available on tap, and Beerlao, Heineken and Singha by the bottle, with more to come. Vasachol Quadri Phahon Yothin Soi 20, 098-965-4536. Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight. MRT Phahon Yothin

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Dean & Deluca at Emquartier

Jones the Grocer

New York! New York!

DELIS

On the Go There’s never been a better time to stock up on cold cuts, cheese or pickles. Or grab a sandwich to go. Here are the city’s top new delicatessens. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai Another Story

Another Story

New York! New York!

On the left-hand side of the entrance to the multi-brand store 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 Amantee, a local French-style breadmaker who uses only stone-ground organic flour and a natural fermentation process. Specialty butter and cheese on the adjacent counter come 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 a counter from boutique wine importer Wine Garage, as well as an Issaya La Patisserie outlet that does sandwiches using Amantee bread, as well as Western desserts blended with Thai flavors.

The owner of New York-style hot dogs specialist Superbdog has extended his range of products to more Big Apple-evoking deli items. Alongside the best-sellers like Yankee Dog (chili, Wisconsin cheese, mustard and diced onion, B120), the new menu includes deli sandwiches like pastrami on rye, corned beef on rye and Reuben, using house-made pastrami and corned beef, as well as mac casseroles (B120) and Burgundy stew (B160). Note that sandwiches are now only available for delivery via Foodpanda and Food by Phone.

4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd. Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

This newest branch of the New York deli chain remains a top spot for quick meals, ranging from sandwiches and salads to quesadillas, pizzas and roasted chicken. It also sells cold cuts and cheese, as well as drinks, from sparkling water to Champagne. The best news? They now make sandwiches using Conkey’s artisanal breads.

After two years producing artisanal meat products for all the hip restaurants in town, Joe Sloane has finally opened his own deli. Along with his sausages like Cumberland (B290/500g) and UK dry-cured back bacon (B150/200g), there are also condiments like chili sauce (B100), mustard (B200) and ketchup (B120). You’ll also find other Farmers’ Market favorites like bread and other baked goods from Maison Jean Philippe, cheese from Heaven on Cheese, ginger ale from Raitong Organics, juices from Twist and pies from London Pies.

G/F, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0464. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

160 Sukhumvit 105, Soi La Salle 34-36, 02-398-2294. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-noon

Jones the Grocer

Pala (Silom)

This branch of the Australian grocery store isn’t so focused on deli offerings, but it still stocks some cheese and cold cuts (even if you’ll actually find more variety at the adjacent Gourmet Market). Where Jones the Grocer shines is in its grab-and-go food: breads, baguettes, croissants and cakes, as well as sandwiches and pizza by the slice. The store also carries a few imported chocolates and wines.

The second branch of Bangkok’s favorite Roman-style pizza place not only offers a variety of ready-to-go pizzas by the slice, but also selections of Italian cheese and cold cuts.

The pizza here is made with dough which is left to rise for much longer than usual (72 hours) for a base that is crispy and perfectly aerated, and priced starting at B45 per slice.

Other deli highlights include the suppli (deep-fried risotto balls, B95) and crocchetta di patate (deep-fried parmesan mash, B60).

Dean & Deluca at Emquartier

Pala (Silom)

G/F, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0382. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong Jones the Grocer

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G/F, Park Ventures Ecoplex, Ploenchit Rd., 095-576-4026.

Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Phloen Chit. www.fb.com/NewYorkDeliBangkok

Sloane’s

1/F, CP Tower, 313 Silom Rd., 02-259-1228. Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. BTS Sala Daeng

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OPEN DOOR

Galleria Milano An Italian restaurant themed around Milan’s heritage shopping mall.

The buzz: Milan-born Antonio Marelli, of the now-defunct La Villa on Thonglor Soi 9, is behind this new restaurant themed after the iconic shopping arcade in central Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The decor: Much has been done to make the deep Mille Malle space that used to be Let Them Eat Cake evoke the mid-19th-century Milanese building from which it takes inspiration. This extends to one wall being taken up by a monitor disguised as a window that projects a view from the mall. Other ornate touches include arched window frames and an abundance of stucco-like plaster casts. Out front sits an alfresco dining area.

The food and drinks: Though the menu does include some Mila-

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nese specialties like the ossobuco con risotto (Milan-style veal shank with saffron risotto, B620), chef Armando Bonadonna draws influence from all over Italy. Simple staples like pasta and risotto start at B280, while Italian pizza is sold by the slice starting at B180. Some of the highlights include codfish with black olive, tomato concasse, tarragon and saffron sauce (B610), fresh lobster and burrata salad with Sicilian orange and beetroot (B690), and the rack of lamb crusted with pistachio, mustard, sichuan pepper in a red wine glaze (B850). Desserts include classics like tiramisu (B200), Sicilian cassata (B200), profiteroles with chocolate ganache (B220), chocolate fondant (B220) and creme brulee (B180). The restaurant carries more than 50 Italian wines (starting at B200 by the glass) from Abruzzo,

Tuscany, Sicily, Umbria, Piemonte, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto Adige. It also opens for afternoon tea during weekdays (3-5pm), with tea (starting at B100/pot) served alongside desserts from the dinner menu.

Why you should care: The restaurant not only belongs to an Italian owner, but is also led by an Italian chef, befitting the classical Italian decor. Natcha Sanguankiattichai Mille Malle, Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-4988. Open Mon-Fri 3-5pm; daily 6pm-midnight

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Toast.Aree

TABLE TALK Mother May I

Mother May I

NEW AND NOTED

Fruits of the Sea

The wood-dominated beer garden Grill Yard (71 Lad Phrao Soi 1 & 3, 095-575-4545) is the latest venue to hop on the grilled seafood bandwagon. Aside from the seafood bucket sets (containing the likes of crabs, clams and shrimps, from B399 to B999), recommended orders include the New Zealand organic oysters (from B200) and lobster (B250-B500).

Another pick is the Japanese-style mini fries (B70), to go with the similarly Nippon-dominated beer list: Hitachino, Sapporo and Asahi start at B100.

In the Garden

With its classic glass house setting, spacious garden and blue and white theme, new Thai restaurant Mother May I (26/2 Sukhumvit Soi 59, 097-990-5990) aims to be a relaxed innercity escape. Following a similar theme to Glass House Pattaya (no real surprise given the two owners are brothers),

the restaurant serves mostly traditional Thai dishes such as roti with red curry shrimp and jackfruit (B235) and crispy omelet (B120), while there's also a big focus on desserts like the Strawberry Happy Meringue (B150) and tub tim Siam (B150). It also boast a pretty exotic list of fruit juices (B65) and frappes (B135).

A Toast

Miniscule garden cafe Toast.Aree (Aree Garden, Ari Samphan Soi 11, 089-779-2226) specializes in the ultimate home-style comfort food: toast. The sweet and savory concoctions range from the Monkey Fav (banana and chocolate syrup, B95) and Very Berry (B115) to carbonara or Bolognese topped with cheese (B75-B95). The drinks menu focuses on tea, both hot and cold, as well as fruity soda and frappe. Stop by during happy hour (Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm) and buy a B150 drink to get one free toast dish. Kantita Leangcharoenpong

amontre PLaYrOom & braSSerie L/F, Urbana Sathorn, 55 Sathorn Rd., 02-359-9667-8.

Open daily 6am-midnight Run by the team behind aLL Six to Twelve, this Sathorn spot is a one-stop hangout. With both indoor and outdoor areas, you’re just as likely to catch an artsy film as the big game on one of the large screens. As the name suggests, the place is all about fun and playfulness, as reflected in the decor which sees scribbles line the walls, ceiling and tables. The food spans mostly classic Western dishes to share—sandwiches, burgers, pizza—with some Thai touches added. Sample dishes include the teppan cheese steak (steak with raclette and mozzarella, B480), spicy oyster (fresh oyster with chili sauce, B290) and sweet foie gras (B220). There are also plenty of colorful drinks to try.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only when spending 1,000 baht or more on food/sale slip.

Today – 30 Nov 15

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites & blends market + Events

Bangkok Restaurant Week 2015 From Sep 4-Oct 4, over 40 restaurants in Bangkok offer a one-price threecourse meal at B499 (lunch) and B699 (dinner). Some names include Fillets, Vivarium, Honmono, Umenohana, Vogue Lounge and Chef Pom. For more information, visit www. wongnai.com.

Craft Silom

Craft Silom’s Grand Opening The opening of Craft beer bar takes place on Sep 11-13 from 6pm with specially-priced beers on tap, beer cocktails, craft beer tasting and workshops, and live DJs. G/F, Holiday Inn Silom, 981 Silom Rd. www. fb.com/craftbangkok

Thonglor Food Festival From Sep 17-Oct 3, about 30 restaurants in the Thonglor area will each launch their own signature dishes and roll out activities like cooking classes, workshops and wine tasting sessions.

Some of the participating restaurants include The Raw Bar, Moulin, Paste, Ifitis, ABC and Beccofino. For more information, visit www.fb.com/Thonglorfoodfestival.

Deals Free-Flow Vino and Sangria Every Wed, from 5pm-midnight, enjoy free-flow wines or sangria at B59/ person.

Senor Pico, 1/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7160

Fish Festival Throughout September, Cuisine Unplugged serves rotating fish-focused dishes in addition to the ordinary buffet dinner, like baked salmon with white wine sauce and stir-fried sea bass with XO sauce. B888. Dinner is available daily from 6-10:30pm.

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B6,000 Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601

Pullman Kingpower, 8-2 Rangnam Rd., 02-680-9999. BTS Phaya Thai

New Venues Credit card/Debit card payment accepted

Theo Randall So Amazing Chefs

Theo Mio So Amazing Chefs The annual international chefs gathering at Sofitel So takes place on Oct 6-11. Expect dinners, brunches and workshops.

The first foreign opening for British chef celebrity chef Theo Randall.

Intercontinental Bangkok Hotel, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumpini

Broccoli Revolution Mikkeller

Mikkeller Madness On Oct 14, Mikkeller clears its chalkboard and replaces it with, they say, Mikkeller’s craziest beers on all 30 taps. The list includes Beer Geek Breakfast, Nuclear Hop Assault and Spontandoubleblackcurrant.

Broccoli Revolution Sukhumvit Soi 49’s lively addition to Bangkok’s vegetarian scene.

899 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 095-251-9799. BTS Thong Lo

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

26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891

Cooking with Emelie Holm Issaya Cooking Studio’s Swedish guest chef Emelie Holm leads a workshop on healthy dishes and guilt-free desserts on Sep 26 from 3-6pm.

LG/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-160-5636. BTS Phloen Chit

K Village Farmers’ Market

Simmer

Simmer Traditional Thai dishes taken from the cookbooks of Paega publishing house.

1/F, Sindhorn Building, Wireless Rd., 062471-9968. BTS Ratchadamri

The weekend market gives you access to meet the producers and buy your food from them. Sep 12-13, 9am-5pm.

K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-9919

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Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Mad Moa HHHH Western. 211/7 Chakkaphatdi Rd., Lan Luang intersection, 085-155-2601. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm. BB H Corkage B300

That tiki trend never quite took off in Bangkok, huh? But don’t blame that on Mad Moa. The tiny Old Town shop-house that previously housed Seven Spoons was given a Polynesian-meets-Navajo makeover late last year, and its woodpaneled space, sparsely kitted out with colorful rugs and hanging plants, is unlike any other in town. The menu of what they call “twisted bar food”—hot dogs, ribs and burgers—is more familiar, but the kitchen adds enough fresh touches to keep things interesting. It’s all in the details, whether it’s the piquant jalapeno salsa that accompanies the fried calamari (B180) or the seared pineapple and wasabi coleslaw of the rum-battered fried chicken (B180).

Don’t kid yourself, though; you’re here for full-flavored pub grub, so skip the meager salad offerings (spam and potato salad, B180, anyone?) and dive right into the three-day-cooked, dry-rubbed ribs (B320).

Vivarium HHHH

Thai. 3675 Rama 4 Rd., 02-261-9507. Open daily 5-11pm. BBBB. F H

Two of the biggest stars from Thailand’s Iron Chef TV program, Chumpol Jangprai (of MSC Thai Culinary School) and Boontham Parkpho (of Honmono Sushi), are behind this vast, plant-filled warehouse restaurant off Rama 4. The concept is simple: the very best Japanese produce—tuna belly, Kobe beef, kinki fish, taraba crab and more— made into classic Thai dishes. There’s also the addition of some fusion pizzas that use the same highfalutin produce.

Unfortunately for such a genuinely breathtaking space, none of the food lives up to either its ambitions or its seriously steep prices. The ebi (salmon roe) pizza with kaeng som spice (B550) comes with an overabundance of tasteless stringy cheese, an off-putting under-taste of something Thai and a mismatched fishy flavor that makes the whole thing baffling.

The Thai dishes are no better. Though the pad krapow made with hokkigai (surf

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.

Instead of the dense, sugary sauces commonly found in Bangkok steakhouses, this meat is topped with a thicket of herbs, including dill, and is some of the most flavorful in town. The sweet, house-made “pesto” and tangy pineapple salsa add a delicate edge to the dish, too. The Aussie wagyu-packed Mad Moa Burger (B280) comes with a juicy medium-rare patty and a searing chipotle mayo for a punchy flavor combo. However, the extent of your enjoyment probably hinges on the sweet, homemade brioche bun, which is either a light and surprisingly airy handful, or a soggy, insufficient shell, depending on your preferences. The food is great, but the d r i n k s a r e e v e n b e t t e r. W h a m Bhayungvej’s rum-heavy daily rotating cocktails (B220) stick to the tropical theme without being overly sweet, while the exclusive, under-the-counter beers from Udomsuk Brewing may be the highlight thus far of the city’s nascent underground brewing scene—order the crisp Mad Moa pale ale (B160), made with New Zealand hops. Unlike Seven Spoons across the road (its chef, Joke Pairojmahakij, is also a partner here), Mad Moa feels more like a work in progress than the finished article, but the rough edges are a huge part of the fun. Easy to miss amid Lan Luang’s endless shut-up shop-houses, with barely room for a dozen seats, this hole-in-the-wall is as intimate as they come, and the menu, decor and service all brim with personality.

Mad Moa is one place where you get the feeling “homemade” actually means something. clam, B550) is strongly spiced and flavorsome, the clams become so rubbery that you may as well be eating cheap street food for a fraction of the price. The Kobe beef green curry (B1,500) is an equally disastrous use of such an expensive prime ingredient. The salmon laab (B550) is the only dish we’ve tried that features a protein cooked with any degree of care, though here the issue is a complete lack of seasoning. We’re not kidding; it very nearly tastes of nothing. But it’s not just the flavors here that don’t deliver. There’s a lack of refinement in everything. Nothing delicate about the plating. Nothing polished about the service. Nothing as simple as having your table wiped down of all the ebi pearls that have rolled off your pizza before dessert (the matcha lava cake, B300, is another soggy flop). And while we’re aware that fine dining is not where Vivarium is aiming, you’ve got to bear in mind that the food here is expensive. With prices like these, you just expect a little love and attention, especially when Chumpol, one of the Iron Chefs so proudly displayed on the billboard outside, is himself on site and walking around in chef’s whites. It feels like either everyone involved in the operation is cashing in on a customer base they know will pay for premium Japanese produce in any form, or the kitchen team genuinely doesn’t know what they’re doing. Vivarium’s only saving grace? An OK wine list.

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

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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now FRI Musical Cruise Eight luxury hotels along the Chao Phraya River are teaming up for the first time to host the Big Fish River Music Festival. From Sep 11-20, you'll get a chance to enjoy opera and classical performances (Anantara Bangkok Riverside), country music (Chatrium Hotel Bangkok), blues and swing (Mandarin Oriental Bangkok), jazz divas (Millennium Hilton), pop music (Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside), '60s-'70s tunes (Royal Orchid Sheraton), jazz and symphony (ShangriLa Hotel) and Latin music (The Peninsula Bangkok). There are free boat shuttles from Sathorn Pier to each of the venue, too. Visit www.bangkokriverexperince.com for the full schedule.

SAT Comic Relief After taking a long two-year break from the stage, Note Udom is back with a familiar motto—"returning the happiness" to the people. The renowned comic presents the 11th edition of his standup show this Sep 11-27 at the Royal Paragon Hall (Siam Paragon, BTS Siam). The shows are already completely sold out, but those lucky enough to snag tickets can expect plenty of audience interaction, as is Note’s signature.

FRI Traditional Elegance Opening Bangkok's 17th International Festival of Dance & Music this Sep 11-13 at Thailand Cultural Centre (Ratchadaphisek Rd., MRT Thailand Cultural Centre) is a love tragedy performed by the 60-yearold Zhejiang Yueju Opera Troupe, founded way back in 1952. The classic Chinese folktale The Butterfly Lovers tells the story of two young lovers, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. The company has performed all over the world and was voted the Best Opera Company in China in 2015. Subtitles in Thai and English.

B1,200-4,000 ticket available at www.thaiticketmajor.com.

SAT Spinning Around Bristol-based house producer and DJ Marc Vedo is set to headline the first Official DJ Mag Party in Bangkok. Sandwiched between shows in Bali and Manila, his set on Sep 11 at Live RCA (Royal City Avenue, Rama 9) promises to showcase the DJ’s high-octane productions, as he gears up to mark the 15th anniversary of his Koolwaters Recordings label. For more nightlife, see below.

WHY NOT Have a Roarin’ Night Out

NIGHTLIFE PHATFUNK X ZOO STUDIO FT. SAM BINGA

Vinai

LTJ BUKEM @ GREASE

The pioneering drum 'n' bass DJ returns to Bangkok, with local support from DJs Orawan and Thar Khone.

Sep 11, 10pm. Grease, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1.

B350 (one free drink).

26

A special collaboration between the two crews, featuring the bass music DJ-producer from the UK in celebration of his new album Wasted Days.

Local support from Phatfunk's resident DJs and Zoo Studio's DJ KingKong and Animal Machine. Visuals by VJ Gorb Visuals. Sep 11, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-2613007, 02-261-4446. B400 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

GREY GOOSE PRESENTS TGIF

The Italian DJ duo Vinai, who played at Together Festival earlier this year, headline the EDM night at the new RCA venue as part of the ongoing electro dance Friday series organized

by Grey Goose. Sep 18, 8pm. Ztu-

dio Live Hall, RCA, Chalerm Phrakiat Rama 9, 093-939-9893.

NAKADIA [GET PHYSICAL MUSIC]

The Thai female DJ returns from Ibiza to play deep house, tech house and techno. Doors open at 7pm. Sep 18, 10pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B300.

SUNN - A NEW RISING

The Kolour crew returns with its night-time party, this time featuring three music zones and international headliner Teenage Mutants (Stil Vor Talent records), lots of gourmet food and craft beers. Bangkok-based DJs include Alex Fischer, Coran, Koish and Dogs on the Turns. Sep 19, 5pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. Price TBA.

For an alternative night out in Chinatown, head over to the Shanghai Hotel next Saturday, Sep 19, where you’ll be transported back to the 1920s at Diga Diga Doo: Roarin’ Night Out. From 8pm onwards, expect to be entertained with high-energy live music by The Speakeasies Swing Band from Greece, a burlesque show

by World Burlesque Games 2013 Champion Sharon Davis, plus vintage tap, Charleston and Lindy Hop dance shows and an Electro Swing party by DJ Fredrik Funk through the end of the night. Here’s your chance to dress vintage and dance the night away in style. Presale tickets are B900, available at www. digadigadoobkk.com. Otherwise it’s B1,200 at the door.

Shanghai Hotel, 479-481 Yaowarat Rd., 02-221-2121. MRT Hua Lamphong. www.shanghaimansion.com.

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now CONCERTS

The Fame Monster

30 YEARS BYRD & HEART SOMETIMES BUT ALWAYS

A 30-year anniversary concert by the pop duo behind many hit ballads, who’ll be supported by special guests Burin, Blackhead, ETC and Champ Supawat. Sep 12, 3pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B5003,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

THE FAME MONSTER

A tribute concert to one of the most well-known pop icons of the last decade, Lady Gaga, restaging the original production of The Art Pop Ball Tour, featuring Dale Lapointe. Choreographed by Michael Silas. Sep 14, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456.

B800-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

BBA CHARITY CONCERT #9: MISSION I'M PAWSIBLE

The annual charity concert by the students of Thammasat Business School, featuring live performances by Singto Numchok, Tu Poptorn, The

Maroon 5 V Tour

Voice Thailand's finalist Image Suthita, Getsunova and Jetset'er. Profits from ticket sales, food and beverages go towards non-profit organization Home4Animals, which looks after stranded and disabled animals. Tickets available at www.fb.com/ bbacharityconcert. Sep 19, 6pm. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd., 02-613-3333. B500-800.

Revolt. Known for their political activism, the band released their ninth studio album, titled American Spring, in May. Tickets available at the venue and ticketmelon.com. Sep 20, 7:30pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086-977-0621. B1,000-1,200. BTS Ratchathewi.

VITAMILK PRESENTS STAMP

Adam Levine and co. are back in Bangkok for the fourth time for two concerts as part of their 2015 V World Tour. These guys are responsible for some of this year’s biggest Billboard hits like "Sugar" and "Maps." Tickets are already sold out for both days.

Sep 21-22, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

After two years, The Voice Thailand’s coach and the singer-songwriter behind hits like "Kwarm Kid" and "Khon Tee Khun Gor Roo Wa Krai," makes a comeback with a full-scale, three-hour concert under the concept "lightning storm." Sep 19, 7pm.

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,000-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

ANTI-FLAG LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

The American punk rock band’s first headline show in Bangkok, with local support from Jimmy

MAROON 5 WORLD TOUR 2015

MUSE LIVE IN BANGKOK

The Grammy-nominated, award-winning British progressive rockers, known for their live performances, make their Bangkok debut as part of their 2015 Drones World Tour. They have released

Love You Till I Die Tribute Concert

seven albums in total, most of which topped album charts in the UK, US and Australia. Sep 23, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B2,000-5,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

BLACK VALENTINE CONCERT

A concert for the lonely and broken-hearted, bringing together male artists known for their sad love songs like Portrait, Boy Trai, Tattoo Colour, Q Flure, Pu from Blackhead and Yokee Playboy. Sep 26, 5pm. Jarun Buroparat Sport Field, Rama 9 Rd. B750 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Phetchaburi.

LOVE YOU TILL I DIE

A tribute concert for the late Singh Sqweez Animal, organized by Spicy Disc and featuring Apartment Khun Pa, Slur, Yellow Fang, Mild, Lomosonic and Flure, to name a few. Sep 26, 5pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02261-3883. B1,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

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now GIGS

CLASSICAL

Srirajah Rockers

The Kandinsky Effect

1979LIVE\\SUNDAY ROSES

WHILE SHE SLEEPS LIVE IN BANGKOK

KANDINSKY EFFECT

The monthly gig at the vinyl store moves to Sunday afternoon, this time featuring progressive punk band Plot, reggae-dub Srirajah Rockers and post-rock band Lor'Song.

Sep 13, 3pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber (inside the soi at the corner of Kiatnakin Bank, between soi 5 and 7), Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B100.

The British metalcore band from Sheffield and winner of Kerrang! Awards' Best British Newcomer (2012) take the stage at Live House Studio, with support by Bangkok rock acts Sweet Mullet, Hopeless and newbie metal band Defying the Decay. The band released its second album, Brainwashed, earlier this year. Sep 16, 6pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

The post-modern jazz trio perform at the underground bar, bringing to the stage experimental electronica, jazz and live improvisation. Pre-sale tickets available at book@maggiechoos. com. Sep 24, 9pm. Maggie Choo's, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091772-2144. B500. BTS Surasak.

BOBKAT + MOONLIGHT DRIVE + FOLLOWS + PLASTIC SECTION

Live music by indie-rock bands from Chiang Mai, Korat and Bangkok at the ramshackle Surasak bar. Sep 13, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100. BTS Surasak.

YO MO FO

A midweek gig featuring rock bands The Ginkz, The Sangsom Massacre, Count the Thief and Pennytime. Live visuals and DJ sets till late. By organizer Rhubard & Custard. Sep 17, 8pm. Moose Bangkok, 24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550. B200.

DOOD X KNACK

Live indie music and DJ sets by DJ Momento', Triggs and the Longest Day, Harigeum Zaboy, Krit Morton and Kova O'Sarin at the Knack Market weekend by the Chao Phraya River. Sep 26-27, 6pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

STAGE PERFORMANCES

Peirani-Parisien Duet

BEETHOVEN'S 7TH SYMPHONY

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and guest flute soloist Luisa Sello perform French flute works by Saint Saen, Chaminade and Beethoven, under the baton of chief conductor Gudni A. Emilsson. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Sep 11, 7pm; Sep 12, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

JAZZ CONCERT: PEIRANI-PARISIEN DUET

A saxophone-accordion collaboration between the two artists, inspired by Duke Ellington and Sydney Bechet.

The duo have recently won an Echo Music award in Germany as Ensemble of the Year earlier this year. B500 tickets for students and members.

Reserve your tickets at lc.cx/Zdu5.

Sep 14, 7:30pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Rd., 02-670-4200.

B700. MRT Lumphini.

TPO 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates its 10th anniversary with pianist Martin Kasik and chief conductor Gudni Emilsson in a program of Chopin, Wagner and Strauss. Pre-concert

talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Sep 18, 7pm; Sep 19, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

PIANO RECITAL BY MICHAEL NOBLE

A concert by D&M Music Studio, in collaboration with Yamaha Ratchadapisek Music School, bringing over the young American pianist for a solo show, performing a program of Debussy, Brahms, Capriccio, Rzewski and Prokofiev. Tickets available at the door and 081-682-8000. Sep 20, 4pm. Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-245-7717. B300-600.

PIROMLAND PRESENTS DON MOEN LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

The American singer-songwriter and producer of Christian worship music presents his second show in Bangkok, with support from Lenny LeBlanc, going through songs like "Give Thanks," "God Will Make a Way," "God is Good" and "Power of Your Love."

Oct 6, 8pm. Thunder Dome, 99 Popular Rd., 02-504-5050. B900-2,100 from Thaiticketmajor.

HIGHLIGHT TAKE OFF FESTIVAL 2015 Sleeping Beauty On Ice

dance

The Grand Opera Thailand

opera

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE

A WEEKEND OF GRAND OPERA AND CULINARY ART

The Imperial Stars, who've performed some of the most iconic shows on ice like Swan Lake, Cinderella and The Nutcracker, will take the Bangkok stage as part of the 17th International Festival of Dance and Music, bringing over 26 world-class, award-winning ice-skaters from around the world. 2:30pm rounds on Sep 19-20. Sep 1820, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Anantara Riverside Bangkok hosts a weekend of elegant dining with performances by the Grand Opera Thailand. Sep 12 dinner features excerpts from Carmen, Don Pasquale and La Traviata to go with the four-course dinner. Sep 13 afternoon performance features a selection of arias and songs from favorite musicals and excerpts from The Phantom of the Opera to go with the high tea set. Reservations at 02-476-0022. Sep 12, 6:30pm; Sep 13, 4pm. Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Charoen Nakhon Rd. B2,700-3,800.

musicals YUD PHOP THE MUSICAL

A romantic drama musical following the love triangle between Thanet, Khem and Marisa, who must face a never-ending cycle of love, infatuation and pain. Twelve rounds of performances with 2pm matinee rounds on Sat-Sun. Through Sep 13, 7:30pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 08-0260-0771/-6. B650-850 from Thaiticketmajor.

WHAAM! (THE BRIEF HISTORY OF UNKNOWN ASTRONAUT)

Splashing Theatre Company presents a play about a Thai astronaut who travels the universe with his deceased mother, sister and lover. Part of the 8th Performing Arts Festival by Pridi Banomyong Institute. No performances on Sep 23. Ticket reservations at 062-643-9062 or www. fb.com/splashingtheatre. B290 early bird tickets available through Sep 6. Sep 18-28, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-3813860.

B450. BTS Thong Lo.

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Bangkok has a small but emerging performing arts scene that is slowly expanding beyond university grounds. In an attempt to provide an artistic platform for graduates in performing arts, Take Off Festival 2015, in collaboration with Thong Lor Art Space, has selected five highly talented recent graduates to restage five different performances in their area of expertise throughout September. Here's what's coming up:

THEATER: AN OLD MAN AND A TREE

OPERA: DA CAPO

This original script written by Vich Saenardham, a graduate in Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, and winner of the 16th Sodsai Award, touches on the fear of failure and following your dreams through hardship.

Dates: Sep 11-13, 8pm (an extra 2pm round on Sat-Sun)

An emotional live piano and opera performance following the love life of Dao, a musicologist who wishes to create a Thai version of a “jukebox opera.” Directed and written by Tarin Prinyaknit, as her playwriting thesis.

Dates: Sep 25-27, 8pm (an extra 2pm round on Sat-Sun)

THEATER: DOGTOOTH

All tickets are B400 (B350 for bank transfers). A special package deal to see all performances is B1,250. Reservations can be made at bit.ly/1E2KACg, 095-924-4555 or takeoff.festival.thai@ gmail.com.

This physical theater production by theater graduate Tassakorn Seepuan is adapted from the feature film of the same name.

Dates: Sep 17-20, 8pm

Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor).

@bkmagazine

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now ART

Opening Exhibitions

WORKSHOPS

Pachimon

Wu Jin

Devotion Ma.D Hub for Social Entrepreneurs

DEVOTION

Five abstract artworks

by JP Pemapsorn created using oil painting in a style reminiscent of Mattisse's dancing figures.

Dates: Sep 12, 7:30pm.

Brownstone Studio, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 087703-0448.

PACHIMON - A PARALLEL UNIVERSE

A solo exhibition by French photographer Claude Estebe, who specializes in Japanese visual culture, looking

at cheap copies of toys from famous monster movies that become a rc h e t y p a l o b j e c t s themselves once taken out of context. Presented by Toot Yung Gallery and curated by Myrtille Tibayrenc. Part of Photo Bangkok 2015.

Dates: Opens Sep 12 at 7pm. Through Oct 10.

A l l i a n ce F ra n c a i s e d e Bangkok , 179 Rd., 02670-4200.

WU JIN

The first solo exhibition in Bangkok of Ko

Si-Chi, known as the first master of modern Taiwanese photography, exhibiting 50 years of his classical works taken during his travels. Opens on Sep 11 at 7pm, with an opening talk by Piyatat Hemmatat and Hossein Farmani, and an opening dance performance

by Jessie Fan. Dates: Opens Sep 11 at 7pm. Oct 18.

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

SPOTLIGHT

Harmish Muszid, gallery representative, 100 Tonson Gallery My favorite Bangkok gallery right now is…

Bangkok CityCity Gallery. It started with such a bang. Bangkok needs more places like this: a stand-alone gallery that people can visit purely for the purpose of art, but which is friendly enough to welcome anyone who's not familiar with the scene. The shows are simple and smart and the space itself is of international quality. This is just the beginning.

My favorite Thai artist is… Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook. I agree when people say she’s one of Thailand’s greatest living female artists. Her video installation pieces are so passionate, so severe they traumatize people.

I love Bangkok’s art scene because… It's refreshing. In such a small circle of Bangkok art people, it's easy to get excited. You feel like you are part of every new thing that is going on. You feel like you're witnessing a promising turning point.

I hate Bangkok’s art scene because… There’s no public art installation (or at least not enough). Secondly, we need at least one soi dedicated to galleries, so people can hop from one to another without having to take 45 minutes to get there.

The thing that bugs me most about Bangkok art openings is... Everybody spending too much time saying hello to each other. No matter how intense the art is, we just don’t give it the attention it deserves.

My favorite exhibition right now is… Photo Bangkok 2015. It's good to have a festival showing such a great variety of works and occupying so many venues.

I would never be seen at… Nothing is more uninspiring than a mall event.

David Allen

CANNES LION FOR GOOD#2

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SYMPOSIUM

A case-study workshop where participants get to analyze 20 of the award-winning creative campaigns for social change from Cannes Lion, with special guest speaker, Puripong Limwanatipong, Associate Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather Thailand. Sep 11, 7-9pm.

Ma.D Hub for Social Entrepreneurs, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai Soi 4). BTS Ekkamai

As part of PhotoBangkok 2015, the team has brought in speakers like Hossein Farmani, Shane Suvikapakornkul and Francois Chevel to talk on the topics of the Economy of Photography, Photobook Making, Japanese Photographic Museum: Its Development and Art Practice, The New Digital Collecting and the Analogue Museum Collections by Ester Ruelfs and Photography's Value.

Reserve your seat at photobangkokfestival.com. Sep 13, 10am. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.

FIT BY TARA STILES

A half-day program of Strala Energize Yoga, conducted

by Tiffany Soi. The program includes a special exploration workshop, a healthy morning break and juice bar refreshments from the instructor's recipe book. Set to take place at the Conservatory area. Special packages include yoga session with afternoon tea (B1,400++) and a one night stay at W Bangkok (B5,600++) per person. Sep 12, 8am. The House on Sathorn, Sathorn Rd. B1,000-5,600. BTS Chong Nonsi.

COLLECTORS TALK

Discussions from four art collectors as part of PhotoBangkok Festival 2015. Guest speakers include Disaphol Chansiri (DCA Art Consultant), Opas Chantkam (OBK studio), Hossein Farmani (Lucie Foundation) and Petch Osathanugrah (Bangkok University). Reserve your seat at www.photobangkokfestival.com. Sep 12, 2pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.

BE GOOD

GETTING THINGS DONE: THE ART OF STRESS-FREE PRODUCTIVITY

Productive Plus, in collaboration with M Academy and Asia Books, hold a seminar/workshop featuring David Allen, an influential thinker in the area of personal productivity and one of the top five executive coaches in the U.S. (Forbes). He will be delivering his methodology on two days. Ticket reservation at www.productiveplus. net. Sep 14, 1pm; Sep 16, 9am. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok, 18/1 Sukhumvit 26, 02649-6666. B25,000.

SELF-PUBLISHING MONTH

The bar-slash-art space turns into a publishing studio for a month, open for public use to create your own zine.

There will also be a special drawing night. A Risograph machine from Rxxx Riso Print BKK will be available onsite. Through Oct 3, 5pm. Speedy Grandma, 672/5052 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859. Free.

One Young World Summit 2015

This year, Thailand has been chosen as host nation for One Young World Summit, the biggest annual global forum for young leaders that attracts over 1,300 participants across the world to develop solutions addressing pressing global issues. In the run-up to the main event, with the support of the Thai Social Enterprise Office, 100 young Thai nationals, aged between 18-30 years old, will be selected to take part in the special Thai Young Leaders Programme. Participants will be given advice from experts in sustainability and social entrepreneurship, get a chance to network with the new generation of change-makers, and receive a full sponsorship to represent Thailand at this year’s summit, where they will get to present their ideas on the world stage in the presence of Professor Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank.

To take part, interested parties have until Sep 13 to submit their application at bit.ly/1JSzulU. The program takes place on Sep 24-26, followed by the summit on Nov 18-21.

Stay up-to-date at www.fb.com/oywBangkok

100 Tonson Gallery is currently hosting a nine-month archival exhibition of Chatchai Pumpui, titled Sites of Solitude, which features his rarely seen self-portraits and still-lives. Part II of the exhibition, Celluloid Traces, which launched on Sep 10, also features the debut of three films by the Thai Art Archives that follow Chatcha's artistic development over several decades, giving the audience a glimpse into his creative life. The exhibition remains open through Jan 3, 2016.

BK Weekend www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters Our weekly e-newsletter with top stories and happenings around town

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

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now FREEWILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Brezsny

FILM Opening

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22): I hope it’s not too late or too early to give you a slew of birthday presents. Here’s your first perk: You are hereby granted a license to break a taboo that is no longer useful or necessary. Second blessing: You are authorized to instigate a wildly constructive departure from tradition. Third boost: I predict that in the next six weeks, you will simultaneously claim new freedom and summon more discipline. Fourth delight: Between now and your birthday in 2016, you will develop a more relaxed relationship with perfectionism.

NO ESCAPE (USA)

SKAMMERENS DATTER (DENMARK)

Action. Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson) and his family relocate to an unnamed Southeast Asian country only to be caught up in a violent political coup. Sep 10

Adventure. Dina is a young girl with the supernatural power to read deep into other people’s souls. When her mother is kidnapped and the throne to her homeland threatened, she steps in to uncover the truth behind a series of royal murders.

Sep 10

CUB (BELGIUM)

SPL 2 : A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES (CHINA)

Horror. Twelve-year-old Sam is convinced that during a scout trip in the woods he will encounter monstrous creatures, but he experiences even more than he bargained for. Sep 10

Action. A Hong Kong undercover cop finds himself in a Thai prison when his operation infiltrating a mafia gang goes wrong.

Under the watchful eye of Chai (Tony Jaa), a guard skilled in martial arts, escape seems impossible. Sep 10

Upcoming

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS (USA)

BURYING THE EX (USA)

Action. In this third instalment of the fantasy franchise, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gliders must escape the barren desert and uncover the truth about a virus that threatens to kill humanity. Sep 17

Comedy/Horror. Max (Anton Yelchin) finds it extraordinarily difficult to break up with his long-term girlfriend (Ashley Greene) after she rises from the dead wanting to maintain their relationship forever. Sep 17 MAEBIA (THAI)

Drama. Businessman Chanachol (Shahkrit Yamnam) travels to Suphanburi where he’s drawn to a beautiful, seemingly traditional-minded woman named Mekhala (Karnpitcha Ketmanee), but all is not as it appears. Sep 17

Free Screenings JAPAN FOUNDATION

THE FRIESE-GREENE CLUB

Movies are subtitled in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for September is Fly. Sep 11. We Shall Overcome Someday (2004): A Korean girl and Japanese boy try to overcome the barriers to their relationship. 10/F, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02-260-8560. www.jufbkk.or.th

The schedule follows a daily theme with 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.

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE

Movies are subtitled in English. Sep 13 and 15. Hannah Arendt (2012): This biopic set in the 1960s tells the story of the Jewish writer and philosopher who covered the war crimes trial of Adolf Eichmann for The New Yorker. Sep 13, 1pm at Thai Film Archive (Salaya), Phutthamonthon Sai 5, 024-822-013-14. Sep 15, 6pm at 2/F, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 022-146630, BTS National Stadium. www.goethe. de/ins/th/en/ban.html

Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Sep 16. A Castle in Italy (2013): A family of once-wealthy Italian industrialists struggle to keep their home as one of their members discovers a new love interest. Auditorium Alliance Francaise, 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02670-4200. www.afthailande.org

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GOETHE INSTITUT THAILAND

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): A “wheady mile” is an obsolete English term I want to revive for this horoscope. It refers to what may happen at the end of a long journey, when that last stretch you’ve got to traverse seems to take forever. You’re so close to home; you’re imagining the comfort that will soon be yours. But as you cross the “wheady mile,” you must navigate your way through one further plot twist or two. Be strong, Libra. Keep the faith. The wheady mile will not, in fact, take forever.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Trying improbable combinations is your specialty right now. You’re willing to gamble with blends and juxtapositions that no one else would think of, let alone propose. Bonus: Extra courage is available for you to call on as you proceed. In light of this gift, I suggest you brainstorm about all the unifications that might be possible for you to pull off. What conflicts would you love to defuse? What inequality or lopsidedness do you want to fix?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Is feeling good really as fun as everyone seems to think? Is it really so wonderful to be in a groove, in love with life, and in touch with your deeper self? No! Definitely not!

And I suspect that as you enter more fully into these altered states, your life will provide evidence of the inconveniences they bring. For example, some people might nag you for extra attention, and others may be jealous. And you may be haunted by the worry that sooner or later, this grace period will pass. I’M JUST KIDDING, SAGITTARIUS! In truth, the minor problems precipitated by your blessings won’t cause any more anguish than a mosquito biting your butt while you’re in the throes of ecstatic love-making.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): In this horoscope, we will use the Socratic method to stimulate your excitement about projects that fate will favor in the next nine months. Here’s how it works: I ask the questions, and you brainstorm the answers.

1. Is there any part of your life where you are an amateur but would like to be a professional? 2. Are you hesitant to leave a comfort zone even though remaining there tends to inhibit your imagination?

3. Is your ability to fulfill your ambitions limited by any lack of training? 4. Is there any way that you are holding on to blissful ignorance at the expense of future possibilities? 5. What new license, credential, diploma or certification would be most useful to you?

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The story of my life features more than a few fiascos. I got fired from my first job after two days. One of my girlfriends dumped me without any explanation and never spoke to me again. My record label fired me and my band after we made just one album. Years later, these indignities still carry a sting. But I confess that I am also grateful for them. They serve as antidotes if I’m ever tempted to deride other people for their failures. I hope that you, too, might find redemption in your own memories of frustration.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): It’s never fun to be in a sticky predicament. But the coming days could turn out to be an unexpectedly good time to be in such a situation. Why? Because I expect that your exasperation will precipitate an emotional cleansing, releasing ingenious intuitions that had been buried under repressed anger and sadness. You may then find a key that enables you to reclaim at least some of your lost power. The predicament that once felt sour and intractable will mutate, providing you with an opportunity to deepen your connection with a valuable resource.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): “More and more I have come to admire resilience,” writes Jane Hirshfield in her poem “Optimism.” “Not the simple resistance of a pillow,” she adds, “whose foam returns over and over to the same shape, but the sinuous tenacity of a tree: finding the light newly blocked on one side, it turns in another.” You have not often had great access to this capacity in the past, Aries.

Your specialty has been the fast and fiery style of adjustment. But for the foreseeable future, I’m betting you will be able to summon a supple staying power—a dogged, determined, incremental kind of resilience.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): “The fragrance from your mango groves makes me wild with joy.” That’s one of the lyrics in the national anthem of Bangladesh. Elsewhere, addressing Bangladesh as if it were a goddess, the song proclaims, “Words from your lips are like nectar to my ears.” I suspect you may be awash with comparable feelings in the coming weeks, Taurus—not toward your country, but rather for the creatures and experiences that rouse your delight. They are likely to provide even more of the sweet mojo than usual.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): There have been times in the past when your potential helpers disappeared just when you wanted more help than usual. In the coming weeks, I believe you will get redress for those sad interludes. A wealth of assistance and guidance will be available. Even people who have previously been less than reliable may offer an intervention that gives you a boost.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Why grab the brain-scrambling moonshine when you may eventually be offered a heart-galvanizing tonic? Why gorge on hors d’oeuvres when a four-course feast will be available sooner than you imagine? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, my fellow Crab, the future will bring unexpected opportunities that are better and brighter than the current choices. This is one of those rare times when procrastination may be in your interest.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): As I hike up San Pedro Ridge, I’m mystified by the madrone trees. The leaves on the short, thin saplings are as big and bold as the leaves on the older, thicker, taller trees. I see this curiosity as an apt metaphor for your current situation, Leo. In one sense, you are in the early stages of a new cycle of growth. In another sense, you are strong and ripe. This is a winning combination.

BK Magazine Friday, September 11, 2015

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