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it's free!
Free inside: BK B.A.D. Awards
BK MAGAZINE NO. 715 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com
Meet the new champions of Thai produce
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page 3 What We’ve Learned 6 cover story
Eat Local 4 upfront
12 escapes
Bangkok Wannabes
Travel News
14 avenue
16 avenue
Heritage Shopping
Insta Look
20 bites
24 BK Now
Return of the Pug
Drink, Party, Repeat
Who's in charge? Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Subeditor Mai Nardone Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon Junior Writers Kankanok Wichiantanon, Kasidit Srivilai, Neon Boonyadhammakul Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Watcharawit Phudork Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat
Where to find us!
The Asia City Media Group
Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Executive Sarocha Satawiriya Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinators Nutnicha Nuttanakorn, Peerada Chotiya Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associate Prawpraew Pairohg
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
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri
That the MRT has ditched some of its seats The metro’s latest scheme to reduce hellish commutes: standingonly sections on Blue Line trains. They also want you to cooperate by packing in tighter and won’t bring more trains into service till 2019. But look on the bright side: sardine-like commutes are very Japanese. Standing also burns about 120 calories an hour—and we just ranked among some of Southeast Asia’s fattest people, according to Diabetes Association of Thailand. That two Thai buildings are among the best of 2017 But one of them hasn’t been built yet. The World Architecture Festival, the globe’s biggest international architecture gathering, named Bangkok’s Naiipa Art Complex by Chanasit “Dew” Cholasuek in its Completed Buildings for Mixed Use category. The other Thai winner was Hypothesis Design Agency, whose proposal for a sleek glass-cube restaurant in Chiang Rai—called Krahm—won the Highly Commended Future Projects category. Add it to your Northern winter hit list for 2019. That Bangkok Art Biennale’s first lineup is huge Among the 15 big names confirmed are Yugoslav Marina Abramovic, dubbed the “grandmother of performance art” for her gore and disturbing body movements, AES+F, a Russian collective known for their visual art examining contemporary norms and values, and China-born/France-based activist artist Huang Yong Ping. Taking place between Nov 2018-Feb 2019, Bangkok Art Biennale will install works by some 70 contemporary artists at locations around the city, including along the Chao Phraya River and in the BACC.
Contributors Kathy MacLeod Intern Ratchaneekorn Sriamnad,Rowan Usher Cover design by Peeraya Sirathanisa
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
That Transmission Festival is coming back to our shores After debuting earlier this year, the huge European trance festival returns to BITEC on Mar 17, 2018. The initial lineup includes beatmakers like Ferry Corsten, Gouryella 2.0, and Ben Nicky. To give you an idea of the event’s popularity, the original at Prague’s 18,000-capacity o2 Arena has sold out. Tickets here run for B2,500-4,500 at bit.ly/2z9mF7F. That Bangkok muggles have a chance to explore Harry Potter’s world Christmas comes early for Potterheads with the news that Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World will pop up at Siam Paragon from Dec 17-Mar 2, 2018. Explore a wintry Hogsmeade village and Diagon Alley; shop for wands and robes; even try your hand at Quidditch. Pop-up shops like Ollivanders Wand Shop, Madam Puddifoots and Honeydukes Sweet Shop will sell merchandise from the franchise.
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, November 24, 2017
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Chinese shrines Not: Fake grass Remember when community malls featured fake grass walkways, Edith Piaf on loop and made you want to kill yourself? Now they come in the form of reclaimed old warehouses by the river with generations-old Chinese shrines and weather-beaten walls. Just check out the new Lhong 1919. Don’t worry, though. The shops (iBerry, Karmakamet), fake grass and growing sense of despair are all exactly the same. See page 14.
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Hot: Craft beer gardens
Not: Beer gardens
It’s 2017, so naturally a parking lot in front of an office block filled with Chang merchandise and girls in nylon mini skirts won’t do. Instead, this year’s got plenty of places for you to get your IPA fix. Head to Wishbeer’s fairylight-strewn outdoor pop-up to chug on Dead Twin Hoppy Bastards and Evil Guy Bottled Heartburns—the only downside; you have to cross the river. Don’t worry, though. Little Creatures is doing the same at 72 Courtyard.
Hot: Apartments
Not: Magazines
The magazine no one reads (but doesn’t it just look sweet with all those spines aligned?) is launching an apartment in Bangkok. Property developer Sansiri just bought a US$6 million stake in the company and has announced itself as Monocle founder Tyler Brule’s official real estate partner. The as-yet-unnamed apartment brand will be bringing tasteful, warm-wood charm to a prime area of Bangkok sometime in the next decade. Clearly, that’s a better business model than selling magazines.
Hot: Comebacks
Not: Progress
If you’re old enough to remember 2013, you’ll know that Opposite Mess Hall was a wonderful place. It served these things called bao, which were like burgers but kind of Chinese, and all the light bulbs dangled from cables and customers drank beers imported from America. At the time, it was a revelation. And it’s bringing it back so you Gen Zers know where all this shit came from. Head to Viva Market Thonglor through Dec 17 for a very tasty history lesson.
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
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INTERVIEW You’ve probably seen the bold red letters, graffitied on a wall, stenciled on a T-shirt, spread across someone’s Instagram: “I Wanna Bangkok.” What’s it mean? We asked the duo behind the project. Adisak “Beam” Jirasakkasem, 26, is a fashion design grad from Srinakharinwirot University and a former design assistant for Greyhound Original. Beam began the project in 2014 with Supakorn “Grofe” Buaruan, 23, a Fashion Design graduate from Silpakorn University How did you come up with this idea? At a party in Berlin, a woman, probably high, asked me where I was from. I said “Bangkok” and she joked, “I wanna Bang-cock” and the phrase stuck with me. I wanted something like the I <3 NY project. W h at exa c t l y d o es I Wa n n a Bangkok do? Our goal is to find a new way to promote Bangkok, instead of the usual hook of temples or tuk tuks. We work with teenagers of unique character and use contemporary art by new, young artists to give Thailand a modern face. “I Wanna Bangkok” is a brand, and the more well-known it becomes, the more people will see the city differently. Our audience is foreigners and Thai teenagers. Do you think people understand what you do? Not right away. That’s not a problem because we are at an experi-
mental phase and we are open for new collaborations. We don’t limit our creativity. As long as people are curious about what we are, they will find out what we do. Do you feel your freedom of expression is limited? Outside of politics—which we will not touch because I want only positive vibes—I think we have a lot of freedom in art. One image was banned on Instagram. I got a very confident, younger girl friend to take a shirtless photo wearing a helmet. Instagram deleted it. I tried the same photo with a male model and it didn’t get taken down. It’s 2017, we should have gender equality already. Why focus on children of the ‘90s? Because we are the future. We express ourselves freely. We have our own philosophy, and it just feels so fresh to have new-faced kids in our Instagram videos.
How do you choose someone to be on your Instagram? Style. They have to have their own character and represent it well. I want people to be able to look into their lives. Our Instagram is like a catalogue to showcase the diversity of Bangkok teenagers. I want to remind the younger generation that they have a choice, and can be anyone they want to be. What does the future look like for I Wanna Bangkok? What other projects have you got in mind? For 2017, we’ve just released planner notebooks for 2018 in collaboration with a local graphic designer we found on Instagram, Tanawat “Benz” Sakdawisarak [IG: bloodyhellbighead]. What we’ve done is small compared to the plans that I have. This is just the beginning. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
@iwannabangkok
by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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cover story
The Local Crew Meet the young chefs defining a new, locally focused Bangkok dining scene. By BK Staff
Y
ou’ve probably heard the names of their restaurants already. BK has been writing about them for months. 80/20 even made the Top 30 of Top Tables way back in March. But as we approach the end of 2017, it feels like Bangkok’s restaurant scene has this year witnessed one of those rare sea changes— the kind that happened when Gaggan showed us how double-digit-course tasting menus should be done, or Le Du refined Thai cuisine with skills honed in Michelin-starred restaurants, or Bo.lan started shouting “local, local, local” and threw its first farmers’ market (back when farmers’ markets were more about buying fresh produce than brownies). All those restaurants remain awesome, valuable places on the Bangkok food scene— and will no doubt pick up big with the arrival of that hallowed red book, the Michelin Guide, in Dec—but there’s also a new generation of scene-defining Bangkok chefs out there, too. This new guard is cultivating its own dining ideology—sometimes fine, other times, not so. It isn’t about truffle or uni mania, and doesn’t abide by (or cater to) a foreign palate. Instead, these chefs plunder fresh markets, reinvent marginalized recipes, and harness their training, from molecular gastronomy to down-the-line traditional, to bring us truly local food. We’ve chosen these six chefs and the restaurants they represent because, in all of their kitchens, you’ll taste flavors and ingredients that are uniquely Thai. That might be an authentic tom kee lek hang wua (oxtail braised in herb stock and cassia leaves), or seemingly un-Thai creations like Canvas’s gluten-free shrimp noodles (B360), dressed in an intense seafood sauce cut with the familiar local flavors of kaffir lime and a gentle dose of chili. Some of these people originally come from here. Some are foreigners. All make food with a devotion to local produce that defines where Bangkok’s food scene is at right now. In fact, it would be impossible to imagine their kitchens anywhere but in Thailand.
Garima Arora
“It’s about challenge. Anybody can cook with wagyu beef or truffle and make it taste good. But where’s the challenge? It’s more difficult to get unpasteurized milk than truffle in Bangkok. Some people think it’s so wonderful to get uni all the way from Japan, but you’re not doing anything new.” The Restaurant: When it opened in March, Gaa made headlines as a natural sibling to Gaggan. It was run by his former sous-
chef, the Mumbai-born Garima Arora. It sat directly opposite Gaggan. And it too specialized in fine-dining tasting courses that employ high-wire culinary techniques. Still, it sports a younger, relaxed vibe, and on the left wing of the second floor is a tapas bar where you can enjoy some drinks alongside a la carte snacks. The Chef: Arora trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She’s also a former chef de partie of Noma. Given free rein at her own restaurant, she cooks up something she’s termed “modern eclectic,” a mishmash of influences of no specific provenance. The ingredients, however, are 100-percent local, with Arora personally overseeing the fermentations and baking of lamb-stuffed bread. The Food: In Arora’s 10-14-course tasting menu (B2,000-2,600), modern techniques meet traditional cooking methods in dishes like the sandwich of translucent, dehydrated cabbage with roasted bell pepper paste. Simpler-looking items pack no less flavor, like the grilled seasoned baby corn husks with corn milk dip. Thai and Indian cultures converge in the poached grouper, wrapped taco-style with caramelized milk skin and kanom la (a Southern Thai crepe floss dessert). 68/4 Lang Suan Rd., 091-419-2424. Open daily 6-11:30pm
Parkorn "Tan" Kosiyabong “The old generation of Bangkok chefs who raved about imported produce has already passed. This next generation values the stuff we already have in our country, and believes it’s better to invest in this land. I work with farmers through a supplier called ByFarmers. I ask them what they can provide as substitutes for the flavors or textures of the ingredient I’m looking for during its off-season.” The Restaurant: The best reason to trek out to Chang Chui art complex, Once Ounce shares a name with its sister coffee shop on Ekkamai—but don’t expect drab, cafe-hopper
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fodder here. Tan serves up international food using local produce from a space that’s Mad Max meets Marie Antoinette, with classical European sofas and chandeliers sandwiched between rusting scrap iron. The Chef: Tan earned his molecular gastronomy stripes in the three-star kitchen of Azurmendi in Spain, taking part in the restaurant’s 100-night dining event in Malta. After that he moved to Phuket, leading the team that built Iniala resort’s collaboration with Azurmendi, called Aziamendi. These days, he also draws on the food cultures and ingredients from across the region, and has spent time visiting farms and restaurants in Vietnam and Laos to better understand their taste profiles. The Food: The menu devotes itself entirely to Thai ingredients, although the flavors Tan creates with them are completely unrestrained by geography, whether it’s a Korea-referencing plate of gnocci (B300) or a tiramisu made with Chiang Mai coffee (B140). Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd., 02-116-6076. Open Tue-Sun 11am-9pm
BK Magazine Friday, November 17, 2017
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cover story
Riley sanders “I came to Bangkok for the first time four years ago, which is when I discovered the Khlong Toey Market. It was absolutely incredible, with products that I’d never seen before. It’s still interesting today, and I still love to go at night. But I use it as a secondary option now because I do want to shift to what’s really local, organic and sustainable, and of the best quality and grown with care.”
The Restaurant: Canvas champions its devotion to local ingredients while happily straying outside any nationalistic flavor definitions. It does this with more flash and sense of occasion than anywhere in this list. Opulence abounds in its shimmering copper bar and gloved wait staff rubbing fingerprints off glasses. It’s an approach that’s as polished as the plates of food, each fawned over in immaculate detail. The Chef: Originally from Texas, the young (aged 25) Riley Sanders arrived in Bangkok in 2016, where he quickly introduced a range of highwire bar snacks to cocktail den Rabbit Hole (who are also the owners behind Canvas). While his resume skips on the section usually reserved for “Michelin kitchen experience” (Sanders’ main stint before Bangkok was on a luxury yacht) he has forged ahead at Canvas with a defiantly self-assured menu of creative small plates, which each night he serves from behind the open pass. The Food: Small, driven by produce, and imbued with a subtle undercurrent of Thai flavor. This could come from the familiar sweet hit of candied pork floss in the unbelievably delicious purple yam bread basket (complimentary, yay!), or thanks to the herbal tang of cha muang leaves in a sticky rice and river prawn risotto (part of the new B2,600 11-course tasting menu). Heartier dishes like the grilled catfish (B640) are just as locally focused, with a sticky glaze of tamarind used to create something akin to Japanese-style glazed eel. 113/9-10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 099-6141158. Open Sun-Thu 6pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 6pm-12:30am
Chalermpon "Van" Rohitratana “Last year I went with my friends into the forest in Chiang Rai. We found rare ingredients we’d never seen in the expensive cooking schools we all come from. We were mesmerized by new flavors that can only be found in nature. Since that trip, I haven’t been able to stop exploring our country and learning more about amazing plants.” The Restaurant: A small room dominated by sheets of galvanized steel, jars filled with fermentation experiments and a tank swimming with crayfish give an indication of the creativity on show. Rarb isn’t bogged down in concepts— its deceptively straightforward dishes are elevated by an honest dedication to excellent produce and painstaking DIY techniques. The Chef: Sporting his iconic beard and golden
earrings, chef Van is by no stretch a new face on the Bangkok food scene. With longtime collaborator Karn Liangsrisuk, he launched the burger institution that is Escapade on Phra Athit Road back in 2012. With Rarb, though, Van has tapped into his true culinary powers, turning out heavily spiced Isaan creations using no prime cuts. The Food: The single-page, handwritten menu highlights skewers and other dishes made with secondary cuts of meat—think pig velum (soft palate) that’s parboiled in a herb-rice soup (B100) or nam tok gaem moo (B140), a spicy salad made with pig cheek. For all the talk of offal, Rarb also does delightfully approachable comfort food, like the perfectly cooked fried rice (B260) with shreds of sweet, fresh crab meat. 49 Phra Athit Rd., 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight
Where to buy the best local produce
By farmers
Crab Bank
Best Country Beef
Uncle Ree Farm
Surin Farm
Pla Organic
Chemical-free Thai produce directly from farms across the country. www.byfarmers.com
A small group in Pranburi that cares for pregnant crabs and releases their eggs before the crabs go to market. Buy them through Rarb (see above).
Grain-fed wagyu crossbreed beef raised in Northern Thailand (dry-aging up to 45 days available). goo.gl/brjadf
80/20’s supplier for crayfish, mushrooms, duck and chicken eggs. www.unclereefarm. wordpress.com
Ethically reared pigs, raised to be 150-perecent larger than organic certification requires, and without antibiotics 30 days before slaughter. Available at Villa Markets.
Ocean-caught seafood from small-scale fisheries in Satun, Krabi, Phangna, Songkla, Patalung, Petchaburi and Pattani. www.fb.com/pla.organic
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BK Magazine Friday, November 17, 2017
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cover story Q&A: Dylan Jones
Napol "Joe" Jantraget “I don’t find anything attractive about using truffle or fleur de sel. They are so pedestrian, you can even buy them from Villa Market. Compare that with the salt I get from underground in Udon Thani, which can only be harvested once a year. That’s more valuable than any of the expensive stuff.”
Together with his wife, Bo Songvisava, Dylan Jones pioneered a local produce-centric take on fine dining in 2009 with the launch of Bo.Lan, a restaurant all about authentic, historically researched Thai dishes. Here, he shares his thoughts on the progress Bangkok’s dining scene has made since then, and what makes it unique.
The Restaurant: Situated in a busy Charoenkrung hostel, 80/20 channels oldschool shop-house charm through retro signage, heavy wooden soors and irong grilles, but the food is far more foward-thinking. Canada-trained executive chef Napol Jantraget, his pastry chef wife Saki Hoshino and Canadian accomplice Andrew Martin use local ingredients and made-from-scratch elements, backed by Western cooking techniques, for a daringly different take on Thai cuisine. The Chef: Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget leads the mostly Canadian-trained kitchen team. Much of his inspiration comes from a stint at Creme Brasserie, an unpretentious, ingredients-led French bistro in Toronto. Joe likes to use a minimal number of ingredients in each dish, and plays with Western cooking methods while embracing Thai produce. He
sees “organic” food as the starting point for a bigger trend in good dining and wellness, but is cautious about whether the current enthusiasm can be sustained. The Food: Both traditionally Thai and internationally cribbed fermentation techniques bring powerful intensity to 80/20’s locally leaning menu. Snakehead caught from the waterways surrounding Bangkok (B400) comes prepared in a green curry made from fish stock and the sweet and zesty Isaan mustard green, which has a nasal hit like wasabi. Dehydrated acacia also provides a local stand-in for nori. Dishes are small and elegant—often approaching fine dining in their presentation—though 80/20’s total package provides a laidback and also affordable night. 1052-1054 Charoenkrung Rd., 087-593-1936. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight
Have you eaten at the restaurants of the six featured chefs? Yes, Gaa, 80/20 and Canvas. Rarb and 100 Mahaseth are on the list.
Do you feel Bangkok's restaurant scene has progressed for the better since you opened Bo.lan? Yes. We think it has changed immensely but there's still lots of room for improvement.
Do you think Bangkok has cultivated a fine-dining culture that's unique to this city? Yes and no. There is very much a fine-dining culture but many of the fine-dining restaurants are ones that you could find in any major metropolis. There are exceptions of course, but even 10 restaurants don't make a "culture."
Are there restaurants here—and we don't mean street-food or old-school s h o p - h o u s e s — t h a t yo u would not find in any other city?
Chalee Kader “The imported stuff is so easy to get. You don’t have to make much of an effort, the suppliers practically knock on your door with offers. With local stuff, you can’t deny it’s more difficult because you have to trek down to find it on the farms yourself. It’s almost impossible to learn about the ingredients otherwise because there are no middlemen promoting or selling it.”
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Sure, especially the ones that are focusing on local produce and by that we don't mean ones that just cook Thai food.
I s t h e r e a ny t h i n g t h a t is still missing from the Bangkok dining scene? The Restaurant: Nestled close to 80/20, 100 Mahaseth brings nose-to-tail cuisine back to the Bangkok dining scene. Just like the many other meat-oriented venues in Bangkok, here you can also see animal haunches hanging in the kitchen-side dry-aging fridge. Orange brickwork and tables made from raw wooden planks dominate the space, keeping the vibe downto-earth. The kitchen presents an honest, understandable, non-pretentious selection of dishes that draw from Isaan cuisine as well as our neighboring countries’ food legacies. The Chef: Indian-Chinese chef Chalee Kader has already chalked up a formidable reputation over in Thonglor thanks to the modern-Euro bistro fare of Surface as well as the creative pies at Holy Moly. 100 Mahaseth though is Chalee embracing local food culture. He says he had a revelation about Thai produce after traveling to farms with Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones of Bo.Lan. “I’d overlooked it all the time I’d been
a chef here,” he says. “It was good stuff! But I’d never chosen to use it.” The Food: Don’t be afraid of the words nose-totail. Together with partner Randy Noprapa (Fillets), Chalee presents a straightforward selection of dishes. OK, so you will find the occasional prime cut imported from Argentina and Akita, but 80 percent of the menu is comprised of local offcuts and entrails. Most of this passes through the hands of Best Country Beef, the butcher that supplies other top local beef restaurants like Arno’s and KRBB. If you’re bold enough, go for the rice noodles and pig’s brain mousse (fatty, crumbly, spongy and a not-too-pricey B220), or the addictive fried tripe in fish sauce (B180). The beautifully rich tom kee lek hang wua (ox tail braised in herb stock and cassia leaves, B290) comes with a salsa-like bolo maka fruit salad on the side. 100 Mahaset Rd., 02-235- 0023. Open daily 6-11pm
Definitely! Bangkok's dining scene lacks real credible sustainable dining. This goes beyond just using—or even worse saying you're using—sustainably caught fish, happy pigs or organic produce. We mean fully integrating sustainability and waste issues into the back and front of house operations. Bangkok's restaurants and hotels should be rejecting single use plastics and Styrofoam. They should be recycling—upcycling would be even better—and sorting their waste, composting and supporting farmers and food producers. The Bangkok restaurant scene, and by this I mean the punters as well, should be lobbying government and local councils to really implement better waste management systems, and demanding better packaging options from their suppliers.
BK Magazine Friday, November 17, 2017
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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Kankanok Wichiantanon and Carl Dixon
KOH SAMUI
Island Time If we were to spend just shy of B6,000/night on a Samui resort right now, it would be this one: the revamped Anantara Lawana Koh Samui (lawana-chaweng. anantara.com). Reopening on Dec 10 after a big interior makeover, the new look sees the Sino-Thai styling turned up to 11, with Chinese lamps, antique furnishings and over-the-top upholstery designed in league with local artists. Each room comes with a character of its own, as well as a wider terrace with comfortable sun lounger—perfect to relax without the interference of Chaweng Beach’s party crowd. Instead, the resort sits on a quieter beach nearby that’s still only a short ride away from the local bars. Rates start at B5,600/night, though the Seaview Pool Villa at B17,470/night is the one you really want.
CHIANG MAI
French Connection Across from Wat Chedi Luang, La Fouchette (www.fb.com/LaFourchetteFrenchRestaurant) is your neighborhood French bistro in the North. Decor-wise, the restaurant’s taken Amelie as its style guide—it’s so quirky as to be romantic. Expect your grandmother’s tablecloth, plenty of plants and flowers, mismatched artwork, candles and a requisite rooster print. The food is served up with equal charm. Indulge in the classics: French onion soup (B180), Chateaubriand beef tenderloin (B1,480) and a bitter-sweet Swiss chocolate truffle (B80). Chef Evalet “Oh” Sadrugk often makes an appearance in the dining room, sometimes (for a lucky few) with a plate of complimentary desserts in hand.
AUSTRALIA
Go West
Marriott’s first Aloft-branded hotel in Australia, Aloft Perth (www.aloftperth.com) combines live music venue, art gallery and locavore restaurant in one vibrant, urban package. Part of a regeneration project along the bank of the Swan River, the hotel sits barely 10 minutes’ ride from both the airport and the CBD, and within spitting distance of the shiny new 65,000-seater Perth Stadium (opening early ‘18). On top of mod cons like free Wi-Fi and rainfall showers, the 224 rooms (from around B3,000/night) come decked out in art from some of Western Australia’s finest rising talents. Head to Springs Kitchen’s sun-drenched terrace for brunch done right and specials that pull together the best produce the state has to offer. Later, drop by W XYZ Bar to catch local live bands over craft cocktails. With a dynamic small-bar scene to rival Melbourne’s, untouched beaches that put Sydney’s to shame and nearby wineries in abundance, Perth looms as your next Aussie adventure. Best of all, it’s under seven hours’ flight away. AirAsia will get you there and back from about B16,000 this year-end.
CHINA Low-cost carrier NokScoot (www. nokscoot.com) has launched a new route between Bangkok and Xian, with three roundtrip flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. This is the airline’s sixth China destination, following flights to NanBell Tower, Xian jing, Qingdao, Tianjin, Shenyang and Dalian. Unless you score a deal, expect return prices of around B10,000. Price includes meals and a checked bag. Xian is the capital of China’s northwest Shaanxi province. The city’s often referred to as the birthplace of Chinese civilization as it was the reigning seat of 13 imperial dynasties. Today, it’s known for historical must-visits like the Terracotta Army—over 7,000 life-sized sculptures of cavalry, soldiers, and chariots—originally entombed with Emperor Qin Shi Hyang as protection in the afterlife.
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BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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escapes
The Most Instagrammable Destinations in Southern Thailand
Koh Mook
These hot spots will have your selfie stick working overtime.
Phatthalung
Surat Thani
PIKUN THONG ROYAL DEVELOPMENT STUDY CENTER, NARATHIWAT The province of Narathiwat has always relied heavily on agriculture to generate income, but for decades its low-lying position and plethora of peat swamps meant much of its organic soil remained flooded year-round. As part of his Royal Projects initiative, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej founded this study center in 1981 to figure out a way to give the people of Narathiwat their livelihoods back. Spread over 1,740 rai, the center is filled with lush jungle, vast greeneries and sparkling ponds—tons of material to keep your camera busy. 95 Moo 6, Ka Lu Wor Nua, Mueng, Narathiwat, 073631-038. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
CHIEW LAN LAKE, SURAT THANI With floating hotels and dark wooden walkways stretching left and right, Chiew Lan Lake in Khao Sok National park, Surat Thani, almost has a Maldives-esque quality to it—minus the proper beach and ocean. But, honestly, the beautiful jungle-clad mountains that encircle the lake will make you forget the Maldives even exists. Drop your bags at 500rai Floating Resort to get the most out of your stay (B15,000/person on weekdays, including all meals, water activities, a local cycling tour and boat transfer to the hotel).
KOH MOOK, TRANG No Instagram feed is complete without at least one photo of a limestone karst surrounded by clear, white beach—the latter becoming increasingly hard to find these days. If you want to avoid the heavy
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tourist riff-raff, journey out to Koh Mook just 30 minutes by boat from the shores of Trang Province (B300). The island itself remains less famous than its main attraction, Tham Morakot, also known as the Emerald Cave. We recommend you take a tour with a local operator such as Koh Mook Chao Lay Trang (085-454-4979) or A Koh Mook (www.akohmook. com), which both offer various walking and cycling routes around the island before embarking on a boat ride to learn about the local fishing industry.
Songkhla
KOH RACHA Koh Racha, a pair of twin Islands on the southeastern side of Phuket, is a popular destination for day-trips to snorkel and dive. They’re home to a large variety of marine life. On the west side, there is a long U-shaped bay known as Patok beach with beautiful white sand and turquoise water that makes for an excellent calm swim spot. With the proper phone gear, you can even take some uber-hipster underwater shots while you are at it.
SONGKHLA Long overshadowed by Hat Yai, Songkhla Province’s capital city (also called Songkhla) has found a niche attracting traveling art lovers. The city’s vibrant street art scene has taken over three of its major roads (Nang Ngam, Nakhon Nok and Nakhon Nai) almost entirely as part of a project named “Songkhla Maha Sanook” (Songkhla great fun). Fifteen large murals stretch across the streets depicting local ways of life, from the making of budu (a signature Southern fish sauce) to examples of racial tolerance.
PHATTHALUNG Neighboring Songkhla, this Southern province is accruing a following among photographers thanks to the Talay Noi wetlands. Home to the country’s largest waterfall, Talay Noi isn’t just Thailand’s first wildlife sanctuary but also one of 2,000 global wetland areas listed by the international Ramsar Convention as being of extreme importance. The sanctuary sees more than 200 bird species migrate to the area from as far off as Siberia during December to April. The province is also a famous spot to catch the red lotus in bloom from February until April.
IMMORTALIZE YOUR INSTAGRAM MEMORIES WITH THE HP SPROCKET Physical photos are back! The new HP Sprocket is a pocket-sized photo printer that connects to both IOS and Android devices to produce instant 2x3 stickyback prints of your favorite candid moments—a simple and enjoyable way to get photos off your phone. It’s small enough to carry in a bag, you don’t have to hassle with ink cartridges and the internal battery lets you print anywhere for immediate photo gratification. The HP Sprocket is exceptionally easy to use and prints straight from your phone. The image editing tools bring fun to an otherwise ordinary task. With the HP sprocket app you can enjoy customizing your photos with colorful frames, text, stickers and filters, and easily peel-andstick wherever you like. Only this December, give the gift you love. Sprocket comes with 50 complimentary sheets of ZINK paper and an exclusive box set. You can find them at HP’s online store, Lazada, Bananastore and leading lifestyle retailers.
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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avenue SHOPPING
Lhong Game There’s now a new reason to cross over to the Thonburi side of the river. Lhong 1919 has reclaimed a group of old warehouses and a Chinese shrine dating back to King Rama IV (1851-1868) for its 6,800 sq meters of co-working space, eateries and art and design shops spotlighting the work of young artists. The riverfront project is a new destination for Bangkokians hankering for an outdoor venue at which to spend money on design products from eight locally-owned shops. Zettino provides men’s leather goods, Hummingbird sells beautifully decorated plants, and Studio is showcasing Chinese design-inflected furniture. Not in the mood to shop? Iberry’s new restaurant Rong Si serves up Thai standards, as does Thai cafe and restaurant Ploenwan Panich’s new branch. Karmakamet also has an eatery here. FYI, the public pier on the riverside is now open. 248 Chiang Mai Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm.
MALL
FASHION
INTERIOR
Summer’s Here
Choo In
Plant Life
Phra Khanong’s new community mall, Summer Hill, has finally opened. Brought to you by the developers of Sukhumvit Soi 47 favorite Rain Hill, this new mall is home to Treasure Factory, Japan’s beloved secondhand store (91 Japanese branches), as well as Spaces, a trendy co-working hub by international group Regus. Phra Kanong shoppers may also thank the developers for forgoing Villa Market for the more wallet-friendly Tops Daily. Inevitably, Starbucks has also staked out a corner. Sukhumvit Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phra Khanong
Hot on the heels of an acquisition by American fashion empire Micheal Kors, British luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo has released the Cruise 2018 collection. Now available in Bangkok, the line shakes up Choo’s old image with an edgy design that’s all shimmer and glitter. Yup, these are the same winking boots Cara Delevingne showed off in the Maine boots campaign, and they’ll definitely guarantee you the limelight at Ce La Vie and Beam. If you can’t bear boots in Bangkok, Choo’s iconic high-heeled sandals are also on offer. Not into glitter? The crystal stud, always en vogue, is also available. Collection starts from B25,500. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Yet another designer-artist collaboration comes to the world of Bangkok retail. This time, Thai illustrator Suntur, whose “Picnic with Suntur” exhibition delighted shoppers at Hong Kong’s Times Square mall, is teaming up with the florist-designer team of Plant House for a holiday gift collection they’re calling O2. The team’s collaboration will manifest itself as a line of coffee mugs, dishes and greeting cards combining Suntur’s iconic illustrations with dried plants and flowers. Tableware starts from B450 and cards start from B250. Available only at The Selected, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam
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BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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avenue FASHION
MENSWEAR
Fingertip Fashion
Men's bags worth investing in
How to assemble a head-to-toe, local designer outfit from the comfort of your couch. By Kasidit Srivilai
Black leather tote, Container, B10,500
Scout backpack, Rains, B4,690
Hat: Palini Bangkok
Pants: Rally Movement
Dress and top: Papers
The bamboo-fabric bucket hat, in navy or olive green, from Palini will help you complete your Tokyo street outfit. For a beach trip, go for the tropical print from the same line (from B1,450).
Business women, take a serious look at this Insta-boutique because its tailor-structured pants (B1,490) with an empire sillhouette have perfected the almost-vintage look. Pants come in tasteful colors like ivory, pale rose and mustard.
Fans of stripes and checks will fall for the Paper's designs. This brand blends the charm of linen fabric with refined, pastel patterns. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss its off-shoulder top (B1,050) or striped bow-tied mini dress (B1,650) that will take years off your look.
@rallymovement
@papers.official
@palinibangkok
Printed backpack, Givenchy, B50,500
Olive green canvas backpack, Filson, B9,900
Multi-color leather tote, Sacai, B41,500
Essentials Container. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd.
Bag: Everything Est Ok
BUDGET PICK
Linen meets ruffles at Everything Est Ok. This brand reinvents the ruffle-rimmed pillowcase look in a cool linen tote bag that will guarantee you hipster cred at any Bangkok weekend market. Bag starts at B990. @everythingestok
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Filson. Available at Pronto, Siam Square Soi 3
Shoes: Croon
Scarf: Cuscus
Oxford shoes (from B4,000, with or without heels, you can choose) dolled up with chic accoutrements like glittery heels, vintage buckles and adorable heart-shaped engravements are standard issue at Croon. Espradrilles (B2,290) are also available now.
Made wholly from Thai silk and PICK! printed with roaring tigers, pink lobsters or cute panthers, these scarves by Cuscus might make you forgo the B10,000 scarves of Hermes or Emilio Pucci. Half sq meter scarves start from B2,900.
@croonshoes
@cuscus_thecuckoos
BK
Givenchy. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Rains. Online at www.onionbkk.com Sacai. Available at Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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We are the combination of Dynamic Espresso Bar and Casual Milanese Lifestyle Eatery
02-712-7817
nuvolacaffebkk
nuvolacaffebkk
#nuvolacaffebkk
Opening Hour Mon – Fri 9.00 - 21.00 Sat – Sun 8.30 – 21.00
Canberra's best cafe has finally landed in Bangkok.
Tel: 021853258 Facebook: patissezbangkok Order online on Foodpanda and Ubereat
The best brunch and coffee in town. Home of the freakshake and much much more.
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BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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bites & blends
EVENT
Wonder Feasts Lay off the drugs at this year’s Wonderfruit. You’ll need your appetite for these feasts. The headline act comes from Gaggan Anand (Dec 16, 7:30pm), who’s partnering with Belgian chef Gert de Mangeleer of the three-Michelin-starred Hertog Jan, and Takeshi “Goh” Fukuyama of Japan’s La Maison de la Nature Goh (“he of insanely good beef fame”) and Suhring (no. 13, Asia’s 50 Best). Wonderfruit’s calling it the first time chefs on this level of Michelin and World’s 50 Best have collaborated on such a scale. Best of all, the B4,200 ticket price even includes free-flow wine. On Friday night (Dec 15, 7:30pm), it’s the turn of Supanniga Eating Room's trademark hits like moo cha muang curry and spicy, seawater crab nam prik (B3,000 including free-flow wine). Saturday daytime (Dec 16), Prin Polsuk of Nahm cooks up an ancient Thai feast on an open fire pit (B1,500). wonderfruitfestival.com.
RESTAURANT
NEW DRINKS
CAFE
Zoom In
No Maybes
Running on Nitro
Zoom Sky Lounge adds a slick and modern lounge to its 38th-floor perch at Anantara Sathorn Hotel, serving up dishes from a new menu by chef Adtavorn ‘’Gibb’’ Charoonpontithi. Don’t skip the Black Scallop No. 2, with black lentil and squid ink puree, lime and porcini butter sauce (B550). On the drinks end, Saranjes ‘’Tum’’ Aiamudomchok, a World Class Cocktail finalist in 2017, has an excellent reinterpretation of sangria, called Senorita (B330), that comes with frozen fruit “ice cubes” and blends gin, rose wine, lychee juice, rose syrup and lime. Five-star service and a floor-to-ceiling city view make this an easy choice for celebrating special occasions. Anantara Bangkok Sathorn Hotel, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-210-9000. Open daily 5:30pm-1:30am
Thonglor’s only gin bar, Just A Drink Maybe, has launched two new drink menus. Throughout Nov, you can drink ginbased cocktails inspired by different types of flowers. Try the Flight at Midnight (Martin Miller infused butterfly pea, sake syrup, Miss Massenez Voilette, lemon juice, Carpano Blanco, soda, B400) for some refreshing purple madness. Keep an eye out for the new special menu to come in Dec—a tea collection—which will feature mixes like Bubble Tea Punch (Assam gin, milk, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusivia, simple syrup and bubble-tea bubbles, B350). 44/3 Thonglor Soi 1, 02-023-7285. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-1am
Currently parked at W District now is a “coffee tuk tuk” serving nitro cold brew on tap. Called Nitro Labs, the shop is the first retail venture from the company whose mission is to bring hand-crafted cold brew coffee and tea to the Bangkok mainstream. The Origin and Signature blends, made with coffee beans from Thailand’s north, are B80-90, while the Single Origin from Nepal is B100. Traditional Thai tea is also served nitro at B70 and Kyoto matcha at B110. Milk, syrup and ice are provided according to preference. W District, Sukhumvit Rd., 086-014-2906. Open Mon-Fri 6am-8pm; Sat 8am-4pm
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BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
Crying Thaiger HHHH Burgers. Sukhumvit Soi 51, 097-052-8861. Open daily 5-11pm. BTS Thong Lo. Corkage B600. BBB
Crying Thaiger makes a damn good burger, but you probably already knew that. Its parent “venue,” Daniel Thaiger, has been Bangkok’s most-loved burger truck since before burger trucks were even a thing here. The standalone venue expanded on the original’s blueprint when it opened on the grungy Sukhumvit Soi 51 in 2016, adding a fully-rounded menu that includes tomahawk steaks (B250/100g, pre-order only), salads (from B190), cocktails (from B300) and craft beer (from B240). Setting up shop next to hipster drinking strongholds Studio Lam and WTF carries a certain decor expectation. Let’s just say Crying Thaiger’s creaky narrow staircase, barebones interior, wooden communal seating and bellowing sizzle sounds from the narrow kitchen fit the bill. That kitchen handles its new repertoire very well. Hefty slabs of grilled meat, like the Australian Mr. T-Bone (B900), are cooked exactly as ordered with just the right amount of smoky char. If you like some heat, we highly recommend
Dok Kaew House Bar HHHH
Thai. 71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 096-886-4104. Open daily 5pm-midnight. B-BB
With Bangkok development set to tear down everything old, charming and not in the sightlines of Duangrit, it’s rare that we get a new spot like Ari’s Dok Kaew House Bar. Taking over an 80-year-old, two-story house out the back of Rama 6, this beer bar not only boasts arguably the best selection of local craft brews this side of town, but also some pretty good Thai food—to go with a few creepy claims of ghosts. Among the partners are Supot “Pot” Onmark, head of the budding Nectar brewery, and Prapavee “Bamee” Hematat, the guy behind the Beer Wanderlust blog. This means that the brews are stand-out. Whether you reach in the fridge for the house-made Nher Weizen (B180), or get them to pour you a Wheat Bomb (B180) from the tap tank behind the bar, it’s serious beer drinker stuff. It also kind of steals the show from the food which, if we’re being honest, is nothing to DM your buddies about—tasty, great for washing
ordering a side of deliciously fiery jim jaew (spicy Isaan dipping sauce). Burger-wise, expect a welcome mishmash of beef, pork and lamb that deviate from the original, like the Magnificent Merguez (B340)—a juicy lamb patty mixed with chilies, creamy caramelized onions and zesty Dijon mustard squeezed in between a soft brioche bun. Although a bit sloppy (definitely not for date night) it’s one of the best burgers we’ve had in a while. Crying Thaiger gets the details right where it counts, too. Mac and cheese might not be high on a chef’s to-do list, but the offering here (B180) hits the mark with creamy, sharp cheddar cheese and al dente pasta. The homemade Thaiger’s Cheesecake (B150) with mixed berry compote really does taste homemade— prominent cream cheese flavors with a firm, creamy texture and crumbly crust. Gripes are few and far between. Aside from the wilted “All Hail Caesar” salad (B190) with peculiar oval-shaped, mushy croutons, they’re not worth mentioning. The service staff also deserves a proper shout out. Even when dealing with large tables of obnoxious drunks, the team is pleasant, polite and on the ball. The barkeep pulls his weight, too, slinging classics like old fashioneds (B300) with respectable finesse. It all makes for a very pleasant dining experience. With some of Bangkok’s best watering holes just a few strides away, we’d even say Crying Thaiger’s worth a special trip. Serina_04.pdf
down another Schneider Weisse (B200) but not all that groundbreaking. Still, they can boil up a mean leng (sour-andspicy pork-rib soup), whose chili levels are set to guarantee you’ll be making repeat fridge visits (they don’t do table service), especially since the sharpsweet balance of the soup is so tasty. A typical yam salad dressing also demonstrates the kind of clean, delicate flavor that so many street-food iterations lack, and there’s no denying the satisfaction of chomping into its chunky, white pepper-rich slabs of moo yor (preserved minced pork sausage B90). The grilled beef (B120) is not the tenderest nor rarest of meat, but boy is it juicy, and accompanied by an extra thick and tasty jaew dip. Equally succulent meat arrives in the pork belly ma-la—spicy marinated barbecue sticks that are like bacon but better. Elsewhere, the menu gives nods to fried, beer-accompanying favorites (onion rings, B80, calamari B120) and a satisfyingly fresh Japanese-style raw octopus salad (B80). Given its location right at the far side of what can legitimately be called Ari, it’s unsurprising that Dok Kaew is never so busy that you need to book, but the smattering of regulars make a fun crowd, and the owners always have a smile—even if the odd order goes astray. Would we leave Sukhumvit-Sathorn for a night at Dok Kaew? No. Does it make one of our favorite places to eat and drink between Vic-Mon to Chatuchak? Absolutely.
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 B500 E Dress requirements G Live music
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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 BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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bites
OPEN DOOR
The Smokin' Pug
Bangkok's favorite barbecue specialist moves into a bigger, better space.
The buzz: After closing up its teeny-tiny spot on Surawong Road, barbecue institution Smokin' Pug is now on Lang Suan Road and it's even bigger and better than before. The decor: Barbecue shack vibes with a polished edge. The bar is a shabby-chic mishmash, and the corrugated iron and reworked wood of the dining room is softened by flickering tea lights. The space is open and uncluttered, save for a few prints of jazz musicians, food porn and, of course, the namesake pugs Basil and Su. The food: Giant smokers in the back courtyard cook all the meat low ‘n’ slow. Beef brisket is smoked for up to 12 hours overnight; ribs and lamb for four; even the cheese for the mac ‘n’ cheese sees the inside of the smoker. The result is intense flavor and tender perfection. The baby-back ribs and beef brisket platter (B895/two
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portions) doesn’t put a foot wrong, even down to the homemade cornbread and slaw. The smoked lamb sandwich (B475) comes in an intimidating quantity, but the Alabama horseradish sauce and three housemade barbecue sauces keep each bite alive down to the last. Calorie-counters stay away—even veggie side dishes like the creamed spinach (B175) come with a decadent helping of cheese. Dessert is a must, even if your waistband is screaming out for you to stop. The bread pudding dessert (B225) is served warm and drenched in an adults-only bourbon sauce—it’s pure bliss.
vodka and nose-tingling ginger, while Danny’s Choice (B295) emphasizes the G in a G&T. Plus, serious barbecue fanatics can now drink barbecue sauce without fear of being judged thanks to the Smokin’ Mary (B295), a thick and spicy take on a Bloody Mary.
The drinks: The bar menu proudly steers clear of fancy mixology, and proves its point by hitting the spot with simple-done-right cocktails. The staff aren’t lying when they say they’re generous with the bottle—the Titos Texas Mule (B275) is a fiery combo of
Why we’d go back: Aside from the excellent food and drinks, you really get a sense that the staff wants you to enjoy yourself and experience the best of Southern hospitality. Rowan Usher
The music: Strictly crooning, foot-tapping jazz and blues. The crowd: The atmosphere at Smokin’ Pug caters to all, from candlelit date-nighters to lively groups knocking back heady cocktails.
105 Lang Suan Rd., 08-3029-7598. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight, Sun 5pm-11pm
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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The Meatchop Butcher and Spirits
Jim’s Burgers x Stone Bar
Coffee No.9
TABLE TALK
NEW AND NOTED
Dangerous Duo The fifth location of Jim’s Burgers in Lad Phrao sees it team up with the San Diego-based Stone Brewing. Jim’s Burgers x Stone Bar (Senanikom Soi 1, 02-002-3343) serves cold beer from eight taps, three of which rotate weekly. On the permanent draft menu are Stone staples the Delicious IPA (B185/B330), Ripper Pale Ale (B180/B320), IPA (B185/B325) and Go to IPA (B180/B320). To soak up those pints, there are new burgers like Cheese Secrets, in which the pork or beef patty comes stuffed with cheese and mustard cream (B255/ B275), and the Three Musketeers, a pork or beef mouthful which replaces the bun with waffle fries.
Chop Chop Bangkok’s latest carnivore heaven, The Meatchop Butcher and Spirits (1/4 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-033-2709), serves premium steak, tasty tapas bites and cocktails in a deli store concept. An open kitchen, patterned black tiling, pink walls
and rattan chairs lend it a swanky yet fun feel. For serious grill dishes, prime cut steaks include Black Angus from Australia's Rangers Valley (tenderloin from B650/230g), ovenbaked Chiang Rai chicken (B400/half) and Australian lamb chops (B690). Smaller plates like the platter of jamon Iberico and serrano (B250), and grilled octopus with avocado mash (B230) are perfect to nibble on while sipping on a classic cocktail (from B280).
Coffee Corner Coffee stands with minimal Japanese decor are taking over Bangkok. First Sathorn's Coffeelism, now Coffee No.9 (Ari Soi 1, 086-616-7486), which has just arrived at the front of Ari's canteen-slash-community mall A-one. Grab one of their caffeinated drinks like the thirst-quenching Orangano (orange juice + Americano, B85), white malt frappe (B90) topped with an espresso shot, hojicha latte (B60) and supreme matcha latte (B95). Regular coffees are also available starting from B50. BK Staff
Din Tai Fung This globe-conquering, Taiwanese import situated atop CentralWorld attracts swarms of people outside watching armies of dumpling-makers through the glass pane. The massive queues are for its xiao long bao (soup-filled steamed dumplings), which arrive at your table still billowing smoke. If you don’t want to fight your way through a crowded shophouse or pay through your nose at a hotel, Din Tai Fung offers a rare middle-ground for a dumpling feast. Exclusively for Citi credit card members. Get a complimentary sliced duck in crispy spring onion pastry valued up to THB 170 when spending THB 1,700 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) and redeem a THB 100 instant cash voucher when using 1,000 Citi Rewards points and spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (limited 3,000 points /card /sales slip). Today – 31 Dec ‘17
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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now MON Rock and Relax British rock trio Alt-J (coined for the keyboard shortcut for Δ), were once described as “the new Radiohead”. They weren't, and have since veered from those tortured-soul beginnings to the upbeat sounds of their new album, Relaxer. They will perform in Bangkok for the first time on Nov 27 at Moonstar Studio. See page 23.
FRI Drink Up You know what you need more of in life? Beer. On Nov 24-25, Thailand’s Brew Fest comes to Quaint for The Reunion Episode: over 80 beers and ciders on tap, many of those your favorite craft breweries both foreign and domestic. We’re talking Brewdog and Yaksa, and a side of hearty American food to keep the good stuff down. See page 24.
FRI Wild Weekend On Nov 24-26 Thonglor’s in-thing nightclub Beam is again taking over 72 Courtyard for further Beamfest festivities. The food alone (Brooklyn’s Yuji Ramen) will make you want to dance, but the weekend’s musicians include Falcons, Flight Facilities and Sinistarr. See page 23 for more.
SAT Underground Sounds THU Fair Grounds Ready your tote bags and distressed jeans, Artbox is coming to Suanluang Square this Nov 30-Dec 3, 4pm. The pop-up market promises the latest in Instagramable finger-food while you shop holiday gifts among stalls of local designers. See page 24 for more.
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Indie label Panda Records has been in the underground scene since 1999. That’s nearly two decades of championing Thai-made music. To celebrate yet another year, they’re putting on an indie-punk concert at De Commune on Nov 25, 8pm. See page 23.
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now MUSIC
NIGHTLIFE
Rob Manga Prep
concerts
PREP RETURNS TO BANGKOK
ATATA, LIVE IN BANGKOK 2017
Tujamo
BEAMFEST 2017
Music food and art light up the nightclub complex for the second consecutive weekend. This weekend's headliners include Flight Facilities and Falcons. Tickets in advance at bit.ly/2zUMO5N. Nov 24-26, 4pm. Beam, 1/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. B1,900-2,900. EXPOSED - ELEKTRO DELIKATESSEN
A night of techno-house music with DJs Ikono, Richie, Zidov Akuma and Aneesh Medina. Nov 24, 10pm. Club 15, 43 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 083-0940650. Free. BTS Nana. GET A ROOM FEAT. CHRISSY (NITE OWL DINER)
The Chicago DJ and label owner spins disco and ghetto house. Ticket prices TBA. Nov 24, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. BTS Chong Nonsi. ONRA LIVE SET
The French beatmaker takes over the DJ table to fill the night with hip hop and other eclectic sounds. Nov 25, 8pm. Future Factory, Phahon Yothin Rd., 098-253-9356. B500. J ALEXANDER & JU-C
Two DJs from the UK and Malaysia team up to spin retro electronic music. Tickets TBA. Nov 25, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. BTS Chong Nonsi. SICKO
A night of experimental electronic music from G9bh' and Ahivar. Tickets TBA Nov 26, 10pm. De Commune, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 061717-4365. SISTER NANCY LIVE AT STUDIO LAM
Known for her reggae hit “Bam Bam”, the Jamaican musician performs in Bangkok along local artists Maft Sai, Dj Dragon & Mc Sinnamon and Legal shot. Nov 25, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B1,000 includes 1 beer. BTS Thong Lo
SIGHTS & SOUNDS: ROARING '20S, JAZZ & SWING
A free-entry night of retro jazz, classic cocktails and a silent film screening. Dec 1, 7pm. The Hive, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. Free.
Sister Nancy
RICKY STONE
An English DJ visits the city and spins electronic beats for a night. Nov 24, 10pm. Insanity Nightclub, 32/2 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. B300-400 includes 1 drink.
IRIE STYLEE#11
TUJAMO
The reggae party returns with a DJ lineup from Japan and Thailand including BES, Kalymistic Sound, Fire Warriors, K9, See Bear, and U-Key. Dec 1, 9pm. 12 x 12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713. B300.
The German electro-house beatmaker known for his 2014 hit "Dr. Who" performs as part of his Asia tour. Tickets TBA. Dec 1, 10pm. Onyx, RCA, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 081-645-1166.
SKARRA MUCCI LIVE AND DIRECT
As a part of their Asia tour, DJs Flash Finger, Bee and MC Goku fill the night with electronic sounds along with support from DJ Benz. Tickets TBA. Dec 3, 10pm. Route 66, RCA, 29/33 - 48 Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0407.
The Jamaican artist dubbed “lyrics millionaire” supported by local group Bangkok Riddim Syndicate. Dec 2, 8pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B300. SINGHA BEER GARDEN
Downtown’s favorite beer garden reopens for a month of outdoor food, beer and live music. Dec 1, 5pm. CentralWorld, 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. Free. TUESDAY JAZZ
DJ Ben spins nu jazz, swing and Latin vinyl for a night. Nov 28, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. Free. SAM LAXTON
The UK trance producer performs with support DJs Jonnie B, Hybrid Jay, Kno Millican and Advent 1. Nov 25, 9pm. Violett, The Third Place, 141 Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858. B 300 includes 1 drink. DJ ROB MANGA
The Dutch DJ fills the night with his deep-house beats. Tickets TBA. Nov 24, 10pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. BTS Thong Lo. TOOMTURN MOLAM GROUP
A night of acoustic Isaan sounds. Nov 29, 10pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo.
ASHES ASIA TOUR
GLOBAL VIBES THURSDAY WITH DJ DANGDUT BANGET
A night of tropical vibes from Asia to Africa. Nov 30, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. 12 YEARS OF GLOW WITH DANI CASARANO & RESIDENTS
This two-night event celebrates 12 years of the club with a lineup of DJs featuring Superstar Panda, DOTT, Dan Buri, Mendy Indigo, Elaheh, junesis, Dani Casarano, Sunju Hargun, Moreno, The Outsider and Koish. Nov 30-Dec 1, 9.30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250-350 includes 1 drink. DIRTYMOTEL PRESENTS MENDY INDIGO AT MUSTACHE
The always-busy female DJ spins techno. Tickets TBA. Dec 1, 11pm. Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02-274-5855.
The Tokyo rock band make their Bangkok debut with support from rising local indie acts Abuse The Youth, Hariguem Zaboy and Wednesday. Nov 24, 8pm. Good Space, 1032/136 Paholyothin Soi 18/1, 095-804-4610. B300. MRT Chatuchak Park. ALT-J LIVE IN BANGKOK
The English indie-rock band best known for hits like "Breezeblocks" and "In Cold Blood" make their Thailand debut with songs from their latest album, Relaxer. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2z6SXPh. Nov 27. Moonstar Studio, 701 Ladprao Soi 80, 02-539-3881. B1,990-2,290. CAT EXPO
The London modern-soul band known for the single “Who’s Got You Singing Again” returns for a live performance. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2A3FKYW. Dec 2, 7pm. Voice Space, 197 BBD Building Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., 081-714-2188. B1,200-1,500. MIRRORBALLS PLAGUE PITS
AND
GLITTERHALLS:
The Bangkok-based British band fill the room with their rock sound along with support acts The Reapers and John Lindsay. Tickets TBA. Nov 24, 7pm. Live Lounge, Trendy Building, 10/47 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. BTS Nana. LIVE: 13TH VINYL, BABY'S BREATH, SILENCE O & THE SISTER RAY
A mini festival showcasing synthpop and rock through IDM music with a lineup including Telex Telexs, Yellow Fang, Desktop Error, Penny Time and Koichi Shimizu. Nov 25. Wonder World Fun Park, Ram Intra Rd., 02530-9611. B1,500.
The Japanese rock duo perform alongside Bangkok-based noise musicians Silence O, Baby's Breath and The Sister Ray. Nov 26, 8pm. Jam, Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. B200. BTS Surasak.
TEMPOLOGY FESTIVAL 2017
A performance by underground rock, reggae and experimental lineup Tomawok, Samainai niyom, Agent K, 13th Vinyl and Bangkok Riddim Syndicate. Nov 24, 6pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B200.
BANGKOK NOI UNDERGROUND FEST
An electronic music festival with 3 stages showcasing underground artists including Montonn Jira, X0809, and Giant Swing ft. NK Chan & Gaolao, accompanied by visual by Kor.Bor.Vor, Keep_Your_Eyes_On, EBVJ, Sirasith Visual and 3eview. Dec 2, 4pm. Fortune Town, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02247-3737. B900.
gigs PANDA RECORDS NIGHT
The long-running record label offers up an indie-punk vibe with sets by Third Person, The Proper Clan, And the Early And Mid Ago, Hariguem Zaboy and Stylish Nonsense. Nov 25, 8pm. De Commune, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 061-717-4365. B200. ROCK THIS WAY BKK: VOL. 2
The Reapers and Plague Pits team up with DJs Rory Breaker-Morant and Aopsher to play rock music from the '60s up til now. Nov 25, 10pm. Check Inn 99, 97 Sukhumvit Rd., 081-735-7617. B300 includes 1 drink. BTS Nana. UCUM UGO 2
classic PIANO BATTLE
A live piano battle between world renowned pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis. For reservations visit http://bit. ly/2z7pVAc. Nov 29, 7pm. Music Hall, Art and Culture building, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Rd., 02-108-8231. Free. BORIS BELKIN PLAYS SIBELIUS
Conductor Michel Tilkin and violinist Boris Belkin perform Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture, Op. 21, Sibelius's Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2iZj0Ox. Nov 28, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Center, Thiam Ruam Mit Rd., 02-247-0028, 0-22623191. B500-2,500.
Rock music from MXM (Vietnam), Glassmouth (Singapore), Ugoslabier, Sandan, Carry On and Augstvth. Nov 25, 7pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B159. BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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now TALK
THEATER & DANCE ANYWHERE HERE: SOLO PERFORMANCE BETWEEN PACE AND TIME
A part of the Freeform Festival, this performance uses the body, masks and puppets to capture the lyrics of the song “Not Going Anywhere.” Nov 24, 7pm, 8:30pm. Acmen Ekamai Complex, Ekamai Soi 13-15. B100
TEDXCHAROENKRUNG
On Dec 17, a new project from TED Talk collaborates with Bangkok’s emerging creative community in Charoenkrung. The talk will be hosted by 10 artists and influencers on both the Bangkok and the national art scene. The contributing speakers include Vichit Saiklao from Chit Beer, Dujdao Wattanapakorn from B-Floor Theater, and Atinut Tantiwit from Atta Gallery. Tickets cost B1,500—buy yours from bit.ly/2jtrP7b.
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE
The poetry night returns with a special appearance by Australian poetry slam champion Zohab Khan. Nov 28, 7pm. Live Lounge, Trendy Building, 10/47 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. B300. BTS Nana.
Dec 17, 11:30am-9.:30pm. Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30.
SALES & FAIRS
NO MIC OPEN MIC 4
No Mic Open Mic 4
Independent and underground poets, comedians and essayists take the stage to share their thoughts and stories. Nov 30, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089889-8059. Free. BTS Surasak.
ART Artbox
BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET AT HABITO DEC 2ND - 3RD
Till It Happens To You
TILL IT HAPPENS TO YOU
An art exhibition explores the country’s culture of rape and gives voice to sexual harassment victims. Through Nov 26. Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd. 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium. THE NIGHT SHIFT: GROUP PHOTO EXHIBITION
The opening event for a photo exhibition documenting Duterte's war on drugs in the Philippines. The event will
CentralWorld: Central Art of Bangkok
include a Q&A session with the featured photographers. Dec 1, 7pm. Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT), 518/5 Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-0580. Free. CENTRALWORLD: CENTRAL ART OF BANGKOK
Last chance to visit an exhibition featuring the work of illustrators Pomme Chan and Suntur. Through Nov 30, 10am. CentralWorld, 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. Free.
A market promises organic and handmade products from local suppliers. Dec 2-3, 11am-9pm. Habito, 45/19 Sukhumvit Soi 77. ARTBOX
A pop-up market returns with trendy clothes, handicrafts and food from local designers and shops. Nov 30-Dec 3,
4pm. Suanluang Square, Chulalongkorn Soi 12. HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
A Japanese-style residence just off Thonglor opens its doors to Thailand's top fashion brands—Issue, Kem, Timo, Philip Huang—as well as food stalls, bars and movie screenings. Dec 1-3, 11am-8pm. Take Residence, 1223 Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai
SPECIAL SCREENING
SPORTS 6-FEET RUN 2017
A 3.6km run in which pets are welcome. Nov 26, 4pm. Somdet Phra Srinagarindra, 249 Chula Soi 6, Pak Kret, Nonhaburi, 02-833-5349. B400. JUSTICE LEAGUE RUN BANGKOK
A 5km run joined by Justice League members. Dec 3, 5am. Airport Rail Link Makkasan, 080 -925- 6789. B1,090.
STUFF THAILAND BREW FEST II: THE REUNION EPISODE
Quaint
24
A chance to try over 80 beers on tap from 20 distributors, big and small, including BrewDog, Ballast Point, Hitachino, Coedo, Little Creatures, Heretic, Solaris, Postmark, De Molen, Duchesse De Bourgogne, Deschutes, Triple Pearl, Yaksa, Stonehead, Chiang Mai, Devanom and Happy New Beer. There will also be American food on offer. Tickets available at bit.ly/2AvODY0. Nov 24, 25, 4pm. Quaint, 23 Sukhumvit Soi 61 (Sukhumvit), 02-714-1998. B699-999. BTS Thong Lo.
Tentacles TV's Screening+Talk: Hidden Inside
ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE
Watch the critically-acclaimed documentary which explores the forbidden history of the Japanese avenging the Chinese army by killing 150,000 Chinese people in Malaysia during 1941. The screening will be followed by a post-screening discussion. Entry fee is B130. Dec 3, 1pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd. 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.
TENTACLES TV'S SCREENING+TALK: HIDDEN INSIDE
The screening of 4 moving images, with selected stories examining the minds and feelings that hide inside human beings. There’ll be a
post-screening discussion with a Q&A with the filmmakers. Admission is free. Dec 2, 7pm. Tentacles, 2198/10-11 Narathiwas Soi 22, 089-117-3434.
THE 60 SECOND FILM FESTIVAL
This super-short independent film event returns along with music and art exhibitions from VJ Gabriel Camelin, Graham Meyer, Tae Parvit Art and Animation. The screening shows the work of both international and national candidates, with a limited length of 60 seconds for each film. Admission is free. Dec 2, 7pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087061-1117.
BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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FILM Opening (Nov 23)
AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (JAPAN)
KIMI NO SUIZO WO TABETAI (JAPAN)
Fantasy/Action. A high school boy goes on the run after discovering he’s a demi-human Ajiin with supernatural abilities.
Romance/Drama. 12 years after losing his teenage crush, a man returns to his high school as a teacher and discovers the diary of his lost lover.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (UK)
HAPPY DEATH DAY (USA)
Crime. Based on Agatha Christie’s famous mystery novel, the film follows a detective’s attempt to unravel a murder on a train carrying 13 dubious characters.
Horror/Thriller. A college girl tries to figure out who killed her in order to break the loop of her final day.
Want a digital copy of the BK B.A.D. Awards?
Upcoming (Nov 30)
WIND RIVER (USA)
Crime/Mystery. A wildlife officer with a haunted past helps investigate the murder of a Native American woman in Wyoming.
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (USA)
Drama/Horror. Directed by The Lobster’s (2015) Yorgos Lanthimos, this film tells the tale of a successful surgeon who befriends a troubled boy and must make a terrible sacrifice.
THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK (USA)
Drama. A coming-of-age story about a boy who tries to make sense of the world after finding out his father is having an illicit affair.
JIGSAW (USA)
Horror. This sequel to the iconic slasher film Saw follows a group of people who try to survive the sadistic games of psycho killer Jigsaw.
DADDY'S HOME 2 (USA)
COCO (USA)
Comedy. In this sequel, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) and Brad (Will Ferrell) have to deal with their own fathers.
Animation. Aspiring musician Miguel accidentally enters the afterlife, allowing him to solve an ancient family mystery and prove his own musical talent.
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BK Magazine Friday, November 24, 2017
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