BK Magazine 736 May11, 2018

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 737 FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

Art spaces you never even knew existed

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page 3 4 cover story

Put in the Picture

What We’ve Learned

3 upfront

7 escapes

Game of Consequence

Travel News

10 avenue

12 blends

Straight from Japan

Brew Houses

14 bites

16 BK Now

Thai Twists

Weekend Action

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, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Kankanok Wichiantanon Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama 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

Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Senior Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Assistant Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan 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

Interns Caria Chanyanuch, Sirada Nimcharoenchaikul, Valaiporn Chalermlapvoraboon Cover design by Anunya Chobnitas

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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 Linkin Park’s other singer is coming to play in Bangkok The band’s rapper Mike Shinoda has announced he’ll be stopping by Thailand on his upcoming solo tour, his first since the suicide of co-frontman Chester Bennington last year. The Post Traumatic Tour will take place on Aug 9 at Muang Thai GMM Live House (8/F, CentralWorld) with tickets starting from B1,600 and now up for grabs from Thaiticketmajor.

That Bangkok’s other art biennial won’t play second fiddle Kicking off on Jul 1, the anonymously-organized Bangkok Biennial sets itself apart from the grande Bangkok Art Biennale through twice as many featured artists—150 announced so far—across 69 venues in and outside the capital. The spotlight here is on big-name locals like Angkrit Ajchariyasophon and Mit Jai Inn, street artists TRK and Hideyuki Katsumata, and the forces behind underground art spaces like Bridge, Speedy Grandma and N22. See more at bangkokbiennial.com.

That Bangkok lit up the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list Six of our bars made the cut this time, up from five last year, with Ku Bar and Smalls deserved new entries at #49 and #29, respectively. The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental not only landed #9 this year (up from #13), they also won Best Bar in Thailand. Backstage came #13, Vesper #27 and Teens of Thailand #44. Just one Bangkok bar dropped off the list from last year: Asoke’s rail carriage-themed Q&A. The coveted #1 slot went to Manhattan from Singapore. Again.

That Arno’s is making a foray into Thai food Spotted on Naradhiwhas Road, right off Thanon Chan BRT station: the latest incarnation of the cheap steak specialist.

That’s not news in itself. This time, though, alongside a butcher shop, they’re opening a restaurant that promises “simply delicious Thai food.” We’re intrigued.

That Sathorn’s getting an unexpected World Cup bar Clandestino Cantina, the Latin restaurant on the second floor of Revolucion cocktail bar, is no more. In the shortterm it’ll be replaced by The Fan Zone, a fake grass-clad pop-up bar running the duration of the global football showcase (Jun 14-Jul 15). From 5pm onwards, you can catch all the match action with beers, burgers and guest appearances from Bangkok’s own footballing elite. www. fb.com/RevolucionCocktailBangkok

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2016 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Chip & pin

Not: Cordless card-readers

About one decade, maybe more, after the rest of civilization, Bangkok has embraced the chip-and-pin card reader. We can’t be the only ones to last month have been blindsided by wait staff asking us to enter our pin codes (as well as for our signature, but, you know, baby steps). Now, we just look forward to the day restaurants have cordless card readers and we can go through the process at our tables.

INTERVIEW Conkey’s, Sloane’s and now El Mercado (see page 15)—Bangkok’s artisanal purveyors of Euro-comfort food (read: bread, cheese and dry meat) are doing it for themselves. Could this spell the dawn of a new era of grocery shopping?

One that involves bringing your own tote bag, weighing your own items and not being asked for if you have The 1 Card, mai? We think so.

Ruttikorn “Tonk” Vuttikorn, 44, designs computer and board games that are meant to make Thai children think. As the design director of Bangkok-based toy manufacturer Club Creative, Tonk dreams up engaging ways for children to learn about serious matters in life, from human rights and corruption, to debt and democracy. Her best-known board game, SIM Democracy, asks players to run their own democratic nation, with the board representing the country. We caught up with her just before a recent workshop held for children on the islands of the south.

Hot: Phetchabun

How did you get into making games?

I come from a toy designing background but I’ve also done so many different things. I could be called a “toy activist.” I wanted to create something that’s not just for selling but for teaching society about equality and other social matters.

I had a chance to meet some NGO workers who wanted to do the same thing but who didn’t have any tools to teach the children, so I designed some games. This was about 10 years ago now.

Hot: Grocery stores

Not: Supermarkets

Not: Doi Suthep

It’s curtains for the 135 mountain resorts built illegally on prohibited Ror Or Sor land in Phetchabun. An alphabet soup of governmental agencies reckon they’ve got the clout to take action against 10 resorts per week, starting now.

Meanwhile at the foot of Doi Suthep, no one gets to live in their new homes, though what will become of the building remains a mystery.

Hot: Shopping in Japan

Not: Shopping in Bangkok

You don’t need to fly to Tokyo to find the best of Japanese fashion (see page 8), though if you do, we’ve got a hot tip for you—NokScoot (see page 7), who just opened up new flight routes straight into the heartland of cult streetwear labels. And anyway, getting there and back will probably take you less time than queuing for a pair of kicks at Atmos in Bangkok.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Which of your ideas is your favorite and why?

It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite because every game has its own character, but SIM Democracy is probably the most successful. It’s a continuous project, and has been developed to fit several different countries. We’ve also been holding workshops with children in different areas about this game.

Can you give us an example of how your games raise awareness?

Basically, our role is to transform complicated, serious topics into

something that kids can understand.

I went to Nepal after the big earthquake [2015] and held a workshop about natural disaster for the local teachers, too.

What subjects do you tackle?

Democracy, natural disasters, loanshark debt, the environment, waste management, climate change, sufficiency economy.

Who are your your games aimed at?

It depends on the game, but of course children, with teachers and parents to help encourage.

And how old are they, usually?

Six years plus.

What inspires you to design a game?

We don’t work based on inspiration but problems and reasoning. The game usually stems from an existing problem that we want to fix. We then ask: what kind of knowledge and experience does a person require to be able to fix that problem and study it in-depth? It usually takes one year to develop a new board game.

What games do you have lined up for the future?

This year, I want to host workshops that encourage teachers, parents and children to make their own games. I want to use the designing of games as a learning process. For example, if you want to design a game about human rights, before you do that you need to research into the subject. The game is a system designed to encourage you to look more deeply into the topic.

Any advice for aspiring game designers?

I think most children want to be game designers. They always get so excited when I tell them it’s what I do. But I feel like parents still have a bad impression about it as a career choice. If you want to design a game, just do it. It’s something that anyone can do, all you need is paper, a pencil, an eraser. It’s about experimenting and developing. Just give it a go and get your friends involved. It’s a group activity.

Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

See more at www.fb.com/SIMDemocracy

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

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the space between

cover story In the run-up to the first of Bangkok's 2018 biennials (see BK Now, page 18), we check out the lesser-known galleries of the local art world. By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

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Artist+Run Venture down to the hinterlands of Naradhiwas Road and you’ll come to N22, a budding creative space comprising art galleries and artist studios that includes Gallery VER. It’s also home to this little project from curator-artist-gallerist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon, who also founded Angkrit Gallery in Chiang Rai. Artist+Run acts as “a living room where artists are invited to present their work.” Since opening in 2016 the space has featured abstract painting exhibitions by local big names, debuting with an exhibition from abstract painter and sculptor Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon titled “Rebirth of the Cool.”

Past exhibition highlights: “Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire” by Tawan Wattuya (Feb 25-Mar 25, 2018), “Nowadays” by Somyot Hananuntasuk (Nov 11-Dec 20, 2017) Current exhibition: “Clay Courage” by Somluk Pantiboon (Apr 21-May 18, 2018)

How do you curate your exhibitions?

It’s purely based on my personal taste. I like many styles of art, but my favorite is abstract painting. I never planned out what “style” of a gallery Artist+Run should be, I just wanted to showcase the artwork that I like.

2198/10-11 Narathiwas Soi 22, 099-454-5955. Open daily 1pm-6pm www.artistrun2016.com

What improvements would you like to see in the Thai art world?

BK: How did the art space come about?

Angkrit: I first started Angkrit Gallery in Chiang Rai in 2008. In 2016, Jirat Ratthawongjirakul, who manages Gallery VER, asked me to check out the space in Narathiwas Soi 22 [N22]. I thought the area had an interesting community vibe as there are many art galleries here, and it’s in a convenient location.

More diversity. Artists should have more freedom of expression. I’d also like to see more art spaces spread out towards other provinces around Thailand, not just in big, major cities. I’d like to see more support for contemporary art from the government, and also more improvements of art museums for educational purposes. Am I wanting too much under the junta?

GOING PLACES THAI NAMES ON THE UP IN THE ART WORLD

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Kawita Vatanajyankur Who: Performance video artist known for using her body as a metaphor for tools and machines. In 2017, her work featured in the “Islands in the Stream” exhibition at the 57th Venice Biennale in Venice. This year, we can expect to see her work as part of the Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 in October. www.kawita-v.com

nova contemporary

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BK: How did the art space come about?

Sutima: Around two years ago, when I came back to Bangkok after 10 years living between the US and England, I felt that there was a lot of growing interest in contemporary art in Thailand. The location here had been vacant for many years, so I thought I should turn it into something useful since the space is located right in the city.

What’s so unique about your space?

We feature international exhibitions by artists from America, Europe and Southeast Asia, and if possible we also want to work with artists from China and Japan. But our priority is to collaborate with Thai artists. Also, our exhibitions are not only for commercial purposes. We also want them to be educational, like our current exhibition, “Neither Body nor Soul” by Nipan Oranniwesna.

Tucked in an unlikely space on the ground floor of the luxur y Baan Somthavil complex, this super-sleek and minimal white cube comes from Sutima Sucharitakul, who opened Nova Contemporary after living in London and New York (she has a gig at the Museum of Modern Art [MOMA] and The Met under her belt). Her gallery specializes in contemporary art, exhibiting the work of both Thai and international artists, as well as offering educational talks from well- established artists and collectors.

Past exhibition highlights: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Moss by British light artist Chris Levine (Jul 13-Sep 22, 2016), “Splashed” by Kawita Vatanajyankur (Oct 20-Dec 24, 2017) Current exhibition: “Neither Body nor Soul” by Nipan Oranniwesna (Mar 10-May 13, 2018) Mahadlek Luang Soi 3, Rajdamri Rd., 090-9106863. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm www. novacontemporary.com

Pairoj Pichetmetakul Who: Thailand-born street artist currently living in New York City, who paints striking portraits of homeless people. Since the project began in 2013, Pichetmetakul has made roughly 200 large and medium scale portraits. The project has expanded its scope to include street vendors, street musicians, shoe shine workers. www.pairojpichet. squarespace.com

Who comes here?

Most of our visitors are young Bangkok people like university students who are interested in art and culture. For buyers and collectors, it’s mostly foreigners.

How has Bangkok’s art scene changed in the past few years?

There have been a lot of improvements actually. The art industry is like a food chain. We already have many talented Thai artists, and we have a better gallery system where buyers buy art directly from the gallery, not from the artists. I think artists and galleries have a more professional working relationships with one another too. There will also be more private art museums opening in the near future, which will help the general audience better understand the purpose of collecting art.

What improvements would you like to see in the Thai art industry?

I’d like to see more museums, especially bigscale ones that are supported by the government. I also want to see more cooperation between artists and art galleries. I want international audiences to see that we—the Thai art industry—take things seriously.

Pannaphan Yodmanee Who: The Nakhon Si Thammarat artist is known for combining raw, natural materials such as rocks and minerals with found objects and painted elements of traditional Thai art motifs and architecture. Her abstract installations explore Buddhist philosophy, loss, suffering, and the Karmic cycles of death and rebirth. Her “Aftermath” exhibition was featured at Singapore Biennale in 2016. Instagram: @pannaphan

BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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yelo house

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cover story What’s so unique about your space?

With its airy structure, industrial features, yellow steel girders, dark gray walls and smudges on the floors, our space is unlike typical galleries, which are usually a rectangular room with four white, minimal walls to make the artwork stand out. With that said, Yelo House may not be suitable for all kinds of art. Exhibitions here must come from the artists’ fearlessness to think outside of the box, to be challenged by our unique exhibition space. One of the highlights of exhibiting artwork here is our seven-meter-high gallery hall, where artists can showcase art pieces as tall as five meters.

We also create unique snacks for each exhibition from our restaurant “Hungry Me & Thirsty You.” Who is your target audience?

Nestled near the BACC, right beside the Sansab Canal, Yelo House has transformed a 1967 publishing house into a 480-sq-meter, two-story hub of art and design, featuring a gallery, co-working space, studio and cafe. Run by a team of creative types—Hans Werner Muller (creative director of HWM consultancy firm), Salyawate Prasertwitayakarn (aco-founder of Atelier of Architects), Suwanni Suwansaengroj (of Chamni’s Eye Production house) and Tanat Singhasuwit (photographer)— the galler y mainly features illustration exhibitions by young Thai artists like Suntur, Tikkywow and Man Kawee, as well as hosting talks and wor kshops. We spoke to Fatin Phimpharb, project manager at Yelo House.

case space revolution

We want all Thai people to know that art appreciation is not difficult. Art is always around us. We want them to feel that art is understandable and not something that is far fetched. Another target audience of ours is the young generation who is interested in collecting art. Yelo House features a wide range of art at affordable prices. We want our visitors to feel that owning art is not out of reach.

Past exhibitions (highlights): “Zero Decibel” by Suntur (Feb 28-Apr 7, 2018), “Hello Circus” by Caracasan (Apr 21-29, 2018) Current exhibition: "Flip the Fan," a group art exhibition curated by Hongtae (May 4-27,2018) 20/2 Kasemsan Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 098-469-5924.

Open Mon 11am-8pm, Wed-Sun 11am-8pm. www. yelohouse.com

BK: How did the space come about?

Fatin: It was Salyawate who, after having lived in the condominium opposite the old warehouse for over 20 years, developed a deep affection for its amazing design. In early 2017, he and the other three partners renovated the warehouse into a creative space.

Sitting above Thonglor’s upmarket vegetarian restaurant, Broccoli Revolution, this art space has a socially conscious slant. Its partners include Manipa Jayawan, chairperson of Bangkok University Gallery, and Naya Ehrlich-Adam, of Broccoli Revolution, as well as Sakson Rouypirom, who also founded the Sati nonprofit organization. In collaboration with Sati, the art space provides an outlet for learning multidisciplinary subjects through exhibitions and activities for the public. Other than showcasing contemporary art, Case Space Revolution also hosts workshops, talks, and documentary nights. We spoke to Manita.

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Past exhibitions (highlights): “Mirror Sale” by Liam Morgan (Mar-Apr 30, 2017), “Mokutan” by Lolay (Nov 23, 2017-Jan 14, 2018) Current exhibition: “Objectiveland” by Tua Pen Not (Apr 19-May 31, 2018) 2/F, Broccoli Revolution, 899 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-6625002. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. www.fb.com/ casespacerevolution

Tae Parvit Who: An artist and illustrator whose paintings and drawings consist of rough but playful abstract character, emotions, music, people and objects are major influences. His “Afternoon Person” exhibition is currently at Bangkok CityCity Gallery through Jun 17, 2018. www.taeparvit.net

Korakrit Arunanondchai Who: Bangkok-raised multi-disciplinary artist whose work combines performance, music, video and painting. Exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), New York in 2014, and at de Young Museum, San Francisco in 2017 under his belt, among other places. He works between Bangkok and New York. Instagram: @ kritbangkok

Do you think there’s been a growth of interest in the local art scene?

Bangkok’s art scene has grown significantly this year – we have Galleries Night, Bangkok Design Week, Bangkok Art Biennale, and many other art events. This shows that Bangkokians are starting to open up and approach art more. But if we compare ourselves to other countries, we are still at an early stage and we have a long road ahead of us.

There’s a lot of fun waiting for us to grow our art industry to the international level. We would like to see Thai artists being recognized both in Thailand and internationally, and that Thai people are proud and supportive of fellow Thai artists.

BK: How did the art space come about?

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE UNDERGROWING ART PROJECTS

EchoOne Nanzuka Neighborhood: Siam 9/F, 891/1 Siam Motors, Rama 1 Rd., 02-215-3507. www.fb.com/echooneartspace

Kalwit Studio & Gallery Neighborhood: Phloen Chit 119/14 Ruamruedee Soi 2, Wireless Rd., 02-254-4629. www.kalwitgallery.com

Humble Projects Neighborhood: Si Phraya-Sam Yan 41/40 Sunthonphimol, Banthat Thong Rd., 081-921-3403. www.facebook.com/humbleprojects

Manipa: Naya and I have been long-time friends and both wanted to open an art space, so we decided that we should create something together. This was all before Broccoli Revolution had opened.

How do you position yourself as a gallery?

We’re more of an art space than a gallery. We give creative types the freedom to come and experiment with new ideas. Most importantly we want this place to be a multi-disciplinary space for art, design and even architecture. We are very open to fun and exciting projects of all types.

The Ferry Gallery Neighborhood: Phra Nakorn Tha Tien Pier, Maha Rat Rd. Phra Nakorn, 082-491-4242. www.theferrygallery.com

What are you looking for in work?

We feel that sometimes other spaces like to feature artworks that have a really deep, heavy context behind them, which creates a gap between art enthusiasts who like come to art galleries and the ordinary people who are not familiar or interested in art, making the latter group feel unconfident to come see art. So whenever we curate exhibitions, we want to showcase artworks that are a bit more easy to understand and digest.

Tars Gallery Neighborhood: Phra Khanong 10/3 Sukhumvit Soi 67, 099-7368672. www.fb.com/tarsgallery

How has the Bangkok art scene changed over the past few years, and what improvements would you like to see?

Bangkok’s art scene is pretty lively right now. There are so many new art galleries popping up, which shows that we are going in a good direction. But I want to see more balance between demand and supply. While currently there are many artists producing their art and there are an increasing number of collectors, we still need to find a way to educate them on the purpose of art collecting, such as how to preserve the value of these works.

Ba.Nana.Press Neighborhood: Chinatown 38-42 Soi Nana (behind Teens of Thailand).

BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

CHINA

Shanghai Nights For three decades a beacon of old-world opulence on Sathorn Road, The Sukhothai hotel is only now taking its name abroad. The Sukhothai Shanghai (www.sukhothai. com/shanghai) is a fitting companion. Part of a mega mall-slash-office complex in the Nanjing central business district, the hotel’s 170 rooms and 31 suites (from B10,457) bear clay walls and oak wood panels for a natural yet modern look. Of the five F&B options, one name will stand out for Bangkok foodies: La Scala, whose second coming sits in an Italian Renaissance garden-inspired space. Take some R&R at Sukhothai’s signature spa, which doles out all-natural, Southeast Asian-inspired treatments, before strolling to the nearby Wujiang Road, a local street-food hot spot, and tourist landmarks Jing’an Temple and Shanghai Natural History Museum.

KRABI

Time in the Sun With the 130-room Glow (www. glowhotels.com/ao-nang), Krabi has its second big hotel opening of the year.

Joining the recently launched Panan Krabi within stumbling distance of Ao Nang Beach's tourist strip, this resort gets the jump on its mid-range competitor with rates starting at about B2,163/night for a jungle-facing room decked out in neutral shades. On-site you have access to not one, but two gyms to stay buff on your break (one for cardio, one for lifting weights), a cafe and a bar-slash-restaurant that sits beside a long outdoor pool. Of course, there’s more to holidaying than tanning by the pool—the hotel also arranges scuba diving trips to nearby islands like Koh Khai Nok and Koh Kai Nai.

LAMPANG

Craft Capital Lad Phrao's Where Do We Go (bit.ly/2KpvLz3) has now expanded to the laidback northern town of Lampang. This taproom spotlighting mostly local craft beers occupies a compact shop-house that’s been given a black lick of paint. Live bands set a laid-back atmosphere. On tap, try a Thai-by-way-of-Australia tipple like Happy New Beer Pilsner (B180/glass) or a rotating list of imports including the American Melvin Double IPA 10% (B280/glass). Leave room for small bites with Isaan-inspired touches, such as fried chicken that’s been marinated in fish sauce and grilled beef salad.

FLIGHTS

Tokyo Calling Low-cost carrier NokScoot (www.nokscoot.com) guarantees yet more Thai travelers to Tokyo (see page 10) when it launches daily direct flights from Bangkok to the Japanese capital this Jun 1.

The price of around B12,280 return (no check-in baggage or meal, natch) is pretty consistent with the Bangkok-Tokyo flights already offered by Singaporean parent company Scoot, but the announcement at least gives you a bit more choice with your booking: a red-eye flight departs Don Mueang Airport daily at 2:20am, arriving at Narita at 10:25am, with the return leg departing Tokyo at 1:55pm. NokScoot already flies to six China destinations (Dalian, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang, Tianjin, X’ian), Taipei in Taiwan and Singapore with upcoming plans to extend its routes further into north Asia.

BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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avenue

NEW STORE

Get it, Tiger Forget Atmos and its snaking queues of sneakerheads. Siam Center’s now home to Southeast Asia’s biggest Onitsuka Tiger store.

The 237-sq-meter flagship has it all for fans of the classic Japanese sneaker brand. Browse the new apparel collection in collaboration with Italian designer Andrea Pompilio (B1,500 for T-shirts and B3,500 for polo tops), pick up a pair of the zany, floral-inspired Onitsuka Tiger x Liberty Fabrics (B4,500) or play it straight with the timeless Mexico 66 SD model (B3,900). Something sporty yet casual for that next weekend brunch? That’ll be the new spring/ summer drop, “Delegation Light” (B3,900). G/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

WORKING SPACE

Work Play Grow Glowfish’s second branch in Sathorn is one of Bangkok’s most ambitious co-working spaces to date. Just a few minutes’ walk from BTS Chong Nonsi, the super-modern space filled with art and tech installations feels more akin to a luxury shopping mall or boutique hotel than a work space. Here you’ll find 26 serviced office spaces (B32,000/month), three conference halls that can be connected to create one mega 400-sq-meter event space (B7,000- 20,000), five smaller meeting rooms designed under different themes (B1,000/hr for the “Secret Service” option), as well as virtual offices starting at B15,000/six months. 57. 2/F, Sathorn Thani 2 Bldg., Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd., 02-109-9600. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

NEW COLLECTION

Miss Independent The athleisure-wear look is hot.

You can’t visit The Commons without being assailed by leggings-clad squads dressed like they’ve just stepped out of a spin class. DKNY knows it, too. The DKNY Sport collection fuses athletic wear with stylish ready-to-wear pieces for girls on the go. Highlight pieces include the statement tech-bra and leggings (B3,900), as suited to the gym as to a meal on Thonglor. Other wardrobe staples such as a meshbomber jacket (B3,900) and lightweight backpack (B7,900) are equal parts sporty and just plain cool.

M/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-021-2188. Open daily 10am-10pm.

BTS Phrom Phong

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MARKETS

Retro Mania The Camp Vintage Flea Market, located right next to Chatuchak, is sure to appease those who can’t hold out till the next Made by Legacy. Here lovers of all things retro can spend their hard-earned on secondhand clothes (and new stuff that looks, well, old), furniture, home decor and vinyl records—you name it. All that vintage-treasure hunting will work up an appetite, so the good news is there are plenty of street-food names (Taikong Seafood) and hipster faves (Ari’s Summer Street and Paper Butter Burger) joining in the fun. 482 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 098-998-8580. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight. MRT Kamphaeng Phet

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ADVERTORIAL

Catch of the Season Award-winning Spring Bay Mussels star in The Dock’s must-try new dishes.

Bangkok’s pioneering seafood restaurant, The Dock, has rolled out three new dishes highlighting Tasmania’s award-winning Spring Bay Mussels. Harvested from deep water off Tasmania’s East Coast, Spring Bay Mussels hold the Spring Bay Seafood award for their plump texture and incredibly sweet flavour—a highly sought-after delicacy for all seafood lovers.

Here’s the mouthwatering lineup: STEAMED BLUE MUSSELS IN GARLIC AND HERB WINE SAUCE (B290) A wonderful blend of sweet and sour, these steamed blue mussels have an incredible flavour. Choose between the traditional butter and garlic sauce, Thai-style seafood sauce, or the spicy-yet-sweet chili tomato sauce.

WHAT MAKES SPRING BAY MUSSELS SO DELICIOUS? Spring Bay Mussels are highly sought after for their plump meaty texture and sweet flavour. But just why do they taste so good?

NURTURED THE RIGHT WAY Spring Bay Seafoods has one of the only commercial-scale mussel hatcheries anywhere in the world. The mussels are raised from seed and nurtured under strict quality and environmental conditions, then transferred to suspended lines in the deep waters off Tasmania's East Coast.

THE DEEP-WATER DIFFERENCE The sea off Tasmania's East Coast is cool and very clean. With the mussels suspended to depths of 35 meters, Spring Bay Seafoods guarantees beautiful, dark shells, consistently large size, and superb deep-sea flavours.

ONLY THE BEST Spring Bay Mussels are only harvested after they spend 1418 months maturing, which guarantees plenty of premium mussels between 75-100mm in length.

SPAGHETTI BLUE MUSSELS IN SPICED RED ARRABBIATA SAUCE (B350) This dish is the perfect marriage of indulgent pasta and rich flavours.

Al dente spaghetti and blue mussels come dressed in arrabiata sauce with freshly grated parmigiano on top – sweet and salty.

DRUNKEN BLUE MUSSELS WITH FRITES (B590) Sweet, steamed blue mussels get a sour, spicy and salty kick thanks to The Dock’s secret sauce—all served up with plenty of perfectly crispy fries.

Spring Bay Mussels are available at all branches of The Dock Seafood Bar by Thammachart Seafood and at The Ocean Bar at Central Chidlom. Fresh Spring Bay Mussels are also available at the Thammachart seafood counter at Gourmet Market (Paragon, Emporium, Emquartier, The Mall Bangkae, Ngamwongwan, CDC), Central Food Hall (Chidlom, Bangna, Pattaya Beach) Tops Market (Ladprao, Pinklao, Thonglor, Eastville, Crystal Park), Villa Market (Thonglor, Sukhumvit 33, Ari, K-Village) and Big C Pattaya Klang throughout May-June, 2018.

FOLLOW US AT TheDockSeafood thedockseafood www.thammachartseafood.com www.thedockseafoodbar.com

avenue Japanese streetwear brands we wish we had in Bangkok

FASHION

Nippon Made The queues at Atmos prove that, here in Bangkok, we can never get enough of all things Japanese. Besides wardrobe staples like Muji and Uniqlo, here are other cool Japanese brands with standalone stores. By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

METAMORPHOSIS

Light-hearted and whimsical graphics on ‘60s American workwear-inspired pieces. www.humanmade.jp

A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

Comme des Garcons

Issey Miyake

What: You don’t need to be told that the Harajuku streetwear-turned-lifestyle brand founded by DJ-designer Nigo has set trend-savvy teens, street-style aficionados and fashion-forward fans frothing since 1993. Its shark hoodies, camo T-shirts and Bapesta sneakers are now iconic. Although many of the pieces will make you stick out like a sore thumb, we like its poking-fun, sometimes in-your-face attitude. So does Pharrell Williams.

Price: B16,900 for the Camo Half & Half Full Zip Hoodie; B6,900 for Ladies Camo Neon Shark Tee.

What: Fashion newbies, don’t let the French name fool you. This high-end label is actually founded by the renowned Rei Kawakubo, whose avantgarde approach to clothing has turned it into one of the most sought-after luxury brands ever. While we can’t imagine ourselves wearing the most “out there” pieces (leave them to Lady Gaga and Rihanna), the youthful and more accessible Comme des Garcons Play line offers sleek breton stripes and Converse collaborations adorned with the iconic heart logo.

Price: B5,900 for the Converse x CDG Play Polkadot ‘70 low sneakers; B3,900 for plain logo tee.

What: Let’s forget about the Bao Bao bags for a minute, because uh… this brand is not just about prism totes. When it comes to Japanese fashion names, this classic, high-end label is at the forefront, widely renowned for its boundary-pushing technicality and philosophical design. Of course, the fashion-forward yet functional “Pleats Please” collection of wrinkle-free garments made from heated polyester is the all-time fan favorite. We like the whimsical, geometrical shapes and unusual textures, and how the brand always manages to keep things sophisticated, contemporary and fresh.

Price: From B6,500-25,900 for the latest spring/summer 2018 collection.

Bape Store, M/F The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-00306640. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/bapethailand

Comme des Garcons, G/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-021-2140. Open daily 10am-10pm

Issey Miyake,G/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-0212141. Open daily 10am-10pm

NEIGHBORHOOD

American motorcycle subculture meets military and industrial workwear, best known for its selvedge denim. www.neighborhood.jp

MASTERMIND JAPAN

Punk and goth pieces well known for the iconic Skull and Crossbones logo. www.mastermindjapan.com

CAV EMPT

A mix between London streetwear and eccentric sci-fi graphics. www.cavempt.com

Takeo Kikuchi

Yohji Yamamoto

What: Think of Beams as a more fashionable Muji or Uniqlo, its clean designs for both men and women given more of a hipster, cool-kid vibe. Overall, the brand sticks to a minimal look with high-quality materials, but with steeper prices than the highstreet staples. Highlights from this spring/summer 2018 include the “Sea Side Story” collection from its Beams Plus label, blending effortless Japanese style with preppy Ivy League staples.

Price: B4,000-13,000 for the Beams Plus spring/summer 2018 collection

What: The eponymous menswear label of Japanese industrial and fashion designer Takeo Kikuchi encourages salarymen to break the rules of business attire.

Widely known for its top quality materials and manufacturing technology, Kikuchi’s clothing will definitely help spice up your wardrobe with its slick suits, dandy leather jackets, and clean-cut slacks. Look out for its latest spring/summer 2018 safari-inspired collection “Back to Nature.”

Price: B3,000-18,000 for Back to Nature spring/summer 2018 collection.

What: The OG of Japanese avant-garde’ is now 74 years old, and his eponymous label still sets trends the world over. There’s just something about his dark, minimalist collections, all-black deconstructed silhouettes, draped layers and drop-crotch pants that are, surprisingly, timeless and really fun to look at. Oh, and those Adidas Y-3 sneakers? A total must-have if you call yourself a sneakerhead.

Price: B32,900 for ready-to-wear Pour Homme Blazer.

Beams, 1/F The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036067. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.fb.com/ beamsthailandofficial

Takeo Kikuchi, 1/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-6433. Open daily 10am-10pm. www. takeokikuchith.com

Beams 4

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Club21, G/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000.

Open daily 10am-10pm

WTAPS

Streetwear meets authentic military pieces—the M65 jacket and jungle stock cargo pants are must-haves. www.wtaps.com

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bites & blends

NEW CAFE

Up on the Roof Sathorn’s hidden new Too Good for You cafe whips out floral creations from its garden-inspired perch atop an old office building. Visiting requires squeezing into a tiny old elevator and basically holding your breath for eight floors. Take another narrow staircase and you’ll eventually arrive at a pink-walled space that’s all plantlife and neon lighting. Try the Peanut Butter Coffee (B135), which sees espresso (made with beans from local roaster Roastrunner) mixed with peanut butter and topped with whipped cream cheese—weird but rewarding. Cream cheese also features in the almost-toobeautiful-to-drink Matchalicious (B135), where it sits atop layers of green tea and red bean paste, finished off with a colorful array of (mostly edible) petals. 9/F, Mukda Bldg., 78 North Sathorn Rd. Open Tue-Sun 9am-6pm

www.ffb.com/SiamCenter/

NEW DESSERT

NEW CHEF

EVENT

Chou Chou

All Change

All Hail the King

If you were in Siam Center over the weekend, you may have noticed giant queues outside somewhere called Croquant Chou Zakuzaku. The latest dessert craze to have arrived in Bangkok from Japan comes courtesy of local actor and TV host Willy McIntosh (also responsible for 2016 Japanese dessert fad Bake). So what is a Croquant Chou, exactly? It’s a long cream puff, covered with crunchy almonds and filled with rich, creamy custard. The Croquant Chou Zakuzaku company stems from Hokkaido, where its stated mission is to source the best free-range milk and flour to transform into crunchy, choux-pastry creations. Budget B75 for a Croquant Chou or B135 for the generous soft-serve. M/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 091-916-4224. Open daily 10am-10pm

Following the departure of David Thompson and right-hand man Prin Polsuk from Nahm, the Michelin-star restaurant at the Como Metropolitan hotel has announced its new figurehead.

Bangkok-born chef Pim Techamuanvivit joins the hotel from San Francisco, where she founded the one-Michelin-star Kin Khao restaurant. Pim also runs the Chez Pim food blog, which the Times newspaper in London called the world’s sixth top food blog. Joining new head chef Suraja “Jan” Ruangnukulki, Pim will serve as the restaurant’s “consultant chef.” COMO Metropolitan, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388. Open daily 6:30-10:30pm; MonFri noon-2pm

Italian chef Umberto Bombana, of Hong Kong’s three-Michelin-starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, will take over the kitchen at The Sukhothai’s La Scala restaurant on May 23-24. Known as the “king of white truffles,” chef Bombana’s Italian restaurant is the only one outside of Italy to hold the hallowed three stars and was also voted No.13 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018.

For lunch and dinner, he’ll prepare extravagant dishes like white asparagus and Oscietra caviar, warm langoustine over a salad and egg emulsion, and tagliolini with butter, parmesan and black truffle fondue. The price of B14,600 net also includes wine. The Sukhothai, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888. Open daily noon-3pm; 6:30-11:30pm

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blends BARS BEER

Bangkok’s best places to buy homebrews

Home Comforts Tired of “Thai” craft beers that were never actually brewed here?

The real fun can be found in the growing homebrew scene, where brewers produce in smaller batches, have full control of the process and let their imaginations run wild. Here are the names you need to know By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

LET THE BOY DIE

The Old Town’s craft beer pioneer, among the first to support the local homebrew scene, recently returned in a new location across the road from the original.

542 Luang Rd., 099-493-9909. Open daily 5pm-midnight

LET THE GIRL KILL

Outlaw Since 2015, Canadian biochemist Mike Roberts has been trying out new recipes on a weekly basis at his brewpub in Loei, northern Thailand. Of these, Roberts estimates that 20-30 styles have made it to a second batch and fewer yet have graduated to legal status (brewed abroad). To try the full range, head up north to the brewpub, where the prices are also cheaper than Bangkok.

Try this: The Gateway and Show Down IPAs are two that are now available legally (B200/each).

Available at: DogStep, Fat Cow and Changwon Express (occasionally) for B180-220. Look out for a new batch of recipes in Bangkok this month. www.fb.com/outlawbrewingloei

Thomas Beer

Where Do We Go (Chok Chai 4, 094-548-2326), Let The Boy Die, Let The Girl Kill for B140-200. www.fb.com/ThomasCraftbeer

BrewOcean

BK

Little is known about this rising PICK! brewery, whose members keep a low-profile even on their Facebook fan page. What we think we know: they’re a group of women. What we definitely know: their beers are lovely.

Try this: The Raspberry Ale is super-refreshing and perfect for summer. Don’t worry, it’s not sweet—the raspberry is all in the aroma. The Black India Pale Ale is an easy-to-drain black beer ideal for IPA fans who are not big stout drinkers.

Available at: DogStep for B200.

Thai brewer Bird Thomas discovered a fascination for homebrewing back in 2013 when he was driving around England and randomly stopped in at a brewpub. This love affair that’s crossed oceans manifests in the American Brown Ale, which twists the brown ale popular in the UK with a recipe that gives it a fruitier, slightly more nutty, flavor. It’s one of six labels currently available.

Try this: The American IPA, a West Coast-style IPA that moves very quickly (B200).

Available at: Changwon Express Flow House,

www.fb.com/brewoceans

Lazy Fat Cat Not only did this Bangkok-based brewer win the New England IPA category at April’s Thailand Homebrew Competition, where judges praised its hazy color, hoppy taste and rich aroma, they also brew using hops from Nonthaburi’s Devanom Farm—this is as local as you get!

Try this: While the NEIPA (B200) takes the plaudits, we also vouch for their IPA (B240).

www.fb.com/LazyFatCatBeer

X-Beer This Chonburi-hailing home brewery has been going strong for three years now, and just landed third place in both the IPA and New England IPA categories at the Thailand HomeBrew Competition.

This compact Charoenkrung bar hosts a recurring Bring Your Own Beer (BYOB) night, which asks homebrewers to bring in their latest batches for others to try.

747 Charoenkrung Rd., 080-5996177. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

Try this: We loved the light floral notes in their NEIPA (B200), which help soften the bitterness.

Available at: DogStep, Yolo (140 Phra Athit Rd., 082-456-4499), Chitbeer (B160-220). www.fb.com/thexbeer

Hop Hog Despite being only nine months old, these guys don’t disappoint, especially if you are an IPA lover.

Brewed in Bangkok by two Americans, Hop Hog currently offers six labels of the hoppy variety.

Try this: The Thai craft beer community is currently going crazy over the smoother, less bitter flavors of New England IPA, and Hop Hog’s batch (B200) hits the mark for grownup drinkers who want to taste more than hops in their beer.

DOGSTEP

This tiny craft beer bar in On Nut stocks probably the widest selection of quality homebrews. Extra perks: it sits just three shop houses down from the new Cheap Charlie’s.

The Beacon Place, Sukhumvit Soi 50, 094-695-4619. Open daily 5-11pm

Available at: DogStep, Fat Cow, Let The Boy Die, Que Pasa (28/7 Prasoet Islarm, Nonthaburi, 02-960-3821), Yolo (B160-220). www.fb.com/HopHogIPA

Available at: DogStep, Lazy Fat Cat (B180-200).

BK ASKS What’s your favorite Thai homebrew right now?

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TED AHN, OWNER OF CHANGWON EXPRESS

PHAPANANYA “KAIMOOK” ASAWISARAPORN, OWNER OF DOGSTEP

“I like Thomas Beer’s American IPA, a West Coast-style IPA with an aggressive fruity aroma backed with the right amount of bitterness.

Refreshing on a hot day in Bangkok, it’s also our most popular homebrew IPA of all time.”

“I like Outlaw’s Gateway IPA. I’m not a beer snob so I’m not sure how to describe it, but for me the taste and the aroma is nicely balanced and I can drink it any time without getting bored of it.”

FAT COW

Lad Phrao’s must-visit for for bottled homebrews (plus a few on tap) paired with American comfort food.

765 Lad Phrao Rd., 092-556-2876.

Open daily noon-11pm

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

El Mariachi Taqueria HHH Mexican. Habito Mall, 1/F, 45/19, On Nut Soi 1/1, 097-179-6429. Open daily 11am-midnight. BB F

Nestled at the back of Habito, a community mall in the On Nut area, El Mariachi Taqueria represents the second coming for a Mexican joint formerly out on Soi Nakarin. Now, as then, the restaurant busts out Mexican favorites done well amid vibrant decor and the smell of aromatic spices. For the most part, husband and wife duo Abel Coutino Castilla (from Chiapas, Mexico) and Donaya Siamwalla (from Thailand) stick to real-deal Latino food, with only the occasional North American twist. Taking up just one room——colorful plastic flowers, Mexican superstars framed on the red walls, old Latin music—the restaurant’s real strength is in the fact it makes everything from scratch, including the tortillas, and serves it all at friendly prices. Start

Indigo HHHH French. 6 Soi Convent, 02-235-3268. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. BBB

Indigo is a rare, old-breed of French bistro that seemingly couldn’t care less about social media or the opinions diners post there. Lengthy, one-star tirades (“the hygeine,” “the service,” “the surly owner”) go unchallenged on Facebook.

Clumsily ladled plates of beef bourguignon have never heard of Instagram and nor have the great globs of pasta that come with them. Don’t go looking for the restaurant’s official social media accounts because it doesn’t have them—or even a website. Despite this, the wood-raftered dining room sags with marginally-sloshed customers most hours of the day. They come for carafes of Cotes du Rhone at B780, terrine de foie gras sliced like its going out of fashion, and food comas by way of cream and meat. During our last visit—one that involved two carafes more than it was supposed to and a canceled afternoon appointment—an under-salted lobster bisque (B270) was the only place we found disappoint-

off with tacos like the barbacoa (B280/4 pieces), whose slow-cooked beef is tender and juicy, or a round of the battered fish tacos (B280/4 pieces)—not super crunchy, but well seasoned. The tortilla is really the star here, flattened out perfectly, soft to the touch and stretchy enough to support the heavy toppings.

The burrito mojado (B290) is our plato favorito, drenched in salsa verde (mild green chili sauce) and topped with melted cheese. Its rich combination of rice, refried beans, chicken, pico de gallo and sour cream is mushy but yields a good contrast to the grilled tortilla wrap’s golden crust. The breakfast burrito (B225) tastes just OK—its layers of egg, sauteed potatoes, corn, salsa and chicken held together well but just not all that flavosome. The beef fajitas on flour tortillas (B18.95/per piece), though well-seasoned, are let down by beef that’s a little too tough. They don’t have any dessert menu, so we recommend you wash all that food down with a horchata (rice water flavored with cinnamon, B50)—aromatic with just a light touch of sweetness. Service is smiling, and the tortillas really are some of the best in town, making El Marachi worth a visit for any Mexican afficionados.

CafE Society is Coming this July 2018 Bangkok’s ultimate guide to brunch, coffee, sweets and daytime dining.

This year, Cafe Society returns, listing the hottest coffee shops and all-day restaurants in Bangkok’s prime downtown areas.

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

ment. Asked to do a cheese souffle (B320), Indigo’s kitchen prepared a heavenly soft pillow of egg yolk and flour, floating in a pool of cream-andgarlic gooiness with a crispy tuile on the side. When you watch other diners’ plates leave the kitchen, they’re always excessively large and make you think, “I wish I had room to eat that as well.”

This is especially true of the cote de boeuf, which stands at about four inches thick and costs B1,850—or in other words, B1,000 less than tomahawks we’ve called “good value.” The meat will be tough and you’ll have to chew, but it will also be flavorful, have a peppery crust, and be accompanied by rich spoonfuls of red-wine sauce. Save at least some of the bearnaise for the dunking of your beautifully burnished fries, each one so crisp and golden you’ll want to get it before your dining companion does. After all this, we doubt you’ll manage dessert, though should you, Indigo stamps its no-nonsense mark of authority with crepe Suzette, profiteroles and a decadently rich chocolate mousse that looks like a dog turd in a martini glass. When it’s all over, an astute, just-that-little-bit pompous maitre’d will hand you a bill that’s usually around B2,000 a head or much less if you came for the B420 lunch sets. We can think of few better ways to spend the money.

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.

2018

Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

To Be Seen In Cafe Society Guide, please contact Email : advertising@asia-city.co.th Call : 02-624-9696

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking E Dress requirements G Live music

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Saawaan

The team from Issaya proves Thai tasting menus still have room to manoeuvre.

The buzz: A former Sra Bua understudy (Sujira “Aom” Pongmorn) gets backing from one of the most creative restaurateurs in Bangkok (Fred Meyer of Issaya and Pizza Massilia)—that’s the Saawaan story in a nutshell. But Aom’s reinvented Thai tasting menus also manage to carve a new niche for Thai fine dining.

The decor: The Suan Phlu space that used to be Kom Ba Wa (another Meyer baby currently relocating to Thonglor) remains as richly adorned in antiques, wallpapers and sculptural modern hardwoods as always. The changes are subtle but impactful—a silver cloud motif here, a statement black wall there—and highend feeling. Though there are two stories, the buzzy downstairs dining room (bar at the back of house, well-groomed, wine-swilling clientele in front) is where you really want to be.

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The food: Your 10-course menu (B1,950) comes divided by cooking technique and service style—Raw is a tartare of amberjack dressed like laab (rice powder, chili, lime) with the kick of somsaa sauce; Dip is a deep-orange blend of crab fat and curry paste mopped up with sticky rice; Fermented is a tangy, seared beef brisket rice ball with pickled cucumber. While the produce is requisitely imported and premium, flavors never veer too far from authentic. Iberian secreto pork gets marinated in a light nam jim jaew, while Normandie oyster pairs with roasted herb tom-style soup. Issaya Group pastry chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul finishes it all off with a pandan, coconut and pumpkin pudding and Thai-inspired petit four.

The drinks: For B680, you can pair all this with a special menu of Thai tea—not the pastel orange kind, rather wild and natural flavors (sometimes cultivated, sometimes foraged) from the north.

At B2,500, the wine pairing is extravagant but justified (seven labels selected by French national and oenophile Meyer) albeit not essential to enjoy dinner. A bottle of the Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Turckheim (Alsace, 2015) at B2,150 would also go down nicely.

Why we’d come back: Eating at Saawaan feels like stumbling on a hit. The format is creative but still really Thai, never so deconstructed you lose what’s special about the original. And the space—well, anyone who knows Kom Ba Wa knows that the dining room was never a problem. Oliver Irvine 39/19 Suan Ohlu Rd., 02-679-3775. Open Wed-Mon 6-11pm.

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The Grocery Suan Phlu by El Mercado

TABLE TALK

KIN+HEY by Greyhound Café The Photo Booth

Air Space

NEW AND NOTED

Photo Friendly The team behind Thonglor’s short-lived The Locker Room has opened another hidden spot, The Photo Booth (Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-117-2636). Some clues: as you head down the righthand side of Soi 11, keep an eye out for a restaurant-slash-bar with a second floor accessible by a flight of stairs. Up there you'll find a mall-style photobooth. The rest is up to you. If all else fails, look up the hashtag #FindThePhotoBooth on social media. Once inside, order the delicious tequila-and-chrysanthemum martini—budget B360-390 per glass.

Local Grocer Suan Phlu, you just lucked out again. Within stumbling distance of Smalls, the Grocery Suan Phlu by El Mercado (GP House Building, between Suan Phlu Soi 1-3) is the latest offering from Bangkok’s most reliable purveyors of cold cuts, seafood and cheeses. This second coming focuses squarely on stuff to take home, with a whole range of dry products,

wines, charcuterie and baked goods that’ll knock the pants off what you’ve until now been rushing to Tops for. Take the Brie de Meaux AOP at B234/100g, or the 24-month-aged Iberico ham at B719/100g, or the stacks of ready-to-eat sandwiches and crusty baguettes.

On Air

There’s good coffee in CentralWorld. Finally. Hua Hin’s ubercool aviation-themed cafe, Air Space, has quietly slipped into Bangkok (2/F, Groove at CentralWorld, 30-33 Rama 1 Rd., 063-870-9888). No full-scale replicas of old airplanes hanging from the ceiling, here, but the space does offer a bright and airy retreat from the mall throngs. Chow down on comforting Thai fare like the crispy pork knuckle with jaew dip (B430) and pork and chicken yakitori (B150) to go with a smoothie (from B90-150), iced tea (B90) or something from the coffee bar—the popular choice being the Deconstructed Latte (B150) served in a Champagne glass along with a freshly baked cookie. BK staff

2/F Groove @CentralWorld, Rama I rd., 02-102-7678. Open Sun-Wed 11am-11pm, Thu-Sat 11am-12am. BTS Siam.

Operated by the owner of Greyhound Café, this shophouse restaurant serves up a traditional vibe that’s all about street food. Chow down on a huge pot of yen ta fo (B258/S, B398/ XL) served with rice or vermicelli, stewed tofu with quail eggs (B88) or go with the Izakaya style dishes like grilled marinated pork and leek (B38) and grilled prawn skewer with prawn head tempura (B48). To drink, KIN+HEY Watermelon Bucket (B448) comes in a scooped-out watermelon filled with vodka, campari and lime juice—sweet and refreshing.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members 1st Privilege: Get 10% discount on food only for all card types 2nd Privilege: Redeem additional 16% cash rebate for Citi ULTIMA, additional 14% cash rebate for Citi Prestige and Citi Select, or additional 10% cash rebate for other card types (when using Citi Rewards Points equivalent to net spending amount) Today – 30 Sep 18

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now TUE Fine Wine Back in the early ‘00s, folk artist Iron & Wine (known to his friends as Sam Beam) made his name with albums full of sparse guitar plucking, hushed harmonies and lyrics ripe with biblical allusions. The production values have come on in leaps and bounds since those humble lo-fi bedroom beginnings, but it’s bound to be an intimate gathering at Moonstar Studio 8 when man and guitar take the stage on May 15. See page 18.

FRI What Goes Around Three hundred music fans, 11 hours of techno and house, one boat.

That’s Karma Kruise in a nutshell. For the third time, the Good Ship Karma will set off from Asiatique on May 12 taking its beats and booze up and down the Chao Phraya River. Once you’ve danced yourself silly to Karim Sahraoui and JonnyVicious, shake off your sea legs with an after-party at Whiteline till late. Flip to page 17.

SAT Hands Up They’ve supported Avicii (RIP), Steve Angello and Nicky Romero, appeared on the bill for Ulltra festivals around the globe and just last month dropped a collaboration with Joe Jonas’s DNCE. Now Italian EDM power duo Merk & Kremont are set to ensure Thonglor’s party people have a sweaty night of it when they drop by Demo nightclub on May 12. To join them, see page 17.

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WED True Stories On May 12-13, the BACC’s fourth floor will be the setting for a traditional Javanese wayang play. In “The Well and the Gold Nugget,” Indonesian artist Jumaadi will tell true stories of loss from the villages of Sidoarjo, besieged by a never-ending flow of mud, through intricate shadow puppetry. See page 18.

BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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NIGHTLIFE

DJ Sunju Hargun

MMMH X UNST PRESENTS: OSKAR OFFERMANN (WHITE/MULE, BERLIN)

The Berlin-based DJ takes over the turntables with house and techno, joined by Sarayu back-to-back with Elaheh and Boogie G. May 11, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3353. B350 includes 1 drink.

BLAST POOL SERIES #0035

DJs Apsara (Japan) and Heidy (Bali) lay down their upbeat tracks during a "Songkran after-party." May 12, 2pm.

DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-649-6666.

B400 includes 1 drink.

KARMA KRUISE 3.0

Cruise along Bangkok’s riverside while dancing to techno beats from Karim Sahraoui, Jonny Vicious and Boris Rubin. May 12, 2:30pm. Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd. B1,000 from bangkok.oneplace. events.

ELI & FUR

The English house DJ duo Eli & Fur are joined by local selector Mae Happyair.

May 12, 9pm. Beam, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. B300.

AFRICAN DUB PUSHERS

African Star Trekker meets The Colored Buttons Pusher for a night of underground bass music. May 12, 9pm.

Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

MERK & KREMONT

Italian house DJ duo Merk & Kremont (aka Federico Mercuri and Giordano Cremona) visits Bangkok with their EDM tracks. May 12, 9pm. DEMO,

Thonglor Soi 10, 085-250-2000. Tickets TBA. WE GOT THE SPOT 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Dancers, martial artists, DJs, music lovers, poets, storytellers, artists and musicians come together for a block party. May 13, 3pm. The Beat Lounge, Block D, 21/127 RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 089-886-5665. Free.

SUGAR CLUB PRESENTS: EAZY

South African hip-hop DJ, who has played alongside major names such as Skrillex, Black Eyed Peas and A-Trak, takes over the decks. May 17, 10pm. Sugar Club, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-391-3111. B300 for males, B200 for females (includes 1 drink).

2018

JAM ON TOAST 2ND ANNIVERSARY + RUI & CHOTE'S BDAY BASH

BK Best Eats 2018

The party organizer celebrates its birthday, along with those of its founders. May 18, 9pm. 12x12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713. B150 LOUD PRES. DERAIL-D KWENTA & HEXER

DJs Charlie Kwenta and Hextar team up to bring you hard-hitting techno.

May 19, 10pm. Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02-274-5855.

BEAM X TUN TEN

The first installment of a new party series for the electronic music community, featuring DJ Sunju Hargun spinning back-to-back with Dj Elaheh.

May 24, 9pm. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-3927750. B300.

NEW VENUES Check out these party spaces for

all music tastes

5th edition coming this August!

Best Eats is the ultimate guide to this city’s buzzing food scene, with over 100 of our top “comfort food” picks – from ramen to dim sum, burgers to pizza, breakfast to dessert.

To reserve your spot in Best Eats 2018, contact our sales team at advertising@asia-city.co.th or 02-624-9696.

REWIND BAR

A literal rewind back to the ‘90s, this bar’s disco balls, brick walls, neon lights and sing-a-long gems from the Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls come with the added perk of live music every Mon, Wed and Fri. Get there for 8pm.

Thonglor Soi 6, 094-949-1619. Open 7pm1am. BTS Thong Lo

Rewind

FRANK MANSION

The good thing about opening a bar on Ari instead of Thonglor and Sathorn is the space. Frank Mansion’s two floors of masculine and slightly mysterious dark brown, metal and woods welcome live music every Fri and Sat night to play easygoing party tunes.

MAISON CLOSE

Charoenkrung’s hub of alt-culture offers a tattoo studio meets gallery meets fetish party wrapped up in one crumbling shop-house. When live acts take the mic here, expect them to be hardcore noise sets from the likes of Gamnad 737.

97/399 Charoenkrung Soi 45. Open WedSun 3pm-midnight

3-4/F, Ari One, Ari Soi 1, 02-048-3225.

Open Mon-Sat 6pm-1am. BTS Ari Best Eat H/A half/v.indd 1

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now LIVE MUSIC

ART

Abandonia

Rhye

BAMM! - IRON & WINE

As part of Bangkok Arts & Music Month (BAMM), American folk artist Iron & Wine debuts his first album in 4 years, Beast Epic, which again spotlights his gentle, soft-spoken lyrics which capture his biblical musings and breezy odes to nature. May 15, 9pm. Moonstar Studio 8, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80. B1,790.

KHRUANGBIN

The psychedelic Texan 3-piece with a Thai name perform live as part of BAMM, supported by locals The Photo Sticker Machine and Summer Dress. May 20, 9pm. 5/F, The

NEWS

EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd. B9501,290.

RHYE

Artist Rhye (aka Mike Milosh) debuts his latest bedroom R&B vibe album, Blood, in Bangkok. Expect an intimate night of soft, smooth and sensual sounds. May 23, 7pm. Voice Space, 197 BBD Building, Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., 02-650-6000. B1,800.

UNITED RAGE LIVE IN BANGKOK FEAT. SILLY MACHINE

United Rage, an American Rage Against the Machine tribute band, are joined by similar local act Silly

Khruangbin

Machine, as well as The Octopuss*, Flammable Goods and Conductor in paying homage to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Korn and System of a Down. May 12, 8pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street Building, Phayathai Rd., 098-991-4569. B250 includes 1 drink.

CYNTHIA SCOTT

The Arkansas-born jazz singer takes up residence to perform alongside The Randy Cannon Group. May 15Jun 17, 9:15pm. The Living Room, Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8353. Free.

Blaq Lyte is closing

Blaq Lyte, the neon-tinged hip-hop nightclub responsible for getting Thonglor's partiers lit every Saturday night, is set to close at the end of May. Owner Nick Supreda has revealed that the landlord has not renewed

the club's lease, which means both Blaq Lyte and Future Factory, the electro bar on the rooftop floor that only opened in March, will both need to move.

Nick says the Blaq Lyte team is currently working hard to find a new

home, but if they don’t succeed by the end of the month, the club will sadly have to temporarily close.

Blaq Lyte claimed Best New Bar at BK's debut B.A.D. Awards 2017 for bringing much-needed diversity to the Bangkok club scene, with owner Nick also donating his profits to 32 Foundation, an initiative to help orphans in the northeast of Thailand.

In the past year they’ve hosted established international names like Andre Power from Soulection and DJ Paul from Three Six Mafia, as well as offered a stage for Bangkok's own rising talents.

Here's hoping they find a new home soon!

Blaq Lyte, 2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356

Duality

BIBLIOMANIA 2018

An exhibition of books from 12 artists whose subjects vary from fiction to a more "objective" observation of so-called "reality." With opening part on May 22, 6pm. May 22-Jun 24.

Tentacles Gallery, N22, 2198/10-11 Narathiwas Soi 22, 080-560-5405.

Free.

TADAYOSHI NAKABAYASHI – SEA OF CORROSION / FROM GROUND TO LIGHT

The Japanese art master illustrates harmony and tension between paper and ink as metaphors for light and dark, day and night, and life and death. May 22-Jun 24, 6:30pm. Gallery of Modern Art, 99/45-46, Moo 18, Boromratchonnanee Rd., Taveewathana. Free.

DUALITY

Photographer Paul Lukin blends light and dark in his exploration of unity and duality. Through May 18, 7pm.

Sevana Bar, 28 Chan Soi 16, 095797-6645. Free.

Sea of Corrosion

of forgotten and abandoned spaces from around the world, questioning what once was, what might have been and what happens when we forget. May 18-June 8, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059.

Free.

DEFINITION OF HUMAN BEING YOU

Raising awareness about discrimination and equal rights, this exhibition include works under the theme of diversity and equality by 17 artists.

May 19-Jun 2. Krungthai Art Gallery, 260 Yaowarat Rd. 02-222-0137.

CONTEMPORARY SHADOW PLAY “THE WELL AND THE GOLD NUGGET”

Indonesian artist Jumaadi presents a wayang (shadow puppet) play bringing the true life story of loss within the villages of Sidoarjo to life. After an incident that has now caused a never-ending flow of mud, the lives of villagers have been changed drastically. May 12-13, 2pm and 5:30pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama 1 Rd., 097-002-4140. Free.

ABANDONIA

American urban explorer/photographer Dax Ward captures the beauty

MARKETS

THEATER & DANCE INCENDIE

This French speaking play explores the inner lives of two sisters after the death of their mother, which inspired a search for their true origins. May 17, 8pm. Thonglor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 095-924-4555. B60.

I AM MY OWN WIFE - A PLAY BY DOUG WRIGHT

Thonglor Art Space

18

Based on the true life story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf living as a transvestite during the repressive regimes of the Nazis and East German communists. May 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 8pm. Peel the Limelight, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 097-293-4274. B700 (B600 for members or B500 for students).

Habito

BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET

T77 YARD SALE PART 2

Support your local producers by shopping for natural products ranging from home and body care to arts and crafts and, of course, food. May 1213, 11am. Gateway Ekkamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai.

Shop for used clothes, home decor, furniture, toys and accessories. May 19, 11am. Habito Mall, Onnut 1/1, Soi Sukhumvit 77, 02-136-5932.

BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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WANT TO KNOW THE BEST DEALS IN BANGKOK?

FILM Opening (May 10)

BK Privileges is your gateway to exclusive deals from restaurants, gigs, hotels, bars and more.

Delivered straight to your inbox.

CHILDHOOD (NORWAY)

BEIRUT (USA)

Documentary. Observing a year in the life of a child at a progressive kindergarten in Norway which highlights the importance of education.

Drama. A U.S. diplomat is called back to war to negotiate for the life of that friend he left behind.

NONG PEE TEERAK (THAI)

ANON (USA)

Comedy. The story of a brother and sister who struggle with their dating lives while living together in the same house.

Action. A woman threatens the security of a detective in a world without anonymity or crime.

PRIVILEGES

Upcoming (May 17) CONCERT PROMOS

DINING DISCOUNTS

PRIORITY BOOKING

AND MORE!

Sign up at bk.asia-city.com/bkprivileges

BOOK CLUB (USA)

DEADPOOL 2 (USA)

Comedy. Four lifelong friends find their lives forever changed after reading 50 Shades of Grey in their book club.

Action. The wisecracking mercenary returns to battle the evil and powerful Cable and other bad guys to save a boy's life.

FUN RUNS Test yourself with these upcoming

mini marathons

INTERN WITH US! (EDITORIAL, MARKETING AND ART DEPT.)

MAY 12

Happy Kinder Running 2018 B300 for both 3km and 6km distances. Proceeds go to The Foundation For The Welfare of The Mentally Retarded of Thailand.

Nong Bon water Sport Centre, Chaloen Phrakiat Rama 9 Soi 43. Tickets: bit. ly/2HiADF0

MAY 13

Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2018 B400 for 3-5 miles and B600 for 10 miles.

CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama I Rd. Tickets: bit.ly/2HraKTl

Stay on top

1 Person 1 Heart Mini Marathon B300 for 3km and B400 for 10km.

Proceeds go to Burachat Chaiyakan Hospital.

Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park), Chatuchak. Tickets: bit.ly/2wbKFpx

MAY 20

PAT Mini Marathon B400 for both 5km and 10km distances.

Port Authority of Thailand, 444 Tha Rue Rd. Tickets: bit.ly/2jtWGxc

Singha Bangkok Park Run 2018 B400 for 5km, B500 for 10km and B700 for 21km.

You must send in a cover letter and resume. Specify which department you are applying for.

Open to Thai and foreign nationals (for Marketing, Thai national only).

Internships are full-time, unpaid and last 3 months.

King Rama IX Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103.

Tickets: bit.ly/2rpUQ4j

of all bangkok fitness news At bkmagazine.com/betteryou

You must be at least 18-years-old

Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th BK Magazine Friday, May 11, 2018

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