BK Magazine May 15, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 589 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

See More. Feel More.

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See More. Feel More.

The Samsung SUHD TV's design and image quality is unlike anything you've seen before.

Sensational Pictures Experience the new frontier of moving pictures like you’ve never seen them before.

Striking Brightness

Introducing Nano Crystal Technology©, a spectacular new color technology that provides 64 times greater depth than normal UHD TV and 2.5 times the brightness and contrast for superb details. Experience pictures in a fully immersive visual environment with Samsung SUHD TV’s curved screen providing the widest possible field of vision.

Superb Color Detail Stunning Contrast

Stylish Design

Seamless Interaction

Exclusive, stylish, smart and innovative

Live smart by carrying your media content everywhere you go.

Thanks to Samsung’s Tizen© technology, an open-source platform that supports web standards for TV app development, Samsung’s new Smart TV platform connects to all your devices via Bluetooth for a more integrated entertainment experience. So you can now access your stored media content wherever you are.

The JS9500 model is bordered with a genuine metal chamfered bezel in an elegant matte finish, known as Samsung’s Grand Chamfer Design. A subtle V-Beam stand also lifts the TV and gives it a floating impression. On the JS9000 (curved screen) and JS8000 (flat screen), you’ll find Samsung’s Shirring Design, providing texture and style to the back of the TV so it can proudly stand in the center of your living room. For an even more immersive viewing experience, the new SUHD TVs come with Soundbar© for enhanced audio performance.

Grand Chamfer Design

Shirring Design

Morning Brief

Quick Connect

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it's free!

This is legal?

BK MAGAZINE NO. 589 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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page 3 6 cover story

Drink Up

Slaving Away

16 avenue

18 neighborhood

Luxury Cinemas

Lower Suk

22 bites

27 blends

Up in Smoke

Night Crawl

32 BK Now

37 last word

Pop-Tastic

Big Ben

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya

Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Dharath Hoonchamlong, Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Natchaya Angsatitanan Cover by Dechart Sangsawang

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg

The Asia City Publishing Group 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

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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 ©2015 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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“The latest TiP report did not recognise our vigorous, government-wide efforts that yielded unprecedented progress and concrete results.”

OK, we get it. From the outside, this all looks bad. We told the USA to take their report and shove it, the navy sued the journalists who broke the Rohingya story here, and officials from the Immigration Police and the navy were involved directly in human trafficking. And now bodies are being found right and left.

But Thailand is like a shirt, and you wouldn’t use a zipper on a shirt, unless you’re a cop, in which case you probably work for Thaksin, nor buttons on your pants, unless they are jeans, in which case you are probably an American spy. So allow us to explain the situation with a series of questions. Did you see any dead Rohingya lately? Neither did we. Did you see any boats full of trafficked persons? Neither did we. Did you know where those camps were? Neither did we. Do you visit Reuters.com other than for the Oddly Enough section? Neither do we.

Not that we’re planning on ignoring the issue. Now that all this is out in the open, we promise to do our best to look like we’re looking into it. In fact, Dear Leader has designated ten days to clean this mess up. Once that’s done, we can move on and tackle the really important dossiers. For example: • Which streets should be allowed to have vendors on the sidewalk? And which one has the best khao man gai?

Where to find us!

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

“Thailand was relegated to the lowest rank in the state department’s Trafficking in Persons (TiP) report – meaning it is now considered no better than North Korea, Iran or Saudi Arabia in the way it treats workers and protects them from abuse.” (The Guardian, Jun 20, 2014) Oh, so the USA did give us a bit of a warning. Well that’s nice of them. We probably reacted by looking into it. Here’s what our government replied:

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

All this news about Rohingya slave camps and mass graves is really unsettling. Thailand’s government is in shock. How did this all take place without us finding out about it? Why weren’t we told? Like maybe our friends in the United States could have sent us a memo or something. Given us a heads up. Oh but wait, what’s this:

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• Given that all the underground casinos got shut down, we have nowhere to spend our hard-earned wages. Would it not make sense to print 10,000 baht bank notes? Our basement is full of garbage bags stuffed with cash and it’s becoming a fire hazard.

• Can the police still collect B500/month/Burmese worker in the city’s kitchens? Or are prices going to go up because of this Rohingya fiasco? We can hardly afford those prohibition-era cocktails as it is. Would slavery-era cocktails (we’re thinking mint juleps and Sazerac) be cheaper?

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Out-of-town restaurants

Not: Old family recipes

Your grandma was not a chef, so frankly, your claims to serve her ancient family recipe for yum pla foo (Siam Proud), khao krieb nahm jim (Supanniga), or kai pa lo (Yang Gao Gorn)—we could go on—aren’t really getting our gastric juices flowing. For a truer taste of old-time authenticity, check out the new wave of restaurants from the provinces making their way to the big city. See page 25 for one of them.

STREET TALK

Hot: Garden vibes

Not: Actual gardens

Exactly what do people mean when they say their event is happening “in a garden setting” (see BK Now, page 32, for some of the latest)? Wouldn’t that just be a garden? Apparently not. More likely, it’ll be a community mall with some fake grass and potted plants. Which right now appeals to us way more than being out in the real-world heat.

Hot: School uniforms Not: Traditional dress From the reversible shorts supposedly destroying Thai morals to the Joey Boy-designed plimsolls, the Kingdom is suddenly obsessed with what our school children wear. Don’t these kids know they could be tucking into free Burger King or getting 80-percent discount at the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale if only they dressed like door porters from the Mandarin Oriental?

Hot: Thai spirits

Produced on a budget of just B1,000, 26-year-old amateur filmmaker Nipan Chawcharernporn’s debut sci-fi short, The Deepest, rocked social media when it reached more than 300,000 views in just three days on YouTube (youtu.be/ uk8kvGGUKow). Here, he discusses the sci-fi genre and Thai audiences, and how he managed to pull off that expensive look on such a tiny budget.

The response to your video was so overwhelming. How did you manage to attract that many viewers?

Do you think your movie has the potential to interest Thai audiences in the sci-fi genre?

I think because I’ve brought something new to the table. We don’t usually see Thai science-fiction movies or short movies that tackle the subject of the universe.

Yes, although we didn’t start our project in the hope it would end up a national sensation. Thais aren’t receptive to sci-fi made by Thai people.

But as a matter of fact, I’ve received numerous comments and ignited discussion on my movie about scientific accuracy, which I think is a good start—seeing normal people discuss science on social media. It’s a good sign that in the future we will see more sci-fi films from Thai directors.

People are more welcoming of serious issues and critical thinking.

How did you achieve such a high-quality look with just B1,000?

I have to clarify something about that budget. It does not include the CGI programs and filming equipment. The actors are my family and we agreed to do it for entertainment purposes. I shot most of the movie on green screen, creating the atmosphere by referencing images from Google. I played with the viewers’ perception through the composition of every element in the scene; acting, sound effects, special effect. I carefully constructed everything to reach a Hollywood standard that was very convincing.

Not: Rye whiskey

We loved the rye whiskey trend. We loved it so much we even learned what rye is. But now another booze trend has come along to make all that time on Wikipedia pointless. It’s the dawn of Thai craft spirits, folks, and even though the people making them are as unsure as the police about whether they’re legal, we’ve rounded up where you can get a taste (see page 6).

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Why are you interested in the genre?

I love space theory and the universe, but I also wanted to do something new. Sci-fi is nothing new in the Western world but it is in Thailand.

I want this to be an inspiring piece for those who are already working in Thailand’s film industry, so they can realize that we don’t need a gigantic budget to make a seemingly expen-

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sive movie. I learned to make the most of my limited resources, and my movie has proven that I am capable of doing it—as you would be.

What was the most difficult part of producing this movie?

The screenplay. I wrote a script that would be friendly to Thai audiences: a drama, a love story and a space adventure film. I found myself studying Einstein’s time relation theory and doing serious calculations in order to make my screenplay convincing.

How would you like to see Thai cinema develop?

New ideas and people who are willing to be challenged and dare to do something new. In one scene from The Deepest, one character says to the captain, “We will be the first and the last Thai people that…” and the captain interrupts with a line intended for all Thai filmmakers: “Don’t you dare say that.” So never say never. Interview by Sam Nathapong.

Follow him on Twitter @nathapongsam

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

Thailand Distilled

Homebrew beer was just the start. Here’s the new wave of Thai-made small-batch spirits and where to try them in Bangkok.

By Vasachol Quadri

T

he last 12 months have seen a craft beer boom in Thailand, not only in the form of topnotch imported bottles, but also in the growth of a genuine small-scale craft brewing scene.

But while Bangkok’s underground ales are still technically illegal, the law isn’t so hostile towards local spirit-makers. Unlike beer, the country has a long history of homemade white spirits production, especially in rural areas, but it wasn’t until 2003 that the Thailand Liquor Act gave small producers and households the right to legally produce “fermented or distilled alcohol.”

However, this only applies to white spirits (dark rum is still illegal) and labels aren’t allowed to specifically say vodka or rum (only “white spirits”). Nevertheless, Thailand’s small-batch spirits movement is starting to diversify and, more importantly, impress.

Craft Beer Update

Maa Jai Dum The story: You might know the name if you’ve spent any time in Chiang Mai. Founded in 2007 by former aromatic candle producer Vishnu Bhokietikul, Maa Jai Dum leads the new wave of white spirit producers in Thailand. The original Maa Jai Dum, also known as “flower spirit,” is made from distilled sugar extracted from coconut flowers.

The second line is called Maa Jai Dum Lamka and is produced from potatoes just like vodka.

They’ve also just expanded with Maa Jai Dum Bananas, made from distilled bananas.

May-Rai Dok Mai, meanwhile, is similar to the original Maa Jai Dum, using sugar extracted from coconut flower and longan flower, but is fermented and not distilled.

Where to find it in Bangkok: The products are not available in Bangkok but you can order online via www.maajaidumonsales.com with a B100 shipping fee.

Ma na Manee Piti Choojai The Story: Aside from Ma Jai Dum, Chiang Mai has welcomed another rice wine brand, Mana Manee Piti Choojai, by governmental-officer-turned-alcohol-maker Teerawut Kaewfong. Choojai is a rice wine, while spin-offs Manee and Piti are made with the addition of jasmine and roselle for the former, and tea and tea leaves, for the latter.

Where to find it in Bangkok: Bar Choojai by Goldies Bar, Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-6157445, 084-670-1088

Chalong Bay Rum The story: French distiller Thibault Spithakis first came up with the idea of making locally-branded rum using traditional French rum distillation methods back in January 2011.

Made from 100-percent sugarcane produced by 10 farmers in Phuket, Chalong Bay Rum finally launched in October 2012. The rum’s eye-catching design and refined taste has won it several awards, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2015 in April.

Where to find it in Bangkok: Priced from B650-750, the bottle are available at Tops Supermarket (CentralWorld and Central Chidlom branches), Eat Thai at Central Embassy or through www.vivinmaison.com. You can also find cocktails made from Chalong Bay Rum at Rocket x Siwilai (4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5836. BTS Phloen Chit).

Follow them at: www.fb.com/ chalongbayrum

Pheebok Beer The story: With its name meaning “ghost whisper” in Thai, this new craft beer brand continues its creepy concept with oldschool Thai horror cartoons for labels. Production started in late 2014, before the brand properly launched earlier this year with Haunting Charming pale ale, followed by Serious Ghost and Wife IPA, Sweet Horror Night wheat beer and, the latest, Suicide Sweet Heart Imperial IPA. Where to find it in Bangkok: They are distributed only at Junker & Bar (454 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 085100-3608).

Follow them at: www.fb.com/ beerpheebok

Jo+ Beer Home Brew Tonkla “Jo” Niyomtrusa moved from Bangkok to Chiang Khan over five years ago to open the Soi Song bar and restaurant. During the tourist low season, he contented himself with experimenting with homebrew beer for personal consumption. After studying the art at Chit Beer in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, and a little trial and error, Jo has left Soi Song behind to open Jo+ Beer Home Brew a few blocks away. Here, he serves his own brews including wheat beer, IPA, porter and amber beer—there are two taps available so the four keep rotating from month to month. The wheat and IPA are also available in bottle form under the names Wheat 90’s Hitz (containing Northern herb called ma-kwean) and Smell Like IPA. Where to find it in Bangkok: Get it at Sky Bar (130 Praditmanutham Rd., 089-518-6996). The owner tells us he’s just started sending some to Cinema Wine House (61 Samsen Rd., 096-465.6526), too.

Follow them at: www.fb.com/ Jo.beer.thailand

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ADVERTORIAL

Home Land

Home Decor Hot Spots

Interior design and home decor thrive in Bangkok’s well-connected Chatuchak neighborhood.

Four years ago, aspiring ceramic artist Karin Phisolyabut discovered a simple wooden shop in Khamphengphet, an artisanal market just opposite the ever-popular JJ. Inspired by its quaint, well-designed structure, Karin decided to give the place a makeover, giving birth to today’s renowned Yarnnakarn Art & Craft Studio.

Right next to Yarnnakarn sit plenty more designforward stores.

Big Tree Antiques Here’s where stylish bars and restaurants get their furnishings. Specializing in rare antique items, Big Tree Antiques offers various goods ranging from vinyl records to postboxes, glassware, even full-sized superhero models (starting from B18,000) and much more. Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 085-334-9559. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm. www. facebook.com/BigTreeAntiques

“Chatuchak is generally very crowded,” says Karin. “But there’s also a quieter and more spacious area where people can slowly spend their time contemplating how they may wish to decorate their home.”

Quiet corners of this leafy district have their own, slow-life appeal that attracts a certain kind of person. Karin confirms: “Of course, I like to have lots of customers visiting my shop, but as an owner of a home decor business, I want plenty of space—this area gives me a blend of both.”

Chatuchak has long been known as a hot spot for young, creative artists to showcase their ideas, in tandem growing as a hub for

“Chatuchak has a friendly atmosphere that allows you to ponder at your own pace, mixing this and that, paying attention to the small details of items that catch your eye before deciding to bring them home.”

Blooming This shop specializes in fabrics, selling everything you need to make your house feel like a home for under B1,000. Products include pillows, outdoor cushions and wooden birdhouses.

Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, Open daily 9am-6pm

home decorative items and stylish furnishings. “I just need to walk out of my shop to see many more unique and eye-catching items, ranging from secondhand curiosities and vintage tableware to handcrafted pottery or even a nice pillow,” says Karin.

Little Space by Dao For those not satisfied with the normal market finds, this studio will make your own designs. Little Space by Dao offers made-to-order wooden furniture like tables, chairs and cabinets starting from B15,000. There are also some ready-made items. #041, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 089-494-0576. Open daily 9am-9pm

“Chatuchak has a friendly atmosphere that allows you to ponder at your own pace, mixing this and that, paying attention to the small details of items that catch your eye before deciding to bring them home.”

Chatuchak’s long reputation as the birthplace of many successful design and furniture businesses would have died down long ago if it wasn’t for the ample space for both new and old projects to grow. Karin started his business as a novice with just a singleunit shop-house, but has since expanded to four units of this spacious and leafy district.

The world may agree with Friedrich Nietsche that “an artist has no home in Europe except in Paris," but, for Bangkok, “it just has to be Chatuchak,” says Karin, without any trace of doubt.

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WW Room This shop offers a wide selection of imported vintage furniture: sofas and lamps in many colors and styles, as well as wooden TV stands and unconventionally shaped tables. #66, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 082-007-6886, 085-912-1666. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. www. facebook.com/wwroom.bkk

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cover story Q&A Koh Samui Rum

Lamai Thai Rum

The story: This brand’s history is similar to Chalong Bay’s in that it was founded over a decade ago by a French couple before getting new ownership, a new name and a new distillery in 2013. Formerly known as Magic Alambic Rum, Koh Samui Rum is made from pure sugarcane grown in Thailand, which is distilled then refined for a minimum of one year in a stainless steel tank for a better taste. Aside from the original spirit, there are four other flavors: lime, orange, pineapple and coconut. You can also pair it with a specially-made syrup containing lime, sugarcane, vanilla and cinnamon.

The story: Founded in 2012 by Taiwanese-American Alex Chou and his Thai partners Kaustav Bagchi and Chris Sabdasen, Lamai is a rum brand based in Lampun province in the North of Thailand. You can expect extra attention to detail: not only do they use 100-percent sugarcane, but all of it is sourced from a farm in the province, while the rum comes in a classy ceramic bottle made in Lampang’s famous ceramic village. Lamai premium rum is made using a double-distilled method, which makes for a smoother drink.

Where to find it in Bangkok: The bottles are currently not available in Bangkok, but you can have them delivered through www.rum-distillery.com.

Prices are B380 for 330ml and B680 for 700ml, minimum oder of six bottles.

Follow them at: www.rum-distillery.com

Follow them at: www.lamaithaispirits.com

Bar Angel

Niikki Spirit

The story: Fully Thai-owned, Bar Angel is the brainchild of Poompat Chinpongpanich, who spent 13 years working as a bartender in the US. In accordance with Thai law, the brand’s production centers on vodka made from corn, and rum made from sugarcane.

About his vodka, Poompat says: “After distillation, we use a special machine to re-arrange the molecules of our product, which gives the same results as if the vodka had been fermented for another six months.”

The story: Niikki Spirit is the new venture from Nikolaus Prachensky, the man behind Thailand-based distillery 1772, which specializes in producing tropical fruit spirits exclusively for export. Prachensky found that his business brought him into contact with local producers with great potential but little outlet for expansion. The brand’s mission is to promote high-quality, locally-made spirits; the first bottle available is rice vodka, from Chiang Mai, while rum and gin will be launched soon.

Where to find it in Bangkok: Bottles are not yet available at stores but you can find it used at bars in Bangkok like Ocean Urban Lounge (7 Sukhumvit Soi 33. 02-261-2800) and Junker & Bar (454 Suan Phlu Soi 1. 085100-3608).

Follow them at: www.fb.com/ barangel.th

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Where to find it in Bangkok: Lamai retails for B550 available at Villa Market and King Power. You can open a bottle (330ml only) at Junker & Bar (454 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608) for B900. The bar also uses the brand’s Lamoon rum in cocktails, but this variation is not commercially available.

Where to find it in Bangkok: Bottles are not currently available in retail stores but you can find the rice vodka at Quince (Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-6624478. BTS Phrom Phong) and Soulfood Mahanakorn (56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 085-9042691. BTS Thonglor).

Iron Balls from A.R. Sutton Gin Distillery The story: You may have noticed the huge copper machine inside Ashley Sutton’s latest bar. No, it’s not just a design quirk in line with The Iron Fairies or Maggie Choo’s.

Since April, it’s been used to produce craft gin from local ingredients. Sutton’s experiments so far have made use of juniper berries, as well as lemongrass, passion fruit and sweet coconut oil for a somewhat tropical touch.

Where to find it in Bangkok: Right now you can “taste“ the gin at A.R. Sutton Engineers Siam (G/F, Park Lane Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Soi 63), Quince (Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-6624478. BTS Phrom Phong) and Viva 21 (387 Thonglor Soi 21, 02-712-8184. www.fb.com/ vivathonglor21).

Alex Chou, co-founder of Lamai Thai Rum Why did you start making rum?

Actually, it started with my two cousins, Kaustav Bagchi and Chris Sabdasen, making rum at home illegally. I’ve been working as an executive at one of Thailand's top rice processors and exporters, trying to promote local artisanal food and beverage production. I saw the potential of pushing locally-produced Thai spirits.

So we started ramping up investment and applied f o r a l i ce n s e, f i n a l l y becoming legal in 2014 in time to launch properly.

What’s the legal situation like in Thailand?

Our products are legal under a "village distillery license" for Lampun, under which our products must be labelled “white spirits,” not rum, vodka or gin. We all want the law changed, so we can have better products and possibly cheaper beers and spirits made by local producers. And I’d love to make local whiskies—I’m trained and certified by the UK International Brewing and Distilling Institute.

What’s next for you?

Chris and I, along with some other industry friends, recently started Bespoke Distiller, another craft distillery that will specialize in made-to-order spirits. On one hand, we plan to make handcrafted niche products for premium bars and restaurants; on the other, we hope to set up production to satisfy the huge brown spirits market within ASEAN+3.

Ashley Sutton, owner and gin maker at A.R. Sutton Gin Distillery Why are you making gin?

Because I wanted to get back on my fucking boat. I wanted to do a business that didn’t rely on the unstable economy of the nightlife business in Bangkok. I wanted to go back to manufacturing. And I wanted to make use of the good local ingredients here.

How did you get started?

I like machines. I saw a niche area. You can go a lot of directions with gin; you can use local spices. I did a lot of research on the best distillery. I used a company in Germany that makes the best equipment in the world. It showed up in parts and I set it up. The German guys said, “You set it up, we don’t need to come over. You know all you need to know.”

What kind of flavors are you doing?

I’m only doing a juniper, ginger and lemongrass one.

It’s called Iron Balls. I’m still tweaking it a bit. A bit more ginger, a bit more lemongrass, but to be legally a gin, the juniper needs to dominate. It’s totally organic. You can taste that. We only do 200 bottles a week. You’re getting quality. I make it myself from start to finish. No shortcuts or chemicals to boost alcohol quicker or that sort of stuff. I cut the pineapples and bash the lemongrass myself.

What’s the legal situation in Thailand?

It’s a nightmare. They said one thing to start then changed their mind. They’ve rejected me on the bottle, and they’ve rejected me on the percentage of alcohol. That’s cost me two million baht. It’s going to be legal one day but it takes three to four months to get an answer to anything. It’s the biggest nightmare of my whole fucking life. It’s the biggest investment I’ve ever done. So right now it’s just for export, but you can come by and taste it if you want.

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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escapes ASIA

3 Great Reasons to Visit Taipei Beer, bikes and hikes.

By Ric Stockfis Cycling on the Keelung River

YouBikes

GRAND OPENING

FujinTree355

View from the Maokong Gondol

Overview: This majestic new spot, the first Mandarin in Taiwan, opened mid-way through last year and features more than 300 luxurious rooms and suites, alongside plenty of fine-dining options. It’s on a leafy avenue to the north of downtown (perfect for exploring nearby Fujin Road).

T

aipei might just be Asia’s most underrated city—a beguiling combination of the best of the rest. Like Shanghai it rewards aimless exploration on foot or by bike; like Bangkok gritty and glam coexist side by side; like Tokyo there’s an intoxicating sense that you’ll never quite know it all; and it’s surrounded by stunning green mountains to rival Hong Kong. Everyone comes here to eat (it edges out even Bangkok in the street food stakes), but once you’re done with the night markets—of which Raohe (beside the Songshan MRT station) is the current foodie darling—there’s plenty more to keep you busy.

Street Style Taipei’s a great place to wander at will, but to cover more ground it’s well worth renting a bike. The public YouBike (youbike.com.tw) system is easy to use (just NT$10 [B10] for four hours), and there’s a huge network of cycle paths across the city, with the riverside routes among the most rewarding.

Start with: Dihua Street, one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares.

This grubby lane of crumbling shop-houses and Chinese medicine vendors close to the river is no secret. But long-established fabric retailers and tea merchants are now competing with cafes, galleries and co-working spaces, making it a great mix of old and new. It’s especially packed around Chinese New Year.

Move on to: Fujin Street, a quiet, leafy boulevard tucked away near Songshan Airport. It’s home to—you guessed it—a host of charming cafes, galleries and design stores. FujinTree355 (www.fb.com/FujinTree355), which stocks colorful, lightweight womenswear and gorgeous Japanese-inspired homeware, is a great place to start—there’s even an offshoot cafe at no.353.

Other worthwhile stops include FunFunTown (www.fb.com/ FunFunTown), full of retro toys and traditional woodwork, and 3,co (www.3co.com.tw), which serves artisan coffee alongside a range of beautiful tableware.

Day Hikes Look down any street in Taipei and chances are there’ll see mountains looming on the horizon, meaning easy access to both well-trodden routes and some truly world-class hiking.

Start with: The Four Beasts. On the southeast edge of the city—only a 15-minute walk from Taipei 101—are Tiger, Elephant, Leopard and Lion Mountains. Their proximity to the center and the fact that the paths are paved, well-signposted,

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well-lit and relatively easy-going, means there are few better places for an evening stroll looking back over the city. The annotated Google Maps at is.gd/fourbeasts are pretty helpful, too.

Move on to: Maokong, where a glass-bottomed gondola from the Taipei Zoo MRT station in the south whisks you up to tea country, with stunning views across the city. As well as tramping around the plantations, hillside temples and wooded slopes, you can put your feet up in one of dozens of charming teahouses, though be warned they get overrun at weekends.

Craft Beer Off-the-shelf beers aren’t up to much here, although draft Taiwan Beer, only served for up to 18 days after production, is worth seeking out. But the first hints of a craft beer revolution are afoot.

Start with: Beer&Cheese Social House (www.fb.com/beerandcheese), a popular spot near Da’an Park, with eight brews on rotation on the taps (from NT$180 [B185]), a stacked fridge with plenty more and a delicious array of grilled cheese toasties (from NT$250 [B257]). As well as beers from local microbrewery 886 (www.fb.com/886brewing) they recently partnered with gypsy brewer Jeppe-Jarnit BergsØ of Evil Twin to produce a Made in Taiwan IPA and a local edition of the ironically named Hipster Ale. Move on to: SomethingAles (195 Roosevelt Rd., Section 3, Shida District), a simple neighborhood bar, open till 1am, which has a loyal army of followers and a great selection of American beers. Or KidSorrow (www.fb.com/kidsorrow), a cult spot in the far north of the city serving rare ales and lots of Mikkeller.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL TAIPEI

GETTING THERE

Thai Airways and AirAsia are the only airlines flying direct from Bangkok to Taipei. THAI flights start at B10,770, while AirAsia is B10,127. A taxi into the city from the airport takes around 45 minutes and costs NT$1200 (B1,235).

VISA

Unless you already hold a US, UK, Australian, New Zealand or Canadian visa, Thai nationals require a visa to enter Taipei, which starts at B1,500 for single-entry. See more at www.taiwanembassy.org/TH EXCHANGE RATE

NT$1 = B1

Design: In a word: lush. MO don’t do things by half and the tone is set when you pull up outside—the Art Deco-inspired building is the most imposing on what is already a pretty distinguished street. Inside is no less grand: you can thank their “artisan designers” for details like the flower-engraved leather walls and huge chandeliers.

Rave: They had us at the rainforest showers and Diptyque toiletries, although we imagine a night in one of their five varieties of suites, complete with private bar, would be even more special. Speaking of suites, there are 12 in the spa, too. On-site dining is as fancy as you’d imagine (the interior of breakfast spot Café Un Deux Trois is something special), though the opulent Mandarin Cake Shop, located in its own private courtyard, was an unexpected gem.

Rant: We’re splitting hairs here, but it’s a pretty big complex with multiple entrances, meaning the reception experience can be a little lacking (or non-existent if you come in the wrong way).

Price: From NT$16,500 (B16,984)/ night.

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ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon

PHUKET

Start Training!

Known for for attracting star triathletes such as Mark Allen and Michelle Jones in the past, this year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon will consist of a 1.8km swim, 55km bike and 12km run through Phuket’s picturesque tropical scenery. Participants will start the race between the Dusit Thani Phuket and Outrigger Laguna Beach Resort before swimming in two bodies of water, biking over a challenging yet beautiful hilly path through the well-known Naithorn Hills and running on a flat road through the Laguna Phuket resort. There will also be a 6km fun run for those who aren’t keen to swim or cycle. Don’t feel like racing alone? You can also gather a team of three and register for the team relay. All events will take place Nov 22 and registration fees range from B600-6,000. For more information or registration, visit goo.gl/7tvVKe.

HUA HIN

Summer Special From now through Jun 30, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas (www.sheratonhuahinpranburi.com) is offering a Summer Getaway package for two guests starting at B6,900 per night, inclusive of breakfast. Guests will also get a B400 gift voucher for the hotel spa, as well as B1,000 credit per day to use at either the spa or on food and beverages. While you’re there, try the limited-edition 2.5-hour Shine Summer Glow spa treatment, which includes a summer bath, scrub and massage.

MYANMAR

Eye of the Tiger Yangon’s nightlife has received a welcome boost with the opening of The Blind Tiger (www. blindtiger-yangon.com), which combines a tapas restaurant, mixology lounge and art gallery.

Tucked inside a restored old building, the venue takes its speakeasy theme pretty seriously. First, you have to follow a trail of tiger paw prints painted on the walls, leading you to a tiger mural which doubles as the bar’s entrance. A secret sensor notifies staff inside, who look through a peep hatch before deciding whether to let you in. The inside blends prohibition chic with urban touches through a flashy tiger-print bar, wooden tables and leather lounge chairs. Works of emerging and prominent local artists are displayed in the gallery area. The full bar serves up drinks like the Spiked Tiger (tequila, fresh lime juice, chili and coriander, about B213) while the nibbles menu features ribs (B213), meatballs (B197) and artichoke dip (B182).

TAIWAN

Art Meets Tech Located on the hip streets of Zhongshan, the brand new hotel Amba Taipei Zhongshan comes fully equipped with high-tech accessories and amenities such as wireless Bluetooth speakers, Apple TVs, Xbox consoles, phone chargers and even selfie sticks for guests to use. Of course, Wi-Fi is included too. The hotel also has a creative look, from its ecofriendly structure to pop-art style murals and installations and sleek, contemporary-style rooms. To celebrate its opening, the hotel is offering introductory rates starting at approximately B3,000 per night through Aug 31, which also comprises a free Zhongshan walking tour for those staying two nights or more. This rate is also inclusive of a made-to-order breakfast at the on-site restaurant ACHOI. Reservations can be made at goo.gl/cVg1YR.

Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

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GAME

Fun Escape As the name suggests, Escape Room is a game in which you are locked inside a room and must use your logic and intuition to get out. The concept, which started in Japan, sees you locked inside anything from a haunted hotel room to a Pharaoh’s tomb or a slaughterhouse, where you have to solve a series of puzzles and riddles in order to escape within 45 minutes. Newly arrived in Bangkok, this challenging, team-focused game can be enjoyed by 2-8 participants. The price is B550 per person. Unit 3-4, 7/F, MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-611-4994. Open daily 10am-10pm.

BTS National Stadium

BOOK

Hidden Hong Kong If you’re seeking reliable Thai-language info on where to go in Hong Kong, check out Unique Hong Kong, the new guidebook

by Ploy Chariyaves, a chic-lit translator and best-selling writer of previous pocketbooks on traveling. The book introduces the city in eight chapters, divided into categories like “Local Favorites,” “Only-in-HK Coffee & Tea,” “One of a Kind Sweetie” and “Hidden Gem.” There are also plenty of interesting Q&As both with Hong Kongers and Thais living in Hong Kong, who share their favorite places. It costs B380, available at bookstores citywide.

FASHION

Down to Earth The spring/summer accessories line of Italian high-end brand Salvatore Ferragamo has just arrived in Bangkok in time for the end of the season. Items like the Lace Varina flat shoes (B26,500), Vara denim-suede bow pump (B23,900) and Cancini chained metal bracelet (B9,500) have a modern, unconventional look that matches the main collection’s earth tones, cool colors and hot shades inspired by Murano glass. M/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9463.

BTS Siam. www.ferragamo.com

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GROOMING

Cut Above For all the British-at-heart dandies out there, here’s one more place where you can get a modern take on traditional men’s haircuts. Styled with wood paneling, brass fittings and chocolate leather, Baberford provides each of its customers with a private room furnished with a custom-made barber chair designed to be bigger and more comfortable than usual. All of the barbers have over 10 years’ experience, and offer Korean and Japanese styles alongside vintage European and American cuts. Prices start from B1,100 for wash, cut and set. Grooming products come from JS Sloane and Kiehl’s. 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-251-0422. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Chidlom. www.fb.com/ barberford.bangkok

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Golden Screens Bangkok’s very best VIP cinemas. By BK Editorial

Emprive Cineclub

Emprive Cineclub

Quartier Cine-Art

NEW

Quartier Cine-Art at Emquartier Enigma at Paragon Cineplex Price: B1,000/person at AEON Theater @Quartier

Price: B3,500/couple

Claiming to give Bangkokians an all-new movie experience, Quartier Cine-Art consists of four cinemas, each pioneering new technology that you can’t find elsewhere in Thailand. With nine projectors and three screens, True Screen X offers viewers an immersive 270-degree field of vision (B350/person or B800/couple for the opera chair). The more luxurious AEON Theater @Quartier offers bed-like seating with a blanket, as well as a pre-movie meal (Western or Japanese set menu) from Dean & Deluca. This cinema also claims to offer visual quality that’s 20 times clearer and brighter than normal systems. Tickets are B1,000/person or B1,800/couple. The five-story-tall Toyota Imax is priced at B300-B400/person or B1,200 for Ultimate IMAX (pair).

Meanwhile, SCB First Screen makes up for its normal look with its sound quality powered by as many as 64 in-house speakers (tickets start from B200 on weekdays). Don’t be alarmed at the SCB ticketing window—the cinema is serviced by a cute-faced CineRobot.

Still one of the most prestigious cinemas in Bangkok, Enigma has spacious sofa beds that let you lay down amid pillows and blankets while watching a movie with a glass of your preferred alcoholic beverage in hand. The cinema offers a good degree of privacy and home comfort in quality theater surroundings. The ticket includes 15-minute use of massage chair, as well as food: choose from dishes like ham and crispy bacon garlic chili spaghetti or desserts like carrot pineapple cream cheese and berry panna cotta. You can also order additional drinks like cocktails from B154, Singha beer at B70 and wines starting from B800 per bottle.

4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0199. BTS Phrom Phong. www.majorcineplex.com

Here, you can expect comfy adjustable reclining armchairs with blankets and pillows. Though the armchairs make it a little difficult to snuggle up, you can still enjoy a little privacy as each couple’s seating is set a good distance away from one other. The ticket includes a 15-minute massage in the cinema’s own spa room. As another perk you can choose from a Starbucks’ coffee and tea set, popcorn and soft drink, or red wine with almonds. Sign up for the M-Generation card at the counter for B100 to get discounts of B100 per seat for a year (for visits before 6pm).

NEW

Embassy Diplomat Screens Price: B900/person for theaters 2-5, B1,100/person for theater 1 (or B1,200/person on weekends)

Designed by the international architecture firm Rockwell Group Europe, these five VIP cinemas each boast about 30 seats and the latest Real DXL technology, promising sharp screenings and high-quality audio. Featuring a spacious lounge and a bar with a wine cellar serving wine and Champagne, the Embassy Diplomat Screens also offers a movie concierge service. The big comfortable sofas are similar to the first-class chairs used in leading airlines as they recline just like a bed and come with duvet and pillows, adjustable light, call button for a butler, bag hanger and USB ports.

On top of that, at theater one, you can enjoy unlimited drinks from your personal fridge, well stocked with soft drinks and Heineken.

The tickets also include welcome canapes by Dean & Deluca. Additional drinks like cocktails (starting from B250) or beer (starting from B75) are also available. Customers who visit on weekends and bank holidays receive a surprise gift, too.

6/F, Central Embassy, 1030 Phloen Chit Rd. 02-160-5999. BTS Phloen Chit. www.embassycineplex.com

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BSC Diamond Screens

5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4635. BTS Siam. www.majorcineplex.com

Bangkok Airways’ Blue Ribbon Screens at Paragon Cineplex Price: B1,100/person or B2,000 per couple

5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-129-4635. BTS Siam. www.majorcineplex.com

BSC Diamond Screens at Esplanade Cineplex

NEW

Emprive Cineclub at Emporium Price: B950/person for First Class

Located at the recently renovated Emporium shopping complex, Emprive Cineclub consists of five cinemas split between Executive, Executive Suite (both starting from B300) and First Class (starting B950) seat categories, all of which are slightly cheaper than many competitors. Blankets and pillows are provided for every seat, while First Class also grants lounge and bar access.

The cinema is equipped with the latest technology including Sony Digital Cinema 4K, Sony Digital Cinema 3D and Dolby Atmos with 64 surrounding audio outputs. Tickets can be booked over the counter, via the express ticket machine in front of the cinema, and online using the SF Showtimes in Hand application.

5/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 08-268-8899. BTS Phrom Phong. www.emprivecineclub.com

SF Cinema First Class Price: B700/person

Set in the Esplanade shopping mall next to MRT Thailand Cultural Centre, the BSC Diamond Screens offer adjustable reclining armchairs similar to the ones at the Bangkok Airways’ screens. One cinema has only 48 seats so you can enjoy your film in relative privacy. On top of a blanket and a pillow, the ticket includes cookies and your choice of drink from the menu of cocktails and juices.

SF offers an elevated cinema experience at four locations in Bangkok including CentralWorld, Central Ladprao, Central Rama 9 and Central Chaengwattana. Each branch comes equipped with 180-degree adjustable reclining armchairs, a blanket and pillows. Tickets include all-you-can-eat canapes and snacks at the lounge before movie time. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost. Inside the theater, you can use a call button to have a butler serve you unlimited popcorn and soft drinks during the movie.

5/F, Esplanade Shopping Mall, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-515-5555, www.majorcineplex.com

Try 7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. 02-268-8888. BTS Chid Lom. www.sfcienmacity.com

Price: B600/person

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NEIGHBORHOOD

Sukhumvit Soi 1-5

Tainted by sleaze but also home to the city’s most amazing Middle Eastern food; could you live on Sukhumvit’s infamous lower sois? By Sam Nathapong

Nana Square

Accommodation HHHHH

Bars

Couple of issues here: 1) most of the rooms are aimed at short-term residents (slash long-stay tourists), so prices are high; 2) the condominiums can be a little tired and soulless. Head into the crowded Sukhumvit Soi 4 to find the low-rise 1 Habito (081-173-7700), almost invisibly camouflaged next to noisy girlie bars, where they have 60-sq-meter one-bedroom apartments from B30,000 per month. 2 S.M. Grande Residence (02-696-9000) is a boutique serviced apartment featuring kitchenette-equipped studios for B55,000. 3 Omni Tower (02-656-8300) has 35 floors with 32-sq-meter studios from B37,000, fully-furnished one bedrooms for B46,000 and two bedrooms for B67,000. On the quieter Sukhumvit Soi 2, check out 4 Shama Boutique Serviced Apartments (02-1056002), part of a chain of serviced apartments with properties across Southeast Asia. The 66-sq-meter one-bedrooms start at B100,000, while the 160-sq-meter three-beds rooms are B350,000 per month.

For a more affordable choice, walk almost to the end of the street, where 5 I Check Inn (02-656-9877) has nice, compact studios from under B35,000 a month all including electricity and water. The newest addition to the area is found on Sukhumvit Soi 1, where Infinite Real Estate’s 6 Park Ploenchit (02-789-1900) has units for sale from B50,000 per sq meter. 7 Liv@5 (Sukhumvit Soi 5, 098-2689879, 089-200-5556) is also an inviting choice. Rental is B40,000 per month for a one-bedroom (negotiable).

Nightlife on Sukhumvit Soi 4 is super sleazy, cluttered with go-go clubs and massage parlors. 18 Nana Plaza (Sukhumvit Soi 4) is the hub of it all, a three-story entertainment complex of strip clubs and short-time rooms. For something a little classier, hop to 19 Gulliver’s Tavern (Sukhumvit Soi 5, 02-655-5340), a franchise of the Khao San Road institution that caters to tourists in need of beer and pub grub. Of course, Sukhumvit Soi 11 is also right nearby, while in the opposite direction you have the upscale bars of Soi Ruamrudi. On Wireless Road, check out 20 22 Steps Bar (Wireless Rd, 02-207-4999), the library-themed bar attached to the new Hotel Indigo, which runs some appealing after-work happy-hour deals.

Tsu & Nami

Sukhum vit Soi 1

7

16

Soi 7

19

Sukhumvit

Soi 5

14

Sukhumvit

BTS Phloen Chit

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Sukhum vit Soi

Shops

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Grand 5 Suites & Shopping Mall, Sukhumvit Soi 3, 02-655-2120.

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11

8

20

24

Villa Market, B1/F, Ploenchit Center, 02-656-9071

21

10

15

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Schools e Soi Ruamru de

Baan Dek Thai Nanny School, Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7024

rad rung Bum pital Hos

Sukhum vit So i1

Road

Bumrugrad International Hospital, Sukhumvit Soi 3, 02-667-1000 22

25

22

H

7

Hospitals

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Nana N ua

17

6

WHAT ELSE?

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Saen Saeb Canal

Saen Saeb Canal

4 BTS Nana

1

2

25

5

3

Nna Tai

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There’s no getting away from this area’s most defining feature: its sex workers. This brings in the kind of tourists no one would wish on their doorstep, but for those who don’t mind a bit of grit, the Nana area certainly has character. It’s also home to Bangkok’s most thriving Middle Eastern community amid the bazaar-like (and car-free) alleys of Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 (Soi Arab). The area is also cluttered with tailor shops. Check 21 Empire Tailors (Sukhumvit Soi 4, 02-251-6762). Head into the sois leading off Soi 4 and you’ll also find a quiet, affluent neighborhood in stark contrast from the main street.

Sukhumvit Soi 4

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

Community HHHHH

Sukhumvit Soi 2 Alley

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Situated between two BTS stations (Phloen Chit and Nana), you can navigate central Bangkok with ease. Motorbike taxis are also easy to come by, stationed at the entrance to Soi 4 and ready to drop you off in the depths of the sois. The Makkasan Airport Rail Link station is also not far away.

Road

The JW Marriot hotel (Sukhumvit Soi 2) provides upscale former It-spots like 10 New York Steakhouse (2/F, 02-656-7700), which still does a damn-fine all-American feast of seafood tower, Caesar salad and rib-eye steak, and 11 Tsu & Nami (4/F, 02-656-7709), a great spot for brunch. Sukhumvit Soi 3/1’s bustling Middle Eastern community provides the best Arabic food in the city, whether it’s the Labanese food at 12 Bamboo (Sukhumvit Soi 3), chicken and beef kebab at 13 Nefertiti (Sukhumvit Soi 3/1) or traditional Syrian sweets at 14 Syria Sweet (092-636-7065. No sign in English). Soi 5 offers more neatly polished Lebanese food thanks to a branch of crowd favorite 15 Nadimos (Sukhumvit Soi 5, 02-255-8253). For something completely different, the same streets are also home to possibly Bangkok’s only Ethiopian restaurant, 16 Habesha (1/26 Sukhumvit Soi 3, 085-016-0353). For well-executed, classic Thai food in a traditional setting, visit 17 Na Aroon (Sukhumvit Soi 1, 02-254-8880), a vegetarian’s delight thanks to specialties such as mee grob (crispy egg noodle), yum som-o (pomelo salad) and various nam prik.

Transportation HHHHH

Wireless

Dining HHHHH

Empire Tailors

Road

The start of Sukhumvit lacks the shine of neighboring Phloen Chit and Wireless’s shopping malls and modern skyscrapers, though they are within walking distance. Green space is also hard to come by, with what little there is boarded off for future development. Immediate shopping excursions are limited to 8 Ploenchit Center (Sukhumvit Rd.) and 9 Nana Square (Nana junction), where you’ll find convinience stores such as Watson.

Street Food on Soi 3/1

HHHHH

Wireless

Environment HHHHH

Sukhumvit Soi 3/1

k Duang Phitha

Punnaw-

22 Steps Bar

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an is for r an adpattern ours (15 kshops: (1 day, Classes personor 1:30op them

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bites & blends RESTAURANT

Crab Calling Crab and Claw, the latest project from the people behind The Local, Ployparn Markawat and chef Colin Stevens, is all about New England-style seafood. Don your bib and prepare to get your hands dirty by digging, hammering and cracking into shellfish dishes like the whole Maine lobster (B2,600) and bucket of crabs (B1,300) or keep it neat with lobster thermidor (B2,600), crab roll (chilled peekytoe crab on a bun, B490), clam chowder (B220) and oyster rockefeller (B360). Perhaps best of all, they say their freshly imported ingredients all come from sustainable sources. 7/F, Helix, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 095-564-5422. BTS Phrom Phong www.facebook.com/CrabandClaw

ARTISAN

The Big Cheese From now through May 24, French cheese-master Gerard Poulard is appearing at Scarlett along with more than 150 varieties of cheese from his homeland. During his visit, Poulard will be behind the cheeseboard ready to meet, talk and tailor some pairing suggestions for you, whether it’s for wine, bread, cold cuts, fruits or tea. His list includes cheeses like Fourme d’Ambert Laqueuille, Rigotte de Condrieu and Bouyguette du Segala. Either enjoy them at the restaurant or take them away at B180 for a roughly 100g piece of cheese, B450 for three and B1,200 for eight. 37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991

EVENT

Wine on the Mind Booza Wooza, the big event for wine lovers, returns this May 16 from 1-6pm. The venue this time is 22 Kitchen & Bar, Dusit Thani’s “Pacific coastal cuisine” restaurant. Booza Wooza in the City will offer more than 50 wines from Austria, Australia, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain for you to taste. The event is priced at B500, which also includes tapas from resident chef Nikolas Ramirez and music by the Feel Good band. As part of the event, there are also three 60-minute workshops—Rise of the Iberian Peninsula, Who’s Stirring up Germany? and The Communes of Barolo—with only 12 seats available for each. Visit www.fb.com/ boozawoozabangkok for more information. 22/F, Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom

NEW CAFE

Andalusian Cup Catunambu is a 118-year-old brand of coffee that originated in Andalusia, in the South of Spain. Already supplying beans to cafes and restaurants around Bangkok, the brand just opened its first branch here, right beside BTS Sala Daeng. In drinks like cafe con leche, cafe tupe and vienes, Catunambu uses blends comprising 10-14 coffee bean origins for what they say is a smooth, well-rounded flavor. The welcoming little 10-seat cafe also serves straight-up Spanish dishes like jamon and chorizo sandwiches. You can purchase tumblers bearing images from various Spanish cities, too. Coffee is priced B75-B150 and snacks B180-B270. Yada Building, 56 Silom Rd. Open daily 7am-9pm. BTS Sala Daeng

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blends BARS

Ekkamai Bar Crawl

Ekkamai nightlife is booming. If you’ve missed out on what’s been happening, here’s how to spend the perfect night, from new hot spots to old institutions.

By BK Editorial Happy Monday

A.R. Sutton Engineers Siam

Hot Rod

Pre-Drinks and Bar Food HAPPY MONDAY This longstanding spot is just the place for an after-work drink. The soundtrack mirrors the retro record covers that line the walls and the owner’s love of power-pop and early-90s rock with just a sprinkling of jazz—it’s all guaranteed to have you busily clicking away at your Shazam while you pass around that bottle of Sang Som and tuck into spicy Thai dishes.

G/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-7143953. Open Mon-Sat 7pm-1am

BAAN PUEN Located on the rooftop of the long-standing-yet-always-happening Ekamai Shopping Mall, joining new late-night party spot Dark Bar, Baan Puen lives up to its name, which literally translates to “a friend’s house.” You can expect to hear lots of Thai and international covers performed acoustically, to go with simple spicy dishes whipped up by one of the partner’s aunts. Try the khao maew (fried rice with chili paste with mackerel).

NEW

3/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 061-8241747. Open daily 6pm-2am

CASTLE BAR The team behind If It Is NEW Restaurant and 1979 Vinyl and Unknown Pleasures have teamed up to offer this cross between an Irish pub and a Thai bar, dishing out quality beer, live music and weekend football matches on big-screen TVs. G/F, Ekkamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 093-9365659. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight

MOOSE The old favorite has been buzzing again lately thanks to Thai indie concerts and even an appearance by Pete Doherty. Most nights, the soundtrack focuses on Britpop, 60s-80s rock and some electro-pop, while the bar pours potent but sweet cocktails (drop by for happy hour from 5-8pm) to go with Thai food with a reputation for being super-fiery.

24 Ekamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550. Open daily 5pm-1am

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TAKSURA

SUGAR RAY

This bar franchise has a homey and laid-back vibe thanks to retro decoration and familiar Thai-inter tunes throughout the night. Aside from cheap booze and a chill atmosphere, their Thai drinking food is spicy and yummy, too.

Order the laab moo tod.

This collaboration between some of Bangkok’s hippest of hipsters is tiny, moody and dedicated to seriously good cocktails. Sit around the apothecary table mixing station, surrounded by jars of home-infused spirits, and watch as the leather-aproned barman crafts your old-school drink with care.

Ekkamai Soi 8, 089-666-2902. Open daily 7pm-1:30am

TUBA This spacious two-story restaurant triples as a gallery, bar and furniture shop. Come here for Thai dishes and western fare whipped up to suit the local palate, admire the works of aspiring artists, wind down with after-work cocktails or simply drop by to snag some furniture—mostly retro pieces with a focus on the ‘50-70s. It might not be fine dining, but the atmosphere is spot-on. Corkage B500.

34/11-12 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-711-5500.

Open daily noon-2am

Crafty Cocktails A.R. SUTTON ENGINEERS SIAM This colonial-inspired cocktail lounge comes from the same designer as Hot Rod. Resembling a forgotten British gentlemen’s club, it does a good job deceiving you into thinking it’s always been in its tucked away location, even if it is in a community mall. The homemade cinnamon-infused Sailor Jerry Spice Rum packs quite the punch. Live classical music on Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun from 9pm. See page 6 to read about the gin that’s made on site.

G/F, Park Lane Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Soi 63.

Open daily 6pm-midnight

HOT ROD From designer Ashley Sutton, this small bar and restaurant dishes out a sophisticated menu of creative or rare Thai dishes (created by the head chef from Smith) and elaborate cocktails.

Join the dozen happy few who can fit at its circular bar and nibble on Northern-style terrine while sipping on a mix of rum and jackfruit.

Room A103, G/F, Park Lane, Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-714-2575. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Baan Ekkamai, Ekkamai Soi 21, 094-4179898. Open Wed 8pm-2am; Fri 8pm-2am; Sat 8pm-2am

After Hours

Sugar Ray

DARK BAR Open just three nights a week NEW (Wed, Fri and Sat), this latenight bar looks like a room from a rotting mansion. Half-a-dozen or so chandeliers hang from the ceiling (throwing out dark, moody lighting), while the walls are a decaying mix of black paint, bare brick and plaster.

The drink’s list focuses on Jameson, with a few bottled beers and other basic spirits.

2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-3819896. Open Wed 9pm-2am; Fri 9pm-2am; Sat 9pm-2am

Castle Bar

DO NOT DISTURB Located behind the long-standing Nunglen Bar, this club specializes in EDM from local DJs as well as live bands. The bar looks pricey at first but bottles do come with free-flow mixers. Upstairs is a yakiniku bar named Kukkuuk (open 6pm-1am) and an outdoor balcony.

Behind Nunglen and Escobar, Ekkamai Soi 7, 094-446-6269. Open Tue-Sun 8pm-2am

Wine Bibber

WINE BIBBER Wine Bibber pulls one of the most diverse crowds in town. On the ground-floor you get nightly gigs from bands of leather-clad old rockers. The real fun starts upstairs with the dance floor that numerous party collectives call home: Spoiled Rotten, Go Grrrls and Dope as Funk. Maybe it’s the decently priced buckets, the LED dance floor, or just the eclectic event list that make this spot so popular.

Ekkamai Soi 2, 02-714-0709. BTS Ekkamai Moose

BK Magazine Friday,May 15, 2015

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5/8/15 7:52 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Heineken

®

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4/30/15 10:32 AM

bites

ROUNDUP

Big Smoke Five new reasons why barbecue is heating up this season. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai Lady Brett

Lady Brett

Smokin’ Pug

German chef Patrick Martens (see below) has taken over the kitchen at Lady Brett and introduced a new barbecue menu in the process. The former executive chef at Zuma (London, Hong Kong, Miami and Bangkok) is serving up grilled meat ranging from B150 for 200 grams of chicken thigh up to much pricier pork, seafood and Australian Black Angus beef (from B450 for 150 grams), all prepared on a fancy charcoal grill-slash-oven using a blend of binchotan hardwood charcoal from Laos, hickory wood chips and young bamboo. The signature is the half-kilo of Alaskan king crab legs (B2,800). The menu also features five new cocktail tributes to Ernest Hemingway, who created the character Lady Brett Ashley in the novel The Sun Also Rises.

Just beside the Tawana hotel lies the new brainchild of the barbecue aficionados behind the 10-year-old Lazy Pug in Chengdu, China.

They specialize in “low-and-slow” grilling, which results in tender and aromatic meats. The brief menu offers a variety of smoked goodies including smoked buffalo wings (B240) and the pulled pork sandwich (B350). There are also colorful Tex-Mex dishes like smoked brisket quesadilla (B395) and citrus shrimp tacos (B450). The Pug also doubles as a blues bar, serving craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Bud’s Barbeque This black truck serves up slow-cooked ribs (B280/500g), pulled pork sandwiches (B180) and charbroiled sausages (B160). Other menu options include the sirloin beef and chicken burgers (B180 for 150g patty/B280 for double) with bacon and cheddar or Swiss cheese. Make it your own by adding free toppings and condiments, including caramelized or fresh onions, roasted or fresh peppers, lettuce, tomato, pickles, arugula, olives and sauerkraut.

We also recommend the spicy sauce option. Take home a bottle of their barbecue sauce at B120-140/250ml.

Currently stopping around the Suan Phlu area. Follow Bud’s exact location at on.fb.me/1P5wTr4

Meat & Bones

88 Surawong Rd., 083-029-7598. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Meat & Bones Though it’s still searching for a permanent space, this shop has been making appearances at some of the biggest recent events and markets in and around Bangkok, like The Weekend Crashers and The Great Outdoor Market. They specialize in slow-cooked beef ribs (B350), which co-owner Bua Tanjasiri says are roasted for 12 hours and then finished on a smoky grill stove. Other meat-on-the bone cuts include chicken drumsticks (B120) and four-hour roasted pork ribs (B180), all served with mashed potato and coleslaw. Visit Meat & Bones at the upcoming Pipe It Up event at CentralWorld on May 16-17.

Smokin’ Pug

081-933-7143. www.fb.com/meatandbonesbangkok

Holiday Inn Bangkok In a departure from the all-American barbecue movement, Lebanese chef Nidal Kiwan is offering a poolside Middle East-style barbecue.

On Tue-Thu from 6:30pm, enjoy dishes like lamb kofta (minced lamb, B850), chicken shawarma (chicken breast, B650) and Lebanese chicken BBQ (B700) with a salad bar and cold mezze. Be sure to check it out before Ramadan begins.

Bud’s Barbeque

971 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1555. BTS Chit Lom

CHEFS Q&A Barbecue Pros Share Tips for Perfect Grilling Patrick Martens of Lady Brett

22

Peerawat Ruangroengkulrit of Meat & Bones

TO COOK:

TO EAT:

TO COOK:

TO EAT:

Always use charcoal and not gas. Try to achieve high heat for searing in one area and lower heat for cooking to temperature in another. All meats will stand out at their best if simply marinated, like with olive oil, garlic or thyme, overnight. Season initially but then season again after cooking with nice sea salt flakes.

Don’t be afraid of bones!

Cuts on the bone are a little more work to eat but the flavor is always worth the effort. With any grilled chicken, a drizzle of fresh lemon juice does wonders! Get a little dirty and use your hands, especially with pork ribs.

Roast the meat before grilling. By extensive hours of roasting, it will become tender without losing its flavor.

Then grill it slowly by on a low heat. Good friends and good drinks while you are cooking also help. The rest is up to perfect seasoning.

Don’t be afraid to get messy with ribs! They’re best eaten with hands no matter what people tell you. Also, don’t skip condiments like coleslaw, mash and salsa. They add some fun and more complex flavors to your meat.

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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5/8/15 7:54 PM

HUNGRY? Sign up for BK Bites & Blends – The inside scoop on Bangkok’s dining & drink scene.

www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters Straight to your inbox every Wednesday and it’s FREE!

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10/20/14 4:06 PM

BK MAGAZINE Friday, May 23, 2015

23

5/11/15 5:33 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

The Glass

This new French bistro specializes in quality and affordable wine by the glass.

The buzz: Not far from Ekkamai’s Baan Rai Coffee, French "Chirstian Busin" Champagne maker and wine importer Luc Busin has opened a bistro-style restaurant that specializes in quality wine by the glass, with 36 different varieties served alongside French comfort food.

The decor: Located on the ground floor of the Civic Horizon building, The Glass makes a big night-time impression with its floorto-ceiling window walls. The modern-looking space is dominated by dark wood and deep red colors while the four wine-dispensing machines, each storing up to nine bottles, take center stage.

24

The food and drinks: The main focus is French comfort food, with two choices of wine suggested for each dish. It feels as much like a relaxing bar as a restaurant, with food offerings ranging from simple cold-cut platters (B690/B990 including two glasses of wine) and cheese platters (B590/B890 also with two glasses of wine) to duck leg confit sarladaise (B490), beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom (B890) and butterfish with creamy risotto, mushroom and truffle (B600). Typical French desserts like the crepe cointreau and orange (B250) and giant profiteroles with Tahiti vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate fudge (B250) are also paired with wines. By the glass, drinks start at

B30/30ml, consisting exclusively of French wine except for one Thai option, Granmonte Asoke Valley (B64/30ml). Other selections include organic wines like Chateau de Coccinelles Cotes du Rhone 2013 (B64/30ml) and Domaine Henri & Gilles Buisson Corton-Charlemagne (B411/30ml).

Why you should care: For wines from small-batch producers, this is one of the few places where you can really sample a lot of options without having to spend a heap of cash. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Civic Horizon, 8/8, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-108-8982. Open SunThu 11:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm. BTS Ekkamai

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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5/11/15 6:00 PM

Everythinghound

TABLE TALK Prai Raya

Hero Food & Gathering

B/F, The Glass Quartier, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0428. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

NEW AND NOTED

From Phuket With Love The classic Phuket restaurant Raya has quietly arrived in Bangkok as Prai Raya (59 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-253-5556, www. fb.com/PraiRayaSukhumvit8). Set in a standalone Sino-Portuguese-styled house, this new branch keeps the focus on Southern cuisine with some dishes featuring fresh ingredients sent straight from Phuket. Signature options include kang nue poo bai chaploo (crab curry with piper leaves, B400-600) and mhoo horng (Southern-style braised pork, B250). The sweet side of things includes young coconut mousse cake (B85) and chao guay lamyai pae guay (grass jelly with longan and ginkgo seeds, B55).

Everything is Everything The latest Greyhound Cafe at Emquartier is also home to Everythinghound (2/F, The Waterfall Quartier, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6660), a “lifestyle market” that sells casual fashion pieces alongside the brand’s own breads and sauces. The main

EAT Rice & Noodles

draw, though, is the ice cream, which comes complete with a decorative smiley dog biscuit on top. They currently have 18 flavors but we recommend the Thai tea and coffee (B65), grilled banana caramel (B65), soya honey with dates (B75) and mixed berry crumble (B65).

Hero’s Welcome Not just another cafe with fancy decoration, Hero Food & Gathering (Sukhumvit Soi 4, 098-940-4434, www.fb.com/herofoodandgathering) looms as a hot spot for Bangkok comic lovers thanks to a licensing agreement with both DC and Marvel comic houses. Its two floors are full of comic-book paraphernalia (mostly DC on the 1/F and Marvel on 2/F), while the menu is big on both Thai and American food with special themed dishes such as the Iron burger (a replication of Tony Stark’s favorite burger, B350), Bat brownies (resembling the Batman logo, with ice cream, B160) and Assasin’s cocktails (inspired by Batman supervillain Deathstroke, B250). Dharath Hoonchamlong

The latest opening from the team behind Supanniga, after EAT (Eat All Thai), puts the focus on Thai-style everyday meal for the Sukhumvit office crowds. Here, you’ll find single-dish rice and noodle options made with creative touches and premium, healthy ingredients. Dishes are priced according to their main ingredient: chicken at B135, beef at B195 and seafood at B345. The fun part is that they let you mix and match carbs and protein, and also cook dishes to your preference. One recommended offering is the radna talay senyai grob (fried rice noodles with seafood in gravy, B345).

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get one dish of EAT's signature ice cream dessert of your choice when spend 1,000 baht or more /sales slip (Limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) (Today – 30 Sep 15)

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com.

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

BB_NNOD_589_May15_15_New.indd 25

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5/11/15 6:00 PM

bites & blends market + Events

Deals

Food Fun & Family On May 15-17, from noon-10pm, Maeban Magazine , Tefal kitchen appliances and Rosdee seasoning products join together to host a family food event in front of CentralWorld.

Summer Ice Cream Parade Till Jul 31, you can enjoy a special ice cream menu featuring flavors like Thai tea, sticky rice and fresh mango at any food outlet in the hotel.

Square C, CentralWorld, 999 Rama 1 Rd. BTS Chid Lom

ThaiFex - World of food Asia The huge annual food expo returns on May 20-24 from 10am-8pm at Impact Exhibition Center.

Muangthong Thani, Popular Rd.

Panorama’s Spanish Week Crowne Plaza’s panoramic city-view restaurant presents Spanish Week on May 25-31 when a range of Spanish favorites by chef Marco Turatti will be added to the buffet line. B1,200 on Sun-Thu; B1,800 (Fri-Sat)

Anantara Siam, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866

ASEAN Sunday Brunch Through Jul 26, come-four-pay-three for Sunday brunch (B1,780) with the addition of an ASEAN food station.

Royal Orchid Sheraton, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-0123

Happy Hours

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

23/F, Crowne Plaza, 952 Rama 4 Rd., 02-632-9000

The Capital by Water Library

The Capital by Water Library From 5-8pm, Mon-Sat, drinks start from B99 along with a special snack menu.

Wine Pub

Chef Visit Chef Gilles Reinhardt of Paul Bocuse’s L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon, France, will visit Wine Pub from Jun 3-6 to create a dinner priced from B2,999 (three courses) to B5,555 (five courses).

P u l l m a n B a n g ko k K i n g Powe r, 8 -2 Rangnam Rd., 02-680-9999

Saddle and Bun Grand Opening On May 15 from 6pm, a new burger place in Charoenkrung holds its grand opening with a Campari open bar from 7-8pm and live acoustic gypsy jazz.

Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601

Empire Tower, 195 Sathorn Rd., 02-2869548

Bar @494 Every day from 7-9pm, you can enjoy free-flow selected wines at B599 and two-for-one wines, beers and spirits from 5-7pm.

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

New Venues

Saddle and Bun, Charoenkrung Soi 26, 061835-6834

Booza Wooza in the City On May 16, Booza Wooza returns with Bangkok’s wine importers showcasing their new wines from Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

At B500, you’ll get to taste at least 50 wines. There are also three 60-minute workshops priced at B500-1,000. For registration and more information, visit www.fb.com/boozawoozabangkok.

La Monita Urban Cantina

La Monita Urban Cantina This new outlet of La Monita attempts to take Mexican cuisine to another level.

6/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-6509581. BTS Phrom Phong

Missed the guide?

Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables2015

22 Kitchen & Bar, 22/F, Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom

Kitaohji

Quince

The Riches of Yarra Quince gathers two of the Yarra’s most famous winemakers, Gary Mills and William Downie, on May 19 from 7pm with a food-wine pairing menu.

Kitaohji This Japanese kaiseki restaurant flies its produce direct from Ginza.

212 Thonglor Soi 8, 061-387-3207

Quince Eatery & Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 26

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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5/11/15 6:02 PM

bites FOOD REVIEWS

Wabi Sabi

HHHH

Japanese. G/F, Groove, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-6451. BTS Siam. Corkage charge B300. Open daily 11-1am. BBB F

CentralWorld’s Groove draws in big crowds on weekends. These young, urban professionals are clearly seeking out some kind of European exoticism, as they pack themselves into Wine I Love You, S’Mores or Hyde & Seek Peek-a-boo, all of which serve Western fusion food. In contrast, Groove’s token Japanese restaurant Wabi Sabi is rather quiet. Maybe it’s a sign Bangkokians are much pickier about raw fish than bad pasta and random processed meats covered in melted cheese. After all, Wabi Sabi isn’t all that bad, or expensive. So why the lack of love? Well, there’s the decor, a soulless attempt at evoking something edgy and urban—think Zuma or Ku De Ta—that ends up feeling a little shoddy and Fuji-like in its sterility. And then you’ve got the cookiecutter picture menu, which offers every dish

Ebisu HHHH Japanese. Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 087-7191888. No corkage charge. Open Tue-Sun Noon10pm. BB-BBB F

Like so many Japanese restaurants these days, Ebisu promises fish freshly flown i n f r o m To k y o ’ s Ts u k i j i m a r k e t , minimalist decor and a long, long menu.

Aside from its location, in the hip, slightly-ramshackle Ekamai Mall, there’s little that makes this sushi joint stand out from dozens around town. Out front you’ll spot a sake barrel and the requisite Japanese restaurant flags; inside it’s white brick walls and a painting of the goddess Ebisu, worshipped by Japanese fishermen. Contrary to the minimalist interior, the picture-heavy menu clocks in at a mammoth 20 pages, covering most Japanese favorites bar ramen and udon. The highlight, of course, is sashimi and they offer many sets, from the grandiose Ebisu Sashimi (B2,990), piled

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

under the rising sun, from grilled snow fish (B450) to California rolls (B220) and bowls of udon noodles (B220). As a mid-range mall-dwelling Japanese joint, Wabi Sabi is par for the course, though. The Salmon Galaxy (B550) is fresh and generous, even if the salmon probably wasn’t line-caught off Norway. Similarly, the big tub of sashimi “five kinds,” is everything you could reasonably expect at B980. Note that prices are net, individual sushi was 40-percent off and a couple dishes were 50-percent off on our last visit. One such dish was the marinated Hokkaido scallop carpaccio, which was served with tough, chewy squid that the marinade clearly failed to loosen up.

What the mix of lemon juice and soy sauce did achieve was making it pretty hard to tell how long this seafood had been stewing in its juices. Deep-fried dishes are similarly pedestrian (such as the slightly oily and bland fried silverfish, B140), but we can’t say you’d necessarily get much better in a standalone joint tucked down Soi Thaniya.

(You would get more than just the option of Ozeki sake, though.) On the plus side, Wabi Sabi’s service is diligent and smiling. And we were pleasantly surprised by the desserts from La Gallerie de Patisserie—the raspberry and chocolate cake is a successful layering of textures and flavors. Look out for the cheap set lunches (from B120) and the specials like buy-one-get-one-free on Sapporo (B220 per glass from 7-11pm), too.

with premium slices of otoro, chutoro, hamachi, madai, shima aji, botan ebi, hotate and uni , to the tuna lover’s maguro set (four pieces of premium blue fin tuna, at the current promotion price of B850) and the more standard ume sashimi set (B490). On our last visit, though, the maguro set didn’t burst with the freshness we expected and the accompanying sushi rice was a bit mushy. Another supposed highlight, the gyu don (beef rice made with Kamui beef, reputed to be one of Hokkaido’s finest breeds, B690), is indeed aromatic with the sweet shoyu sauce hitting the right note. But while the taste was just about right, the beef was not particularly tender. Similarly, the monster roll (fried squid stuffed with salmon, foie gras and egg, B550) is spiced up by a delicious mayo and black pepper sauce, but the squid is a bit chewy, as if still raw inside.

More successful is the spicy salmon salad (B195), which goes for straight-up Thai tangy and spicy flavors. They’re rather lazy when it comes to dessert and drinks; the former is limited to only ice cream and a complimentary fruit jelly, while the sake list begins and ends with Ozeki at B180. What it lacks in character, Ebisu makes up for in choice. Don’t expect prime ingredients, just a casual spot for a quick sushi meal.

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

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music

Sign up to Newsletters www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

BB_Food_Reviews_589_May15_15.indd 27

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5/11/15 5:55 PM

now FRI Party Animals If you’re still coming down from last week’s Together Festival, fear not, Asiatique The Riverfront turns into an urban neon jungle this May 15 with the landing of DJ Mag’s fourth best DJ in the world, Martin Garrix, at Sangsom presents Fullmoon Party Live in Bangkok. Expect to be surrounded by pretty Zaap party girls dressed in neon, shorts and sandals dancing the night away from 6:30pm till late. B1,200 tickets, available on Thaiticketmajor.

SUN Lazy Sunday If you’d rather get some water action, one of Bangkok’s biggest pool parties, #SoundsetSundays, celebrates its first anniversary this May 17.

The party kicks off at 2pm at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit, with tickets going at B400 (including one Beluga drink before 6pm). Here’s your chance to party by the pool with music by a special Ibiza guest DJ, Gio, before the rainy season fully kicks in.

SAT All Aboard The party boat departs Sathorn Pier this Saturday (May 16) at 8:30pm. Bangkok Boat Party 2015 will feature the sounds of DJs Sunju Hargun, DeLorean and British guest Lazcru pumping from a killer sound system on the top deck, plus cocktails and tasty snacks crafted by the team behind Rocket Coffeebar, Lady Brett and UNCLE. Haven’t booked your spot? B1,200 final tickets are still available at www.bangkokboatparty.com.

SAT Royal Art

Siam2Nite

Witness the wonderful art, people and culture of India at the final exhibition of the Festival of India in Thailand. India Through the Lens of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be open for public viewing from May 16-25 at Chulalongkorn University Museum, in celebration of the Princess’s 60th birthday this year. For other exhibitions opening this week, see page 32.

SAT Sk8boi

SUN Go Indie Joe Delaney of Rhubarb and Custard hosts a day of live music by indie acts including The Sticky Rice, The Sangsom Massacre, Triggs & The Longest Day, Rocket Science, The Ladz, Hope the Flowers and Degaruda. Recharge takes place at Brownstone Studio this May 17 at 12pm and will also feature live street art by Asin Acids, Cboy, Toska Vosd, Watcharin Rodnit, and many more. Thai and international food available on site. Entry is B200 with one free drink.

Billabong presents Thai Skate Game 2015 selects sixteen top Thai skaters to battle it out in a single-elimination skateboarding tournament this May 16 at Pink Skate Park Ekkamai. The top prize is B20,000 plus a champion belt. There will also be contests and giveaways between the games. Free entry.

David Martyn Hunt

THU Shakespeare Season

28

This May 21 sees a one-off performance of the classic tale of Hamlet, performed by 16 actors from the Shakespeare’s Globe troupe, who are making a Thailand debut at Sodsai pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts. This comes as part of the two-year “Globe to Globe Hamlet” world tour. If you don’t manage to get a ticket, no worries, as this is only a teaser for more cultural events coming up in 2016, in celebration of five centuries of diplomatic ties between Thailand and the UK. Tickets available at 086-300-2081.

BK Magazine Friday, May 8, 2015

BK Now_589_May15_15-NEW.indd 28

5/11/15 6:06 PM

now s Know ok Bangk Best

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DJS & PARTIES Tools for School: 1 Year Anniversary Bangkok-based DJs Boris Rubin, Mendy Indigo, Sunju Hargun, Rui Rodrigues, Dee Iris and Krit Morton hold an anniversary party on the 4/F of the nightclub, also known as Case 49. May 15, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/1213 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. B350 (one free drink).

Urban Tentacles A huge party at the urban pool venue with four stages and four musical genres: urban bass on the Ex Nihilo stage with DJs J-cush and Drippin, Bangkok-based hip-hop and rap DJs on the Spoiled Rotten stage, underground deep-tech DJs on the Sen Yai stage and another stage dedicated to the Powderpuff crew. May 16, 8pm. Ocean Urban Lounge and Boutique Resort, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-261-2800. B300 (one free drink).

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After a successful debut in Bangkok last year, the LA DJ is back for a gig at the new RCA venue. Tickets available at the door. May 16, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B600 (one free drink).

avenue

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS The authentic Japanese restaurant in Phra Khanong hosts a special concert, limited to only 30 guests, featuring Thai-Afro music. B350 incuding African cuisine. Reservations only, through kinjobkk@hotmail.com or 089-047-1456. May 23, 8pm.

Bangkok Okinawa Restaurant Kinjo, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-711-0536. B200-350 (one free drink). BTS Phra Khanong.

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Boyzone BZ20 The Anniversary Tour Ronan Keating (and those other guys) relive their heyday at this anniversary tour in celebration of their 22 years together. May 24, 8pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02833-4455. B1,200-5,000.

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We Came As Romans Live in Bangkok

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4P 1:5

The American metalcore group, whose latest album Tracing Back Roots topped the Billboard charts for Independent Albums, Internet Albums and Hard Rock Albums, make a stop at Live House BKK as a part of their Southeast Asia tour. May 25, 9pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B900 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

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The Ratchada bar hosts a party with Maggie Choo's Fred Canal and Oskar's Alex Fischer, running from 8pm till late. Open bar till 9pm, plus a selection of Belgium beers, food and cocktails on the G/F and a beer garden on the rooftop. May 16, 9pm.

Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 083016-9033. Free.

Disco Robot presents: Something for the Girl with Everything The monthly disco party features High Time DJ Juice Willis and resident DJs Harrington and Jaydubb.

May 16, 10pm. Black Pagoda, Patpong Soi 2.

B250 (one free drink). BTS Sala Daeng.

Visual Lounge Reggae Repeat After launching last September, the Samsen bar hosts a second edition of the party in collaboration with Bangkok Reggae Appreciation Society. Expect reggae music by DJ Woken and guests, plus reggae visuals and special drinks deals. May 23, 7:30pm.

Cinema Wine House, 59/61 Samsen Rd., 096465-6526, 083-554-0170. Free.

AKA-WTF 5th Year Anniversary The bar/art space celebrates its five-year anniversary with a two-day festival, showcasing the artistic works of non-artists and craftsmen in Bangkok. May 29-30, 6pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Free.

BTS Thong Lo.

Boyzone

King Kong and the Chum, Didier Mpondo "Afro-Thai" Live Concert

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Sounday presents Fred Canal & Alex Fischer

TVXQ! Special Live Tour - T1St0ry One of the biggest K-pop groups of the early 2000s, dubbed the Rising Gods of the East, returns to Bangkok after six years complete with new members U-Know and Max. May 30, 5pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,800-6,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

100 Plus presents Bodyslam 13 After canceling the last concert, the Thai pop-rock band is back with a concert that takes the audience through 13 years of hits. Doors open at 3pm.

May 31, 6pm. Lakeside Muang Thong Thani, Muang Thong Thani, Popular. B1,200-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Cat T-Shirt Cat Radio's two-day T-shirt fest features over 200 stores and 2,000 new T-shirt patterns. Live concert by local groups 25 Hours, Paradox, Superbaker, Slur, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Aire, The Parkinson, Sqweez Animal, Polycat and Greasy Cafe, to name a few.

B300 for a two-day pass. May 30-31, 11am.

Makkasan Airport Link Station, B200 from Thaiticketmajor.

Sangsom Presents Single Festival The popular music festival for single partygoers returns with performances by Thaitanium, Slot Machine, Lomosonic, Paradox, Polycat, Electric Neon Lamp and Boom Boom Cash. B399 for girls and B499 for guys. Dress code: white if you're taken, black if you're feeling lonely. May 23, 5pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. B399-499. BTS Bang Na.

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5/11/15 6:06 PM

SCENE STEALER Eli Rezkallah

Last week, Adler Subhashok Gallery (160/3 Soi Sukhumvit 39) opened two exhibitions by pop-cutural artists from the Middle East, titled Life in Plastik and Poplitically Incorrect (see page 32). Here, we speak to Eli Rezkallah (left), founder of Plastik Magazine, a very pop, visual arts magazine that has gained an international following for its glossy and colorful depiction of women. His exhibition runs through Jun 12.

On the creation of Plastik Magazine: I started working on this project in 2008 and launched Plastik Magazine in 2009 to create a platform for my vision, to portray a gayer, more colorful version of the Middle East; the Middle East I know and live in, not the one we see in mainstream media. This platform is also a medium for young creative artists from all around the world to share their talent. I feel that my best achievement has been offering the young generation in the region an opportunity to pursue a career in that industry without leaving their country. I wanted to show the world that talent and creativity could come from anywhere in the world.

On the success of the magazine: On the international scale, I believe that the curiosity to see something so colorful coming from the “dark side of the world” contributed to Plastik’s success. In the Middle East, I think the success of Plastik comes from it breaking the boundaries of commercial fashion photography by focusing on the stories behind the images, which is a first for the Arab world.

On the story behind Life in Plastik: I was born and raised in the late '80s. Lebanon was suffering from a civil war, but for the longest time, I didn’t know what was going on outside because my mom hid it so well. However, there was always this fear in women.

Maybe it was for the children’s sake or because they were desperately trying to maintain a balance for their traumatized husbands, the women used to live their lives as if nothing was happening: they’d dress up, party, but there was always this anxiety and melancholy in their eyes. Denial is something that I grew up around and this marked my childhood.

It’s very much what I try to portray in my work. The exhibition also sums up my life with the magazine, and my collaboration with my creative partner Ryan Houssari since 2010.

On the representation of women in his art: To be honest, I’m not interested in realistic depictions of women today. TV and social media [can] do that. Most of my work is a private, imaginary representation of a woman’s state of mind. It’s about that moment when, no matter where she is or how good she looks, she zones out and thinks of that one thing that would make her entire world collapse. Interview by Lily Kittisrikangwan

WHY NOT Go Rainbow

You may have noticed that the BACC has been splashed with rainbow colors since Tue, May 12. It’s all part of the light installation We are Rainbow, in celebration of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia. Other organized activities include Loud and Proud Thailand’s free screening of 2015 Attitude LGBT Short Films (5/F Auditorium) on May 15 at 6pm, DIY floral light-making, outdoor entertainment and a design-your-own T-shirt campaign (B199 each, with proceeds going to The Thailand Teachers Association for Sexuality Education), both on May 17. Busy on those days? The installation will remain through May 19.

BACC, Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium

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now SCENE STEALER Saint Hoax

ART Opening

SPECTRECULAR - DOUBLE O SETH EXHIBITION

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE PAINTING

Thai collage artist Sethapong Povatong uses a cut-andpaste method to create surreal scenes incorporating characters from popular culture. This exhibition collects his work from 2011-2015. Opening party on May 15 at 7pm, with music by DJs Somarange, Dookie, and a warm-up set by the artist himself. Open bar from 7-9pm.

Dates: May 15-Jun 12.

Landscapes of Japan and Thailand, painted using powdered mineral pigment mixed glue. Created by Japanese artists Shirofumi Takehara, Kimimochi Tauchi and Rei Hayase.

Dates: May 16-Jun 16.

Midnice Gallery, Chok Chai Soi 8 (Chok Chai), 086-282-0282.

Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

Closing

Saint Hoax is a Middle Eastern artist known for controversial artworks that use colourful Disney characters in subversive situations such as domestic violence and incest. His exhibition, Poplitically Incorrect, will also be on show at Adler Subhashok Gallery (160/3 Soi Sukhumvit 39) through Jun 12.

On the pseudonym “Saint Hoax”: There is a lot of censorship and repression in the Middle East when it comes to certain social and religious topics.

I wanted to create a platform where I can freely express myself without any consequence, to break free from those taboos that have always surrounded me.

On the use of Disney characters: I used iconic Disney characters to attract attention to topics such as incest, domestic violence, eating disorders, fur trade... and it worked very well. But if someone is insinuating that I used those characters to get personal attention, then my answer to them would be, do you even know what my real name is?

On controversy: Controversy generates awareness. My main purpose is to liberate and inspire people while entertaining them. I pick whatever or whoever interests me at the time, and I reinterpret what he, she, it did in my own way to deliver my own opinion of it. My favourites are “Princest Diaries” and “Happy Never After,” which tackled incest and domestic violence.

MUSE

TOH: ME, MY WORK, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

An art and fashion exhibition, featuring impressionist artwork by Danish-Armenian artist Elizabeth Romhild and surrealist paintings by Thai artist Aof Smith. Curated

by Kimberly Henry of K Art Miami+Bangkok. Opens on May 13 at 7pm, with catering provided by La Soeur.

There will also be a fashion show by Catische.

Dates: May 13-19

Local artists Vinit Koosolmanomai, Prayut Sirikul and Panjapol Kulpapangkorn, collectively known as Toh-Craft, present an exhibition that presents their life stories and unity through the use of contemporary jewelry art.

Dates: Through May 16 ATTA Gallery, Room 1109, OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd., 02238-6422.

Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, 440/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor Soi 14-16), 091-573-6841.

Bhuridat - The Dragon Lord Part six of the Ten Lives of the Buddha opera-ballet series by Somtow Sucharitkul, taking the audience through the human world, heaven and the underworld when the Buddha lived as a naga. May 22, 24, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B500-5,000.

MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

On the exhibition Poplitically Incorrect: Popular culture and politics are two vital elements that govern the world. While people try to assess, analyze and dissect them, I prefer to recreate them. This exhibition merges popular culture with politics and represents it through an interactive journey that rewrites history by turning gunpowder into glitter, and tyrants into faux queens. Interview by Lily Kittisrikangwan

Je Suis Dinner Performance

WHY NOT Discover The Old Chinatown

The Death of Miss America

STAGE PERFORMANCES Mime Solo "Champ" Five mimes—Hero, Puppet, Flower, Marijuana and Toilet—are combined to tell the story of one man's life. B250 for students.

Bookings available at 082-960-3456. May 22-24, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B350.

BTS Thong Lo.

The Death of Miss America

Put on comfy shoes and step back to Bangkok’s early 20th-century Talad Noi community with social enterprise Hivesters’ latest event this May 23. The Forgotten Talad Noi Neighborhood Discovery Tour is led by local aunties (with a translator) who, for B1,100, will take you to experience the Thai-Chinese lifestyle, taste Chinese delicacies, explore the small artsy sois, beautiful architecture, traditional crafts and old temples. The tour starts from MRT Hua Lamphong station at 10am and finishes at a rooftop bar that overlooks the Chao Phraya River. More information at bit.ly/1Jhu2nF or contact 099-708-5695.

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A comedy about a fictional Miss Tomorrow Pageant that addresses stereotypes of Asian women and the importance of the ASEAN community. Play is in English.

Shows run every Thu-Sun. Tickets available

at bit.ly/1HMhpCD. Pre-show cocktails at 7pm. Through Jun 7, 8pm. Culture Collective Studio, 3/F, Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, 26/276 Charoen Krung Soi 70, 099-447-4670. B800.

Dragon's Heart In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Dr. Puay Ungpakorn, arguably one of Thailand's most loved statesmen, this biographical play traces his life and the ups and downs of Thai history. Play is in Thai, with special discounts for students at B200. 2pm matinee rounds on May 3031. May 29-31, 7pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456.

B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The co-working space celebrates its first anniversary with a special French cabaret performance from Hong Kong and a threecourse dinner. Open to both members and non-members. RSVP at events@thehive. co.th. May 22, 7pm. The Hive, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. B1,500.

Fly with me, Free breakfast!

Director Damkerng Thitapiyasak adapts into Thai the French comedy Boeing Boeing , telling the story of Bodin, an international trader who manages his romantic relationships with three flight attendents working for different national airlines. Tickets available at showbooking. com/flywithme. Play runs from Thu-Tue. May 21-Jun 18, 7:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B590.

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BREAKING NEWS

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

CLASSICAL Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas by Christian Leotta Dubbed one of the best Beethoven soloists of our time, the award-winning pianist who first played in Bangkok last year returns with a series of performances, taking the audience through all of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In collaboration with The Embassy of Italy. Cocktail reception at 6:30pm. May 18, 21, 7:30pm.

Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. Free (donations accepted).

The Exotic East The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performs pieces by contemporary Asian composers Chou Wen-Chung, Narong Prangcharoen, Chen Yi and Zhou long. They'll be joined by suona soloist Shi Hai-bin, under the baton of conductor Delta David Gier. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts. B100 for students. May

15, 7pm; May 16, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Jens Lindemann with TPO The Canadian trumpet soloist, recently named "International Brass Personality of the Year (Brass Herald)," returns to Bangkok to perform two shows with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted

by Caude Villaret. He will also be running a master class for Thai students on May 21 from 1pm-3pm at the College of Music, Mahidol University. B100 tickets for students. May 22, 7pm; May 23, 4pm.

Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

SAVE UP

BANG ON TIME

FIRESTARTER

Haven’t recovered from the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and The Script?

There’s more to come in the second half of 2015. BEC-Tero is bringing in even more big names, with Imagine Dragons making a stop in Bangkok as part of their Smoke + Mirrors Tour this Aug 29. If you totally love their new album, get ready to book your ticket (starting from B1,500) on May 23 on Thaiticketmajor.

It's also a good year for K-pop fans.

After a successful solo concert in Bangkok last February, Big Bang member Taeyang is finally bringing his entire crew to Bangkok as they embark on a world tour across 15 countries. Big Bang 2015 World Tour “Made” in Bangkok is scheduled for Jul 11-12, with tickets also starting at B1,500, available on Thaiticketmajor from May 24.

The '90s revival continues, only this time it's not another boy band coming to town. The latest act bound for Bangkok is none other than UK big-beat pioneers The Prodigy. The three-piece led by Liam Howlett, best known for rave-ups like "Firestarter" and "Smack My Bitch Up," will play Bitec Bangna Exhibition Centre on Aug 11. Tickets go on sale May 16 (prices TBA) from Thaiticketmajor.

MARKET & FAIRS Even as we’re stepping into the rainy season, Bangkok’s market communities are still going strong. Here are the best food, fashion and music pop-up markets coming your way this month.

In the Box Market

Cheeze Market

One-Off Markets: FOOD, FUN & FAMILY

Dates: May 15-17, 12-10pm Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chidlom What: Enjoy a cute family day out at this carnival-themed foodie fair with activities for kids, organized by Maeban magazine.

CHEEZE MAGAZINE MARKET

Cesar Millan

TALKS & WORKSHOPS

EASTIN CHARITY YOGA & SUNDAY ART MARKET

Creative Writing for Startups: Essential Toolkit for Efficient Business Writing

tional Museum, 4 Na Phra That Rd., 02 224-1404, 02-224-1333. B200.

A two-part writing workshop for bloggers, writers and entrepreneurs of Bangkok, run

by Anette Pollner. Writing devices (laptop/ tablet) required. Book a session at www. eventpop.me/e/54. May 15, 23, 1pm.

HUBBA, 19 Ekkamai Soi 4, 02-714-3388.

B1,500-2,800.

The 9th Bangkok Music Forum: 62 Years of the Peasant Poet

Demo Black Market series 1 The first series of theater workshops by the creative artspace includes: Dimensions of Movement: An Introduction to Laban Technique by James Laver on May 15; Connecting with Sex (a movement workshop) by Vidura Amranand on May 16; and V.I.P. Process for basic costume design

by Panchana Soontornpipit. Reservation at 081-441-5718 or democrazytheatre@ gmail.com. May 15-17, 1pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081441-5718. B350. MRT Lumphini.

The Puranas by Anita Bose The National Museum's monthly talk covers the topic of Purana, a Sanskrit word for "eternal," touching upon the history, genealogy, culture, civilization and philosophy of global race. B100 for members.

Register in advance at nmvmonthlyprogram@gmail.com. May 28, 10am. Na-

Dates: May 16-17 Venue: Central Ladprao, MRT Phahon Yothin What: This hipster-slash-fashion stall lineup is organized

by Cheeze magazine. You can cross over to Union Mall for even more bargain shopping.

Pongthep Gradoanchumnaan, who has worked with well-known local rock-folk band Carabao, talks about his life as an activist and president of Khao Yai Foundation, plus performs a special show featuring his philosophical songs. May 30, 4pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Free. BTS National Stadium.

Cesar Millan: Love Your Dogs Tour 2015 The international dog-behavior expert, known for his hit TV series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan shares new techniques on how to establish a healthy relationship with your dogs and holds live training demonstrations. Jun 3, 7:30pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Siam.

Dates: May 17, 10am Venue: Eastin Grande Hotel, BTS Surasak What: Healthy foods, bakery items and locally produced handicraft stalls in front of the hotel, plus a full day of yoga classes (B499). Revenue goes to an orphanage for disabled children in Bangkok. Reservations at 02-2108100 ext. 7302.

EAT & DRINK STUDIO

Dates: May 18-22 Venue: Empire Tower, Sathorn. BTS Chong Nonsi What: This foodie market for the office workers of Sathorn/ Silom will offer a considerably cheaper alternative to the restaurants inside the building.

DAYDREAM GARDEN

Dates: May 30-31 Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chidlom What: A shopping session in an artificial garden atmosphere with live jazz in the background, and around 200 fashion stalls.

New Recurring Markets SAPHAN SOONG FLOATING MARKET

Dates: Launching May 15, running every Fri-Sun from 10am-8pm Venue: The Paseo Town (Ramkhamhaeng) What: An in-town floating market by Saensaeb canal with Thai food and OTOP products at the open-air community mall.

PINKLAO MARKET

Dates: Every Fri-Sun Venue: The Sense Pinklao What: Enjoy a quick stroll under pretty lighting decorations along with a small beer buffet garden (B299) and live music.

SIAM GREEN MARKET

Dates: Launching May 22-24, running every third Saturday of the month Venue: Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam What: A new urban organic market, offering environmentally-friendly products

LOVE @ 1ST SITE

Fairs

Dates: May 22-24, 1-10pm Venue: Square A & B, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chidlom What: A massive fashion market comprising over 400 online stores, including some celeb-run stalls and food trucks. A collaboration between Weloveshopping, In The Box Market and Nylon Thailand.

Dates: Through May 17, 10am Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd. What: An annual fair to promote Thai tourism on weekdays offers tours at discounted rates and promotions from leading hotels, resorts, cruises and flights.

WONDERFUL THAILAND WONDERFUL WORLD 2015

SOMART SOCIAL MARKET: THE CHILL DENY PARK

THAIFEX - WORLD OF FOOD ASIA 2015

Dates: May 15-29, Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chidlom What: A solid fashion market full of online stores, one of the regulars at CentralWorld Square, repackaged under a chill park concept.

Dates: May 23-24, 10am Venue: Impact Arena, Popular Rd. What: An annual food fair taking over four exhibition halls, bringing exhibitors from the food, beverage and food technology industry. There will also be Chef Challenge competitions, workshops, seminars and product demonstrations.

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now FILM Opening (May 14)

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): My astrological colleagues discourage me from talking to you Bulls about financial matters. “Most Tauruses know ten times more about the mystery of money than you will ever know,” said one. “Their excellent instincts trump any tips you could offer.” Another astrologer concurred. A third colleague summed it up: “Offering Tauruses guidance about money is like counseling Scorpios about sex.” So although I’m shy about providing recommendations, I will say this: The next five weeks will be a favorable time to set in motion the plans to GET RICHER QUICKER!

LOST RIVER (USA)

PITCH PERFECT 2 (USA)

Drama. Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut follows one mother’s (Christina Hendricks) struggle to protect her kids after they discover an underwater town. Also stars Saoirse Ronan and Eva Mendes.

Comedy/Musical. The Barden Bellas are back, this time to enter an international a cappella competition which no American team has ever won. Stars Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (USA)

THE BLACK DEATH (THAI)

Action. In a post-apocalyptic world run by a sav- Action. In the Ayutthaya period, a group of the mysterious plague survivors must fight the age warlord, Max (Tom Hardy) teams up with undead before it’s too late. the mysterious Furiousa (Charlize Theron) and her band of travelers in an effort to survive.

Now Showing Life Partners (USA) HHHHH Comedy. The friendship between Sasha (Leighton Meester) and Paige (Gillian Jacobs) is put to the test when one of them gets serious with a guy for the first time.

Postcard from Nowhere (Thai) Romance. A man obsessed with analog photography always turns his photographs into postcards waiting for a chance to send them to someone special. One day he decides to sell them to a woman destined to be his true love.

Parasyte: Part 1 (Japan) HHHHH Mystery. A teenager boy forms a symbiotic relationship with an alien invader after it accidentally burrows into his hand.

The Last Five Years (USA) HHHHH Romance. This adaptation of the stage musical follows the five-year-long relationship between aspiring writer Jamie Wellerstein (Jereme Jordan) and stage performer Cathy Hiatt (Anna Kendrick).

Upcoming Miss Happy (Thai)

Unfriended (USA)

Comedy. The life of a happy young woman (Pancake Khemanit) is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with a rare heart disease that requires her to dance every day to stay alive. Also stars Ben Chalatit. May 21

Horror. A supernatural force takes over social media to attack a group of teenagers in a chat room in revenge for a video clip which caused a girl to kill herself. May 21

A Little Chaos (UK)

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): “Endings to be useful must be inconclusive,” wrote science fiction novelist Samuel R. Delany. I endorse that theory for your use in the coming weeks. Interweave it with this advice from playwright Sam Shepard: “The temptation towards resolution, towards wrapping up the package, seems to me a terrible trap. The most authentic endings are the ones which are already revolving towards another beginning.” In other words, Gemini, don’t be attached to neat finales and splashy climaxes. Consider the possibility that you can simply slip free of the complicated past and head toward the future without much fanfare.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): In mythic terms, you should be headed for the winner’s circle, which is inside the pleasure dome. The parade in your honor should follow the award ceremony, and let’s hope you will be on the lead float wearing a gold crown and holding a real magic wand while being sung to by a choir of people you love and who love you. If for any reason you are not experiencing some version of these metaphors, I urge you to find out why. Or better yet, get busy on planning a homecoming or graduation party or award ceremony for yourself. You have a mandate to be recognized and appreciated for the gifts you offer the world.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): British Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley was a brilliant military commander.

Renowned for his ability to beat larger armies, he also had great skill at minimizing loss of life among his own troops. His most famous triumph took place in 1815, when he led the forces that defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. In the aftermath, the French tyrant lost his power and went into exile. What was the secret of Wellesley’s success? “Bonaparte’s plans were made in wire,” he said. “Mine were made in string.” In other words, Wellesley’s strategy was more flexible and adaptable. That’s the approach I recommend for you in the coming days.

Romance. In this 17th-century period piece, two landscape artists, Sabine (Kate Winslet) and Andre (Matthias Schoenaerts), fall in love while building a grand garden at King Louis XIV’s court at Versailles. May 21

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You may not be strong enough to take a shot at a daunting challenge that’s five levels beyond your previous best. But I think you are at least ready to try a tricky challenge that’s one level higher. And that, in my opinion, is a more practical use of your courage. It would be a waste of your energy to get wrapped up in grandiose fantasies about impossible perfections. As long as you don’t overreach, you can accomplish small miracles.

Alliance Francaise

The Friese-Greene Club

Movies are subtitled in English. This week is aimed at kid. Starts at 2pm. May 16. Ma Maman Est En Amerique, Elle A Rencontre Buffalo Bill (My Mummy is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill): This animation by Marc Boreal tells the story of a sixyear-old boy in a small provincial French town in the 1970s who is learning to cope with the death of his mother. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02670-4200.

The schedule follows a daily theme. This May the FGC presents Great Music Documentary Wednesday, American Palme D’Or Winners Thursday, British Palme D’Or Winners Friday and Films That Are Sexier Than Fifty Shades of Grey and Modern Musicals for Sat and Sun. Films start from 8pm, visit www.fgc.in.th for the full line up and to reserve your seat. 259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-0000795. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.

Jam

Japan Foundation

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night.

Theme for May is Hood Films. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK for schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833.

BTS Surasak. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Movies are subtitled in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for May is Women. May 22. Fireworks from the Heart (2010): A young girl dying from leukemia moves to a small town in Niigata where her brother encourages her to participate in the local fireworks displays, some of the biggest in the world. 10/F, Sermmit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02-260-8560. www.jfbkk.or.th

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): I suspect you are about to experience some prime contenders for The Most Unusual Adventures of 2015. Are you thoroughly prepared? Of course not. There’s no way you can be totally ready to adapt to unpredictable wrinkles and change your mind at a moment’s notice. But that’s exactly what will make these experiments so fun. For best results, apply your nighttime thinking to daytime activities, and vice versa. Spend minimal time on responsibilities that don’t teach you noble truths about your fellow madmen and madwomen. Now here’s my big question: How can you tap into the extra power you will need during your rite of passage?

Tomorrowland (USA) Adventure. This highly anticipated Disney adventure from Brad Bird (The Incredibles) tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl (Britt Robertson) who discovers an outrageous new world by accident and embarks on a mission with a former boy-genius (George Clooney) to save Tomorrowland. May 21

Free screenings

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Gassendi. One of my friends in college, a Scorpio woman named Martha Maiden, is a first-rate astrologer who got a degree in astronomy and became a top scientist at NASA. In this spirit, I’m happy to say that you are now a virtual virtuoso in your ability to reconcile both apparent opposites and actual opposites. I invite you to use this aptitude with flair and daring.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Sagittarian Matt Stutzman competes in the sport of archery. He’s the world’s record holder for longest accurate shot, having hit a target 230 yards away. What makes his accomplishment so extraordinary is the fact that he was born without any arms. He holds each arrow in his mouth and grasps the bow with his right foot and the help of a chest harness. In the spirit of this armless archer, I invite you to initiate an attempt to triumph over one of your so-called disadvantages.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Long before Lou Reed recorded the song “Walk on the Wild Side,” Nelson Algren wrote a novel titled A Walk on the Wild Side. It depicts the luxuriant depravity of New Orleans’ French Quarter in the 1930s. One of Algren’s most enduring bits of spiritual advice goes as follows: “Never, ever, no matter what else you do in your whole life, never sleep with anyone whose troubles are worse than your own.”

Even if you don’t regard it as a universal rule that you should unfailingly obey, I suggest you observe it in the coming weeks. For the sake of your mental hygiene, be extra discerning about what influences you absorb—not just in bed, but everywhere.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 -Feb 18): The cosmos has authorized you to be hungrier than usual. You may also feel free to respond to your enhanced hunger with an extra aggressive quest to be fed.

Therefore: Be voracious! Risk being avid, ardent, and even agog. Fill yourself up with pudding, pleasure, praise, peace, perks, and privileges. If some unenlightened person questions your right to claim the biggest piece, inform them that your astrologer says you have ultimate permission.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Is there an interesting ally whose path rarely crosses yours? Has fate kept you and a friend from getting as close as you would wish? According to my reading of the astrological omens, relationships like these could become more substantial in the coming weeks.

The dream of a more robust connection could ripen into an opportunity to actually collaborate.

So be alert for the openings, and be prepared to do what’s necessary to go deeper.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The danger of resisting a temptation too strenuously is that the temptation might depart. I suggest that you prevent that from happening. Without throwing yourself at the mercy of the temptation, see if you can coax it to stick around for a while longer. In my view, it’s motivating you to change some things that really do need to be changed. On the other hand, I’m not yet sure that it should become anything more than a temptation. It might serve you best that way, not as an object of your satisfied desire.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Many modern astronomers are allergic to astrology, but from my perspective there is no inherent conflict between the two fields. Four of history’s greatest astronomers were practicing astrologers, after all: Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, Tycho Brahe, and Pierre

BK Magazine Friday, May 15, 2015

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last word

Ben Chalatit Ben Chalatit, 33, is a veteran of Thailand’s pop music scene. From his early days singing the hit “Celebration” (2002) as the frontman of Monotone, he crooned his wa to the top of the charts again with “Klai” and “Yue”––and even appeared on stage in Miss Saigon. The openly gay artist is now back, as a judge on Thailand’s Got Talent and in cinemas in Miss Happy (out May 21), and is also gearing up for his latest concert, Come into My World (Jul 25 at Impact Arena). Here, he tells us the secret to his longevity in Thailand’s notoriously fastpaced entertainment industry.

I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. My parents, just like a lot of parents, encouraged their kids to sing for family get togethers, to show off. That’s how I picked up singing.

rewrote the definition of working in the music industry, how to break in and so on. As a band, we didn’t even think about breaking into the music industry. We just enjoyed ourselves performing and creating music.

I’d perform in front of our house.

My family would host parties for all kinds of occasions like birthdays or the New Year. The neighbors in our soi would join and all the kids would be urged to perform on stage. At the time, I had no idea I’d keep doing this as a grown up, in front of thousands of people.

Most of the songs I wrote back then, the songs I’m still writing now, are about love, love in every aspect; puppy love, unfulfilled love, disappointed love, unrequited love. Ninety-nine percent of all songs are about love. What else would we want to sing, or hear, if not love?

I started to write songs as a kid, too. In elementary school, Khu Kam, the soap opera starring Bird Thongchai, was huge. I went crazy for it and wrote a song based on it.

In my sophomore year at Mahidol College, I joined the band Monotone as the lead singer. It was the high point of Fat Radio, before The Star, AF [Academy Fantasia], which

I tap into my beliefs, my past, and express them in the form of lyrics and music. But I’m not a guru, neither on songwriting nor on love. I rely solely on honesty. If I’m true to my feelings, that’s the best way I can come up with an authentic Ben Chalatit song about love.

A good love song has to be emotional enough to impact every listener out there. We can’t predict

what’s on his or her mind but the essence of an honest love song is that it carries some kind of universal substance that is meaningful to everybody.

I’ve made it. Yes. But I still feel stage fright every time I get out there. I use it as a fuel to give my best to my audience. If one day I get out there in front of thousands of people and feel nothing, that will be the end of my career.

I wo u l d n ’ t have the power or the excitement to deliver something new. Stage fright is, somehow, a good thing.

what’s my sexual orientation when I entered the music industry ten years ago.

I hung out with my boyfriend in public a lot. But news didn’t circulate the way it does now. You had to actually see me with him to know I was gay.

Now people just read about it on social media.

I don’t want to play the sassy homo.

I never denied that I am gay. No one asked me. A news reporter didn’t put a microphone to my mouth and ask

NEEDS...

I don’t want eve r y b o d y to see me as this fabulous g ay i co n . I want everyone to treat me as a normal person.

You don’t necessarily have to put a crown on my head and regard me as an icon.

everybody’s equal. We don’t need to celebrate someone just because they finally came out as a homosexual.

That’s another form of inequality.

As an actor, I don’t want to play the sassy homo anymore. I’ve had enough. I hope I get to play something else so people will see me in a new light.

I never considered myself special.

That’s a lie we keep telling ourselves. If you follow my Instagram you’ll see my lifestyle is pretty simple. I like staying home in my boxer shorts.

I do think love is about being happy with what you’ve got.

Interview by Sam Nathapong

The media has made it easier for well-known people to come out. But I hope that it’ll get to the point where

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