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it's free! Hold down the fort
BK MAGAZINE NO. 644 FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com
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lida thavorn,
ittikul
page 3 06 cover story
Phra Athit Revisited
04 upfront
12 avenue
Farmer in the City
Chinatown in Bloom 13 avenue
18 blends
Best Barbers
Ask a Bartender 27 BK Now
Battle of the Chains
Art in Town
Who's in charge? 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 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, Parida Ritthiron
Where to find us!
The Asia City Media Group
Production Assistant Saranya Chawanrattanasakul Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul
Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung
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 Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen
Contributor Kathy MacLeod
Account Manager Suda Angsuputiphant 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
Interns Joseph Lam, ThaksapornThiengthamcharoen, Nicha Patradhilok, Wannakarn Opassatien, Nitchakan Chaoratanapisate, Chalida Dansuanyai, Wongsatorn Prasertthavorn, Noppanut Kraithong, Jirakun Nimmakulvirut, Lattaphol Rungsittikul, Suwalee Wangsaengthong Cover by Panita Thiraphapong, Wariya Whangwaewklang
Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia-city.com.sg
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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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Ayutthaya can be saved by dodgy photoshop skills An initiative to revamp the streets of Ayutthaya proposed by half the business leaders in Bangkok shows dreamy boulevards alive with flourishing plantlife and happy, non-sweaty people. Problem is, they don’t feature much actual development. The odd old person paddling a canal boat and colors boosted to levels not witnessed since The O.C. do little to disguise the fact that the new scenes are exactly the same as the old ones. Judge for yourself at goo.gl/QVRTuW. Train travel is about to get a teeny weeny bit quicker The State Railway of Thailand just purchased 115 new train carriages to run on the upgraded “express” line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. You’ll definitely still need those comfy beds, too, as officials say journeys will be slashed from 12 to—fingers crossed—nine or ten hours. Yeah, we’ll be sticking with AirAsia.
19 bites
Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon
What We’ve Learned
facebook.com/bkmagazine
Even starchitect Duangrit Bunnag can’t avoid Bangkok kick-backs Last weekend, we met up with renowned architect Duangrit Bunnag at the motorcycle festival he organized with Rubbers magazine at Lumphini Square. Duangrit was like a little kid, offering that we ride his bike and insisting we go on a lap to show it off. That was until some guy without a uniform turned up demanding Duangrit pay him B390,000 or “suffer the consequences.” In the words of Duangrit: “This is not normal.” In the words of everyone else: “Oh, yes it is.” Isoc hopes to kick some puny NGO butt Allegations of torture and abuse within the army were met with swift legal action this week. Swift legal action against the NGOs who made the allegations, that is. True to past military form, the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is suing three NGOs for documenting 54 cases of suspected torture of ethnic-Malay Muslim insurgent suspects. Read the report (Thai only) here: goo. gl/4HF2Ok. Root Garden is set to disappear Thonglor’s urban farming dream is over. The patch of land on Soi 3 which for the past year has been used by Root Garden to grow vegetables, look after chickens and host dodgy folk music performances is moving out. There’s no new location planned yet, but you can join them for one last night of wavy-haired guitar music this Jun 18. Visit www.fb.com/Rootgarden.thonglor for updates. Madeleines may be the next macarons While we’re still enjoying the ever-expanding colors of macarons, Fauchon is bringing another French pastry into the 21st century. On top of the classic genoise batter sweet, the French cafe now offers a range of flavors like blueberry, chocolate, caramel, orange and honey.
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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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upfront Andy Melton
HOT OR NOT
Hot: Ben & Jerry’s
Not: Matcha ice lollies
chien than
Spare a thought for our friends in the country. Never will they know what it’s like to go into their local 7-Eleven and buy a matcha green tea ice lolly imported from Japan. That’s right. Turns out it’s only Bangkokians who’ve been deemed worthy of that particular treat—something that’s not gone down well with the provinces (see page 19). Don’t anyone let them know then that matcha ice cream went out with the Fjallraven bag now that Ben & Jerry’s is here. Whoopie!
Hot: Staying home
Not: Restaurants
Consumer confidence fell for a fifth straight month in May and our restaurateur friends are all in agreement: Times are very, very tough for the F&B industry right now. Support your nation! Go have a drink. Have a bite. Have another drink. It’s what Prayuth would want.
Hot: Jim Collins
Not: Long Island Iced Tea
Freepik.comn
For this week’s booze story on cocktails bartenders hate (see page 18), it took some prodding to get anyone to say anything but Long Island—rivaled only by whiskey on the rocks with no ice as a drink they really, really wish you wouldn’t order. Cocktails are for savoring, not getting trashed, they tell us. We beg to differ, but still we’ll be sure to order a double Collins like good customers next time we’re at ToT.
Phayap Plienthai, 57, is a farmer in Khlong Sam Wa, a district of Bangkok where people still grow rice in the city. As the capital faces its worst drought in two decades, we caught up with him to discuss how farmers can get by in times of water shortage. How will you make it through one of the biggest droughts? The drought situation has been getting worse every year since 2012. I have always listened to the government’s advice on water management: if they tell us not to grow, I don’t. So I stopped growing rice off-season in 2013 and have instead been growing Japanese melon because the price is good. I knew nothing about it but in the first year I had just 40 melons left over out of 300. The following year I tried a new method and managed to grow 400 melons out of the 700 I originally planted. These days I can grow about 600 melons and harvest all of them. How does the value of growing melons compare to rice? I sell melon at B15 per kilogram. I invest about B5,000-B6,000 in each crop and sell for a total of around B50,000. This year I grew two crops. So yes, it’s better than growing rice.
Hot: Digital Economy Not: ICT Ministry and Society Ministry This September, our incompetent and archaic ICT Ministry, whose only real grand plan of late has been the single gateway fiasco, will be replaced by an equally incompetent organization with a new name. How will it reconcile “promoting the digital economy” and crackdowns on the likes of GrabBike? Stay tuned.
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
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INTERVIEW
If it’s better why don’t you stop growing rice altogether? I’m a farmer. It’s my profession. And we all eat rice including me, so what’s the point in buying other farmer’s rice if I can grow my own? I also don’t trust other farmer’s rice, since mine only lasts three months after hulling—think how many chemicals must go into
bags of rice on supermarket shelves for them to sit there for so long. What’s your secret to success? Learn by doing and adapting quickly. I worked in a factory for 16 years before I became a farmer. I was promoted to supervisor because I learned quickly. My factory sent me to Japan for three months of training. They dismantled a machine and my task was to put it together again over the next three months. I did it in one week. I used to spend a lot of time strolling around farms. Farmers have taught me that if you want to do something, just go ahead and do it and then learn from the results. In the early ‘90s I was bored of my working environment in a factory so I decided to quit and become a farmer, like my parents. It was hard work, which is why I didn’t follow them initially, but now there is good equipment to help farmers with their work. How did you get back into farming? It’s in my blood. I have been growing rice since I could walk. All my savings I would spend on machines like tractors that cost B200,000. I used to grow rice three times a year and sell it at private mills. But after I calculated the money, I realized I was only making B50,000 per year. The cost of fertilizers and machinery meant I was barely breaking even. We needed to change
our methods and grow higher quality produce, so several years ago I formed a group with my farmer friends to sell seeds for growing rice. Now I can sell at B20,000 per ton while the market price is only B7,200-B8,000 per ton. Two decades after you left the factory, are you happy with that decision? I can proudly say that I made the right decision. If I still worked in the factory, I might get B1 million when I retire, but life there was not happy. My parents never saw my face and I spent my time getting drunk after work. I run the risk of being bitten by snakes working in the rice field, but I’m definitely happier than I was as an employee as I have more time with my family. Does it feel strange being a farmer in the city? People in the city might view me as poor as I still have debts, but I feel they are poorer than me. I have land but they don’t. My oldest daughter has told me she wants to study agriculture and I’m really happy about that. I told her that if you want to be a farmer, you are luckier than most because you have land from your parents that most other agriculture students could only dream of. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan
by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
BK Magazine Friday, June 24, 2016
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cover story
Back to the Pier Around the corner from backpacker central Khao San, Phra Athit Road has never been more happening. Here’s where to eat and drink. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Eat WING N THING This eatery takes pride in two things: fried chicken and gin. The kitchen rolls out sets of crispy fried wings (starting at B160 for six pieces) with a choice of eight dipping sauces, from Jack Daniel’s barbecue and cheese to Thaiinspired basil caramel, tom yum mayo and “chili from hell.” Pay an extra B40 for sides like hash brown, onion rings or mashed potato. Other stuff on the menu includes New Orleans wings (B160), bacon grilled cheese (B190) and tom yum kung thin-crust pizza (B300). The bar's focus on gin results in refreshing cocktails like the Master Peach (B200), a blend of gin with peach schnapps, syrup, lime juice and a dash of bitters, served with popcorn. They also serve imported beer like Brewdog Punk IPA (B250) and Brother's cider (B250). 086-605-0158. Open Tue-Sun 4pm-1am. on.fb.me/1Oz3WhQ#sthash.u4aRYwWf.dpuf
ESCAPADE A strong contender for the best and most cintroversial burgers in town, Escapade is crammed into a tiny shop-house with an equally petite garden out the back. As well as burgers, mixologist Karn Liangsrisuk and chef Chalermpon “Van” Rohitratana whip up some strong and creative milkshakes and cocktails. Pull up a stool at the tiny bar and ask for the newest ingredients or latest homemade liquors. Try the Quarter Cow (two beef patties, two slices of cheddar cheese with truffle sauce). Be prepared to meet some new friends, as diners practically sit on top of one another. Note that while you can still order classic cocktails and boozy shakes, many of the bottles have now moved to Rarb (see right). 087-363-2629, 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 12pm-midnight
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RARB This latest opening by the same duo behind Escapade has replaced the glass box that used to be Foong. It’s now a fun, compact space with a bit of a construction site feel—stickered and sprayed zinc roof sheets and bare, cracked concrete. Here, the focus is on the well-stocked bar, with a short list of rotating cocktails and customized drinks as highlights. Inspired by the food you can find in traditional larb restaurants, chef Van plays with Thai dishes that draw on his Isaan roots and countrywide research.
Joy Luck Club
www.instagram.com/rarbbyescapade
PEEPS THAI EATERY
Wing n Thing
Sisters Nisarat and Panida Traitrongsat brought back restaurant experience from New York to open up this friendly eatery. Named after the first restaurant they worked at in the Big Apple, Peeps serves up comforting Thai and Western food with a few twists. The highlight dish is the spicy and herby pad Thai tom yum kung (B135; B220 with river prawn), a combination of two Thai classics. Other offerings include chicken breast with sweet and sour mango sauce and salad (B180) and barbecue pork chop (B195). Also try the signature mango beer (blended mango puree with local beer, B160). Vegetarian versions of all dishes are available, too. 089-674-6309. Open Mon-Thu 9am-8:30pm; Fri-Sat 9am-9:30pm
Sun Street Panini
Sheepshank
SHEEPSHANK
Peeps
SUN STREET PANINI
Homey, 20 years old, and run by a family who’ve filled it with their personal collection of old records and toys, there’s a lot to like about Joy Luck Club. The menu, while not strictly vegetarian, has got a wide range of healthy, meat-free dishes. One of the newer items here sees a fusion of Indonesian soybean and syrupy Thai sweet-spicy sauce joined by diced pumpkin, carrots, mushrooms, green peas and onion (B140)—simply some of the best tempeh we’ve tried.
This restaurant is set in what was once an old boatyard right by Phra Athit Pier, and you can still see remnants of this former life, in the form of the old pulleys, crates and buoys that adorn the dining area. Having debuted as a New American diner, Sheepshank has since taken a more European route with its new menu. Helmed by chef Somkiat "Joke" Pairojmahakij, of Seven Spoons, it’s no surprise you’ll find Mediterranean dishes like stuffed squid with turmeric paella and steamed razor clam with white wine. They also serve a decent selection of wines and craft beer.
Right across from Phra Sumen Fort, Sun Street Panini is one seriously cute Italian restaurant. Florence-hailing chef Spartak "Luca" Gjoni whips up home-cooked, Tuscany-inspired dishes like lasagne 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 delicious tiramisu (B105) or apple cake (B90).
02-629-3112, 086-081-4433. Open daily 11am-midnight
02-629-5165. Open Tue-Thu 5:30pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 5:30pm-1am. www.fb.com/Sheepshankpublichouse
082-454-8884. Open Wed-Mon noon-10pm. www.fb.com/sunstreetpaninibkk
JOY LUCK CLUB
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
Le Petit Pumm
GENIUS PLANET AT CENTRALWORLD
TK Park
Mothercare
Mothercare
H
ave fun and get your creative juices flowing with your favorite munchkins. Not only is CentralWorld home to the most desirable toys, from drones to action figures, but it’s also a place for kids to create and learn, be it with musical instruments or the multimedia resources at the TK Park knowledge center.
Toys R' Us
Toys R' Us
Yamaha
Le Petit Pumm
Yamaha
Le Petit Pumm offers a wide selection of babies' clothing and accessories from casual (and adorable) to luxurious, special occasion attire. They are also the exclusive stockists of Disney-princess inspired party dresses. If all this sounds like a bit much, the 'GEOMETRIC' collection’s black and white-style should please little ones with more conservative tastes. 6/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1021. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Located on the same floor of Genius Planet, the Japanese instrument maker’s space is dedicated to concerts, education and a selection of beautiful instruments. Yamaha is the leading music school for both kids and adults, with levels ranging from basic to advanced. With 31 curriculums, Yamaha definitely has one of the widest offerings, too. 6/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252 0131-3. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Mothercare
TK Park
Mothercare is a one-stop store packing all the maternity equipment you’ll ever need, from bathing and feeding gear to car seats and pushchairs. The store also offers casual clothing for both mothers and kids. The new summer collection has hit shelves with discounts of 15% to 20% on clothing and footwear. 6/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1279. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Expand your mind’s horizons at the Thailand Knowledge Park, a center for learning and entertainment. Traditional books line the shelves of the two adult and children’s reading rooms. The children’s space is designed in the form of a beehive which lets kids clamber to their own little reading cocoon. Meanwhile, grown-ups can plop themselves down onto giant beanbags and tuck into the latest novels. There is also a “Quiet Zone” for those really looking to concentrate. And with over 20,000 books, e-books and DVDs, you probably won’t ever run out of material. If you ever did, there’s also an IT library, 150 musical instruments, a coffee shop, an open square and a mini theater. 7/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-264-5963. Open TueSun 10am-8pm.
Toys R' Us
TK Park
CTW advertorial4 Genius planet_3.indd 8
Toys R’ Us has the widest and best organized selection of toys in town. With recommendations for each age group and toys tailored to both boys and girls, Toys R’ Us never disappoints. From the latest Lego sets to Queen Elsa’s Frozen Castle, there’s always something here to make a kid’s dreams come true. 6/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1400. Open daily 10am-10pm.
6/10/2559 BE 7:36 PM
cover story BABBLE & RUM Riva Surya’s restaurant and bar is decked out in contemporary French decor. Visit at sunset for the full deal: comfort food, tasty cocktails and views that take in the river and two bridges (Pinklao and Rama 8). Highly recommended come the smoked salmon and avocado salad (B280), best enjoyed with cocktails like Jamaican Fizz (vodka, mango fizz, mango, syrup and lime juice, B290). Quite possibly the best spot for a swanky meal on Phra Athit Road. 02-633-5000. Open daily 10:30am-10:30pm. www.rivasuryabangkok.com Babble & Rum
Soay
AQUATINI
Venice Vanich
Khun Dang Guay Jub Yuan
VENICE VANICH
KHUN DANG GUAY JUB YUAN
Launched with the name Fisherman, this decadeold restaurant has not only gone through a name change but also moved location. Venice Vanich moved from Tha Maharaj to this riverside wooden house on Phra Athit about three years ago. The focus is on Thai food, with some ThaiChinese and Western dishes adding variety to the menu. Recommendations include deep-fried whole sea bass with fish sauce (B450) and somtam khai kung (shrimp roe papaya salad with coconut palm, B140).
The special ingredients brought down from Ubon Ratchathani are the selling point of this shop-house. The noodle dishes are cooked one by one along with your choice of different toppings like eggs and mushrooms. Even though portions are not very big, the gooey soup is just amazing, plus the moo yor (sausage) is peppery and fragrant thanks to the quality pork meat. Make sure you get a seat on the footpath if you don’t want to get all sweaty inside the steamy shop-house.
02-282-1922, 084-460-4765. Open daily 11:30am-10pm
085-246-0111, 089-056-5777. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
This cozy restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail by the river. There is an air-con area, but we say stick to the al fresco terrace and revel in the river view and fresh breeze. Service can be a bit laidback, but the spacious layout affords intimacy for a romantic, easy-going dinner—quite a rarity on this road. The menu offers a variety of pocket-friendly Thai and international dishes. Start your night with a signature Aquatini Dream (rum, pineapple juice and triple sec, B220). Navalai River Resort, 02-280-9955. Open daily 6:30pm-1am. www.navalai.com.
DELICATEZZA BAAN PHRA ATHIT That large space that’s now Munch and Mugendai on Thonglor Soi 10 used to be Delicatezza, before it moved to the Old Town a couple of years ago. The owner does all the cooking herself (meaning the restaurant can’t open if she’s away or busy). Be sure to check their Facebook page before visiting.
KARIM ROTI-MATABA Opened as a street stall by an Indian immigrant a f t e r Wo r l d Wa r I I , t h i s T h a i - M u s l i m establishment later moved to its present location. It's a simple two-story affair renowned for its stuffed roti. That’s not all they have to offer—there’s a range of soups, biryanis and curries, too. Our favorites have to be the salad khaek (Middle Eastern salad, B60) and the mataba with mixed filling (B39). 02-282-2119. Open Tue-Thu 9:30am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 9:30am-10pm
SOAY Soay has been a popular guay tiew nuea (beef noodles) spot for decades. The place is now run by the second-generation owner who continues to serve this succulently mild beef soup. Your bowl of noodles (B60) comes with juicy beef and properly cleaned entrails. They now also open at night, serving beef hot pot sets (B295). 083-495-3129, 086-982-9042. Open daily 7am-11pm (except the second and fourth Wednesday of the month)
02-629-5775. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; 5:30-11:00pm. bit.ly/1UGoXMy
Cafes BEAN & US This cozy cafe specializes in a 30-year-old family soy milk recipe. Enjoy straight-up soy milk (B45) or ice cream stick with toppings (B65), along with proper dishes like roasted chicken with rice (B165). 02-629-1299. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-8pm
SAFFRON Saffron’s 19th birthday’s just passed and this warm bakery is still going strong. Headed by an ex-UFM bakery instructor, the shop offers more than 20 kinds of cakes, pies and other pastries. Don’t judge the treats by their rustic, old-school look—there are some real flavors here. The coconut cake (B130) comes perfectly moist, topped with light and refreshing cream and young coconut meat , while the ricotta cheesecake (B110) boasts delicious zesty notes.
HOOK This pirate-themed cafe brings board game culture to Phra Athit. For at B40/hour, you can enjoy classic games like The Settlers of Catan, Splendors, Camel Up, Dixit, Ultimate Werewolf and some 100 more titles. Food covers Mexican fare like quesadillas and a twist on fried rice. For dessert, try the crispy waffle with ice cream and salted egg yolk sauce (B135). Espresso starts at B55 while there’s also homemade ginger ale at B80.
CARBONY Founded in 2012, this local roaster is your best bet for coffee in the hood. Here, it’s all about carefully-selected local beans that yield bold flavors in every cup. Aside from coffee (starting at Btk for espresso), there are some homemade rotating pastries (B45-55). 095-591-4156. Open Thu-Tue 10am-6pm. bit.ly/25Rfmb9
086-367-6071. Open Tue-Sun 10am-9pm
THE UNNAMED JUICE BAR Get a boost at this cute, light blue cafe lined with colorful fruits. Through a small sliding window, you can see a lady working away to turn her fruits and veggies into juice, without the addition of sugar or water. Prices start at B60.
02-281-4228. Open daily 8am-9pm
Open Mon-Fri noon-9pm; Sun 3-9pm
ANN’S SWEET
JAYWALK
Delicious pastries star at this sweet spot acoss from Phra Sumen Fort. The Le Cordon Bleugraduate owner has been making a variety of French desserts here since 2006. Some of the creations include Paris-Brest (B120) and strawberry cheesecake (B165). They also serve tea from France (B120/pot) and coffee from Italy (starting B60).
Made popular by its appearances at flea markets, this cafe does modern American-style dishes with a particularly solid line of fluffy pancakes. Try the mango cream cheese pancake (B170) with crumble, vanilla ice cream, passion fruit sauce and fresh mango while it’s still in season. They’ve recently branched out to Ratchathewi, too.
086-889-1383. www.fb.com/page.annsweet. Open daily noon-8pm
092-564-2068. Open Wed-Mon 8am-6pm
Ann's Sweet
Carbony
Hook
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Bean & Us
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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6/13/16 5:44 PM
We can tell your story. Social Media & Content Provision
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BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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6/10/16 7:39 PM
cover story Drinks HEMLOCK
DICKINSON'S
One of the original hip spots to have sprung up on this road, Hemlock is all intimate lighting, soft jazz tunes and chilled-out atmosphere. The thick menu packs over 500 dishes with some playful gimmicks, like marinated prawns in deep purple herbs and flower soup, served with muffin, garlic fried rice and teriyaki sauce (B650). Also try the khao hor bai bua (stir-fried rice wrapped with lotus leaf, B120). The real reason to go here is because their beer is the cheapest around, starting at B70.
From the outside, it doesn't show many that it's still open. But head closer, and you'll hear a danceable soundtrack , from dubstep to progressive house and drum n’ bass, that stands out from the rest. Owned by the family behind legendary electro havens Club Culture and Cafe Democ, Dickinson’s sits in a two-story space filled with colorful retro sofas and some tables on the sidewalk. Drinks-wise, the focus is on martinis such as the Culture Martini (vodka, Malibu, orange and pineapple juice, B150). Western dishes rule the menu here.
02-282-7507. Open Mon-Sat 4pm-midnight. bit.ly/1XKSetZ
089-497-8422. Open Mon-Fri noon-1am; Sat-Sun 5pm-1am. bit.ly/1XdPLr5
MANGO
COMME
Another retro spot with a nostalgic living room atmosphere. Mango offers all-day dining that sticks mainly to resolutely Thai dishes like deepfried spare ribs and tom yam. Local beers start at only B79. 086-393-2061. Open Mon-Sat
Rong Lao
Here's the big boss. The busiest bar on the street is distinguished by an antique motorcycle in its window. Even on a Thursday night, it's so jampacked that punters resort to using the ice stands as tables, on the street. There are also fun deals; like now, if you arrive before 9pm, they give you free ice all night long. The menu offers spicy dishes like Tom Super (spicy chicken foot soup, B250). Beer starts at B110.
9am-11pm
GOOD STORY A little more lavish and romantic than the competition, this place manages to stand out with its green glass door and lengthier list of imported brews. If you’re bored of Chang, there are bottles like Hitachino (B230), Erdinger (B230), Stella Artois (B180) and Hoegaarden (B190). While the ambience seems to encourage conversation, it can be a bit too loud inside when the live band's playing.
Dickinson's
Shop
Jazz Happens Bar
BK ASKS What makes Phra Athit so special?
081-860-9187. Open daily 5pm-midnight
APPLE We don't really see the appeal of this stalesmelling veteran opened back in 2008. But for whatever reason (the live music, spicy drinking food, reasonable prices), the seats in front, which take over the space of two neighboring shops, are never vacant.
02-629-2924. Open daily 11-1am. www.fb.com/goodstorybangkok
CHALERMPON ROHITRATANA, CHEF-OWNER OF ESCAPADE
02-280-7578, 085-449-9093
JAZZ HAPPENS BAR
RONG LAO
This well-known jazz influenced bar is run by a group of lecturers from the Faculty of Jazz at Silapakorn University with the aim of providing a stage for talented young musicians, including their own students. Apart from live jazz every day, the bar offers classic drinks and a Thai food menu for dinner.
This latest zero-attitude bar to let you open a bottle of Sangsom (B240) or Blends 285 (B450) and share it with your friends while listening to live acoustic music. Local beers come in large bottles from B100. The twist is the Japanese drinking dishes like edamame (B40) and takoyaki (wheat-flour dumplings, B70), plus mains like tonkatsu (B110) and chicken teriyaki (B90).
02-282-9934, 084-450-0505. Open Fri-Wed 7pm-12:30am. www.fb.com/jazZhappens/
Phra Sumen Rd., 083-544-6364
THE TRAPEZE SWINGERS Hidden in a small alley that connects Phra Athit and Ram Butri roads, this vintage treasure trove has it all, from ethnic-print dresses and rock band tees to old cassettes and vinyl. You can also enjoy a beer while you browse.
“I’ve been into the charm of this area for a long time. I like the cool Phra Sumen Fort view and basically how the whole area looks. Though the crowd is getting younger and younger, the ambience never seems to change. It’s always been the eateries and bars that make the place so dynamic.”
081-908-1381. Open Tue-Sun 1-10pm
NISARAT TRAITRONGSAT, CHEF-OWNER OF PEEPS
CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
AQUATINI
“The crowd adds so much charm and livelihood to the area. One reason why we opened here is that we love the fun and openness of the people. We like that it’s walking-friendly. You can simply walk to see around.”
SHEEPSHANK
PHRA SUMEN FORT RARB
THE UNNAMED JUICE BAR DELICATEZZA VENICE VANICH BABBLE & RUM
ESCAPADE
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SOMKIAT PAIROJMAHAKIJ, CHEF-OWNER OF SHEEPSHANK
THE TRAPEZE SWINGERS
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“It’s an area that keeps me coming back, from hanging out when I was younger, to the point I wanted to own something there. A perfect mixture of old buildings, beautiful road and the river, as well as an interesting history. That story continues. No matter how many venues change, the fort and the old buildings remain."
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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Wannakarn Opassatien and Monruedee Jansuttipan
PHUKET
The New Pearl After a recent opening in Hua Hin, Marriott hasn't wasted any time unveiling the new-look Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach (076-625-5555, goo.gl/bDDAg3). Situated on the Northern end of the island, a bit south of Phuket International Airport, the completely refurbished resort is home to 180 rooms surrounded by the lush tropical forests of Sirinath National Park. On-site venues include the beachfront Big Fish grill restaurant and bar, all-day Thai and international spot Andaman Kitchen, and Quan Spa. Room rates start from a pretty friendly B3,499 for the Deluxe Garden View.
SAMUI
Stylish Sunset The redesigned Tamarina Bistro & Bar (goo.gl/9eBIl9) is northern Samui’s latest drinking and dining hot spot. Run by the group of friends behind Bangkok’s longstanding Pola Pola Restaurant & Bar, the venue’s chic modern tropical interior comes from Bangkok based Thinkk Studio, who contributed all the chairs, tables and lamps. The old menu has been spruced up with Thai fusion and Italian seafood dishes along with classics including hor mok kanomkrok (fish curry cake, B380) and gai hor bai toey (fried chicken in pandanus leaves, B280). Get there early to claim one of the daybeds on the wooden terrace for sunset views over the sea with a Tamarina mojito (B260) in hand.
RAYONG
Camping Weekend Rayong's new Happy Camper (089012-7775, goo.gl/ZHpe7S) sits in a spacious garden by a canal on Rajbumrung Road, right by 20-year-old institution Krua Rim Klong restaurant. Bean bags, reed mats and overwater hammocks add up to a very laidback vibe in which to enjoy cold drinks like strawberry latte (B65) and blue soda (B55). The Thai kitchen rolls out specialities like khao khluk kapi rim klong (spicy shrimp paste and rice with assorted vegetables, B95) and kanom jeen Yai Ying (grandma Ying's rice vermicelli and curry, B79). Desserts include various takes on waffles with ice cream (from B109).
MYANMAR
Hill Trail
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, check out Khiri Travel's (khiri.com/ myanmar) trekking package from Bagan to Mrauk U, the ancient kingdom set amid the Chin Hills in Rakhine state, in northwest Myanmar. The seven-day-six-night trip combines boat and four-wheel-drive travel with four days of trekking (about 20km a day), which includes scaling the 3,053-meter-high Mt. Victoria. On top of all the wondrous ruins, forests and waterfalls, you’ll get to eat and stay with locals at Chin villages, where the women are known for their facial tattoos. The trek costs US$1,295 (B45,617) per person and will take place on Oct 30-Nov 5, Nov 27-Dec 3, 2016 and Jan 1-7, 2017.
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
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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avenue
NEW SHOP
Full Bloom The much-loved coffee-focused cafe empire Casa Lapin has recently expanded its little flower shop on Sukhumvit Soi 26 to a second location in the Old Town. In what used to be the charming Pure Luck kombucha brewery, Oneday Wallflowers offers bouquet arrangement, flower frames, floral baskets, wreaths and flower delivery. They also run a floral workshop for beginners every month, both in group and private classes. Prices start at B8,000. 31-33 Soi Nana, 094-661-7997. Open daily 10am-8pm, MRT Hua Lamphong
FASHION
FASHION
GYM
Hacked Out
Pastel Palette
Fight Club
British menswear label Hacket stands for a weird mix of London heritage and football hooliganism—one of a list of brands that became the unofficial uniform of terrace thugs during the Noughties. Now though it has turned up in Bangkok with its very own boutique in Siam Discovery, complete with the latest main Hacket London line and more premium Mayfair line. The short-cut, mod-style jacket (B11,100) and slim-leg, wide-cuff pants (B5,800) of the main line have an unassuming presence we really love, while the slouchy, window-pane check suits (B26,400) of the pricier Mayfair line are also hard not to like. Simple, unpretentious but assertive, this is the kind of menswear worth fighting for. M/F Siam Discovery, 02-216-2038. BTS Siam. Also at Men in Trend Department, 2/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-216-2038. BTS Siam
This new online fashion brand goes in for sophisticated but playful designs with lace details and flared bottoms. Kiran x Pawana is the work of two sisters, who right now sell exclusively through Instagram (@kiranxpawana) and the online store www.bio.co.th (a stylish and affordable website which every woman in Bangkok should know). You’ll also find pieces which are right on trend with the latest styles, like off-shoulder tops, crop tops, denim culottes and co-ord sets (also sold separately) which are perfect for dressy day-time attire that can easily move to after-work occasions. It’s all quite girly but remains clean and cool, with monochromatic looks sharing space with pastels and flattering necklines. Prices start from around B1,400.
There’s a new muay Thai training camp in central Sukhumvit with professional fighter Saenchai Yokkao as one of its partners. Yokkao Training provides locals and foreigners the opportunity to train with muay Thai legends Saenchai and Singdam Kiatmoo9, whatever their ability level. Drop-ins are limited, so make sure you book in advance for one of their sessions, which usually last around 90 minutes at B300 for Thais and B500 for foreigners. Or take out a membership, which consists of 20 classes and costs B5,000 (Thais) and B8,000 (foreigners). They also offer personal training for B1,200-4,000 per class. 190-190/1 Soi Sukhumvit 16, 02-708-1380, BTS Asoke. Opens daily 7am-7pm
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avenue
Black Amber
BARBERS
A Cut Above We check out first-hand Bangkok’s top gentlemen’s barber stores to see which is best. By Joseph Lam Barberford Noir
Truefitt & Hill Thailand’s two branches of what claims to be England’s oldest barbershop both conjure images of gentlemen’s boutiques around St James Park and inexplicably posh shop assistants. Needless to say, the Royal Cut at B1,100 is really rather luxurious. Your head and shoulders get soothingly cajoled during the hair wash, while the cut takes place in easily the most comfortable barber’s chair in Bangkok with a coffee by your side. It’s all so lovely that we had a hard time keeping our eyes open. Although each store has its own master barber, the Emporium spot is home to a guy called Sawas Saard, who this year celebrated his 50th anniversary as a barber. He has even cut the hair of various Thai prime ministers and politicians over the years— but don’t hold that against him. The stores also offer B35,000 “membership,” which is really just B35,000 credit with a couple of other perks thrown in. 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 098-363-6146. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chid Lom 2/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-259 -9159. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong. www.fb.com/truefittandhillbkk
Black Amber The notorious Black Amber—BK readers' second favorite barbershop according to our last readers’ survey—sits on the first floor of an old, four-story Thonlgor shop-house barely visible from the main street and near to some of Bangkok’s coolest bars. Inside, the leather sofas and retro barber’s chairs attract a young, pompadoured clientele keen to embrace some gentleman’s club style. At B700 for a cut and shampoo, there’s a lot of attention to detail, but don’t try going if you’re a tom—these wispy-moustached dudes in white shirts and fedoras don’t do any women’s haircuts. Overall though, it’s a neat little spot which offers a great experience for the cash. Black Amber Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between soi 5 and 7, 081-869-9393. Open Tue-Sun from 1pm-9pm. BTS Thonglor. www. fb.com/blackamberbarber
Tew’s Barbershop Tew's Babershop comes from a time when Siam Square was the barbershop capital of Bangkok with around 30 or more stores. Twenty years later it still stands strong, offering that same classic Siam Square-style service (in a private room with a drink in hand) to this generation. Owner/barber Suwanda Kaya, 55, has been cutting hair since she first arrived in Bangkok from the countryside age 17 (though now she only cuts for her regular customers). Inside, you'll find the same electric chairs they've had since day one, and nothing else seems to have changed much, either. But despite the heritage and longstanding clientele, the
Barberford Noir
place feels relaxed from the moment you walk in, and the staff have a rather casual approach to things. The service itself is top notch, and at just B500 for our cut, shampoo, condition and set we didn’t mind the background noises from muay Thai on the television. We also like the complimentary glasses polishing on offer. (Tew’s once offered a shoe shine service however nobody visits wearing leather shoes anymore, so they opted for glasses instead) Make sure you book in advance. 432/4 Siam Square Soi 9, 02-252-3989. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Siam 32/33 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-714-2958. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Ekkamai. www.fb.com/tewsbarber
Barberford Noir
Barberford Noir is undoubtedly the sexiest barber- BK PICK! shop in Bangkok, not only because it’s home to the most handsome barbers, but for its intimate service in a dimly lit private room. To Barberford, the most important thing is your privacy, and that really comes across. Despite it’s shopping center location, the store is rather quiet inside and the staff make a point of being gentle and professional, adding to the already intimate environment. A standard cut costs B800 and includes a shampoo, condition, scalp massage and set. The barber dims the lights before placing a wet towel over your eyes, then lets you put your feet up as he gets to work with the shampoo finished with a shoulder and arm rub. Everything here feels all about you—we like it a lot.
Truefitt & Hill
M/F, Siam Discovery, 061-680-8822. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS National Stadium 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-251-0422. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Chidlom. www.fb.com/barberford.bangkok
Tew’s Barbershop
Maduro Barber At the vintage-style Rod Fai Market, we found this small twoseat barber shop run by Allan Nonnenmacher, an Australian barber with more than 15 years' experience with the scissors. His tiny store styled with 1950s pompadour pin-ups and vintage barber chairs offers cuts along with a hot towel to the neck, some warm Italian shaving lather and straight-blade finish at no extra cost—which we loved. Hot towels are amazing and what’s better than it being followed up with warm shaving lather. Allan is always on for a chat, and alongside the long playlist of country tunes you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a small-town American barbershop. There’s no running water which means no hair washing or cut-throat shaves, but at just B300 for a cut with his signature hot towel finish there’s no complaints from us. From Mon-Wed the store is open by appointment only. Thu-Sun walkins are accepted during market hours (5pm-midnight). 51 Sri Nakarin Train Market, Soi C2/8, Bang Na. Open Mon-Wed 11am-7pm Thu-Sun 5pm-midnight. goo.gl/eVMmZU
Maduro Barber
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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GUEST CHEF
Nikkei Master Here’s a guest chef event worth getting excited about. This Jun 23-26, Lord Jim’s welcome chef Diego Oka, a specialist in Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine from the Mandarin Oriental Miami’s La Mar by Gaston Acurio. His food will be featured on the buffet lunch (B2,500) and as set dinners at B4,200 for four courses and B4,700 for six courses. Some of the dishes he’ll be preparing include cebiche barrio (fish of the day, mussels, shrimp, crispy calamari and rocoto pepper leche de tigre), causa Nikkei (rocoto pepper mashed potato, tuna tartare, avocado, sweet chilli sauce, rocoto pepper cream and nori) and heart anticucho (grilled veal heart with potato and ají amarillo cream, choclo anticuchera and chalaca sauce). Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000. Free ferry from Saphan Taksin BTS Station
BRUNCH
LUNCH
RESTAURANT
Regal Charms
Seeing Daylight
Baan Baan
Taking place every last Sunday of the month (next one: Jun 26, 12:30-4pm), St. Regis’s Monthly Mega Brunch is spread across four venues on the hotel’s 12th floor. It’ll cost you a cool B5,500 per person, but that includes free-flow Moet & Chandon Champagne, Cape Mentelle and Terrazas Reserva wines, plus cocktails from The St. Regis Bar. Ask for a table with a view and go to town on foie gras, Fine de Claire oysters, caviar, house-cured gravlax and carved meats. You can also order just about any comfort dish (try the lobster eggs Benedict). Plush gentlemen’s lounge Decanter turns into a cheese room, while The Drawing Room is all about dessert. 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri.
Sathorn’s Lady Brett has knocked out one of its walls and added a huge glass screen that for the first time makes it a nice place to sit during the day. This is perfect timing, because they’ve also launched a neat new lunch menu. It’s basically the same as the dinner menu—barbecued meats, burgers, hearty salads and pastas, all delicious—portioned down slightly and priced accordingly. Go as a group of four, order up the roast beetroot and herb salad (B190), Japanese pumpkin salad (B180), beef burger (B380), penne Bolognese (B320) and some chicken thigh (B170) and you’ll each be in for under B400, even after tax. That’s a mighty fine lunch at that price—just don’t expect to get much work done afterwards. 149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405. BTS Chit Lom
Restaurateur Fred Meyer, the guy behind Issaya, Namsaah, Kombawa and Pizza Massilia, has attempted something more downto-earth. Baan Phadthai specializes in pad Thai, delicately made with a “secret” 18-ingredient sauce, Chanthaburi noodles, housedried shrimps, duck egg and crab fat. You can opt for grilled pork (B190), grilled chicken (B190), grilled river prawn (B250) or blue crab meat (B280) on top of your pad Thai, or go for a vegetarian option (B160). Their appetizers are no less appealing. Try miang kana (Chinese kale leaf wraps, B150), which let you gather up all the ingredients to wrap yourself. Among the housemade Thai desserts, the creamy durian steamed buns (B140) stand out with their unique smell and approachable taste. 21-23 Charoenkrung Soi 44, 02-060-5553. BTS Saphan Taksin.
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blends COCKTAILS
Shake it Up Bangkok bartenders share the cocktails they really wish you wouldn’t ask for—and suggest some far cooler alternatives. By Oliver Irvine
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri “I would say a pet hate for bartenders overall is frozen drinks. Some classics like daiquiri JAMIE RHIND, have over the years BAMBOO BAR been turned into the f roze n s t raw b e r r y things that are so far removed from the classic. We’re in the service industry and the guest is always right; we’re here to satisfy them, but in a bar like Bamboo Bar with live jazz you also don’t want the noise of a blender. Frozen drinks also need to be blended with crushed ice, and I would also say that four times out of ten it will come back because it’s too weak—it’s very hard to make a frozen drink strong because it gets so watered down.” The alternative: “I would say try the original daiquiri [white rum, fresh lime juice, syrup, shaken, B390++]. But at a bar like Bamboo Bar you really should speak with the bartender. They can give you something more adventurous, more modern, based on what you like. Maybe they have a new product that’s just come out and can fix you something with that.” 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, Chareon Krung Soi 40, 02-6599000. www.fb.com/The-Bamboo-Bar-at-MandarinOriental-Bangkok
Long Island Ice Tea
New Orleans Fizz
“The phrase every b a r te n d e r d rea d s : ‘Can you make a Long Island iced tea?’ Classic! When you MILK PAILIN, work in the bar IL FUMO business you want people to experience something new and different. Long Island iced tea is known for using crappy ingredients and being super strong just to make you hammered right away. We don’t want to pour tequilaflavored spirits; we want to push people’s boundaries. And cocktails are not just about getting drunk.”
“Whatever a customer wants I will make, we are here to serve the people, but there are some drinks that make me cringe a PHILIP STEFANSKU, bit when I hear the SAPPAROT GROUP (LADY BRETT, ROCKET, name. The first one that comes to mind is UNCLE) the New Orleans Fizz (gin, lemon juice and egg white), also known as Ramos Gin Fizz. It has a fun tradition where you have to shake it for 10 minutes before it’s served. You have to blend lemon, egg white and milk together, which means you have to dry shake for a very long time and then shake it with ice as well. I’ve had a few people come in and order it at UNCLE but it happens more often in Europe. People walk into the bar with a smile on their face before even ordering.
The alternative: “I recommend a Jim Collins double shot (B350) with a heavy dash of bitters—oh wow! Or any Collins, actually; switch the cola to ginger beer and it’s going to be perfect with some bitters. That’s my go-to when someone asks for a Long Island iced tea, and they always say it tastes very nice.” Soi Nana, Chareon Krung Rd., 081-443-3784. www. fb.com/teensofthailand
The alternative: If you want that type of texture and those flavors then I’d say try any sour-style of cocktail with egg white. Just go for a normal gin fizz (B330++), or a gin fizz with some orange blossom will be really tasty.
Margarita “Don’t get me wrong—I don’t hate all margaritas, it’s a drink with a very good construction. But in Thailand people want their NIKS ANUMAN, margarita to taste TEENS OF THAILAND more like a lime sour with lots of Cointreau and it just doesn’t work well like that. The real margarita taste should be tangy and earthy.” The alternative: “I always make an original margarita in the style of Mexican restaurants in San Francisco, known as Tommy’s margarita (B440++). A Tommy’s margarita has no Cointreau; instead they use Agave syrup, plus real lime juice and a healthy measure of a premium tequila like Don Julio. That is going to be delicious!” 1098/2 Rama Rd., 02-286-8833. www.fb.com/ ilfumobkk.
Sathorn branch, 149 Sathorn Soi 12. Thonglor branch, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Rd. Soi 55.
ON THE BAR Where Do We Go The buzz: This oddly named Thai craft beer-focused bar is kind of like the younger brother of Craft n’ Roll, which started out as a lifestyle website. Its founders are part of the same team, but have switched from the riverside to the trending streets of Ladprao. The decor: Raw and easy-going. This place is a tiny, loft-style bare cement room that’s decked out with dangling bulbs and great, big hunks of wooden furniture, including handmade tables also featuring old gas tanks. A nifty wall painting behind the bar adds the appearance of complex piping connecting the beer taps. The music: We learned that the bar is actually named after a song by local indie band Fwends, who happen to be friends of the owners. Aside from breezy Thai pop/rock tunes, you can also expect lots of ‘90s throwbacks from the likes of Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Oasis, to name a few.
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The food: These guys used to run a barbecue shop at the original Rod Fai Market, but pulled the plug after it moved. But you can still get their skewers in chicken, pork and beef at B35/each and B100/three. Somewhat refreshingly, there are no burgers, just beer-friendly Thai/Isaan dishes like the seriously tasty stir-fried crispy pork with fish sauce (B100), fried chicken wings (B100) and raw shrimp with spicy seafood wasabi dressing (B100). The drinks: Four taps are available here and they rotate after each barrel runs out, so check their Facebook page or chalkboard on every visit. Sandport seems to be ever-present, including the Summer Pine pale ale and Too Much Coffee stout. Others on the list include Happy New Beer Thai wit, Triple Pearl Weisse Pearl witbier and Thomas wheat beer (from B130150/pint). Fear not, there’s also Singha, Leo and Heineken (B80-110). 113 Charansanitwong Soi 92, 098-260-9292. Open daily 5pm-midnight. www. fb.com/craftnrollcaf
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bites SWEETS
Fast Food Showdown
Three Pieces of Very Good News for Bangkok’s Ice-cream Scene
We put the top dishes at some of Bangkok’s favorite food chains up against each other. Here are the results. By BK Staff
Mr.TinDC (via Flickr)
TASTE TEST
BEN & JERRY’S IS HERE — ALMOST
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Zambrero Hard Shell Chicken Tacos vs Baskin Robbins’ Mint Chocolate Chip vs Sunrise Tacos’ USA Cowboy Tacos Swensen’s Mint Chocolate Chip Between the two quick-service Mexican spots, Zambrero’s hard shell chicken tacos (starting B69) beat Sunrise Tacos offering, no question. The price includes your choice of salsa and sauce, and an extra charge of B20 for additional guacamole. The warm-cooked chicken along with the generous amount of filling paired with chipotle sauce bursts with flavor, triumphing over the USA Cowboy Tacos (B265, 3 pieces) from Sunrise. These had relatively dry chicken and tortilla that tasted stale. Although the filling and taco ratio is reasonable—with plenty of cheese on top (yum!)—and they’re served with a side of nacho chips, the whole deal was just rather bland.
Baskin Robbins’ Mint Chocolate Chip (B119/scoop but currently on promo at B99) ice cream has been the brand’s signature for many years, but now there’s a cheaper alternative thanks to Swensen’s recently added Thin Mint (B50). It’s pretty similar, only with a crunchier, less chewy texture. Still, Mint Chocolate Chip definitely has the mintier flavor as well as more chocolate chips in there, somewhat justifying the big price difference. But if you’re not too fussy then there’s nothing bad to say about Swensen’s alternative.
Verdict: Zambrero
www.swensens1112.com, 1112
Last week, popular American ice-cream brand Ben & Jerry’s announced on their official Facebook page that they are headed our way. Their method of doing so—a teaser poster featuring an ice-cream tub riding a tuk-tuk—didn’t given us too many details to go on, but safe to say people got really, really excited. Now we have confirmation of the location and opening date: Siam Paragon’s ground-floor, Jul 9. Best of all, they’ll be giving out free ice cream to celebrate. In a move that’s sure to cause havoc on a scale not seen since the arrival of Krispy Kreme, Ben & Jerry’s have declared opening day to be a free cone day. Follow www.fb.com/BenandJerrysTH for updates.
Verdict: Tie www.fb.com/baskinrobbinsthailand, 02-261-5365
www.zambrero.com, 02-251-1788 www.sunrisetacos.com, 02-632-8588
BANGKOK’S MOST DELICIOUS GELATO SPOT IS NOW OPEN ON SILOM
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Farm Factory Caesar Salad vs Dressed Pizza Company Hawaiian Pizza vs Pizza Caesar Salad Hut Hawaiian Pizza It’s an easy win for Farm Factory (B135/189) here. The dressing is light. The parmesan flakes are hefty. The garlic toast tastes like garlic toast. The sun-dried tomatoes are a bit of a weird addition, but we’ll take them. OK, so Farm Factory’s service might be a total joke for anyone on a lunch-break rush (seriously, does it need to take one staff member to individually slice each olive?) but the place is way nicer to sit—all dangly bulbs and wood surfaces that are actually wood. The only thing we really like about the Dressed Caesar salad (B169) are those deliciously oily and plentiful croutons—though our waistline is probably much better off without them.
Spongy and loaded with toppings, the medium-sized, thick crust Hawaiian Pizza from Pizza Company (B319) is everything you want from guilty-pleasure, fast-food pizza. Though the base is a little oily, overall it’s fluffy and tasty. Pizza Hut’s Hawaiian Pizza (B299) differs a bit. It’s drizzled with garlic oil as well as a dusting of parmesan for a taste that’s richer but best avoided if you need to meet with people after the meal. The crust is also not quite as fluffy as Pizza Company’s, but other than that there’s really not much in it.
Verdict: Farm Factory
www.pizzahut.co.th, 1150
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 and Siam’s Platinum Fashion Mall. 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.
Verdict: Pizza Company www.pizza.co.th, 1112
www.fb.com/farmfactorythailand, 063-215-1015 www.fb.com/dressedthailand, 02-658-6688
7-ELEVEN HAS A NEW ICY TREAT FROM JAPAN
Oishi Salmon Sushi vs Fuji Salmon Sushi
vs
While you might think more expensive always means better, that’s definitely not the case with the salmon sushi at these two chain Japanese favorites. At only B59, the salmon sushi at Oishi Ramen sounds too cheap to be true, but the deliciously vinegared rice and thinly sliced, fatty salmon come out on top next to Fuji’s B80 version. We found the rice here almost tasteless, with barely any trace of vinegar. The salmon wasn’t bad—cut longer than Oishi’s—but it didn’t get along well with the very salty shoyu. Verdict: Oishi www.oishigroup.com, 02-930-3561 www.fuji.co.th, 02-636-3949
If you go down to the “Sehwen” today you’re in for a big surprise: a freezer bursting with Glico ice cream. Yup, that little bubble is well and truly popped. That’s because there’s a new trending treat in town: Japanese matcha ice bars imported direct from Japan and into our hearts. Good luck if you can get your hands on one of these little beauties, though. According to an announcement on 7-Eleven’s Facebook page, the B39 matcha ice creams are only available at 69 outlets nationwide—and they all happen to be in Bangkok. Judging by the comments, people from the provinces aren’t happy: “Not available in the countryside as always. Even if we are millionaires, we still can’t eat this,” wrote one person.
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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bites
OPEN DOOR
Osha Cafe One of the top modernist Thai chefs in town plays around with rustic staples at this cafe spin-off. The buzz: People know the Bangkok branch of Osha for its funky, modern take on Thai food presentation—think liquid nitrogen shrimps and tom yum soup siphoned through coffee strainers. But at new place in the touristy Asiatique mall, Osha retreats to something very casual. It has also launched a cooking studio, Cooking Chronicle, headed by Ass. Prof. Kobkaew Najpinij of Suan Dusit University and chef Supanut “Ann” Kanarak of Bangkok Bold cooking studio. The decor: In contrast to Osha's flamboyance, this new venue is relaxed and bright. Still, it retains a few design quirks, with iconic jada (Thai crown) decoration and graphic patterns on one wall. Cooking Chronicle stands in its own glass box where diners can see the cooking classes in action.
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The food and drink: Though the names are familiar, the food here is anything but plain. The miang (betel leaf wraps, B190) come alongside a chunk of soft-shell crab, while the platter of satay (B190) lets you enjoy a full range of grilled meats: chicken, pork and beef. Only a few dishes are taken directly from the original venue, like the tom yum kung (this time not siphoned, B290-390) and the renowned pad Thai (B290). Mains also include the likes of massaman beef curry (B320), five-spiced pork belly (B250) and sea bass pad cha (herby stir-fry, B390). You can also find mango sticky rice (B190) and young coconut ice cream (B90) for dessert. Thanks to the large Mekhong sign behind the bar, it’s not hard to guess the local rumlike spirit which takes center stage. Tuk Tuk (B555) is a mix of Mekhong, bael fruit tea, raspberry vodka and rose water that’s served
with a golden tuk tuk souvenir. Why you should care: The Osha flavors are there, but this way more casual setting and pricing makes them a whole lot more accessible. Take the Pad Thai: B450 on Wireless Road; B290 here. Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Warehouse 10, Asiatique, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-046-9441. Open daily 5-11:45pm. www.fb.com/OSHACafeatAsiatique
Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers. Get 10% discount on food only. At Cooking Chronicle, get 10% discount on the Basic Course or come 3 pay 2 for the Professional Full-Day Course (Today-May 31, 2017)
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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Cielo Churros
TABLE TALK Man Fu Yuan Kitchen
Cocomuch
ABC Essence in Eatery
NEW AND NOTED
Cantonese Kitchen First established in Singapore before opening in Ratchapruek, this high-end Cantonese restaurant has now branched out to Emquartier. Taking the space of the defunct Charm, Man Fu Yuan Kitchen (6/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036240, BTS Phrom Phong) aims at something a lot more casual than its full-on original branch. To match its mall setting, the kitchen dishes up casual items as well as all-day dim sum. Don’t miss the aromatic tea-smoked duck (B600 for half, B1,150 for whole bird) and the signature 5 Elements tea (B120/pot). Dim sum starts at B100. They also make unique lava-filled sweet potatoes (B135/3 pieces).
Real Madrid Churros have made their way to the middle of Siam Square. At Cielo Churros' (2/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. www. fb.com/cielochurros) small takeaway cafe, they make the
Spanish fried dough using flour and oil imported from Madrid. The result? Golden, crusty churro sticks (B45) which you can eat with sides of chocolate, peanut butter and matcha at an extra B22 each. Or opt for a cup of frozen yogurt (B35) to make it light and refreshing.
Dairy Free Suan Phlu’s new ice-cream place makes all its 13 flavors using low-fat coconut milk, a byproduct from coconut oil extraction. At Cocomuch (Suan Phlu Rd., www.fb.com/ cocomuch), choose between the likes of coconut, sesame, cocoa, chocobanana and matcha, starting at just B49 for an 80g scoop. Can’t decide what you want? Go for the tasting portion of eight 10g scoops. They also whip up dairy-free, gluten-free waffles (starting at B149 with a scoop of ice cream) and decent mocktails like lychee mojito (B65). Make sure you try the powerful dairy-free yogurt here, too. Natcha
2/F, The Crystal Veranda, Pradit Manutham Rd., 082451-9929. Open daily 10am-10pm Following the same all-day dining concept as the defunct Thonglor venue, the second branch of ABC Essence in Eatery retains the stylish white interior and hexagonal patterning. Food-wise, it’s all about comforting Western food, with some fusion elements. The Egg Lava Croissant is stuffed with ABC’s fried poached egg, sautéed mushroom and melted cheddar cheese. Also try the spicy crab spaghetti and herbstuffed roast baby chicken. To drink, get ABC’s signature iced coffee, made with beans from the owner’s farm in Chiang Mai. Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers. Get 15% discount for Citi Ultima, Prestige, Preferred, and Select Get 10% discount for other card types Today - 31 May 2017
Sanguankiattichai
To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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bites & blends market Events
Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000
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). Internships are full-time, unpaid and last 3 months.
Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601
Credit card/Debit card payment accepted
New Venues
Mikkeller Lord Jim’s
CHEF DIEGO OKA AT LORD JIM’S From Jun 23-25, Peruvian chef Diego Oka from La Mar by Gaston Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, showcases his Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) dishes both lunch (buffet, B2,500) and dinner (B4,200 for four courses, B4,700 for six courses) at Lord Jim’s. His dishes will be featured in the Sunday brunch, too.
4TH OF JULY AT MIKKELLER BANGKOK This Jul 2, the annual garden party returns to Mikkeller, featuring barbecue, draft beer and cocktails. 26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000
Hair of the Dog
Neighborhoods
A Square, 120 Sukhumvit Soi 26. www. facebook.com/WKaffebar
The Corner teams up with Comte de Sibour to offer free-flow of three Spanish wines and tapas buffet at B699 on Jun 18 from 6-8pm. Get a glass of wine at just B100 afterwards.
Craft ‘n Roll
CRAFT ‘N ROLL CAFE Riverside bar serves Thai craft beer, and only Thai craft beer. 113 Charan Sanit Wong Soi 92, 098260-9292
27/39 Soi Si Bamphen, 02-679-8438
PYJAMA PARTY
Explore Your Favorite Neighborhoods
WONDERWALL #26 A new branch for one of Sukhumvit’s favorite cafes.
The Corner
FREE FLOW @THE CORNER 18TH OF JUNE Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th
Wonderwall#26
Get 50-percent discount on all taps at Hair of the Dog on Jun 18 if you wear proper pyjamas to the bar.
Honey
2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-7589. BTS Phloen Chit
HONEY
www.bkmagazine.com/neighborhoods About Eatery
2/F, Seen Space, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2826
HEAD TO HEAD BATTLE Sway
CANADA DAY Sway ce l e b rate s C a n a d a D ay this Jul 1 with free poutine from 5-6pm, B200 Caesar cocktails from 9pm and lucky-draw giveaways.
Thonglor’s Seen Space gets the stylish brunch spot it’s been missing.
This Jun 18 from 7pm, About Eatery hosts a craft beer taste battle between three Lambrate and L’olmaia beers. G/F, Ocean Tower 2, Asoke Soi 3, 02-665-2772
Cocotte
COCOTTE
Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-7116052
Sukhumvit Soi 39’s rusticated steak and roast specialist. Da Vinci
G/F, 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 092-664-6777
CHAMPAGNE TO THE SWORD
Tasting Room
TO ØL MADNESS AT MIKKELLER BANGKOK! This Jun 23, beers from To Øl brewery in Copenhagen take over the taps at Mikkeller and Tasting Room. Expect new release and rare beers.
Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from the free BK Now app
Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100
Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891 Tasting Room Paseo, Room 5D, The Paseo Town, 1135 Ramkhamhaeng Rd., 02-111-3125
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On Jun 21, the Confrerie du Sabre d’Or hosts a dinner along with Champagne sabering at Da Vinci. A six-course wine-pairing dinner is priced at B3,950 net for members and B4,450 net for non-members.
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BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
Shinsoko Sushi
HHHH
Soi Anuman Rajadhon, Surawong Rd., 02-634-2414. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. BB-BBBB. Corkage B300. BTS Sala Daeng
Lurking behind an uninviting shop-front in the after-work Japanese party streets connecting Silom Soi 6 with Surawong Road, Shinsoko Sushi pulls in customers thanks to deals that see prices slashed by 35-60 percent on certain items when you pay with cash. That means duos of salmon sushi for as little as B90 (down from B180), hamachi at B162 (down from B270), or an 18-piece (nine different fish) sashimi set for B2,535 (down from B3,900). Its other strength is portion sizes. The sushi here is prepared to the limits of what you can fit in your mouth, with the ratio of fish to rice falling heavily on the side of fish. The Ume Sushi set (B900) features great slabs of maguro, hamachi , kampachi, hotate, salmon and surf clam spilling Ratings
Price guide
PPPP Forget it PPPP
B BB BBB BBBB
Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.
over the sides of their rice bases, along with an equally hefty omelet and six pieces of salmon maki. Barring the pallid salmon, it all tastes happy and fresh, too. For our money, the rice could do with a little more crunch and a splash more vinegar, though it’s not bad for what you pay. But what Shinsoko gives in portion vs price, it takes away completely in atmosphere. The blend of fake sakura blossom, laminate and bad Euro-pop fails to be either energetic and fun or hushed and reverential. No matter how desperate you are for sushi, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose to eat amid these conversation-sucking surroundings when the same neighborhood is blessed with such vibrant spots as Katsu Shin and Daimasu. From our experience, you really don’t want to stray from the sushi, either. Shinsoko’s teppanyaki Australian beef (B680) is overcooked, powdery and very oily, while the mentusyu dip for the tempura i s a s f l avo rl ess a s t hei r complimentary green tea—and theirs is tempura that really needs some added flavor. If all you’re after is to walk away from a sushi dinner feeling full for under B1,000, then Shinsoku has you covered. But if you’re after a dinner with any kind of soul, you best look elsewhere.
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
Call: 02-624-9696 # 601,613,615,620 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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now THU The Missing Son Director Thanaphon Accawatanyu, who won the Best Script award at last year’s Bangkok Theater Festival, teams up with the Splashing Theatre troupe, to present a dramatic mystery that follows a family after their son suddenly disappears. Taking the stage at Democrazy Theatre Studio (Soi Saphan Khoo, Rama 4 Rd), The Disappearance of the Boy on a Sunday Afternoon will run on three consecutive days from Jun 23-25 and Jul 3-5. B450.
THU Singapore Sling The annual Singaporean Film Festival is back this Jun 16-19 with a selection of flicks ranging from 1965, a film about tensions between Singapore and Malaysia when the city-state first found independence, and 7 Letters, a film that marked Singapore’s 50th birthday by telling tales of love, identity and traditional folklore through 7 heartfelt letters to the country. Tickets are completely free and will be available at SF World Cinema (7/F, Central World, Rathchadamri Rd.) for each film 30 minutes before start time. Each will have both Thai and English subtitles.
Over the last four months Yuree Kensaku, a Thai artist whose work has been hosted at the likes of SH Contemporary Art Fair in Shanghai and Yokohoma’s Museum of Art, has been busy working away at Atmosfear, her largest mural to date. On display inside 100 Tonson Gallery (100 Soi Tonson, Phloen Chit Rd), the mural reflects Yuree’s own struggles as well as those that society faces today. The opening party takes place at 7pm on Jun 23, with the work remaining on view until late November.
SAT French Flair
WED Work It
The annual French cultural event, La Fête, is doing things a little differently this year, with Bangkok’s first La Fête de la Musique set to take over Alliance Francaise (179 Witthayu Rd) this Jun 18. The day-long music event will have people rocking out from 2pm to midnight with live bands, film screenings and a food market. The artist lineup includes rising acts like Jelly Rocket, Monomania and DCNXTR. For the younger event-goers, there will also be a series of workshops organized by Rockademy Thailand. Best of all, it’s free.
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THU Modern Struggles
Taking place this Jun 22 at Grand Hyatt Erawan, the Thailand eCommerce Summit is a day-long event run by Bangkok Entrepreneurs promising a day full of workshops and presentations from the best in the business. From 9am through to 5pm, participants can learn about e-commerce, e-payment and logistics as well as listen to renowned speakers from Facebook, Google, Line and Zalora. There will be eight workshops throughout the day each running for 40-50 minutes and conducted in English. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com. B2,490.
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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now NIGHTLIFE
LIVE MUSIC
Singto Numchok DJ Sunju
FETE DE LA MUSIQUE
In celebration of World Music Day, join local bands My Life as Ali Thomas (Indie-folk), DCNXTR (electro-pop, Jelly Rocket (dream pop) and Monomania (alt rock) for a night of live performances. On top of the music, there's also a screening of music documentary Eden as well as an indoor and outdoor flea market. Jun 18, 2pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Wireless Rd., 02-670-4200. Free. MRT Lumphini. SANAMLUANG MUSIC PLAYTIME SEASON 2 - EP.1 SON OF THE BEACH
Singto Numchok and Hers from the What the Duck label perform breezy pop tunes in a laid-back setting. Jun 25, 4pm. Rockademy, A-Square (next to Flow House, opposite K-Village), Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. Free. STREET WRECK LAST SHOW
The rock two-piece plays its final show (for now), with support from DJ Mongkol Sanla and loop-based solo artist Wednesday. Jun 25, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Free. BTS Surasak.
Dangdut Banget
Freddie Glitch
BACARDI LOUD & UNTAMEABLE PRESENTS JUICY M
AQATUKI (JP) LIVE
Winner of "Best Female DJ of the Year" at the 2010 Pro DJ Awards, DJ Juicy M plays electro house and dance tracks. Jun 17, 9pm. Demo, Thonglor Soi 10, 085-2502000. B400.
The Japanese instrumental band perform a set inspired by development in their hometown of Amagasaki. Jun 22, 9:30pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo.
DJ DANGDUT BANGET
The globe-trotting record collector with a passion for jazz, funk and soul tunes spins a vinyl set. Jun 17, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. FREDDIE GLITCH
The Dutch deep house and nu garage DJ takes over the decks as part of his Asian tour, with support from DJs Tom and Maarten Goetheer. Jun 17, 10:30pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi. URBAN POOL PARTY
BEAM X ESCAPISM
A mid-week night of melodic techno and house tracks for those who can't wait till the weekend. Jun 22, 10pm. Beam, 1/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. Free. NITE RIDE FEAT. MAARTEN GOETHEER (SALGADO)
DJs Boogie G and Dangdut Banget are joined by special guest Maarten Goetheer, aka Salgado, for a night of modern funk, boogie and disco. Jun 24, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. RED BULL THRE3STYLE THAILAND 2016
The last edition of the afternoon-evening pool party before the rainy season hiatus features 7 DJs including Ehh Kay, Bomber Selecta, and Champ Promdee, who'll be spinning the best of hip-hop, r&b, pop, trap and twerk. After party at Sway, Thonglor Soi 10. Jun 18, 2pm. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. B500 (includes one drink). MRT Lumphini.
The world DJ championships hits Bangkok for the second time. Among those attending will be 2015 winner DJ Byte, 2013 World Champion Shintaro and Thailand's very own Mr. Meeh from the BKK Invaders. Jun 24, 9pm. Ce La Vi, 39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.
CONTRAST EP.2
DJ Sunju Hargun spins techno with support from Dogs On The Turns (DOTT), Junesis and Ellie from the No Sleep Crew. Jun 24-25, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B350. MRT Sukhumvit.
San Francisco-based house and electronic DJ Max Vangeli hosts the second edition of the club's EDM series. Jun 18, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 081606-1166. B500. BANGKOK BOAT PARTY
A boat party on the Chao Phraya River, featuring hiphop, house and techno music from DJs Juany Bravo, Skinny Mark and Tony B, along with special UK guest DJ Lazru. The boat leaves from Sathorn Pier, Saphan Taksin. Jun 18, 9:30pm. B900. BTS Saphan Taksin.
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THEATER
INHALE
DJ KRUSH BUTTERFLY EFFECT ALBUM TOUR BANGKOK
Dubway Sessions presents veteran Japanese instrumental hip-hop artist Hideaki Ishi (aka DJ Krush), who will launch his latest album. Jun 25, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B700.
Stick Figures
LIKE A RAT, I WANT TO BE BEAUTIFUL
Directed by Shogo Tanikawa, this new black comedy presents stories of life, death, love, friendship and passion. Through Jun 19, 23-26, 7:30pm. Bluebox Studio, Petchaburi Rd., 02-715-3547. B400-500. STICK FIGURES
Director Josh Ginsburg presents a play about grief and the grieving process following characters who have all lost someone dear to them and are on the journey to recovery. The play will be performed in English and Thai on alternate days, with no subtitles provided. For the schedule and tickets, vist bit.ly/1rTBV0c. Through Jun 29, 8pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B400-550. DEATHTRAP
A new production of Ira Levin's long-running mystery thriller on Broadway. Directed by Loni Berry, the play explores how desperation leads to murder. Through Jul 3, 8pm. About Culture Collective Studio, 70 Charoen Krung Rd., 089-876-5400. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BOY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Splashing Theatre presents a play about someone who goes away and then returns 10 years later, directed by Thanaphon Accawatanyu. Jun 23-Jul 3, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4 Rd., 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B450. MRT Lumphini.
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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now ART EXHIBITIONS
PLAN AHEAD
ATMOSFEAR BY YUREE KENSAKU
FRAGMENTS OF EMOTION
An exhibition of the artist's alternative universe, featuring her eccentric characters which reflect worldwide problems. Jun 23-Nov 27. 100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., 02-684-1527. Free.
Artist Pataraporn Sansing exhibits her paintings from the past two years on themes of confusion, grief and fear in a surrealist style. Jun 17-Jul 6. Jamjuree Gallery, Jamjuree 8, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-218-3709.
HOTEL ART FAIR 2016
I WRITE YOU A LOT
An exhibition which takes the best artworks from the city's top galleries and independent artists, including Serindia Gallery, H Gallery, Atta Gallery and Gallery Ver, and brings them to display inside designer hotel rooms as part of a mobile art exhibition. This year's highlight includes a live drawing performance by Douglas Diaz and celebrity guest curators, Sutima Sucharitakul and Jitsing Somboon, who will also be showing their private art collections. Jun 25-26. Ad Lib Bangkok, 1 Sukhumvit, 02-205-7600.
For his first solo exhibition, screenwriter Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, known for his movies Freelance and Mary is Happy, Mary Happy, presents a unique experience in which participants are invited to meet the artist for a session in which he will write a short script about your character as well as photograph you to be exhibited in the gallery space. Please bring your own earphones for the exhibition. Jun 18-Aug 7. Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-087-2725. MRT Lumphini.
MEMORIES FROM A RAINY SEASON
NEW DAY BEGINS
Ane Fabricius Christiansen presents her sculptures and material experiments made during her residency at Chulalongkorn University, displaying her impressions after rainfall. Jun 19-Jul 3. Tentacles N22, Narathiwas Soi 22, 082-487-1487. Free.
A traditional Japanese painting and glass craft exhibition featuring artists like Kimimochi Tauchi, Rei Hayase, Shirofumi Takehara and Hiroshi Yamano. Jun 25-Jul 22. Midnice Gallery, Chok Chai Soi 8 (Chok Chai), 086-2820282. Free.
Overcoat Music Festival
The end of the year always means one thing: really awesome outdoor music festivals. Though we're only six months into 2016, the rollout has already begun. Earlybird tickets for this year's Overcoat Music Festival are on sale now through Jul 7 (or until they run out) for B1,300 each. Regular admission tickets will go on sale shortly after, priced at B1,600 each, with the actual event set to take place this Dec 11 at Jolly Land Starlight Amphitheater, Khaokho, Petchaburi. Back for its 7th year, Overcoat Music Festival is one of the country's biggest winter outdoor music festivals promising live romantic pop music amid beautiful mountainous scenery. Temperatures usually hover around 13-15 degrees Celsius by that time, making it the perfect destination for snuggling up in winter coats with warm drinks and quality live music. Although the lineup has yet to be announced, previous years saw some of the country's biggest names in pop music, including Singto Numchok, Lipta, 25 Hours, Ben Chalatit and Tor Saksit, take the stage.
Message www.fb.com/overcoatmusicfest to register for earlybird tickets with your full name, address, phone number, email and quantity of tickets.
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
TIE DYE WORKSHOP WITH KRU CHO
This workshop teaches you to create your own tie-dye patterns using colors from only natural ingredients. Register at goo.gl/71Xztm. Jun 18, 9:30am. Organic Way, 30 Ratburana Rd., 089-785-7720. B1,250. CREATIVE FACILITATION WORKSHOP
Learn to maximize your creativity with Alan Wong, an innovative trainer, educator, and artist who leads professional development and youth empowerment workshops throughout North America and beyond. Jun 19, 10am. Ma.D Club For Change, 63 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (Ekkamai). BTS Ekkamai. THAILAND ECOMMERCE SUMMIT 2016
An all-day event of eCommerce, ePayment and eLogistics presentations and workshops, with speakers from Zalora Thailand, Lazada Thailand, Facebook Thailand and many more. Tickets available at goo.gl/27QS0v. Jun 22, 9am. Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ploen Chit Rd. B1,490-2,490. BTS Chit Lom. JAPANESE LEATHER CRAFT ONENESS
THERE I WAS, UNDERGROUND, BENDING THE LIGHT
Sarawut Yasamut explores the fusion between the online world and the real world. Jun 21-Sep 6. S Gallery, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd., 093582-6588. Free.
An installation that mixes together dance, performance art and sculpture, with participants from the US and Thailand. Jun 24-25. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd. Free.
An expert on handmade leatherwork teaches you the basics like gluing, edge painting and hand stitching so you can create your own keychain and coin case in the Japanese style. Jun 25, 10am. Tentacles N22, Narathiwas Soi 22, 082-487-1487. B2,500. PASTEL COLOR WORKSHOP: FLOWER
Learn basic hard pastel techniques for drawing beautiful flowers with Piticha Kongrit. Jun 26, 1pm. Tentacles N22, Narathiwas Soi 22, 082-487-1487. B1,400.
BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
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now FILM Opening
SALES & FAIRS
THE NICE GUYS (USA)
Sneaker Party Thailand
The Knack Market
THE GLASS BY ART BOX
BHBFEST
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. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.
The festival gathers various health, beauty and lifestyle related products as well as healthy food and drinks. Jun 23-26, 10am. Future Park Rangsit, Phahon Yothin, 02-958-0011. Free.
SNEAKER PARTY THAILAND
The retro outdoor market that's held every last weekend of the month returns with stalls selling food, drinks, clothing and handmade jewelry. Jun 25-26, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.
Drama. In 1977 Los Angeles, amid an age of sex, disco and scandal, two investigators named Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) are assigned to solve the case of a porn star’s suicide. Jun 16
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (USA)
Comedy. An accountant (Kevin Hart) reunites with high-school friend turned CIA agent (Dwayne Johnson) and unexpectedly joins in on a top-secret case. Jun 16
THE KNACK MARKET
The biggest sneaker market in Thailand promises many street fashion brands, plus an exclusive rare sneaker exhibition. Tickets available at goo.gl/DMbrJF. Jun 25, 10am. CentralPlaza Lardprao, 1693 Paholyothin Rd. B220. MRT Phahon Yothin.
SPORTS
FINDING DORY (USA)
Animation/Adventure/Comedy. A fish suffering from memory loss, Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), embarks on a journey with the help of her friend Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) to reunite with her family. Jun 16
DISTANCE (CHINA)
A BIGGER SPLASH (USA)
Drama. Bolin Chen stars in a series of stories following different individuals who struggle to find their paths in life and face relationship hurdles. Jun 16
Crime/Drama/Mystery. When rock legend Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton) goes on holiday with her partner Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts), an ex-lover (Ralph Fiennes) and his daughter crash the getaway. Jun 16
Upcoming INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE (USA)
Adventure/Sci-fi. Following on from the 1996 original, once again aliens send a signal threatening humanity. This time, it is up to Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth), U.S. pilot and his team to save the planet. Also stars Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. Jun 23
MANGO AND STICKY RICE RUN
FAT RUN
A 5km and 10km run at one of the city's biggest parks. Register at www.race-hunter.com. Jul 2, 6:30am. Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit 103, 02-328-8982. B600-650.
Franky Sport organizes a 5km fun run to encourage healthy lifestyles. Register at bit.ly/27UQkJW. Jul 10, 6am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free.
RUN 4 MUM
HUMAN RUN 2016
The fourth annual run to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, offering 3km, 5km and 10km runs. Register at bit.ly/1WoCaNz, 08-7911-2037. Aug 7, 6am. Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit 103, 02328-8982. Free.
The annual run organized by A Day Magazine returns, this year under the concept of "Unstoppable" and challenging runners to take on the route around the Old Town. Offering 21km, 10km and 5km runs. Register at bit.ly/1sehLOF. Aug 28, 4am. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd., 02-6133333. B500-600.
A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (USA)
QUEEN OF THE DESERT (USA)
Drama. A struggling American salesman (Tom Hanks) travels to Saudi Arabia to make the deal of a lifetime with the help of a doctor and taxi driver who he meets along the way. Jun 23
Biography/Drama Following the true story of 20th-century feminist pioneer Gertrude Bell (Nicole Kidman) as she proves herself as an explorer, archaeologist and travel writer. Jun 23
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
WHY NOT
Discuss the future of Buddhism in Thailand This Jun 22, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand hosts the discussion event Thai Buddhism: Seized by Politics? Two Buddhist scholars, Vichai Panich and Sulak Sivaraksa, will lead a panel aimed at answering questions surrounding the role of Buddhism in modern Thai society. The panel will discuss events from the past two decades, including the controversy around Wat Dhammakaya, which has left the religion as an increasingly polarized and politicized topic in the country. B150 for journalists and students, B450 for non-members and free entry for members. Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, 518/5 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), directed by F.W. Murnau A farmer (George O’Brien) who finds himself in a loveless marriage falls for a flirtatious city girl who convinces him to drown his current wife. The film won the Unique and Artistic Picture gong at the first ever Academy Awards in 1929. Hamlet (1921), directed by Svend Gade and Heinz Schall A German adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous play in which Hamlet is, instead, born female and disguised as a male to keep his lineage.
This Jun 16-22 sees the third edition of the Silent Film Festival, which will screen some of the best silent films of all time in two of Bangkok’s oldest cinemas. Organized by the Thai Film Archive, this year’s selection includes films from Germany, USA, UK and France. Here’s a look at some of the highlights: Two Timid Souls (1928), directed by Rene Clair A love-triangle comedy about a shy lawyer (Pierre Batcheff) who attempts to seduce the wife of one of his clients, for whom he is sent to prison for mistreating. The Swallow and the Titmouse (1920), directed by Andre Antoine A boat captain attempts to set up his pilot friend with his sister-in-law, though little does he know that his friend has eyes on his wife.
Tickets are B200 on the door. For the full schedule, visit www.fb.com/silentfilmthailand Lido and Scala Cinema, Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam
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BK Magazine Friday, June 17, 2016
BK Now_644_June17_16 _New.indd 28
6/13/16 6:38 PM