BK E-Magazine 782, Mar 13 2020

it's free!

Afternoon Delight The best bars for day drinking in Bangkok Bangin’ It’s time to put Bang Lamphu back on your radar Orange You Glad Who makes the city’s best iced citrus coffee?

Milli Rock Meet Thailand’s Internet-breaking teen rapper

This week has been postponed NO. 782 MARCH 13, 2020. www.bkmagazine.com

FILM'S NOT DEAD

LE NORMANDIE | 80/20 | UPSTAIRS | LE DU | AND MANY MORE

ENJOY BANGKOK’S ELITE RESTAURANTS WITH TOP TABLES CHAMPIONS DINING OFFERS Exclusive menus • Unbeatable prices!

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Dining Period March 26 - April 11, 2020

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page 3 Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Craig Sauers Deputy Editor Angela Symons Digital Content Coordinator Pakchira Bunphol Junior Digital Content Coordinator Kawee Jarach Senior Writers Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley, Veerabhatr Sriyananda Writer Warunporn Tiyabhorn Junior Writer Supanan Anansuviroj Contributor Megan Leon Creative Director Bhatara Chirdchuen Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Assaya Dejkong Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Junior Videographers Jaruwan Suwandee, Tham Rodjananaudomvutigul Junior Video Editor Jakphet Potisarn Business Development Director Jane Bay Senior Business Development Manager Madeleine Anantasuk Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon Sales Associate Parinda Dermsripoom, Janejira Kosaipolkul, Nalatporn Sirirungpanich

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

The BK guide to displaying an appropriate level of panic

04 upfront

Meet the misfit storyteller shaking up Thai design

Are you one of those lone wolves listening only to the advice of surgeon generals and infectious disease specialists? Do fellow BTS passengers give you and your maskless face a very wide berth, leaving you feeling like a medical pariah in your own city? Then it’s time to up your public-facing panic game.

05 cover

The complete guide to film photography

Rookie level You get your freshly pressed face masks directly from a vendor in Saraburi, and after decades of avoiding the washroom sink altogether, you’re now rinsing your hands after you use the toilet.

Junior Marketing Executive Katthaleeya Tamkittigul ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Event Projects Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Event Coordinator Thanawat Buddhichewin Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Junior Project Coordinator Sawanya Chantarakana Senior Developers Prawee Wiangin, Wasan Wangrach Developer Nopanun Laochunanun Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara Senior Content Writer Pailin Jindarerk SOIMILK Editor Noranartta Chaikum Senior Writers Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Kristiya Chaisri Junior Graphic Designer Wathinee Srithongchuai Senior Sales Associate Kornkanok Sriwaranant Sales Associate Palita Nueangnit, Monthathip Samartsributr Assistant Brand Manager Prawpraew Pairohg Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Interns Pearapong U-hun, Tanat Trakoonnumchokchai, Wanvisa Koedmongkhon, Supaporn Saeponkrang, Natsucha Lerdwattananon

Lukewarm-to-feverish

11

12

reviews

open door

Lon Lon, Wraptor

Keller

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

18 Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

nightlife

Day-drinking hotspots

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

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2020 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 (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 Media Group (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

19 neighborhood

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02

Bang Lamphu

For the first time in your life, you’re choosing to take the stairs instead of the escalator. When you have to ride the elevator, you're smart enough not to touch anything: you’ll go up and down all day, until some other sucker who lives or works on the same floor gets on and presses that disease-basted button.

Almost panic-stricken Forget fist-bumping. You’re doing the footshake now. You also buy only Goop-approved hand sanitizer, and your face is shielded by a gas mask made with military-grade carbon. You consider spending weekends outside the city for the “fresh” air, but you know better than to fly first-class in these trying times—only private planes will do.

Absolutely batshit You hose yourself down with disinfectant, invest in a haz mat suit and heed the erratic advice of Anutin.

You’re currently eating some herb with an unpronounceable Latin name after reading about its curative effects on Pantip.

When shit hits the fan, you’re prepared to hermetically seal yourself in your air-conditioned condo with enough toilet paper and tins of mackerel to comfortably survive the apocalypse.

upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

04

HOT OR NOT

HOARDING

Your neighbors have just returned from their food tours of the local wet markets in central China. But you’re savvy, so you decide to prepare for a citywide lockdown by purchasing a year’s supply of Mama noodles.

Nice try, hot shot.

The whole city is hoarding right now.

If you’re reading this, you’re too late.

Meet the designer “making cheap chic again” Tell us about 56thStudio.

We place emphasis on telling stories through various mediums—so we do literally everything that communication design can do—but I focus mostly on furniture because it has many aspects that I can play around with. We also work with many brands; usually they just tell us what they want and let us figure out the rest.

the same time, he didn’t want to let go of the machines and his employees. I stepped in and analyzed the capability and resources of his company; a year and much research later, I came up with a textile brand that produces new products using old sewing machines. OneMoreThing adds more value to the products, which helps improve the workers’ lives.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Do you think Thai design is on the up?

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but it’s more like a philosophy to me. I take anything that’s been overlooked, whether it’s outdated, bad, lacking value or uncool, and make it turn heads.

Except for COVID-19, I think the power has shifted to Asia, and Asian designers are on the up—we’ve made it to many countries and have received a lot of appreciation for our designs. When it comes to Thai designers, we’ve got many talented people in this industry, but they’re faced with the obstacles of our country’s system, in terms of [a lack of] support and scholarships.

What are you trying to communicate with your designs?

I’m interested in subcultures, political issues and inequality in society. Through “Cheap Ass Elite” [a chair with a square fruit basket seat attached to sleek tapered-style legs], I want to shine light on the the social class structure in Thailand by juxtaposing the rich and the poor. I’m also fascinated by pop culture, Thai porn and taxi drivers rejecting passengers.

What is OneMoreThing?

OneMoreThing is my new mission to create a meaningful footprint. It all started when one business owner walked in and said that he’s been running a weaving factory for over 30 years and he was thinking about shutting it down but, at

NO FILTER NECESSARY

First Brexit happened, then the release of the next James Bond film was delayed for seven months and now even drum 'n' bass legend Goldie is snuffing his homeland to open an art gallery at Warehouse 30 in Talad Noi. It hasn’t been a banner year for old Blighty, but their loss is our gain.

YOUR BRAND HERE

INTERVIEW

After earning his masters degree in storytelling, the co-founder and creative director of 56thStudio, Saran Yen Panya, has been using his eccentric designs to express himself. He walked us through his journey and his latest project aimed at elevating the community, OneMoreThing.

THE UK

Who are your favorite up-and-coming artists?

The word “up-and-coming” sounds superficial and I don’t value the “hype.” But there are artists who show integrity in their work, like Oat Montien, Nakrob Moonmanas—I’ve witnessed their growth through all these years—and everybody that has worked with 56thStudio.

Supanan Anansuviroj

OPPORTUNISM What to do when there’s a run on face masks and hand sanitizer? Buy up the remaining supplies, arrange a makeshift street stall and mark those bad boys up! Better yet, screen-print your brand on face masks and give them away, but only to people who purchase your product and post photographic evidence of it on their Instagram accounts using your hashtag. #instagenius

CONSISTENCY Wait a minute… so face masks aren’t necessary after all?

Idk, man. First our always dependable health chief Anutin said they were, then he said they weren’t.

He also mentioned something about quarantining ourselves if we traveled outside of Thailand, but then his Facebook page went dark. Can someone help us out here?

To read the full interview, visit bk.asia-city.com.

by Jakkii (FB: @Amateur Artist Mode - by Jakkii)

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

We create brand stories with influence studio.asia-city.com

05

cover | bend and snap

Developing News Developing News

Developing News

Developing News

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019

An avid film photographer whose work has been featured at many international street photography festivals, Artyt “Sun” Lerdrakmongkol is the owner of film photography shop and bookstore Husband and Wife and founder of street photography website Siam Street Nerds.

Best shops to buy film cameras Siam TLR

Good for: Beginners.

What: Siam TLR offers various secondhand models at all price points, from TLR, SLR and RF to Lomo, compact, half-frame and toy.

All cameras here are of certified quality—the knowledgeable owner, Surasak Wannasri, will help clean and check the camera’s system to make sure they’re ready to use. Novices with a limited budget are more than welcome to drop by and talk to Surasak for advice on how to get started—you can spend up to an hour chatting about which cameras suit you best or even get a crash course in film photography.

This guy’s an expert.

Prices: B3,500 for Olympus Trip 35; B6,500 for Yashica Electro 35 GX Black; B8,000 for Rollei 35 T Black; B36,00 for Leica CL. G/F, Mahatun Plaza Building, Phloen Chit Rd., 081-431-0351. Open Mon-Sat noon-7pm. BTS Ploen Chit.

Photo Gallery Good for: Pro-level camera seekers.

What: This shop stocks only high-quality German models like Leica, Hasselblad and Rolleiflex, as well as some top-tier Japanese brands like Mamiya, Nikon and Olympus.

They also offer camera repairs, plus a great range of films and accessories including Kodak Portra 400, Fujicolor C200, Billingham Hadley Pro camera bags and Leica Summilux 1.4/80 mm lenses. The owner, Boonlue, is really knowledgeable and happy to dish out advice.

Prices: Ask in-store.

4/F, Thaniya Plaza, Silom Rd., 081-459-3607.

Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. BTS Sala Daeng.

Chai Photo Supply Good for: Everything film-camera related.

What: Located about a two-minute walk from MRT Wat Mangkon, Chai Photo Supply has been open for the last 26 years and

07

sells everything related to film photography.

Cameras, accessories, films, light meters, batteries, cleaning kits—you name it. The old-school shop may look overwhelming to rookies, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from the ah-gong and ah-ma shop owners. Even if you’re new to film photography, the elderly couple is more than happy to give you tips on what cameras are good for beginners, as well as the type of film you should use.

Prices: B1,840 for Goko Macromax FR-350; B4,600 for Nikon AF220; B4,800 for Goko Macromax Mac-10 Z3000.

461 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-222-3185.

Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. MRT Wat Mangkon.

Gibgae Film Good for: All things compact camera.

What: So you’ve watched Ter Nawapol’s indie-romance “Happy Old Year” (How To Ting) and now you want to get your hands on the Olympus Mju-1 Panorama, just like the one Jean uses. But thanks to the movie’s cult following, this compact snapper has become the “must-have” film camera this year—meaning it’s pretty much sold out everywhere. Except for here. This camera shop stocks a ton of high-quality compact film cameras, whether it’s the Contax T3, the Yashica J-mini or, of course, the Olympus Mju-1 and 2. They also offer various Rollei 35 models including the Ss and SEs, as well as a wide range of film from Kodak Pro Image 100 (B230) to Dubblefilm Jelly (B450).

Prices: B4,900 for Kyocera P Mini 2; B13,500 for Rollei 35 SE; B60,000 for Leica M4-2 Canada Black Chrome.

2/F, Blue Dye Cafe, Sukhumvit Soi 36, 093-539-1426. Open daily 1-6:30pm.

BTS Thong Lo.

Nuad Glong Film (FilmCamera101) Good for: Classic models.

What: If you’re a frequent visitor of film markets like Around The Film and Kraft Kraft Market at Lido Connect, then you’re probably familiar with Nuad Glong Film—or FilmCamera101, according to their Instagram handle. Although these guys stock an impressive selection of top-tier classic models like the Konica Eye 3 and the Minolta AL-E, as well as some compact choices like the Contax T2, the Olympus Mju and the Canon AF 35 ML, the real highlight is the Nikons. Take your pick from the Nikon 35Ti and Nikon FM3A to the all-black Nikon FM2N8 and Nikon FE2. All cameras come with a warranty, and they also deliver.

Prices: B4,500 for Konica Eye 3; B8,000 for Olympus XA; B22,000 for Konica Hexar AF; B27,000 for Nikon FM2N8.

Charoen Rat Rd., 089-128-7796. Open Tue-Wed 1-7:30pm; Thu 11am-7:30pm; Fri 1-7:30pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. BTS Surasak.

Mango Film Good for: Secondhand cameras.

What: This online store offers some of the best-looking secondhand models in Bangkok.

The owner does a superb job of cleaning and restoring the cameras to tip-top shape, plus most of the models come equipped with cases, leather straps and lenses—all in mint condition. Expect lots of Yashica Electro 35, Nikon F and Konica II B-m. Based on the glittering reviews on the shop’s Facebook page, you can expect excellent service, knowledgeable advice and fast delivery. The shop also offers custom and repair services.

Prices: B3,900 for Konica II B-m; B5,300 for Nikomat FT2 (black); B7,300 for Yashica Electro 35; B7,900-9,000 for Nikon F. Order at www.fb.com/Mangophotographer

What makes film photography so fun?

When it comes to convenience, digital cameras easily take the cake. What makes analog so special is it allows us to be in the moment instead of instantly checking the images on the monitor.

Having to wait to see the images is also a big part of the charm.

Which film cameras do you recommend for beginners?

For something that’s easy and fuss-free, compact ones like the Olympus Mju or the Pentax Espio are great, as they’re automatic, pointand-shoot cameras.

How long do you think this trend will last?

It has been going off for about six years now. Marketers say that the revival is due to the younger generation seeing analog photography as an exciting challenge. I think the market will grow another one or two years and then start to stabilize.

But I believe film photography will have a lasting impact.

Kentmere Pan 400

Kodak Ultramax 400

Film Never Die

Kodak Ektar 100

Agfa Vista 200

with Yashica Electro 35

with Olympus Trip 35

with Canon Autoboy Tele

with Minolta P’s

with Nikon AF600

By @thanawat.photography

By @hippie.trip35

By @maywiwi

By Poonsawat Suttama

By Assaya Dejkong

Best for film processing

A&B Digital Lab

Good for: Rush-job processing.

What: This Lat Phrao institution is a favorite among film junkies for its super affordable prices. Developing and scanning for a 135 color negative film will take only one or two hours, and it costs a dirt-cheap B100­—an absolute bargain! You can even mail these guys your film, which usually takes no more than a week to process. This shop is also one of the cheapest places to buy film. While you’re there, stock up on Kodak ColorPlus 200 (B135), Kodak Gold 200 (B175), Kodak Ultramax 400 (B175) and Fuji C 200 (B180).

Film formats: Color and black-and-white negatives, slides and motion picture films in 135 and 120.

Prices: B100 for dev+scan 135 color negative film; B140 for dev+scan 135 black-and-white.

1152/3 Phahon Yothin Rd. (opposite Central Lat Phrao), 02-511-3498. Open daily 8am-midnight.

BTS Ha Yaek Lat Phrao.

Akirart Minilab Good for: An all-in-one experience.

What: Nestled inside a small alley in the Plubplachai neighborhood, Akirart transforms a once-famous production house into an uber-hip, retro office-themed studio and cafe. Step inside and it’s like you’re in an ‘80s time capsule—from old working desks decked out with vintage Mac computers to steel filing cabinets you probably last saw when you were 10. Besides developing and scanning services for color and blackand-white film, Akirart also offers a rental photo studio on the second floor (B2,500/four hours, B4,500/eight hours), while the third floor features a slow bar serving drinks like passion fruit espressos (B120) and apple crumble lattes (B140).

Film formats: Color and black-and-white negatives in 135 and 120.

Prices: B150 for dev+scan 135 color negative film; B150 for developing 135 black-and-white.

Anuson Soi 1, 084-106-6333. Open Mon-Tue 10am7pm; Thu-Sun 10am-7pm. MRT Wat Mangkon.

XANAP

Good for: Tips, advice and friendly service.

What: After closing up shop in Sam Yan, Xanap has found a new home at Lido Connect. These guys offer film developing and scanning services for both color and black-and-white film. They also sell cameras, film rolls and other photography-related gadgets. Black-andwhite negative film is usually developed in seven-to-10 days, while color negative film is developed in one or two hours. However, since it’s a hub for university students, the queue can take up to four-to-six days to develop color film and up to a week for black-andwhite. Customers are also welcome to drop by and talk to the owners for advice about film photography.

Film formats: Color and black-and-white negatives in 135 and 120.

Prices: B160 for dev+scan 135 color negative film; B260 for black-and-white; B100 for scan only.

2/F, Lido Connect, Rama 1 Rd., 02-001-4636. Open Mon-Tue noon-8pm; Fri-Sun noon-8pm. BTS Siam.

Patani Studio

Good for: Quality processing and scanning.

What: Located in Chinatown’s Soi Nana, this quaint film lab takes the analog printing process very seriously.

Owner Tawatchai “Tae” Pattanaporn manually processes film by hand alongside machines—meaning, he can pretty much customize your pictures, from processing motion picture films such as Cinestill 800T to experimenting with the density of light and shadows with Kodak Ektachrome 100. Apart from negative film processing, Patani Studio also offers color and black-and-white handprints on various types of paper including fiber base paper (from B200 for glossy/matte black-and-white) and resin coated paper (from B150 for glossy/pearl black-and-white), as well as Fuji crystal paper (from B300 for glossy color).

Film formats: Color and black-and-white negatives, slides and motion picture films in 135, 120 and 4x5.

Prices: B150 for developing 135 color negative film; B250 for developing 135 slide films.

59, Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 092-926-6216. Open Wed-Sun 10am-6pm. MRT Hua Lamphong.

Husband and Wife

Good for: The truly devoted.

What: Run by Artyt “Sun” Lerdrakmongkol—one of Thailand’s most renowned street photographers—and his wife, this shop is pretty much an oasis for film photography enthusiasts. Located in a small compound in Chaengwattana that comprises a cafe (Rynn Kaffe Specialty Coffee) and a contemporary art school (Brick

By Brick), Husband and Wife offers developing and scanning services for both color and black-and-white 135 negative film. The shop also stocks a ton of camera equipment, film, accessories, imported photography books and zines, as well as development equipment, chemicals and other darkroom materials for those who want to develop film at home. Check out their online store, (husbandandwifeshop.com) if you don’t want to trek all the way out of town.

Film formats: Color and black-and-white negatives in 135 and 120.

Prices: B180 for dev+scan 135 color negative film; B250 for black-and-white.

59/859 Moo Baan Mueng Thong Thani Krongkan 1 Soi 3, 020-116-126. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm.

IQ Lab Good for: Processing black-and-white film and printing.

What: This professional lab only develops black-andwhite film and offers one of the best high-quality printing services in Bangkok. They can produce prints in a wide range of formats and sizes, from desktop calendars and face-mounted acrylic prints to an A3-size photobook and matte surface lamination. If you’re looking for the place to develop your special roll of film, IQ Lab is it. Apart from specializing in C-41 negative film processing, they also offer a full range of Leica products at their Silom branch.

Film formats: 135, 120, 220, 4x5, 8x10.

Prices: B490 for dev+scan 135 film; B740 for dev+scan 220 film.

35 ITF-Silom Palace Building, 02-266-4080. Open MonFri 8:30am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-noon. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Camera

Film

Olympus Trip 35

Kodak ColorPlus 200 or

The Old Town

Budget-friendly and very easy to use.

Kodak Gold 200

Head to Charoenkrung, Phra Athit Road or The Giant Swing for beautiful cultural landmarks, riverside bars and quaint cafes to shoot.

Cheap color films that give great results.

Location, location, location

hit list I what’s on SONG

MILLI - “PAKKORN” (YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN), PROD. BY NINO

HH ART

Mind The Unseen Heart: A Journey to Wholeness Local artists and mental health practitioners are coming together this Mar 14-31 for an exhibition that aims to change your perspective on mental health. Besides a gallery exhibition showcasing the work of five artists, there will be a series of weekend events from “Why Storytelling Matters” on Mar 19 (7-11pm), featuring true stories of personal mental health journeys; to “Why Movement Matters,” a night of performance dance on Mar 22; “Why Comedy Matters: Laughing Through It” on Mar 26; and a breathing workshop, “Why Breath Matters,” on Mar 29. Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight. Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Sathorn Soi 11. Free entry

MARKET

Noise Market 9

FESTIVAL

Very Festival: Spring-break After debuting with its first festival last November, Bangkok event organizer The Very Company is back with another gig for those who can’t wait until the end of the year. On Mar 14, this one-day indoor festival will bring six rising international artists to the stage, including Japanese rapper Joji—Asia’s first singer to make it to no. 1 on Billboard’s R&B and hiphop chart; up-and-coming Indonesian R&B artist Niki; and British singer-songwriter Bruno Major, known for his hit album, A Song for Every Moon. For the full line-up, visit theverycompany.com. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. B2,800 via Ticketmelon

Now in its ninth year, this music-focused flea market returns on Mar 21-22 with more indie bands, handicrafts and activities. On top of a no-holds-barred open fashion show, you’ll find an art exhibition inside Museum Siam, stages welcoming every genre of music and a whole bunch of stalls selling everything from Okher’s handcrafted stationery and Tunwayla. intime’s beaded jewelry to cute shoes by Glory Babe, knitted bags by ABC of Something, quirky ceramics by Long-lai, reusable cups from VeryWhale Ecoliving Store and much more. Collectors can keep their eyes peeled for second-hand books and records, too.

10am-11pm. Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd. Free entry

Last month, 17-year-old high school student and “The Rapper 2” contestant Danupha “Minnie” Kanateerakul, a.k.a Milli, became an overnight sensation when her debut Thai rap song went viral. It has since racked up over 21 million views on YouTube.

This addictively catchy tune is spiced up by her use of Isaan dialect along with the inclusion of “loo,” a complex argot popular among Thailand’s LGBTQ community. It’s not just her fresh rhymes that have people talking— her badass “Nicky Minaj” attitude has viewers hailing her as “the rap queen of Thailand.”

Packed with swear words and un-PC terms, her controversial lyrics have sparked less favorable reactions in the comments section.

While we can dismiss the cussing as a classic byproduct of rap, her insults towards her fellow schoolmates in the music video are on the judgmental side. With her jibes about the girls being “high on birth control pills,” chasing boys like an animal (“chasing boys like that, are you a gibbon or a rhino?”) and dressing like prostitutes (“dressing properly? Nah, I kinda think you’re on sale”), Milli is not exactly cut out to be the next feminist activist on the music scene. On the other hand, these comments could just be taken as crass but well-meaning jokes between high school friends.

This fast-talking young rapper is clearly talented and, with more refined subject matter, she could be on track to have a big impact on the Thai rap scene. With age comes wisdom, so we say you go girl!

Star Ratings Give it a miss H HH Worth your time HHH Absolute must

BK ASKS

Danupha “Minnie” Kanateerakul, a.k.a Milli, student and rapper

Who is your all-time favorite artist?

Pumpuang Duangjan—she’s the queen of luk thung. I want to be a queen, too.

What type of music have you been listening to lately?

Hip hop and K-pop touch me the most. “Move!” by Niki is probably my favorite song right now.

How do you spend your time after school?

Rehearsing my shows, dancing, doing group projects with friends or simply just going home to sleep.

What inspires your song lyrics?

I write from my experiences. If I’m in love, I’ll write love songs, if I’m heart-broken, I’ll write sad songs—it’s as simple as that. My latest song “Pakkorn” was actually inspired by how I love to play around with my friends at school and warn them to behave in my own language.

What is your favorite place to hang out with friends?

I love to go to temple fairs, but I’d say anywhere if I’m with my friends.

What words define you?

Big and loud—I do everything on a big scale and I’ll always make it loud.

hit list | shopping

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

12

This boutique studio is a yoga haven WELLNESS

Feeling stressed out by the Covid-19 outbreak?

Keep calm and carry on at Vikasa on 24, a new boutique yoga studio in Phrom Phong.

Bathed in a soft fluorescent violet glow, striking wood fixtures dramatically dip and curve throughout the serene space, making you feel like you’ve stepped off the grid into a secret tropical retreat. The studio offers a variety of yoga and meditation classes suited to all levels, ranging from the 45-minute “Gong” sound therapy class, which helps promote deep relaxation and tackle insomnia; to the 60-minute “Breathe,” which teaches you proper breathing techniques while calming your mood and centering your energy; to the more challenging 120-minute “Complete” classes, which cover the key elements of yoga practice—asana, pranayama and meditation— to help achieve a deeper sense of wholeness through physical and mental techniques. A one-day pass will set you back B1,000, while unlimited classes start from B18,000 for three months and B30,000 for six months. One-year membership costs B48,000. 2/F, Park Origin, Sukhumvit Soi 24. Open Mon-Fri 7am-9:30pm; Sat-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm. vikasabangkok.com

REUSE ME

3 awesome tumblers from the Kinto x Kidnap Me Pop-Up Store*

Kinto Travel Tumbler (350ml)

B1,180

Kinto To Go Tumbler (240ml)

EXHIBITION

FASHION

TECH

Catch this edgy fashion label’s 20-year exhibition

These handbags are just plain cool

A sporty and smart watch rolled into one

Semi-couture ready-to-wear fashion label Tube Gallery is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an exhibition. Curated by the label’s designers, Phisit Jongnarangsin and Saxit Pisalasupongs, “The World of Tube Gallery” gathers the greatest hits from the label’s archived collections, alongside some never-before-seen pieces. They have also taken the opportunity to launch a new collection inspired by award-winning artist Ploy Kasom. Through Mar 20. RCB Galleria, 2/F, River City Bangkok, Charoenkrung Soi 24, 02-237-0077. Open Mon-Thu 10am-8pm; Fri-Sun 10am-9pm

It has been a long time since Boyy’s buckle bags made us fall in love with a Thai bag maker, but the latest Spring/Summer 2020 collection from Nasha Made In Mars has us giddy again. Our hands-down favorite from the lineup is the “Pinto” series inspired by the humble traditional Thai lunch box (B34,722 for Pinto 2.0 in Pumpkin Pie), which features eye-catching hand-painted python leather in an array of colors. For a more subtle option, the “Pistol” waist bags (from B17,361) in earthy hues can do no wrong. Available at 1/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd.

What: Suunto 7 Price: B16,900 Why? As the Finnish brand’s first wearable tech to run Wear OS by Google, this versatile smart sports watch is handy even when you’re not working out.

Lifestyle and fitness features range from music control and checking calls to offering over 70 sports modes, a built-in heart rate sensor and GPS, plus an offline map and heatmaps for 15 sports activities to show you which places are popular or quiet to train in. It’s water- and stain-resistant, and the battery lasts up to 48 hours Available at supersports.co.th

B1,280

Shop Talk

Kinto Day Off Tumbler (500ml)

B1,380

*Through Mar 31 at Siam Discovery

How to spend your hardearned baht.

BUY IT ARCOBARENO FOOTWEAR This local label makes custom leather shoes without the hefty price tag; from B2,000-2,700.

IG: @arcobareno_official

BIN IT MESH PANEL JOGGER PANTS… OR WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM Yeah… we don’t get it.

BARGAIN MICROSOFT SURFACE PROMOTION Get Microsoft Office 365 Home free when purchasing the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7 or Surface Laptop 3 at BaNana store, 4/F, IconSiam; through Mar 31.

food & drink | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

11

HOT OFF THE PASS

You only have one night to join these exclusive dinners RED CARPET

From Mar 26 to Apr 11, Top Tables Champions sees some of Bangkok’s most innovative restaurants putting on special multi-course menus for a limited period of time, though there are three restaurants taking it to the next level by laying on additional one-off dinners with even more exclusive menus. On Mar 30, La Bottega di Luca will offer a fourcourse menu (B1,800++) that’s entirely different to their main Champions line-up. Expect Alba-style beef carpaccio, roasted octopus with chilled green pea sauce and more. Next up on Apr 1, Yamazato, will be offering eight courses (B2,943++) spanning everything from sashimi of fatty tuna belly to sushi of conger eel and shiitake tempura. Finally, on Apr 4, Haoma will roll out a 13-course dinner (B2,990++) showcasing chef Khosla’s tangy pomegranate seedtopped chaat and the zero-kilometer “Haoma in a Bite,” featuring edible flowers, herbs and fruit grown in the Haoma garden. These special VIP nights are open to everyone—visit toptables.asia/special-event to book your seat.

HIGH TEA

LAZY DAYS

GO GAA-GAA

This afternoon tea is your cheapest ticket up Mahanakhon

Little Donkey’s brunch is the ultimate hangover cure

Gaa’s new menu ditches courses for shared feasts

Little Donkey’s awesome new brunch menu features a breakfast burrito (B280) that could cure even the mightiest of hangovers with its mix of creamy avocado, crispy hash browns, charred corn, scrambled egg, smoky bacon and spicy sauce. For a taste of America’s deep south, dig into the spicy, creamy shrimp and grits (B320) but do not leave without trying the custardy, cereal-crusted French toast (B240). 2/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7790. Brunch is available SatSun 11am-3pm

In an exciting twist, Gaa has revamped its menu, casting aside courses in favor of feasts in an effort to rewrite the narrative around modern Indian cuisine. With the five-part “Feasts of India” (B3,800/ person), you explore Subcontinent-spanning flavors in dishes like topli paneer, a disappearing Parsi delicacy served with savory crackers called khakra, and the pungent fried Bombay duck, a small fish native to Mumbai. While favorites like the baby corn starter remain for now, expect the whole menu to be overhauled soon. 68/4 Soi Langsuan, 091-4192424. Available Wed-Mon 6-9:30pm

Thailand’s tallest building has recently launched Café Gourmand, an afternoon tea experience operating out of a plant-filled section of the Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar. Available from 2-4pm daily, the tea set consists of a choice of French pastry, from eclairs to exotic fruit tarts, and coffee or tea for B350. Though it does not include access to the Skywalk, the cafe is located on the 76th floor with large windows offering heart-stopping views over Bangkok. 76/F, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd., 02-677-8722

SPUN OUT We’ve teased this one before, but now it’s officially official: American chefs Aisha Ibrahim and Samantha Beaird are finally launching Axis, cooking out of The Commons Saladaeng three to four nights a week. The pair have previously worked the kitchens at Aziamendi in Phang-Nga and San Francisco’s Boulevard. Their fine-dining Bangkok popups over the past year have revolved around Thailand’s micro-seasons, running 12-20 courses.

NESTLING DOWN Igniv Bangkok by Andreas Caminada is officially gearing up to launch at The St. Regis Bangkok this April.

This opening is the chef’s first outside of his native Switzerland, where his original Schloss Schauenstein holds three Michelin stars, on top of being no. 50 in the World’s 50 Best, while his two other branches of Igniv (a.k.a. “The Nest”), located in St. Moritz and Bad Ragaz, each hold two stars.

KILLER CEREAL Bangkok has welcomed its first cereal bar, A Scoop to Move. From Cap’n Crunch to Lucky Charms, you can order your bowl straight up, or sprinkle it on top of soft serve in flavors like Hokkaido milk and matcha, along with toppings of Oreo, burnt marshmallow and more. The shop is located on Sukhumvit Soi 26 and prices start at B65.

CAMERA EATS FIRST

Want to be featured in BK? Tag us @bkmagazine or hashtag #bkmagazine

@KINGLYWORLD AT BLACKHILLS BKK

@VIVAWARATAH AT HERRINGBONE BANGKOK

@MISSCARBDASHIAN AT THE HASS

food & drink | open doors

Keller is a place to be seen The buzz: After eight years at Water Library Chamchuri, German chef Mirco Keller has finally branched out on his own with this spacious restaurant on Suan Phlu focusing on contemporary European cuisine.

The vibe: Located in a butter yellow mansion on a dead-end soi, with a parking lot packed with black vans and luxury cars, Keller feels nothing short of exclusive. Behind tall glass windows, you’ll find a marble-floored waiting lounge and Cloud Wine, a one-room wine cellar and bar from Wine Garage. Soft coral-colored banquettes, champagne accents, hanging pendant lamps and a floor-to-ceiling glass window looking into the kitchen make up the dining room.

The food: “Contemporary European” is a cover for “lots of German touches” across a small but perfectly curated menu. Signatures like the Berliner Senfei—smoked potato and pickled beetroot topped with Oscietra caviar (B990)—and Chilean sea bass served with asparagus, shimeji mushrooms, potato dumplings and chive sauce (B990) illuminate chef Keller’s mechanically precise cooking and clean, modern presentation.

Other dishes span the globe, like Duck Duck Duck (B590)—duck presented in three forms (tongue, neck and smoked), served with green pea dumplings, straw mushrooms and a velvety, light green sauce.

Opt for the four-course “Signature Journey” (B2,900), or select the

a la carte option and cap your meal with the house favorite: a cheesecake topped with tangy pineapple (B330).

The drinks: Grab your favorite from the 100-plus bottles on offer at Cloud Wine, or put your faith in restaurant manager and resident wine expert Alex Braukmann. He can steer you toward excellent Old World whites and reds, like the fruity, subtly spicy and absolutely refreshing Tegernseerhof Gruner Weltliner Federspiel from Wachau, Austria (B290/glass) and the full-bodied Keller Pinot Noir S (B3,900/bottle). Cocktails, including the Mekhong rum-based Keller Sour (B300), are also available.

Why we’d come back: Chef Keller has free rein over the menu, and you can expect more of his personality on the plate than ever. If you’ve experienced his food previously, you’ll know that’s a great thing. Craig Sauers 31 Suanplu Soi 2, 02-092-7196.

Open Wed-Sun 6-10pm; Mon 6-10pm.

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

13

Jhol

NEW AND NOTED

Home-style Filipino food comes to Sukhumvit

Steak and seafood reign supreme at this spacious opening

The compact Lola’s Kitchen (891 Sukhumvit Rd., 064-614-4075) has popped up over the road from the Embassy of the Philippines, bringing homestyle Filipino cooking to Thonglor. The menu is packed with classics, from pork adobo (B185) flavored with soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and bay leaf, to bulalo (B350) a beef shank soup with sweetcorn and bok choy, and ginisang monggo (B170), a mung bean stew with shrimp and crispy pork. Desserts don’t disappoint either—opt for the Brazo de Mercedes (A Filipino-style meringue rolled with custard, B90), or the hazelnut Sans Rival cake (B150).

Commandeering a spacious standalone building filled with long wooden tables and surrounded by a green lawn, Le Peche Steak and Seafood House (110/6 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-0575255) is made for surf-n-turf fans.

Choose from an Australian grain-fed premium ribeye with fresh prawns (B1,090), a New Zealand grass-fed tenderloin or striploin with half a lobster (B1,750) and more, or go lighter with lobster bisque (B280) and Caesar salad (B180), followed by a sinful chocolate fondant (B170) or apple tarte tatin (B170). With spiced carrot risotto (B350) on the menu, you can even bring your veggie friend along.

Get your fill of contemporary southern Indian cuisine Indian-born, New York-trained chef, cookbook author and international restaurateur Hari Nayak has recently descended on Bangkok with Jhol (7/2 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-004-7174), a contemporary coastal Indian venture in the heart of Sukhumvit. Expect to find bhel puri (a puffed rice and vegetable chaat; B290) served in a somtam khrok and ghee roast chicken with crispy cone dosa (B520). You’ll also find exotic, Thai-leaning cocktails like Mehkong whiskey with torched bite-size kanom jak (B380) and mocktails like a refreshing mix of lychee, elderflower, lime, cucumber and topped with champa flower-scented foam (B180).

TABLE TALK

Cloud Dragon 87 Langsuan Rd., 085-140-9999. Open daily 11am-9pm Situated in Veela Sindhorn community mall, Cloud Dragon occupies a spacious dining room with flower patterned floor tiles, marble countertops, and walls decorated with traditional Chinese paintings. The food menu features Chinese dishes made with premium produce. Highlights include lobster fried rice, abalone congee, and bak kut teh (herbal pork soup)—you can choose between fragrant, cloudy soup or light-flavored clear soup.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only 14 Feb ’20 – 31 Jul ’20

food & drink | open doors

Mother Roaster

TABLE TALK

Khao Khao Tonson Branch, 34/1 Soi Ton Son, Ploenchit Rd., 02-252-1619. Open daily noon-2pm, 6-10pm Inspired by a traditional rice storehouse, Khao is warm and inviting with plenty of natural light, blond wood decor, and efficient service. Book several weeks in advance for the chef’s table experience or dive headlong into the a la carte menu spotlighting traditional dishes made using fresh ingredients from local markets. To wash it down, you'll find an array of herbal drinks, such as roselle juice and sweet corn tea, along with smoothies, and red wine by glass.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 20% discount on food only (Excluding Khao Chae and Ton Son branch only) 01 Mar ’20 – 31 May ’20 Get 10% discount on food only (All branch) 01 Jan ’20 – 31 Dec ’20

Rongros

NEW AND NOTED

Charoenkrung’s 70-year-old barista gets a new home

Quirky decor meets prime Wat Arun views on the riverside

This craft beer bottle shop is a stone’s throw from BTS Thonglor

Remember the 70-year-old barista who made headlines back in late 2018? Well, now Mother Roaster (1172/8 Soi San Chao Rong Kueak, 061-216-2277) has upgraded her tiny booth close to Hua Lamphong for a charming wooden house in Talad Noi. Enjoy her meticulous hand drip coffee (B80 for local beans/B100 for imported) or refreshing dark calamansi “espressonic” (B80) on the plant-filled balcony overlooking the street, or grab a colorful chair in the spacious cafe, located above a jumbled parts shop.

Hungry? You can snack on mini beef stew and spinach-cheese pies (B50) or chocolate cookies (B40).

An exterior licked with the work o f B r o o k l y n a r t i s t R o s t a r r, a Grecian bust draped with malai, hanging crystal chandeliers, panels of Japanese ink paintings and vintage touches like a life-size penguin lamp act as clues that Rongros (392/16 Maha Rat Rd., 02-106-2198) isn’t your average tourist-baiting Thai restaurant—no matter what the prime view of Wat Arun may suggest. Brave the steep staircase to the rooftop deck to take it all in with a table full of ribeye pad krapao (B380) and tom yam with grouper (B320), paired with a Mama Bangkok (gin, pomegranate and fresh lime; B320) or Singha beer (B120).

Located just minutes from BTS Thonglor, Duke of Beerington (G/F, SK Tower, 858 Sukhumvit Rd., 092-8877141) offers a 100-strong selection of craft beer and cider to drink in or to go, plus three rotating taps. Choose from Oedipus Avatar (B235), a dryhopped lager; Stone Neverending Haze IPA (B240), a hazy session IPA; De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis Hazelnoot (B350), a hazelnut imperial stout; or check out their draft beer, which currently includes the latest release from Eleventh Fort, Damaged Romance (B250/350ml). As well as discounts on take-out orders, they offer B40 off on all draft beers during happy hours (11am-2pm/5-7pm). Delivery is also available.

food & drink | taste test

Who makes the best iced citrus Americano in the CBD?

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Rocket Coffeebar

Coffeelism Winner!

The place: Scandinavian-style cafe serving up killer brunch and drinks.

The taste: You’ll get a whiff of cinnamon, a tang of orange juice, a sweet note from honey and a faint bitter taste from coffee in one sip from this promising-looking cup, garnished with an orange slice, cinnamon stick and rosemary.

Verdict: 10s, 10s, 10s across the board!

Price: B150

Roots

Runner

The place: Known for Up! using 100 percent domestic beans blended and brewed in house.

The taste: Hands-down, Roots nailed it with that thick, fresh orange slice. The fizzy brew is very refreshing and leaves a nice coating on the tip of your tongue, but the coffee could be a tad stronger.

Verdict: We’re rooting for you.

Price: B100

Coffee or OJ? Thanks to some forward-looking Bangkok baristas trying to make orange the new black, you don’t have to choose anymore. With an iced citrus Americano, you can have coffee and orange juice at the same time (*mind blown*). We set out to answer the question that every timepoor, breakfast-deprived Sathorn office worker is asking: who makes the best in the CBD? By BK Staff

The place: Go-to coffee stand for Sathorn office workers.

The taste: Neck and neck with Roots, except Coffeelism’s version is a little bit richer. The citrus taste and aroma is there, but they seem to have forgotten the actual slice of fruit.

Verdict: Houdini act.

Price: B85

School Coffee x Warm Batch Roasters The place: Grab-and-go coffee shop with reasonably priced drinks.

The taste: Except for the tired-looking orange slice, we don’t get much citrus action here, although the coffee itself is enjoyable.

Verdict: Elementary.

Price: B55

The Crystal House

Yikes

The place: Dainty glasshouse-like shop hidden down a Pan Road soi.

The taste: Minute Maid-like orange juice with a chemical smell that forces the coffee into the background. And, yet again, no orange slice!

Verdict: Crystalized.

Price: B95

15

travel | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

11

BANGKOK

Remedy your canceled trip with this swanky staycation deal

Samui welcomes a nautical-themed resort from Spain FB: LonglayFestival

SAMUI

Spanish hotel chain Meliá made its Thailand debut in January with Meliá Koh Samui, an elegant 159-room and 41-suite luxury resort located on the north coast’s Choeng Mon Beach. Facilities include two restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, a 200-capacity ballroom, a mini water park, a beach club and two outdoor pools with a swim-up bar. Rates for a 51-sq-meter Deluxe Room start from around B4,800 per night including breakfast. The opening kicks off the brand’s Thailand roll-out, which is set to include at least two more hotels, including INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit and one in Chiang Mai.

If you’ve recently canceled your vacation due to the virus outbreak, here’s some good news: the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is rolling out a luxurious staycation package for Thai passport holders and expat residents.

Book before Mar 31, and you can get a onenight stay in their 130-sq-meter Garden Villa (usually upwards of B16,000 alone), plus unlimited body massage treatments (worth B3,200-plus a pop), club lounge access for breakfast and all-day refreshments, evening cocktails for two and B500 credit to spend in the hotel’s F&B outlets, all for B12,900. The deal is available on stays up until Apr 30.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234

CHA-AM

PHANG-NGA

This festival is bringing artistic vibes to a hidden beach

Phang-Nga gets a taste of Bangkok’s Nordic food trend

Longlay Beach Life Festival returns to Chaam’s Diamond Beach this Apr 4-5, featuring two main stages—one for indie artists including Taitosmith, Nap a Lean, Pyra, B-King and Yellow Fang, and the other for DJs spinning nu-disco music. Get your adrenaline pumping at the Nature Active Camp—a zone with beachside activities and watersports—or feed your cravings with food from Bangkok restaurants like Summer Street, Studiyo and Kwan Esantori. Festival goers can also enjoy environmentally-conscious art installations by Satit Raksasri. B800 via theconcert.com

Seumas Smith, the executive chef at Phangnga’s five-star Iniala Beach House, has recently revealed his new restaurant, Parla.

His seven- (B4,500) and 12-course (B8,000) Nordic-Herbridean tasting menus feature raggmunkar (potato pancake) with crème fraiche, ikura, fig and leek; lobster with horseradish and pine; and fermented asparagus with celeriac. The Scotland-born chef draws culinary inspiration from his Swedish mother and has a resume that spans stints at the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston in London and Maggie Joan’s in Singapore.

GUIDES Reach affluent urbanites through trusted publications with a six-month to one-year shelf-life.

To be featured in our upcoming 2019 guides, contact us at advertising@asia-city.co.th, 02-624-9696

To be featured in our upcoming 2019 guides, contact us at advertising@asia-city.co.th, 02-624-9696

dining reviews

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Lon Lon Local Diner HHH 150 Narathiwas Soi 3, 097-078-5710. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun noon-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm

Four years ago, a street food-focused restaurant called The Local Canteen swiftly broke the boundless monotony of lunch routines across Chong Nonsi. Office crowds flocked to the airy restaurant for dishes that provided all the good things about street food (i.e., the taste) without any of the bad, like subtropical heat and feral animals in the vicinity of their pad kaprao. Fast-forward to now, and the folks behind that venture have returned with another restaurant, Lon Lon Local Diner, which appears to have been drawn up from an almost identical blueprint.

Located just around the block from its predecessor, Lon Lon is likewise making office workers squeal in euphoric delight with humble dishes normally associated with grimy khao tom joints. The same as it is at The Local Canteen, those come in awesome lunch and dinner sets, including five spice-stewed duck breast with yum goon chiang (B195) and panang curry served with a perfectly cooked omelet (B225). Of the dozen-plus combos you can choose from, the best might be the fork-tender sea bass steamed with chili-flecked lime sauce, served alongside a deep-fried egg in tamarind sauce (B255)—it offers the multilayered flavors you remember from your favorite khao tom kui, even served on metal trays with grab-them-yourself utensils. At Lon FOOD

DRINKS

SETTING

Lon, however, your food for the poor is served in digs for the upwardly mobile.

The design is a twee interpretation of what a diner might look like in Thailand. Kitsch touches, like pegboard menus and a framed Bangkokian magazine designed to resemble a New Yorker cover, are joined by accents like wicker shades and wooden shelves stacked with vintage-looking objects. If the can’t-miss food wasn’t juicy enough bait for the masses, the look and feel seal the deal. That might explain why, on our last visit, the servers wore looks of panic and fatigue on their faces as they raced around the packed house, trying in vain to fulfill orders. Just as we were finishing our sets, the spicy catfish salad with green apple dressing (B155) we ordered arrived at the table. But at least our dessert, the must-try salted coconut ice cream with caramel sauce (B135), wasn’t sandwiched in between.

Hiccups like this are a small price to pay for a restaurant that doesn’t just satisfy lunch crowds, but keeps it going until late with local craft beers—Chalawan, Kwai, Outlaw (from B185)—wines by the bottle for less than B1,000 and pretty decent Thaiinspired cocktails (try the rum-, green mango- and chili-based Mamuang Nampla Wan, B185). If you live or work in Sathorn, Lon Lon could be your new local.

SERVICE

VALUE

Wraptor HHH 56 Phahonyothin 5, Ari Samphan Soi 2, 085-660-8880. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

Cast aside your prejudice against Tex-Mex: Wraptor is the kind of place you want in your neighborhood. No, it isn’t fancy. And, no, it won’t satisfy purists. Not with Philly cheese steak wraps (B245 “Wraptor”/B290 “T-rex”) or tacos with honey mustard-topped grilled chicken and pico de gallo made with bird’s eye chilies (B100 flour tortillas/B180 corn). Wraptor laughs in the face of your culinary norms. What it offers, however, is utter comfort.

They serve burrito wraps the size of your forearm, tacos filled with tasty fusion creations and one of the better selections of craft beers in town. Its little shopfront on Ari Samphan became so popular for all of the above that they had to open a second branch in a roomier, extremely Ari location just around the corner—a space filled with hanging plants, unvarnished wood shelves, white tiles and a glowing sign proudly displaying the restaurant’s curious name in neon green. None of this should be a surprise. Wraptor is run by the people behind FOOD

DRINKS

SETTING

Jim’s Burgers, another Ari institution that really doesn’t care what you think about fusion food or Chatuchak Market décor.

The menu is small, limited to wraps and tacos with a choice of the same fillings (beef, grilled or chili chicken, shrimp, shimeji mushrooms), overflowing salad bowls, some hot plates and sides like crispy, spice-coated Mexican fries (B79 medium/B135 large). A single wrap or a couple of tacos is plenty. The guacamole tacos with chili chicken (B125/piece), for instance, are topped with might be an entire avocado’s worth of guac. And they come out fast.

The service at both branches is awesome, even if it doesn’t need to be. Just do not expect fancy plating or piping hot fillings all the time. Grab a beer on draft or from the wellstocked fridge—packed with everything from top-ranked labels like Behemoth and Toppling Goliath to Thai beers like Devanom’s Kamehameha IPA and Baan Bangkok’s hazy IPA (both B260)—and let it slide. You’ll be back.

SERVICE

VALUE

To see our review policies, visit bk.asia-city.com/restaurants

17

drinks | we be drinking

24

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

It’s 5pm somewhere Bangkok’s best bars for day-drinking.

By BK Staff ity Siwilai C

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D

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ar B a by B

Cl

Fatty’s

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51 Tasty Moments

Jack’s

Nineteens Up

Why: Complete with a spacious lawn with big trees and bean bags, this spot is just made for day drinking. If you’re worried about sweating, take a spot by the big windows inside where you can enjoy the greenery in air-con comfort.

The drinks: Go for the B930 (net) bottles of wine, stick around for the happy hour (4-7pm): B60 draft Asahi, B100 glasses of wine and B120 G&Ts and cocktails.

Why: Starting early can result in bankruptcy, so opt for the riverside’s cheapest and most cheerful bar, where you can grab a rickety seat overlooking the water and watch the world float by with a cold one in hand.

The drinks: A large Leo beer costs B100.

62/1 Soi Wat Suan Phlu. Open daily noon-midnight

Why: Board games, air hockey and table tennis fill this adult playground, creating a hip atmosphere that’s very “startup rec room” (whitewashed bricks and street art).

The drinks: You can order craft beer (from B180 for half a pint), cocktails (from B350) and finger food like supreme nachos (B250).

Junker and Bar

Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 096-649-6919. Open daily 11-1am

64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 098 870 7051.

Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm

Why: Open from 11am, this candy pink brunch-and-cocktail spot comes with stunning decor, an infinity pool and a 360degree indoor-outdoor bar.

The drinks: Tasty cocktails like the Baby Shower (B250), with gin, lychee liqueur, Midori, lime, egg white, pineapple and flower blossom.

Why: When it opened, this galley bar kickstarted Suan Phlu’s renaissance as a hip, low-rent alternative to Sathorn Soi 10-12.

After 8pm, you’ll be lucky to get a seat, so why not get in there early, say 3pm? Happy hour runs daily from 4:30-6:30pm, with cocktails from B99 (as if you needed another excuse).

The drinks: Owner Bard Passapong brings his killer cocktail techniques to boozy, daytime-friendly craft coffee concoctions (from B240), or you can work your way through their extensive gin list.

1/F, Craftsman Hotel, Paholyothin Soi 11, 02-279-7299 ext.55. Open daily 11am-11pm

454 Suanphlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open Tue-Sun 3pm-midnight

Why: Thanks to its state-of-the-art wine dispenser, this Gaysorn bar is able to serve up to 40 bottles by the glass. We know you’d prefer a bottle but, at these prices, your wallet will thank you for abstaining.

The drinks: If you’re happy paying B300-450 per drink then you won’t feel out of place (and that’s for the 150ml pours). They also offer 30ml taster portions (B60-180), 75ml half pours (B60450) and two-for-one on selected wines during happy hours (4-7pm and 4pm-midnight).

Bangkok Trading Post

Little Donkey

2/F, Gaysorn, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1133. Open daily 11am-midnight

Why: For brunch lovers, this is one classy all-day dining and drinking establishment, thanks to its airy floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the surrounding greenery.

The drinks: Go for the signature Gimlet 137 (B320) for a refreshing taste of mangosteen, angostura bitters and gin.

Why: On Saturdays and Sundays, this playful “international izakaya” not only serves indulgent brunch food but also breakfast-friendly cocktails.

The drinks: Bloody Mary (B280), mimosa (B260) and the aptly-named Light in Mid-Day (vodka, ginger liqueur, vanilla, lemon; B280).

Baby Bar

59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-079-7134. Open daily 6am-midnight

Fatty’s Bar and Diner Why: Since it’s located in the faraway badlands of Rama 9, you can get smashed at midday without ever being caught at this grungy, all-American shophouse. Plus, you can sober up with some of Bangkok’s best burgers before you leave.

The drinks: The host of craft beer logos plastering the bright orange walls indicate what you’re in for: Stone Head, Chalawan and Deschutes. Prices start at B200 for local craft beer.

598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438 7221; 02-2452965, Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight

Riedel Wine Bar

Robin Hood

2/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-3927790. Brunch is available Sat-Sun 11am-3pm

Why: Within staggering distance of BTS Phrom Phong, this long-running British pub is open from 9am. Pitch up for any big match or race and you’re guaranteed there’ll be a TV in prime sight showing it.

The drinks: Beer Chang on draft from B90, Guinness from B160 and house spirits from B140.

The Londoner Brew Pub

P.B Building, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-662-3390.

Open 9am-midnight

Why: Around since 1997, this British boozer may be a little hard to reach since moving from Soi 33 to Pattanakarn Road, but that only means it’s further from the beer-bellied tourists.

It also has a third-floor rooftop.

The drinks: Don’t miss their house-made Pilsner, low-carb Pilsner and IPA (all B240)—head there on Mondays and Tuesdays for their beer buffet (three hours of free-flow for B499 or B699 including wine), Wednesday for all-day happy hour prices and weekends for boozy breakfast cocktails.

1178 Pattanakarn Rd., 02-022-8025. Open Mon-Fri 11am-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight

Siwilai City Club Why: Day beds with views over Phloen Chit join a vast complex of restaurants and bars at this chilled-out spot, complete with neighboring bookstore-slash-coworking space Open House.

The drinks: Tropical cocktails like the yellow mango and dill caipirinha (B320) and the spirit-forward Black Pearl Old Fashioned (Bourbon, black tea, creole bitters, dried fig, B390).

5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631.

Open daily 11am-midnight

neighborhood | bang lamphu

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

19

Jazz Happens

Ku Bar

Hya Tai Kee

Sheepshank

Coco Chaophraya

Nopparat

Old Town Roads While Old Bangkok is best known globally for its glitzy temples and backpacker den, Khaosan Road, nearby Bang Lamphu offers a muchneeded dose of reality. With its vintage shophouses and hip cafes, bars and restaurants, this district is on the up.

By Veerabhatr Sriyananda

Coffee & Breakfast Start your morning like a true local at the age-old institution Hya Tai Kee with the signature kai kata (baked eggs, B85) and traditional coffee served with condensed milk (B50), or go for Coco Chaophraya’s very own iced COCO signature (B80) for a unique, refreshing mix of caffeine and coconut. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Jaywalk Cafe’s blueberry cream cheese pancakes (B170) are the answer. For something a little more “back to basics,” visit the riverside Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roaster at the Bank of Thailand Museum and try their piccolo latte (B55)

Lunch & Dinner Relax with classic Thai cuisine like mee krob (sweet and sour crispy noodles, B120) at Nopparat Cuisine & Gallery, or stop by Hemlock to try their traditional

miang kham (B90). A trip to Phra Athit Road wouldn’t be complete without visiting neighborhood legend Karim Roti Mataba, where they have been dishing out all sorts of Thai-Muslim dishes, like beef mataba (B39) and beef massaman (B70), for more than six decades. Vegetarians and vegans: don’t fret! Joy Luck Club and May Kaidee have you covered. If you’re feeling Italian, go to Pizza Pazza for the delectable four cheese pizza (B360-630). Alternatively, pop in to Sheepshank Public House for a taste of modern comfort food, like oxtail tortellini with brown butter and walnuts (B320).

Drinks Vibe to some live blues at Bang Lamphu institution Adhere the 13th Blues Bar with a cocktail (B160-280) in hand. If jazz is more your thing, go to Jazz Happens for the spontaneous jam sessions

and cold Beer Lao (B150). For craft beer geeks, Phra Athit’s YOLO Craft Beer Bar beckons. It houses an admirable selection both on tap and in bottles. For something classier, check out hidden cocktail haunt Ku Bar and its downstairs neighbor, natural wine bar Kangkao on Phra Sumen Road. After that, you can end your night with live music at long-standing Brown Sugar next door.

Transport MRT Sanam Chai and MRT Sam Yot are both about a five-minute taxi ride from Phra Athit Road.

Accommodation Newly-built, The 8 Collection on Wisut Kasat Road offers 32 -sq-meter rooms starting from B20,000/month. Moving across the river to the Pinklao area, Ivy Residences Pinklao offers rooms from B14,500-32,000/month, while

Plum Condo Pinklao will set you back B9,000-23,500/month. Life Pinklao starts from an affordable B10,000-17,000/month.

Visit For some art appreciation, head to the National Gallery to see both Thai and Western works, or lounge around at Bangkok City Library for a relaxing weekend reading session.

If you’re into history, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is the place for you, while the National Museum displays historical artifacts and was established by King Rama V. Make sure to visit two of Bangkok’s most awesome indie bookstores, Passport and World at the Corner, for slow weekend mornings and to spark the creative juices.

BK ASKS

What makes Bang Lamphu so special?

NOPPADOL YINGCHAROEN, OWNER OF NOPPARAT CUISINE & GALLERY “Bang Lamphu is a charming part of town, where you can see the beautiful remnants of what used to be Bangkok’s old downtown area.”

ANCHALEE PHIRUNTHONG, OWNER OF JAYWALK CAFE “For me, Bang Lamphu is an escape from the busy city life. Here, you can take a stroll down the old neighborhood and enjoy a nice cup of coffee”.

SOMKIAT PAIROJMAHAKIJ, CO-OWNER OF SHEEPSHANK PUBLIC HOUSE “Bang Lamphu is a part of the Old Town that never sleeps.

There’s a mix of many cultures, different styles of architecture, and food that results in vibrancy unlike anywhere else”.

nu e m s u o i elic with 9 d aurants est from 9 r THB

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Baan Ying

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