BK Magazine 725 February 9, 2018 by BK Magazine

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 725 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

n o i t a n i t s 8 1 e D 20 This year's hottest travel spots at home and abroad

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Next Stop

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

10 escapes

Green Fingers

Love Nests

14 avenue

16 bites

Gift Guide

Dinner Dates

That the British Embassy has been sold to Central The most expensive real estate deal in Thai history at B18.6 billion will go ahead, bringing to a close nearly a decade of hearsay. In acquiring the 25 rai worth of lush grounds on Sukhumvit Road, Central Group is set to do what it does best: develop a commercial mixed-use project that connects with its luxury mall Central Embassy.

18 blends

22 BK Now

Get Lucky

Weekend Calling

Who's in charge? Managing Director & Publisher 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, Kasidit Srivilai, Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon Junior Writers Kankanok Wichiantanon, Neon Boonyadhammakul Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama

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

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Kathy MacLeod

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 Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn Senior Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates 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 Suan Phlu 4.0 is upon us A proper place for steak (Arno’s)—check! An excellent bakery for sandwiches and coffee (Holey, see page 19)— check! And now, most excitingly, we’ve caught word that the powers behind El Mercado will soon be venturing into this leafy Sathorn neighborhood. No word on what exactly they’ll be opening (market, restaurant or both) or when, but watch this space.

Interns Sirada Nimcharoenchaikul, Marvin Schulz Cover design by Peeraya Sirathanisa Cover photo by Anunya Chobnitas

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 a hundred-year-old theater has been reborn as a boutique hotel Charoenkrung’s Prince Rama, a 1900s cinema that fell into disrepair, is now the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay. Unveiled as part of this month’s Bangkok Design Week, the modernrustic hotel and restaurant, snuggled behind the classic Jok Prince congee stall, is a lesson in tasteful preservation that others could well heed and comes with a full-time exhibition on the theater’s history. Opening rates start at B500/night, rising to B2,100 for a duplex suite. That real-deal Neapolitan pizza has reached Bangna The Peppina empire marches on. Following a beach-side opening on Samui, the nascent pizzeria chain has arrived at Mega Bangna with its billowing pies, pasta and sharing steaks. For a mall dwelling, they’ve managed to maintain the Sukhumvit original’s rustic and welcoming vibe, too. That Thailand’s getting its own version of RuPaul’s Drag Race Known as Drag Race Thailand, the adaptation of the alldancing, all-lip-syncing American TV series that searches for the country’s next drag superstar will debut on Line TV from Feb 15. Production is helmed by the Kantana Group, who’ve enlisted stylist Araya “Art” Indra and party queen Pangina Heals as co-hosts.

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, February 9, 2018

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upfront HOT OR NOT tk

Hot: Ari

Not: Khaosan

If Ari made hotels… wait, this punchline’s been written for us. It’s called the Josh Hotel, sits on Ari Soi 4, and is pretty much the only thing we’ve seen on Instagram this week. What looks like the lovechild of Wes Anderson and that designer-y section in Siam Discovery has been enticing cultured Bangkokians to staycation in their droves. This new breed of “hostel” is also about the furthest thing from Khaosan you can imagine. www.bnk48.com

Hot: BNK48

INTERVIEW

Not: The Matter

What not to do if you’re a columnist for a wannabe-high-brow website: 1) Punch up your girlfriend (actually, this one goes for everyone); 2) piss off girl group BNK48’s otaku fanbase. The Matter writer Siripoj Laomanacharoen failed on both counts, as said otaku made public after he dared to write that BNK48’s music video was kinda crap. It didn’t take long for enraged fans to track down photos of Siripoj’s former girlfriend which she claims show wounds which he inflicted on her. The Matter, meanwhile, is now on the lookout for a new star columnist.

Hot: Bread

Not: Cheese

We don’t mean the kind of cheese you put on bread. We mean the kind that Siam Square kids put in drinks and slabs of honey toast—which we’ve had quite enough of, thanks. But this week reveals that Bangkok’s most pedigreed bakers have been busy opening up new shops. Visit Suan Phlu for the epic sourdough of Holey, and Charoenkrung for Maison Chatenet’s sinfully buttery croissants. See page 19. Fb: TUPoliticalParody

Hot: Satire

Not: Football

The Chula-Thammasat game is over for another year, with a 1-1 draw providing less action for the fans than last year’s 5-1 drubbing from Thammasat. But the real winner on Feb 3 was political satire. With a reported ban on any floats depicting Gen Prawit and his luxury watch scandal, Thammasat instead unveiled an effigy of the demon Nontok from the Ramakien epic, who accidentally kills himself with the power of his own diamond finger.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

In 2017, ex-policeman Buntoon “Uncle Tuu” Niyamabha, 62, opened a clinic inside Daojai Resort & Spa to treat illnesses with cannabis oil. His clinic has since administered cannabis to over 1,000 people, most of them cancer patients or children suffering from epilepsy. Marijuana is currently a class 5 illegal drug, which mean Uncle Tuu’s practice is illegal—a fact that doesn’t put him off. We spoke to him about why, and met the mother of a nine-year-old girl who’s willing to let an unlicensed physician use cannabis to treat her daughter’s multiple seizure-induced disabilities. How did you get into this line of work? I was a policeman for four years, until they decided to make marijuana illegal [1979]. I then got into the travel business, organizing inbound and outbound tours. By the time my father-inlaw and my younger sister got cancer, I was already studying cannabis oil. I started treating them with it and both got well. Imagine, for example, that you’re trying to kill a single person in a market. Chemo is like throwing a bomb into the market, but marijuana is a sniper—you kill that one person without killing anyone else. Is what you do legal? Absolutely not. But it’s so easy to break Thai laws. You’re breaking the law when you don’t use the zebra crossing or pedestrian bridge. People you know are dying and you can help, but you won’t—is that not wrong? Where did you learn to make cannabis oil? I did a lot of research online, watching video tutorials. Also, I worked with a doctor from Colorado with brain cancer. Her husband taught me to make the oil. Marijuana in Colorado is so expensive. What’s the process patients go through at your clinic? I need to meet the patient and their

whole family. I need to know that the patient really exists and that the oil goes to them. Plus, they need to see the clinic’s doctor as well. Because this treatment is still new out here, I sit the family down to make sure everyone is on the same page and agrees to the treatment before I start my process. I then assign a dosage according to the patient’s conditions. I also teach patients how to make the oil themselves. I also help them with sourcing if they can’t do it themselves. I keep in touch with them to track their progress. How much do you charge? Only the cost of the marijuana. That’s why it’s really important that I see the patient, otherwise I’m just a drug dealer. If you can find your own marijuana and press it into oil yourself, then you don’t even have to pay me anything. Are there any side-effects? Yes, good ones. The oil lowers your blood sugar and blood pressure, and your heart grows stronger and beats faster, like an athlete’s. Why do you think medical marijuana is still illegal? To benefit certain groups of people. We spend so much money on imported drugs, like B10 billion—think about how many submarines or how many

luxurious watches you could buy! Marijuana shouldn’t be illegal. Back in the day, it was one of our country’s exports. It was a Thai medicine for like 300 years. Look at the murals in Wat Phra Kaew—all the warriors are smoking it, even the monkeys are smoking it.

The mother of a nine-year-old girl who uses the clinic also answered our questions. How long has your daughter been on this treatment? Two years. She takes two drops before breakfast and dinner. Her body is not tense anymore, she is very relaxed. What was your first impression of medical marijuana? I was shocked and scared at first. I thought, “Can I really trust this?” But I also did some research and learned that if we used just a few drops of it, it worked as a medicine. Just like how ya dong [a medicinal alcohol of lao khao and herbs] can have health benefits, but if you have too much you become drunk and it harms your body. We also learned that Uncle Tuu donates his time, the cannabis oil, diapers and strollers to mothers with children who suffer from multiple disabilities. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, February 9, 2018

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WHERE TO NEXT? Seventeen destinations at home and abroad that should be on the radar of any savvy traveler. By Kankanok Wichiantanon Taiwan

National LOEI Loei is still one of Thailand’s least populated regions. In between national parks you’ll mostly encounter fields dotted with the occasional empty hut. Even the city of Loei is more a town than a district capital. This winter, we drove through valleys of rubber trees shedding deep, red leaves, past blond rice fields that looked like wheat and along the green, marsh-like Mekong. Throw in some pine trees and the result is a vivid feast for the eyes.

RANONG The new popularity of Cocks Comb Island, just a little over an hour away from Ranong by speedboat, has made the region such a tourist hub that AirAsia has launched daily BangkokRanong flights starting at B1,180 round-trip. But the province is also home to the underrated Koh Phayam Island, with untouched forests, a beautiful coastline and natural geysers. Stay at Baan Nai Mong Tree House (B1,900/night. www.fb.com/bannaimong), a natural homestay hidden within lush trees by a scenic lake.

RATCHABURI More so than ever, Ratchaburi Town is abuzz with new restaurants and a nascent art scene. For a full picture of the region’s development, visit the Ratchaburi National Museum (goo. gl/rgRxKi), which inhabits a pink palace built in 1922. Load up on tasty regional treats at the market before heading out to Khao Ngu Park (063-472-5562), where you’ll find picturesque lakes flanked by mountains. The defining destination here is the giant Buddha image sculpted into an eastern cliff face. It’s also home to four caves, each housing carved Buddha images.

SAKON NAKHON Sakon Nakhon isn’t an Isaan tourist magnet in the way of Ubon Ratchathani, but that’s exactly why you should visit now. The small province punches above its weight in the contest of craftsmanship and food getaways. An annual craft and food festival, Sakon Hed, organized by a group of the same name (meaning, Sakonmade) was held in the city last December, drawing a new crowd of creative visitors. AirAsia

and Nok Air run direct flights from Don Muang Airport to Sakon Nakhon from around B2,600.

SONGKHLA Long overshadowed by Hat Yai, the provincial capital is finally finding a niche among traveling art lovers. Known for powdery beaches, Leam Samila is just five minutes from the city center. Also try Hub Ho Hin, a red wooden house that was once a rice mill but now serves as a work center for the Songkhla Heritage Society (www. fb.com/songkhla.asia), and the main Songkhla Central Mosque for its beautiful modernist architecture. Book a stay at Baan Nai Nakhon ( B 1 , 3 0 0 -1 , 5 0 0 / n i g h t . w w w. f b . c o m / baannainakhon), the first boutique hotel to open in Songkhla’s scenic old town.

CHUMPHON The southern province is surrounded by several beautiful islands. Most of them are nesting sanctuaries where humans are forbidden to set foot, but Koh Ran Ped and Koh Ran Kai have now begun admitting tourists. The uninhabited islands remain virgin and unblemished, while their waters are home to an underwater heartshape cave that’s particularly stunning when the sunlight shines through. Other dive attractions include a large rock bed covered with pink sea anemones, near which whale sharks can often be spotted. From mid-Oct to mid-Nov every year at Khao Dinsor, bird watchers can catch the arrival of birds of prey fleeing the freezing cold weather and sparse hunting grounds of Siberia.

Loei

VIRAPAT NARINRAK IS THE OWNER OF BAAN NAI MONG TREE HOUSE, WHICH BRINGS A HIDDEN HOMESTAY TO CHUMPHON Nan

NAN For those constantly searching for tranquil towns up north, Nan remains a must-go, underrated destination, so get there now before the crowds take over. The green hills of Khun Sathan National Park (02-562-0760) turn pink at the end of each year due to the nang phaya suea krong flower blossoms. It’s also the time when pale pink pukha flowers, that only grow here, blossom at Doi Pukha National Park (081-2240789). Take a road trip to Pua, a tiny little town surrounded by mountains that’s only over an hour away from Nan. Quiet and laid-back, it’s just perfect.

Sakhon Nakon

Chumphon

Ratchaburi

BK Magazine Friday, February 9, 2018

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cover story Regional QINGDAO, CHINA

“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. The destination just became easier for Thai tourists to reach thanks to cheap new direct flights with Nok Scoot (B10,140 round-trip from Don Mueang). Today, the European monoliths of old have been dwarfed by local developments: 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—a tradition that would do the Germans proud.

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, INDIA Tiruchirappalli, India Julie

AirAsia now flies direct from Bangkok to this stunning but frenetic city in India’s southeast. Tiruchirappalli’s breathtaking Hindu temples (think Wat Kaek times a thousand) and 83-meter high Rock Fort Temple are perhaps its most famous attractions, yet remnants of colonial history also abound in this ancient city that gave birth to the revolt against British rule. Regular rates set you back from B6,480 return with AirAsia (www.airasia.com).

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taiwan

Phu Quoc

Jérémy

As more and more hungry resorts open on the outskirt of the UNESCO World Heritage city, time feels like it’s drawing to a close for catching Luang Prabang at its sleepy best. Often described as the “Jewel of Laos,” the city has a definite stuckin-time feel to it. Wake at 5:30am to partake in the sacred Buddhist almsgiving ceremony on the main street or head 45 minutes out of town to swim in the stunning jade pools of Kuang Si Waterfall. Right now, Bangkok-Luang Prabang with Thai Smile’s return flights costs around B5,200 through Mar 4.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES This year, the gorgeous Filipino island opens its newest airport terminal, offering direct routes to Europe that are bound to see its popularity soar. Home to a 196km-long beach, the 50-foot Kawasan Falls and a colonial-inflected city with myriad bars, eateries and shops, Cebu is the perfect alternative to your usual Phuket pilgrimage. Good adobo,

Bhutan Court Richards

Jonathan Khoo

Malta

TAIWAN Taiwan may be a tiny territory, but Taipei is still one of the most underrated capital cities in Asia. This Monocle City Survey sprung to life is filled with chic cafes, museums, designer boutiques and traditional cultural highs. Meanwhile outside the city, you’ll discover onsen spas, the magnificent Taroko Gorge, pristine Sun Moon Lake and various tea farms. Thai Smile (www.thaismileair.com) launched direct flights last October from a little over B13,000 return.

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM Despite the island’s growing popularity among the wintertime migration of European tourists, there remain stretches of powdery, barely-trodden beach on Phu Quoc. The island recently welcomed its first big luxury hotel, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa, which will be followed by Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort, among a slew of other developments. The current promotion on Bangkok Airways costs B8,100/round trip on four flights a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

BHUTAN Having just celebrated 110 years of independence, the highly mountainous country continues to open up its unique culture and traditions to the outside world. The Bhutanese government recently granted tourists access to Pemacholing Heritage Forest, a sprawl of ancient monasteries and ruins near the town of Damphu. In good news for luxury tourists, there’ll be five new Six Senses resorts opening around the country (in the cities of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro), while new domestic flights to Yongphula airport make the country’s east a far more accessible proposition. Fly into Paro, considered one of the world’s most challenging airports, for approximately B25,000 return with Bhutan Airlines (www.bhutanairlines.bt).

International MALTA

The capital of this so-long-overlooked Mediterranean island, Valetta, was named Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2018, and it’s easy to see why. The real-life Game of Thrones set is home to three world heritage sites and a food culture that skews Sicilian, Maghreb, English and Spanish influences. King’s Landing aside, there’s a real air of the old world about Malta, which throughout the year will host more than 400 events plus 140 projects related to its Capital of Culture status.

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan

Spanish architecture, famous dive spots and an opportunity to swim with whale sharks are just some of what makes it such a big tourist draw. There are also plans to run seaplane voyages to popular dive-spots on the surrounding islands and Oslob—a town well known for whale watching. The three we e k l y f l i g h t s w i t h P h i l i p p i n e A i r l i n es ( w w w. philippineairlines.com) clock in at less than four hours of flight time for B10,515 round-trip.

Kazakhstan gained popularity last year as host of the World Expo of 2017, which brought tourists worldwide to its surreallooking metropolis. Despite its futuristic architecture, Astana is, in fact, surprisingly cheap to travel in. The country offers a whole range of adventures from hiking the snowcapped

mountains of Tian Shan to roaming through Kyzylkum, the 16th largest desert in the world. Direct round-trip flights from Bangkok to Astana are roughly B31,105 with Air Astana (airastana.com).

OSLO, NORWAY Welcome to the European Green Capital of 2019— crowned one year ahead of time! There’ll be parades, events, cultural and music performances throughout 2018 as Norway celebrates the 50-year wedding anniversary of its king and queen, while the city’s contemporary architectural masterpiece, the Oslo Opera House, also turns 10 this year. Despite its green credentials, Oslo has seen many modern landmarks popping up recently, including Fjord City—a mega project that’s in the process of transforming 10km waterfront into museums, art venues, apartments and parks.

TRENDS | TOP WAYS TO TAKE A BREAK

GOING SOLO

Online tour operator Intrepid Travel reports a 40-percent increase over the last five years in customers looking to book their once-in-a-lifetime adventures solo. Put it down to an increased sense of independence among the Millennial travel generation. Or put it down to Tinder.

FITNESS BEATS WELLNESS

Acai bowls are the new full English breakfasts; and fatburning retreats are the new package holidays . S avvy wellness travelers also want proper exercise regimes over a colonic and half-hour of yoga. Want proof? Ask the Scandinavian drop-in at your CrossFit gym before she takes off to a muay Thai camp on Samui.

COLD IS COOL

We Bangkokians have always known that travel should be about puffer jackets, not bikinis. Now, the rest of the world is catching on. Tourism’s contribution to Norway’s GDP was at an all-time high in 2017, and luxury travelers are putting Iceland, Greenland and Alaska on their bucket lists. Get there before they do.

BK Magazine Friday February 9, 2018

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VOTE AND WIN!

HELP US CROWN THE BEST BRANDS IN BANGKOK It is the time of the year when we put our opinion aside and let you, our beloved readers, decide what’s hot and excellent in the city. Lend us your voice to win a luxury weekend away!

PLATINUM PRIZE A couple’s 2-night stay

at the 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam, including round-trip air tickets with Bangkok Airways

GOLD PRIZES

A 4-person, 2-night stay in the

Executive Two Bedroom Suite at White Sand Beach Residences Pattaya

A couple’s 2-night stay in the Deluxe Room at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach inc. breakfast

A 4-person, 2-night stay in the Two Bedroom Suite Jacuzzi at Costa Well Resort Pattaya inc. breakfast

A couple’s 2-night staycation

Prize worth 64,730!

Prize worth B40,000!

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A couple’s 1-night stay in the Celestial Suite at Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa inc. breakfast at Al Hamra restaurant

A couple’s 2-night stay in the Ocean Suite at Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Beach, Hua Hin inc. waterpark access

A couple’s 1-night staycation

Prize worth B25,000!

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in the Executive Suite at Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 inc. breakfast and a B2,000 spa voucher at Well spa

Prize worth B26,130!

SILVER PRIZES

A couple’s 1-night staycation

in the Deluxe Room at The Okura Prestige Bangkok inc. breakfast and 2 vouchers for the Saturday night Jazz Buffet at Up & Above restaurant

Prize worth B25,180!

for more info.

in the Executive Suite at Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 inc. breakfast and a B2,000 dinner voucher at Eat Well

TAKE PART AT bkmagazine.com/RCA Voting begins Feb 9, 2018 and ends March 9, 2018. Winners will be contacted by BK staff and announced on BK’s Facebook page. Participants agree to the official rules (found online) and the decisions of the contest sponsors. All prizes must be claimed within 20 days.

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Kankanok Wichiantanon

KANCHANABURI

Float Away

With Kanchanaburi floating-house resorts springing up like mushrooms over recent years, you might believe, as we did, that you’ve seen it all before. Enter Z9 Resort (www.fb.com/Z9Resort, 063-239-4459), near the Srinakarin dam, to establish a new high-water mark in floating luxury. The design by Dersyn Studio manages to be both classical and futuristic, each room stepping out onto a private terrace with unobstructed views of the reservoir. Lounge on beanbags on the communal floating deck or retreat to shore and the resort’s restaurant and bar. At only 15 rooms, you’re assured an exclusive stay, especially if you come weekdays, when the 50-sq-meter spaces go for B6,600; weekends are B8,600 (breakfast and kayaking included).

CHIANG MAI

Sweetest Soul “Taste Me & Drink My Soul” is the neon slogan of Piccadilly (www. fb.com/piccadillydessertbar), Nimman’s latest dessert extravaganza. Like its many sweet-shop peers, this snug spot comes in pastel shades of pink. We’d say it’s safe to judge this book by its cover: every item on the menu is picture-perfect and cute, the focus being ice cream festooned with kaleidoscopic toppings from Froot Loops and Pocky through marshmallows in myriad shapes. They also do baked goods like scones, brownies and cookies, which come together excellently in a mini high tea set. The shop has its own alley with outdoor seating and a tree canopy for cloud cover, making this the perfect place to indulge in a cheat-day treat.

Fireside Feasting At Camp Meating (www.fb.com/ CampMeating), there’s a smattering of the traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, horse riding and biking but the main draw of this lakeside gathering in Chiang Mai’s Maerim District is meat. Between the fairy lights, canvas tents and abundance of faux-antiques, you’ll feel you’ve wandered into a Wes Anderson film set. The picturesque picnic tables are laden with bread, vegetables and cuts of meat, which each group is responsible for cooking over their bonfire grills. There’s also a smoke house in the back where you’ll find a selection of sausages and bacon. The camp lasts until Mar 4, ThuSun, with dinner priced at B1,200 per person. Add B500 for dry-aged Angus Beef or New Zealand lamb chops.

INDONESIA

Urban Renewal Dutch-colonial architecture endures in Bandung, Indonesia, alongside a budding counter-culture teeming with markets. The new opening from U Hotel Group, U Janevella (goo.gl/uYW4Em) mixes modern, glass architecture with lots of green, a balance that reflects the city’s own relationship with its surrounding lush hills and volcanoes. In the 119 rooms and suites, they’ve ditched the neoclassical outfitting favored by neighbors for an edgy-contemporary feel with stark grays and whites evened out by punchy furniture. The central location makes the hotel a convenient choice for a weekend shopping retreat or as a base for outdoor day trips. Opening on Mar 15, room rates begin at B 1,982/night. Lion Air can get you to Bandung for roughly B10,420/round-trip.

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avenue

SHOP

Bigger, Better The past year has seen Bangkok become the region’s flagship city for bigbrand flagship stores, with one “biggest-in-Southeast-Asia” opening after another. The latest is Adidas Brand Center, a 1,100-sq-meter store in CentralWorld. You’ll find the full spectrum of Adidas lines here, from Original through Performance. Try out your new Predator Firm Ground soccer boots (B7,800) on the indoor (fake) grass field or have your tread and foot shape analyzed on the treadmills in the Run Lab to see if you should be running in a pair of Ultraboost (B6,500) or Energy Cloud (B2,290). 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1490. Open daily 10am-10pm

SHOP

CONDO

COSMETICS

Fill ‘Er Up

Park Address

Mirror Mirror

A (hopefully very contagious) case of environmentalism is spreading among the city’s merchants, the latest exponent of which is On Nut’s Refill Station. This green business is the first bulk store in Thailand where you can bring your empty containers of shampoo, shower gel and detergent to refill, saving the environmental cost of plastic waste. Also on sale is a spread of eco-friendly products including bamboo straws and toothbrushes, wheat straw utensils and reusable pads. The store also runs workshops that use recycled materials to make new products like notebooks. See www.fb.com/refillstationbkk for the full schedule. Sukumvit Soi 77/1, 086-993-6566. Open daily 8am-10pm

If you want to snap up a piece of marble-clad real estate right by Lumphini Park, it’ll cost you about B12.9 million at the new Muniq Langsuan by Major Development. For that you get 50 sq meters of living space in a 28-floor building mere minutes from Lumphini. Completion is a long way off— Major’s saying Aug 2021—but we’re giving you a head’s up because presale begins this Feb 10-11 at Ma Maison, Nai Lert Park. What else does your money buy you at Muniq? Classic mid-century styling, a heated pool and a top-floor communal dining room for parties. Call 1266. www.mjd.th/muniq

Before you switch completely to Korean beauty brands, give the new collaboration between Finnish design house Marimekko and American cosmetics giant Clinique a look. For one, the to-die-for retro poppy styling (trust those Scandinavians) will give anyone’s Mizon lip gloss a run for its money in the Beam bathroom mirror cool-stakes. But better than that, the line of lip glosses and lipsticks (B650) comes in every shade from a see-you-at-TCDC nude to does-this-go-with-the-new-Milincollection popping pink. Also available are cushion compacts (B850) and the signature Moisture Surge Concentrate (B2,150) in Chinese New Year packaging. Available at department stores city-wide. Try M/F, Siam Paragon Rama 1 Rd.

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Ad Regus.

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avenue GIFTS

Sweet Surrender Love is enduring, but bouquets wither and die. This Valentine’s, say it with a gift instead. By Kasidit Srivilai

ARNO’S

Blind For Love scarf, Gucci, B16,400 G/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.

Bi-fold wallet, Paul Smith, B7,200 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Striped apron, Everyday Kmkm, B450. G/F, Yada Building, Silom Rd.

Tubereuse scented candle, Diptyque, B4,200 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

This mu ery stil the we a huge own cut or let th “Arno’s kg. 2080/2 8340

Lover tote, Everyday Kmkm, B350 G/F, Yada Building, Silom Rd.

Sequinned sneakers, Ash, B7,200 G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd.

Back strap pumps, Emmy Yang, B6,900 2/F, Zen at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd.

Plate, Fornasetti, B9,500 Season Living, Sukhumvit Soi 63

Macarons by Laduree, Vincent Lemains, B1,475. Online at www.asiabooks.com

Happy Dog fan, Leisure Projects, B450 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd.

Red Yarn watch, Gucci, B34,600 G/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.

Oversized T-shirt, Onion Collection, B1,190. Online at www.onionbkk.com

Takara Thakorn Wannawong, founder and designer of the much-hyped streetwear brand Takara Wong, shares his favorite spots around his home on Charoenkrung and beyond.

where I can enjoy Bangkok’s best chocolate frappe and look out over Siam Square with the BTS passing by. The views are really great at dusk.

Restaurants: I’m not really into luxurious venues, so my favorites are old shop-house places and street vendors, like Tuang Dim Sum (2029/9 Charoenkrung Rd.) and Guay Jub Mr. Joe (46 Chan Soi 44). They were both just listed in the Bib Gourmand section of Michelin.

Bars: I prefer laid-back vibes over fancy decoration and complicated cocktails. Recently, you would find me at Old Town bars like Studiyo Bar (Phra Arthit Rd.) and Hippie de Bar (Khaosan Rd.) for good ‘80s-‘90s music, yummy nibbles and friendly-priced booze. I also go to Soulbar (Charoenkrung Rd.) to catch good live bands in a friendly crowd.

Shopping: The third floor of Siam Center because it’s only for Thai designers. For vintage clothes, of course it has to be Chatuchak Market but I’d like to recommend one non-Bangkok market—San Pha Koi Market in Chiang Mai is amazing for vintage treasure-hunting, too.

DESIGNER BANGKOK Takara Wong

Cafes: I don’t drink coffee but I do love Brave Roasters (3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd.)

Check out Takara Wong at Gin&Milk, 3/F, Siam Center or online at www.takarawong.com

BK Magazine Friday, February 9, 2018

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WANT TO KNOW THE BEST DEALS IN BANGKOK? BK Privileges is your gateway to exclusive deals from restaurants, gigs, hotels, bars and more. Delivered straight to your inbox.

PRIVILEGES

CONCERT PROMOS

DINING DISCOUNTS

PRIORITY BOOKING

AND MORE!

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bites & blends

NEW RESTAURANT

East Meets West Korean-American chef Akira Back’s eponymous restaurant on the 37th floor of Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is the latest in his globetrotting empire that now spans 10 cities around the world. The flavors of Back’s dishes layer Korean and Japanese cuisines with influences from his American upbringing—taco shells stuffed with wagyu beef bulgogi (B340), tuna sashimi presented like a pizza on a tortilla-chip base and drizzled in truffle oil (B290)—and come served up amid a dark, hi-so vibe of black concrete and wooden furnishings. Keep room for the grilled octopus in jalapeno sauce (B480) and most-necessary chocolate souffle (B370). 37/F, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily Mon-Sun 6-10:30pm.

NEW RESTAURANT

NEW BEER

Molto Italiano

Third-culture Brew

Acquire the Taste

Stave off that Italian eatery ennui with iO Osteria, which combines pizzeria, delicatessen, bakery and bar in a single venue. The menu won’t bore you either, skirting the likes of classic carbonara and spaghetti Bolognese for more esoteric, but still homey, eating from across Italy’s 20 regions. The orecchiette in a pork sausage and saffron sauce (B350) is a crowd pleaser that goes well with red wine, available by the glass from B190. With its casual mood and wide-ranging, affordable fare, this is a dining destination that’s satisfying at any time of day. 1/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-117-3826. Open daily Mon-Sun 11am-midnight. www.fb.com/ioosteriabkk

The Counting Sheep Corner, beyond being Ekkamai’s favorite hangout cafe, now has its own craft beer, Dirty Forty. It comes in two styles: pilsner ABV 4.5% and amber ABV 5%, both made in Australia by a Thai brewer, so we’ll call it a Thai beer with an Australian personality. Dirty Forty certainly passes the local climate test, meaning we drank it on Counting Sheep’s terrace and felt refreshed. Try the amber if you have a palate for a bitter beer. It’s currently available at The Counting Sheep Corner (Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-714-4477), Studio Lam (Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661) and Wishbeer (Sukhumvit Soi 67, 02-650-2113) for B160-220. www. fb.com/dirtyforty

Sour beer: Why does it taste that way? What’s in it? Where does it come from? Why am I drinking it? These and your other tart-brew queries will be answered in a class by craft beer distributor Captain Barrel at Changwon Express Flow House. For B888, you’ll get a taste eight labels including Oud Beersel Framboise, Duchesse de Bourgogne and Vanderghinste. It all goes down on Feb 17 from 5pm until you're still standing. To save a spot, go to bit.ly/2n8tWMM. Please note that the class is conducted in Thai. 120/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 084-422-4649. Open daily Mon-Sun 5-11:30pm. www.fb.com/changwonexpress

WORKSHOP

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bites INTERVIEW

Shinobu Namae

Peninsula

VALENTINE’S

Something Special

Jua

The topic of sustainability is still relatively new in Japan. Why?

Where to book that romantic Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb 14. By BK staff Bitterman

La Bottega

INDEPENDENTS

Bitterman

A four-course dinner (B2,800 per person) with dishes like sous-vide beetroot with St. Marellin cheese, 270-day-old Black Onyx beef with celeriac puree, burnt onion shell and bone marrow. Add B300 for two glasses of wine. With live acoustic band. Sala Daeng Soi 1, 062-636-3256

Bunker

A five-course dinner (B1,999 per person; B1,500 extra for wine pairing) featuring seared snapper and roasted duck with chestnuts and sour beet glaze, or a nine-course dinner (B3,250; B2,050 extra for wine pairing), with dishes like New York strip steak and foie gras dumplings. 118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991, 02-234-7749

Jua

BK A 10-course Japanese PICK! menu (B3,300 per person) featuring poke, yakitori and Kagoshima A3 striploin paired with four natural wines from Naturalista and a sake. Sittings at 6:30pm and 9pm. 672/49 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 061-5587689

Il Fumo

A five-course Italian and Portuguese tasting menu (B2,900 per person; B1,200 extra for wine pairing) featuring pan-seared foie gras with port wine reduction, Australian wagyu beef, Hokkaido scallop with sea urchin foam, and Portuguese egg tart or dark chocolate maralumi with coffee. 1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833

La Bottega

HOTELS

A special Italian a la carte menu starring foie gras with wild berries sauce topped with pistachio crackers (B1,290), stracchino cheese and sausage stuffed ravioli with black truffle and beetroot sauce (B1,290) and fassona beef carpaccio with parmesan mousse and hazelnut (B1,290).

Anantara Siam

2/F, Terrace 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-2041731

155 Rajadamri Rd., 02-126-8866

The Meatchop Butcher & Spirits

A special a la carte menu under the theme "Love is on Fire" including oyster with the fat of jamon Iberico (B85 each) and Chuleton (45-day dry-aged striploin from Rangers Valley, B2,800 for 800g). Free DIY cocktail for all diners with a one-on-one crafting session with the head bartender. 1/4 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-033-2709

Prelude

A four-course dinner (B2,500 per person with rose wine pairing) featuring potato pancakes with poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise sauce, and roasted beef served on pillowy pomme puree. Dessert is a strawberry cake with coconut panna cotta and poached strawberries. 2/F, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 06-13841067

Vogue Lounge

A six-course tasting menu with Champagne (from B12,500 per couple with half a bottle of Deutz to B19,500 per couple with a bottle of Dom Perignon). Mains include fried lobster ravioli in soup with pumpkin gnocchi, and cod fish with black truffle mashed potatoes. 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697

Executive chef of two-Michelinstarred L’effervescence in Tokyo, Shinobu Namae is a leading voice in the sustainability movement in Japan and a staunch supporter of small and organic growers.

An Italian four-course dinner (B3,990 per couple; B6,990 with a bottle of Taittinger Brut Champagne) at Biscotti including Acquerello risotto with red beetroot, burrata with liquorice foam and seared red mullet topped with passito wine.

Cape House

A set dinner at No. 43 Italian Bistro (B980 per person) featuring prawn cocktail with pink sauce and caviar, sea bass fillet in vegetable sauce and soft lemon dressing with dill, and strawberry mousse. 43 Langsuan Rd., 02-658-7444

Marriott Marquis

A buffet (B2,888 per person) at Goji Kitchen & Bar featuring caviar, Boston lobster and foie gras. A bottle of pink bubbly or free-flow gin with appetizers and a bowl of chocolate-dipped strawberries (B2,200 per couple) at A Bar. 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999

Novotel Sukhumvit 20

A poolside dinner at Gourmet Bar (B4,900 per couple with a bottle of prosecco) featuring grilled lobster, rack of lamb and tapas buffet, and a 26th-floor rooftop tapas set (B4,000 per couple with a bottle of sparkling wine or B8,000 with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose). 19/9 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-009-4999

Park Hyatt

A three-course set dinner at Embassy Room (B1,950 per person; an extra B1,250 for wine pairing).

Peninsula

BIG A personal 80- minute SPENDER Champagne cruise on the Chao Phraya River followed by afternoon tea at The Lobby (B25,888 per couple) or by an international buffet dinner at River Cafe & Terrace (B30,888). 333 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-020-2888

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

A modern Italian set dinner at Rossini’s (B8,400 per couple with a rose and chocolates), a “surprise” dinner at Dine in the Dark (B3,700 per couple with a rose and chocolates), a fivecourse dinner at the poolside The Sala (B3,255 per couple with a rose and chocolates) or a seafood buffet dinner at Orchid Cafe (B3,130 per couple). Online bookings at www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com get you a discount of up 35 percent. 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8888

Siam Kempinski

A modern Thai eight-course dinner at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin (B10,900 per couple with a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne). Lobby/F, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000

The St. Regis

A six-course poolside dinner (B15,000 per couple including wine), buffet at Viu (B2,300 per person including a glass of prosecco) or five-course Italian set dinner at Jojo (B7,500 per couple; B3,500 extra for wine pairing). Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777

I think that in Asia in general, food is underrated because we tend to see food as a commodity, without valuing it as part of the culture. I believe that this attitude is changing little by little, but people still want cheap and tasty food. If you always make decisions based on the lowest price, then someone has to suffer– maybe the producer, or the restaurateur. In essence, you are trying to bring to light the connection between food and the lives of the people who produce it, and also those who prepare and serve it at restaurants. We need to educate people. We should make transparency of production a priority. If you buy coffee, you should know how the farmers live and work. Do they work hard? Honestly? Patiently? We are paying for their efforts. That’s why I include a list of the farmers with my dishes, to tell their stories and make people more aware. What will you be talking about at Bangkok’s {Re} Food Forum? Economically developed countries have led the sustainability movement, but we haven’t heard about these issues from the perspective of developing countries. In places where poverty is widespread, they’re not in the position to prioritize sustainability, and it’s really difficult to start that conversation as an outsider. But having this forum in Bangkok and bringing people from all over Asia together, we can share our experiences and start talking about it. Melinda Joe

Shinobu Namae will be talking at the {Re} Food Forum on Mar 20. He will be holding a masterclass on the traditional Japanese stock, dashi, also on Mar 20. His “four hands” dinner with Gaa chef Garima Arora will be held at Bo.lan on Mar 21. Go to www.retake.asia for tickets.

88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234

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blends VALENTINE’S

Get Lucky Cozy speakeasies, romantic rooftops and tequila—this Valentine’s Day drinking guide takes all sorts. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj The 88

A Bar

FIRST TINDER DATE

The 88

Sit at the bar here—if the conNEW versation dries up, you can also pawn your date off on the friendly American bartender who’s a compendium of obscure cocktail knowledge. Plus, the snacks are as good as the drinks. Price: B360 per drink 88 Surawong Rd., 087-663-1365

Aire Bar

Don’t have a casual condo roofNEW top to drink on? Try Aire Bar, where the cocktails are affordable (by rooftop standards), the wine list long and the vibe laid-back. Price: B280 per drink 28/F, Hyatt Place, 22/5 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-055-1234

Coastal

Ease into the evening with after-work (3pm onwards) at this garden tiki bar. Stretch the date into dinner with a couple dishes from Thai-comfort specialist Kram just next door. Price: B340-B360 per drink 113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 098-253-9356

Iron Balls (Phrom Phong)

NEW

Play it fancy at this new bar, where the extravagant decor’s sure to impress, the seating is cozy, the music low and Sing Sing Theater is just next door should things go well. Price: B280-500 per drink Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478

FOUR DATES IN

A Bar

Two floors and two bars, one with NEW a focus on dark spirits, one specializing in gin. Also, the view of Benjasiri Park at night is romantic in t h a t twinkling, classical way. Price: B365-505 per drink 37-38/F, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park , 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999

Asia Today

Quirky and hip, your date’s NEW clearly looking for creative cocktails inspired by local ingredients. There’s also a shark hanging overhead. Sharks are romantic, right? Price: B360 per drink 35 Soi Maitri Chit, 097-134-4704

Aire Bar

Just A Drink Maybe

This intimate gin specialist has many a nook and cranny, including the newly-opened second floor. Also, the Taiwanese bar snacks are catnip for the tipsy—your date won’t want to leave after a bite of the fried chicken (B180). Price: B350-B450 per drink 44/3 Thonglor Soi 1, 02-023-7285

Iron Balls

Dok Kaew House Bar

Great craft beer, spicy food and an 80-yearold house combine for a venue where you can dress down to go out. Who do you need to impress, anyway? Price: B180 per drink 71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 096-886-4104

Penthouse Bar + Grill

Ku Bar

This too-cool speakeasy hidden above Brown Sugar serves a rotating menu of wonderfully original cocktails. An alluring bar for a unique date. Price: B360-390 per drink 3/F, 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731

Tropic City

Escape Sukhumvit with this Charoenkrung rum bar that’s hip without being intimidating. The tropical mural makes for a good selfie opportunity, too. Price: B350 per drink 672/65 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825

ACTUALLY IN A RELATIONSHIP

Bamboo Bar

Basically a monument to the high life, this jazz institution does swank like no other. Come for the live music and a special cocktail menu inspired by jazz legends of old. Price: B520 per drink 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000

The all-out Valentine’s Day experience. Make sure you explore all three floors, even the intimate, hidden whiskey bar with live piano music. Price: B290-360 per drink 34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234

Salon du Japonisant

Perfect for when you’ve reached the stage where communication is mostly non-verbal (the bar’s quiet). Or just don’t communicate at all and instead marvel at cocktails made with Japanese precision and delicacy. Price: B380 per drink 36/5 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-019-9062

Vesper

Newly-renovated and cozy but classy as ever. The creative cocktail menu still comes in the form of an interpreted “Art Book.” For a complete dinner date, start your evening at the colorful Mediterranean restaurant Via Maris just next door. Price: B340-B420 per drink 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777

BARS Single? Don’t worry, here’s where to have fun this Valentine’s

HAIR OF THE DOG

BAR SAVOY

BRAIN FREEZE

Tell the staff that you’re single and enjoy There’s A Tear In My Beer promotion with 50-percent off on all taps at both branches. Special (strong) Valentine’s Day cocktails will also be available at Phrom Phong.

Sing your lonesome heart out in a karaoke room with your friends (or, you know, alone), while taking seconds and thirds from the punch bowl.

Start the night on these gin-soaked gummies and slushy cocktails then head to Beam to spin off the sugar rush.

1-2/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-392-7636

Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 090-656-0711

2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-7589 593/27 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-258-1461

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

SpareParts

American. 3-4/F, FooJohn, 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 087-593- 9973. Open Wed-Sun 7-11:45pm. MRT Hua Lamphong. BB

We really wanted to like SpareParts. Proper barbecue joints are basically n o n - ex i s te n t a ro u n d S i l o m a n d Charoenkrung, and when SpareParts took over the top two stories (plus half a rooftop) of Charoenkrung hipster hangout, FooJohn Building, in July, 2017, it seemed like the days of hiking to Thonglor or Ratchadamri for low-and-slow were over. SpareParts certainly looks and sounds the part. Deli-Q food truck’s Texas-born owner Caitlin Lee Chullasapya takes care of the rooftop smoke pit, where she smokes her ribs for 6-8 hours. The interior is bare and simple with plastic chairs, plain wooden tables and walls plastered in newspaper clippings for a bit of extra shabby chic. And you know what? It works. Sitting on SpareParts’ breezy rooftop terrace, with the sounds of twangy folk music from the likes of Jonah Tolchin in the background, feels like you’ve discovered some hole-in-the-wall smoke-

house stronghold in a US flyover state. It’s just too bad that, on our last visit, the food didn’t match the build-up. The pork ribs (B380/3 pieces, B700/6 pieces, or as part of mixed platters from B580 -1,940), slowly smoked with SpareParts’ signature dry rub, come in massive portions for their price tag but are overcooked and dry—even for the dry-style ribs you find in parts of Texas and Memphis. It’s nothing that a lathering of barbecue sauce can’t handle (SpareParts rotates its sauce styles regularly), but we found ourselves doing this all too often to compensate for lacking flavors and dry meat. The pulled pork slider (B320) is almost unsettling at first bite—where is the seasoning and sauce on the pork, the dressing on the slaw? The pork belly burnt ends (B180), this time a Kansas City staple, tasted like dry pellets of dust instead of the “best bits” that American barbecue cooks famously keep for themselves. SpareParts nails the vibe, and on the surface is doing a lot of things right (its batter- coated wedges [B100/smal l, B160/large] are a knockout, by the way), but the food is lacking any of the moreish flavors that’s made American barbecue one of the world’s great cuisines. For now, stick to the big beef rack at Hickory or the baby backs from Smokin’ Pug.

GOURMET ROMANCE. That’s what matters to me. Treat the love of your life to a magnificent set menu at Skyline. City lights, the food of love and a Champagne toast to each other. Delight in a carefully created menu to delight him and her. Make a night to remember this Valentine’s Day with a gastronomic feast. Wednesday 14 February 2018. Valentines 3-course Menu for Him & Her THB 4,999++ per couple, including 375 ml. Billecart Salmon Champagne Price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2431 9100 Ext. 2420

AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel 257 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600, Thailand T +66 (0) 2431 9100 E riverside.bangkok@avanihotels.com avanihotels.com

VRIV_Skyline-Valentine.indd 1

Infusion HH Western. 15/1 Soi Yen Akat, 02-249-5572. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am BB-BBB

The proliferation of dining fads on show at this glasshouse bistro looks straight out of Thonglor or Silom. But here on the leafy, residential Soi Yen Akat, the arrival of chopping boards as plates, dangling factory lights and more red brick than a British industrial town is also attracting a big neighborhood clientele. Infusion’s menu of dryaged beef burgers, seafood-heavy pasta, sticky ribs and dry ice-spewing cocktails are proving bonafide crowd pullers compared to the always sadly-empty French bistro, Le Petit Zinc, that it has replaced. Dipping into one molasses-black , overwhelmingly sweet onion soup (B200), we can’t help but wish the kitchen had back Le Petit Zinc’s authentic Gallic touch, but that’s not to say that dinner here is a disaster. The showpiece burger, even

in its simplest B285 guise (other models can be specced up to B425 with bacon, mushrooms and onion jam), has an intensity that lives up to their dry- aging claims. Some might find it overpowering. We find it juicy, fatty a n d g r o u n d t o e n s u r e p r o p e r, steak-likebite—all cooked to a happy medium pink. The pillowy-soft sesame bun is excellent. Infusion’s crab spaghetti in a “bisque reduction” lacks the flavor-punch of a properly good seafood stock, but nonetheless comes with plentiful, sweet chunks of crabmeat that make the B395 price easy enough to swallow. Less successful is the calamari (B210), which on our last visit arrived wet with oil, the batter all but dropping off some pieces of squid. Take solace in the fact that the jovial, talkative head barman can whip up a good, bourbon-strong, frothy whiskey sour (B220), which is joined on the booze menu by a selection of big-ticket American craft beers (B210-245) as well as plenty of flamboyant, fruity cocktails. With a burger that satisfies any greasy craving, as well as 1kg tomahawk steaks currently on at a discounted B2,800 (regular price B3,800), it’s easy to see why so many people take up pews in Infusion on a Saturday night. But that’s about it.

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPPP

B BB BBB BBBB

Forget it Only if you’re in the neighborhood A pleasant dining experience Not to be missed Flawless BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

2/5/18 3:27 PM

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 E Dress requirements G Live music

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Tsukiji Aozora Sandaime Omakase sushi at a price you can afford.

The buzz: Ishikawa Motonobu is a third-generation fish wholesaler whose restaurant in the outer market of Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market is practically a shrine to raw fish, drawing foodie pilgrims from the world over. With his Bangkok branch, the city’s sushi lovers have a new and reasonably-priced omakase-sushi destination to add to their list of favorites. The decor: A slick interpretation of the minimalist style of many omakase restaurants. The walls are done in imposing black granite, an effect softened by the warm wood and white marble of the bar area, which seats up to 12. Come during the day and the space is alive with natural light from the glass wall behind the bar. A la carte diners are seated in the quiet and casual back rooms, which acommodate up to 32.

The food: The sashimi rice bowl (B1,280), nicknamed “the jewelry box” by the chef, comes with a wealth of tuna, salmon roe, sea urchin and golden eye snapper, all topped with a single plump shrimp. The sashimi sets are served on a slab of pink Himalayan rock salt with wedges of kabosu (a citrus fruit). The lunch omakase (B1,800) gets you 10 Edo-style pieces of sushi while the Aozora omakase comes with five substantial courses and a dessert (B3,300).

Why we’d come back: Clearly, the chefs here know their trade, serving up sushi with a quiet confidence that disguises the true sophistication of the preparation. With a Tsukiji Market wholesaler behind the venture, you can also rest assured that you’re only getting the finest, freshest ingredients.

The drinks: The by-the-glass selection of umeshu and sake won’t disappoint. The refined Kubota Manjyu sake from Niigata province is a hefty B620, but more affordable options include umeshu and honjozo sake for B225. There’s also a selection of beer, wine, whiskey and gin.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today – 30 Sep ‘18

Note: Reserve are a must, even for a la carte. Kankanok Wichiantanon Compass Skyview Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1102. Open daily 11:30am-2pm; 5:30-10pm. www.sandaimebkk.com

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Holey Kitchen

Maison Chatenet

Wagyuism

TABLE TALK

NEW AND NOTED

All Rise This latest, mere two-month-old project from master Laotian baker Albert Chatenet (protege of hallowed Parisian pastry ground like Royal Monceau and Patisserie Sylvain Joubert) brings some of Bangkok's best pastries to the designer community on Charoenkrung. Drop by the charming new glass-tiles-and-concrete venue of Maison Chatenet (Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 092-4080308) for butter croissants (B30) and galette (almond cream filled pastry, B150).

Hole to Fill It’s a good day for Sathorn breadophiles. After serving up Phrom Phong with some amazing sourdough, Bangladesh-born bakery Holey has moved to a second Suan Phlu location. Holey Kitchen (39/17 Soi Suanplu, 02-2861549) presents the same masterful sourdough (B80) and

croissants (B80) alongside stomach-busting paninis filled with NY-style pastrami (B400) and porchetta and jalapenos (B350) in a coffee-shop setting just ripe for lazy Sunday mornings. Also grab the hot chocolate made with a pinch of salt (B120)

Meat Up Between Wholly Cow, Jamie’s Burger and Flat Marble, Ari-goers are spoiled for choice when it comes to beef. Add to that juicy list Wagyuism’s (110/9 Ari Samphan Soi 5, 082-232-2323) classy-industrial corner spot boasting an entire wall of fine wines and sakes (B750-B9,000) to pair with the steak centerpieces. Expect Japan's signature melt-in-your-mouth marbling with the menu of Kobe and Hokkaido wagyu in grades A4 and A5. The grilled wagyu marinated in Saikyo white miso sauce (B460) adds a subtle savoriness to the beef, but get the wagyu rice bowl (B600) or wagyu soba for a heartier meal. BK staff

The Meatchop Butcher and Spirits 1/4 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-033-2709, open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm This lively, marble-laden carnivore’s haven adds a welcome dose of cool to Sala Daeng. Philippines-born chef Enzo de la Cruz takes charge of the grill with a focus on Australian prime cuts like 150-day-aged Wagyu striploin and 270-day-aged Black Angus ribeye. Other recommendations include Spanish-style small plates on a mixed cured meat platter and the jamon serrano sandwich with tomato jam and cheddar cheese. Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only and a complimentary drink valued THB 280 when spending THB 2,000 or more/sales slip (limit 1 glass /card /table /sales slip) Today – 31 Jul 18

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now

SAT Ed Sheeran 4.0 Swedish DJ Mike Perry has a knack for setting seemingly-sacrosanct indie songs to an electronic beat. His most recent project is Ed Sheeran's “Perfect,” but Europhiles will likely know him for his chart-topping track “The Ocean.” Whether it’s Sheeran or Scandinavian singles that get your blood flowing, there’s something for you at Onyx on Feb 10.

FRI All Over the Map The fifth edition of Galleries’ Night returns to over 60 galleries and art spaces along the BTS’ Silom Line (Feb 9) and Sukhumvit Line (Feb 10). For those of you born 1990 and after, fear not, navigating a physical map isn’t necessary; the event comes with its own app to help you blaze a trail through the jungle of opening receptions, talks, performances, screenings and exhibitions from the art scene’s finest. Don’t miss out on this year’s novelty: a fleet of art-outfitted tuktuks that will shuttle you from one gallery to the next.

SUN Beats Me If you’ve never paired vegan cheese and Balearic beats, you’re not alone. Nightlife event organizers Sunset Society Sunday have found a strange bedfellow in Barefood Bangkok, a vegan food specialist, to bring this novel experience to Ekkamai’s rooftop restaurant, Nowhere. For the Feb 11 event, DJs Alex Imix, NK Chan and Superstar Panda are tasked with making veganism cool. Free entry.

SUN Woman Up It’s always a good night when we catch folk-rockers My Life as Ali Thomas or experimentalist band Sasi on stage, so we count ourselves unduly blessed that both are playing in the Girl Vol. II concert on Feb 11. The two bands, both honorees of BK’s Bands to Watch 2017, are joined by three other local groups at Loyshy. See page 21 for more.

NIGHTLIFE KAZOKU × PUNKY DISCO PRESENT DJ KENT (FORCE OF NATURE)

Tokyo psychedelic disco veteran DJ Kent is supported by Rocco Universal, Gishiyama and Jamsai. Feb 9, 8pm. 12x12, Ekkamai Soi 19, 094-260-4713. B300. NAKADIA WELCOMES DIZHARMONIA AT VIOLETT BANGKOK

Thai techno DJ Nakadia is joined by Greek duo Dizharmonia. Grab tickets at bit. ly/2GgQDGH. Feb 9, 9pm. Violett, Thonglor Soi 10, 095393-8858. B300-400. 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MUSTACHE

DJ Dunk

Celebrate the Ratchada bar’s birthday with beats and booze. Feb 9, 9pm. Mustache Bangkok, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02-274-5855. Free.

A NIGHT AT WHITELINE

Pilot Pirx and MC Sunthi perform songs about animals and airplanes with support from DJ DO spinning dance-floor classics. Feb 9, 9pm-2am. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087 061 1117. Free. DJ DUNK - HOUSE PARTY

DJ Dunk plays the full spectrum of house and disco music. Feb 9, 8pm. Sorry I'm Gay, Ratachada Train Night Market, Ratchadapisek Rd., 099-3399173. Free.

Mackson spins minimalist grooves. Feb 9, 10pm. Safe Room, Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087 061 1117. B200 includes 1 drink. BLAST POOL SERIES #0030 2 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

The techno-house open-air party celebrates 2 years with DJs Simone Liberali, Sanchez, and Adiero and Nukier. Feb 10, 2pm. DoubleTree by Hilton, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-649-6666. B400 includes 1 drink.

LA CHOUFFE HOUSE PARTY

MODULATE X TECHNO SAKE

A big party offering a variety of Chouffe beers and drinking games. Feb 9, 7pm. Nineteens Up, Baan Silom, Silom Rd., 096-649-6919. Free.

A night of live electronic and techno from the two collectives and artists like DJs Do, Cliffy and Flex.Off. Feb 10, 8pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B100.

TECH IT EASY PRES. JICHAEL MACKSON (DE)

The Munich-based DJ Jichael

1-800-DONG #1

The Meatchop and Happy Endings restaurants team up for a night of Vietnamese food and cocktails, while British DJs Pageant and Brent Burns soundtrack the evening. Feb 10, 7-11pm. Happy Endings, 1/5 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 080961-4524. Free. HYPNOTIC

Tech-house and techno all night from DJs Pammy13 and UNIX. Feb 10, 8pm. Sorry I'm Gay, Ratachada Train Night Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173. Free. MIKE PERRY

The Swedish DJ and beatmaker behind Maroon 5's “Cold” and Ed Sheeran's “Perfect” takes over the decks for a night. Feb 10, 9pm. Onyx, RCA Rama IX Rd., 081-645-1188. B500. >>

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now NIGHTLIFE

LIVE MUSIC

Srirajah Rockers

Hugo Cantarra

WORLD DRUM CIRCLE

African drums and didgeridoo music, alongside a free Thai drum klong yao workshop. Feb 10, 9ampast midnight. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 40, 064-7234975. B200. PHATFUNK DRUM & BASS FEAT. RETRAFLEX

DJs Retraflex, Will, Azek and DeLorean return for a straight-up drum 'n’ bass night. Feb 10, 9pm-2am. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061717-4365. B150. GLOW SATURDAY W/ BORIS RUBIN

The deep-house DJ takes over the dancefloor alongside Roulio Aittouares. Feb 10, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 includes 1 drink. PSYHEAD COMMUNITY

DJs Goa Gummy, Bladers_Hypnotize, Jack the Jackal, Puffer P and Pzychobiz throw a Goa-style psytrance party. Feb 10, 9pm-2am. Residence de Canal, 463/72 Luk Luang Rd., 02-061-8289. Free. GLOW SUNDAZE W/ KOISH

Koish spins a five-hour set of disco, house and techno. Feb 11, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. Free entry before midnight. Then B250 includes 1 drink. ANGRY LOVE

An “Un-Valentine’s Day” party for singles. Feb 14, 6pm-2am. Revolucion Cocktail Bangkok, Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823/02-235-4822. Free. LOVE IS IN DE COMMUNE I DAVIDE

Davide, Hexer and Fery spin lovers tracks on Valentine’s Day. Feb 14, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B350. FRENCH ROMANTIC EVENING FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

French love songs with an optional dinner. For reservations, visit bit. ly/2BHUida. Feb 14, 7pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Witthayu Rd., 02-670-4200. B6001,690. BE MY VALENTINE

Khan Thaitanium spins music fit for Valentine’s Day. Tickets TBA. Feb 14,

9pm-2:30am. Violett, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858. SORRY I'M SINGLE

DJ Bonnie Crazydog and more celebrate single life on Valentine’s Day. Feb 14, 9pm. Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 091-632-8859. B250 includes 1 drink. GLOW WEDNESDAY W/ VICTORIA/ WINTIX

Wintix spins a genre-crossing Valentine’s Day set alongside progressive techo DJ Victoria making her Glow debut. Feb 14, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. Free before midnight. B250 includes 1 drink after. HUGO CANTARRA (FR) AT LEVELS

The French DJ performs his mix of rock, electronic and house. Feb 15, 9pm-2am. Levels, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. B300. INTERSTELLAR X GLOW WITH STEPHANIE SYKES (FULL PANDA/ 47 - UK)

Interstellar presents Stephanie Sykes and her black simulation alongside Cabbit. Feb 15, 9:30pm, Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. B300 before 11pm or B400 after 11pm includes 1 drink. SUGAR CLUB PRESENTS: KRAFTY KUTS

The British breakbeat DJ/producer performs with DJ Murf and MC G-Spark. Feb 15, 10pm-midnight. Sugar Club, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061391-3111. B400 for men, B300 for women includes 1 drink. PRIMATES #3

Everything from house to dancehall, disco to UK garage. Feb 16, 8pm. Sorry I'm Gay, Ratachada Train Night Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173. MELA AT DE COMMUNE

The DJ collective returns for a night of underground techno. Feb 16, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B200. GLOW FRIDAY

Dan Buri and Kuroten Music kick off the weekend in deep-tech style. Feb 16, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 includes 1 drink.

Koish

TOPROCK PRESENTS: "HIP HOP HEADS"

DJs Maft Sai, Kanehbos and Boogie G fill the night with their hip-hop vinyl selection. Feb 16, 10pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. B200. PLASTIC DREAMS AT 12 X12

Mikey Mike, Billy V and Ronny Slama lead an all-vinyl-party. Feb 16, 10pm-1am. 12x12, Ekkamai Soi 19, 094-260-4713. B200. DZ001

DJ Daniel Sanchez and support act Soi Dogs play an official pre-party event for the Dropzone Festival. Feb 16, 11pm-4:30am. Mustache Bangkok, Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02 274 5855. B300. WESTIN POOL PARTY - ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Celebrating two years, the pool party returns with dance shows, DJs, a saxophonist and pyrotechnics. Feb 17, 1-9pm. The Westin Grande, Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02 207 8000. B400 includes 1 drink. PREDUCE SKATEBOARDS PRESENT SUPERMIX VIDEO PREMIERE

The premiere of "SuperMix,” a video from Preduce Skateboards, promises free entrance, free beers and free tattoos. Feb 17, 8pm-2am. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Free. RETOX SESSIONS PRES. LOCO DICE

A night of ‘90s-inspired hip hop. Feb 17, 9pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B700-750. KARMA KITCHEN AFTERPARTY WITH THOMAS VON PARTY (MULTI CULTI)

The Karma Klique DJ crew (Thomas Von Party, Sunju Hargun and DOTT) follow up their Karma Kitchen market (see page 22) with upbeat sets till late. Feb 17, 10pm-2am. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. B350. GLOW SUNDAZE W/ WINTIX

A special five-hour set of Wintix’s finest deep sounds. Feb 18, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. Free before midnight. Then B250 includes 1 drink.

The Rocket Whale

Bodyslam

Concerts G19 FEST: ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

A concert to celebrate 19 years of the Genie Records featuring performances from rockers 25 Hours, Big Ass, Bodyslam, Cocktail, Instinct, Klear, Kwang ABNormal, Num Kala, Labanoon, Palaphol, Pang Nakatin, Palmy, Paradox, Potato, Pun Basher, Retrospect, Sweet Mullet, The Mousses, The Yers and Yes’sir Days. Tickets are sold-out. Feb 10, 1pm. Rajamangala Stadium, Huamak Rd. B1,500. JULIE BYRNE LIVE IN BANGKOK W/ YOSSNON

The Buffalo, New York-born folk singer-songwriter visits the city as part of her world tour in support of the album Not Even Happiness. Alongside supporting act and local folk talent Yossnon. Feb 11, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. B200.

with My Life as Ali Thomas, Petite Diva, Sasi, The 10th Saturday and Lukpeach. Feb 11, 7pm. Loyshy, Soi Phayanak, 085-018-5575. B300-400. LORD LIAR BOOTS LIVE@NONG TAPRACHAN

The indie band takes over the stage with their rock setlist. Feb 11, 7pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd. Free. THE ROCKET WHALE AT PLAY YARD

The alternative rock band takes over the bar for a night. Tickets TBA.Feb 13, 7pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Ladprao Soi 8, 085-146-8017. STONE IN THE GRASS VOL.1

Psychedelic folk act The Front Low are joined by modern hard-rockers Gold Wolf and alternative rockers Yooze and Yew. Feb 15, 7:30pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B150.

TNT MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018

PISS OFF

EDM, trap and hip-hop from DJs Lil Jon, Soda, Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, Clinton Sparks, Willy Monfret, Thaitanium and Bank Cash. Grab tickets at thaiticketmajor.com. Feb 17, 6pm. Bitec Bangna, Sukhumvit Rd. B2,200-3,500.

Punk and hardcore from The Diehards, The Greed, Jimmy Revolt, Strive for Nothing, Land for Loners, Hate Monday, God Hates and Higher Learning. Feb 17, 6pm. Immortal Bar, Din Daeng Rd., 062-829-7854. B200.

SRIRAJAH ROCKERS X DE COMMUNE

"SHAPESHIFTER" AUDIO / VISUAL TRANSFORMATIONS

The dub-influenced indie rockers hit the stage. Feb 18, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B300.

Gigs FRESHLY SQUEEZED SOUNDS

Hip-hop through to alternative rock from independent artists Gold Wolf, Protozua, Tom Camp and Bu Ramoni, plus a DJ set from Rory Breaker-Morant. Feb 9, 7pm. Live Lounge, Trendy Building, 10/47 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. B300. GIRL VOL. II

Thomas Ankersmit (Touch and PAN records) brings his experimental analog modular synthesizer sounds to Bangkok alongside local artists Tada Hengsapkul, Highlag and Voranat Voraphitak. Feb 18, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B200. WEST OF EAST LIVE

The band takes over Chang Cheum live house with the folk-rock sounds from their latest album, Western Music on Eastern Player. Feb 18, 6pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd., 081-817-2888. Free.

The Wildest Youth’s live series featuring only female artists returns

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now PLAN AHEAD

ART

The secret of skin

LANY

After kick-starting 2018 with Brit rocker Liam Gallagher and LA indie-pop four-piece Foster The People, local promoters The Very Company just announced an upcoming show by Lany. The indie trio will return for their second live performance in Bangkok on Apr 2. The show at Moonstar Studio 8 is just the Bangkok leg on a larger Asia tour. Fans can expect debut-album favorites like “ILYSB”, “Good Girls,” “13” and “Super Far.” The tickets go on sale Feb 10 with early-bird prices of B2,200. Regular prices will be B2,500. Grab your ticket at www. ticketmelon.com/event/lany. Originally from California, Lany started as when members Paul Klein, Charles Priest and Jake Clifford Goss released onto Soundcloud

an anonymous EP titled Acronyms, which includes the now hit single "ILYSB." Following their huge international success, the band released two more EPs, Make Out and I Loved You, and dropped their first, self-titled album in 2017. All things are nothing

DOUG STANHOPE IN BANGKOK

It’s your last chance to get tickets for a show by standup comedian Doug Stanhope. The American comedian brings his dark sense of humor and political satire to The Westin Grande Sukhumvit on Mar 17. Visit bit. ly/2EvDYio. Mar 17, 8pm. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19. B800-1,600.

TRACK OF THE WEEK Perfectly Casual - "Falling You"

GALLERIES' NIGHT BANGKOK 2018

For the fifth time, this event will invite art lovers to visit more than 50 galleries city-wide. Dedicated tuktuks will be on hand to shuttle you around to special exhibitions, talks and workshops until late. See more info at bit. ly/2DQWT9s. Feb 9-10, 5pm. Galleries across Bangkok. Free. THE SECRET OF SKIN

Perfectly Casual makes its debut with this funky electronic track that evokes a tucked-in, blissedout feeling—just what we've come to expect from Comet Records signees. Napanuth “Pump” Khamkanist’s layered vocals are a soothing accompaniment to the dreamy electro-pop and work to tone down the sometimes cheesy lyrics, “We found a photo. It’s you and me holding hands together.” The mood of the song also picks up in the middle with a satisfyingly catchy combination of keyboard, guitar and electronic beats. Hear more at www.fb.com/ perfectlycasual.

Sophirat Muangkum explores the question of whether nude photography constitutes art or obscenity. Feb 9, 6pm. MOST Gallery, 672/36 Charoenkrung Soi 26, 02-639-6582. Free. ALL THINGS ARE NOTHING

Artist Fckngns exhibits post-apocalyptic urban landscapes and calligraphy backed by an ambient/industrial

The Noise of the City

soundtrack. Feb 9, 8pm. Maison Close, 397/399 Charoenkrung Soi 45, 083-980-8620. Free THE JOINT EXHIBITION OF ESOW X SADAM YOSHIZAWA

Japanese artists Esow and Sasam Yoshizawa show off their skater art-influenced iillustrations. Feb 10Mar 4, 3pm. Goja, Sukhumvit Soi 71, 085-848-7576. Free. THE NOISE OF THE CITY & FREEDOM OF DISTURBANCE

The photos by Mee WeekEnd Studio explore the distressing aspects of city life and present the need for quiet spaces. Feb 9-10, 10am. Mely Mellow Cafe & Library, 402 St.Louise Soi 3, 094-348-1634. Free.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

SALES & FAIRS

B-Movie Karma Kitchen

Gift Lab

GIRL RISING 5TH INTERCULTURAL BAZAAR - PRESENTED BY CHAMALIIN

GIFT LAB

A cultural charity event to support refugees from Mogadishu, Islamabad, Colombo, Saigon, Baghdad and Kabul. Shop and enjoy art, crafts, food, dance and workshops. Feb 10, 5pm. Brownstone, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77. Free.

This 2-day market promises art, crafts and food from local artists and university students along with live bands. Feb 15, 4pm. Division of Art Education, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Rd. Free.

SUNSET SOCIETY SUNDAY

KARMA KITCHEN

Shop organic products and vegan food and enjoy DJ sets from Alex Imix, NK Chan, Superstar Panda, Slum Disco Soundsystem and Tek "Analog" Harrington. Feb 11, 1pm. Nowhere, 6/F, Tha City Loft Hotel, Ekkamai Soi 6, 099-394-4417. Free.

Shop and enjoy food from Daniel Thaiger, Vegan Crush and Barrio Bonito along with live DJ sets from Thomas Von Party, Sunju Hargun, DOTT, DeLorean and The Dude of Stratosphearr. The proceeds go to Scholars of Sustenance. Feb 17, 3pm. Coastal, 113 Sukhumvit Soi 39. Free.

This film follows 9 girls from Haiti, Nepal, Ethiopia, India, Egypt, Peru, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan on their journeys to complete their educations. The girls are confronted with societal, economic and cultural obstacles like child labor and child marriage. To reserve a seat, visit bit.ly/2FunaHS Feb 13, 7pm. The Hive Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 49. B100 for members and B150 for non-members including 1 drink and popcorn.

B-MOVIE: LUST & SOUND IN WEST-BERLIN 1979-1989

Hosted by the Goethe-Institut Thailand, this screening event features a documentary following the life of Manchester-born artist and music producer Mark Reeder, who was an influential figure in the New Wave music scene in 1980s Berlin. The screening begins at 7pm. Admission is free. Feb 12, 7pm. Bangkok Screening Room, 1/3-7 Saladaeng Soi 1, 090-906-3888. Free.

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now FILM Opening (Feb 8)

FIFTY SHADES FREED (USA)

SAD BEAUTY (THAI)

Drama/Romance. The erotic love story returns with Mr. Gray and Anastasia’s honeymoon trip.

Drama. A girl born to beauty and good fortune faces a turning point when her best friend contracts a deadly disease.

DEN OF THIEVES (USA)

I, TONYA (USA)

Action. An elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Department goes after the city’s most notorious bank robbers.

Comedy. A biographical film chronicling the life of skater Tonya Harding, whose story was made infamous when her ex-husband conspired to injure her rival Nancy Kerrigan. SENSEI! (JAPAN)

Drama/Romance. Based on a popular manga of the same name, this film follows a student who falls in love with her history teacher.

Upcoming (Feb 15)

BLACK PANTHER (USA)

LADY BIRD (USA)

Action. Wakanda’s new king fights to prove himself worthy to the throne and the title of Black Panther.

Comedy/Drama. This Oscar-nominated, coming-of-age film follows a teenager’s tumultuous relationship with her mother.

MALILA: THE FAREWELL FLOWER (THAI)

LOVE RAIN (THAI)

Drama. The owner of a jasmine garden is reunited with a lover from his youth.

Horror. A ghost sets out on a journey of vengeance.

Now Hiring WE’RE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: • MARKETING MANAGER • VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER • JUNIOR/SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR (ASIA CITY STUDIO) • IT ADMIN/SUPPORT • VIDEOGRAPHER • ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR (ASIA CITY STUDIO) • JUNIOR/SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER • FOOD WRITER

MONSTER HUNT 2 (CHINA)

Action/Fantasy. Monster baby Wuba is back, here trying to escape his pursuers in the monster world.

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