BK Magazine 690 19 May, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 690 FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

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Workshop on Ground 23 - 28 May Round 1 13.00-16.00 Round 2 16.30-19.30

Workshop on Ground with The Oriental Herb Co. Ltd (Tue), Brand Ranong Tea (Wed,Thu), Brand Ayodhya (Fri) and Brand O-Spa (Sat-Sun)

Talk + Workshop 27 - 28 May 12.50-13.30

Talk Show Brand Blue Elephant (Sat) Brand O-Spa (Sun)

13.30-14.00

Workshop Brand Blue Elephant (Sat) Brand Tipco (Sun)

15.20-16.00

Talk Show Brand Ayodhya (Sat) Brand Labrador + Brand Deesawat (Sun)

16.00-16.30

Workshop Erawan Food PLC (Sat) Brand 4care + Siam Agro-Food Industry PCL (Sun)

17.50-18.30

Talk Show Brand Asava (Sat) Brand Rubber Killer (Sun)

18.30-19.00

Workshop Thai Thanya Interfood Co. Ltd (Sat)

Talk + Workshop 23, 25, 26 May 17.50-18.30

16.30-19.00

Talk Show Brand Panpuri (Tue) Brand Ranong Tea (Thu) Brand Qualy (Fri) Workshop Brand Wel•B (Tue) Brand MBK Rice (Thu)

Mini concert from..

Ae Jirakorn Friday 26th May At 6 PM

Mini concert from..

Kong Saharat Sunday 28th May At 6 PM

**Dates and programme may be subject to change

it's free!

No more durian!

BK MAGAZINE NO. 690 FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

Rise and Shine

Breakfast is served at Bangkok’s earliest-to-open restaurants

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page 3 6 cover story

Big Breakfasts

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

10 escapes

Student Principles

Travel Tips 14 avenue

18 bites

Bright Sparks

Tap Out

20 blends

23 BK Now

Take Flight

Ride On

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon, Thitipol Panyalimpanun Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Senior Writer Bonnie Sananvatananont Staff Writer Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Theerada Moonsiri Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Kasidit Srivilai Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designer Anunya Chobnitas

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Photographer Chissanupong Narmmoolnark Video Editor Tanaporn Choopanya, Saranya Laowtrakul Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Sales Associates Pichayarak Chalermchainukul Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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

Contributor Kathy MacLeod, Lily Kittisrikangwan Interns Pragyan Ghale, Wipawan Witayathawornwong, Kawee Jarach, Nathanan Charoenkitchaikarn Cover photo Wanderlust Coffee & Eatery Cover by Chantich Kongchanmitkul

Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

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

A checklist of BK Magazine’s most important discoveries this week That Bangkok’s first art biennale is penciled in for 2018 The city’s first foray into the international biennale circuit will take place Nov 2018-Feb 2019. Headed by Prof. Dr Apinan Poshyananda (former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture), Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 was launched last week at an event in Italy coinciding with the start of this year’s Venice Biennale, because that’s just the done thing. The event is still a year and a half away but organizers are calling it a new chapter for contemporary art. Watch this space.

That the Land Transport Department is finally getting serious about public transport vans Next van trip to Hua Hin you can rest assured you’ll have room to at least stretch your legs as strict new rules stipulate a 13-passenger limit (down from 15). The rules also require vans to have an emergency exit that can be opened from the inside and a 20 centimetre-wide walking space. Operators who fail to comply face being slapped with a fine of up to B5,000 and having their licenses revoked for six months.

That Rama 4’s new secret bar is all about live music Black Cabin Bar is tucked deep inside the meat-centric restaurant Wild & Co. (33/1 Soi Farm Wattana) where it looks to rekindle the spirit of booze and music institution Stu-fe (formerly of the same address). The owners promise live bands and vinyl-heavy DJ sets six days a week, spanning genres from jazz to electro, all set amid a moody cabin vibe of dark red lighting and faux animals.

That Ceresia Coffee Roasters have stepped up their merch game The Bangkok coffee pioneer has a new sideline in ecofriendly totes made from old coffee sacks. These bags remind us of something from Freitag—unique, somewhat stylish and made from reused materials. Yours for B2,400 at IG: ceresiacoffeeroasters.

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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BK Magazine May 19, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Floppy disks

Not: Social media

So Thai authorities wants to launch an attack on the internets and get Zuckerberg to block a hundred or so news sources which they don’t like from his worldwide web page. If to you this sounds like the thinking of a nation stuck on dial-up then you’d be right. Primary requirement for taking over the running of Bangkok traffic congestion screens is that you have have some sweet computers with floppy disk drives and Pentium Processors, as clocked by the Bangkok Post here: goo.gl/IJDV7S.

Hot: Soft-serve queues

Not: Toilet queues

Beware, the rose-tea-flavored soft-serve pop-up might not be the only place with a queue at Siam Paragon this month. Hot on the heels of turning Thailand’s classic tea brand Cha Tra Mue into soft-serve a couple of months ago, the same company has now created a rose-flavored soft-serve, if the comments of Facebook are to be believed, unintended laxative side effects. Test it for yourself through May 25.

Hot: Pitbull

Not: Britney Spears

You’d think Thai fans might thank Britney for gifting us with an extra tour date after her first show sold out within hours (see page 23). But no. Instead, ticket-holders are livid that the new show has been scheduled for a day earlier than the original date, thus robbing them of the claim to be first in Thailand to see Britney Spears. Meanwhile, Pitbull was kind enough to do us all a favor by canceling his Bangkok gig altogether.

Hot: Family Mart

Not: 7-Eleven

We watched the dawning of a 7-Eleven recently and it was like watching one of those nature program time-lapses of a flower blooming in just 30 seconds, only with neon strip lights, open-front refrigerators and Mama Cups. For a more personalized approach to the convenience store experience, check out Silom’s new Family Mart, where subway tiles and dangling bulbs provide the backdrop to a fridge full of—get this—locally brewed craft beer! How very Bushwick.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

INTERVIEW Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, 20, is a Political Science student at Chulalongkorn University, where he was recently elected to become the president of the traditionally conservative university’s student council despite his outspoken political views. A well-known political activist, Netiwit made headlines when he refused to prostrate before statues of the university’s royal founders, kings Chulalongkorn and Vajiravudh, as part of an unofficial first-year tradition. His actions even gained a mention from junta leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who said his actions could “tarnish the reputation of the institution.”

What does it mean to be elected as the president of Chula’s student council? Does your election say anything of increased political activism among students?

I’m very happy that other students have supported me. I know I have very different opinions but it’s good to know that there are people who support me. I don’t want to say that I bring more positivity to the younger generation just because I’m in this position.

Please discuss the political culture at Chula. Do you think the university is encouraging of different political opinions?

It can be open to expression but students are not very brave to speak out because some faculties have professors that manipulate students a bit. But as for the university itself, it’s very open for students to speak up. The university’s rieb roi [well-behaved] image means that students tend to be very polite and calm, fitting themselves into society’s image.

Do you think Chula is accepting to change and new ideas?

All universities in Thailand, in my opinion, are not so open to new ideas. Universities in Thailand are capitalist and see students as customers, while students see the university as providing a service.

This isn’t just Chula but all Thai universities.

How politically active do you feel Thailand’s student body is?

Not as active as they should be.

Thais see political discussion as unusual, impolite, or feel it should be for people who sit on councils rather than for regular people to discuss. Thailand is stuck in this cultural mindset where people think it’s rude to have a debate or to express different opinions.

We shouldn’t blame the culture or the society because we can think and should think for ourselves. If we are not happy about something then we should try and change it rather than just accept it as the “culture.” The passive education

model makes us feel useless, like we can’t change anything. I’d like everyone to stop thinking like that.

We read a piece in the Bangkok Post in which MR Chulcherm Yugala likened you to a cancer in the Chulalongkorn community.

How do you feel about that?

Thai education teaches you that if you think differently, it’s wrong.

So when the younger generation wants to express different opinions to the older generation, the older generation sees it as the wrong thing to do, like a “cancer.” I always try to prove to the older generation that I’m not the cancer. That I’m not here to be rude to them, but I just have different opinions.

Do you hear students expressing views in private which challenge Thailand’s limits on freedom of speech?

Yes, but not in depth. Thailand does not allow anyone to speak about that topic so I will not speak about it. Interview by Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, May 19, 2017

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cover story

BigBreakfast Up before 9? Here are Bangkok's best spots to grab breakfast. By BK Staff

Wanderlust

EKKAMAI

: Open before 8am

Bourbon Street

ARI

Claiming to be the only genuine Cajun and Creole restaurant in Bangkok, this expat favorite does New Orleans-indebted treats like eggs Benedict with crab cake (B310) and shrimp bisque (B195).

Beware, these portions are huge.

Common Room X Ari This minimal affair puts a clear focus on quality coffee. Beans come courtesy of top local roasters like Ceresia and Brave, with blends as well as single origins from Kenya and Colombia available as latte or flat white (B80), French press (B120) or hot and cold drip (B150). On top of the fresh-baked croissants (B30) and classic brownies (B75), there are brekkie dishes like mixed berry yogurt (B150) and scrambled eggs on toast with salmon (B140).

Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-6801-3. Open daily 7am-1am. BTS Ekkamai

The Coffee Club This Australian-born chain is popping up all over the country. The main claim to fame isn’t the coffee, but a fine, no-frills breakfast menu that’s focused on egg dishes. Order any of the omelet dishes (B170-175) or the poached egg with avoCommon Room x Ari cado (B220).

Phahon Yothin Soi 5, 062-416-7746. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Nine branches across Bangkok. Try 1239 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-381-2736. Open daily 7am-11pm. BTS Ekkamai

Pla Dib Around since 2004, this all-day diner still draws the crowds—so much so, we’d say breakfast is almost a no-go on weekends. A big shiny coffee roaster prepares locally sourced beans to go with brekkie faves like eggs Florentine (B160) and kai kata (eggs in a pan with chorizo and mash potato, B160). Then after 5pm the place turns into a sushi and pizza bar—how Ari is that!

Theera This healthy, gluten-free, non-dairy cafe rolls out a rotating range of bakery treats like the tasty carrot cake (B150). Another pick is the salmon sandwich on gluten-free, house-made bread (B280). The smoothies are made with soy milk and coconut yogurt.

1/1 Areesampan Soi 7, 02-279-8185. Open Tue-Sun 8am-11:30pm

Sukhumvit Soi 42, 090-506-2222. Open Thu-Tue 8:30am-6pm. BTS Ekkamai

ASOKE Chu Originally known for its churros and hot chocolate, Chu’s two locations also pack in crowds for breakfast offerings like eggs Benedict with bacon (B250) or salmon (B290), and scrambled eggs with cherry tomato salsa and Joe Sloane’s chorizo (B260). Of course, you can’t leave without a cup of the creamy, velvety, dark hot chocolate (B135).

BKK Bagel Bakery

BKK Bagel Bakery Situated right beside BTS Phloen Chit, this is Bangkok’s go-to bagel spot. The New York-style bagels are boiled and baked daily. We dig the classic Reuben (corned beef, sauerkraut, gruyere cheese, Russian dressing, B250) and Breakfast Epic (egg, sausage or bacon, brie, mustard and gouda or gruyere, B195). Follow it up with some NY-style cheesecake (B155).

Chu

2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-6634554. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 8am-9pm.

BTS Asok Trinity Complex, Narathiwas Soi 3, 02-636-8685.

Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 8am-9pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

G/F, Maneeya Center, 518/3 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-2548157. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-5.30pm. BTS Phloen Chit

Kuppa

Black Box

For consistency and comfort, this brasserie is still a solid place to spend a slow Sunday. The coffee hits the spot, as do the brunch staples like French toast (with berries, whipped cream and maple syrup, B195). Don’t forget to try its younger brother, Kuppadeli.

The brekkie menu (available daily from 7:30am-4pm) includes straight-up fare like two eggs cooked any style, served with toast,sausages, potato, grilled tomatoes and mini salad (B150). Still hungry? Order the Hungryman (B350), which adds bacon and pancakes to the regular set.

39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-259-1954. Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Kuppadeli, Asoke Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-6642350. Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm. BTS Asoke

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LANGSUAN/ PHLOEN CHIT/SIAM

Black Box

Black Box

Mahatun Plaza, 888/8- 9 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-5188. Cafe open daily 7:30am-4:30pm; Bar open Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit

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cover story drip coffee and coffee-based mocktails. It also dishes out Melbourne cafe-inspired dishes with flavorful twists. The chia pudding (B160), for example, also features coconut milk and tropical fruits, while the skillet Dutch pancake (B180) mixes the crispy baby Dutch pancake style with America's thicker, fluffier interpretation.

149-151 Rama 4 Rd., 089-757-7770. Open daily 8am-7pm

SATHORN The Corner This humble Mediterranean restaurant rolls out all-day brunch sets like Healthy (toasted muesli and yogurt served fresh fruits, juice, homemade bread and condiments, B160) and Le Parisien (Paris ham and emmental cheese in a baguette, B160). But we also dig the sandwiches—go for the croque monsieur (B190) along with a homemade lemon soda (B70) on the open-air terrace.

27/39 Soi Sribumphen, Sathorn Rd., 02-6798438. Open Wed-Sun 7am-11pm

Junker and Bar The Baxter Brenton

Suan Phlu’s easygoing bar now opens bright and early for a breakfast of Vietnamese street food. Prices for banh mi baguettes start at B80 for chicken, pork or tuna, and go up to B120 for seafood. On top of that there are also sous vide eggs (starting at B90) and Vietnamese curry and stew (starting at B120, served with rice and a baguette).

Coffee comes with the creative flourishes of co-owner Passapong "Bard" Phetpradit's cocktail training.

454 Suanphlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open TueSun 8:30am-midnight (breakfast available till 3pm)

Kumi Restaurant & Healthy Corner

Rocket Coffee Bar

Brooklyn Baker This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle, nestled down a quiet soi at the entrance to Retreat on Vitayu spa. Grab a seat in the small garden and go classic with the American Breakfast (pancakes, bacon, sausages and eggs, B250) or try something a little more adventurous like shakshuka (Middle Eastern-style poached egg, sausage and tomato, B250).

51/7 Soi Polo, Wireless Rd., 081-855-7090. Open Thu-Tue 8am-5pm (last order 4:30pm)

Cafe Tartine We love this family-friendly spot’s French sandwiches made with crusty baguettes and simple but high-quality ingredients. But you can also get a proper breakfast (eggs, croissant, sausages and coffee, B179) or treats like the croque monsieur (B200) and chocolate pumpkin pie (B100)—delicious, even for breakfast.

1/F, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-168-5464. Open daily 7am-8pm. BTS Phloen Chit

Clinton Street BakingCompany The 15-year-old Manhattan-hailing diner is known for its all-day breakfast and American

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Little Market

classics, especially the renowned buttermilk pancakes—which the likes of New York Magazine and Lonely Planet have hailed as the best in the city. Here, you can expect all the top-sellers like soft-but-crispy pancakes (B260 for two/B320 for three), buttermilk fried chicken and waffles (B320) and a variety of cakes (B180).

G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4861. Open daily 8am-10pm. BTS Siam

OLD TOWN/ CHAROENKRUNG The Baxter Brenton This contemporary Chinese-style crumbling shop-house serves organic and healthy Thaistyle breakfast dishes like khao tom (rice soup, B60) made with brown rice and fried rice with chili paste (B80).

1852 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-212-5011. Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-8pm. BTS Saphan Taksin

Elefin Coffee Elefin coffee roaster’s third branch sits opposite Wat Pho down by the riverside in the Old Town.

Like previous venues at Museum Siam (Old Town) and Hansar Hotel (Ratchadamri), the cafe sources its coffee beans from Doi Chang, Chiang Rai, and works with Seattle’s Light-

house Roastery to achieve the perfect roast.

Breakfast sets run from B90-185 and include khao tom (B125), as well as a dessert like coconut ice-cream (B60).

394/1-2 394/1-2 Maharaj Rd., 02-622-1115. Open daily 7am-10pm

Kopi Hya Tai Kee For a true Thai-style breakfast, visit the 60-something-year-old Kopi whose specialities like kai kata (baked egg) with minced pork and ham (B85) have stood the test of time.

37 Soi Samran Rat, Siriphong Rd., 02-621-0828.

Open daily 7am-8pm (except the last Tue of every month)

Little Market Decked out with vintage collectibles and a colorful paint job, this tiny cafe serves Western breakfast and burgers. Drop by for a hearty breakfast plate (B180), muesli (B120) or, our favorite, the pancakes (B120) with house-made pineapple compote and bael fruit syrup.

1056 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 061-558-7689. Open Mon-Sat 8am-8pm

Wanderlust

Not far from Chinatown's rising hipster rendezvous of Soi Nana, Wanderlust sources its beans from Chiang Mai to create perfect espressos,

The clean bites here go beyond salads to the likes of sesame tuna Arabic quinoa (B400) and wraps (B290-360). They also do breakfast sets (B500) with fresh juice, hot drinks, a choice of eggs and items like toasted avocado, cherry tomatoes, rocket salad, fruit salad and yogurt cornflakes.

71/2 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3673. Open WedMon 10:30am-10:30pm

Not Just Another Cup This airy, two-story restaurant deals in a familiar combination of egg-focused dishes, prettily poured coffee and cold-pressed juices served in a daytime-friendly dining room. Order the Moroccan-style skillet of eggs in a richly spiced tomato sauce, served alongside some deliciously fluffy bread for dunking (B320).

75/1 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3464. Open daily 7am-7pm

Rocket Coffeebar Bangkok’s stylish brunch pioneer is now down to two branches following the closure of openings at Central Embassy and 72 Courtyard. Yet, the winning formula remains: wholesome food, freshly baked goods and artisanal coffee. The highlight has to be the delightful breakfast menu which includes dishes like the yogurt bowl (B240) and the now-mythical Rocket’s Benedict (B290), arguably Bangkok’s best version of this now-ubiquitous dish.

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0404. Open daily 7am-8pm Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6637. Open Mon-Sun 7am-9pm; Fri-Sat 7am-11pm

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cover story THONGLOR Calin Cafe This quaint, Paris-evoking venue also looks to Europe for its food inspiration with winners like the Basque-style piperade (sauteed tomato, bell peppers and onion served with sausage, B260) and croque madame (sandwich with smoked ham, cheese, mustard topped with sauce and egg, B260). The brioche here is baked on-premises twice a day.

G/F, Eight Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-586 -7305. Open daily 8am-11pm. BTS Thonglor

Little Home Bakery Around since the ‘50s, this breakfast institution recently did away with all the spam and pineapple on its menu to offer dishes more in line with current (read: hipster) trends. Paprika chicken waffle (B250) and ham cheese lava omelet (B180) lead the line. We’re just thankful the fluffy buttermilk pancakes (starting from B150) remain, served with a scoop of creamy butter along with banana, pineapple, bacon—basically anything you choose.

413/10-20 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-1851485. Open daily 7am-9pm 4/F, Silom Complex, 02-231-3118, open daily 10:30am-9pm

cured salmon and yellow hollandaise sauce, and corn fritter (B290) with bacon, cherry tomato, baby spinach and avocado salsa.

68/1 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-712-1774. Open TueSun 9am-4pm. BTS Thong Lo

Warm Wood Cafe This cozy little venue lives up to its name with an interior dominated by warm brick work, worn wood and pot plants. In addition to eggs Benedict, served here with pulled pork (B260), don't miss the airy churros accompanied by spot-on yuzu and chocolate dips (B180).

137/1 Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-9974. Open daily 9am-5am

SUKHUMVIT Brekkie Despite the name, Brekkie goes well beyond breakfast to serve healthier options of hearty dishes all day long. Ingredients like quinoa, avocado, spirulina, flaxseed, acai berry and chia seed dominate the menu in dishes like fried quinoa tom yum with diced salmon (B316), avocado toast (B268) and homemade cold pressed juices (B91).

6/9 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-656-6141. Open MonSun 9am-6pm

D'Ark During breakfast and brunch services, the restaurant rolls out pancakes (B220), soups, burgers (starting at B390) and other more fancy dishes inspired by local ingredients.

They also incorporate coffee into dishes like gazpacho soup (B250), a refreshing cold tomato soup, with Japanese cucumber and spices topped with chorizo sausage.

Piman 49, 46 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-7900.

Open daily 8am-10pm G/F, Emquartier, 651 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036013. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat 10am-11pm BTS Phrom Phong

Gastro 1/6 With its adorable garden and hanging greenery, this is one of the city’s best places for a lazy, long brunch (make the most of it because service is pretty slow). The sweet dishes like the fluffy French toast with fruits and honey (B195) are delightful, but so is the poached egg with mushroom, asparagus and truffle oil (B320).

RMA Studio, Sainamthip Soi 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 080-603-6421. Open Tue-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm

its overloaded drinks (all B230) and Aussie-style cafe food like smashed avocado on toast (B380) in a sun-drenched setting.

Parc 39, 5/9 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-185-3258.

Open daily 9am-9pm

Simple Chef Natcha Chatlaong’s charming organic restaurant not only looks the part but also makes for a healthy start to the day. Top morning dishes include the full English breakfast (B300), which is served in a big pan, and the quinoa, cauliflower and pumpkin frittata (B260), while you can’t go wrong with a refreshing juice like the “Chia Coco” (B120).

235/5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-2510. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm

Wonderwall The second branch of this cafe (the original is Sukhumvit Soi 31) adds a breakfast menu, consisting of hearty sets (B250/280) and French toast with fresh fruits (B250). The slow bar features selected rotating beans from Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

A Square, 120 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-108-7575.

Open daily 7:30am-7pm

Patissez The original creator of the trending "freakshakes" from Canberra, Australia, presents

Plearnwan Panich Run by the same people as Hua Hin tourist hot-spot Plearnwan, this vintage-style eatery is just the place for anyone tired of eggs Benedict. Try old-school bites like the simple egg pan with minced pork and Chinese sausage (B80), rice with roasted chicken (B8090) or steamed bread with sangkaya (egg custard, B65). They also deliver.

Thonglor Soi 13, 084-541-4565. Open daily 6am-6pm

SNP Headquarter The latest opening from grandma favorite S&P sees the chain head in an all-new hipster direction. To go with the minimalist, black-and-white diner vibe, you’ll find spruced-up Thai dishes like kai krata (sunny-side-up eggs on a skillet, B195) plus nitro cold brew coffee (B150).

G/F, Ital Thai Tower, Petchaburi Rd, 02-723-4441.

Open daily 7am-9pm.

Tiny Cup Cafe

Junker & Bar

Tribeca Restobar

This unassuming, vintage nook focuses on all-day breakfast, with highlights like tuna melt (B290) and egg with chorizo (B220).

The full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, whole-wheat toast, salad and coffee or tea (B420) is very serviceable, too.

411/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between soi 21 and 23, 02-712-5112. Open daily 7am-7pm

Tribeca Restobar With its focus on brunch-y dishes and elegant bistro decor, this cafe comes close to backing up its New York-indebted name. The recently refocused menu sticks to wholehearted fare like the Presidential Breakfast (two eggs with smoked and cured bacon, maple sausage, sauteed asparagus and Iberico ham or Norwegian smoked salmon, B360) and pistachio toast (B220).

G/F, Nihonmura Mall, 85 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-7129209. Open daily 9am-10pm

Toby's This blond-wood picture reminiscent of Bondi cafes rolls out all-day Australian breakfast staples and specialty coffee. Recommendations include the egg mikado (B320), sourdough topped with two poached eggs,

Patissez

D'Ark

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ADVERTORIAL

Dining Extraordinary Discover the best restaurants in EmQuartier and Emporium.

HELIX DINING Cafe ChilLi Elegantly decorated in contemporary Northeastern style, this cafe focuses on Isaan staples ranging from somtam to tom saeb (spicy soup with pork). The menu combines these classics with unique fusion fare that uses premium produce to create dishes like diced salmon larb and Australian beef namtok that you surely won’t be able to find elsewhere. It’s a perfect place to go for homey Isaan classics that come with exciting twists.

Wine I Love You This go-to destination for international cuisine serves up easy, homey steaks, burgers, seafood, Thai and Italian staples alongside an extensive wine menu from around the world. This branch offers the chain’s first rooftop setting on an outdoor balcony, extremely apt for sipping on a glass of wine.

Bulgogi Brothers Hailing from South Korea’s Gangnam district, this branch puts a premium twist on classic Korean barbecue (bulgogi) dishes by using Thai ribeye or US beef.

Also expect to find jazzed-up Korean

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staples like the Stew Brothers (a mix of kimchi and soybean stews), King’s Bibimbap (rice with variations of vegetables and beef), the bonguri kimchi, made from two-day-fermented mushroom, pear and apple, wrapped in cabbage, and seafood pajeon (Korean pancake), which is served in slices like pizza instead of the usual rectangular pieces.

Ramen Misoya This ramen chain is now an empire that stretches from Los Angles to Sao Paulo—and throughout Japan, of course.

They may be known for their signature thick pork bone broths and slices of fatty char siu but Misoya also serves healthy, vegetarian alternatives that tap into the therapeutic qualities of miso. You should also look out for their specials, which can range from tom yam with miso to Hokkaido snow cheese toppings.

Crab & Claw This restaurant's all about New Englandstyle seafood. Don your bib and prepare to get your hands dirty by digging, hammering and cracking into shellfish dishes like the whole Maine lobster and buckets of crabs, or keep it neat with lobster

thermidor, crab roll (chilled peekytoe crab on a bun), clam chowder and oyster Rockefeller. Perhaps best of all, they say their freshly-imported ingredients all come from sustainable sources.

La Monita Mexican Urban Cantina This branch of the much-loved Mexican joint goes well beyond regular TexMex by adding creative and seasonal ingredients to Mexican classics; think braised beef tongue tacos, duck carnitas quesadillas and guacamole made with pineapple or mango. There’s also a nod to Peruvian-Japanese cuisine with the ceviche nikkei (yellow fin tuna cured in wasabi-soy leche de tigre). Enjoy it in a sleek, modern design or on the outdoor balcony that overlooks downtown Sukhumvit.

SAVA Dining Having made his name with the modern, ready-to-wear womenswear label Asava, designer Polpat Asavaprapa combines fashion with food in this trendy restaurant. The focus is on hearty, home-style dishes with slight twists, such as bruschetta nham with fresh chili and garlic sprinkled with cheddar cheese, fish and

shrimp balls in spicy and tangy sauce served with poached morning glory and crispy fish flakes, and baked garlic and spiced clams in crispy puff pastry.

EMPORIUM TWG Tea Salon & Boutique Offering a whopping selection of 800 different types of tea, this tearoom also goes all-out with TWG’s trademark look of monogrammed glass, wood paneling trimmed with gold and shelves lined with signature yellow tins. Drinks are prepared behind an open bar, so you can keep an eye on the bartenders as they steep and taste every pot. The menu includes sets for breakfast, brunch and dinner, as well as all-day dishes. Expect plenty of signature dishes infused with tea, from the seared foie gras salad to the mango crumble.

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ADVERTORIAL

EMQUARTIER La Baguette Opened in 1998, this cafe began as a lovely all-white French-style patisserie in Pattaya, and has now extended to Bangkok. Like the original, this branch rolls out homemade treats such as almond croissant, banana chocolate crepe, caneles, waffle sundae, strawberry tart and croissant croque monsieur. There’s plenty to please Thai palates but there are also classics like pain au chocolat and plain baguette that are bound to delight anyone with a love for paisserie and boulangerie.

Vanilla Cafeteria Vanilla Cafeteria is the fifth outlet of S&P’s Vanilla chain and serves food inspired by best-sellers from each of the other four outlets. Set in a slick, well-lit setting with a breezy outdoor balcony, the menu is focused on hearty Western comfort dishes, namely flour tortilla quesadilla with spinach and Italian sausage, pan-fried salmon with pesto linguine, crunchy prawn quinoa salad and smoked pork chop with raspberry sauce. On top of new desserts like the charcoal pavlova, Vanilla’s trademark crepe is available in flavors like mango sticky rice and Kahlua banoffee.

I

n celebration of Emporium and Emquartier’s second anniversary, the Dining Extraordinary experience offers you amazing savings at all of these great restaurants. Spend B500 or more at EmQuartier’s 'Helix Dining' zone between May 16-Jul 15 and receive 1 collectible stamp for a competition where prizes total B3 million. You stand the chance to win anything from a free scoop of ice cream (5 stamps valued at B200) to 2 free tickets for Quartier Cineart Cinema (15 stamps valued at B500) to a few bottles of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee (40 stamps valued at B3,490). Download the STAMP application now on Apple and Android to get involved. Also, receive special dining cash vouchers between May 19-21 when spending more than B500 and B1,000. On top of that, expect to find three days of special activities ranging from pop-up markets to parades between May 19-21 in celebration of the anniversary.

19 MAY, 18.30 ONWARDS LET’S CELEBRATE WITH “MARIO MAURER”

and his extraordinary performance at our anniversary party!

At Helix Skyline, 9th Floor, The EmQuartier

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escapes

LAST CHANCE! Book your ad before 29 May 2017

ESCAPE ROUTES

By Lily Kittisrikangwan

Naga Noi Beach Camp

PHUKET

Island Home In contrast to the exclusive resort hub of Naka Island, Naga Noi Beach Camp (081-445-5244, www.fb.com/naganoibeachcamp) is a quaint, family-run, five-tent beach camp situated on the nearby private Naka Noi Island. Only a 10-minute boat ride from Ao Por Pier in Phuket, the island is visited by tourists during the day for water sports, but guests of the beach camp get their own beachfront to themselves, with snorkeling equipment and kayaks freely available. After 4pm, you get the entire island to yourself—just in time for a private sunset. Each tent comes with a cute table and Thai-style pillows, an electric fan, a lamp and plenty of plug points as they provide solar cell power 24 hours a day. Breakfast is included in the package (B2,500/night, covering speedboat transfers from Phuket), while they can also arrange seafood barbecues on request. Note that there is no Wi-Fi, and bathrooms and showers are shared. Bigger groups have the option to rent out the main house, which comes with four bedrooms and private bathrooms.

HUA HIN

Inside Skoop Pattaya's hit beachside container cafe, Skoop Beach Cafe, has expanded to Hua Hin (Veranda Residence Hua Hin, Khao Takiap, 098-2506881, www.fb.com/skoophuahin).

The new spot sits on what is said to be Hua Hin’s last piece of private beach, at Veranda Residence resort.

Skoop Beach Cafe The vibe is similar to the Pattaya counterpart—indoor and outdoor seating, nautical bean bags—and so too is the menu of refreshing popsicle drinks, creamy milkshakes, cutesy waffles and ice-cream sandwiches. Here, they also do an all-day brunch menu, featuring dishes like bacon-wrapped asparagus eggs Benedict and cheesy scrambled eggs with prosciutto on toast.

PORTUGAL

Atlantic Anantara

Bangkok’s coolest hangout spots for brunch, coffee, sweets, all-day bites and more.

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in BK Magazine’s new guide, Cafe Society.

Organized by neighborhood, the Cafe Society guide is all about spending the slowest, most leisurely day you’ve ever had.

Start things off with a single-origin brew, tuck into some fluffy pancakes and find the perfect garden to knock back a long drink.

Great for all-day restaurants, coffee shops, dessert cafes, juice bars, healthy eating, artisanal foods, markets, co-working spaces and workshops.

Situated on the Atlantic coastline in the southernmost part of Portugal, Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort (vilamoura.anantara.com) is the Thaiborn luxury hotel brand's first property in Europe. The resort features 280 rooms, 17 of which are spectacular suites that overlook the Oceanico Golf Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort Course. Until May 31, rates start from B8,894/night (25-percent off the usual rate). There are six bars and restaurants across the property, notably Emo wine restaurant, Ria seafood bistro and Dining by Design, which comes with a personal chef and butler. The Algarve region is known for its charming seaside towns, beautiful seas and rock formations, amazing local wines and fresh seafood. The best time to visit is May-June.

JAPAN

to the north The first Four Points hotel in Japan has opened in the beautiful Northern region of Hokkaido. Located near Hakodate JR Station and the renowned Asaichi Morning Maket, Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate (www.fourpointshakodate.com) presents 199 modern guestrooms and suites, plush signature beds and great views of the region's third largest city. From now till Oct 31, they're offering discounted rates starting at Y7,790 (B2,400) per night—pretty affordable and particularly good news if you want to catch the wonderfully colored lavender fields in nearby Furano and Biei, which are at their peak in Jul-Aug. Of the F&B offerings, the highlight has to be the Night View Bar EsteLado, which offers some of the best views of the city.

Call 02-624-9620, 601, 615 or email advertising@asia-city.co.th BK Magazine Friday, May 19, 2017 101/2V_HP.indd 2

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avenue

FASHION

Maharani Chic For this season’s pre-fall collection, New York-based fashion brand Tory Burch looks to the luxurious bohemian lifestyle of Milanese furniture designer Gabriella Crespi (b. 1922) for inspiration. Crespi’s 20 years of travel through India and the Himalayas resulted in a personal style rich in gold patterns, glistening applique and detailed embroidery. Dresses are the highlight of the collection, like long-sleeve kaftans with applique (B27,500). You’ll also find a stunning collection of exotically embroidered outerwear like the breathable vanilla linen jacket (B36,500)—wearable even in Bangkok’s climate. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-6107734. BTS Siam

LIBRARY

Creative Charoenkrung Half a year after closing its doors at the Emporium, Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC) has finally reopened at its new home, the old General Post Office on Charoenkrung Road. Now spread across 8,700 sq meters and five floors, the design resource center encompasses an exhibition space, library dedicated to artand-design books, and a fourth-floor rooftop garden. But the biggest development comes with its introduction of the Material and Design Innovation Center, which provides local creatives with a hands-on resource and contact center for Thai-made materials for design disciplines from fashion to architecture. Best of all, membership stays at just B1,200 per year. 1160 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-105-7400

TRANSPORT

Leave it Out Those who take the skywalk between BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom will surely have noticed the big, bright yellow wall of metal boxes that has popped up recently. Operated by Lock Box, these electronic self-service lockers let you leave your gear for up to four days at prices starting from B20/hour (for a minimum of two hours). Sala Daeng might be the first BTS station to offer this service, but it’s been available at MRT Chatuchak and Makkasan stations since the end of last year. Lock Box is planning to open at all MRT stations Bangkok-wide, with MRT Hua Lamphong and Lad Phrao stations up next, as well as Don Mueang Airport. 080-0595905. www.lockbox-th.com

SHOP

Phya Starter The first flagship store from Bangkok’s new-on-the-scene handbag designer, Phya, has opened at Gaysorn, where you can shop for the handstitched Italian leather creations of investment banker-turned-fashion-designer Jirayong Anuman-Rajadhon. The crocodile skin Diana lets the beauty of its leather do the talking in a powerfully eye-catching shade of burgundy complemented by a gunmetal chrome-plated chain. It’ll also set you back B125,000. More affordable are Phya’s quilted lambs’ leather totes and cross-body bags like the Natalie (B24,000), which features a chic black diamond stitched pattern and rich red suede interior. 3/F, Gaysorn Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Chitlom. www.physphilo.com

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avenue FASHION

Candy Luxe

Add some color to these rainy days with some vivid accessories.

By Kasidit Srivilai.

Plex ribbon bag, Prada, B83,500

Round sunglasses, Linda Farrow, B11,200

Bucket bag, Mansur Gavriel, B22,000

Barcelona bag, Loewe, B97,500

Ikea-inspired bag, Balenciaga, B77,000

Glitter pump, Miu Miu, B27,500 Achilles leather sneakers, Common Projects, B19,500 Small Darley shoulder bag, Mulberry, B29,000

Essentials Balenciaga. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Mansur Gavriel. Available at Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.

Common Projects. Available at Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.

Miu Miu. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Linda Farrow. Available at Club 21, G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd.

Mulberry. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Loewe. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Prada. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

BOOKS New Openings that Prove Bangkok Finally Cares About Reading

OPEN HOUSE

THINK SPACE B2S AT CENTRAL EASTVILLE

BANGKOK CITY LIBRARY

Created by the same Japanese team who designed the Youtube and Google headquarters in Tokyo, Klein Dytham Architecture, the space on the sixth floor of Central Embassy comes decked out in cool ceiling patterns and wall-high bookshelves overlooking 180-degree views of Bangkok. The library look-alike Open House Bookshop by Hardcover showcases some 20,000 rare art books under the concept "Celebration of Print Culture."

This ginormous bookstore is not only way, way bigger than any other B2S store around Bangkok, it also has more variety. Regular aisles make way for wide, open spaces lined with great walls of books that include loads more English titles than normal. Meet up with your friends and colleagues at the second-story co-working space, work alone at the solo high stools, equipped with power outlets and lamps, or check out the selection of chic stationery and furniture items.

The three-story, 4,950-sq-meter library is located in the newly-restored Ratchadamnoen Building on Rachadamnoen Road (near Khok Wua intersection) in Bangkok's Old Town. Worth approximately B296 million, the building comes in a high-ceiling, neo-classical design. Expect an education center, a film and letters archive, an on-site cafe, computers for searching e-books and, of course, plenty of open-floor reading space.

Open from 8am-midnight. Membership price is B10.

2/F, Central Eastville, 69 Praditmanoontham Rd.

39 Rachadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-282-0680

6/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit

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bites & blends RESTAURANT

Traders’ Trick 137 Pillar Suites, the luxurious new 34-suite hotel by Chiang Mai’s boutique resort 137 Pillars House, has opened with a hip all-day-dining cafe, Bangkok Trading Post, in front. The original owner of the Chiang Mai property worked for the East Borneo Trading Company (1856-1960), from which this Bangkok restaurant takes inspiration, playing around with Colonial-style tiles and oldschool explorers' equipment—compasses, reflectors and field chairs—amid high ceilings, wood and marble. In addition to baked items and sandwiches from the deli counter, you can also find international comfort dishes, namely Thai congee (B110), farmer’s omelet (Spanish-style pan omelet with boerewors sausage, goat cheese and roasted pimiento pepper, B290), tuna tataki salad (B240), pasta (from B280) and pizza (from B290). Don’t miss their oneof-a-kind purple sweet potato cake (B110), too. 137 Pillars Suites, 59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-079-7222

RESTAURANT

CAFE

EVENT

Popular Vote

Nose for Trends

Claws Out

At Canvas (the restaurant project from the team behind Thonglor cocktail hotspot, Rabbit Hole), Texas-hailing chef Riley Sanders paints with the flavors of Thailand as inspired by world cuisine. Local ingredients and inventive cooking techniques result in dishes like Mekong catfish (B660) caramelized with tamarind tare sauce in the same way the Japanese glaze unagi (freshwater eel). His version of Mexican mole sauce uses 30 local spices to go with coconut oil-poached octopus (B680), while the intense fried shrimps (B240) are coated with shrimp powder batter and served with shrimp paste alongside other condiments. The upstairs bar, helmed by Rabbit Hole’s Naphat “Yod” Natchachon, provides just as much wow factor. 113/9-10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 099-614-1158

A haven for durian lovers, the newly-launched After You Durian sits just adjacent to the ever-popular After You cafe on the ground floor of Siam Paragon. The successful dessert cafe pioneer has always suppressed its urge to add the king of fruits to its signature plates, in order to not bother non-durian eaters. That’s why this cafe does nothing but, headlined by durian sticky rice honey toast (featuring fresh durian fruit and durian ice cream, B325) and kakigori (B345) with durian cream and sauce.

Also in the spotlight are the cute durian crumbstick (B95), a durian-shaped ice cream on a stick and durian frappe (B145). G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7747. BTS Siam

Attention, lobster lovers. This Jun 8-10, chef Jean-Michel Lorain marks the 25th year of his lobster menu from the two-Michelin-starred La Cote Saint Jacques in France by offering it at J’aime. The chef will be visiting his Bangkok restaurant to present the lobster-heavy four- (B2,299) or six-course (B3,399) menus himself, including the likes of quail egg and lobster salpicon in a puff pastry shell, warm lobster claw served in a cold white gazpacho with spring vegetables and watercress salad and Provence-style lobster and pig’s trotter. Wine pairing is also available upon request. U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4899

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blends

WHISKEY

Black Amber Thonglor Social Club

Flight of Fancy Celebrate World Whiskey Day (May 20) with a tasting flight at one of Bangkok’s best specialty whiskey bars.

By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Malt & Salt

Duke Bangkok’s latest whiskey and cigar lounge is also a serious art gallery showing off the works of Thai talents. Tucked away in Gaysorn shopping center, Duke welcomes you with a variety of colorful contemporary art pieces lining the raw-cement walls. Their rotating tasting flight currently focuses on Aberlour, a 19th century distillery from Scotland’s Speyside region. For B980, you get to taste the 12 year old, 16 year old and Aberlour A’bunadh.

1/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 080587-9520. Open daily 11am-midnight

Malt and Salt The four partners behind Ekamai Mall’s comfort-food institution, Burger Factory, have transformed their venue into a whiskey bar, with a new name and look to match. The fresh concept looks to take advantage of Thais’ growing interest in whiskey labels that go beyond the ubiquitous Johnnie Walker Black. There are several tasting flights to try, like Value for Money (B790), which features Monkey Shoulder, Black Label, Gentleman Jack and Chivas 12 year old, the Royal Flight (Glenfiddich 21 year old, Singleton 18 year old, Glenlivet 21 year old, B1,490) and Malt Experience (Glenfiddich 12 year old, Single-

ton 12 year old, Macallan 12 year old, Glenlivet 12 year old, B1,090).

G/F, Ekkamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-714-4249.

Open daily 5pm-1am

Balcony Lounge & Humidor If you’re looking for a classic setting that doesn’t require membership, Intercontinental Hotel’s Balcony Lounge & Humidor is your spot. The handsome day-and-night hangout offers an extensive range of malt whiskey as well as cigars. The tasting flights are split into three categories: The Chivas Regal Set (B1,499), The Johnnie Walker Set (B1,599) and the Single Malt Set (B1,699), which features Singleton 12 year old, Old Putteney 17 year old and Matisse 21 year old.

L/F, Intercontinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444 ext.6477. Open daily 8-1am

Yoichi Nikka Bar Solemnly toned and moodily lit, this highend Japanese bar specializes in food and drinks from that country’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, and has an even greater selection of whiskey than next door’s Hanakaruta. The bar takes its name from Japan’s

Yoichi Nikka Bar

Nikka distillery, from which they offer tasting flights in your choice of either the blended set (B700) or the malt set (B800). Other tasting selections include the Taketsuru set (B1,000), which goes up to 21 years old, and the Taketsuru SP set (B2,300), which goes up to 25. Cheaper options include the Islay set (B800), Glenfiddich set (B700) and Jack Daniels set (B600).

Sukhumvit Soi 39. 02-662-4270. Open daily 6pm-2am

Black Amber Thonglor Social Club Balcony Lounge & Humidor

Complete with barber shop, tattoo studio, vintage clothing store and full-on gentlemen’s whiskey bar, the Black Amber building offers a community-like atmosphere. Tasting flights are categorized by the taste/texture of the whiskey: Fruity & Floral (B650), Treasure of Malts (B550), Spicy & Rounded (B500) and Full Bodied & Smoky (B570). On top of that you can also get the Balvenie set for B1,060 and Chivas Regal set for B540.

160/17 Thonglor Soi 6. 092-276-2772. Open TueSun 6:30pm-2am

Duke

Q&A Six bartenders tell us their favorite whiskey-based cocktails to make at home.

OLD FASHIONED

WHISKEY SOUR

BOBBY BURNS

FRENCH 95

MANHATTAN

SMOKY FAIRY

Michele Montauti, Mikys Cocktail Bar

Pop Direkrittikul, Eat Me

Noppasate “Depp” Hirunwathit, Rabbit Hole

Sebastian De La Cruz from Tropic City (set to open in June)

Carson Quinn from Quince

Supharat Thongmeesuk form Whisgars, Sukhumvit Soi 23

“I’ve got champagne problems… I’m a sucker for champagne cocktails.”

Brand recommended: Elijah Craig (B3,500, Iron Balls Distillery)

“It’s a very simple drink , everyone can make it at home as the ingredients are easy to find. It’s a perfect drink to sip slowly and not for getting drunk.”

Brand recommended: Maker’s Mark (B2,190, Wishbeer) Ingredients: Bourbon, sugar cube, a short splash of soda, 2-3 dashes of angostura bitters and an orange peel twist

“A simple whiskey sour but with the addition of Thai chili and kaffir lime leaves for extra aroma and flavors.”

Brand recommended: Maker’s Mark (B2,190, Wishbeer) Ingredients: Whiskey, sugar syrup, lime juice and garnish with Thai chili and kaffir lime leaves

“I like to drink spirit forward cocktails and the ingredients in this one are easy to find at home. It has nice aroma, refreshing and floral taste.”

Brand recommended: Auchentoshan 12 years old (B3,670, Wishbeer) Ingredients: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine

Brand recommended: Buffalo Trace (B1,690, Wishbeer) Ingredients: Bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and champagne

“It’s the quintessential underrated gentleman’s drink.”

Ingredients: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, marachino cherry and orange peel twist

“The ingredients are very simple and each of them complement each other very nicely and balanced.”

Brand recommended: Smoke Head Islay (B2,890, Wishbeer) Ingredients: Smoke head, Drambuie (whiskey/honey/ herbs/spices liquor), sprayed with Absinth and garnished orange peel

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bites GROCERIES

Windows Shopping Bangkok’s best websites that offer grocery shopping at the click of a button.

By Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Delishop Claiming to be the first genuine online supermarket in Thailand, this web-based outlet boasts some competitive prices.

The goods: The large selection of mostly imported products covers storable dry and canned items like pasta, cereals, soup, jam and canned vegetables. Some brands are actually new in Thailand and carry pretty impressive prices. There are also imported beverages like juices, sparkling water, syrups and wines, as well as dairy products.

Ordering: You’ll have to sign up for an account to check-out . There’s no minimum order required. Payment can be made through Paypal, credit card or with cash on delivery.

Delivery: For Bangkapi, Huai Khwang , Patumwan, Klongtoey and Sathorn districts, they promise same-day delivery if you place your order before noon. For these areas, it’ll be delivered the following morning if your order is placed before 4pm, and afternoon if after 4pm. Next-day delivery is applied to other areas for order placed before 2pm.

You can choose a three-hour delivery window. Delivery is at the flat rate of B80 for all areas and free for orders above B1,200. You can also choose to pick up at their collection point, free of charge.

84 Rama 9 Soi 19. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. www.delishop.co.th

Happy Fresh Happy Fresh partners with different supermarkets and food purveyors to send its shoppers to grab the products you want and deliver them to your door.

The goods: Their partners include Gourmet Market, Big C, Tesco Lotus and more niche product specialists including The Accidental Butcher, Bei Otto, Company B and Jagota.

However, you can only get products from one outlet per order.

Ordering: Minimum order is B300, on their website. Pay cash on delivery or with credit card. For some shops (like Gourmet Market), there’s also a 3-5 percent service charge.

Delivery: Schedule a delivery time from

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as soon as within the next hour to within the next six days. Delivery slots span 11am-10pm. Fees start from B60 for the first 10km. What’s more, if you’re not happy with the products, you can return them immediately to the delivery person. www.happyfresh.co.th

Honest Bee

NEW!

The Singapore-born service was launched in 2015 and is now also available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. It works the same way as Happy Fresh, where designated shoppers are sent out to retrieve your order.

The goods: They partner with Villa Market and K-Market as well as specialty food purveyors like Wishbeer (beer), Pierre Herme (macaron and chocolate), La Paloma (imported meat), Happy Flavor (organic, gluten-free and veggie food) and Fresh Deli (hydroponic vegetables) and fruits. They also offer cookware, household care products and gift hampers.

Ordering: There’s no minimum order but there’s a delivery fee of B100 unless you spend B590 or more. Place your order online and the shoppers will pick the best items for you. The prices are guaranteed to be the same as store prices. They can also shop at multiple stores in one order. Note that they charge a fee for shoppers as well.

Delivery: Delivery runs from 11am-10pm daily and you can expect your order as soon as the next hourly window. You can pay by cash on delivery or credit card. www.honestbee.co.th

Passion Delivery

BK PICK!

Passion Delivery focuses on local, artisanal and premium products: meat, sausages, bread, cheese, pastries, nuts—basically all the good stuff you find at the weekend farmers’ markets.

The goods: Order from some of Bangkok’s favorite producers, such as Sloane’s and The Accidental Butcher’s meat products, Feedpoint’s bagels, Skinni Bears’ granola and Yellow Spoon’s pastries. They now also offer a

range of kitchenware and skincare products including Cutboy’s knives and Hug Organic’s shampoo.

Ordering: There’s no minimum order required. You can order by phone at 096354-4624 and 096-354-1924 or online. Some products require 1-2 days advance ordering.

Either pay by cash on delivery, bank transfer or PayPal (with 5-percent handling charge).

They also have a shop on Sukhumvit Soi 54.

Delivery: All orders in Bangkok are delivered within 48 hours, depending on availability. Delivery charge starts at B90 for inner Bangkok areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn and Rama 4. There are morning and afternoon delivery time slots. www.passiondelivery.com

Paleo Robbie

products. Highlights include more than 60 cheeses from France. There are also jams and wine, as well as butter, caviar, ham, sausage, pate and rillettes. Another specialty are the duck products, including foie gras, duck confit and duck magret.

Ordering: Cheese wheels can be cut to a minimum of 100g/slice. Minimum order is B1,500. Payment can be made by cash on delivery, bank transfer or via Paypal (for orders over B5,000). Delivery: Delivery to Bangkok downtown is a flat B60 while other districts are B100.

213/18 Asoke Towers Building, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-4497. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm www. cheesequintessence.com

Radiance Wholefoods BK PICK!

The Paleo meal specialist also has a grocery section, boasting quality products from ecofriendly and sustainable producers.

The goods: A wide range of meat, from NZ lamb and beef, free-range pork, pastured chicken to veal, venison and rare cuts like veal osso bucco, bone marrow and beef liver.

The product range also spans wild-caught fish, fruits, chocolate, snacks, nuts, spices, frozen meals and wine.

Ordering: There’s a minimum order of B1,500. Some of the products like meat won’t have the exact price when you check out but they’ll email you the invoice two hours before delivery. You can pay by bank transfer, Bitcoin, Paypal and cash (for orders below B5,000). Note that they’ll ask you to split half of the 4-percent fee if you use Paypal.

Delivery: Free delivery within two working days throughout Bangkok. www.paleorobbie.com/grocery

Quintessence This company has been supplying cheese to hotels and restaurants since 2006. Note: If you call up, be sure to affect a French accent—they’re quite picky about that.

Ravina Sachdev and Anchal Pathela opened up their small shop on Sukhumvit Soi 22 back in 2012 selling natural, chemical-free products. It also operates as an online delivery service.

The goods: Organic products like eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, cereals, oil and a range of flours and derived products including gluten-free pasta and rice cakes. Other niche, health-oriented products include wheat germ, quinoa, teff seeds, spirulina, maca powder, cacao nibs, bee pollen and spirulina pasta. There are also homemade jams, pickles and kombucha. On top of edible goodies, they sell essential oils, baby products and natural skincare items.

Ordering: Place your order online to either pick it up from their Sukhumvit Soi 22 store or have it delivered. Some products require advance ordering. You can pay cash on delivery, transfer money or use Paypal.

Delivery: Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables are delivered Tue-Fri. Order deadline for Tue and Wed delivery is Mon noon while the deadline for Thu and Fri is Wednesday noon. Delivery time slots are morning and afternoon. Fee starts at B50 for Klongtoey and Wattana areas. Some areas have specific delivery days like Nichada (Wednesdays).

128/2 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-116-4265 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm. www.radiancewholefoods.com

The goods: The focus is on French deli

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Char HHHH Steakhouse. 25-26/F, Hotel Indigo, 81 Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999. Open 6pm-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit. Corkage B800. F BBBB

This spin-off from a Shanghai bar and grill dwells 25 stories above Wireless Road as part of a two-story rooftop complex that’s both restaurant and bar.

The dining section isn’t actually on the roof but a level below, where you’ll find a vaulted room that’s surprisingly classic compared to the rest of the hotel. There’s plinky-plonky jazz music, lots of fawny grays, real herringbone floors and a team of waitstaff who feel like they’ve been cattle-prodded into attentiveness and familiarity. It’s all rather hushed and sophisticated and special-feeling. The menu plays its mains with a no-nonsense list of premium beef, yours to order in increments of 100 grams, ranging from a wagyu flank at B308/100g up to a Darling Downs wagyu tenderloin at B 9 2 0 / 1 0 0 g . We h a d 2 0 0 g ( t h e minimum order) of a 30-day dry-aged Angus rib-eye and in all honesty we’ve had plenty better. But at a total cost of B780 it definitely wasn’t a let-down—

Siam Tea RoomHHHH Thai. G/F, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily 7:30am-11pm. Corkage B1,000 F

Renovated and relaunched just at the end of 2016, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park presents its Thai restaurant alongside some Western baked goods at a prime spot in front of the property.

Decorated with contemporary Thai touches, the space features an alfresco terrace and a wooden sala by prominent national artist Thawan Duchanee at the entrance. Chef Anukul Poolpipat (previously of JW Marriott) leads the kitchen, serving mostly classic Thai cuisine with nostalgic flavors drawn, you guessed it, from his family’s recipes and emphasizing Thai produce. His grandma’s yum som chun (spicy salad, B180) combines the tanginess of pomelo, mango and som sa (Thai bitter orange) with the spicy kick of chili, sweet and salty flavor of braised pork belly and crispy texture of fried fish—

acceptably tangy, wearing its charred griddle lines with pride and bathed in a peppercorn sauce so rich it’s almost black. Order it with the beef-fat fries (B200), which are phenomenally tasty.

Starters are a little more creative, whether it’s a suckling pig terrine with coconut curry (B400) or an octopus tentacle served with s alt-baked pineapple and chili (B450). Though on our last visit the plate of ember-torched scallops doused in sesame oil, ponzu sauce and fish roe (B560) was rather humdrum (scallops, excellent; oiliness and lukewarm temperature, less so), the restaurant was in unimpeachable form on the no-nonsense territory of a lobster bisque (B350). Lifted by a hint of lemongrass and resplendent with thick chunks of both tail and claw, we couldn’t care less that the kitchen was out of the grilled mussels it should come with. As for dessert, a butterscotch pudding (B275) is beautiful in its immaturity—a glass of sweet, gooey brown pudding interspersed with the buttery crunch of shortbread and tang of salt. All told, Char delivers an uncompromised, sophisticated modern steakhouse wallop at what could safely come in at about B3,000 a head—or less if you confine yourself to the indulgent wagyu burger at B450 (though the less said of its sweet doughnut-y bun the better). With passable wines at B220/ glass and a cocktail menu as comfortable with a rye sazerac (B360) as a raspberry cosmo (B280), this is one rooftop we’re happy to recommend to out-of-towners. complex and refreshing, though we actually expected crispness from green mango instead of the soft, ripe kind.

Most impressive are the fried chicken wings, which are spicily seasoned yet very rounded, perfectly fried with a tender interior and semi-deboned to make eating easier. However, we’re not fans of the grandma’s recipe tom kha kai (coconut milk soup, B215), which comes very thin and too much on the sweet and sour side. Neither does he make a good pad kaprao, owing to the dry and chewy braised beef (B245). The restaurant’s Western-fusion desserts are worthy of more praise, thanks to the kanom pang sangkaya (toasted brioche with pandan custard and young coconut, B180), local fruit tart with Thai chili oil ice cream (B180), Thai tea panna cotta (B150) and a Thai version of banana split (B280) that combines housemade coconut, banana and Thai tea ice cream with mango jelly, chocolate cream, sugared nuts and banana—unexpectedly tasty. Do also try the fluffy pancakes with local ricotta cheese and coconut flower syrup. Siam Tea Room makes a strong effort towards moving hotel Thai food away from tourist staples, but it’s actually the kitchen’s Western force that shone on our last visit. Note that the takeaway counter charges you for service, too.

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

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

Serina_02.pdf

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SERINA TEPPANYAKI JAPANESE DINING

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Yaki soba. 450THB

Hiroshima Oyster fry 280THB

Chicken Steak. 380THB

This over-30-year-old Japanese restaurant is Silom’s best kept secret. Old Japanese recipes are alive here with beautiful local produce and imported meat, shining honestly on your plates. At B2,250 per set, you’ll get 150g of teppanyaki Kobe wagyu accompanied by fresh sashimi, salad, soup, grilled vegetable, garlic rice and a scoop of homemade fresh strawberry sorbet. Or get same set with 150g US Black Angus beef at B1,650.

SERINA, 9/26 Surawong Soi Jim Thompson, Bangkok, Thailand

Reservation: 02-235-8382

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Midnight Moon Bangkok's master of floral artwork turns his hand to food.

The buzz: Bangkok’s museum of floral culture has opened a restaurant on-site, serving one-of-a-kind cuisine paired with exquisite flower decorations created by master floral artist Sakul Intakul, who’s worked on royal ceremonies in Thailand and abroad for over 30 years.

The decor: The museum itself spans across a pair of beautifully preserved Thai wooden houses with a back garden, tucked away in an alley in Samsen, offering a peaceful and private vibe that only admits the public until 5pm. Sitting in a strip between the two houses, the restaurant is a mini showcase of Sakul’s private collection of exotic Asian furniture and ornaments and his floral decorations.

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The food: Sakul’s idea of food is no less delicate than his signature floral decorations. Inspired by the artist’s travels in Asia, especially Japan and India, the tasting menu (B1,450/ person) charts dishes like grilled miso tofu placed on a magnolia leaf and served with house-pickled white turmeric and a white champaka flower, complete with instructions on how to smell the flower while eating the tofu. Of course, you’ll also get to eat some flowers, like in the salad muang luang , a herb salad with yellow sesbania and Mexican creeper blossoms, served with rice cracker and fried frangipani-wrapped minced pork. In the Mumbai masala mango dish, marigold (inedible) emphasizes the all-yellow mango salad, while rose petals sprinkled all over your table add a sensational touch to the dessert course. Before getting to the sweets,

you’ll also get to experience an evening garden tour as an intermission. We love their rose petal sorbet, which is only heightened when taken with a glass of rose wine.

The drinks: Wine starts at B890 by the bottle, while a few sake labels are also available from B240.

Why you should care: Midnight Moon provides a meal like no other—simply good food backed up by a brand new concept. As your host for the night, Sakul is so charming he makes the two-hour dinner pass in an instant. Advance reservations are required. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 315 Samsen Soi 28, 02-669-3633. Open Fri-Sun 6pm-midnight

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Kruajiangmai

Shari Shari

Lunar Nuna

NEW AND NOTED

Roll On Bangkok’s sushi burrito and poke bowl pioneer Shari Shari (B/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 097-926-9293) has bid farewell to its original CentralWorld location in favor of the basement floor of Silom Complex. Both the shop and the menu of fusion food trends take their inspiration from the west coast of the US. Drop by the new venue to try their fiery tuna, in which the fresh tuna chunks get a spicy kick from both green chili and spicy mayo (B135 for mini/B245 for full), and salmon teriyaki (grilled salmon, butterhead, avocado, purple cabbage, tempura crumbs, shrimp roes, teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo, B125/B220). Don’t miss the super-soft fried eggplant in crispy batter (B65), either.

Northern Exposure Formed as a delivery service over a year ago, Kruajiangmai (Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 099-196-2464) serves Northern Thai food made using ingredients the Chiang Mai-native owner, Chinnanan Sethachanan, sources directly from the North. These

she turns into delicious staples like the intense khao soy gai (chicken curry noodles, B95), housemade nam prik noom (green chili relish, B120) and gaeng hang lay (Northern-style pork curry) with pork knuckle (B150). But you'll also find some rarer dishes like khao ngiao (steamed rice with pork blood and herbs in banana leaf, B55) and stir-fried pak chiangda (a Northern local vegetable) with egg (B120). They even store sai ua (Northern curry sausage, B170) made by the owner’s family in Chiang Mai as well as seasonal items like creamy pu orng (grilled seasoned crab fat in its own shell, B95).

Bella Lunar Inspired by dessert shops in Korea, actress Suchar Manaying has opened a yellow-themed cafe in the heart of Siam Square. Lunar Nuna (1/F, Siam Square One, 322 Rama 1 Rd., 098-250-7788. BTS Siam) highlights the likes of Dutch baby pancakes (try the Banana Milky Way, served with banana, Korean banana milk and vanilla ice cream, B245), choux cream with sea salt caramel ice cream and popcorn (B235) and souffle pancakes (B235). Natcha Sanguankiattichai

TABLE TALK

Bombyx by Jim Thompson M/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4840.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam Jim Thompson has unveiled a new restaurant with exquisite decor and rotating art exhibitions to go with the contemporary Thai food and quality drinks. The rich and moody Bombyx highlights Jim Thompson fabrics cut in the shape of waves hanging from the ceiling, as well as equally dressed-up plates of Thai food like wing beans salad with scallop (B320), panaeng curry with grilled Australian beef (B540) and khao soy (curry noodles) with soba noodles and grilled duck (B280).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages Today – 31 Oct 17

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now SUN East is East Get your dose of all things Isaan this May 28 when popular Isaan-soul singer Rasmee takes the stage at the Bangkok Publishing Residence (31-33 Lan Luang Rd.) alongside food from the trendy new eastern-Thai restaurant Sri Trat.

Tickets are B2,900 at the door, inclusive of a meal

by Sri Trat and three drinks.

SAT Kings of the Castle Rock out to "Not in Love" and "Crimewave" this May 20 when Canadian electro group Crystal Castles bring their noisy synthpop sound for the first time to Bangkok. See more on page 24.

FRI Easy Rider Motorbike lovers won’t want to miss Rubbers Rebel Ground this May 19-21. The massive open-air fair taking over the grounds of Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani (99 Popular Rd) showcases all the latest from popular auto industries, plus a huge test-drive area to go for a spin yourself. On top of all the motorbikes, you'll find trendy stalls from the popular Cheeze Market selling fashion picks from local brands.

Smoke?

Catch American ambient pop band Cigarettes After Sex perform live at Voice Space this May 19—that is, if you were one of the few lucky enough to grab a ticket before it was instantly sold out. See more on page 24

• • • •

MARKETING MANAGER JUNIOR WRITER SENIOR WRITER SUB-EDITOR

Find out more at bkmagazine.com/jobs 22

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now PLAN AHEAD Ed Sheeran is coming to Bangkok

NIGHTLIFE

Nick Bassett

Neil Thorpe

WOODSTOCK, HAPPY AS A HIPPIE

A night of upbeat electronic music from DJ Kawee. Dress code is floral. May 19, 6:30pm. Le Cafe des Stagiaires, 142/21 Sathorn Soi 12, 081-207-3077. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

STEP DAW & ARTHUR LASTMANN

The French DJ duo takes over the second floor of Whiteline with their disco and techno selection.

May 19, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087- 061-1117. B200. BTS Chong Nonsi.

COUNCIL OF BASS

As one of the last events before the bar closes, DJs C.O.B and NT66 spin multiple genres of bass music like bassline house, break , UKG and UK funky. May 20, 9pm.

Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 092-446-6298. Free.

STRAIGHT OUTTA BANGKOK

Local hip-hop talents Liverate P & Ocean Mood, Kubon Boyz, Sean Carter, Ramsey Judson and Plz perform a live rap battle accompanied by hip-hop beats. May 20, 9pm. Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80 -82, 02-883-4836.

B150.

BERLIN BEATS WITH NICK BASSETT

The Chicago-based DJ brings his selection of futuristic deep house to the decks as part of his Bangkok debut. Support from Singaporean DJ Yadin Moha. May 20, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B350 includes one drink. MRT Sukhumvit.

GAY NIGHT THEME

WITH

Coran

STUDIO

54

Pangina Heals and her crew perform a live drag queen show with disco music from the ’70s through ’90s from DJs Yui Truluv and Steven G. Freeflow drinks between 7-9pm for B500. May 21, 7pm.

Maggie Choo's, underground/F, Hotel Novotel B angkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-7722144. B300 includes one drink.

BTS Surasak.

TUESDAY JAZZ

DJ Ben spins a mix of swing, latin and nu jazz on vinyl as part of the bar's weekly jazz nights. May 23, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. CHARLIE KWENTA

The DJ spins deep house beats with strong vocals, with support from local DJ Wintix . Free entry before midnight. May 24, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 after midnight. MRT Sukhumvit.

BEAM X MELA X UNST

Local DJs Kova O’ Sarin, Krit Morton, DOTT, Ellie and Sarayu join forces for a night of techno and electronic beats. May 25, 10pm.

Beam, 1/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-3927750. Free.

EPOCH FT NEIL THORPE AND HASAN KHAN

The British DJs who have performed at The Warehouse Project

parties and Manchester’s Sankey Club spin their dark, moody techno beats. May 26, 10pm. Base Bar, 3/28 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 099401-4421. Free.

Chart-smashing English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will make his Bangkok debut this Nov 16. Originally announced by AEC Presents Asia, the news has also been shared by local organizers BEC-Tero who have confirmed that the concert will be held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, although details on ticket prices are still to be to be announced.

Ed Sheeran is currently one of the world's most popular singers, thanks to his seven-times-platinum debut album Plus, which included songs like "The A Team" and "Lego House." His second album Multiply earned him the Brit Award for Album of the Year thanks to songs like "Thinking Out Loud." Now, he's on tour to promote his third full-length, Divide, featuring hit songs like "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill," whose success led Sheeran to break a new record for an artist having two songs debut in the US top ten chart in the same week. The concert joins a list of other big international names headed our way soon, including Britney Spears, Phoenix, Foo Fighters, Shawn Mendes and more.

PLAN AHEAD

Britney Spears adds second Bangkok show

SUPERSONIC SATURDAYS PRES. DJ GROOVE

The local DJ takes over the dance floor with upbeat electronic music and support from DJs Knatz and Ome. May 27, 9pm. Ce La V i, 39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. Free.

BTS Chong Nonsi.

GLOW WITH LAYERED LOVE

The German DJ and latest member of the 52Hz party crew spins deep techno with support from British DJ TipTap. Free entry before midnight. May 27, 9:30pm.

Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 after midnight. MRT Sukhumvit.

DJ SPECIAL K & DJ NICOLLETE

Two Singaporean DJs spin their selection of hip-hop and trap music. May 28, 8pm. Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-711-6052.

Free.

SUNDAZE WITH CORAN

Due to popular demand, Britney Spears has announced a second show in Bangkok at Impact Arena this Jun 23, a day before the original concert on Jun 24. Tickets for the original show at the 12,000-capacity venue went on sale on May 6 and quickly sold out. For the new concert, prices remain the same at B3,500-12,000, available now from Thaiticketmajor. Britney Spears is an American pop singer best known for massive hits during the '90s and early 2000s like "Oops... I Did it Again," "Toxic" and "Baby One More Time." She has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making her one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. Now, the pop diva is on a world tour to promote her ninth studio album, Glory, which includes the hit single "Make Me...". With this being the first time she'll ever perform in Bangkok, as well as Southeast Asia, we're expecting something big.

The Australian DJ behind the popular Kolour and Sunn party crews spins techno and deep house.

Free entry before midnight. May 28, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 after midnight. MRT Sukhumvit.

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BK Magazine Friday, May 19, 2017

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now FESTIVAL La Fete

LIVE MUSIC

Compagnie Swaggers

De Flamingo

Escape, Compagnie Deuxieme Vague

The Alliance Francaise of Bangkok has officially kicked off their annual cultural festival, La Fete, bringing with it a packed schedule of shows, concerts and cultural activities through mid-July. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming up in the next few weeks.

ART: PAINTING EXPOSITION ONE STOP Slur

gigs DYGL

The Japanese garage rock band make their Bangkok debut to celebrate the release of their first album, Say Goodbye to Memory Den. May 21, 7pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616, 085-146-8017, 086-866-8869. B300-350.

NIPPON

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CRYSTAL CASTLES

The Canadian electro group bring their unique homemade synthpop, electropunk sound to Bangkok, promising performances of hit songs like "Not in Love", and "Crimewave". May 20, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B9501,200.

classical LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC NIGHT

Local bands including Slur, Yellow Fang, Penny Time and Desktop Error share the stage with Japanese bands including Otonotabi Crew, Walkings, Kokke and Shudan Pararira who have performed at festivals like Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock. May 24, 5:30pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B300-400.

Conductor Claude Villaret and guest violinist Raul Teo Arias perform select Latin American compositions with The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra.

May 19-20, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500.

JAMESON ON THE ROCK

ANDREY GUGNIN

A night of live music from De Flamingo, Chanudom, Brown Flying, Arak and The Pisat Band. Dress code is "rock never dies." Advance tickets at go.eventpop.me/JOTR. May 25, 6pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B100.

BATTLE FOR BANGKOK ROCK FEST

A night of live music from local bands across various genres including Black'ciety (metal), Pupu the Authobahn (electronica & rap), Superunknown (psychedelic rock), License to Kill (hardcore), Night Train (hardcore) and The Octopuss (indie grunge). May 27, 8pm. Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B150.

concerts CIGARETTES AFTER SEX

For their third concert of the year as part of their Singha Light live series, Have You Heard? brings the American ambient pop band, who made a name for themselves through their hit Youtube videos, promising performances of singles like "Affection" and "K." May 19, 7pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02-261-3883. B1,300.

24

May 23-Jun 11, Alliance Francaise Gallery French artist Gilles Rieu presents a collection of paintings created on rolls of 10-meter long paper incorporating images and languages inspired from his travels around the world.

The guest pianist, along with guest conductor Yuri Medianik, teams up with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra for a live performance. Students with valid ID get 50% off ticket prices. May 21, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B400-2,000. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

DANCE: ESCAPE, COMPAGNIE DEUXIEME VAGUE

May 25, Alliance Francaise’s Auditorium French choreographer Nathanael Marie leads a multicultural company of six dancers in a performance bridging Thai and Swiss cultures.

MUSIC: CONCERT ENSEMBLE MULTILATERALE

May 27, Chulalongkorn University Music Hall The ensemble, in collaboration with Indonesia’s Insitut Francais and Bangkok’s Silpakorn University, performs live alongside a week of masterclasses and workshop sessions.

DANCE: COMPAGNIE SWAGGERS, IN THE MIDDLE

Jun 2, Alliance Francaise’s Auditorial Hip-hop dancer and choreographer Marion Motin brings her dance company to the stage along with singers Stromae and Christine & The Queens.

THEATER: COMPAGNIE NON NOVA, L’APRES-MIDI D’UN FOEHN ET VORTEX

Jun 7-10, Sodsai Pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts, Chualongkorn University Phia Menard performs a piece combining theater and circus styles.

For the full schedule, visit www.french-highlights.com

SALES

RBSO TRIBUTE CONCERT

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, along with Russian pianist Andrey Gugnin, perform pieces in tribute to the Memory of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. Tickets at bit.ly/2oW6GVj. May 21, 8pm.

Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B400-2,000. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

HARPSICHORD FOR TWO

The Italian Embassy of Bangkok presents a harpsichord solo and 4-hands music performance from Mario Tonda and Alberto Firrincieli. May 27, 7pm.

Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-245-7717. Free.

BOOK SALE

The library returns with another edition of its used book sale, where both English and Thai used books can be bought for as little as B20 each. All proceeds to go towards the maintenance and renovation of the historic library. May 20-21, 9:30pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

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now ART

FILM

Opening (May 18)

A CREATURE APART

DRYOPES

Half Thai half Filipino artist Rook Floro presents a cluster of colorful installations, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and video works depicting the story arc of "Blastard," the most recent alter ego of the artist. May 20-Jun 24. YenakArt Villa, 69 Soi Prasat Suk, Yen Akat Rd., 02-235-9800.

Curated by gallery owner Manit Sriwanichpoom, photographer and independent filmmaker Shane Bunnag’s latest project captures the natural elements of his childhood home in the Greek peninsular Mani. Through Jun 24.

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

THE CONCEPT OF SELF ON POWER, IDENTITY AND LABELS

MY FANTASY WORLD 0.000000000123456789

A group exhibition by Indonesian and Thai artists whose photography, oil paintings, installations and video art pieces examine what it means to be Southeast Asian under the context of contemporary ideologies. Through Jun 17.

S.A.C. Subhashok The Art Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

Thepmetha Thepboonta’s second solo exhibition combines his latest graphic and cartoon works in a series that breaks down traditional gender norms and divisions. Through May 31. Bridge, Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086-986-9421.

THE CROWD

URBANICITY

Chinese artist Zhi Lin presents a series of black and white paintings capturing an iconic character as he journeys through life. Through May 31. Midnice Gallery, Chok Chai Soi 8, 086-282-0282.

Five international Bangkok-based artists show their unique visions about Asian cities using a variety of artistic techniques and mediums. Through Jun 3. Future Factory, Phahon Yothin Rd., 098-253-9356.

UNLOCKED (USA)

DEAREST SISTER (LAOS)

Action. After being tricked into providing information to the wrong side, a CIA interrogator finds herself at the center of an attack in London.

Drama/Horror. A young girl is forced to take care of her blind relative who often sees visions of spirits around the house.

THE 100TH LOVE WITH YOU (JAPAN)

A LEGO BRICKUMENTARY (USA)

Drama . Following a car accident, a university student wakes up in a classroom one week before the event and discovers that her friend has turned back time to rescue her.

Documentary. Filmmakers Daniel Junge and Kief Davidson explore the history and worldwide cultural impact of the Lego universe. (Bangkok Screening Room only)

DREAM EMPIRE (USA)

DHARAMSALA (THAI)

Documentary. A scamming real estate agent uses actors to turn remote Chinese ghost towns into temporary international booming cities, tricking customers into buying highly overpriced properties. (Bangkok Screening Room only).

Romance. After a devastating argument with his girlfriend, a young man sets off on a religious journey across India to find inner peace.

Upcoming (May 25)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS EU Film Festival onship against a huge US star by a total knockout in front of a packed stadium.

TWO FRIENDS (FRANCE)

A shy actor meets a prisoner on work release who he instantly falls for, and recruits his extroverted friend to try and impress her on his behalf.

THE INVISIBLE BOY (ITALY)

A 10-year-old boy unexpectedly gains intelligence when he is given a supercomputer by his scientist father, giving him the ability to reanimate a robot named Robbie.

Two Friends

This May 19-28 sees the return of the European Union Film Festival, bringing with it 13 movies from 11 EU countries that capture the culture and history of each. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights: AFTERIMAGE (POLAND)

A Polish avant-garde artist struggles to promote his progressive ideas about art in light of political obstacles in his country.

THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MAKI (FINLAND)

A Finnish boxer loses the bout for the 1962 world champi-

NICE PEOPLE (SWEDEN)

A group of young men who flee the war in Somalia to rural Sweden become the first ever Somali ice hockey team and compete in the World Championships in Siberia.

Other films also on the list include Tour de Force (Germany), The Paradise Suite (Netherlands), Tokyo Fiancee (Belgium), Horse Money (Portugal), Herbert (Germany), Spain in a Day (Spain) and Kills on Wheels (Hungary).

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE (USA)

Action. Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) embarks on an all-new adventure when a group of deadly ghost sailors led by his nemesis, Captain Salazar, escape the Devil’s Triangle.

THE MONSTER (USA)

Horror. While on an emergency latenight road trip, a single mother and her daughter are stranded in the middle of the woods when their car suddenly breaks down.

WILD (GERMANY)

Drama/Comedy. After a strange encounter with a wolf, a young woman picks up the savage behavior of the animal while at the same time losing her human instincts. (Major Cineplex only)

Tickets are B120. Screenings are in the film’s original language with English and Thai subtitles.

SF World Cinema CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam/Chid Lom.

BK Magazine Friday, May 19, 2017

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