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BK MAGAZINE NO. 640 FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com
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Krungsri Simple
ดาวนโหลดงายๆ เพียงพิมพ Krungsri ใน
5/4/16 11:33 AM
page 3 What We’ve Learned
05 cover story
Food City
04 upfront
14 shopping
Patong Girl
Insta Decor 15 blends
18 bites
Fresh Brews
Just Like Honey
25 BK Now
25 BK Now
Kolour Your Weekend
Run For It
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 Writers Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Kankanid Mitrpakdee, Theerada Moonsiri Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dith Chang Deputy Art Director Panita Thiraphapong Senior Graphic Designer Chantich Kongchanmitkul Graphic Designers Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang,
Where to find us!
The Asia City Media Group
Parida Ritthiron Production Assistant Saranya Chawanrattanasakul Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Junior Sales Associate Kittiya Darachai Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Distribution Manager Suda Angsuputiphant
Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributor Kathy MacLeod Intern Joseph Lam Cover by Parida Ritthiron
Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia-city.com.sg
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang
Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
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You can’t keep a good chef down After a bike accident last October left him paralyzed from the neck down, we’re overjoyed to hear Water Library group executive chef Haikal Johari is on the road to recovery. The chef’s back with two “pay-as-you-wish” dinners at Seed (May 22) and Water Library Chamchuri (May 24), where all proceeds will go to a Thai public hospital. Of course, by the time you read this it’ll probably be booked-out: ow.ly/ T2g8300dZvX. The summer of pop is upon us First Selena Gomez (Jul 29), now Charlie Puth (Aug 12)— some of the rising names in pop music are heading our way. While the BK office is split on the actual musical merits of the aforementioned acts, we all agree it’s a nice change from Martin Garrix and co. headlining an EDM festival for the umpteenth time. Bangkok’s best (and only?) Indonesian restaurant has moved There aren’t too many places to grab a good nasi goreng or beef rendang in town, so we were shocked to find Rasa Khas’s thatched-roof abode behind EmQuartier all but abandoned. Thankfully, it turns out they’ve left Sukhumvit Soi 23 for a new home on Soi 22, and there’s also a new menu on the way. www.fb.com/RasaKhas BEAM is killing the competition EDM fans just can’t get enough of BEAM, the new club at 72 Courtyard, on Thonglor. In fact, some say it’s been leaving other players on the strip feeling empty and sad. If you haven’t yet been, there’s a White Eclipse party coming up on Jun 2, and you can get in for free by registering at www.whiteeclipseparty.com. We have a feeling it might get booked out pretty quickly given that they’re flying in Chinese progressive/house/techno duo JIN DJs. Rain is nice Bangkok was so hot this summer, you could make perfect slow-cooked eggs for your hipster brunch by leaving them out on the balcony for a couple hours. Now, it’s raining and temperatures are in the 20s. Yay! Death from cars skidding off slippery roads being less painful than being slowly boiled alive during your lunch break, we welcome this development and will proceed to completely ignore global warming until Mar 2017.
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 ©2016 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, May 20, 2016
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Whatsapp
Not: Instagram
What is up with that new logo? It looks like someone who drank too much bubble-tea posted on Instagram with the X-Pro II filter and then puked it up in iOS 9. Meanwhile, the ugly-as-eff interface of Whatsapp is our new favorite given that your conversations are encrypted, unlike LINE and Facebook, where your messages, or complete lack thereof, could land you in hot water with Dear Leader’s attitude adjustment squad.
INTERVIEW
Hot: Gelato
Not: Kakigori
Nothing quite says “Bangkok 2016” like a group of friends sitting in a circle shovelling into a shaved ice mountain (see cover story, page 6). Call us old fashioned but we still remember the days when icy treats weren’t precariously piled with Oreos, red bean and all the crumbs of dessert trends past. This summer, we’re more excited by Bangkok’s new wave of gelaterias, whether homegrown (Charoenkrung’s Gelato Finale) or imported from the motherland, like Ghignoni, who’s now popping up all over town (see page 19).
Hot: Upper Silom
Not: Lower Silom
So, Silom Road’s infamous night market is the latest to bite the dust as part of City Hall’s ongoing cleanliness and order campaign. Part of us wants to feel outraged along the lines of what we felt over Saphan Lek and Pak Klong Talad. But another part of us relishes the idea of actually being able to walk from BTS Sala Daeng to the much more exciting happenings of Narathiwas without losing an hour of our life. Not that we’d ever do that in this heat, of course.
Hot: Shuttle buses
Not: MRT Purple Line
The MRT Purple Line opens Aug 6, linking Bang Sue to Bang Yai, in Nonthaburi. There’s only one problem. Just like the Airport Link Makkasan Station fails to connect to MRT Phetburi, this new line isn’t connected to anything, really. The Taopoon station in Bang Sue is one kilometer away from the MRT Blue Line’s Bang Sue station. The MRTA has responded with plans to operate a shuttle bus between the two. Lovely.
Aisawanya “Amm” Areyawattana, 33, made history to become the first transgender woman to win a major European film award when she was named best actress at this year’s Grimme-Preis, one of the most prestigious awards in German television, for her role in the German-Thai feature film Patong Girl. BK chats to her about life behind the scenes and what the award meant to her. How did you get involved with the movie? I was contacted to audition by an agency that was searching for a transgender woman to play a role. I had some experience acting in the film The Last Song [2006], though I hadn’t pursued my acting career since. I was encouraged to act again when I learned the movie would try to build a better understanding of transgender people. What was it like to return to acting after a decade away? I was so overwhelmed by the fact that all the crew, including the director [Susanna Salonen], producer and screenwriter, were women. Working with them was so inspiring. They are so professional. They showed me that women can achieve anything. How did it feel to win the award? I was so excited! I was the only transgender in the gala. The award taught me there are no limitations. As a human, if you are talented and work hard enough you will be rec-
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What do you think about the status of transgender people in Thailand? It’s true that we get a lot of acceptance, but I don’t think society recognizes our real needs, especially when it comes to careers. Lots of my friends have been rejected from big companies simply because HR doesn’t want transgender workers. They are afraid we will tarnish their image. It’s ridiculous that these Thai HR people would think this way. Discrimination is one of the reasons I initially gave up my acting career, too. I was told there weren’t any roles for transgender women. So, what did you do after leaving acting? I’m an astrologer. It was destiny. Honestly, I had no interest in astrology at all. I was a mathematics and science student so I saw things logically. But after The Last Song, I
was having doubts about my acting career. Some friends in the entertainment industry suggested I go see Suchart Ratanasuk, a reputed astrologer who had the Ganesha Statue erected at Huay Kwang and the Trimurti Statue in front of CentralWorld. After I met him, he randomly asked me, “Are you interested in being an astrologer?” I was stunned but I began learning more about it and finally became an astrologer myself. Customers usually find me through word of mouth. Do you have anything to say to people who are skeptical about fortunetelling? I always tell my customers that I can only show them what their destiny can be and suggest the best ways they can attain it. No matter how good their astrological omens are, their life won’t improve if they don’t try their best to make an honest and fulfilling living. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
ognized for it. It is possible to look beyond gender lines. This award has been so liberating for me.
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@bkmagazine by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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cover story
Foodie Paradise Fifty reasons why Bangkok is the best food city in the world. By Oliver Irvine and Natcha Sanguankiattichai
The local young chefs doing amazing things with their cuisine
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There’s a whole new dynamic of excellent chefs out there venturing down the middle ground between fancy restaurant and laid-back drinking spot, taking the best quality Thai food out of old-school settings and making it fun, creative and accessible. Chef Thitid Tassanakajohn of Le Du (399/3 Silom Soi 7, 092-919-9969) and Baa Ga Din (26 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-6623813) and Napol Jantraget of 80/20 (1052-1054 Charoenkrung Rd., 095843-2056) are two of the names we love right now.
The unbeatable street food culture
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include the new venue of Dressed in Asoke (2/F, Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-258-2280), Phuket-born Dressed lookey-likey Farmfactory (2/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 063-2151015), and Absolute Fit Food Cafe (The Commons, 091-872-0885), which just opened its first cafe after years of delivery service. You can also head over to new player Brekkie (6/9 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-656-6141) for your dose of flaxseed, acai berry, chia seed and other such wonderful offerings.
The cool new Korean dessert cafes
Brekkie
Since the end of 2015, Bangkok’s been going bonkers over bingsu (Korean shaved ice). From the melon bingsu at Seobinggo (432 Siam Square Soi 7, 086-394-4245) to the mango bingsu at Elmar Offwhite (50/5 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 099-194-6169), there’s barely a neighborhood in town not selling it.
Just when we learnt what bingsu meant, along came the Japanese with their own interpretation of red beanpaste-topped shaved ice mountains, kakigori. Whatever. In this weather we can happily find an excuse to eat both. Here are the best: ow.ly/4n8EYL.
The all-you-can-eat hotel brunches
The extraordinary omakase experiences
Remember Sundays before wooden cutlery, Joe Sloane sausages and Ikea napkins? You’d go to a hotel, put up B2,000, plant yourself at a buffet till your pancreas said stop, then go home and spend the rest of the day wishing you hadn’t. Well, you still can. And here are the best places to do it: goo. gl/0tfJBZ.
The Chinese shophouse institutions
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We don’t reckon any amount of money can buy you tastier dishes than the ro a s t d u c k a t P ra c h a k ( 1 4 1 5 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-3755), the five-spice boiled-goose at Tang Hong Pochana (2/2 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-235-6362) or the crispy Chinese pork at Chuan Savoy (Silom Rd., left of Samai Suek Pochana, 02-235-1860). Rivaled only by 7-Eleven toasties (see no. 31) in their I-could-eat-this-everyday awesomeness.
The growing wave of health cafes
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Clean-eating freaks can have their fill— or at least their carefully controlled portion size—at any number of new places across the city. Our top spots for a bit of culinary self-punishment
The amazing sushi deals
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Bemoan the crappy produce, the taking up of the sidewalks, the less-thanoptimal sanitary conditions all you want—it doesn’t change the fact Bangkok’s streets are lined with some of the tastiest dishes in the world. Like at Nai Mong (545 Plubpla Chai Rd., 089-773-3133), where the hoy tod (oyster omelet) is a favorite of Thaifood master chef David Thompson. Or Som Tam Krok Yai (Silom Soi 20), where you’ll find some of the most delicious Isaan grilled meat in town.
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cafe. The ambitious project works kind of like a food court, only a really, really good one. Diners can order their favorite dishes from the various food kiosks to dine at the central communal area before heading upstairs for dessert and shopping. Round the corner you’ll also find 72 Courtyard (72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor]), a sleek concrete temple to the Sapparot restaurant group and all its delicious foodie hits like Lady Brett and Rocket.
The Japanese alternatives
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Nai Mong
Elmar Offwhite
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12 Sushi Masato
Baa Ga Din
Appia
80/20
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In Feb, the #1 spot at Asia’s 50 Best went to Gaggan (68/1 Lang Suan Rd., 02-652-1700) for the second year in a row. The molecular restaurant headed by chef Gaggan Anand consistently pushes boundaries by replicating bursts of familiar flavors in completely new formats. And he was joined in the list by three others: Nahm (no. 8), Issaya (no. 19) and Eat Me (no. 23).
The down-toearth Italian food
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Good food takes center stage at The Commons (335 Thonglor Soi 17), a new loft-like, open-plan community mall from Varat and Vicharee VichitVadakan, the siblings behind Roast
Line exists for more than just talking to your friends. Know which Japanese restaurants to follow and your mobile will buzz at all times of day with the latest slash-price sushi deals. Grab your phone and check what's got a 60-percent off at Sushi Hiro and Nippon Kai Market today.
The no. 1 restaurant in Asia
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Literally meaning “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, omakase sees diners entrust their dinner to the chef. Big names from abroad include Sushi Masato (3/22 Sukhumvit 31 Soi 1, 02-040-0015), Ginza Sushi Ichi (LG/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-250-0014) and Sushi Hinata (5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5935). Thais making their name in omakase include Wacharun Iamarramsak, chef-owner of In the Mood for Love (69 Ekkamai Soi 1, 02-392-8477); his previous team member Charoensri Somsook, chef of Mizu by Sankyodai (2/F, Charn Issara Tower, 942/43 Rama 4 Rd., 02-6326660.); Banphot Boonklom, chef of Umi (Piman 49, 02-662-6661); and Chaichat “Randy” Noprapa, chef of Fillets (Portico, 31 Lang Suan Rd., 02-041-6056).
The communal eating spaces that are reinventing community malls
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Paolo Vitaletti became one of the city’s favorite chefs in record timing when he broke the fussily plated norm of Bangkok’s hotel-dominated Italian food scene and drove it down the simple, rustic, home-style path of Appia (20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-2612056). In the years since, he’s perhaps become better associated with the pizzeria sensation that is Peppina (see no. 14), but still claims head chef rights to the menu of fuss-free pastas, rotisserie meats and unctuous stews at Appia.
The Middle Eastern and East African food at Sukhumvit Soi 3
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It’s not just about the Arabic food at places like Alif Laila (2/9 Sukhumvit Soi 3, 08-6835-9537, 08-7413-2933) and Shahrazad (6/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1, 02-251-3666). You can also find the delicious, criminally underrated Ethiopian mainstays of injera (flat sour bread), wat (meat stew) and tibs (sauteed meat and vegetables) at the n o t-to - b e - m i ss e d E t h i o p i a n Restaurant (Sukhumvit Soi 3, 084-9303250, 085-440-5428).
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Maya (Holiday Inn Sukhumvit , Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-683-4888) on the rooftop of Holiday Inn Sukhumvit was closely followed by the faultless tandoori grill-work and Indian-infused cocktails of Charcoal (5/F, Fraser Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111, 089307-1111), while most recently we’ve welcomed Punjab Grill (Radisson Suites, 23/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-645-4952), an Indian-born finedining chain which packs incredible flavor into every dish.
The old breed of super-cheap vegetarian Indian
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Head over to the Charoenkrung end of Silom and Surawong to have your fill of dosa and idli at restaurants like Akshaya (293/11 Surawong Soi Kamchai Iamsuri, 02-236-3733), Tamil Nadu (5/1 Silom Soi 11, 02-235-6336) and Shri Ganesha (392/23-24 Sukhumvit Soi 20/1, 02-651-1335), while the city also recently welcomed the controversial, India-wide vegetarian chain Saravanaa Bhavan (2/F, Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 02-635-4556, 02-635-4557)—more on that story here: ow.ly/4n6m25.
The barbecue joints
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Our money lies with the smoke-infused babybacks at The Smokin’ Pug (88 Surawong Rd., 083-029-7598), but we also love Lady Brett’s (149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405 and 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-392-7626) more refined, Euro-style take on barbecue that hints at smoky flavors rather than hitting you over the head with them. Over at The Commons you also have Meat & Bones (M/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 081-933-7143), while Bud’s BBQ (www.fb.com/buds.bbq. bkk.page) and Lady Brett-spinoff Smoked (098-252-4505) have taken their grills on the road.
The classic Thai restaurants in beautiful old houses
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For wonderful flavors and a sense of occasion, who can deny the exquisite colonial charm of Blue Elephant (233 Sathorn Rd. 02-673-9353) or the Thai antiques which brim from Ruen Urai (Rose Hotel, 118 Surawong Rd. 02-2668268-72). The Siam’s Chon (3/2 Khao Rd. 02-206-6999), meanwhile, is always worth a trip up river.
The local seafood
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Whether thrown in the deep fryer with a ladle of garlic, rubbed with salt and toasted on a charcoal barbecue, or simmered in a potent dressing of lime juice and chili, fish done Thai-style is always awesome. And then there’s the seafood fritters. And the fish cakes. And the fermented sauces. And the dips. And the somtams. We could go on. See some of our faves here: ow.ly/ GjDT3004sP3.
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The Isaan street food
The booming food truck culture
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Listing them all would take a whole other story, so for now we’ll just namedrop Laab Ubon (251 Sathorn Rd., 085981- 5041) for its offal-packed duck laab and juicy grilled beef. Argue over your favorites in the Facebook comments.
The super-fine-dining French restaurants
We still remember the first time we heard about a little red burger truck on RCA dishing out amazing burgers on the side of the road. Well, that little red truck was Daniel Thaiger (Sukhumvit Soi 30/1, 084-549-0995), the brand responsible for probably the biggest shift in Bangkok food culture we’ve ever witnessed—and it was still barely even three years ago.
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Eating at Le Normandie (The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoenkrung Rd.02-659-9000) still packs a sense of occasion that’s hard to beat: the dessert trolley polished to flawless shine; the maitre’d who regales you with the minutiae of every dish; the service staff who are the same today as they were 20 years ago. And then you’ve got the new boys: Savelberg (G/F, Oriental Residence, 110 Wireless Rd., 02-252-8001), J’aime (U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-1194899) and, of course, the two-time Top Tables-winning L’atelier de Joel Robuchon (5/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-0010698).
The egg-centric brunch cafes
The all-you-can-eat22 dim sum buffets For a sheer spectacle, nothing beats the red and black Chinoiserie chic of China House’s (Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000) B1,080 weekend brunch. But we’ll happily take the B429 all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet (11am-2pm daily) at Kowloon (G/F, Holiday Inn, 912 Silom Rd. 02-2380370), too.
The rooftop restaurants
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Rooftop restaurants used to define Bangkok high-end dining, and there still aren’t many cities out there with dinner views to rival those found at Park Society (29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000), Above Eleven (33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111) or Red Sky (55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255). It helps that we can totally vouch for the food at these spots, too.
The places taking steak really, really seriously
Soul Food 555
Savelberg
Banh Mi Bo
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This was perhaps the standout trend from the end of last year: restaurants whose menus offer little beyond huge
The mega-burgers
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Bangkok finally got the hang of the whole nice-tasting burger thing about five years ago (thanks, Iron Fairies) and hasn't looked back since. Now you've got khao soy burgers (Soul Food 555, G/F, The Commons, 335/1 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-101-4526), burgers that double as birthday cakes (Game Over Lounge, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-170-7684), and good-old, honestto-god stacks of meat and cheese (Brew Beers & Ciders, G/F, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366).
The 7-Eleven food
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If anything tastes better at 3am than a toasted hamcheese croissant, we’ve yet to find it. If it weren’t for a genuine fear of scurvy, we would quite happily live on barbecue pork salapao, wasabi peas, spicy footlongs and ice coffee so sweet it hurts your teeth.
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So many ways to start the day right! Do you want Scandinavian wholewheat chic at Rocket (149 Sathorn Soi 12. 02-635-0404; 1/F, Grease building, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-6626637; G/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 02-635-0404)? Or perhaps you’d prefer a full-fat hangover cure from Tribeca (Nihonmura Mall, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-9209). Get the full list of Bangkok brekkie spots at ow.ly/4n6wN3.
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The things we do with international fast food The Smokin' Pug
slabs of meat, ordered from the butcher’s window and cooked to perfection. On the “am I actually dining in a butcher’s?” end of the scale you have Arno’s (2080/2 Narathiwas Soi 20, 02-678-8340) and El Toro (519 Sukhumvit Soi 29, 02-662-2880). Il Fumo (1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-2868833), meanwhile, brought a touch of glamour to the concept—as well as a chunk of dry-aged Galician cow that tastes like the meat equivalent of Glenn Gould tapping out the Goldberg Variations. Perfection.
The uncompromising high-end Thai restaurants
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Nahm (Metropolitan by COMO, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388) and Bo.lan (24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-260-2961-2) still stand apart in their devotion to authentic Thai flavors, knowing the provenance of their ingredients— always used in-season—and making sure that the chefs dictate the meal.
The oozing, explosive 26 lava creations What’s not to like about cutting into two butter-and-sugar-drenched slabs of French toast to see a gooey, toxic orange filling of salted egg yolk? Nothing, that’s what. Find this particular delicacy at Chairman (2/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-
0426)—one of many places specializing in ooey, gooey, oozing treats. You’ll find the best of them here: ow.ly/ Sd223004t9F.
The desserts which are almost too crazy to eat
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Fact: we have never been to a city with more insane desserts than Bangkok. From Lukkai Thong’s (6/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02- 003- 6301) mountain of honeycomb and tapioca droppings to Shakariki’s (36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0927) parfait in the shape of a penis, our dessert-makers have the sharpest, most creative minds in the business. See here: ow.ly/4n8OU0.
The amazing banh mi sandwiches
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Thank you, Vietnam, for blessing the world with crispy, spicy, fragrant baguettes of deep-fried pork goodness. And thank you, Banh Mi Bo (Ellsie Boutique Mall, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 096-886-0052), Vietnamese & More (Rompo Mansion, 99/9-11 Thang Rotfai Khao-Saipaknam Rd., 02-671-9955), Banh Mi Ngo (Sukhumvit Soi 1101/1, 099-421 -6059), Banh Mi Crispy (W District, Sukhumvit Rd., 081-172-4918) and Eastbound (The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 098-253-9356) for bringing them to Bangkok.
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Thailand actually did the impossible: it improved upon the colonel’s secret recipe. KFC TH’s Wing Zab are an intoxicating blend of vaguely Isaan spices and MSG that knocks other fastfood fried chicken into the dirt. And that’s not the only time Thailand went rogue with an imported fast-food chain’s menu. Other notable highlights include McDonald’s “McPatongko” and every ramen chain’s tomyum-flavor ramen. ow.ly/EI1f3004tK8
The totally WTF uses of cheese
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Anyone who gives Americans a hard rap over the things they’ll do with cheese need look away now. The gyoza cheese blob at Teraoka Gyoza (G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7676) and tuna cheese waffle at Hashme (9:53 Community Mall, 124 Thonglor Soi 9, 02-662-4238) may not be pretty, but they sure are tasty. Go here to see all the weird, wonderful and debatably edible things this city has achieved with stringy molten chemicals: ow.ly/4n8YMz.
The crazy toast scene
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The art of toasting bread has been turned into exactly that—an art form— thanks to the dessert pioneers who man Bangkok's boondocks coffee shops. Want your toast died blue and topped with a freakish snowmanslash-scarecrow figurine made from ice cream? Min Cafe (Soi Kantana, Kanchanapisek Rd., 083-543-2631) has
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cover story you covered. Prefer toast that's hollowed out and stuffed with gooeygreen sticky rice? Simply head to Sweet December (098-584-2558). And that's just the start. Visit here and prepare to be mesmerized (slash slightly repulsed): ow.ly/4n9m2U.
The amount of Mexican restaurants we now have
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There was a time we got excited about Sunrise Taco opening. Well, just look how far we’ve come! It’s now the hottest foreign cuisine in town, from upscale offerings like La Monita Urban Cantina (6/F, The Helix Quartier, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036238) to the return of Bangkok’s original margarita-jug-maestros, Coyote (The Prime 11 Building, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3313). Then there’s Ari’s Casa Azul (2/23 Phahon Yothin Soi 7 [Ari], 02-619-5107), Koh Chang-hailing Barrio Bonito (The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 092-3315203), Nana’s The Mexican (Rajah Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 2, 094-3300390) and the new Tacos & Salsa (21/3 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-663-6366) before we even get to the food trucks and stalls. Take a deep breath: Tacos Factory (Sanannapa, Ari Soi 1, 086884-3720), Express Mexican Food (W-District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71, 093736-6727), Cactus (Suan Phlu Soi 8, 094 872 8501), Taco Taxi (In front of Ambassador Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 11, 086-787-8064), Ta’Cone (Tha Maharaj, 11/1 Maharaj Rd., 085-116-1222), Two Angels (www.fb.com/TwoAngelsTacos) and, the latest contender, Luca Thaiger (www.fb.com/lucathaiger) from the team behind burger truck Daniel Thaiger. (We’re talking under 12 months of openings here.)
The people taking their produce super-seriously
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Now we don’t just eat pizza. We eat 72-hour-rested, wood-fired pizza certified by some officious chaps in Naples (Peppina). When we eat waffles, we don’t just eat waffles. We eat overnight yeast-raised waffles for a crispier crust and light interior (Jona Waffle and Chu). And it’s not just the bakers who are at it. Sloane’s sausages come from pigs whose lives rank higher on the happiness index than yours does; Meat & Bones’ beef ribs get labored with more love and affection than a new-born baby; and Holy Moly’s pies—make that , “gourmet pastry parcels”— are so damn special they belong in a gallery.
The delicious vegetarian scene
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The meat-free scene has never been so vibrant. Thanks to the butter-averse peeps at Veganerie (4/F, Mercury Ville, 540 Phloen Chit Rd., 087-443-3728), we learned that desserts made without any dairy can actually taste good. Their efforts were recently followed up by plant-based vegetarian dessert cafe Patisserie Potager (111/1 Thonglor Soi 5, 095-962-0324)—and however horrible you think “plant-based vegetarian desserts” sound, think again. Meanwhile at Broccoli
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Revolution (899 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-5002) they’ve been doing their best to make vegetables as delicious as all our favorite full-fat comfort food.
The intense bowls of well-simmered ramen 38 If there’s better ramen out there than Bankara (Sukhumvit Soi 39) then we’ve yet to find it. But that’s just the tip of a wobbly, melt-in-your-mouth, 24-hour-braised iceberg. There are big chains headed by TV Champions (Chabuton, Siam Paragon; Ippudo, Central Embassy). There are dark holes in the wall where Japanese chefs shout aggressive greetings at you (Sendai Ramen, 43/1 Surawong Rd.). There are even explosive volcano-shaped bowls of ramen so delicious you don’t mind burning your tongue to eat them (Tonkotsu Kazan, 1 Patpong Soi 2, Surawong Rd., 02-238-5655).
The way casual rules
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Peppina (27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-119-7677) recently proved true to all its claims about serving genuine Neapolitan-style pizza when the boys from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana headed to town and gave it the thumbs up. If none of its everexpanding branches are near you, then also check out Il Bolognese (Sathorn Rd., 02-286-8805), Hot Wheels (www. fb.com/hotwheelspizzabkk), Sfizio (Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-262-0405), Pizza Massilia (15/1 Soi Ruam Ruedi, 02-651-5091) and Pala (BTS Asok, 02-259-1228).
The sublime bread and croissants
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In a blind taste test, the croissants of local baker Paris Mikki (Sukhumvit Soi 19) knocked the socks off competition from both big imported brands (Paul, Central Embassy) and artisanal expats (Amantee, 2240/12-13 Chan Kao Rd.; Maison Chatenet, 557 Sathu Pradit Soi 41). But truth be told they all tasted great—and same goes for the bread guys (Conkey’s, Pain Maison, Ciao Pane, Maison Jean Philippe).
The after-work izakaya scene
La Monita Urban Cantina
Bunker
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After the Robuchons and Sushi Ichis of 2014, things have gotten a whole lot more… relaxed. The restaurants most causing a stir over the past 12 months have been down-to-earth spots like Err (courtesy of the Bo.lan people; 349/35 Maharaj Rd., 02-622-2291), Baan (courtesy of the Le Du people; 139/5 Wireless Rd., 02-655-8995) and Baa Ga Din (courtesy of the Le Du people, again; see no.1). All of these places go in for classic, rootsy Thai flavors in some form or another—and serve up some excellent drinks, too. Even fine-dining megastar Gaggan has taken things down a notch with his latest , Meatlicious (Ekkamai Soi 6, 091-6986688), while Water Library tapped into its inner Opposite Mess Hall to give us Seed (Sukhumvit Soi 39, 099-2836363).
The awesome pizza
Veganerie
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Izakayas are Japanese pubs where pork cutlets, chicken wings and dodgy balls of battered mystery meat get
Suhring
Seed
devoured as quickly as the beer and highballs. Bangkok has loads of them. For some of the best deep-fried pork slabs in town, head to Katsu Shin (9/1 Silom Soi 6, 02-237-3073), or for somewhere with a touch more class, check out the tatami-floor vibe over at Teppen (14/2 Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-714-1412).
The open-all-night Chinese restaurants 43 You best arrive before midnight if you want to beat the overworked businessmen to a seat in Niyom (Silom Plaza, Silom Rd., 02-2340149)—a restaurant serving moo krob so delicious it sucks in all life from the half-dozen other restaurants in Silom Plaza. For an alternative dose of latenight indigestion worth the suffering, check out Liaoning (152/4-7, Silom Rd., 02-635-6536)—one of our writer's favorite restaurant in town (ow.ly/ f9zN3009HKU).
The new Spanish 45 restaurants The new barbecuing suckling pig restaurants you 48 At the recently launched open-air tapas bar and restaurant on Centara Grand's have to try that 55th floor, Uno Mas (54/F, Centara just keep on opening Grand at CentralWorld, 02-100-6255), they roast up Cochinillo suckling pig on a Josper charcoal oven. The beast comes served traditional Spanish style: halved down the middle, perfectly salted and permeated with the flavor of fresh rosemary. It's rich, fatty, crispy and a perfect match for 2-4 people— making its B1,490 price tag something of a steal. And they're not the only ones. Islero (Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-1688100) is a more premium affair, with a price tag of B3,900 for half a piglet (also cooked in a charcoal oven), while Nanglinchee's latest hot-spot, Thyme (411/2 Nang Linchi Rd., 02-678-1333), has suckling pig on the menu for just B520.
The very many The Michelin-starred 44 awesome different experiences OK, so the Michelin men may be yet types of noodle dish to visit our shores, but that doesn’t mean chefs from some of their favorite foodie haunts in other countries aren’t forever dropping by. Just this week alone we’ve got Emmanuel Renaut from threeMichelin-starred Flocons de Sel whipping up dinners of B8,500 (May 23-28) at La Scala (The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888), while over at La Vie (Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939) you can have seven courses by Stephane Buron of the two-Michelin-starred Le Chabichou for B6,000 (May 25-28).
torrent of places specializing in freshlypiped, Spanish-style dough snacks. Thonglor’s Dolly Churro Cafe (The Taste, Thonglor Soi 11), Siam Square’s Cielo Churros (Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd.) and Lad Phrao’s soon-to-open H e l l o C h u r ro s ( w w w. f b. co m / hellochurros) all let their churros do the talking on their own.
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We’ve got noodles made of rice to dip in crab curry, egg noodles floating with wontons in porky broths, flat noodles in electric pink bean curd soups, fat noodles, fried noodles, boat noodles, beef noodles, duck noodles and cup noodles.
The coming of churros
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Sure, we’ve been happily chowing down on our local pa tong ko for a long time, but there’s space for more than one kind of heavenly fried dough in our hearts (and bellies). This year’s seen a
We called Suhring (Yen Akart Soi 3, 02-287-1799) the hottest food opening of the year when it unlocked the doors to its charming Yenakart home. That lasted for all of about—what?—three weeks?—before Bunker (118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991) was here and we were once again crowing about “The year’s most important restaurant. Period.” And we stand by those claims! Fact is, a new restaurant which we genuinely believe is a mustvisit opens practically as frequently as we put out issues. That’s once a week, for those who forget we still do print.
The chocolate 49 meal you’ve always dreamed of For the closest thing you’ll get to jumping into a chocolate fountain in all your clothes, head to The Sukhothai’s Lobby Salon (13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888) on Fri-Sun, from 2-5pm; Sofitel So’s Chocolab (2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000) between 4-5:30pm on weekdays and 3-5:30pm on weekends; or Renaissance’s R Bar (Phloen Chit Rd., 02-125-5000) any hour of the weekend.
The people putting love into everything they cook
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Thanks kitchen-dwelling folks, you make all our lives a whole lot more worthwhile.
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6th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Celebrating Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel 6th Anniversary, our 6 chefs have specially crafted their own signature dish. Enjoy them with an assortment of tantilizing appetizers and seafood on ice along with international delights. Wrap up your Sunday brunch with an array of luscious desserts that will satisfy your sugar cravings. Everyone joining Sunday brunch from Now 19th June 2016 will get a chance to win 6 special prizes, including dining vouchers and night stay at our sister hotel under Marriott group! Lucky draw winners will be announced on our facebook fanpage on 26th June at 6pm. Sunday Brunch Buffet, 11.30 am - 3.00 pm, THB 2,400++ per person Flavors, M Floor For reservations, call 0 2125 5010
518/8 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok t. 0 2125 5000 renaissancebangkok.com renaissancebangkok renaissancebkk renaissancebangkokhotel @renaissancebkk
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TRUE MASTER OF MODERN THAI CUISINE
A hidden gem in the heart of Sukhumvit area
Leaf Thai Bistro is a modern Thai restaurant with authentic taste and modern dish arrangements. The restaurant is managed by a young ambitious chef with a restaurant experience in USA. and also known as an apprentice of Chef Chumpol - Iron Chef Thailand.
Address : 120/6 Sukhumvit 49 Klongtannuea Wattana 10110 (opposite Samitivet hospital Sukhumvit) BTS Thonglor
leafthaibistro
Opening from Tuesday-Sunday : 11.00-14.30, 17.30-22.30 Reservation at : +666-2048-8351, +668-9445-4554, +668-1969-1800
leafthaibistro
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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Monruedee Jansuttipan
CHIANG MAI
Wake Up Call Book a room at Nimmanheimin’s new N Chiang Mai (088-266-9331, goo.gl/21GwJ9) and you’ll be staying right at the heart of Chiang Mai coffee culture. The basic, raw concrete rooms sit above a cafe-slash-barbershop that deals in pan-roasted, honey-processed beans from Chiang Mai’s Om Koi district and Phu Rua in Loei, the coldest region of Isaan. Guys with tattoos and pompadours will also fix you a vintage hairdo at the attached barbershop, which will soon launch its own brand of water-based pomade. Rooms cost B1,100-B1,400 for a suite (sleeps three), and come with a free drink worth up to B60. Don’t miss the signature boozy coffees like Blackjack (an Americano with Jack Daniel’s and syrup, B120) and Johnnie Cocoa (Johnnie Walker Black Label and cocoa, B120).
Booked Out Chiang Mai’s first book fair launches at the end of next month, thanks to the Publisher and Bookseller Association of Thailand (PUBAT). Carrying on Bangkok Book Fair’s “Hope” theme, the Chiang Mai Book Fair #1 will squeeze 200 publishers into CentralPlaza Chiang Mai Airport (Mahidol Rd., 053-999-199) from Jun 25-Jul 3 for a week of shopping and talks. We don’t have the names of any of the guest authors yet, but watch their FB page at goo.gl/6VyBX5 to stay updated.
HONG KONG
The Force Awakens Star Wars fans get spoiled rotten at Hong Kong Disneyland (www. hongkongdisneyland.com) starting this Jun 11, when the theme park revamps its Tomorrowland zone into Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover. The old Space Mountain makes way for Hyperspace Mountain, where you can fly through a battle between X-wing Starfighters and TIE fighters; the Stitch Encounter stage show turns into Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, where young visitors get to swing light sabers at Darth Vader; and cafes start serving Star Wars wonton soups, Darth Vader burgers and Millennium Falcon fried rice. Hardcore fans can even book a Star Wars-themed room package at HK$600 (including exclusive Star Wars door sticker, slippers, bed runner and a themed chocolate and cookies set). Tickets cost HK$539 (B2,436) for one day and HK$739 (B3,340) for two days, but Thais get 25-percent off tickets prices when they show up with the whole family (two adults, one child or more) and a 30-percent discount on rooms. Fuji Rock Festival
FESTIVALS
Summer Sounds Japan’s festival season is coming up. That means you need to start planning for Niigata Prefecture’s Fuji Rock Festival 2016 (Jul 22-24, www.fujirock-eng.com), headlined by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tokyo’s Summer Sonic (Aug 1617, www.summersonic.com), where Beck and Arctic Monkeys are the star attractions. Tickets cost from B5,500 and B5,300, respectively.
Culture Capital Malaysia’s art mecca of Penang hosts the month-long Georgetown Art Festival (www. georgetownfestival.com) from Jul 29-Aug 28, where Dutch sculptor Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests will be the star attraction—giant, kinetic sculptures made from PVC skeletons and powered by the wind.
Advertise in our free guide to the best new openings in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui and more. Coming this September 2016. sales@asia-city.co.th Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th
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escapes Weekend Refresh Five sexy pool villas near Bangkok for you and your friends.
X2 Hua Hin Lebayburi - Pranburi Villa
Civilai Hill Khao Yai
Civilai Hill Khao Yai For when you need: A pool villa with stunning mountain views No beach is required when you check into this pool villa tucked up in the mountains of Khao Yai. Located on the outskirts of the vast national park, Civilai Hill Khao Yai is a young resort that offers the kind of pool villa you never want to leave. Though it only has one bedroom, the space is huge at 200 sq meters, featuring a Jacuzzi, oversized bed, traditional Japanese-style wooden bathtub and temperature-adjustable pool. We spoke to them and they say they’re happy to welcome parties of five—with a little added cost for the three extra people. Highlight? The Panoramic pool villa comes with irresistible Khao Yai valley views from your pool plus a barbecue garden that gives you girls a private space for sunset grill parties. Rates start from B15,000 090-972-7529, www.civilaihillkhaoyai.com
X2 Hua Hin Lebayburi - Pranburi Villa For when you need: A hideaway that’s luxurious but won’t break the bank Located a little out from Hua Hin city center, this stylish resort offers not only good-looking design but also a very private atmosphere and spacious outdoors area for some drinking by the pool. There are four separate villas on offer, each decked out under a different theme: the all-white and glass Mediterranean Retreat; the wood-
heavy pacific Hideaway; the Bali-esque Modern Tropical; and minimally-modern Scandinavian Vacation. All come with a huge living room, kitchen facilities and private pool that’s oh-so-perfect for cooking and chilling by the pool. Maximum eight people.
Tropicana Pool Villa Jom-Tien For when you need: A huge private space outside the Pattaya strip
V Villas Hua Hin
Located in the middle of Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Tropical Pool Villa looks more like a private residence than a resort. The four-bedroom villa offers 300 sq meters of space that can take a maximum of eight guests. Inside you’ll find a private pool, living area, indoor and outdoor dining areas plus a fully equipped kitchen. The biggest villa goes up to seven bedrooms for 14 guests.
For when you need: 5-star quality right in the middle of Hua Hin
Rates start from B36,900 for four bedrooms.
This private villa is located on Petchkasem Road—Hua Hin’s most prime spot for beachside accommodation and surrounded by seafood restaurants. Despite this, each pool villa offers a very private atmosphere, meaning you’re unlikely to be disturbed by any other guests. Options start from one-bedroom villas up to two- and three-bedroom spaces with a max capacity of nine people. All villas offer modern tropical design with a living room area and spacious garden with daybed and dining table—and you can easily party by the 9x3.75-sq-meter pool.
090-996-3455, http://www.tropicanapoolvillajomtien.com/
Rates start from B15,000 on weekdays and B20,000 on weekends (no breakfast included) 081-858-5939, hin-lebayburi
x2resorts.com/villas/hua-
Rates start from B20,479 for one bedroom villas and go up to B40,500 for three bedrooms. Only one extra person can be added to each room with a cost of B2,589. Reservation at 02-309-3939, www.v-villashuahin.com
Tropicana Pool Villa Jom-Tien
Tabaluga Pool Villas For when you need: A pocket-friendly getaway by the beach Moving closer to Pattaya city center you’ll find Tabaluga Pool Villas, which offers minimum two-bedroom rentals with a private atmosphere despite the prime location. The modern, white-washed villa with its wellequipped kitchen, private pool and outdoor space might look a little tiny, but open the sliding door and connect with the living room for the perfect pool party setting.
V Villas Hua Hin
Rates start from B7,500 for two bedrooms (max 4 people) up to B9,500 for four bedrooms (Max 8 person) 083-477-7768, tabalugapoolvillas.com
For the perfect weekend party, don’t forget the Lambrini Original Perry What is Lambrini? You might be familiar with sparkling white or rose wine as well as Champagne, but Lambrini Original Perry offers a new option for any occasion. Made from pear juice, the taste is sweet and fruity, while there’s also that added fizz to get your party started.
Brought to you by Lambrini
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The taste: From using different base juices, Lambrini creates a light body and sweet taste with a mild aroma of the pear on the nose, while the fair amount of bubble give a refreshing kick. The bottle is also easy to enjoy not just because of the taste but thanks to its light alcohol by volume of 7.5%.
How to enjoy: Lambrini is the perfect match for a girls’ house party—an essential bottle for your weekend getaway list. Chill the bottle to 2-3 degrees Celsius and serve straight in a wine glass or with ice to enjoy as a long drink. Get the bottle at: Order it on Lambrini Thailand Facebook page and get it within 3 hours.
Tabaluga Pool Villas
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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avenue FASHION
Back to Bangkok More and more Thai designers seem to be making a name for themselves abroad before turning their attention back home. Case in point: Soontaree “Angie” Balek’s brand Angelys Balek, which launched in New York. Now the designer is bringing her younger ready-to-wear line AB by Angelys Balek New York to department stores around our city. While the mother line is all about sophisticated style, its sister focuses on comfortable day-to-night pieces and swimwear. Currently, AB is available in two department stores— 2/F, CentralWorld and the Qurator Zone, 2/F at The Emquartier—with the mother line set to open its flagship store at the reopened Siam Discovery next month. angelysbalek.com
SHOPPING
American Brotherhood Good news for guys into that preppy Ivy League Look—there’s a more affordable alternative to Ralph Lauren. Founded way back in 1818, Brooks Brothers is as American as apple pie (despite now being owned by an Italian billionaire). Fanboys will say the brand’s pin-striped oxfords and seersucker suits never went out of style, but high-profile appearances in The Great Gatsby and Mad Men have helped confirm the legendary status. The brand has just opened its first flagship store in Bangkok at Gaysorn Plaza with another two counters at Siam Paragon and The Emporium. The signature polo button down oxford shirts start from B2,900, just a touch over retail prices in the States. 2/F, Gaysorn Shopping Centre, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1390. BTS Phloen Chit. www. fb.com/BrooksBrothersThailand
SHOPPING
Good Timing Launched in January, Parity is a new local men’s watch brand that goes for a minimal, sporty look. The brand’s debut Balance collection sees the Japanese Miyota movement housed inside a stainless steel case with a genuine leather strap available in seven colors including black, navy blue, caramel, greyish green and reddish brown. Water resistant to 5ATM. The collection starts from just B2,700 with free shipping worldwide. Check their Facebook for further discounts. Order online at www.paritywatch.com, www. facebook.com/paritywatch.
NEW SHOP
Portable Sound Premium Danish sound system brand Bang & Olufsen arrived in Bangkok last year with its own store in the luxury Gaysorn Plaza. Now we can also shop for the brand’s younger line B&O Play, which has opened two new Bangkok stores, one also at Gaysorn and another at The Crystal Veranda on Ekkamai-Ramindra. While the main store is all about striking, big-piece sound systems for your home, B&O Play specializes in on-the-go wireless speakers and headphones that still keep to the signature minimal design. Prices start at B12,250 for in-ear headphones and B10,500 for portable speakers. 1/F, The Crystal Veranda, Ekkamai-Ramindra, 02-515-0648 and 1/F, Gaysorn Shopping Centre, 02-656-1017
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ADVERTORIAL
WORLD OF WHISKY This Saturday May 21 sees the return of the annual World Whisky Day. For Bangkokians looking to celebrate, here are everything you need to know about your refined spirit.
1.BLENDED VS. SINGLE
The two most commonly used phrases in the world of whisky are “blended” and “single malt.” Blended whiskies are those made from a blend of several single malts, corn whisky and other other variations, while single malts are made exclusively from single malted barley. 2. BLENDING WHISKY IS AN ART IN ITSELF
People treat single malts as the pinnacle of whisky because they spend decades in a barrel to refine their taste. That’s true, but there’s also an art to creating the perfect blend. In fact, blended whisky is made with young single malts, which can be very rough and dry on their own. The blend master needs to combine those harsher tastes and create a beautiful balance. 3. SINGLE MALTS DON’T NEED TO COME FROM A SINGLE CASK
Why can single malts be so different when they’re poured using the same one ingredient? In fact, the phrase single malt refers to the use of a single malted barley, but it doesn’t have to be aged in one single cask. Single malts are actually a blend of various distillations from the same distillery, with spirits from different casks adding more depth to the flavor. 4. WATER AND THE BARREL AFFECT THE TASTE OF THE WHISKY AS MUCH AS THE MAIN GRAIN
5. OLDER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER 1889
The classic myth among people new to whisky is that the higher the number, the better the whisky. Often that’s true, but it doesn’t mean you should stick to only the longest-aged whisky. A good whisky is the bottle you enjoy the most. What you need to know is what direction a longer-aged whisky is going to take the spirit. Aged whiskies tend to be more mature, smoother and woodier, but if you like sharp, smoky and spicy flavors, you should probably look for something younger. 6. DRINKING NEAT OR MIXED DEPENDS ON THE WHISKY AND YOU
Everyone has different preferences. If you’ve got a nice bottle, try it neat, with a drop of water or with an ice cube—do anything that helps you get the most from the flavor. You can even mix it in cocktails, but do be discerning. Herbal classics like mojitos are for rum. Instead, go for something elegant like an Old Fashioned, and let the mix enhance the flavor of your bottle. 7. WORLD WHISKY DAY IS EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF MAY
Whisky Day, started in 2012, is a unique chance to see Scotch celebrated to its fullest at the best bars in your town. Here in Bangkok, some 40 bars are participating this year, many of which are rolling out special cocktails for the occasion. See page 16-17 for details.
This is quite similar to #4. Whisky makers actually don’t put their effort only into malting barley and other grains used in the production of the spirit. They also have to watch the quality of the water, weather patterns and what type of wood the barrel has been made from—all factors which are just as important as the grain.
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avenue HOME
Home Sweet Home
Cho. Craft
Nine local Instagram shops selling adorable home decor. by Vasachol Quadri
Ordinary Made
Letterland
Something Classic
Mininature
Zakka Zelect
Letterland
Ordinary Made
Cho. Craft
These black-and-white LED lamps featuring every letter in the alphabet will make your room instantly hip.
This zakka-style shop does cutesy objects like mini ceramic figures, tableware, scarves and iPhone cases featuring lots of adorable animals. Price: B250 for scarf
Spruce up your cactus collection with these metal-edged glass pots. The shop offers a variety of geometric shapes that also come as jewelry containers and lamp.
Shop at: www.instagram.com/ordinary_ made
Price: B3,200 for hanging lamp and B890 for plant pot
Price: Pre-order only at B1,200/letter, taking around 20 days before delivery. Shop at: www.instagram.com/letterland. Also available at Anyroom, The Jam Factory.
Mininature If you’re the type who likes to decorate your home with mini animal figurines, this is the shop for you. Aside from the faux animal heads made from wood and ceramics, they also sell snow globes and the odd piece of cute kitchenware. Price: B750 for faux animal wall decor Shop at: www.instagram.com/mininature
Wonderwall Studio This wall decor studio specialize in triangle-shaped pennant flags (think Wonderfruit). Send them the word you want to spell out, pick your fonts and color combos and they’ll do the rest. Great for adding a little camping-style color to your room. Price: Starting from B28/piece
Shop at: www.instagram.com/cho.craft
Zakka Zelect Colorful kitchen and tableware like ceramic plates, mugs and cooling racks, plus the likes of table lamps. Price: Starting from B490 Shop at: www.instagram.com/zakkazelect
Enlight BKK Decorative LED lighting that will add an enchanting touch to your bedroom or verandah (they’re waterproof). The triangle pyramid collection makes a nice gift while the Vincent glass dome works as a bedside table lamp. Prices: From B350-490 for the pyramid collection and B890-2,500 for the Vincent collection S h o p a t : w w w. i n s t a g r a m . c o m / enlightbkk
Something Classic This shop also offers transparent plant pots and table lamps, but their main focus is woodwork, from jewelry containers to table organizers and wall shelves.
Enlight BKK
Price: B950 for wooden wall shelf Shop at: www.instagram.com/somethingclassic
Dust & Test If you like minimally designed woodwork (think brands like Pana Object), check out this new name which specializes mostly in wooden table organizers in various shapes. Price: B350 for stationery holder Shop at: www.fb.com/dustandtest
Shop at: www.instagram.com/wonderwall.studio Wonderwall Studio
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bites & blends CAFE
White Sister Rain Hill’s much-loved American restaurant Shuffle has branched out to Central Eastville. Here, the name is slightly different, White Shuffle, and so too is the concept. Chef Krisada “Nick” Chintakananda’s New American cuisine remains the focus, but where the original felt like a craft beer-fueled, after-work hangout, this is more of an all-day affair. You can expect breakfast-y dishes like the light-yet-flavorful mashed avocado and ricotta on toast with beetroot puree (B250) and yogurt and house-made Thai-fruit granola (B170), plus buttermilk pancakes, salads, steaks and pasta. We especially like the thick-cut brioche French toast (B250), which is a decadent combination of fresh fruits, bacon strips and pecan caramel mascarpone cream. While beers like La Trappe, Brewdog and Weihenstephan (from B150) are available on tap, drinks are more centered on coffee and cold-pressed juices to match the cafe vibe. The medium-roasted house blend coffee starts at B80 while cold-pressed juice is B170/bottle. 1/F, Central Festival Eastville, Praditmanootham Rd., 02-553-6177. www.fb.com/ whiteshuffle
RESTAURANT
WHISKEY
BEER
Farm to Table
Going Green
All in the Head
Jeriko Van Der Wolf has left D’Ark and is now chef-partner at Cocotte, Sukhumvit Soi 39’s new rusticated steak and roast specialist. With its big, France-imported rotisserie set up in the middle of the open-plan kitchen, the restaurant serves up roasted chicken (B380), Australian wagyu tomahawk (B2,990/1.4kg), and Sloane’s pork chop (B380), for which the chef adds wood chips to the grill for a heady aroma. Another highlight is the Crispy Pig; tender-roasted pork belly with honey-beer glaze and caramelized apple (B440). Veggie lovers aren’t left out. The Happy Vegetables salad (B360) features 12-15 kinds of Royal Project vegetables, all cooked differently with cabbage vinaigrette. A deli kiosk highlights more than 15 selections of European cheese and meats. To drink, there’s a large selection of wine (starting at B190 by the glass) and cocktails (B220-340). G/F, 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 092-664-6777
Here’s a quick overview of the Johnnie Walker range: Red is for buying because you can’t afford anything better; Black is for mixing with soda; Gold is for making premium cocktails with; Blue is for savoring on its own. The brand has now released a new color to the Bangkok market: Johnnie Walker Green Label. This one sits between black and gold but, unlike other JW drinks, is blended exclusively from single malts in a bid to make a cut-price Scotch you can drink neat. The taste has that rich sweetness you get from a good Islay, but there’s also a little of Johnnie Walker’s characteristic smokiness. We’d say it’s nicer than Glenfiddich’s 12 YO, not as nice as their 15 YO—which makes its price of B1,899/75cl kind of a bargain. Find it on supermarket shelves.
Following the success of Chalawan and Chiang Mai beers, Thailand’s craft brewing scene has welcomed another legal bottle, Stone Head. These guys have been brewing and researching since 2015 and now they have set up a brewery in Cambodia to produce four beer types, which they can then ship legally back to Thailand. The first batch is not available at any bars in Bangkok yet, but you can order it from Wishbeer (www.wishbeer. com). The Blue Butter Fly Pea wheat beer, 7 Days Belgian-style witbier, Koh Kong pale ale and Tire weizenbier all come in at B160/330ml bottle. Orders on this first lot can be made through Jun 25. www.fb.com/StoneHeadBeer
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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blends
Whisky Wonders To celebrate World Whisky Day on May 21, Bangkok’s leading bars have introduced some special whisky-based cocktails to enjoy until the end of June. Here are the nine new drinks you need to try right now.
Track 17
Bamboo Bar
1. Cole Porter (B415)
4. Sawasdee (B320)
7. Santa Maria (B280)
This luxurious-looking drink is named after the 1920s Broadway composer and inspired by his lively number, “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love,” written in 1928. The drink is based on burnt honey-and-butter-washed Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve infused with fig and aromatic spring herbs, served with ice cubes in a rock glass half coated with bee pollen.
The Thai restaurant known for pouring whisky cocktails which make us of fresh local ingredients presents a Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve drink featuring almond-flavor amaretto liqueur, mango, orange, lemon and syrup served with crushed ice and garnished with cherry, cinnamon stick, lemon peel and mint leaves.
If you love whisky and are also a fan of spirit-forward cocktails, you shouldn’t miss Vogue Lounge. To celebrate this occasion, the bar picks Singleton 12 Years Old mixed with Mancino Bianco vermouth, Burlesque Bitters and grapefruit bitters served with an ice ball in a rock glass garnished with an orange twist.
Get it at: Osha Thai Bangkok, 99 Wireless Rd., 02-256-6555. Open Sun-Thu 11am-2:30pm and 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2:30pm and 6-11pm
Get it at: Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am. BTS Chong Nonsi
5. The Il Fumo (B420)
8. Smoky Pineapple (B650)
Get it at: Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar, Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-168-5152. Open daily 11-1am. BTS Phloen Chit
2. Smoked Julep (B590) For an elegant twist on the classic Mint Julep, bourbon is replaced with Talisker 10 Years Old single malt Scotch whisky for a warm and smoky touch on top of the dried-fruit sweetness. Added to it are ginger syrup and mint leaves. Get it at: Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am and Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. Live jazz at 9pm daily
3. Co-co, Who’s There? (B495) This Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve long drink is the perfect summer refresher. The base whisky is mixed with fresh young coconut juice, Tahitian lime juice, cold-press pineapple and vermouth blanc for some spicy and herbal notes. It’s served on rock ice topped with Mombasa ginger beer, a pineapple chip and fresh thyme. Get it at: St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Rajadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. Open daily 9am-1am. BTS Ratchadamri
This brand new luxury cocktail bar comes courtesy of the mastermind behind one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Vesper. Here they use Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve as the base spirit mixed with Islay’s Lagavulin single malt, Licor 43 liqueur and Spanish wine Pedro Ximenez. Get it at: The Bar at Il Fumo, 1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833. Open MonSat 6pm-1am and Sun 6pm-midnight
6. Bobby Burns (B330) Track 17 is a cocktail bar styled after a vintage train carriage that dedicates its list to forgotten classic that you’ve probably never heard of. Bobby Burns is basically the sibling of the famous Manhattan, replacing American whisky with Scotch. Here, the bar uses Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve as the base spirit, mixed with house-made vermouth and DOM Benedictine. Get it at: Track 17, 2/F, The Commons, 355 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-101-4525. Open daily 6pm-midnight
Vogue Lounge
Oskar
Savelberg French fine-dining restaurant has looked up things which are classic and easy to drink to celebrate this special event. We pick their Smoky Pineapple, which has a base of Talisker 10 Years Old single malt mixed with smoked pineapple juice and lime juice served in a rock glass. Get it at: Salveberg Thailand, Oriental Residence Bangkok, 110 Wireless Rd., 02-252-8001. Open Mon-Sat noon2:30pm and 6-10pm
Osha
9. Bloody Sand (B230) You may have heard of the Blood & Sand cocktail, one of the few classic drinks to be based on Scotch whisky. Here, Oskar bistro plays a little bit with the cocktail to create the Bloody Sand special, which features Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve mixed with Aperol and blood orange. Get it at: Oskar, 24 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-255-3377. Open daily 4pm-2am. BTS Nana
Il fumo
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blends
Godfather
Zuma
The Bar at The House on Sathorn
Levels
Hunts Eatery & Bar
Backstage Cocktail Bar
Rabbit Hole
Still thirsty?
On top of the above highlight cocktails, you can also celebrate this special event at these outlets below The Bar at The House on Sathorn 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-3444000. BTS Chong Nonsi Woo Bar L/F, W Hotel Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-3444000. BTS Chong Nonsi Aqua at Anantara Siam 155 Rajadamri Rd., 02126-8866. BTS Ratchadamri Tales of Gold Mine 1/F, Groove@CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1270. BTS Siam/Chit Lom Zuma L/F, St. Regis, 159 Rajadamri Rd., 02-252-4707. BTS Ratchadamri
Copper Restaurant. 2 Soi 5 Pracharatbumpen Rd., 02-691-1688 Mango Tree Surawong 37 Soi Tantawan, Surawongse Rd., 02-2362820 Stone House Bar & Bistro 61 Langsuan Soi 2, 02650-4780 Sleepless Garden 32 Rama 9 Soi 49, 086626-6410
Club 99 Winebar & Restaurant 2/F, The Nine Centre, 999/4 Rama 9 Rd., 02716-7801.
Park Society, Sofitel So Bangkok 29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000
Backstage Cocktail Bar L/F, Playhaus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-7125747.
Pink Tender 22 Bang Na-Trat Soi 23, 02-396-0244
Hotel Muse 55/555 Lang Suan Rd., 02-630-4000
Mango Tree Bistro Mega Bangna L1/F, Mega Bangna, 39 Moo 6 Bangna-Trad Rd., 02-105-1712
Godfather 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605674. BTS Phloen Chit
Bitterman Sala Daeng Soi 1, Silom Rd., 091-740-6486. BTS Sala Daeng
Roadhouse Barbecue 942/1, Rama 4 Rd., 02236-8010
Salt and Pepper 7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 094249-0409. BTS Siam/ Chit Lom
Einstein Cafe 2/F, The Nine Centre, 999/4 Rama 9 Rd., 087812-1000
Minibar CafĂŠ 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605610. BTS Phloen Chit
Sugar 37 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02651-1836. BTS Nana Level 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082308-3246. BTS Nana
Dexter Cafe & Bar 56-58 Sathorn Soi 8, 02-636-6222. BTS Chong Nonsi Hunts Eatery & Bar 159 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 095-464-4611. BTS Thong Lo Ifitis 17 Thonglor Soi 23, 094449-4426. BTS Thong Lo
Rabbit Hole 125, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-969-1335. BTS Thong Lo The Garden 1217/2 Sukhumvit Rd., between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61, 02-714-2112 The Older 212/5 Phahol Yothin Rd., 087-511-4466. BTS Sanam Pao The Owls 39/9 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02391-4509 The Owls Society Sukhumvit Soi 61. BTS Ekkamai
Drink Responsibly www.DRINKiQ.com BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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bites
OPEN DOOR
Honey Thonglor’s Seenspace gets the all-day diner it’s been missing. The buzz: Not long after Roast closed its original venue to open up at The Commons, a partner of Ekkamai’s Hugo restaurant and bar teamed up with his sister to take over the spot on Seenspace’s second floor with another all-day brunch cafe. The decor: In keeping with the name, the warm and open space follows a honey theme that’s established through the use of light wood, copper lamps, and yellow upholstery and cushions. Adding to the imagery are honey dipper door handles, hanging outline lamps and a wall bearing a beehive pattern.
porate honey in many of the dishes like honey-glazed chicken wings (B160), honey Caesar Parmigiano crisp salad (B240) and the chicken waffles (B380), which sees croissant waffles and crispy fried chicken served with honey ginger sauce. There's also a range of open-face sandwiches. Using homemade rye bread, sandwiches come topped with the likes of peach, Parma ham and goat cheese (B250), crabmeat and salmon roe (B290) and avocado (B250). On the sweeter end, try Honey Bun, a Danish roll topped with ice cream and berries (B240).
cocktails like Queen Bee’s Split (honey whiskey, orange and rosemary, B300) and Honey Bee’s (gin, honey and rose tea, B300). Teetotalers have plenty of choice, too, including the Manuka Honey Toddy (warm honey drink with passion fruit, served in a moka pot, B150) and Iced Honey Camouflage (herbal tea blended with honey, B120) on top of coffee (from B80) and its cold brew (B120).
The food: The cafe rolls out easy bites ranging from wild mushroom soup (B160), seafood salad (B220) and pasta (B220-340) to breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict (B250). They also incor-
The drinks: One of 2016 Diageo World Class bartender competition finalists, Suchada “Fahbeer” Sopajaree (also of Hugo), is behind the lively drink list here. You’ll note the use of honey in signature
2/F, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2826. Open daily 9:30am-10pm. www.fb.com/honeythonglor
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Why you should care: Honey combines style and substance for a satisfying brunch experience in a familiar setting. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Joseph Lam
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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Cafe Chili
Sun Street Panini
Ghignoni
Hong Bao
NEW AND NOTED
Taste of Tuscany Right across from Phra Sumen Fort, Sun Street Panini (Phra Athit Rd., 082-454-8884) is one seriously cute Italian restaurant. Florence-hailing chef Spartak "Luca" Gjoni whips up home-cooked, Tuscany-inspired dishes like lasagna duck sauce (B250) and, our favorite, calamari ripieno, which sees stuffed squid with homemade sausage, boiled egg and parmesan cheese, cooked in tomato sauce (B230). The chef makes his own sausage, porchetta, bread (try it in one of the paninis, B150-190) and tortelli (stuffed pasta, B265-290). Finish your meal with tiramisu (B105) or apple cake (B90).
Saeb Saeb Emquartier’s eighth floor has a new Isaan arrival. Like its Siam Paragon sister, Cafe Chilli (8/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6291) serves Northeastern Thai food amid a chic contemporary decor. Offerings range from staples like somtam
TABLE TALK
(B130) and tomsaeb (spicy soup with pork, B230) to twisted fare with premium produce like diced salmon laab (B250) and Australian beef namtok (B350).
Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-3565, 092-273-5242. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-10pm
Cold Snap
You’ve probably already seen Hong Bao’s hypnotic orange swirled buns on your favorite social media platform. This lava salapao, a colorful bun filled with molten, salty duck egg yolk, may be the headline dish, but there’s no shortage of winners at the always-packed Chinese restaurant. Reserve a table and bring the family for a dim sum feast, while keeping your eyes on the menu for specials and out-of-the ordinary fillings in the rolls and bao buns.
Ghignoni, the Italian gelateria that opened at Emquartier late last year, has wasted no time expanding around Bangkok. The gelato shop has just popped up in two quite unlikely locations: Silom's Thaniya Plaza (1/F, Soi Thaniya) and Siam's Platinum Fashion Mall (6/F, 222 Petchaburi Rd.). Established in 1981 by Palmiro Bruschi, who would later win the title of Italian Champion Ice Cream Maker in 1994, Ghignoni was one of the first gelaterias in Tuscany's Upper Tiber Valley. The gelato is made fresh daily using the same traditional methods as in Italy, boasting no coloring or preservatives in flavors like pistachio (made with real Sicilian pistachio), ricotta, pineapple and orange chocolate. Prices start at B89 for two flavors. Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers Get 15% discount on food only (Today – 30 Dec 2016)
and Carl Dixon
To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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bites & blends market + Events
La Scala Scarlett
CHEESE MASTER From May 9 -24, France’s official cheese ambassador Gerard Poulard returns to Scarlett with more than 100 varieties of French cheese. Grab the chance to talk cheese and let the master tailor your cheese plate to your taste. Expect cheeses like Couronne Lochoise, Le compostelle, L’olivet foin, Taupinette Jousseaume, Rigotte de Condrieux and more.
The Bar
CHEF EMMANUEL RENAUT VISIT
CHAMPAGNE & OYSTERS
From May 23-28, chef Emmanuel Renaut from three-Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel Gastronomic Restaurant in Megeve, France, visits La Scala to showcase his creative dishes. Set lunch is priced at B4,500 while set dinner B8,500 per person.
Enjoy unlimited Moet & Chandon Champagne with four oysters at B3,990 every Thu from 7-9pm at The Bar. The House on Sathorn, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000
The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888
37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991
Medini
MAY SPECIAL LUNCH Tables Grill
SAN PELLEGRINO MASTER CLASS Chikalicious
Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from the free BK Now app
RESTAURANT WEEK
A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants
Ce n t ra l C h i d l o m a n d Ce n t ra l Embassy roll out restaurant deals and activities from May 12-31. Phloen Chit Rd., BTS Chit Lom/Phloen Chit
As part of the Fine Dining Lover Guest Chef series, San Pellegrino brings chef Kirk Westaway from Singapore’s modern French restaurant Jaan (#11 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant 2016). Tables Grill hosts his dinner (B5,800/person inclusive of Bellavista sparkling wine) on May 25-26.
Throughout May, Medini offers buffet lunch at B499 net per person every Mon-Fri from 11:30am-2:30pm. The Continent Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686-7000. BTS Asok
New Venues
Grand Hyatt Erawan, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-6250. BTS Ratchadamri
BKmagazine.com/TopTables
Gelato Finale
GELATO FINALE Charoenkrung’s new gelato cafe serves up more than 20 flavors.
J’aime
LOBSTER SPECIAL
La Vie
J’aime presents a special seven-course menu of lobster dishes at B3,199 through May 21. U Sathorn, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, 02-119-4899. MRT Lumphini
INTERN WITH US! (EDITORIAL, MARKETING AND ART DEPT.)
You must be at least 18-years-old You must send in a cover letter and resume. Specify which department you are applying for. Open to Thai and foreign nationals (for Marketing, Thai national only).
Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000
Internships are full-time, unpaid and last 3 months. Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601
Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th
RETURN OF THE CROWNING TOUCH This May 25-28, La Vie welcomes back chef Stephane Buron of the two-Michelin-starred Le Chabichou in France. His seven-course set dinner is priced at B6,000 net per person (B2,000 extra for wine pairing). Vie Hotel, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939. BTS Ratchathewi
Diplomat Bar
Bunker
BUNKER Carved out of concrete comes this contemporary take on classic dishes. 118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991
Deals
CAVIAR MARTINI NIGHT
KEEP CLAMS AND MUSSELS ON
This May 27 from 7-9pm, Diplomat Bar offers free-flow Beluga vodka and G’Vine gin martinis along with five different olives, lemon and caviar. B4,000 per person.
The World features special clam and mussel dishes on its buffet offerings every Monday dinnertime. B1,890 per person (B2,190 with free-flow wine).
Conrad, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999. BTS Phloen Chit
Central Grand at CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. BTS Siam
ENDO SUSHI Osaka’s fish market restaurant has opened in Bangkok. 2/F, The Taste Thonglor, Thonglor Soi 11, 02-712-5211
Credit card/Debit card payment accepted
THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 20
20-26 Charoenkrung Soi 46, 02-237-6815
Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
Uchidaya Ramen HHHH Japanese. 23/12-13 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-2377365. Open daily 11-2am. BTS Sala Daeng. No corkage charge. BB
This Yokahama-hailing chain doles out the kind of full-fat tonkotsu ramen that’s more typical of Southern Japan. It’s not the most mind-blowingly umami of versions, but we’ve had our share of decent bowls here in Thaniya (there’s another branch on Sukhumvit Soi 39). The pork-bone broth is definitely on the intense side of things, as in the salty, sharp and starchy tokusei ramen (B280) or the fiery “red” ramen (spicy miso, B220). The thick-cut pork belly tends to be a little dry for our tastes, but they make up for it with four hearty slices plus a generous amount of nori. We do like the noodles, available in two sizes, which are nice and chewy. This led us to believe the tsukemen
Calin Cafe HHHH French. G/F, Eight Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-586-7305. Open daily 8am-11pm. BB-BBB. Corkage B400. F
Stepping inside Calin Cafe, you’ll be struck by the resolutely European vibe: lots of dark oak, a classic black and white checkered floor, striped awnings and marble table tops. Aside from the Paris-evoking decor, the staff are all spruced up in black vests with bowties, and an on-site bakery reveals bakers preparing your bread through a glass window. The boulangerie specializes in house-made croissants and brioches. Though the plain croissant (B60) didn’t win our recent blind taste test (see ow.ly/ HgUU300en0R), the almond option (B85) is a real winner; its buttery layers hiding a satisfying aromatic almond paste. The brasserie offers all- day breakfast highlighting the likes of oeuf en cocotte (baked egg, B180-240), croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich, B240) and the excellent egg Benedict with
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.
(dipping ramen with cold noodles, B270) would be a wise choice. We’re a big fan of this dish, especially Bankara’s incredible v e r s i o n , b u t U c h i d a ya ’ s i s u t t e r disappointment. Available in “only” 20 servings a day, the lukewarm soup here is even more viscous and oily than the regular bowls of ramen, boasting a sickly sweet flavor that makes it a challenge to finish. While we’re used to the noodles being cold or room temperature, on our last visit the accompanying chicken slices were frosty as if plucked straight from an ice-cold fridge. We can’t recommend this dish. Elsewhere on the menu there’s a surprising range of salads, but we’d also suggest steering clear of the izakaya staples like karaage (deepfried chicken, B100) and gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings, B100). Overly-spiced and slightly stale-tasting, the karaage is rather more reminiscent of KFC than we’d care for, while the rubbery, under-filled gyoza are a lifeless affair. This den-like Silom restaurant tends to be pretty bustling at lunch time on weekdays, but this is one occasion we’re entirely not siding with the salarymen. Uchidaya does a solid if heavy-handed bowl of ramen, but this is Silom—home to Ramentei, Ippudo and a half-dozen impressive alternatives—so why settle for less?
smoked salmon and zucchini (B260), which comes with a perfectly-poached egg plopped on a hand-sized brioche. There are plenty more French classics on the menu, like the piping hot, thick mushroom soup (B240) served in a bowl that’s topped with puff pastry. You’ll also find appetizers like frog legs (B390) and pan-fried foie gras (B590) and mains like duck confit (B420) and beef bourguignon (B620). We enjoy the perfectly-poached sea bass and clam a la nage (B420) served in flavorful broth with some veggies. On the other hand, the nicoise salad with seared tuna (B280) and wholewheat pasta with mushroom, cherry tomato and chili (B280) are pretty bland. Dessert is a house-made affair, dominated by puff pastry-based items like croissant pudding (B140) and crispy strawberry mille feuille (B180) as well as brioche perdue (brioche French toast, B200). On our last visit the staff couldn’t give us a clear answer as to what the fromage blanc with mango sorbet (B260) actually is, but after tasting the uninspired panna cotta-like dessert, we’ll just order the mango sorbet (B130) on its own next time. Given its relaxing atmosphere and reliable breakfast-y dishes, Calin Cafe makes for one solid all-day brunch spot.
Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.
Symbols
H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music
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now SAT Singles Going Steady
Mika Stetsovski
Single people unite this May 21 at Single Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in the country. After traveling all around Thailand, the music has finally landed in Bangkok at BITEC (88 Bangna Trat Rd.), where three massive stages will host 17 hugely popular bands including Big Ass, Potato, Stamp, Getsunova, Lomosonic, Sqweez Animal and 25 Hours. Tickets are B599 at www.zaapparty.com.
SAT Urban Bohemia Bangkok’s version of Wonderfruit returns this May 21 with the biggest edition of Kolour in the Park yet—and just before the rainy season hits. Starting off at Viva Aviv (B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd.) the daytime riverside party promises flowing drinks, food and, of course, quality tunes from DJs Borish Rubin, Koish, Sunju Hargun and more. Don’t run out of steam too quickly, though, because the party continues after sundown at Live RCA (RCA, Rama 9 Rd.) where DJs Coran, Mendy Indigo, Dan Buri and more will take the stage. Tickets are B300650 at www.ticketmelon.com.
FRI No Words SUN Run Rings One of the city's biggest running events, Singha Bangkok 21K 2016, returns this May 22, when nearly 3,000 athletes of all ages will take on the challenge of 5km, 10.5km and 21.1km distance runs on the grounds of Suan Luang Rama IX Park (Sukhumvit Soi 103). Register at bit.ly/1NEU1r2. B300-700.
It’s all about the best talents in the world of mime this May 20-22 and 27-29, when the Kon Rak Mime Festival takes over the stage at Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus, 12 Phra Chan Rd.). The international theater festival has invited the best performers from Germany, Japan and Thailand, including Milan Sladek, Kita Kyoichi and Paitoon Laisakul, for nine days of collaboration and performances that promise to be both entertaining and emotional. Tickets are B600 from Thaiticketmajor.
SAT Women on Film The first installment of this year’s Cinema Diverse series kicks off this May 21, when director Soraya Nakasuwan hosts the screening of Patricio Guzman’s The Pearl Button (Chile, 2015) at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (939 Rama 1 Rd.). The series is a collection of bi-monthly film screenings where five acclaimed female Thai directs are invited to select international films, each of which will be followed by a post-screening discussion and director Q&A session. Entry is free.
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now NIGHTLIFE
LIVE MUSIC
Flure
Chrome Sparks
Alexi Delano
Flic Flac
DCNXTR
SKELETON LOVES CUPCAKE
FLIC FLAC
The Vietnamese alternative metal band make their Bangkok debut with local opening acts Street Wreck, Rocket Science and Triggs & The Longest Day. May 20, 8pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B300 (includes one drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.
Keven Richi and Max Gain, the DJ duo best known for their popular deep and tropical house remixes, make their Bangkok debut. May 27, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B500.
SIGNAL FLAIR: LOOK OUT
BLACK AMBER JAM SESSION NO. 2
A night celebrating Bangkok's independent performing art talents, featuring a live art installation from artists Hannah Theodorou and Sazibimol Nipatkusol, a film screening of the 2011 action film Limitless, spoken word poetry and stand up comedy performances, plus live music from DCNXTR, Unda and The Voodoo Asylum. May 21, 7pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B300500 (includes one drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.
A night of live jazz music from Danny Euprasert (piano), Noppadol Tirataradol (bass), Chanutr Techatananan (drums) and Polwit Opapant (saxophone). May 24, 8:30pm. Black Amber Thonglor Social Club, Thonglor Soi 6, 092-276-2772. Free.
KOLOUR IN THE PARK REUNION
The team behind Bangkok's Kolour parties return for another huge event, this time spanning across two venues for both daytime and nighttime dancing, eating and drinking. Expect DJs Alex Fischer, Koish, Boris Rubin, Sunju Hargun, Coran and Dan Buri. May 21, 2pm. Viva Aviv, B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd., 02-639-6305. B300-650. ALEXI DELANO
The DJ whose sets involve a mix of house beats and dark, minimal techno makes his Thailand debut with support from DJs Sunju Hargun and Dogs on the Turns. May 21, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086614-3355. Free. MRT Sukhumvit. DEEP HOUSE BROTHERHOOD
Deep house and hi-tech soul from DJs Nat King Soul and Raman Roch. May 21, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. KONTRABAND
The monthly bass music night returns to Ekkamai's underground dance bar, with bass-heavy music including hiphop, dubstep, techno, drum 'n' bass and more from DJs DeLorean & Azek, Will and MC Roka. May 21, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090-528-4646. B200 (includes one shot). DIMITRI VANGELIS AND WYMAN
The Swedish progressive house DJ duo make their Bangkok debut with tracks like "Empire" and "Hold On." May 26, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-3083246, 095-248-3897. B300 (includes one drink). BTS Nana.
24
INHALE
DJs Sunju Hargun, Coran and Zig Zach take over the decks with their best tracks. May 27, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. B350 (includes one drink). MRT Sukhumvit. AXTONE STAGE EXCLUSIVE LIVE IN BANGKOK
One of the main party stages at the world-class music festival Tomorrowland makes its way to Bangkok, featuring quality music from ten DJs including Dirty South, Kryder, Shapov, New D and more. May 28, 5pm. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B2,200. BTS Chit Lom.
PLASTIC SECTION
The rock band celebrates its latest album, Frenzy in the City of Hell, with a pre-party. Three-hundred limited-edition CDs will be available at the event, after which you can purchase the album online and on vinyl later in the year. Support from psych rock band Strange Brew. May 21, 8pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-835-6824. B250 includes one drink.
YAAN
The band dedicated to experimenting with new sounds using various acoustic instruments from around the world performs live. May 25, 9:30pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. FLURE
The rock band known for their popular albums Tales and Vanilla perform some of their hit songs live, including "Ruedoo Tee Chun Ngao" and "Kon Tee Ror Yoo." May 28, 10pm. Older, 212/5 Phahon Yothin Rd., 087-5114466. B200. BTS Sanam Pao.
STAGE PERFORMANCES
opera SURIYOTHAI
HAVAIANAS BEIJOS SUMMER
Brooklyn DJ Chrome Sparks takes over the Bangkok stage with his electronic and chillwave tracks, accompanied by local all-girl rock band Yellow Fang, electronic dream-pop band DCNXTR and more. Away from the music, there will also be an outdoor cinema screening Hollywood blockbusters. May 28, 8pm. Makkasan Airport Link Station, B800.
Black Amber Jam Session No. 2
The Opera Siam Ballet International dancing troupe presents an opera and ballet performance retelling the popular tale of Queen Suriyothai and her battle with the Burmese invaders in 16th century Siam. May 27-29, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B600-3,000. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.
theater KON RAK MIME FESTIVAL Suriyothai
TRASHER X SHARK X ZEN: BITCH YOU BETTER WORK IT WORK WORK WORK IT OUT
The party team celebrates the music of powerful women in the entertainment industry, like Rihanna and Beyonce. Dress code is work clothes and uniform. May 28, 8pm. Zen Event Gallery, 8/F, CentralWorld, 4, 4/5 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-100-9999. BTS Chit Lom.
An internationa festival dedicated to mime, featuring some of the best performers from Germany, Japan and Thailand, including Milan Sladek, Kita Kyoichi and Paitoon Laisakul. They'll be collaborating over the nine days in this unique set of performances that combines humor, technique and emotion. May 20-22, 27-29, 7:30pm. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd., 02-613-3333. B600 from Thaiticketmajor. LONG
Long
Democrazy Theatre Studio presents a collection of five performances exploring the themes of love and obsession from five different directors. May 26-Jun 6, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4 Rd., 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B550. MRT Lumphini.
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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now ART EXHIBITIONS
SPORTS
A VIEW FROM THE EDGE
LIFE FORMS: NEW WORKS IN WOOD
Associated Press photographer David Longstreath hosts an exclusive showcase of his works from the past 45 years capturing historic events including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the death of Pol Pot and Mother Teresa's funeral. May 27. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoen Krung Rd. MRT Hua Lamphong
Artist and designer Nucharin Wangphongsawasd presents her latest woodwork pieces inspired by how natural life takes forms in repetition, multiplication and division. May 19-30. Serindia Gallery, Room 3101, 3201, OP Garden, 4-6 Charoenkrung Soi 36, 02238-6410.
The Rainbow Run
GARMIN BLUE RUN
A half marathon (21km) and a mini marathon (10.5km) along the riverside. Register at www.shutterrunning.com. Jun 5, 5pm. Rama 8 Bridge, B500-700. BANGKOK LIFE ASSURANCE HALF MARATHON 2016
The city's biggest life insurance company hosts this annual half marathon to promote healthy living, offering distances of 21.1km, 10.5km and 5km. Register at bit.ly/1VUDx53. Jun 12, 5:15am. Suan Luang Rama VIII Public Park, Arun Amarin Rd. B300-500. THE RAINBOW RUN
Organized by The Rainbow Room Foundation and Punky Runners, this charity run aims to spread positive awareness about people with special needs in Thailand, offering 2.5km, 5km and 7.5km distances. Register at bit.ly/23nY2aH. Jun 12, 5am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B350. MRT Lumphini MAKING SMILES CHANGING LIVES RUN 2016
MOTHER NATURE
ODYSSEYS
Eight artists including Nukoon Panyadee, Watcharin Rodnit, Jason Tamthai, Sudrak Khongpuang and Arisara Caroline Faulder explore the theme of nature in various styles and media ranging from surrealist paintings to abstract works. May 15-Jun 10. Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Sathorn Soi 11.
Photographers from the Agence France-Presse present their coverage of refugees and migrants across the world, ranging from Greece to Syria to Thailand. Through May 29. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium
A charity run to raise funds for the Operation Smile Foundation which provides cleft lip operations for children around the country. Offering 10km and 5km runs. Register at bit.ly/1s46eko. Jun 12, 6am. Rama 9 National Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103. B500. BKK MARATHON FUN RUN A 6km fun run through the city's Old Town. Register at bit.ly/23M5FI3. Jun 12, 6am. Giang Swing, Bamrung Muang Rd. B200. SUPERSPORTS 10 MILE INTERNATIONAL RUN 2016 The sports brand organizes its fourth annual run to promote healthy living, offering 10 miles, 5 miles and 2.5 miles. Register at supersports.goodsportsthailand.com. Jun 17, 5am. CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom. FAT RUN A fun run to promote healthy living and exercise for beginner runners, offering a distance of 5km. Register at bit.ly/1WtwMsF. Jul 10, 6am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B500. MRT Lumphini.
SALES & MARKETS MAP WEEKDAY POPUP
The shopping and activity-filled festival returns, this time giving shopaholics a destination to go shopping after work on the weekdays. Expect plenty of food and clothing brands including Koo's, Lemon Me Farm, Mayumi Kani, Three and many more to take over the grounds. May 23-27, 10am. United Center Building, 323 Silom Rd., 02-231-1003. BTS Sala Daeng.
WHY NOT Spend the Night Retro Gaming
BOOK SALE
Map Weekday Popup
The Neilson Hays Library holds a used-book fundraiser promising thousands of high-quality English and Thai books from just B20. Away from the books, expect food from Hot Wheels Pizza Truck and the Garden Cafe, as well as a children's craft activity area. May 28, 9:30am. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731. THE GLASS BY ART BOX
After a short break, Bangkok's biggest container market returns with stalls selling clothes, food, drinks and hand-made items. Through Jun 19, 5pm. The EmDistrict, The Emquartier and The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong. NEON FEST
The Glass by Art Box
The new container market promises a massive 931 booths that combine eating, drinking and shopping in one place. Special events like concerts from Tattoo Colour, Singto Namchok and Lipta, plus plenty of other surprise festivities. Open every Thu-Sun until Jul 1. Through Jul 1, 5pm. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT Lumphini.
Once a month, homey bar-slash-art gallery Jam hosts a night dedicated to playing retro video games on consoles like Dreamcast, Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn and more on the big projector screen. Back by popular demand, this May 28 sees the third edition of the Street Fighter Night challenging you to unleash your special moves in games including Street Fighter II Championship Edition, X-Men Vs Street Fighter, Street Fighter II and Street Fighter III.
Entry is free and players are welcome to bring their own consoles with Street Fighter games. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. BTS Surasak.
BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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now FILM Opening
TERD (THAI)
PANDEMIC (USA)
Drama. The story of the origins of Menora, a traditional dance performance popular in Southern Thailand, and the way that it has evolved alongside modern Thai culture. May 19
Action/Sci-Fi. A rescue team (Rachel Nichols, Alfie Allen) is sent to search for survivors after a horrific zombie battle wipes out Los Angeles. May 19 X MEN: APOCALYPSE (USA)
Action/Sci-Fi. Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the first mutant on Earth, creates a new world order by awakening and recruiting other mutants including Magneto (Michael Fassbender). It’s up to Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) to stop them. May 19
Upcoming
Bastille Day
BASTILLE DAY (USA)
DEMOLITION
Action. A young con artist (Richard Madden) and a former CIA agent (Idris Elba) team up on an anti-terrorist mission on the French National Day. May 26
Drama/Romance. While grieving the death of his wife, Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal) calls up a vending machine company to complain, only to be passed onto customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts), with whom he begins a new relationship. May 26
MONEY MONSTER (USA)
Crime/Drama. After losing everything on a bad stock tip, an aggrieved investor (Jack O’Connell) holds a Wall Street guru (George Clooney) and TV producer (Julia Roberts) hostage. May 26
Now Hiring
Demolition
IF CATS DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD (JAPAN)
Drama/Fantasy. A young man discovers that he is about to die from a terminal illness and is offered a chance to extend his life if he chooses something from the world to disappear. May 26
(USA)
ELVIS & NIXON (USA)
Drama. The untold story behind the famous photograph of rock ‘n’ roll icon Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) meeting President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey) at the White House in December 1970. May 26 WARCRAFT: THE BEGINNING (USA)
Fantasy/Action. Threatened with extinction in their dying home of Draenor, a tribe of orc warriors flee and invade the peaceful land of the humans, Azeroth. May 26
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
• MARKETING MANAGER • MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE / MEDIA SALES MANAGER
This May 21, Bangkok Open Air Cinema hosts a special night to pay tribute to the late music and fashion icon Prince with a screening of his seminal 1984 movie, Purple Rain. The film follows The Kid (Prince), a Minneapolis musician for the emerging band The Revolution who uses music to help him through the troubles of his family life. After starting a relationship with a singer (Appolonia), the musician seems to be on the way to success until rival Morris begins to steal both his spotlight and his girl.
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Door opens at 5:30pm, movie starts at 7pm. B300 entry includes popcorn and one drink. RSVP at events@thehive.co.th. Bangkok Open Air Cinema, The Hive, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062
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5/16/2559 BE 5:32 PM
5/16/16 5:54 PM
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OFFICE for Rent – 18,000 THB – 100 m2 in Soi 33 of Sukhumvit 107 (Bearing), 3 km from Bearing BTS station. Unfurnished office space 18,000/month or furnished 21,000.00/month, ample parking, CCTV, 1 new aircon pre-installed. The office has a separate entry and is situated on the 1st floor (2nd floor for Americans) Available immediately. Please contact Paul on 0816338468 or Thapanee 0814023918.
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Requirements -Bachelor’s degree in a related field -1-5 years experience in journalism or copywriting
You: - Love to go out and explore your city - Can’t stop writing (and have the samples/blog to prove it) - Are a digital native Requirements -Thai national -Bachelor’s degree in a related field
To apply send (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with your (3) salary expectation to jobs@asia-city.co.th. For more information, see http://bit.ly/1TZ2GLO BK Magazine Friday, May 20, 2016
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