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Inside: Avenue Gift Guide 2016
BK MAGAZINE NO. 671 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com
Best of
How one year changed Bangkok forever
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ADVERTORIAL
SIAM CENTER
IDEA AVENUE PRESENTS #THELIGHTLIFEUNIVERSE ART INSTALLATION In remembrance of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Siam Center hosts #thelightlifeuniverse, an interactive art installation by popular fashion designer and artist Jitsing Somboon. The artist is largely known as the creative director for Playhound by Greyhound, for which he has created an identity that merges fashion and art.
Inspired by His Majesty’s role as a guiding light in the lives of Thai people, the project uses neon lights to create a large-scale hologram portrait of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. To properly view the installation, the audience must stand at a designated condolence podium, which also holds details about the artwork and its intentions. Through light, the installation symbolizes the energy and power which the King exerted throughout his reign, much to the gratitude of all Thais. The work also touches on themes of happiness, spirituality, guidance and the universe as a whole. “Since the events of Oct 13, 2016, I have been recalling many events about him and us,” says Jitsing about his inspiration for the project. “It has become clear that he will be happy if we are happy. Being a good person, leading an independent life, doing good things for others and the country—these are all things we should focus on to continue his legacy. He has passed this energy onto us and we will give ours back to him as well. I hope this will last forever.” The exhibition is on display until Jan 22, 2017. Atrium 2, 1/F, Siam Center, Rama I Rd. BTS Siam. #thelightlifeuniverse
www.siamcenter.co.th
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page 3 What We’ve Learned
6 cover story
Rewind 2016
12 escapes
14 avenue
Let It Ride
Small World 20 blends
18 bites
Booming Bartenders
Burger King 32 BK Now
Foodie Fads
Jingle Bells
Who's in charge? Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Theerada Moonsiri, Earn Saenmuk, Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Deputy Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Junior Graphic Designer Waratchaya Boonket Photographer Chissanupong Narmmoolnark
Where to find us!
The Asia City Media Group
Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai
Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)
Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen
You can’t change toppings at Swensen’s anymore No more cherries instead of whipped cream or a separate cup of whipped cream instead of all the toppings on your sundaes. The favorite ice cream chain doesn’t allow us to switch toppings anymore. You can opt to not get what you don’t eat still, but there’ll be no replacement. Cruel. Ari street food stalls have to be gone by March 8 Sukhumvit Soi 38, On Nut, Siam, and now Ari—where we hear from one of the street food vendors that they’re “being asked” to move out by March 8. Remember that Cheap Charlie’s and that area behind Sukhumvit Soi 11 is also going to be gone by March, too. 2017 in Bangkok is shaping up to look a lot more like Singapore. You get to ride the BTS for free this New Year This year’s end-of-year gift from the BMA is a whole lot more useful than those B40 million LED lights we got last year. For a 24-hour window starting at noon on Dec 31, Bangkokians get to ride the BTS completely free. Same goes for the BRT and a few khlong boat routes.
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Cover by Chantich Kongchanmitkul
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
UNCLE and Lady Brett at 72 Courtyard have closed And so soon after the closure of downstairs’ Rocket X as well, meaning there are no Sapparot projects left at the new Thonglor community mall. “It was sudden,” says one of the group’s partners. We’re sure going to miss the B200 cocktails at UNCLE. We’re getting more stupid The results of an educational survey by the Programme for International Student Assessment show that Thai schools are getting worse. Overall, we came in 54th place out of 70 thanks to dropping standards in all subjects tested compared to 2012—not that we were too hot back then, either.
22 bites
Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon
A checklist of BK Magazine’s most important discoveries this week
Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg
BK Magazine is taking its well-deserved year-end break next Friday Don’t panic. We’ll be back Jan 6, 2017 with a hot new issue on what to expect in the next 12 months. Party hard, leave your car at home, and see you next year.
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, December 23, 2016
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Nannying
Not: Free speech
It’s pretty much one year since the junta first muted its plans for a singlegateway internet after a tribe of low-cost hackers brought down government mainframe with the F5 key. But just like herpes, it’s now back with avengence. Thanks to a 167 to 0 NLA vote in favor of a law that paves the way for the single gateway, expect 2017 in Thailand to look a lot more like Big Brother.
INTERVIEW
Hot: Chao Phraya dinner cruises
Not: Chao Phraya disco cruises
Paying over the odds for a crappy buffet on a river-going version of a hotel basement nightclub has never really appealed to us. Hence why we’ve always been down on the idea of Chao Phraya River cruises. Thanks to Supanniga, though, we’re willing to eat our words—as well as their delicious moo cha muang on a boat decked out like a chic Thonglor tapas spot (see page 22). Shame the other passing river discos have to ruin the atmos’.
Hot: Fishing off Africa Not: Fishing off Thailand Sticking to the newly tightened fishing regulations on ethical labor was just too much to ask of Thailand’s fishing trawler companies. Instead, they’ve been shipping out to more remote waters—away from the prying eyes of regulators. Greenpeace was watching though, and just released a damning new report.
2017 Hot: 2017
How did you get involved with this movie? I’m often contacted by entertainment productions, both local and international, wanting me to show up as a guest actor but I’ve always turned them down as I’ve never really wanted to be an actor. My focus is my boxing career. When I was first contacted to play this movie, I turned it down right away but [director, actor and screenwriter] Bin Bunluerit came to beg me in person to take the role because no one matched the part of a great boxer and warrior in the time of King Taksin as well as me. Once I got the chance to read the part, I gave it a chance.
They sent me to train at a horse farm. When I arrived, I just jumped straight on the horse despite not knowing a thing about how to ride. I was afraid of falling off but thought, I’ve already said yes to this role so now I have to do whatever it takes. I learned how to ride successfully after just half a day.
Did you take to acting easily? It’s a lot harder than being a boxer! When I box, I just have to fight in the ring. But being an actor needs you to think about how good that kick’s going to look on camera, or deliver a punch in slow motion.
How does it feel to be back in school in your 30s? I was super excited! Even more than when I enter the ring to fight. I missed the vibe of studying with friends and teasing each other. I was curious about how the other kids would treat to me, being so much older than them. I just told them to call me by my name, no pi. Now they’re my friends. I’m in my final year.
What was the hardest scene? When I needed to ride a horse. I had never even touched a horse before.
We hear you’ve gone back to university? Why now? I chose to be a boxer because I felt I wasn’t good at studying. Now though, I have the chance to look at education again. I have the power and passion to study, so have taken up business management since I own a boxing gym. I hope to use it for my business.
You are also in the military. Tell us about that. I dreamed of being a soldier when I was young so just decided to apply. I got to train for three months and finally passed into the rank of lance corporal. I help with public relations work, traveling to meet people and other soldiers. I just came back from the three southernmost provinces. What’s your daily fitness routine? I wake up at 5:30am every day and eat a light meal before running about 7-10 kilometers, followed by boxing at the gym till 10am. Then I eat again and sleep before waking up around 2-3pm for more running. Then I train from 4-7pm. I have a day off on Monday but I don’t really like to go out— just play football with other boxers in my gym. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan
Note: Buakaw is set to fight again on Dec 30 at Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Not: 2016
What did 2016 give to anybody? Another year of military rule, some cheese tarts and a new frying pan at BBQ Plaza (see page 8). For a glimpse at what the New Year has in store for Bangkok, make sure you pick up the next issue of BK on Jan 6, when we’ll be giving you a full lowdown on the city’s biggest upcoming projects. See you in two weeks!
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
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Buakaw Banchamek, real name Sombat Bunchamek, 34, is the world’s most successful Thai K1 fighter. Following the drama of leaving his old agent and opening his own boxing gym, the prize fighter is now set to play the leading role in a movie. In Bin Bunluerit’s Thongdee Fun Khao, Buakaw plays the part of Phaya Phichai, the ancient Thai warrior hero from the King Taksin era. Here, he opens to BK about his studying, boxing, life in the military and retirement.
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by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
IDEA OF THE YEAR TIME hails "The Unusual Football Field" by AP Thailand as one of the 25 Best Inventions of 2016.
AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, the leading developer of properties and premier innovator of residential functional space design, is the brains behind the new AP Unusual Football Field, selected by TIME magazine as one of the 25 Best Inventions of 2016 worldwide. AP identified spaces in underprivileged neighborhoods whose haphazard shapes needed AP’s expertise in residential design to put them to new and fruitful uses. As a result, AP managed to create unusual pitches that are functional despite being far from rectangular. Pattaraphurit Rungjaturapat, Deputy Chief Corporate Image, speaks of the company’s innovative concept: What triggered the idea for the AP Unusual Football Field? During our annual internal meeting, we discussed ways to channel our expertise in space design into helping society. We decided to focus on the Khlong Toei community by developing vacant lots into usable areas that would benefit everyone in the community. We drew on the company’s expertise in residential space design via our AP Think Space unit. Following a survey of Khlong Toei, the AP Design Lab pinpointed unused spaces within the crowded community that can be developed into usable spaces. Building on that, we came up with a couple of odd-shaped—L and zig zag-shaped—football pitches. It had never been done before and posed a real challenge for AP to overcome the limitations of these spaces. The end result is a valuable life space for everyone in the community—children, teens and adults alike. We've proven that a football field is not necessarily limited to a regular rectangle and the AP Unusual Football Field by AP Thailand has been praised by TIME magazine as an innovation in design like no other in the world. What challenges did you face? People wondered if it was really possible to build, and play, in a football pitch that is not rectangular. But football is what we had determined the community wanted, so we couldn’t let the lack of large, rectangular plots be an obstacle. The problem was how to do it given the limitations, and how to make it most practical. It was a real challenge for our team of designers. The L and zigzag-shaped football fields were not just a result of thinking differently: they were the outcome
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of a balanced design that brings the most flexibility and seamlessness to the community. The important thing was for the pitches to be usable and truly beneficial to the people in the community. How has the unusual football field impacted the local community? Turning waste areas in the Khlong Toei community into usable land provides members of the community a common space which can serve not only as a football pitch, but also as a multi-purpose ground and community area. Providing space for children to do physical activity greatly helps reduce juvenile problems while providing the community with extra openair activities. The paramount achievement of the AP Unusual Football Field is that we have implemented and created a project that really meets the needs of a community because the heart of our design philosophy is the end-user. It is what we intended to do from the start and in keeping with the criteria TIME magazine used to select this year’s best inventions: they must make the world better. What’s next after AP Unusual Football Field? So far two AP Unusual Football Fields have been completed and handed over to the Klong Toei community for sports, play and socializing. We are currently surveying waste areas in other communities using aerial shots to spot spaces that we can design into unusually-shaped football fields. Then we will propose the design and ask for the community’s involvement to develop the new fields. We are already planning to develop a third field as a multi-purpose space for another community in Bangkok.
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cover story
The Year That Was A look back at Bangkok’s most pivotal moments in 2016. By BK Staff
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Cheese tarts became the new macarons
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The Mahakan Fort community finally lost its fight... Everyone went crazy at a dentist in America
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Our female weightlifters killed it
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Bulbasaur, Jigglypuff and Snorlax showed up on the streets of Bangkok…
An ogre taking selfies caused cultural outrage
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...A terrifying danger which the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission wanted banned IMMEDIATELY
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… As did so many of downtown’s street vendors
Cosmo, Image, Life… Bangkok magazines finally got the message print is dying
S&P took on the hipsters with SNP Headquarter
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We elected a new constitution
Truckloads of dinosaurs brought Bangkok to gridlock
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Drunk Songkran drivers killed 442 people—up 21 percent on their efforts last year
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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cover story
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The Purple Line opened, literally no one used it, it slashed its prices, and still literally no one used it
Bill Gates bitched about our overground cables on social media, some generals made a noise about it in public, and then the whole thing got forgotten
Octopus replaced tomahawk steak as every restaurant’s musthave dish
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Beard Papa’s returned, bringing its creamy balls of choux pastry with it (see page 27)
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We waved goodbye to our Gubernatorial Graciousness
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Mrs Universe Thailand rocked the worst costume ever
Glico ice cream turned up in Bangkok 7-Elevens, causing outrage in the provinces
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Motorbike taxi apps came, got taken away, came back, and now we’re not sure what the deal is
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Godiva, IHOP and Ben & Jerry’s arrived and drove us crazy
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Mahanakhon staged a massive opening show but didn’t actually open
A park, an amulet trader and some statues caused a whole heap of trouble in Hua Hin
Our morning orange juice sellers were outed for using an additive even sweeter than sugar
25
Spanish food became the new Mexican food
27
Balenciaga ripped off our shopping bags
28
BBQ Plaza caused a culinary sensation with a new frying pan and a sexy advert
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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cover story
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1,600 chubby papier mache pandas took over Sanam Luang. Everyone Instagrammed.
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Superstar chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Jamie Oliver brought their global brands to town
40
The nation came together and mourned the loss of our beloved monarch
31
The tiger temple finally closed down
32
Trampoline parks bounced into town and began to breed
34
The Commons and 72 Courtyard made community malls cool again
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Disclosure and Blood Orange proved artists under 40 do sometimes visit Bangkok
35
The closure of Moose, The Overground and Hemingway’s left a hole for local live music
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True Visions pulled Motel Mist from cinemas, though it finally made it to our screens
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Louis Vuitton plucked a temple boy from Kanchanaburi and made him a fashion model
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Laser tag became the latest symptom of ‘90s revival fever
The internet blew up with a false rumor that Tomorrowland might come to Thailand
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Monruedee Jansuttipan
KHON KAEN
Tour de Isaan Isaan’s huge cross-province cycling event, Ride to Khong’s Legendary (www.ridetokhonglegendary.com), returns again this Jan 13-15. For 2017, the three-day-three-stage competition changes route to kick off in Khon Kaen before passing through Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon and ending at Nakhon Phanom. That’s a total of over 300 kilometers. The full package to compete in all three stages costs B5,500 per cyclist, B22,000 per five-man team, or B13,200 per five-woman team. This price includes return air fare, six meals, airport transfers and insurance. The event also offers a streamlined three-stage package for B3,000 (without air ticket), B2,200 for two stages and B1,200 for one stage. Registration available until Jan 6.
KHAO YAI
Truck Life The deli chain from New York, Dean & Deluca (www.fb.com/ddbkk), has moved to the mountains with a new food truck stationed in Khao Yai for the winter. Called Dean & Deluca @ Akas Khao Yai, it sits in the grounds of a new condo development looking out over some pretty incredible mountain views. Grab yourself a slouchy bean bag to enjoy standard Dean fare like burgers, eggs Benedict, muffins, pancakes, wraps and sandwiches. They do booze, too: wine starting from B995/bottle and B185/glass as well as imported beers (from B185). Note that it only operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm.
Mountain Market Khao Yai also hosts a Christmas market this season. Called The Mew Hill Market (www. fb.com/RetailAllAround) and taking place Dec 24-25 at The Mew cafe on Thanarat Road., it boasts crafty fashion and decor booths as well as stores selling produce from local farms. You can also take part in workshops for indigo tie-dye, flower-pot arranging and cookie decoration. Following Chrsitmas, the cafe also plans to host two more flea markets on Jan 28-29 and Feb 25-26. The first will be all about organic products, while the second will sell desserts and sweets.
AIRLINES
Island Calling Japan’s low-cost airline Peach Aviation (www.flypeach.com) has finally reached Thailand, offering a new route between Bangkok and Okinawa. Return flights cost from B6,760 but they haven’t announced if that includes taxes, or how much luggage costs. We do know that the Happy Peach Plus fare will include baggage and seat selection, starting from B8,400—just slightly cheaper than full-service carrier Hong Kong Airlines, whose Bangkok-Okinawa route starts from B10,350. Flights with Peach Aviation leave Bangkok at 1:15am and arrive in Okinawa at 7:30am. The route doesn’t start flying till Feb 16.
Smile Longer After opening four routes to India, Thai Smile (www.thaismileair.com) has expanded even further around the region. The low-cost sister of Thai Airways now also operates four flights a week to Mandalay, Myanmar, and four flights to Luang Prabang in Laos. Until late in March, the Mandalay route will cost you B6,390 return, while Luang Prabang flights are set at B6,990 return. Both these costs also cover 20kg of luggage, seat selection and a meal.
FREE DOWNLOAD! WHERE Hot Spots 2016 covers the hottest new openings in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Chiang Mai. Get your free copy today at bkmagazine.com/hotspots2016.
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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A VERY AVANI NEW YEAR. That’s what matters to me. Join us this festive season for a line-up of New Year’s dining events, enter tainment and celebrations. SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 2016 ATTITUDE Countdown to 2017 and celebrate the vibrant fireworks spectacle along the Chao Phraya River.
Skyline International buffet with a chance to win amazing lucky draw prizes 6.00 pm - 10.30 pm
8:00 pm - 2:00 am THB 14,900 nett per person including a selection of unlimited decadent tapas ser ved at the table, full standard bar, wines and sparkling wines,
THB 2,500 nett per person include soft drinks, beer and party flavorus Children aged 4-12 years enjoy 50% discount
11:30 pm - 2:00 am Walk-in cover charge at THB 3,000 nett per person including full standard bar. AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel 257 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600, Thailand T +66 2431 9100 | E riverside.bangkok@avanihotels.com avanihotels.com
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, December 23, 2016
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avenue ATTRACTION
Small-Town Life Occupying over 1,000 sq meters on the second floor of the Gateway Ekamai mall, Stanley MiniVenture is supposedly the world’s third largest miniature exhibition. The sprawling 1:87 scale metropolis aims to educate viewers about the world’s history and diversity, spanning 11 zones, including the Hoover Dam, a Swiss Alps farming village, the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. In the “Very Thai,” you’ll find Bangkok landmarks like a mini Victory Monument and the city’s iconic tangled electrical wires. Toy train systems run throughout each zone. Tickets are B650 for adults and B450 for children. 2/F, Gateway Ekkamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-248-9924. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Ekkamai. www.stanleyminiventure.com
WELLN
One o Float i to hel multip gives 090-9
FITNES
Austra fit ses arts). this a Street
SHOPP
Titan’s to the 9-o’clo able in and Th
FASHIO
Follow the bra Think larly re leave
SHOPPING
SHOPPING
CARS
Palm Size
Cap Things Off
Car Spa
For geeks bemoaning their low-tech wallet’s lack of gimmicks American brand ACM Wallet has invented a neat new way to organize your cards. Small enough to fit in your palm, the gadget can carry up to six cards and comes with a removable money clip. The key feature: pressing a button ejects one card at a time. You can even customize the buttons with 18 different plastic labels that can be popped in and out as you change your cards. The case also prevents them from demagnetizing. The price is B1,690 for the regular model and B1,990 for ProTek model, which protects your RFID-enabled credit cards from data skimming. Available at www.acmwallet.co.th
After making its first foray into Bangkok just a couple of months back, American cap maker New Era has opened another location, albeit temporary, at CentralWorld. The pop-up store offers almost as much variety as the Siam Center flagship store, with caps divided into different zones, from American sport leagues like the MLB, NBA and NFL to cartoon characters and New Era’s own line. The main drawcards right now may be the brand new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story collection (from B1,490) and the One Piece collection (B1,790), based on the popular Japanese anime. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-862-0790-4. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. www.fb.com/newerathailand
Give your car the pampering it deserves at Bangkok’s new auto sanctuary, Zenith Car Spa. Here you don’t just get a wash and vacuum, but also touchup paint jobs and ozone treatment to fully rid your car of germs. Until the end of Jan, the special opening promos get you 20-percent off all services. Prices start at B590. Reservations required. The car spa is connected to the Charoensri Zenith car importer, who brings in names like Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper and Range Rover. 2155 New Phetchburi Rd., 083-090-0338. Open MonSat 8:30am-5:30pm. www.fb.com/zenithcarspa
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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avenue
Head Outdoors
Five healthy Thai holiday destinations you need to visit now that the rain has stopped.
Doi Angkhang
Steven Belcher
FIND INNER PEACE IN CHIANG MAI Located 4km outside of Chiang Mai town, Wat Rampoeng is popular with both Thais and foreigners seeking a short but effective meditation retreat. The temple offers a 10- or 26-day basic course in Vipassana (Insight) Meditation in a group setting that focuses on achieving self-understanding and unity of the body, the heart and the mind. To join the program, contact the temple by phone or in person at the administration office. Your entrance fee is accepted in the form of donations. Health tip: Meditation offers huge mental and emotional benefits by giving you a sense of inner peace and balance. It can help manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure and more. Tambol Suthep, Chiang Mai, 053278620.
GO HIKING IN ISAAN The 359-meter-high sandstone mountain Phu Thok has recently popped up on the radars of many travelers seeking something new and different. Phu Thok (which means “Lonely Mountain” in the Isaan dialect) has two peaks: Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. With a thrilling walk that ascends seven different levels before you reach the summit, it’s not only a good workout to the top, but also a rewarding one thanks to the stunning views. Health tip: Because it is a weight-bearing exercise, hiking boosts bone density, builds strong muscles in your hips and lower legs and can strengthen your core. Bueng Khan Province, Isaan
TAKE ON MARATHONS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE The new year welcomes a whole series of marathons outside of Bangkok that will test your speed, endurance and strength across countryside terrain. Hardcore runners can sign up for what is referred to as the most challenging trial race in the country, The North Face 100 2017, which charts a 100km course through the mountains of Korat. For something a little less demanding, the Khao Yai Half Marathon offers 5, 10 and 21km runs (bit.ly/2hBKqsS) and the Chonburi Love Running event hosts 5.5 and 10km runs along the province’s beautiful coastline (bit.ly/2hUxopf). Health tip: Long distance running is a great way to lose weight and burn calories, while also improving the immune system, reducing blood pressure and keeping cholesterol in check. It also strengthens your joints and bones while building muscles.
Wat Rampoeng
Doi Angkhang
EAT CLEAN IN RATCHABURI Organic farm Rai Pluk Rak, just one hour away from Bangkok, is great for people who want to kickstart a healthier diet plan. Run by sustainability champion Anotai Gongvatana (of Anothai restaurant in Bangkok), the weekend agricultural workshops teach participants how to grow vegetables without the use of any chemicals (starting at B750 per class). There’s also an on-site vegetarian restaurant promising refreshing countryside views and nothing but clean, health-loving food. Health tip: Eating clean helps regulate your blood sugar, improves overall mood, boosts energy levels and helps with weight loss. 130 Moo 1, Petchkasem Rd., Ratchaburi. 032-389-521. www. fb.com/thaiorganicfood
Rai Pluk Rak
TREK AROUND THE ROYAL PROJECTS AT DOI ANGKHANG The birth place of the Royal Projects is not only home to beautiful plantations growing pears, peaches, strawberries, kiwi fruit and more, but it’s also a serene camping point with scenic trekking routes. Make your way up the 30-minute Nor Lae path at the Angkhang Military Base to catch great views of the mountains over in Myanmar—the climb is short but strenuous enough to break out some sweat and get the heartrate up, and totally worth the rewarding views at the top. Health tip: Trekking is a great form of interval training, where you’ll get interval cardio in short bursts of exertion. The uphill climb will work the leg, arm and core muscles for strength training while the downhill will give your heart rate a chance to recover. Doi Angkhang, Chiang Mai. www.angkhangstation.com
Phu Thok
Bumrungrad Hospital is one of the largest private medical facilities in Southeast Asia, with over 55 specialty centers, an internationally-certified lab and pharmacy, clinical research centers, advanced imaging facilities, and a 24-hour emergency care unit. Certified by the Joint Commission International since 2002, Bumrungrad cares for more than 1.1 million patients a year at its state-of-the-art facilities right in the heart of Bangkok. Learn more at www.bumrungrad.com. Brought to you by Bumrungrad International Hospital
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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avenue FASHION
Tokyo Cool
Take influence from the streets of Japan's capital with these Shimokita-worthy style picks. By Earn Saenmuk
Alfie Charcoal sunglasses in green, Roseman Club, B4,850
Lemtosh black crystal RX glasses, Moscot, B9,200
Oversized short sleeve striped T-shirt, Uniqlo, B390
Snowday beanie in orange, Battenwear, B1990
Blue blouson bass denim jacket, A.P.C., B15,900
Long sleeve flannel shirt, Uniqlo, B590
Organic cotton stretch slim fit pants , Muji, B1,390
Onion BKK
Classic black 36mm sheffield watch, Daniel Wellington, B7,150
Savor Organic- P bucket hat, Palini, B1,450
Mace dark brown polished Wyoming greasy suede boots, Dr. Martens, B7,600
Black backpack with zip, Zara, B2,490
Large tote with zipper, Muji, B890
Essentials Stole with arm hole, Muji, B1,990
Jack Purcell Signature Shield Canvas, Converse, B5,300
Slim low jeans, H&M, B1,399
A.P.C. 1/F, Central Embassy, 02-160-5787. BTS Phloen Chit. www.apc.fr
Muji. 5/F, Zen at CentralWorld. 02-100-9999. www. muji.com/th
Birkenstock available at Groove & Groovy Concept Store, 39/71 Sukhumvit Soi 42, 02-259-4869. www. groovegroovy.com
Palini, Battenwear and Moscot available at One Ounce For Onion, 19/12 Ekkamai Soi12, 02-1166078. www.onionbkk.com
Converse. 1/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-1104. BTS Siam/National Stadium. www.converse.co.th
Roseman Club. 68/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 081 444 2642. www.rosemanclub.com
Daniel Wellington available at www.danielwellington.com/th
Uniqlo. 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-6131465. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. www.uniqlo.com/th
Dr. Martens. 5/F, Zen at CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. www.fb.com/Dr.MartensAirwairThailand
Zara. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9860. BTS Siam. www.zara.com/th
H&M. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-620-6888. BTS Siam. www.hm.com/th
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
Plastic lamp, Kartell, B6,000
Photo frame, Leather Paragon, B800-1,200
4-piece espresso cup set and coffee pot, Tom Dixon, price TBA
Premna, Bonson Bonsai, B1,500
Multi-color yarns, Hay, price TBA
A NEW HOME
The newly opened Home & Living section at Siam Discovery is what your interior has been waiting for. Reopened last May, the third floor of Siam Discovery has raised the bar for home decor in Bangkok. Shop beloved local design names like Thingg and Philos for a Scandinavian feel at Thai prices. Meet young creators from Europe such as Hay and Menu. And splurge on design royalty like Kartell and Tom Dixon. With everything on one floor, it’s never been easier, or more affordable, to mix and match across styles and continents. Creative Lab, 3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. 02-658-1000. BTS Siam/ National Stadium
White pillow with black print, Jagtar, B2,990 cream polka dot pillow, Jagtar, B1,180
Tree set in sphere glass jar, Tiny Tree, B3,480
Cushion, Studio Blanco, B8,200
All-purpose hanger, Sculpture, B1,990
Pen tray, Hay, price TBA
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bites & blends
BURGER
Got Beef After causing a big buzz among beef lovers (and some lengthy queues) last year, butcher-slash-restaurant Arno’s has branched out with a burger spot. The flavorful local house-dry-aged beef remains the star, here coming in the form of daily ground patties complemented by fluffy, house-made buns and chef Arnaud Carre’s secret spicy sauce. On top of the classic American-style burger with a juicy 200g patty (B220), you’ll find the Parisien (B350), which features a patty mixed with steak tartare condiments right before cooking. Other choices include a pork burger (B220), veggie burger (with portobello mushroom and guacamole, B280) and a bunless burger patty with sunny side-up egg (B190). Wash it all down with local beers (starting at B120) or Vedett (B210), Duvel (B240) and Estrella Inedit (B590). Narathiwas Soi 15, 02-087-5087
TASTING MENU
CAFE
NEW MENU
Across India
Taipei 101
Man That’s Good
Indus's new head chef, Anil Kumar, continues to take the restaurant down a more contemporary route with a new tasting menu. Inspired by the different culinary regions of India, the meal starts off with a play on the Indian street snack of deep-fried bread, puri, in the form of a semolina puff with mango cream and kaffir lime dust. Along the way, you’ll also find Punjabi makai pudina corn soup with mint oil, and, our favorite course, methi malai jhinga tiger prawn with smoked broccoli puree, fenugreek powder and beetroot cracker, inspired by the seafood culture in Goa. A non-vegetarian set costs B1,600 while the vegetarian set is B1,400. Opt for the wine pairing for an extra B1,000. 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900
The latest check-in spot at CentralWorld presents a new style of Taiwanese desserts to Bangkok. QQ Dessert rolls out tofu pudding (from B85) and grass jelly (from B95) with toppings like house-made taro balls, sweet potato, red beans, barley and lotus seed. You can also have them over shaved ice with their special herbal syrup (from B139), too. Don’t miss the warm purple rice porridge with red beans and sago (B129) and imported fig jelly with honey-lime sauce (B119), either. We recommend you order some milk tea (B75) to match. 6/F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 095-641-4165. BTS Siam/Chit Lom
Bangkok recently welcomed one of the Shangri-La hotel group's most seasoned Cantonese chefs. Chow Wai Man started out 40 years ago training at the Shangri-La Academy in Hong Kong before returning to the group 10 years later. Since moving from the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing late last year, he's been in Bangkok, only now unveiling his new menu at Shang Palace. Some of his specialties include “Buddha Jumps over the Wall” soup (B1,600), which features dried scallop, abalone, shiitake and sea cucumber and baked lobster with his special stock (B550/100g). We had a chance to try some of his food earlier in the month. Our top pick: the humble braised Chinese spinach topped with salted egg and century egg (B380)—amazingly flavorful. Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, 02-236-7777. BTS Saphan Taksin
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, December 23, 2016
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blends BARTENDERS
NEW YEAR
Movers & Shakers
Where to Celebrate
Eight Bangkok bartenders who made a big impression in 2016. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
Milk Pailin
Hideyuki Saito
Dedsakda "Ken" Thianthong
Nont “Pae” Ketumarn
BEST NIGHTCLUB
Beam An amazing sound system and sexy people mean you’ll have fun counting down from 10 here. See page 34 for the full NY DJ lineup. Beam, 1/F 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). 02-392-7750
Achievement of the year: Winning Southeast Asia Bartender of the Year 2016 at the Diageo World Class
Achievement of the year : Opening Bronx, one of the most inventive cocktail bars in town
Achievement of the year: One of four finalists in the Bacardi Legacy competition 2016
Achievement of the year: One of four finalists in the Bacardi Legacy competition 2016
The petite cocktail superstar won the Southeast Asian round of Diageo’s much-hyped World Class awards in Bali. Back in Bangkok, she’s also had a hand in two of the city’s most exciting cocktail menus of the year. At steak restaurant Il Fumo, she created a menu all about boozeforward old-school classics—think lots of rye whiskey, cognac and bitters, not so much fruit. Meanwhile at Vesper, her new Art Book menu is one of the most creative in town, charting 14 boozy creations each inspired by a famous work of art. Our favorite sees Rene Magritte’s “The Treachery of Images” interpreted as a smoky, potent blend of Moonshine unaged whiskey, Alipus San Baltazar mescal, Carpano Bianco vermouth and tonic bitters (B390).
J a p a n - n a t i ve H i d ey u k i S a i to formerly ran the always on-point bar at Vogue Lo u ng e b efo re branching out to open Bronx Liquid Parlour down on Thonglor earlier in the year. He and his barman Krit Pragobdee both got through to the final round of the Bacardi Legacy cocktail competition this November. We personally love how detailed Hideyuki’s cocktails are, with each one served alongside a little homemade munchie (all of which also have alcohol in them). Try “Sei” (B380)—a deliciously rich blend of Bacardi Ocho, umeshu (Japanese plum rum), cacao, port wine, molasses and matcha, with a side treat of rum yokan (a Japanese dessert jelly traditionally eaten with green tea).
You’ll find this smiley mixologist behind the bar at new tapas hot spot Toro. Before that he was at Thonglor’s Evil Man Blues, which means he got trained up by one of Bangkok’s most inventive, boundary-pushing bartenders, US native Liam Baer. After making it through to the 15 finalists of the Marie Brizard cocktail competition in Bangkok this year, he entered Bacardi Legacy, becoming one of the four Bangkok finalists. His cocktail passion is egg white, greens and herbs. In his signature The Kenny (B370), that translates to gin, Licor 43 liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and thyme—fresh and aromatic.
Vesper, 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777 Il Fumo, 1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833
Bronx Liquid Parlour, Thonglor Soi 25, 02-036-6071
Now at Morimoto, Pae first carved his niche at The House on Sathorn. His background spans food and drink, having studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Melbourne before turning to cocktails. Entering Bacardi Legacy for the first time this year, he also got through to the final round. At Morimoto he makes refreshing cocktails with Japanese twists, like Morimotini (B380), a sake martini featuring junmai sake made exclusively for chef Masaharu Morimoto by a brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture (“they exceed the rice polishing ratio to make his product even more special,” he says). We also love Ume (B290), a negroni twist which switches sweet vermouth with umeshu (Japanese plum rum) to help balance out the Campari's bitterness.
Suchada “Fahbeer” Michele Montauti Sopajaree
Toro, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7790
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC
Havana Social For those of you who don’t want to count down to techno DJs, call the number on Havana’s hidden telephone booth to gain entry to a den of Latin music and swaying hips. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11. 061-45037510
Morimoto, 4/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-060-9099
Francesco Moretti
Wareewan “Oil” Yodkamol
BEST ROOFTOP
Vogue Lounge Put on your nicest dress and get drunk in style with front-row seats of the tallest building in Bangkok. Book your spot in advance as it gets pretty crowded. They’ll charge you B900 to get in but you get a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne.
Achievement of the year: Moving to The Owl Society. One of the 12 finalists in Diageo World Class Thailand Competition
A c h i eve m e n t o f t h e yea r : Opening Mikys, rated as BK’s Best New Bar Before 10pm
A c h i eve m e n t o f t h e yea r : Replacing Hide (see above) at Vogue Lounge
Achievement of the year : Becoming head bartend at Freebird.
The red-haired Bangkokian isn’t just one of the city’s most recognizable bartenders; she’s also one of its best. Stationed behind the bar at The Owl Society Whiskey Saloon in Ekkamai, she pours powerful drinks based around the strong, smoky spirit that is whiskey. If you’re just starting to drink whiskey, she’s also willing to take questions and share her knowledge. We recommend 24k (B350), a mix of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, dry vermouth, homemade moonflower infused gold powder syrup, a dash of soda and garnished with dehydrated moonflowers dusted in gold powder.
Michele starting out as young as 14 mixing cocktails at a coffee shop in his Italian hometown, but has been a fixture of Bangkok’s cocktail scene for some time now. Originally a brand ambassador for spirit distributor Brand Connect, he went on to join serial BKK barman Joseph Boroski at J. Boroski Mixology before opening at the House on Sathorn. This year, he brought nightlife to Silom’s Pan Road with Mikys. His Meticulous (a mix of bourbon whiskey, fresh watermelon juice, cinnamon syrup, lime and chocolate bitters, B340) is a must-try.
Moretti started his training at Michelin-starred chef Jean-Claude Brugel's Sea Lounge in Monaco when he was 18, and has been mixing drinks all over Europe, America and Asia ever since. Now you will find Moretti juggling bottles amid Vogue Lounge's swanky, plum leather confines, where he launched a new menu in October. Order the Gold Fashioned (Chivas Extra Fine, sweet vermouth and licorice bitters, garnished with cherry brandy dusted in gold powder, B380) and you’ll get not just a drink but a little fire show to go with.
Like Milk Pailin (see above), she’s also a child of Vesper, whose bartenders routinely excel in international competitions. In Oil’s case, that means reaching the Thailand finals in the World Class Competition from 2013-2015. Though she currently pours a drinks menu devised by prolific consultant Liam Baer, her own drinks will launch this Jan. Until then, get a sneak peak of her creations with the Nutbush (Madeira, apple liqueur, toffee nut syrup, egg white and apple cider, lemon, B360) and Flamingo (strawberry gin, dry vermouth, white cacao liqueur, egg white and lemon, B360)
The Owl Society Whiskey Saloon, 8/1 Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-046-3798
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Mikys Cocktail Bar, 64 Pan Rd., 02-637-8368
Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697
Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd. 02-001-0697
BEST POOL PARTY
Ambar Count down to 2017 at an outdoor bar complete with rooftop swimming pool, special drink promotions and live DJs. Entry costs B500 with one drink. Dress code: Mask. Ambar, 8/F, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 15. 02-309-3113
See page 34 for more NYE parties.
Freebird, 28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
Krungsri Gourmet Wonderful Winter Delights
Sushi Nio This sushi restaurant brings joy to Prachachuen, featuring a spacious loft-like dining space with a high ceiling and glass facade. Of course, it needs a range of colorful fusion rolls to match. The menu features the likes of foie gras and unagi (eel) roll and tiger roll (salmon, avocado, cheese) on top of other Japanese staples. They also served heavilymarbled A5 wagyu in forms of sushi, donburi (rice bowl) and nabe (hot pot) too.
• 20%* discount on food Now – Mar 31, 2017 Prachachuen Rd., Tel. 087-544-4488
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The Hub Yamato
MIYU
August
PAUL
• 50%* discount on food (only sashimi and sushi on Sat-Sun)
• 15%* discount on food when dining over B1,000/sales slip (Tue-Fri)
• 10%* discount on food only
• 15%* discount on food
• 10%* discount on food when dining over B1,000/sales slip (SatSun)
• 10%* discount on food and beverages when spending over B500/sales slip
Now – May 31, 2017 Thaniya Suriwongse Te. 02-235-1631
Now – Jan 31, 2017 Prannok – Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Rd., Tel. 081-146-5577
Now – Mar 31, 2017 3/F, The Mercury Ville Tel. 02-252-2423
Now – Jun 30, 2017 CentralWorld Tel. 02-646-1413 The Emporium Tel. 02-664-7535 Central Embassy Tel. 02-001-5160 Empire Tower Tel. 02-670-0761
Credit Cards of Krungsri
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bites BITES
Trend Spotting How the Bangkok food trends moved on in 2016. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Chef Man
2015: Lava Buns
Pablo
2016: Cheese Tarts
2015: Bingsu
The influx of cheese tarts in the second half of the year made us forget about lava croissants and embrace our inner Hong Kong uncle. It all started with the arrival of Bake from Sapporo just at the end of last year. Then a few other Japanese names followed, including Me & Cheese and the much-hyped Pablo. Local bakers Hiro Keki and the Bread Talk chain also jumped on the train. Our pick? Bake!
2016: Booze-inspired desserts
Did you try the lemon meringue cocktail thing at Revolucion last year? That thing was way too sweet. We much prefer the 2016 way: desserts which take their inspiration from cocktails. At Clandestino Cantina, that means a pina colada (B270) in the form of deconstructed tart with rum-infused pineapple, pina colada mousse and coconut ice cream. Barisa’s mojito ice cream sandwich (B150) features layers of mint and rum ice cream in between lime cake, while Robuchon offers a take on the caipirinha in the form of passion-banana cream, cahaca granita and coconut nectar (B450).
2015: Tomahawks
Japan’s version of fluffy shaved ice took over the scene from Korea. First, long-time sweets specialist After You popularized the dessert by adding it to its menu before launching a full kakigori-specialist cafe, Maygori. Now you can also find the mineral water variation at Matcha Ten, sweet-savory combos like melon and Parma ham at Sweet Pista, and the much-loved Japanese sweet potato flavor at Abpo Cafe. Even ice-cream specialist Jaiyen Cafe hopped on board.
2016: Beef Ribs
Tomahawks didn’t go anywhere this year. In fact they became more apparent than ever. But they were also joined by a new on-the bone cut, from the eight-hour-smoked slab at Meat & Bones to the plump, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu short rib at Bunker to the latest smoked beef rib at Wild & Co.
Azul
Mexicano
2015: Mexican Cuisine
2016: Latin Cuisine
While 2015 welcomed more new Mexican openings than we could keep track of, 2016 moved on from tacos and burritos to scour all over South and Central America. Get a taste of Ecuador at Cali’s Grill 23, “Nuevo Latino” cuisine at Azul, and playful takes on food from from Latin-speaking countries at Clandestino Cantina. Blu 36 also joined Above Eleven with its Peruvian food. Even Cuban sandwiches are popping up. Our favorite is at Havana Social.
Meat & Bones
Attico
Maygori
2016: Kakigori
Barisa
Revolucion
2015: Dessert-inspired booze
Wiked Snow
Freebird
Savelberg
2015: The French
2016: Underdog Nations
Last year, we obsessed over big Michelin-star names like Robuchon, Savelberg and Lorain. But this year we looked beyond the obvious food capitals and embraced new flavors, with Bunker doing “modern American,” Freebird doing “modern Australian” and Suhring doing “modern German.”
NEW Supanniga Launches a Dinner Cruise for Locals Too Departing from the revamped River City, this stylish little cruise ship just big enough for 40 diners is hoping to woo you, cynical Bangkokians who wouldn’t be caught dead eating afloat on the Chao Praya. The galley is currently being trained and run by Supanniga Thonglor’s chef—a restaurant that made the Top Tables Top 10 a couple years back. The ship is entirely open air, making it a cool pick for alfresco dining this winter. Comfortable and compact, there’s the feeling of being in a little floating salon, hovering above the water. The food is on par with the Sukhumvit Soi 55 mothership, and includes the same nods to Trat and Khon Kaen, meaning you can still expect some of the best fish sauce and mackerel in town (here served with betel leaves and Koh Chang shrimp paste). The presentation starts off dainty—bite-sized kratong tong cups, mini pomelo salad, minced pork inside an orange wedge—but culminates in sharing portions of Supanniga’s famous moo cha muang (pork stewed in cowa leaves), crispy leaf fish, and steamed crabmeat custard. Along with a few other dishes, a welcome drink, dessert, petit fours and tea, it’s all part of the prix fixe B3,250 menu.
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The cruise lasts two hours, departing from River City at 6:15pm, passing the beautiful French and Portuguese embassies, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace before turning back at Rama VIII Bridge and heading all the way to Asiatique’s giant ferris wheel. Drinking water is included and any extra drinks you order are priced like they’d be on terra firma: B320-450 for cocktails designed by the crack team from Vesper is pretty reasonable. Two wines by the glass (B300) and eight bottles (B1,650-2550) from Italy and Germany are also in stow. You can also join a one-hour sunset cruise that departs earlier and doesn’t include dinner. You do get one standard drink (B1,250) or a glass of Taittinger Champagne (B1,550). It’s too early to speak of who will be your co-diners—rather chic visitors we hope. Is it touristy? Yes, there’s no denying it (although the food is perfectly authentic). Would it make a lovely romantic evening for a Bangkokian couple? Yes, and we’d pick this over most rooftop restaurants. Gregoire Glachant Book ahead at 02-714-7608 or www.supannigacruise.com.
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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bites Villa de Bear
Ban Nam Kieng Din
Ban Nam Kieng Din
Chill Out
As the cool season sets in, head to these laidback, local alfresco restaurants for fuss-free comfort food. BAN NAM KIENG DIN
ROM MAI RIM NA
Set amid sprawling greenery on the outskirts of Bangkok, this restaurant gives the impression you’re dining at a peaceful resort far from the city. For 16 years now Ban Nam Kien Din has forged a reputation for a solid lineup of Thai, Chinese and European dishes. The must-try remains the succulent German pork knuckle.
Located about an hour’s drive outside of Central Bangkok in Nakhon Pathom, this alfresco restaurant is surrounded by lush rice fields almost as far as the eye can see. Not only are the views spectacular but the kitchen specializes in classic Thai dishes at very casual prices—the ped pa-lo (five-spice braised duck), in particular, is to-die-for. They also open from 8am for breakfast serving delicious duck noodles.
60/1 Utthayan Soi 3-5, 02-441-3837, 081-296-3377. Open Mon-Thu 5-10:30pm; Fri-Sun 4-10:30pm
RUAN KAEO This spacious restaurant overlooking a small canal has been serving a big menu of traditional Thai and Isaan favorites for over 25 years. Take a seat on the whitewashed wooden terrace and tuck into best-sellers like kra dook moo kra tiam tone (braised sweet pork ribs with pickled garlic). What’s more, every time you eat at this restaurant you recieve a coupon you can exchange for a beautiful garden plant to take home. 33/17-19 Moo 19, Soi Suan Pak, Suan Pak Rd., 02-8851519, 081-629-8729. Open daily 10am-10:30pm
Rom Mai Rim Na
18/3 Phutthamonthon Sai 5 Rd., Sam-parn, Nakhon Pathom, 082-293-2662, 02-482-1025. Open daily 8am10pm
VILLA DE BEAR The owner transformed what was once his family’s toy factory into a 7-rai food village. The fun-filled atmosphere remains with cute teddy bears and other toys serving as a major part of the decoration. The food menu is vast, with a focus on Thai and fusion dishes like squid ink spaghetti with crabmeat in pink sauce and Thai green curry served with roti. Our tip: take your meal on the extensive open-air terrace.
Rom Mai Rim Na
5 Ratchapreuk Rd., 098-496-6245. Open daily 11ammidnight
OUTSIDE CHANCE Singha was Thailand’s first beer, and has developed a reputation for its premium-quality taste that marries perfectly with Thailand’s year-round sunshine. And there’s no better time than Nov-Jan to embrace an outdoor drinking session thanks to dry skies and cooler temperatures. Full-bodied but with distinct hop characteristics, Singha has the flavor to please discerning drinkers, married to a smooth ness that’s just right for balmy evenings outdoors. Cheers!
Brought to you by Singha
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Villa de Bear
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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bites NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNERS (DEC 31)
Red Sky
AVANI RIVERSIDE Free-flow drinks, tapas and DJ tunes from 9pm-2am (B14,900 net) at Attitude; festive buffet dinner (B2,500 net) at Skyline. 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-431-9100
ANANTARA RIVERSIDE A buffet dinner with performances at Riverside Terrace (B10,990 net); a fivecourse modern Thai set menu (B7,900 net) on Manohra Cruise; a four-course dinner for two in private pergolas (B30,000 net) and a four-course Pacific Rim cuisine dinner with wine (B6,000 net) at Trader Vic’s; a four-course Mediterranean set dinner (B3,900 net) at Brio. 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022
with one bottle of Bottega Gold for two people; B4,400 extra for wine pairing) at Reflexions. 61 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800
PULLMAN GRANDE SUKHUMVIT An international buffet dinner (B2,500) with seafood, free-flow soft drinks at Atelier and complimentary glass of sparkling wine to toast the new year at InBlu. 30 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asoke). 02-204-4000
RADISSON BLU PLAZA A festive buffet (B1,990/B2,490) at Twenty-Seven Bites; a Tuscan dinner (B2,890/B3,890 with free-flow prosecco) at Attico. 489 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333
BLUE ELEPHANT A five-course gala dinner highlighting ingredients from the Royal Projects (B4,532 net). 233 Sathorn Rd., 02-673-9353
CENTARA GRAND AT CENTRALWORLD An all-you-can-eat dinner with Champagne (B9,999) at Uno Mas; an eight-course gala dinner (B15,555) at Red Sky. 999 Rama 1 Rd., 02-769-1234
DUSIT THANI A seven-course set dinner (B3,900) at 22 Kitchen & Bar; a five-course Thai dinner (B2,599) at Benjarong; a set dinner (B3,399) at Hamilton’s; a seafood buffet dinner (B2,999) at The Pavilion. 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000
EASTIN GRAND HOTEL SATHORN A buffet dinner (B2,100 net; B2,700 net with wine) at The Glass House; a fivecourse Italian dinner (B4,300 net with a glass of sparkling wine) at Luce. 33-33/1 South Sathorn Rd., 02-210-8100
JW MARRIOTT A dim sum buffet (B1,500) at Man Ho; a special a la carte menu at New York Steakhouse; a special set menu (B2,000) at Tsu; a special set menu (B2,500) at Nami. 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700
REMBRANDT An all-you-can-eat dinner (B1,600 net) at Mexicano; a gala buffet dinner (B3,700 net) at Rang Mahal. 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100
SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT A buffet dinner (B2,800, B4,300 with wine) at Orchid Cafe; a Thai set menu (from B1,500) at Basil; a four-course set dinner (B3,500) at Rossini’s; a barbecue dinner (B2,800 or B4,300 with wine) at The Sala; a four-course dinner (B1,850 or B3,000 with three glasses of wine) at Rossini’s. 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8888
SO SOFITEL A buffet dinner with DJ (B4,000) at Red Oven; a seafood buffet under the stars (B6,000) at Solarium; a six-course dinner (B9,500; B13,000 extra for wine pairing) at Park Society. 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini
THE SUKHOTHAI A b u ffet d i n n e r ( B 4, 5 0 0 n et ) at Colonnade; a seven-course set dinner (B7,000 net) at La Scala. 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888
SWISSOTEL LE CONCORDE A festive international buffet with special dishes (B1,999) at 204 Bistro & Bar. 204 Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-694-2222
OKURA PRESTIGE A buffet dinner (B3,900; B4,900 with wine) at Up & Above; a six-course (B4,900) or seven-course (B5,600) French dinner with a glass of Champagne at Elements; a set lunch (B1,500) and dinner (B3,500) at Yamazato. 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000
PLAZA ATHENEE A buffet dinner (B4,500 with free-flow beverages) at The Rain Tree Cafe; a seven-course dinner (B8,850 per person
VIE HOTEL A five-course set dinner (B3,000; B1,199 extra for wine) at La Vie. 117/39-40 Phayathai Rd., 02-309-3939
W BANGKOK A festive buffet dinner (B3,500; B4,700 with alcoholic drinks) at The Kitchen Table; a countdown party at Woobar. 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000
For Christmas dinners and more NYE festivities, visit page 34
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SPARKLING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK Celebrate the New Year with family and friends at The Okura Prestige Bangkok and enjoy gourmet international cuisine, live jazz, and breathtaking views of Bangkok. Up & Above welcomes 2017 with a New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner and a New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet while Yamazato offers authentic Japanese Gozen lunch and Kaiseki dinner menus and Elements serves an indulgent set dinner of signature French cuisine with Japanese influences. Call 02 687 9000 for more details or email fbreservations@okurabangkok.com Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, December 23, 2016
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OPEN DOOR
Barisa Thonglor welcomes a pop-up rooftop restaurant and bar where the food is no after-thought. The buzz: The Commons community mall has transformed its top floor into a casual pop-up restaurant and bar just in time for winter. Open only on Fri-Sun till Feb 2017, Barisa's food comes from the trusted team behind Roast on the same floor. The decor: Barisa makes the most out of its open-air space to deliver a low-key, backyard-like setting. Bean bags strewn across the lawn, string lights and a lengthy bar table all contribute to a friendly communal vibe. Though relatively modest, the third-floor views are particularly spectacular at sunset. The food: While Roast is all about simply flavored comfort food, Barisa takes a more experimental route. Here, chef Johnny Liu and team roll out a small menu of tapas-portioned dishes
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with Middle-Eastern and South-American influences. Start with the fresh oysters with grapefruit yuzu mignonette and shiso or cornmeal-crusted fried oyster with cilantro remoulade, cucumber relish and pepper jam (B150/piece). The piri piri-marinated grilled chicken comes with a smoked tomato sauce (B150) while the lamb tenderloin features a zesty blend of citrus yogurt, salsa verde and chili oil (B200). We especially like the perfectly-roasted octopus (B250) with tangerine sauce and salsa verde. Don’t miss the desserts, whether the mojito ice cream sandwich (layers of mint and rum ice cream in between lime cake, served with lime curd, B150) or chocolate ombre (B200), which features dark, milk, white and dolci chocolate mousses, chocolate genoise, cherries and salted hazelnut ice cream.
The drinks: Drinks take a fruity route, from the non-alcoholic Bramble (blackberry, juniper and rosemary (B140) to the boozy starfruit margarita (B280) and sangria (B280). In keeping with the menu's global influences, the winter-spiced old fashioned blends tequila with winter spiced Grenadine and smoky cinnamon (B280). They also serve wine at B300 by the glass. Why you should care: No doubt, Barisa does the most interesting food of any Bangkok rooftop bar. It also attracts a way more local clientele. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 3/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Open Fri-Sun, 6pm-midnight
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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Beard Papa's
Homsuwan Pinapina
Annyeong
TABLE TALK NEW AND NOTED
All Yellow
Papa’s in Town
Fruit-focused dessert cafe Homsuwan Pinapina (G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/HomsuwanPinaPina) is all about one ingredient: the eponymous breed of pineapple developed and grown in Prachuabkirikhan. Boasting higher vitamin C and fiber content alongside a sweet-and-sour flavor and mouth-watering aroma, homsuwan pineapples won three stars in the International Taste & Quality Institute's Superior Taste Award 2016. Taste it fresh with the Homsuwan Fresh Treatment (B95), which features a cube made of 27 smaller pineapple cubes and served with three dipping sauces: lemon, strawberry and the regular mix of salt, sugar and ground chili. Or get the grilled pineapple slice with vanilla ice cream, caramel and maple syrup (B145). Also try the signature bingsu, made with shaved frozen pineapple juice, pineapple ice cream, fresh pineapple cubes and coconut cream (B135).
Here's some very good news for devotees of Beard Papa’s (4/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong) cream-filled choux pastry who are too lazy to trek out to the 'burbs. Japan's cream puff specialist finally opened a second Bangkok location—and it's well within reach. The new store, nestled on the fourth floor of Emporium mall, offers the classic custard puff (B55) as well as cookie and eclaire options with matcha, chocolate and melon fillings.
Hot Stuff Ari welcomes a cutesy, compact Korean kitchen. Annyeong (Ari Soi 2, 02-279-0255) focuses on the spicy side of the cuisine, rolling out dishes like bul dak (spicy chili chicken, B280) and jeyuk boggem (spicy stir-fried pork, B250). On top that, the Korean owners also serve comfort food like Korean-style fried chicken (dak gangeong, B280), fried rice with pork (B250) and ramyeon (Korean-style instant noodles, B150). Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Twenty-Seven Bites Brasserie Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333 Radisson Blu’s international restaurant is made to cater to every culinary request. It’s open all day and serving a vast array of different cuisines. From Western and Thai favorites to Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian, you can find it all in the buffet line either for lunch (B990) or dinner (B1,590). Also don’t miss the Big Blu Sunday Brunch (B1,890; B2,290 with alcoholic beverages), where there is an even a wider selection of food on offer. Highlights include seafood on ice, classic handmade dim sum, Indian curries and grilled roast lamb. Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers. Dine 2 pay 1 for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch buffet (Today-28 feb 17)
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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NYE Welcome 2017 That's it for 2016, folks. BK Magazine will be back on Jan 6, 2017. That means you've got two full weeks of BK Now in your hands, New Year's Eve parties included. From Beams (pictured here) to Sing Sing and Ce La Li, every club in town is promising to outdo itself. See the full list of Dec 31 festivities on page 34. Note that fireworks, usually best seen somewhere with a river view or at the CentralWorld Plaza, have been canceled (as have the beer parks and countdown). Have a great time and see you next year.
FRI Naughty or Nice? The Trasher party crew hosts a Christmas-themed dress-up party with a full-on dance playlist for TrasherxAbsolut Bad Santa You've Been a Very Bad Girl This Year. B400 includes one drink. Dec 24, 7pm. Moon Star Studio, 701 Ladphrao Soi 80. 02-539-3881. See page 32 for more Christmas parties.
SUN Cool Time A brand new pop-up market in celebration of the cool season, Winter Vibes Market promises plenty of arts and crafts including an installation from cartoonist Lolay, film screenings and booths selling food, home decor and books. Plus, there'll to be live music from Greasy Cafe and Thee Chaiyadej. Dec 23-25, 3pm-midnight. 953 Art Mall, 124 Sukhumvit 53.
WED Bargain Hunt Zaap on Sale pop-up market returns for its year-end edition, featuring over 500 booths from online brands that will be offering huge discounts up to 90-percent off their products. There also promises to be food from some of the trendiest restaurants around town. Dec 24-25, 1pm-10pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. BTS Siam
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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LIVE MUSIC
John Will Sail
Sunju Hargun
SUNN PRES. TEENAGE MUTANTS
The German DJ/music producer famous for the single "Falling For You" makes his debut at RCA's live music venue. Get tickets in advance at bit.ly/Sunn_Mutants. Dec 23, 8pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B300-450.
SOUL FUNK WEEKENDER WITH DJ MICHAEL SELBY
SAFE ROOM PRESENTS SUNJU HARGUN
This weekly free event is all about soul, funk, boogie and hip-hop. Dec 23, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo.
Bangkok's leading house and techno DJ makes his first appearance at the Silom Soi 8 shophouse bar, where he'll be taking over the upstairs dancefloor all night long. Dec 23, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087061-1117. B200. BTS Chong Nonsi.
classical
gigs
CHAMBER MUSIC FOR FLUTE AND PIANO
THANK FOLK IT'S FRIDAY WITH JOHN WILL SAIL AND BERNZ DIAZ
D&M Music Studio invites flutist Yaeram Park and pianist Parvati Mani for a performance that aims to share classical music with a wider audience. Dec 23, 7pm. Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-245-7717. B300-600.
Two talented singers/songwriters from New Zealand and Panama bring acoustic music to the popular Kiwi restaurant. Dec 23, 7pm. Kai, 142/22-23 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-6353800. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.
RESPIGHI'S ROMAN TRILOGY
The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, with guest conductor Alfonso Scarano and guest trombonist Michael Cerny, performs the classic 20th century composition. Dec 23-24, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500.
FREEDOM FLY
Three Bangkok bands (Sahai Hang Sailom, Yena, West Of East) plus Chiang Mai's Sanim Yok bring folk, rock 'n' roll and psychedelic music to the Lad Prao live venue. Dec 25, 7pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616, 085-146-8017, 086-866-8869. B300.
SALES & FAIRS
ART
Zaap On Sale
ALIVE
THE BLUE CINEMA
Best known for graffiti featuring his iconic three-eyed character wearing animal costumes, street artist Alex Face hosts a solo exhibition showcasing 30 of his latest artworks where the character is lost in a new world within a waterlily pond. Through Feb 19, 2017. Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-0872725.
Artist Nijsupa Nakaurai presents oil paintings inspired by strange and scary scenes in her favorite movies, in which she takes the scene and modifies it on canvas with her own interpretation. Through Jan 31, 2017. RMA Institute, 238 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-0809.
ZAAP ON SALE
The popular pop-up market returns for its year-end edition, featuring over 500 booths from online brands that will be offering huge discount of up to 90-percent off their products. There also promises to be food from some of the trendiest restaurants around town. Dec 24-25, 1pm-10pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. BTS Siam. WINTER VIBES MARKET
A brand new pop-up market in celebration of the upcoming winter, promising plenty of arts and crafts including an installation from cartoonist Lolay, film screenings and booths selling food, home decor and books. Plus, there promises to be live music from Greasy Cafe and Thee Chaiyadej. Dec 23-25, 3pm-midnight. 953 Art Mall, 124 Sukhumvit Soi 53. THE KNACK MARKET: BOXING DAY
THE LAST LIGHT
SIRIMONGKOL EXHIBITION
Virunan Chiddaycha presents a solo exhibition of landscape shots capturing spaces that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej developed as part of his Royal Projects initiative. The series not only shows the stunning landscapes at sunset, but also how the Royal Projects have affected people in the area. Through Dec 25. Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71, 662 711 1251, 089 926 2196. BTS Phra Khanong
Artist Pomme Chan presents an exhibition showcasing her latest artworks inspired by the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The works include large scale drawings on canvas, drawings on paper, illustrations on ceramic and a unique acrylic spirit house designed in collaboration with interior designer Pruitsatorn Sakulthai. Through Feb 12 2017. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.
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A Christmas edition of the monthly riverside market returns with booths selling art, crafts, books and vintage items, as well as some yummy street food. There also promises to be live music performances in the complex's open-air yard. Dec 24-25, 4pm-10pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. ARTBOX CHATUCHAK
Arguably the city's most popular pop-up market returns to a brand new venue, this time a little further from the city center. Expect some 100 trendy food stalls, over 150 stalls selling clothes at affordable prices, 20 stalls selling home decor and 50 stalls selling DIY and handmade products. As always, they'll be set up in large, colorful container boxes alongside plenty of live music and various art installations.Every Fri-Sun. Through Apr 30 2017, 5pm-midnight. Chatuchak Park, 3 Kamphaeng Phet Rd. BTS Mochit/MRT Chatuchak
BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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STAY CELEBRATED.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 31st December 2016 Count down to the New Year and savor a sumptuous buffet dinner and welcome 2017 in style.
The Commons
Dinner from: 18:00 hours onwards Adults THB 1,699++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 899++ Free Flow Beverage package at THB 799++
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7 Alex from Tokyo
Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand T: +66 2683 4888 www.holidayinn.com/hisukhumvit : holidayinnbangkoksukhumvit : info.bkkhi@ihg.com
MERRY DRUNKEN CHRISTMAS
Up-and-coming Bangkok DJs Dee Iris and Yui spin house/techno music at the rooftop bar from 8pm till very late. B300 includes one drink. Dec 23, 8pm. Nest Rooftop Lounge, 9/F Le Fenix Hotel, 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 02-255-0638 TRASHER X ABSOLUT BAD SANTA YOU'VE BEEN A VERY BAD GIRL THIS YEAR
The party crew host a Christmas-themed dress up party with a full-on dance playlist. B400 includes one drink. Dec 24, 7pm. Moon Star Studio, 701 Ladphrao Soi 80. 02-539-3881
Masquerade Style at Maya 31st December 2016
A gourmet buffet dinner, specially created by Chef Hardip Bhatia including free flowing beverages and countdown party.
Pangina Heals
Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). 02-392-7750. Free entry. MAGGIE CHOO’S
Drag queen Pangina Heals is joined by live DJs Yui Truluv and Steven G. B500 includes a 2-hour open bar (7-9pm). Dec 25, 7pm. Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd. 091-7722144 JAZZ ON SUNDAY AT THE COMMONS
The community mall hosts a Christmas-themed jazz afternoon by pianist Krittiya Imchit and band in its outdoor area. Dec 25, 12:30pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17. 089-152-2677
XMAS PARTY
DJ Alex From Tokyo takes over the dancefloor with support from local DJ Maarten Goetheer. Dec 24, 9pm. Beam, 1/F, 72
Party commences: 19:00 hours Adults THB 2,999++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 1,499++
Join in the countdown party only and celebrate at Maya from 23:00 hours onwards for 2 hours. Adults THB 1,799++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 949++
New Year’s Day International Brunch 1st January 2017 Brunch from: 11:30 - 15:00 hours Adult THB 700++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 350++ 29th floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit For more information or reservations please call 02 683 4888 or visit www.mayathailand.com
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BK Magazine Friday, December 23, 2016
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, December 23, 2016
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FILM
Opening (Dec 22)
Ce La Vi
PASSENGERS (USA)
SING (USA)
Adventure/Sci-fi. While on a journey through space to a new planet, two passengers (Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence) are awakened 90 years too early when their ship malfunctions.
Animation. On the brink of closure, a once-grand theater holds one last singing competition calling in the best animals around the town to perform. ASSASSIN’S CREED (USA)
Fantasy/Sci-fi. Through technology that unlocks genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Micahel Fassbender) is thrown back to 15th-century Spain land into his ancestor’s secret society.
Sing Sing Theater
Maggie Choo's
NYE 2017 ALL NIGHT LONG
SPECTRE MASQUERADE PARTY
It’s all about awesome beats from a huge DJ lineup at Thonglor’s popular nightclub. In the main room, DJs Marmosets, Maarten Goetheer, Tom FKG and Noxro will be taking over the decks, while in the Dalmation room you’ll find DJs KYMC, Southside, Double Trouble, Whvck and Sweed & Bunnyman. 9pm onwards. Beam, 1/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02392-7750. B800.
A James Bond-themed rooftop party promising special drink packages and danceable party beats. Dress code: mask. 8pm onwards. Ambar, 8/F, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3113. B500 includes one drink.
CRYSTAL CASTLE 2017 NEW YEARS EVE
DJs Master D, Knatz and SG spin party tracks all night long. Dress code is Crystal Cool (white, silver, diamonds). 9pm onwards. Ce La Vi, 39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. B800 includes 1 free drink (free entrance for ladies before 10pm). BTS Chong Nonsi NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016-2017
The popular rooftop bar welcomes DJs Arin, DeLorean and Slomororo. 9:30pm onwards. Above Eleven, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. B2,000 includes 2 drinks. BTS Nana. NEW YEAR’S EVE GLOW IN THE DARK PARTY
A huge glow in the dark party 25 floors above the city, filled with strobe lights, black light jumping and party beats from DJs Groove, Honey G feat. Sasha and Dee Iris. Dress code is white or neon colors. 9pm onwards. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19. 02207-8033. B1,300 includes 2 drinks before 10pm, 1 drink after 10pm. Tickets available at bit.ly/2hHlYJn. BTS Asok NEW YEAR’S EVE
Dress to impress for this classy party under the theme "Glam and Gold" that promises special drink packages and a resident DJ. Dress code is smart casual. 9pm onwards. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 02-001-0697. B900 includes a glass of sparkling wine. BTS Chong Nonsi. NYE 2016: THE DOUBLE DROP POOL & RIVERSIDE PARTY
Two venues join forces for this huge 12-hour gathering starting with a pool party before heading over to a riverside rooftop party (free boat shuttle available) for two floors of house music, BBQ food and live entertainment.12pm onwards. Double Tree by Hilton (18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26) and Mango Tree on the River (Yodpiman Walk, 390/17 Ban Mo Rd.) B1,000. BTS Phrom Phong.
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Upcoming (Dec 29)
NYE ENDLESS PARTY
A night of electro, house, techno, disco and funk beats spinning across three dancefloors from DJs Ikono, Richie, Hexer, The Dude from Stratosphere and more. There also promises to be live entertainment promises like a drag queen show. 5pm onwards. Tapas, Silom Soi 4, 02-234-4737. B500 includes one drink. BTS Sala Daeng. NEW YEAR’S EVE - THE WOLF OF BANGKOK
Inspired by Martin Scorsese's 2013 film, this classy party promises groovy beats from DJ Yvan Polge and plenty of special drink deals. Dress code: Wall Street traders vs sexy cocktail dresses. 6pm onwards. Revolucion Cocktail, 50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823. Free entry. WASTELAND’S - NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
The 1930s Shanghai-themed bar hosts a zero-waste party under the theme “Recycle, Reload, Restart.” 9pm onwards. Sing Sing Theater, Sukhumvit Soi 45, 063225-1331. B900 includes 2 drinks. BTS Phrom Phong.
THE GREAT WALL (USA)
SAUSAGE PARTY (USA)
Action/Adventure. In the most expensive film ever made in China, a beast from ancient Chinese mythology creeps up the Great Wall every 60 years forcing an elite army into action. Stars Matt Damon, Jing Tian and Willem Dafoe.
Animation/Comedy. A group of supermarket products (voiced by Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill) discover the truth about their existence and what happens when they are taken into the kitchen.
JUMNIAN VIVIAN TOHMORN (THAI)
Comedy. A conservative woman seeking love visits a temple to pray for romance, only to meet two bad boys who start to compete for her love.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
NYE PARTY FEAT. JONATHAN ULYSSES
The house music DJ and producer from London hosts this huge party with support from local talent DJ Tom Funkygangster. There will also be a live performance from the Sunny Trio Band, who’ll be playing soul, funk and jazz. B800 includes one glass of Champagne. Maggie Choo’s, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd. Free entry before 8pm and after 1am. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Join DJs Alex Fischer, Fred Canal, Mikus and Ziv Avriel for a huge party spread across two floors with dedicated Chandon Champagne bars. 7pm onwards. Oskar Bistro, 24 Sukhumvit Soi 1, 02-255-3377. Free entry. BTS Nana. NEW YEAR’S EVE
Feel the 1942 Cuban vibe at this party where resident band Carribesound and DJ Pepe will be spinning tropical boogie beats until the early hours. 10pm onwards. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-066-7711. Free entry.
Through the end of the year, indie cinema Friese-Greene Club screens Christmas movies to celebrate the holiday season. Selected movies include Christmas classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Bad Santa (2003), Love Actually (2003) and Everyone Says I Love You (1996). Films screened in English. Screenings start at 8pm. For the full schedule, visit www.fgc.in.th Friese-Greene Club, 259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795
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A NIGHT AT THE CABARET NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION. Saturday 31 December 2016 RIVERSIDE TERRACE New Year’s Eve “A Night at the Cabaret” 7.00 pm onwards A sumptuous grand buffet dinner inspires an evening of celebration. Revel in the vibrant entertainment featuring excerpts from the Broadway Musical ‘Cabaret’ songs and dances performed by the Grand Opera of Thailand. Party on to the sounds of our resident dance band Tiempo and share in the climatic countdown and spectacular fireworks. THB 10,990 nett per person for a beverage package including beer, standard spirits, wines and sparkling wine; and pre-dinner cocktails at Riverside Bar from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm THB 3,000 nett per child aged 4 - 12 years including soft drinks
MANOHRA CRUISES The Royal Dinner Cruise 7.00 pm onwards
TRADER VIC’S Private Pergola Magical Wine Dinner For Two 6.00 pm - 10.30 pm
THB 7,900 nett per person including soft drinks and one glass of sparkling wine; and pre-dinner cocktails at the Riverside Bar from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm
THB 30,000 nett for two persons including wine pairings and a welcome glass of champagne
Add THB 1,500 nett per person for beverage package of free flow cocktails, beer, standard spirits, wines and sparkling wine
Prices are per person and subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax unless otherwise stated. For reservations and more information, please call +66 (0) 2476 0022 Ext.1416 or email: riversidedining@anantara.com.
LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
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