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BK MAGAZINE NO. 720 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com
at h t g n thi y 017 r 2 e v n E i ned e p p ha
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page 3 6 cover story
The Year that Was
What We’ve Learned
4 upfront
8 escapes
Waste Not
Eurasian Adventures 12 avenue
18 blends
Retail Paradise
In the Mix
22 bites
24 BK Now
Star Reviews
NYE Parties
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 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 Senior Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri
That the MRT will operate until 2am on New Year’s Eve Some positive public transport news, for once, with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) announcing the subway will run from 6am on Dec 31 until 2am on Jan 1, 2018. In addition, 12 station parking lots will have opening hours extended from 1am to 3am on Jan 1. No excuses: please don’t drink and drive! That Anantara is eliminating plastic straws from its hotels This year saw Sukhumvit vegan restaurant Broccoli Revolution ditch plastic straws for biodegradable ones made from morning glory, Mad Moa and Sunrise Tacos implement similar green policies, and Teens of Thailand’s Niks Anuman rock up to BK’s B.A.D. Awards wearing a shirt proclaiming “F*ck Plastic Straw.” To kick off 2018, Bangkokborn hotel chain Anantara is removing plastic straws from its 30-plus hotels across Asia. Hurray!
Contributors Kathy MacLeod Cover design by Production Team
Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)
SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associate Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant
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
That the BTS may increase fares again According to Thai news site Thansettakij, the chairman of BTS Group Kiri Karnjanapas announced there could be a “possible ticket price increase when the system switches to the Mangmoom Card, unless there is financial support from the government.” The BTS already increased fares back in Oct, when prices went from B15-42 to B16-44 along both the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Meanwhile, the Mangmoom Card in question, conceived as a single card that would work across BTS, MRT and Airport Link lines, has been delayed several times since 2016.
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That 7-Eleven is jumping on the cheese tea trend 2017’s hottest drink fad has reached your local convenience store, just in time for 2018. At B45, 7-Eleven’s cheesy tea creations are half the price of Chinese trend-setter Heeckaa’s, though the powdery cheese—which one of our writers described as “tasting kind of like Cheetos”—is not proving to everyone’s tastes. The debate rages online. That Jay Fai’s had some pesky visitors In this week’s Michelin-related madness, Khaosod Thai reports 10 officials from the Excise Department visited Jay Fai and asked the 70-year-old owner a series of probing questions about her daily profits. This extra attention was enough to prompt rumors that Jay Fai is ready to hand back her Michelin star—rumors swiftly quashed by her daughter.
BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2016 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250
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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Singlets
Not: Sweaters
Well, that was nice. For one week, we put aside our dreams of Chiang Mai or Niseko and simply lived the winter layering dream right here. 7-Eleven dogs in little vests, motocy drivers in knit sweaters, Uniqlo’s full F/W collection parading up and down the BTS carriages (seriously, do they ever adjust the air-con?). Now, as the Singha and Chang tank tops of tourist high season reappear en masse, we’re left with broken hearts and stuffed wardrobes.
Hot: “Street number” Not: “The” names names 100 Mahaseth, 88 Surawong, 98 Wireless—the city’s creative minds have cottoned onto a new naming formula. At the very least, it’s more practical than certain trends of years past—The Restaurant, The Bar and Restaurant, The Brasserie, ring any bells? Plus, Google Maps needs all the help it can get.
Hot: Shops
Not: Shopping
It’s been a bumper year for new Bangkok shops (see our best-of, page 12). What do BOYY, Bstore and Republic of Fritz Hansen all have in common? They’re places you could easily see yourself spending the better part of a day—even if you’re not going to splash out B40,000 on an Egg chair. Taking things to the next level, Ari’s new beachwear shop, Sunbath and Pool Only (see page 10) has its own pool (admittedly, more for photo opps than actual swimming).
Hot: Selling drinks
Not: Advertising drinks
“Beer gardens are illegal!” cried the Alcohol Control Board for the umpteenth time. “No, they’re not,” replied the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, kindly explaining that beer gardens sell drinks, but don’t advertise them. And while not a peep has been heard from the two big brewers, CentralWorld’s open-air drinking parlours have been as boisterous as ever.
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
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INTERVIEW Tossapon “Joey” Liptapanlop, a 28-year-old civil servant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, started a petition on Change.org around three years ago to encourage 7-Eleven to switch their plastic bag system from “opt out” to “opt in” (essentially, you have to ask for it). He set his sights on 1,000 signatures, but soon forgot about the whole endeavor until an email from Change.org a few weeks ago alerted him his petition had reached almost 10,000 signatures. It has since reached more than 20,000 backers. Here, he talks to us about Thailand’s plastic use. Why did you start this petition? When I was studying in Australia and the UK, I noticed the lack of plastic bags there, and I got used to just bringing my tote bag to the store. I decided to start the 7-Eleven petition after seeing store staff bag a sim card for a tourist. Why do you think this petition took three years to get recognition? It was my first petition, right after I finished university. For a while, I checked the petition page every day, but it had 12 signatures so I kind of forgot about it. Then a few weeks ago I got an email from Change.org saying that it had almost 10,000 signatures, so I shared it on my Facebook again, where my network has widened since three years ago. How do you feel about Thailand’s plastic use? Thailand is a very service-minded country, which is good. I feel like
stores want to give you plastic bags because that’s what is convenient for you. But the new generation cares about the environment , which presents a challenge to that service-minded mindset. What about trash in general? People are aware of the need to recycle, but we don’t have any channels to really allow us to recycle much in Thailand. Do you know other Thai people who are working toward the same goal? I don’t know anyone right now, though judging from the comments on the petition page, there seem to be a lot of people who would be on board for a collaboration. What happens when you reach your petition goal? I’m aiming for 50,000 signatures now. Then I would present it to the people in charge. I think this
is something that 7-Eleven and their customers could work on together, because it would also help 7-Eleven save money. What else can we do to help reduce plastic use? Get yourself a tote bag. When I first moved back to Bangkok, I would bring my tote bag with me when I did my grocery shopping and I would always get strange look from people. Now, it’s becoming more and more normal, you can see so many stylish tote bags around. And when you don’t have your tote bag with you, ask for a bigger plastic bag so you can reuse it as a trash bag. Everything should get used more than once. All these changes should start from an individual level, but that also takes time. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Sign this petition at bit.ly/2p4XD4T
by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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cover story
Year in
The New Suan Lum
Review
Goodbye Dusit Thani
At least it will be soon. As the mid-century dame of Bangkok’s hotel scene has given a date with the wrecking ball next April.
There was more to 2017 than Michelin and purple sweet potato. By BK Staff, designed by Anunya Chobnitas
The RollsRoyce Scandal
In an announcement that shocked absolutely no one, Thai Airways became embroiled in a giant corruption scandal when the British jet engine maker revealed it paid massive bribes to THAI officials. Needless to say, the whole thing’s been forgotten about since January.
You didn’t think they tore down one of Bangkok’s best markets for a crappy Chang theme park, did you? The real reason was announced this year, in the shape of One Bangkok—a complex of offices, retail and apartments on an epic scale.
Welcome Back, TCDC
After years of delays, Bangkok's showpiece collection of 32,000 coffee-table books finally made itself once more available to lower-upper-middle-class Bangkok. And within striking distance of some hip new coffee joints.
Cha Tra Mue Soft Serve So Long, Soi 11
Expat drinkers were left in a cheap-Sukhumvit-bar wilderness back in March, when the legendary Cheap Charlie’s became victim to the real estate bubble. Good news! It’s now open once more on On Nut. Better news! You don’t have to “stay inside the line” anymore.
Bangkok Ruled Asia’s 50 Best
You’ve probably forgotten what with all the Michelin hype, but earlier in the year Bangkok dominated that little thing called Asia’s 50 Best we used to care so much about.
Co-Working Nirvana
Ari Penis Building
One of our biggest hit stories from the year came from Thai tea turned into soft-serve ice cream. In fact, you people liked it so much that the machine had a breakdown on its first day at work.
Central Embassy gave reason to its top floor in the form of the epic collection of book stores, cafes, co-working space and craft workshops that is Open House.
Ari has a new architectural landmark—and it looks like a massive phallus, as well as a very famous skyscraper in London.
Big gigs Purple Sweet Potato Because there was no better ingredient for making bingsu, waffles, bagels, matcha lattes or anything, really.
Hello Michelin
December marked the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Bangkok. Cue foodie outrage.
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Wonderfruit Happened Twice
Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, Blood Orange, Foo Fighters, Alt J—what a year!
Were you at Wonderfruit 2017? No, not that one, the other one. The art-and-music festival sprung up both in Feb and Dec this year—causing hashtag confusion everywhere.
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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cover story Balls Balls Balls
Thonburi Community Clearance
Central Embassy caused the city to as one to make Instagram balls-deep jokes when it turned its ground floor into a giant white ball pit.
Submarines and Tanks
Chicken drinks
The west-side of the river will never look the same again, as the generations-old communities made way for the universally-loathed River Promenade.
That’s right: milkshakes made with real chicken breast became a thing this year—all in the quest for maximum gains, bro.
Cheese drinks
Naturally, we skipped the chicken drinks and went straight for Heeka Cafe’s whipped cream cheese tea instead. You heard that right: whipped cream cheese tea. It’s a thing, thanks to China.
Oh, and training fighter jets. That’s what was on the junta's 2017 wish list, courtesy of the public purse.
Chang Chui Takes Flight
A dystopian hipster world cobbled together from the remains of container pop-up markets and taxidermied peacocks, Chang Chui is the freestyle creative space that Thonburi had until now been missing.
Social Media Booze Ban
Biennale Wars
It was the year that Bangkok announced not one but two art biennales; one courtesy of a government-backed campaign, the other from a shady group of curators and artists who want to remain anonymous.
While a few celebs got caught in the legal crosshairs of the RTP’s new ban on sharing booze pics, Bangkok bartenders took to mocking the law by censoring their bars Japanese porn-style. Not long after, the whole thing got forgotten.
Goodbye Lumphini cats None of the park’s wildlife was sacred in 2017.
Art on the BTS
Those ying-yang logos and skeletons that took over a BTS carriage earlier in the year were part of a very expensive, crowd-funded art project. Usual, ad-saturated service resumed as usual one month later.
The Royal Cremation
People from across the country visited the royal crematorium to pay their final respects ahead of the royal cremation ceremonies for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Siam Skywalk
Where’s Yingluck?
The dream of walking above ground from National Stadium to Siam is still not a reality— though you do now have some pretty umbrella things to look at before taking your ass back down to street level.
The ex-premier proved slipperier than an pla dook straight from the khlong when it came time for her rice pledging conviction to be heard.
Wires
Goodbye Sukhumvit cables! At least some of them.
Chula Headlock-gate
IHOP Arrived
For people who don’t know about the tastier pancakes and coffee 15 meters away at Clinton Street Baking Co.
Toon the Running Man
The Bodyslam frontman is still out there doing it: running the equivalent of 52 marathons, raising B700 million for hospitals, and making the junta look silly.
Peak Charoenkrung
Jua, Tropic City, TCDC (see page6) and Warehouse 30 made the old riverside street come to life.
An esteemed Chula academic put a student in a headlock this Aug when said student tried to leave the university’s voluntary prostration ceremony. We say, why stop there? They could have noogies for uniform infractions, or rector-issued wedgies for anyone late to seminars.
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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escapes AROUND ASIA
Five stunning Eurasian cities you need to visit
CHINA
Pi Chai Yuan
European Footprints in China
Cebu in the Philippines is a Spanish colonial-inflected city. It’s a gorgeous island home to a 196km-long beach, the 50 -foot Kawasan Falls and a downtown of myriad bars, eateries, shops and historical sites. Flights with Philippine Airlines cost about B10,515 round-trip.
Zhanqiao Bridge
Europe’s architecture meets China’s vibrancy in Qingdao, a picturesque city in Shangdong Province. By Kanakanok Wichiantanon
With its narrow, winding streets lined with time-worn French colonial townhouses and historical monuments, the Old Quarter of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, brims with more than 1,000 years of history. Flights with Thai Lion Air start at about B3,805 round-trip.
Downtown Qingdao
“Is this really China?” isn’t an uncommon question among tourists wandering the wide boulevards of Qingdao, which was seized by the Imperial German navy in 1897 and held for 17 years, resulting in a port city molded to a German aesthetic. Today, however, the European monoliths of old have been dwarfed by local developments. The hallmarks of modern China are all present: teeming business district, imposing skyline, architectural-feats (a 42km bridge!), but the downtown bustle is tempered by an unexpectedly laid-back, seaside attitude. In the summer, local shops sell beer by the kilo in plastic bags. Puncture your beer with a couple straws and join other buzzed park-goers for an evening stroll, a tradition that would do the Germans proud.
WHAT TO SEE
Xiao Yushan Park (Little Fish Hill Park) Crowning the eponymous hill is a traditional pavilion of three levels. The structure’s spectacular in itself, but the real prize for making it up the slope and the spiral staircase is the view of the entire bay from the top. The entrance fee is B50.
Qingdao Catholic Church Alternately known as St. Emil Chruch, St. Michael's Church and Qingdao Catholic Church, this 1932 building is a beautiful confusion of architecture— the city in microcosm. Conceived by a German architect, the outside of the granite and red-tiled church is a mishmash of Gothic and Roman styles. The interior is decked out in Italian Renaissance style with a dome fresco and seven copper lambs dangling from the ceiling. This is also the favorite spot for locals to take wedding photos, so expect to see gowns.
Tsingtao Beer Museum
Zhanqiao Bridge (Damatou: Big Pier) Said to be the first man-made structure in the area, this landmark pier juts out from the
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Taidong Pedestrian Street Skip the malls and shop on Taidong Street, the most popular night market in town. Come for lip-smacking street food and an array of affordable women’s fashion, from colorful coats (B1,000 or less) to accessories.
May Fourth Square Smack in the middle of the business district is the May Fourth Square, created in memory of the political movement of May 4, 1919, that resisted an attempt by the authors of the Treaty of Versailles to sign Shandong over to Japan. Look for the iconic, red “May Wind” sculpture.
WHERE TO EAT For B500-ish at the below restaurants, you’ll get a table laden with seafood plucked fresh from the waves. Chuange is a dumpling restaurant to rule them all, with fillings of fish, squid, lamb and vegetables. Other classic Chinese dishes are on offer, but look to the locals’ tables for cues: all dumplings. At the seaside Dezhuang, the main draw is a spicy, tasty hot pot featuring mala broth (combining Sichuan and chili peppers). There’s nothing more satisfying in winter than dunking fresh seafood in mouth-numbing (and soulwarming) soup. At Steam Delicious, dining takes the form of big trays heaped with seafood, sliced tender beef and giant crabs. As if cooking over your own grill set weren’t satisfying enough, below
the grill is a pot of rice porridge, placed there (Thai restaurateurs take note) to catch the umami-rich juices dripping down off the grill to flavor the porridge. Tucked off of a main downtown road is Pi Chai Yuan, a food street where you’ll find seafood sizzling on hot grills, steamy dim sum and mouthwatering Chinese sweets. We recommend the marinated squid skewers—so soft and fresh. The more adventurous can crack open a grilled starfish for the meat and eggs snuggled inside.
Macao, a city where the Portuguese ruled for as long as 442 years, shows off gorgeous Sino-Portuguese architecture as seen in mosaic-tiled streets and cathedrals. Flights with Air Asia are about B5,550 round-trip.
GETTING THERE NokScoot (www.nokscoot.com) offers direct flights from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok to Qingdao Liuting International Airport in Shandong, four times a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flights cost about B10,140/round-trip.
GETTING AROUND The language barrier in Qingdao is real. A subway and buses crisscross the city, but for convenience’s sake we recommend a tour try travelshandong.com (travelshandong.com). This will see to your personal driver, hotel-bookings and sightseeing tickets. It might not be the most adventurous option, but it should maximize your sightseeing and eating time.
WHERE TO STAY Clearly, Hilton Qingdao Golden Beach (www3. hilton.com) was built with a European palace in mind. It lives up to that reputation. The King Guest Room (only at B2,717/night) comes with the standard comforts of TV and mini bar and the uncommon luxuries of walk-in closet, secluded bath area and a work desk. For a more local stay, check in at M.G Hotel, where prices start at B1,821/night on booking.com (goo.gl/vKuAaU). The hotel is right in the center of town, only 300 meters walk to the Qingdao Catholic Church.
Colonized by the Spanish, Manila boasts intricate baroque architecture, especially when it comes to churches. Flights with Philippine Airlines start from B7,981 round-trip. Khánh Hmoong
Beer enthusiasm goes deep in Qingdao, another legacy of German imperialism, which today means the city’s become a site of pilgrimage for beer aficionados. At the heart of that beer quest is the Tsingtao Beer Museum, the home of China’s second largest brewery. Take a tour of the 6,000-sq-meter museum to see the old factory and the actual factory. Come thirsty because you’ll be sipping raw (unfiltered) and filtered Tsingtao beers throughout the tour. Entrance fee is B250.
downtown area. The 440 meters makes for a perfect morning walk on a warm day. You’ll find all manner of local activity along the pier, from starfish catching to barbecuing and, ever present, beer drinking. At the end is a pavilion with a second-story view of the sea and the city.
Pi Chai Yuan
Laos' UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang sits in a valley of lush-green mountains where sacred temples and large French-style buildings harmonize beautifully. Flights with Thai Smile are about B4,995 round-trip.
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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ESCAPE ROUTES By Kankanok Wichiantanon
SAMUI
Amalfi Airs Samui’s Coco Tam, known for refining the cabana bar look, has joined hands with Italian pizza purveyor Peppina for the beachfront dining spot Coco Tam’s x Peppina (www. fb.com/CoCoTams). If there’s such a thing as cabana-industrial style, this open-air restaurant has nailed it, matching bamboo ceilings and billowy, beachy fabrics with brick, monochromatic tiles and naked Edison bulbs. The restaurant walks right onto a beach strewn with beanbags and tables, Pha-Ngan Island in the distance. The traditional Italian fare lives up to the Peppina brand, with Neapolitan pizzas (from B290) made from 24-hour risen dough, classic pastas (from B290) and charred meats right off the grill (from B570). Coco Tam holds up the bar end of the bargain, too, with a wide craft beer selection, punchy cocktails and a range of wines sourced from family-run vineyards.
CHIANG MAI
More Coffee Just when you thought the Chiang Mai coffee scene couldn’t get any more competitive, Cottontree Coffee Roasters (086-0909014, goo.gl/NYc22i) joined the fray. This cafe has the advantage of being just above and beyond the main Nimman drag, meaning it’s peaceful in the way of a silent reading party (a real thing). The space is done in a clean, minimalist style, with dark wood furniture and big stretches of white wall broken up with an occasional plant. On roasting day, the scent of coffee wafts from the back room where the big drum roaster lives. The earthy cold brew is steeped overnight, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, it comes with ginger caramel (B90), too. Don’t miss the cheesecake (B90), which is made daily and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
HUA HIN
Make Fun What’s better than a water park? A water park on your doorstep. Holiday Inn has entered the playcation game with their new branch inside Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Park (032-809-999, goo.gl/9camQz). Wake up with a ride on Abyss (Thailand’s largest water slide) or float down Lazy River with this hotel’s unlimited access to the water park. The 300-room, family-friendly resort is just 15 minutes from downtown Hua Hin. For those looking for a break after a day on the slides, there’s a resort spa, a 26th-floor pool bar and a rooftop bar with a glass-bottomed deck. Also on the rooftop is the hotel’s restaurant, which serves Thai, Japanese and Mediterranean tapas with a view of Hua Hin bay. The beach is also within reach—just a 10-minute walk or a short ride on the free shuttle. Prices are B2,690/night.
Tea Time The latest arrival at Seen Space seaside mall comes in the form of a gloriously sun-dappled glasshouse. Situated under the shade of tall trees, Sundance Lounge (Hua Hin Soi 35, 0891821088) cuts a refined yet relaxed look: gilt-edged tables, deep cream couches and checkered-tiles. Tea and sweets are the order of the day. Right after you sit down, the staff will bring you a tray of tea samples to sniff and select from—choose wisely, as each pot of tea (B220) comes with a tarot card telling of your future. Try the passion fruit tea (B170), which is tangy and interestingly textured due to the inclusion of crunchy seeds. The kitchen rolls out familiar comfort dishes like eggs Benedict on soft French bread (B195) and homemade pesto spaghetti with plump sauteed prawns (B225).
Opening Hour Mon – Fri 9.00 - 21.00 Sat – Sun 8.30 – 21.00
Canberra's best cafe has finally landed in Bangkok. The best brunch and coffee in town. Home of the freakshake and much much more.
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Tel: 021853258 Facebook: patissezbangkok Order online on Foodpanda and Ubereat
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avenue
GYM
Do You Even Lift? Crossfit, the worldwide workout phenomenon, has found another home on Sukhumvit Soi 49. Thonglor Crossfit occupies a ‘50s-era house with a high ceiling and many windows, lending an airy, relaxing mood that’s a nice contrast to the famously punishing workout routines. The programs on offer here have unapologetic, self-explanatory names like Beach Body and ABSolutely BOOTYful. An all-class membership begins at B4,800 a month, while the open gym alone is B3,500 and personal training is B2,500 a session. All prices reduce with longer memberships. Sukhumvit Soi 49, 089-969-9616. Open Mon-Sat 7am-8:30pm
FASHION
In the Bag New to Siam Discovery is a pop-up store from Porter by Yoshida Kaban, the Japanese brand known for its urban-rugged bags inspired by U.S. Air Force MA-1 flight jackets. Given that this is their only dedicated store in Bangkok (we’ve been waiting faithfully for a brick-and-mortar), guys seeking a new look for the new year should come here. The massively successful Tanker series comes in various forms, from a messenger bag (B9,500) and backpack (B12,000) to briefcase (B11,000) and waist bag (yes, that’s a fanny pack, B6,400). The pop-up goes beyond the bag, too, to include wallets and collectibles, like the Karimoku Be@rbrick x Porter Toy. G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm
FASHION
Here, Boy! Double up on your gifting pleasure with the new charity collection from local menswear brand Leisure Projects. Every purchased item in the Happy Dog collection contributes a B100 donation to the Baan Nang Fah animal shelter in Saraburi, which houses more than 2,000 cats and dogs. The collection includes polo shirts (B690), T-shirts (B450) and sweaters (B1,190), available in gray, navy and white, all with a ManekiInu dog design. What better way to quash your shopping guilt than to do good with every purchase? Available at Gin and Milk, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6581000. Open daily 10am-10pm
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FASHION
Life’s a Beach Didn’t we say Ari was the new shopping destination? The neighborhood’s latest addition is Sunbath and Pool Only, which sells multi-label beachwear for men and women. Founding partners Jay Suthiree and Nini Palida wanted to open a onestop-shop for beachgoers, and true to the mission you’ll find your Hawaiian-style shirts and wide-brimmed hats alongside the swimsuits and bikinis here. The pastel-toned store (yes, another one) mainly stocks Thai designers from Insta-boutiques like Zika Beachwear whose Lipe bikini (B3,290) is making the rounds online, or Laminim, which specializes in linenwear (from B590). 1/F, Hotel Josh, Ari Soi 4 (North). Open daily 11am-8pm
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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ADVERTORIAL
iO Osteria with
CHEF ANNA BORRASI When first walking into iO Osteria, it’s hard to tell if it is a pizzeria, deli, bakery or a bar—it pulls off the look of all four well. The front entrance is dominated by a long counter filled with freshly baked breads and pizzas in classic Italian style laid out one after the other. Walk a little further and you’ll find the open kitchen, where a group of energetic chefs stay busy slicing and cooking the restaurant’s signature dishes. The restaurant’s casual, homey vibe creates an atmosphere that makes laying back in your chair, slowly sipping on a glass of wine and nibbling bits by bit of a thick slice of diavola pizza (the creamy taste of mozzarella pairs with spicy salami), feel like a real slice of Italy. You’re also likely to see Anna Borrasi, the executive chef of Sicilia Mia Group.
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“At iO Osteria, it’s simply a one-stop Italian dining experience with a pizzeria, restaurant, bakery and bar made in one. The rustic setting of our traditional Italian tavern makes the atmosphere feel really cozy. We don’t do just classic Italian food that you can get at any Italian restaurant, we offer Italian dishes from all 20 regions with simple but fresh ingredients.” The restaurant takes inspiration from Italian Osteria, a traditional dining tavern in Italy that serves simple Italian home-cooked meals and wine in a rustic setting. The open-kitchen allows you to watch the culinary team as they’re making homemade fresh pastas, preparing fresh produce and whipping up seasoning dishes. “My food is filled with soul, knowledge and the essence of good Mediterranean cuisine,” says Borrasi. “Olive oils, tomatoes, basil and cheeses: those ingredients shine and present the identity of Italian/ Mediterranean cuisine already. I don’t have to and I am not trying to present or give my food any identity. It’s just what it is; traditional, classic Italian food. The special menu changes weekly, four dishes showcase Italy’s different regions with different flavors. “I’ve been changing the menu every week for the last seven years and not once have I repeated the dishes. It’s always so much fun to go into the kitchen and tell my team of what we’ll be cooking up for the
week’s specials. Then, I’ll teach them how to cook the dishes. We enjoy the time a lot as it gives us the opportunities to learn more about new dishes and it’s also a boon for customers who regularly get a chance to try something new,” says Borrasi. “I get bored easily. In my head, I’m always driven by creativity. Italian food is not just about pasta, pizza and cheese. There’re over 20 regions in Italy and each has its own unique approach on cooking delicious Italian dishes. I want customers to get to experience those rare dishes that they’ve never in their life have heard of before.” The restaurant’s star dishes include porchetta (baked pork belly with wild fennel), orecchiette in pork sausage and saffron sauce. For pizzas, the pizza al taglio, meaning “by the cut”, boasts a range of toppings, including pepperoni, mushroom and sausage accompanied by a glasses of wine that are flashed right out of big wooden barrels. “I want my food to be accessible by everyone. My rule is to get good quality products and sells it at the cheapest price we can. That way, our customers are being able to taste the same food quality as they get in high dining restaurants but with much more of an affordable and reasonable prices.” iO Osteria is located on the 1st floor at Groove, CentralWorld
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avenue
Ecotopia
SHOPPING
Top Shops
The Object Room
Gloc
From fashion to furniture, our favorite new openings of 2017. By Kasidit Srivilai BOYY
Bstore This multi-label menswear store at Silom's mixed-used shop-house Woof Pack is run by one of the co-founders of Sukhumvit’s Chinese-themed bar Dim Dim. The raw, minimal interior displays niche brands drawn from around the world, like Document from Seoul and Mfpen from Copenhagen. Why: The opening of this store implies a rise of Bangkok’s menswear scene that follows the string of womenswear openings in the last few years. It’s also the only place in Bangkok with items for European cult designers like Goetze from Berlin, Our Legacy from Stockholm and Coltesse from Paris. Price: Sodar sweater from Coltesse is B6,990, while a perfect-for-Bangkok indigo silk jacket by Document is B15,900 and a simple Winona T-shirt from Idea is B2,200. 2/F, 1/8-9, Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-235-4711. Open daily 10am-7pm
BOYY
BK PICK!
The latest and biggest store from Bangkok fashion's power couple Wannasiri Kongman and Jesse Dorsey, the designers behind Boyy, whose buckle bags rocketed to worldwide fashion fame after making appearances at fashion weeks from Paris to New York.
Why: Interior classiness that appears effortless, the result of clean lines and a modern aesthetic: Brazilian granite floor from an Italian stone supplier, unassuming beige of the American clay walls, a colorful painting by New York-based artist Les Rogers and the bright, resin-made podium pieces from Rotterdam’s Sabine Marselis Studio. Prices: Belt bags and boots from BOYY's latest collection start from about B20,000 and coin purses with eyelet from B6,900. G/F, Gaysorn Village, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-015 -7066 Open daily 9am-10pm
Ecotopia The fourth floor of Siam Discovery has been reborn as the city’s largest eco-friendly shopping destination, loaded with sustainable fashion, organic green produce, low-chemical skincare products and even home decor. Why: While green buzzwords like “ecofriendly” and “sustainable” are thrown around with abandon, we’ve never had such a comprehensive spot to shop for lifestyle products that are not only easy on the eye, but also easy on the planet. Price: Who says going green can’t be affordable? Cosmetics from local brands like Mindhara, Herbpiness and Thank U Earth range from B300-B1,400 while clothing from Seeker x Retriever and Taktai start at under B2,000. 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm
Gloc
Bstore
BUDGET PICK!
Gloc by Padcha “Jun Jun” Poonpiriya, an indie-movie actress who’s also a fashion writer for The Standard, makes Ari a new fashion destination with its stock of local items at affordable prices, such as the Insta-famous pleated bucket bag from Rya Boutique and quality swimwear from Water&Others. Why: Affordable local brands as well as a selection of international labels arriving in Bangkok for the first time, including luxury sleepwear from Sleepy Jones, and nylon shopping bags from Baggu. Prices: Rya Boutique’s Pleated bucket bag is B1,890 and swimwear from Water&Others starts at B1,590. Ari Soi 2, 097-104-2618. Open daily 11am-9pm
Republic of Fritz Hansen The Danish furniture design company renowned for its super-premium collaborations has been brought in by Norse Republics, the people who import Hay, Lightyears and Paper Collective. Taking over an old yet elegant two-story pastel-gray house dating back to the ‘50s, the store displays their timeless creations that invite you to splash some serious dosh Why: The showroom is being dubbed the world's first "House of Frtiz Hansen" concept store and is situated in a green and peaceful
Republic of Fritz Hansen
alley of Soi Somkid. Also, where else can you find a furniture store in an old house in the city center? Price: Fritz Hansen’s iconic Egg chair starts from around B400,000 while some more affordable accessories like the High vase (B8,400), designed by Jaime Hayon are more affordable. 14/1 Soi Somkid, 02- 015-4164. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat-Sun 1-7pm
The Object Room This downtown Auckland store for designsavvy shoppers is now in Bangkok’s K-Village, where it offers a curated selection of local and international fashion and interior pieces. Why: Literally a room full of design pieces from all over the world. A perfect spot to find a gift, whether kitchenware, fashion or stationery. Price: Shop for the likes of brightly patterned Timo guys’ swim trunks (from B3,000) and origami-style bags from a local label called Goodjob (from B800). International finds include contemporary, pastel-hued ceramics from French designer Ismael Carre (from B5,990), as well as the sleek, stainless steel water bottles of ecofriendly Italian brand 24Bottles (from B1,000). K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-007-0767. Open daily 11am-8pm
BK ASKS Fashionistas' favorite new stores
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NOTE PANAYANGGOOL, DJ AND SINGER
ZONA TANMANATRAKUL, DIGITAL EDITOR, ELLE THAILAND
KAJORYOS FURST CHAISURAJINDA, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
"My favorite new fashion shop of 2017 is Gloc. It brings a new perspective to the trend of opening multi-label stores in Bangkok. They also have a very nice curation of products and I love the tea corner."
"BOYY at Gaysorn. I love the color and details of the store, it reflects what the brand stands for and makes everything appealing. Also the cafe has the best flat white and almond croissant."
"Bstore is my favorite this year. It's got a clean raw-concrete interior that goes well with the selection of menswear, mostly cult brands that have never been available here before. Its cafe corner also has very good coffee."
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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bites
5 reasons you should spend your New Year’s holiday in Rattanakosin There will be parties, yes, but Bangkok’s heritage neighborhood offers so much more SHOPPING Rattanakosin is home to some of the best bang-foryour-baht shopping in town. Stroll through the bikefriendly Maharaj community mall (1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Rd., 02-866-3163) to browse for fashion, beauty items, antiques and art next to the riverside promenade. Head over to Wang Lang Pier to check out the vintage and second-hand clothes at very pocket-friendly prices, or dig for interesting books at thrifty independent bookstores like Passport Bookshop (Phra Sumen Rd., 02-629-0694) or Suksit Siam (113-115 Fuang Nakorn Rd., 02-225-9536-39).
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES There is probably no better place to explore Bangkok’s rich history and wealth of local art talent. Check out Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-621-0044), an interactive museum that takes you through the story of the establishment of this old part of the city. The Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (84 Ratchadamnoen Ave., 02-422-8827) is right next door, too, if you want to check out some stunning silk-screen paintings from Nattapol Suwankaraksa. A culture tour though Rattanakosin wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Museum Siam (Maharaj Rd., 02-225-2777), either, one of the area’s most respected art galleries—now showing an audio-visual exhibition paying homage to the late King Bhumibol until Jan 21.
CAFE HOPPING There are tons of cool cafes around when you need to take a load off after all that walking around. Grab a latte and enjoy some local art at Dialogue Coffee and
Brought to you by Singha
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Gallery (533 Phra Sumen Rd., 084-754-8799), enjoy the homespun atmosphere at Bamsha Cafe (507 Phra Sumen Rd., 093-860-9545) or treat yourself to a stack of banana pancakes at the Brooklyn-referencing Gram (Maharaj Rd., 02-024-1323).
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD For foodies, Rattanakosin has an entire day’s worth of culinary landmarks to explore. Make your way down to Pahurat (Little India) to snag some of Bangkok’s best Indian food at wallet-friendly prices, like the palak paneer (B70) at Tony’s Restaurant (Wanich Soi 1) or butter chicken (B155) at Royal India (392/1 Chakraped Rd., 086-973-8266). A little further down, Dinsor Road is home to the city’s best shop-house eats. Try the legendary crab omelet (B100) at Krua Apsorn (169 Dinsor Rd., 02-685-4531, 080-550-0310) or the ba teng (braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce, B50) at the original Nai Ouan Yentafo (41 Trok Nawa, Dinsor Rd., 02-222-9701). Better yet, grab your first Michelin-star meal at Jay Fai (327 Maha Chai Rd., 02223-9384).
PARTIES Ring in the New Year in style at the “Golden Tha Tien Countdown Party” at Eat Sight Story Deck (45/1 Soi Tha Tien, Maharaj Rd., 02-622-2163) from 10:30pm until way late. The venue is a safe distance away from the tourist hordes, and is offering up a five-course NYE dinner (B3,400/person) before the countdown party (tickets for B800, includes one drink), which will feature genre-hopping sets from two of Bangkok’s top tastemakers, DJ Tong and MC Toey, in addition to huge monitors and lighting set-ups to help celebrate the end of the year.
Riverside Countdown Party by Arun Residence Group Dance ‘till you drop at the “Golden Thatien Countdown Party” on Dec 31 from 10:30pm until after midnight. 5-course dinner set – B3,400 (buy early bird tickets for 10% off) Countdown party – B800, includes one drink Rooftop access – B600 Dinner + party – B4,000 Dinner + rooftop – B3,800 For more information, call 02-221-9158 email: service@arunresidence.com
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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A Winning Combination Mekhong crowns two new winners during its annual Thai Spirit Cocktails 2017 competition
To help celebrate the use of rustic Thai ingredients in mixology, Mekhong recently held its “Thai Spirit Cocktails 2017” competition, culminating with a showcase during the recent Michelin Guide Thailand Award Ceremony on Dec 6 at the Siam Kempinski Hotel in downtown Bangkok. “We are pleased to host the first ever award ceremony and gala dinner in Thailand,” said Gaelle Van Hieu, one of the competition’s panel judges and the Vice President of Michelin Experience for East Asia and Australia. “As we’re all aware, Thai food is loved by the world over for its stunning and unique flavors. I hope that apart from Thai food, in the future, people around the world will also discover that Thai drinks are just as stunning.” Nine of Bangkok’s best bartenders joined the competition, which saw a selection of panel judges and a number of Thai mixology fans help choose two winners based on their use of Thai flavors and ingredients. The winning cocktails were “Koon Suek” by Nanthawit Sameepak of Baan Suriyasai, and “Thong” by Chaiyasit Pratumsud, the chief bartender at Tep Bar, which both won for their homages to Thai heritage the uniqueness of its culture.
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ADVERTORIAL
“Koon Suek” (or “Warrior”) was inspired by an ancient alcohol drunk by Thai soldiers before they went off to war to boost morale and inspire bravery within the troops,” said Nanthawit. “The cocktail, therefore, has a bold flavor that speaks of gallantry.” Koon Suek is a balanced blend of Mekhong, Vermouth Extra Dry, red wine, lemongrass, sweet basil, lime and syrup, and is now available at Baan Suriyasai until the end of Jan 2018.
“Thong” by Chaiyasit dips deep into Thailand’s past for inspiration. “Thong was inspired by the golden era of Thailand. Fertility, prosperity, abundance, wisdom and culture were the elements that made up the golden era of Thailand,” said Chaiyasit, speaking of the cocktails use of ripe mango, coconut sugar and wild honey, which give the drink a beautiful slightly gold color and smooth taste.
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Mekhong is extremely pround to play a part in carrying on Thai heritage, and showing it to the rest of the world,” said Sansiri Yodmeungcharoen, Assistant Marketing Director of Thai Beverage Marketing Company Limited. “It truly shows the spirit of unity and collective pride Thais have of our local talents.
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For more information: Maekhong_01.indd 2
www.mekhong.com |
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bites & blends RESTAURANT
Master Class Bangkok kaiseki specialist Kitaohji has opened a second location, bringing the same meticulous presentation and high-end ingredients to a new form: omakase. Chef Shimuta Kunihiko, who has been with Kitaohji for over five years, masterfully helms the kitchen at Sushi Kappou Kitaohji where he serves an amazing chef’s selection that goes well beyond sushi and sashimi (starting at B4,500 for 10 courses). Prep your palate with a long-simmered and enriching katsuo soup, followed by steamed sliced abalone and flavorful abalone liver sauce, and a bite of live kuruma shrimp nigiri. The buri (yellowtail) shabu comes with fresh, crisp vegetables from Nigata to wrap in daikon and dip in a tart and tangy yuzu ponzu sauce. Bookings are a must. 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-160-0308. Open Tue-Sun 6-10pm
BAKERY
RESTAURANT
CAFE
More More More
Compliments of the Chef
Next Stop
Thonburi baking school Mora Studio has moved to a smaller, more down-to-earth shop-house, but still plates up one of the best cheesecakes in town alongside other mouthwatering treats. Owner-chef Siritorn Suteratisana’s CV includes a baking and pastry certificate from Los Angeles Trade Tech College and stints in Californian pastry kitchens including Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, Nestle Willy Wonka in Santa Monica and Night + Market in Beverly Hills. Drop by for a slice of the super-smooth banana cheesecake (B135) or a pumpkin muffin with gooey cream cheese lava (B65). Learn how to make delicious honey scones, cookies and muffins, with classes starting at B1,800/person/recipe. 358 Bamrungmueng Rd., 061-519-2656. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Chef Vichit Mukura, who headed the Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam for 28 years, has moved his tiny Thai food chef’s table restaurant to a larger, more accommodating setting in Ekkamai. Taking its cues from a traditional rice storehouse, the new Khao sees blond wood and natural light set the tone. Book several weeks in advance for the chef’s table experience (B4,900/ person, minimum of four) or dive headlong into the thick a la carte menu spotlighting comfort food such as a spicy tamarind dip (B280) which comes with a big plate of vegetables and a gooey boiled egg, and the stir-fried catfish (B320) which is fluffy, crunchy and spruced up with salted eggs. Just as multi-dimensional is the poh taek (B360), a holy basil-laced seafood soup. 15 Ekkamai Soi 10, 098-829-8878. Open daily 12-2:30, 6-10:30pm
Khaosan’s new train-themed hostel and cafe Tales is more than a photo opp. The five-story shop-house has been given a streamlined makeover to resemble a futuristic train carriage (take note, State Railway of Thailand). On the ground floor, pull up a high stool at the coffee bar which puts a smooth medium-roast blend from the local Roast Runner roaster to use in a range of hot and iced lattes (B110). For a refreshing hit, try Something Tales (B90), an Italian soda-like concoction with peach and apple. The top floor will soon be unveiled as a co-working space, while beds start at B400 per night should you want to embrace your inner backpacker. Chakapong Rd., 097-090-6241. Open daily 10am-6pm
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BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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180-d eg r ee v i ews o f B an g ko k – S u kh u mvi t, Bench a s i r i Pa r k a n d R i ve r si d e vi e w s; l o c ate d o n t he 28 t h fl o o r.
HAPPINESS IN THE
AIRE
Sip your way into 2018 in style at AIRE BAR. Celebrating with an unlimited free-flow beverage package of Prosecco, white and red Wine, Beer and a grazing station, Anti-pasti style (9.00 pm – 11.00 pm). Party to disco and house music of DJ David Fostier all night and for the celebrated countdown! For more information and to confirm your booking, please call 0 2055 1234 or email to bangkok.place@hyatt.com
AIRE BAR
28 Fl., Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 22/5 Sukhumvit 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Telephone: 0 2055 1234
31 DECEMBER 2017 9: 00P M - 1: 00AM THB 3,750 net per person includes free flow Prosecco, Wines, local Beers, and snacks THB 8,000 net for 2 people includes free flow above drinks and a free bottle (1) of selected Champagne, or (1) bottle of selected premium spirit with some mixers and snacks. Plus confirms your seat and table. THB 16,000 net for 4 people includes free flow above drinks and two bottles (2) of selected Champagne, or (2) bottles of selected premium spirit with some mixers and snacks. Plus confirms your seats and table.
AIRE BAR airebarbangkok
blends New Openings by Big Names
BARS
Bartenders of the Year These bartenders made the biggest impression on Bangkok’s bar scene in 2017. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
ASIA TODAY A bar with a local focus brought to us by the team behind Soi Nana’s Teens of Thailand. Think drinks made from wild honey from Khao Yai National Park. 35 Soi Rammaitree, Rama 4 Rd., 097-1344704. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am
Pop Direkrittikul EAT ME
Achievement of the year: Released the “Sip Some Thai” cocktail menu, drinks that actually taste like Thai food. This bar manager came out of nowhere (no cocktail competitions, no previous cocktail menu) to win our alcohol-clogged hearts and the Most Creative Drink List honor of BK’s B.A.D. Awards 2017. The cocktails of the Sip Some Thai menu, which came out in March, are simple in principle (reinventions of famous dishes from all over Thailand) but extraordinary in execution. Don’t miss out on the Laab Moo (B350)! The second set is street food-inspired and we can’t get enough of the Khow Mun Kai (B350) concoction—an explosion of chili, garlic, coriander and ginger, alongside a generous glug of vodka.
Anupas “Kong” Premanuwat
Sebastian de La Cruz Niks Anumanand Philip Stefanescu Rajadhon
KU BAR
TROPIC CITY
TEENS OF THAILAND AND ASIA TODAY
Achievement of the year: Opened Ku Bar, one of the most innovative venues in town.
Achievement of the year: Opened Tropic City, the city’s most buzzing rum bar.
Achievement of the year: Won Bar of The Year for Teens of Thailand in BK’s B.A.D. Awards and opened Asia Today.
Kong is a man of mystery, which suits his former five-year stint as a mixologist at a speakeasy, New York’s Angel’s Share, that’s home to the current Bacardi Legacy global champion, Gn Chan. Kong’s current bar is similarly alluring, its entrance tucked behind a spirit house in a dark alley running beside Phra Sumen Road’s Brown Sugar. Kong releases one new cocktail a month that employs the flavors of seasonal fruits found in local markets. His latest drink, the Passionfruit (B380), is a mix of mace, passion fruit, peach, yuzu, ginger and dill.
After leaving Sapparot Group (Uncle and Touche Hombre) last year and dropping off the scene, the pair is finally back with their very own rum bar. The cocktails are not limited to just “tropical” or “tiki” but take influences from the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. The result? A pineapple explosion that’s easy to drink despite the rum. Get the Jungle Letter 23 (B370), which is like an old fashioned but with a shot of Plantation Pineapple rum and something that makes the whole thing taste like banana.
Not only did Teens of Thailand help put Soi Nana on the nightlife map, it also made history as Bangkok’s first gin bar. With an apocalypse-ready supply of gin poured into a nightly-rotating cocktail menu, the bar took top honors in our debut B.A.D. Awards. Niks has since followed it up with nearby Asia Today, a rum-oriented enclave that also looks to make the most of hyper-local ingredients like wild honey from Khao Yai National Park—try it in the Wild Honey Daiquiri (B360).
Essentials Asia Today, 35 Soi Rammaitree, Rama 4 Rd., 097134-4704. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am
Noppasate “Depp” Hiranwathit
Saranjes ‘’Tum’’ Aiamudomchok
Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn
RABBIT HOLE
ZOOM SKY LOUNGE, ANANTARA SATHORN
BACKSTAGE BAR AND LOCKER ROOM
Achievement of the year: One of the finalists at the World Class Cocktail Competition 2017. The most underrated bartender on our list, Tum’s cocktail menu at Zoom Sky Lounge knocked us off our feet. Only then did we delve into his drink-making resume, which turned up a World Class Cocktail Competition finalist placement, a competition for which he whipped up the Frost Calypso: ice cubes made from Jamaican Calypso coffee shaken with rum, Tia Maria, maple syrup, Creme de Menthe liquor, milk foam and gassed with mint essence. Sound good? You can order it for B330 at Zoom Sky Lounge, where you’ll also find Tum’s take on sangria (Senorita, B330), which on top of fresh fruit includes fruit-juice ice cubes—the more they melt, the better your drink tastes.
Achievement of the year: Won Thailand’s World Class Cocktail Competition, while Locker Room claimed Best Drinks in BK’s B.A.D. Awards. The last six months of 2017 belonged to The Locker Room, a speakeasy tucked behind a wall of grungy lockers where some of Asia’s top bartending talents mix up their interpretations of “Past, Present and Future” cocktails. It’s Neung, however, who steals the show with high-wire “Future” adaptations like the Bloodless Maria (B390), a clear, martini-style drink made with mezcal and tomato sous-vide with vermouth. While the bar will close all-too-prematurely on Jan 1, 2018, we can’t wait to see what the team has in store next. In a highly eventful year, Neung also took out Thailand’s World Class Cocktail Competition.
Achievement of the year: Winner of the Against the Clock Challenge Awards 2017 by Diageo World Class, finalist in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2018 and Winner of Lin Syrup 2017. Before taking the post of senior bartender at Thonglor’s Rabbit Hole, where he works alongside Suwincha “Chacha” Singsuwan (another great bartender!), Depp designed a new cocktail menu for Revolucion. And while Depp hasn’t yet designed a menu for Rabbit Hole, his skills have been lauded by the many competitions he’s competed in and won. Among his accolades are winner of Against the Clock Challenge Awards 2017 by Diageo World Class, finalist in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2018 which will conclude with the SEA Finals in Singapore in Feb 2018, and Winner of Lin Syrup 2017. His technique is neat and his drinks delicately balanced.
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Backstage Bar, L/F, Playhaus T h o n g l o r, 2 0 5 / 2 2 -2 3 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-712-5747. Open daily 6pm-1am Eat Me,1/6 Soi Phiphat 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931. Open daily 3pm-1am
BRAINFREEZE
By the people behind Sugar Ray, Q&A and Thaipioka, this bar’s all about fizzy, foamy and slushy nitro cocktails. Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am
NEW VESPER BAR
Convent Road’s upscale bar and bistro has split in two. The bar has had a moody renovation and is now fully dedicated to art-inspired libations by Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana. Next door is Via Maris, a vibrant diner offering the heavily-spiced flavors of the Mediterranean. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open daily 5:30pm-1am
DRINKS New Brews
Ku Bar, 3/F, 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731. Open ThuSun 7pm-midnight Locker Room, JIA Thonglor 10, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895-3689. Open daily 7pm-2am Rabbit Hole, 125 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-8223392, 098-969-1335. Open daily 7pm-2am
SNOWY WEIZEN BY EST.33
This wheat beer (4% ABV) from Boonrawd Brewery, the maker of Singha and Leo, will soon be found in 7-Elevens citywide, priced from around B60.
Teens of Thailand, 76 Soi Nana, Charoen Krung Rd., 081-443-3784 Tropic City, 672/65 Charoen Krung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am Zoom Sky Lounge, 38/F, Anantara Bangkok Sathorn Hotel, 36 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-2109000. Open daily 5:30pm1am
STRONGBOW CIDER
The British-born range of apple cider (4.5% ABV) is now available at most convenience stores, priced around B55.
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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bites
OPEN DOOR
Infusion Eatery & Bar A classier kind of after-work joint
The buzz: The leafy Yenakat neighborhood adds another reason to visit with this laid-back venue for Western comfort dishes and juicy cocktails. The decor: Wood, concrete, exposed brick, some hanging ferns—we hate to call it as it is: industrial chic. Infusion’s industrial has an added greenhouse flavor, what with the glassy exterior and the enclosed garden out back. Still, it’s charming in a homey, familiar way that will go down well with whatever crowd. The food: Like the decor, the food plays into our expectations, and after a long day at the office, isn’t that what you want? If arriving with a work group, there’s no better place to begin than the single bone chicken wings with buffalo sauce (B170).
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The amply-portioned, dry-aged beef burger with bacon (B285) comes in a crusty, homemade bun and cooked true to order (medium-rare, of course). Our favorite though is the truffle risotto (B425), which is surprisingly well-plated and perfectly creamy-chewy. All in all, the food is certainly classier and tastier than many other after-work joints. The drinks: The drinks here go down dangerously easy, too, being mostly combinations of fresh fruit juice and a shot of alcohol. The tart and punchy Pomegranate Cocktail (gin, pomegranate, passion fruit, lime juice, egg whites, honey-infused pandan and spices, B220) is served with fresh pomegranate in a (Instagram-worthy) hay bucket brimming with mist off some dry ice. Garden Party (gin, lychee liqueur, pine-
apple juice, lime and pomegranate syrup, honey-infused pandan and spices and egg whites, B220) is basically dessert in a glass, which isn’t a bad thing. For those out for something refreshing, try the Longan Ginger Spicy (light rum, lychee liqueur, fresh longan, ginger, topped with ginger ale, B220). The crowd: Lo and behold, it’s the after-work crowd looking for a comfortable hangout with reasonable prices and tasty dishes. Why you should care: It’s a sure bet for when you’re next in need of a tucked-away, neighborhood restaurant to down some comfort food and easy drinks. Choltanutkun Tun-Atiruj 15/1 Soi Yen Akat, 02-249-5572. Open daily 11-1am
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Halo Koffee
Eureka
James Cheese
NEW AND NOTED
Eureka Moment Sathorn’s new nitro coffee cafe, Eureka (Sathorn Soi 2, 087429-6465), goes well beyond your average cold brew. You can still get a nice and frothy nitro cold brew (B90), but the adventurous will want to try the salted egg latte (B120), which combines cold brew with homemade salted egg syrup and peanut butter syrup. Another highlight from the cafe’s six taps is the durian iced tea (B120), which comes in layers of macadamia gelato, Thai tea with durian syrup and freezedried durian powder on top.
Tokyo to Sutthisan The teeny-tiny Halo Koffee (32/1 Soi Udomsuk Yaek 4, Sutthisan Winitchai Rd., 095-881-3618) is Japanese minimalism at its finest: white walls, marble bar, blond-wood accents. There’s the full range of coffee-making paraphernalia on show, of course. The two owners source rotating beans from around the world to serve as cold brew or filter coffee (B80).
TABLE TALK You can also try the house blend in espresso-based concoctions like Caffe Mocha Chip (B70), sprinkled with crumbled chocolate. For the full taste of Japan, order the Matzuoka (B60), a creamy iced matcha latte from Shizuoka.
Cheese Dreams James Cheese, the Korean mega-chain known for its barbecue ribs served over molten cheese, has branched out to Bangkok (6/F, Central World, 4,4/1-4/2 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-089-2341). Have the specialty ribs (B690) with your choice of sides like tokbokki with cheese, garlic bread and caramelized pineapple. The restaurant, which counts over 200 branches across Asia, also rolls out Thai-only specialties like deep-fried chicken wings with cheese (B160) an a DIY rice ball (B160) with your choice of 13 ingredients such as seaweed, salmon, gochujang sauce and spicy pulled pork. Wash it all down with some sochu served in a watermelon (B350) or trending cheesy versions of earl gray and matcha milk tea (B120). Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon and Neon Boonyadhammakul
Pesca Mar & Terra Bistro 39 Ekkamai Soi 12, 063-267-7778. Open daily 11am3pm, 6-11:45pm. Cocotte's new sister restaurant, Pesca Mar & Terra Bistro, ditches the farmhouse for the Mediterranean seaside and serves up imported seafood alongside hefty slabs of meat. Within the sprawling blue and white house, an open kitchen bustles with all the action of a fresh seafood market complete with tanks of live Maine lobster and oysters. Exclusively for Citi credit card members. Get a complimentary drink valued THB 280 for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige, Citi Preferred and Citi Select (limit 1 glass /card /table /sales slip) and get 10% discount on food only for all card types. Today – 31 Oct ‘18
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
It's not too late
Rico HHHH Spanish. 6/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-119-7777. Open daily 10am-10pm BBB F
Help find that perfect festive present using BK Magazine’s Avenue Gift Guide— packed with amazing shopping finds from all across Bangkok. Access your FREE copy at bkmagazine.com/giftguide2017
Open House at Central Embassy’s latest foodie player does tapas-portioned Spanish dishes with Moorish influence amid beautiful tiles and alfresco views. The menu splits b et we e n “ l a n d , ” “ p a st u re ” a n d “garde” (seafood, meat and vegetables) but on our last visit seemed like it could do with some updating. The black mussels with bay leaf, chili and garlic—off; the Ortiz anchovies—off. And then there was the white sangria (B500/jug), which completely lacked any alcoholic kick and featured none of the advertised aged rum, pineapple, cinnamon or lemon—a point the service didn’t think to mention until we asked. Of the stuff we could actually order, we found highs and lows. Rico’s blood s aus age with hung yogurt (B280) is excellent—nutty, rich and meaty, with a Midd le Eastern-leaning herb sauce and the fresh
Tonkin Annam HHHH Vietnamese. 69 Maharaj Rd., 093-469-2969. Open daily 10am-10pm B-BB H
Tonkin Annam is a game-changer. While Bangkok has its serviceable Vietnamese restaurants—even very, very good ones, in the case of 2017 Top Table Vietnamese & More—they’re still frustratingly light on the ground. None feel quite as complete a package as this reinvigorated shop-house in Tha Tien, the riverside neighborhood synonymous with “slow-life.” Nestled down a narrow alley which opens up to views of Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya, Tonkin Annam’s two stories are a modern take on shabby chic: faux peeling walls, untreated wooden chairs and unassuming artwork add up to an ambience that’s low-key yet stylish. Even more appealing is the menu, which centers on cuisine from northern and central Vietnam, where owner Gai Mitwicharn’s grandparents come from, that’s bursting with freshness. That means alongside the staples everyone associates with Vietnam, there are region-specific offerings, mostly from Hue. The bun bo Hue (B250), sold to us as “the new pho,” doesn’t disappoint.
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If you’re one to bombard your bowl of pho with chili, this richer, heavier beef and pork-based soup, and its thicker noodles, is for you. On the streets of Hue, you might expect the dish to take a challenging nose-to-tail route. Here, you just get gloriously juicy, generously-sized chunks of beef and a lemongrass-led depth of f lavor that’s mind-blowing. It’s just the first hit on an extensive highlight reel. The cha tom (shrimp grilled on sugarcane sticks, B250), another Hue specialty, stars fatty, bouncy and lightly-charred shrimp patty, assisted by a veritable mountain of greens, pickled veggies and vermicelli. Just as tasty is the banh cuon (B130 or B150 with egg), silky smooth steamed rice crepes stuffed with ground pork and plentiful chives, or the zesty shredded chicken salad (B180), both evidence of a delicate hand in the kitchen. Tonkin Annam isn’t reinventing the wheel, but this is honest Vietnamese food, beautifully plated and with no cut corners (that fish sauce; those incredible plates of greens). So, what’s missing? Wine and cocktails, for one, though there are Thai craft beers (Chalawan at B160). In any case, a bottle of the awesome kumquat tea (B65) or a Vietnamese egg coffee (B80) suffices. When a meal this good clocks in at around B1,000 for two, you can always splash out on a couple Vesper cocktails at Supanniga’s riverside venture around the corner, too. Note: Tonkin Annam is cash only.
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.
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tang of good yogurt. The charred octopus with fennel, fingerling potato and piquillo pepper (B480) is strong, too—the octopus soft and juicy, the flavors full and precise. We also like what passes for a “small plate” at Rico. These are indeed dishes that you can order to share rather than finish in one bite. When food tastes as good as the grilled eggplant salad—fresh from mint, creamy from yogurt, a sharp kick of vinegar—this is a wonderful thing. Less so in the case of some prawns in garlic and olive oil (B380). What reads like a simple, light gambas al ajillo is actually something far heavier and unappetizing, made with unfresh-tasting prawns and a bitter, over-reduced sauce. Though Rico’s menu can serve up a miss for every hit, we do feel it deserves more love than the crowds packed into neighboring Peppina are giving it, especially when the temperature dips below 25 and you can enjoy their sinfully delicious goats cheese churros (B280) on the terrace with a crisp and sunny glass of 2013 Languedoc Chardonnay at B320—it sure makes a smarter choice than the sangria.
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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now
SUN Welcome 2018 2017’s ending, finally. Show it the door. In your hands are the means to do so—two weeks’ worth of BK Now, including New Year’s Eve parties (page 24) with big players and small venues representing, from riverside to rooftop to grungy side soi. Have fun. We’ll see you in the new year.
SUN Fabulous Return Make your first party of 2018 count with Maggie Choo’s Sunday Gay Night, featuring the inimitable Pangina Heals, Thai drag queen extraordinaire. B300 at the Jan 7 event will get you through the door and a 1 free drink. See page 25 for more.
FRI Not New Year’s Eve Retailers MMM are hosting a pre-New Year's Eve Mini Fake Concert featuring your favorite divas Madonna, Beyonce, Adele, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, or at least as close to them as the impersonators can manage. The throwdown is Dec 29 from 8pm onwards at Shakariki. See page 24.
SAT Fade Away Thai filmmaker and artist Komtouch Napattaloong’s photo series opens at Ekamian on Jan 6, under the title Do You See the Sky Falling? The photos present a narrative of anxiety and impermanence, here made apparent in subjects of the photographs, and made literal in the distortions created by Napattaloong’s dying camera. See page 26.
FRI Final Frontier On Dec 29, Violett brings together the underground house and techno scene for a final time in this yearend Canis Minor bash. This performance has Soi Dogs headlining, with DJs B. Sakkarn & Mon P. following on to keep you on your feet. See page 25 for more.
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now NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES
Vogue Lounge
Maggie Choo's
Beam
Havana Social
Beer Belly
NEW YEAR'S EVE MINI FAKE CONCERT
COUNTDOWN NYE 2018
REMIX YOUR YEAR COUNTDOWN PARTY
VIOLETT - NYE / TECHNO MARATHON
PARTY ROCK NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
A covers concert featuring songs from divas like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Adele. Dec 29, 8pm. Shakariki 432, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Free.
Welcome 2018 with a variety of booze and electronic beats. Dec 31, 12pm. 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7999. Free.
Welcome 2018 with a hip-hop lineup led by Khan Thaitanium. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. W Bangkok, 206 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. B3,000 includes beers and burgers.
PRE NYE AT DE COMMUNE
Celebrate the last night of 2017 with DJs and alcohol. Dec 31, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087804-9542. Free.
Rave through New Year’s with 8 hours straight techno from a local lineup including DJs ATMA, Coran and Sunzone. Dec 31, 9pm. Violett, 141, The Third Place Building, Thonglor 10, 095-353-8898. Free before midnight. bit.ly/2kETwYL
Top-tier DJs Shufflebot & Q Da Hypeman from the party crew of LMFAO will spin your through the countdown. Dec 31, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit soi 11, 087-804-9542. Men B1,000 and Ladies B800, which includes 1 drink. bit.ly/2kXoI4z
A showcase of underground, emorock and experimental spinning DJs like Jaa Hariguim, Tad Basement Tape and Nyon. Dec 30, 10pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061717-4365. B200. THE BANGKOK COUNTDOWN 2018
This huge festival to celebrate the last two nights of 2017 features local and international artists like Afrojack, Chris Lake, Lookas, Knife Party, Rotten and Mark Sixma. Tickets are B1,800 available on www.eventpop.me Dec 30 -31, 4pm. Live Park Rama 9, Rama 9 Rd., 065-509-9080. B1,800. NYE AT DE COMMUNE
A night of funk and disco matched with techno-house sounds featuring the familiar DJ lineup of Toru, TateXpression, ahivar, Kova O’ Sarin, Munta Morton and Jirus. Dec 31, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B300. SPACE TIME: THE JUNGLE NYE AT WHITELINE
Celebrate New Year’s with live DJs and bands like Nayla, Gramaphone Children, Mighty NP, Slum Disco Soundsystem, The Lowdowns, Zoe Winter, African Star Trekker and Cater. Tickets TBA. Dec 31, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B600.
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PARTY ROCK NEW YEARS CELEBRATION
LA HORA LOCA! THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!
A party featuring live DJs, Latin dance and cocktails. Dec 31, 8pm. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-4503750. B1,000 includes 2 drinks. 2018 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
A night of live jazz from Yazz and Jakob Dinesen and Sunny Trio and Friends. Dec 31, 9pm. Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. B800-3,000 includes drinks. CHEERS TO 2018!
A live DJ set from Jam on Toast and live jazz from The Trio. Dec 31, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Free. FROZEN BEATS - NEW YEAR PARTY
Celebrate 2018 with a rooftop party and drinks. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8000. B1,200 includes 1 drink. GOLD & GLAM NEW YEAR'S EVE AT VOGUE LOUNGE BANGKOK
New Year ’s Eve’s classiest party at the city’s ritziest building. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. BTS Chong Nonsi. B1,200 includes 1 drink.
INSANITY - NEW YEAR!
A place to countdown with vibrant laser lighting and provocative sounds. Tickets TBA. Dec 31,11:30pm. Insanity Nightclub, 32/2 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. BTS Nana. NYE POOL PARTY
Countdown at a splashing pool party with alcohol and DJs. Dec 31, 9pm. Aloft Bangkok, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-207-7000. B499 includes 1 drink. ASIATIQUE THAILAND COUNTDOWN 2018
Counting down to the new year with '90s favorite singers and other vibrant performances. Tickets TBA. Dec 31, 6pm. Asiatique The Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd. GLOW NYE 2018 WITH ERIC VOLTA & LAUHAUS
The two DJs usher in the new year by spinning their electronic beats with supporting DJs The Outsider and Wintix. Dec 31, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit 23 Rd., 086-614-3355. B300 includes 1 drink before midnight. A COUNTDOWN TO REMEMBER AT MANHATTAN BAR
Welcome the new year like a New Yorker. Manhattan Bar will rock your year-end with cutting-edge DJs. Advanced booking is recommended. Dec 31, 6pm. JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 2, 02-656-7700. B1,500. bit.ly/2BiTego
NYE 2018 AT HOPELAND
Spend the last night of 2017 with your childhood nostalgia, gaming through classics like Street Fighter, Metal Slug, Tekken and Pac Man while chomping through Korean food and toasting the new year. Dec 31, 6pm. 72 Courtyard, G/F, Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7740. Free. bit. ly/2BNzd2q NYE PARTY AT THE RIVER
Take in the fireworks from the riverside at this New Year’s Eve party. Dec 31, 6pm. River City Shopping Complex, Room 122-123, 23 Soi Rongnamkhaeng, 02- 639 - 6305. B500 with free drinks and finger food. bit.ly/2BMUfhM ROOFTOP NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION & COUNTDOWN 2017!
This New Year’s Eve party comes with a 360-degree view and a buffet that includes wagyu and fresh seafood. Reservations are recommended. Dec 31, 5pm. MOJJO Rooftop Louge & Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. B1,200 with 2 drinks. bit.ly/2BiHsCx NYE 2018 AT EVIL MAN BLUES
End 2017 with hip-hop, jazz and quality cocktails. Dec 31, 10pm. Evil Man Blues, G/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7740. Free.
NEW YEAR PARTY AT PENTHOUSE
A party of disco and house sounds by DJ Kurrypup, and live soul and funk from The Lowdowns. Dec 31, 6:30pm. Penthouse Bar+Grill, 3436/F, Park Hyatt Bangkok, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234. B2,000 includes 1 drink. DISCO ROBOT'S NU-YEAH! JAM DOWN
A DJ set of disco, funk and soul sounds to take your to the end of 2017. Dec 31, 10pm. 12x12, 810/22 Soi Tararom 2, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 094-260-4713. Free before midnight. NYE 2018 COUNTDOWN AT BEER BELLY
Beer Belly’s countdown features performances by The Toys, Ton-Aum and DJYP, as well as activities like ping pong and pool. Arrive any time, but advanced booking is recommended for a table. Dec 31, 6pm. 72 Courtyard, G/F, Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7770. Free. bit.ly/2p8LCLz FREE BUBBLY NYE AT SMALLS!
Get free Champagne from 11:30pm to 1:30am and dance to beats by DJs Justin Mills, Scott Hess and Fredrik Funk. Dec 31, 8pm. Smalls, 186/3 Suan Plu Soi 1, 095-585-1398. bit. ly/2BiHn1C
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now NIGHTLIFE WOLF PACK
DGA AT THE MYSTERIOUS TECHNO MANSION!
The DJ duo takes over the decks with an electronic setlist. Dec 29, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. B800 includes 1 drink.
Party with the techno-house lineup of DJs Moca Oui, Kanabis Stoned and A Lien Boonyalit. Jan 4, 10pm. Residence de Canal, Bangkok, 463/72 Luk Luang Rd., 02-061-8289. Free.
THE FLYING GROOVE CREW
DJs Ska, RabbitDisco, Tatexpression, Deejai, Parkin and Wutti spin funk, disco and boogie all night long. Dec 29, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. SOUND SYSTEM CULTURE
Say goodbye to the last Friday of 2017 in this arts space with DJs and large bottles of beer for only B100. Tables are reservation-only at bit.ly/2AFL6dy. Dec 29, 9pm-2am. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. Free. CANIS MINOR V02 FT B SAKKARN X MON P X SOI DOGS
Pangina Heals
A night of underground electronic beats. Dec 29, 9:30pm. Violett, 141, The Third Place Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858. Tickets TBA. GLOW WITH CORAN
The DJ teams up with BassYouth to fill the night with electronic sounds. Dec 29, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 includes 1 drink. NAANG TANI & DX-600 (NYC)
The two DJs take over the deck for a night. Dec 30, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. Free. GLOW WITH DAN BURI Dan Buri MC Unda
This favorite local house DJ takes over the decks with Andrea Settesoldi. Dec 30, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 includes 1 drink. ALL EYEZ ON ME
A ladies night of reggaeton and Latino music featuring MC Unda, DJ Aopsher and a group of male dancers. Jan 1, 10pm. The Firm Bangkok, 10/4 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 065-880-0333. Tickets TBA. SHOWTIME SPIN CITY
MC Unda and DJ Aopsher present a mash-up of the best Hip Hop, RnB and Latino vibes. Jan 2, 10pm. The Firm Bangkok, 10/4 Sukhumvit 33, 065-8800333. Tickets TBA.
MENDY INDIGO PRESENTS NOWHERE TO NOW HERE FEAT. MEAT
The local favorite returns to the bar with a techno playlist. Jan 5, 10pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-7174365. B250. DJ DUNK - HOUSE PARTY
A night of ‘90s-inspired electronic dance music. Tickets TBA. Jan 5, 8pm. Sorry I’m Gay, Ratchada Train Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd. MARIANA BO
Ranked as #84 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 and #14 in DJaneMag’s Top 100, the DJ will bring her jam to town with EDM and a twist of violin. Jan 5, 10pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-8049542. Men B600 and Ladies B500 includes 1 drink. MORENO
This DJ is back in the house with a new set of electronic beats. Jan 6, 10pm. Whitline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Free. DOORLY
Underground techno and electronic dance music from Dirtybird, Hot Creations, Moon Harbour and Toolroom. Tickets TBA. Jan 6, 9pm. Violett, The Third Place Building, 141 Thonglor Soi 10. 085445-5946. STRICTLY STEPPAS 4 WITH "ART-X"
A night of UK roots, Digital Dub, and Steppas with Art-X, BKRAS Sound, and Lioness Izasha. Jan 6, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02 261 6661. B200. SUNDAY GAY NIGHT AT MAGGIE CHOO'S
A drag show with Pangina Heals, games and free shots. Jan 7, 7:30pm. Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd, 091-772-2144. B300.
Wolf Pack
Coran
LIVE MUSIC
TRACK OF THE WEEK
Yerm - “Rest in Paradise”
PG.LOST
Concerts
Selina and Sirinya
STILL TOGETHER SELINA & SIRINYA MINI CONCERT LIVE 2018
SUNSET SOCIETY SUNDAY FEAT. BAREFOOD BANGKOK
The Swedish four-piece fills the night with post-rock. Grab tickets at Ticketmelon.com. Jan 4, 7pm. Rockademy, 120/8 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. B1,000-1,200.
The band hosts a concert featuring guest artists like Natural Walkaway, Free Typewrite, Yong Chladni Chandi and Disak Poung Ok. Jan 6, 7pm. About Studio, Pradit Manutham Rd. B600 includes 1 drink.
MINIMAL LIFE IN BANGKOK 2018
Gigs
A DJ gig with local headliners DJ NK Chan and Alex iM!x along with food and drinks from Barefood Bangkok and a mini vegan market. Tickets TBA. Jan 7, 1pm. Nowhere BKK, 6/F, THA City Loft Hotel, Ekkamai Soi 6, 099-394-4417.
PG.LOST LIVE IN BANGKOK
Rithead’s 10-year-anniversary concert also features indie bands like Solitude Is Bliss, Migrate to the Ocean, Mat Chi Maa, Inthanoo, Sapabsupap, The Bandit Boy and Vega Vega. For tickets, visit bit.ly/2zd8Gc3 Jan 6, 6pm. Voice Space Studio, 197 BBD Building, Viphavadi Rangsit Rd. B500.
ZERO HERO LIVE AT NONG TAPRACHAN
An evening of alternative rock sounds. Jan 6, 7pm. Chang Chui, 462 Sirindhorn Rd. Free.
This third single from alt-pop five-piece Yerm is a tribute to Singha Sqweez Animal, the indie figurehead who tragically passed away last year aged just 31. The fact it’s released on Bird Sound Record, the underground label founded by Desktop Error’s guitarist, Adisak "Bird" Puang-ok, should give this a big seal of approval. Starting out as a plaintive campfire strum-along, the song’s lyrics tell the story of a deer struggling to “find the meaning of life in this cruel world” after the death of a lion, its former guardian. It’s a charming allegory for dealing with the loss of a loved one, made all the more touching by the song’s rousing crescendo and the inclusion of electronic and ambient sounds to mimic a deep forest atmosphere. The result is a lamentation on loneliness that stands out from most radio-friendly rock. Hear more from Yerm at www. fb.com/yermband.
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now PLAN AHEAD Events to look forward to around Thailand in early 2018
SPORTS GREEN WAVE TOGETHER RUN
A 5/10km run to raise money for charities for the disabled. Register at bit.ly/2BLGj7x. Jan 7, 5am. Suanluang Rama 9, Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd. B550. Suanluang Rama 9
FILM Opening (Dec 28) The XX
BANGKOK BLOCK PARTY
Taking over the parking lot at A-Square mall for 12 hours, this block party will gather more than 50 musicians—from hip-hop to heavy metal. The four stages will play host to international headliners like Chicago indie act Autograf, Nashville electro duo Cherub and ASAP mob spin-off The Cozy Boys, alongside plenty of local talent. Naturally, there’ll be barber and tattoo pop-ups to go with all the food and drinks, too. Tickets are B900 online or B1,500 at the door. Get yours now at eventpop.me Jan 13, 12pm-12am. A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26. B900.
CHIANG MAI JAZZ FESTIVAL: LET’S DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
The chill winter festival returns for the 7th time with an excellent jazz lineup of local and international talent. Don’t miss performances by Swing King, Violette Wautier, Funktion, Alissa Wollman, Jazz Kamikaze and Isra Liberal Orchestra. Regular tickets are B750, available on eventpop.me Jan 20. Promenanda Resort Mall, 192-193 Moo 2, Tasala district, Muang, Chiang Mai. B750.
246247596248914102516...AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
Thai artist Arin Rung jang has a new art instal lation, titled “246247596248914102516...And then there were none.” The installation was selected for Germany’s documenta exhibition earlier this year, under the theme Learning from Athens. The work captures political and social movements of Thailand’s contemporary history,
starting with the Siamese Revolution of 1932. This installation is a follow-up to Arin’s “And then there were none… Tomorrow we will become Thailand.” Through Jan 21. Gallery Ver, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22, 089-988-5890. Open Wed-Sun noon-6pm. Free.
RIMPHA MUSIC FESTIVAL 6
The 6th edition of this music festival has the theme Sixperhero and will showcase 40 live bands and 20 DJ sets from 3pm onwards. Indie bands performing from the 2 stages will include Jelly Rocket, Yellow Fang, Moving & Cut, The Super Glasses Ska Ensemble, Telex Telexs and West of East. Also featured are the DJ sets from DJs Spydamonkee and Leo. Regular tickets are B1,200, on sale via eventpop.me Feb 3. Big Mountain, Km 21, Thana Rat Rd., Pak Chong, Nakhorn Ratchasrima, 080019-5757. B1,200.
JAITHEP FESTIVAL
The three-day music and art event returns this Feb 2 with four stages, art installations and a camp ground. The festival takes place on 40 rai of the Lanna Rock Garden, and is packed with national and international acts ranging from experimental and rock to disco and techno-house music. The local lineup includes Stylish Nonsense, Yamin, Puretek and Sangkasi. On the international side, expect to see Madboy Mink (India), Broken Note (England), Alex Cruz (Netherlands), Crussen (Norway), Nayla (England), Rezo (Germany) and Linh Ha (Vietnam). Tickets are available at bit.ly/2kCGKKc The phase one price for a 3-day pass is B1,300.
ART
John Legend Feb 2-4. Lanna Rock Garden, 17/4 Banpong, Hangdong, Chiang Mai. B1,300.
CHEEZE CARBOOTSALE FESTIVAL 2018
The 2-day car boot sale returns for the third time featuring vintage items along with live music, food and a camp ground. Starting at noon, festival-goers can shop items from fashionistas, designers and artists. The festival includes a variety of food and booze from local purveyors like Summer Streets, A Quarter to Twelve, Summer Day and Big Face BBQ. Top indie artists and DJs include Tul, Kingkong, Pichy, Maftsai, Desktop Error, Buddhist Holiday, Yellow Fang, Srirajah Rockers, Uncle Tree and Yena. Tickets available via eventpop.me for B400-800. Feb 3-4. 8Speed Motor Truck Khao Yai, 42/8, Nhong Namdaeng district, Pak Chong, Nakhorn Ratchasrima, 02-6696645. B400-800.
CONCERTS, CONCERTS, CONCERTS
2018 looks to be another good year concerts from top-chart musicians. We begin in January with Imagine Dragons (Jan 11), Liam Gallagher (Jan 12), Foster The People (Jan 28) and The XX (Jan 29). In March, alt-rockers Incubus (Mar 11) are coming to town, followed by James Blunt (Mar 27). Bangkokians can also expect some pop jazz from John Legend on Mar 23. The acts through to midsummer include Bruno Mars (Apr 30, May 1), Katy Perry (Apr 10) and Harry Styles (Jun 16). Get your life in order and clear that calendar, because there’s more to come in the second half of the year.
JUMANJI (USA)
Adventure/Action. A remake of the classic adventure film featuring a family trying to end a game that’s upended normal life. In the update, Jumanji is a video game.
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (USA)
ALONG WITH THE GODS: THE TWO WORLDS (KOREA)
Comedy/Drama. In this sequel, the original moms (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) team up against their own mothers to take back control of their Christmas party.
Action/Fantasy. A dead firefighter has to accomplish seven tasks to win reincarnation for the guardians of the afterlife.
FIREWORKS (JAPAN)
MEMORIES OF NEW YEAR’S (THAI)
Animation. With the full name of “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, this story charts the intertwined destinies of three teenagers.
Romance/Drama. A film following three love stories that take place over New Year’s.
Upcoming (Jan 4)
SALES & FAIRS
Terminal 21
DO YOU SEE THE SKY FALLING? BY KOMTOUCH NAPATTALOONG
GIFT FEST 2018
This photo exhibition featuring photos taken with a failing digital camera captures the contemporary life’s unstable and undefined state.
Shop gifts and fashionable accessories at this boutique market in a mall. Through Jan 2, 10am. Terminal 21, 88 Soi Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke.
Jan 6-Mar 4. Ekamian, 297/2 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 083-789-9091. Free.
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THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (USA)
Musical/Biography. The story of P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman), who expanded the public’s imagination by establishing his own circus.
INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY (USA)
24 HOURS TO LIVE (USA)
Horror. Parapsychologist Elise Rainier returns in the 4th installment of this horror franchise, which sees her team investigating paranormal activity in her family’s old home.
Action/Thriller. Ethan Hawke plays an assassin brought back to life for 24 hours—just enough time for redemption.
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (UK)
Biography/Drama. Based on the life of Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne, this film follows the renowned writer’s relationship with his son, Christopher Robin Milne.
BK Magazine Friday, December 29, 2017
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