BK Magazine 663 October 28, 2016

We grieve the loss of our guiding light

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

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lida thavorn,

ittikul

page 3 That’s Nice!

4 cover story

Penned Tributes The passing of HM the King brings out the best in people 6 avenue

8 bites

Parisian Pumps

Retro Plates

10 bites

12 bites

Down to Business

House Rules

14 BK Now

15 BK Now

Back to the Nightlife

New in Cinemas

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Theerada Moonsiri, Earn Saenmuk, Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Art Director Dith Chang Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai

Contributor Kathy MacLeod

Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Group Directors

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

Interns Gunticha Pangsalae, Warunya Litthisri, Tessa Domzalski, Waratchaya Boonket Cover Art by Parimroj Pinyo

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

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All across the city, people are reporting random acts of kindness done in the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

One of the most common has been free rides from motorbike taxis. In the BK office alone, three people have had rides from drivers who wouldn’t take any cash.

“I got a free ride,” said Earn Saenmuk, a staff writer. “The driver said he wanted to do something good for the king and left.”

Many other people in Bangkok are reporting similar stories.

Business development executive Tipsuda Chaichana had the same experience while on her way to work last week.

“I just called a driver on Sukhumvit Soi 36 to get a ride to the BTS,” she said. “When I got off and offered him the money he simply said, ‘no, it is free.’ He does the same for everyone.

“It’s just a small thing but it put a good day ahead of me and I think he enjoys it too. I could see it in his sparkling eyes.”

In return, Tipsuda and her work colleagues are making black ribbons in memory of His Majesty, which she will give away to all of the drivers on her street.

Ribbons are one common way for people to show solidarity.

Freelance writer and designer Panadda Tempaiboonkul has placed a basket in front of her house filled with ribbons for passersby to take.

“In my ‘hood [around Baan Kaek junction] there are Indian, Nepalese and Myanmar residents who normally wear vibrant clothes but also want to show their grief, so the demand for black ribbons is high,” said Panadda.

“On Oct 13, a fruit vendor came and watched the announcementat my house. She cried so hard, and said she didn’t have a black shirt nor money to buy one.”

All around the city, there are reports of similarly good deeds.

Suan Lum is a particular high-spot for public charity. This week, photos went viral of around 30 food trucks gathered to offer free food and water to mourners.

Similarly, one professional photographer stationed near the Grand Palace has been providing mourners with free photographs.

Going by the name Boon A, he took inspiration from one griever who had traveled from Phetchaburi who asked him to take a photo as a keepsake.

“There must be many more people like this guy,” wrote Boon A on his Facebook page (www.fb.com/BoonAPhoto).

Now, he’s stationed in the area with a sign on his back, offering free photographs which people can download from his Facebook page.

If you’ve experienced any unusual kindness from strangers, please write to us with your story at editorial@asia-city.co.th or leave a comment on www.fb.com/bkmagazine.

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, October 28, 2016

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COVER STORY 09

Thai illustrators pay their respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

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Terawat Teankaprasith

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ณllustrator at Painkiller

Prates Songtieng

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Freelance graphic designer

“I chose this picture because we see many pictures of the king dressed in his full, glamorous uniforms. Here he looks more casual, but still very elegant.”

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Naruebodin Rundon

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“Everyone in Thailand is familiar with pictures of the king carrying a camera and maps, working hard for the country.

I would like to reflect this hard work in my illustration.”

Krittin Teerawittayaart

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Freelance illustrator

"The night that he passed away, I imagined him already in heaven as an angel, watching us from above. That's what I tried to convey."

Graphic designer and illustrator

Arthit Lertlalitkul

Writer

"I haven't seen many other illustrations of this picture but I think this face well expresses how he cared about his people."

Freelance illustrator

Ratchanee Nimmanterdwong

"I took inspiration from His Majesty's look of kindness, and imagined his eyes from up above motivating people to drive the country forward, as he always wished."

"I chose to draw his smile to represent the love and compassion he had for the people. We don’t have to only show sadness."

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Freelance graphic designer

Lily Kittisrikangwan “This is the image that best represents HM the King to me, and one that will always stay with me for years to come.”

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Wisut Ponnimit

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Naludol Thongkhao

Freelance illustrator and graphic designer at Dome Studio “This picture is composed of pieces of gold, representing the king as our royal father. I chose this picture because it shows him hard at work for all Thai people.”

Cartoonist

"I want to follow him as he spreads love and kindness to other people. This picture of people following him reflects just what I think."

Please send your memories and illustrations of HM the King to editorial@asia-city.co.th

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Lolay

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Full-time artist

io

“I was drawn to this picture because he looks so very gentle and kind yet also powerful.”

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Akin Kanjanapokin

Freelance art director and illustrator “I’ve been drawing pictures of the king since I was a little kid.

I truly love and respect his hard work, and his love for his mother.

I’ve devoted my time to drawing a picture of the king every day for the rest of the month.”

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Tossapon Kongpipattanakarn

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Yozanun Suntur Wutigonsombutkul

Freelance artist

Full-time artist

“I wanted to do something with deep meaning, so I drew him as though he has ascended up into heaven.”

"I chose an image of the king waving because it has many potential meanings."

Visanya Loisawai Student and illustrator

"My two greatest memories of the king are calendars and the graphic novel about his dog, 'Khun Thong Daeng'. The combination results in this picture of him hugging his dog peacefully."

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Jukkrid Chaipidech Freelance artist

“He’s in his most precious outfit, and he looks incredible in it. Elegant and beautiful.”

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Sittipan Taysub

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Freelance illustrator

Full-time artist

“When I look into his eyes, I can clearly see commitment, passion and kindness, even beneath his glasses.”

"Every Father's Day, I would draw a portrait of HM the King. We shared the same birthday, and growing up with just my mother, he was the only person I knew as a father."

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Pinit Sirijan

Graphic designer “I found that he always carried a camera, a pencil clipped on his pocket and a map. His Majesty worked every day to better our lives.”

Tanta Vorawatanakul

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Narongsak Muangpaen 3D cartoon animator

“I take inspiration from the great abundance of fertile land he created everywhere he went. Like that land, Thai people are seeds which he has taken care of, teaching us to grow up sturdy and strong.” ■ BK Magazine Friday, October 28,1016

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avenue

BOOKS

Reading Room Bangkok’s latest bookstore, Fathom Bookspace, actually wants you to hang around reading even when you’re not buying. The shop doesn’t just sell books, it also houses a library of material to read in-house, which includes an impressive selection of horror novels and thrillers mostly in Thai, and a big space in which to enjoy them. It also switches up its decor every two months and creates book exhibits to go with whatever the theme is (right now: “Traveling to home”). Mingle and exchange ideas with fellow thinkers at the semi-regular workshops or consider joining the Fathom Bookclub for B200/year. If you get thirsty, you can always order an organic tea, cocoa or beer. 572/3 Soi suan Phlu.

Open daily 10am-9pm. www.fb.com/fathombookspace

SHOPPING

FASHION

WELLNESS

Simply Epic

Looking Sharp

Float On

If you’re seriously short on gift ideas, new online store Epic Stuff. It specializes in those “innovation” type products—an umbrella for your dog (B249), a folding foosball table made of cardboard (B5,999), a foot-hammock to strap beneath your desk (B449). It’s all pretty affordable and kinda fun, while they also do some more conventional stuff like vintage posters (John & Yoko, A Clockwork Orange, that kind of thing) for B299 each. Sign up at www.epicstuff.co.th and you get a B250 coupon to spend in the store.

Master of classic Parisian buckle shoes and bags, Roger Vivier has launched his new fall/winter 2016 collection. The Dorsay & Sexy Choc keeps things iconic with its little-bit-classic, little-bit-modern pointed-toe design—perfect for achieving slender-looking legs and a simple-but-chic style. The shoe comes in two styles: ballerina flats and two-inch choc pumps (with Roger Vivier’s signature inward-curving heels). Wear them as classic daywear (B32,000), or go with the luxurious eveningwear versions with metallic colors (B30,000) for a tres special occasion. G/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8442.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

Flotation therapy is said to provide pain relief and lift brain fog.

But for the uninitiated the experience can be a little daunting, not least because of the lofty asking prices. This month, though, Theta State Float Center is celebrating with its second birthday 25-percent discount for first-timers (through end of 2016). That means B500 off the regular B1,950 price for an hour’s float. What to expect? The center’s futuristic float pods and rooms are soundproof and lightproof, filled with 25cm of dense, skin-temperature Epsom saltwater, which allows you to float effortlessly on the surface, removing all body pressure. If you’re lucky, you’ll reach theta, a meditative state of creative inspiration. 24th Avenue Mall, 88/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-2617943. Open Tue-Sun 10am-10pm. thetastatefloat.com

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bites & blends

DOWNLOAD OUR BEST EATS GUIDE FOR FREE And discover Bangkok's best casual restaurants. bkmagazine.com/besteats

NEW CHEF

Golden Oldies The new head chef at RE 234, the Rama V-inspired house in Phrom Phong, has given the menu a sharper Thai focus. Under the helm of Phuket Karnjanaviroje (whose background includes stints at the Mandarin Oriental here and in London), out goes the hodgepodge of Euro and Thai classics in favor of a shorter menu big on well-detailed, produce-driven Thai dishes. The pad kaprao (B190), for example, only uses red holy basil, bird-eye chilis and Thai garlic, while his gaeng ranjuan (shrimp paste soup, B250) features three-hour-simmered beef rib fingers. Now that the beautiful restaurant has equally beautiful food to match, we recommend a revisit. 45 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-117-2829. www.fb.com/re234bkk

RESTAURANT

CAFE

RESTAURANT

In the Cellar

Coffee Capital

Wander Yonder

Soho Hospitality (the group behind Above Eleven, Charcoal and Havana Social) fills the Italian gap in Ari with a casual pizza and pasta house. Themed after an Italian wine cellar, the wood-andbrick-heavy Cantina features hundreds of wine bottles, which are sold from B170 by the glass. Food-wise, the kitchen matches the cozy vibe with simple dishes like bruschetta with San Daniele ham and stracciatella cheese (B280), smoked burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes (B440), pasta (from B240) and Neapolitan-style pizza (from B280). Don’t miss their mascarpone e tartufo pizza (B520) which features mascarpone cheese, mozzarella cheese, truffle paste, rocket leaves and San Daniele ham. 4 Ari Samphan Soi 3, 02-278-0250. www.fb.com/cantinabkk

The fifth cafe from the Chiang Mai-hailing coffee roasters Pacamara is set to be its flagship branch. Tucked down a little alley off Thonglor Soi 25, the two-story standalone house is divided into two zones: a cafe and a coffee academy, called Specialty Coffee Lab. You’ll find both classic espresso-based drinks (from B95) as well as slow-bar coffee (B120), made using rotating beans roasted in-house. Do try the special coffees like the Snow Cold brew (shaved frozen milk on coffee jelly, topped with a shot of cold brew coffee, B130), cola-infused cold brew (B120) and nitro cold brew (B120). They also serve brunch dishes like truffle eggs Benedict (B250) and scrambled eggs (B230) as well as burgers (B330), pasta (from B215) and ribs (B430-650). 66 Soi Thonglor 25, 02-048-5900. www.fb.com/pacamaracoffee

Not far from Chinatown's rising hipster haven Soi Nana, Wanderlust's kitchen is helmed by a chef with 17 years' experience of Australian coffee shop culture. Phunchita Kamonto (also of Baba Eating House in Pattaya) rolls out Melbourne cafe-inspired dishes with flavor twists. Her chia pudding (B160), for example, also features coconut milk and tropical fruits, while the skillet-served pancake (B180) mixes the crispy baby Dutch pancake style with America's thicker, fluffier interpretation. Also try the eight-hourbraised pulled beef burger (B240), which features a kick from Cajun spices. On top of espresso (B70) and drip coffee (B100), you can also find drink creations like “The Metro” (espresso with tonic and orange juice, B120) and avocado smoothies (B140). 149-151 Rama 4 Rd., 089-757-7770. www.fb.com/onederlust

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

You must be at least 18 years old You must send in a cover letter and resume. Specify which department you are applying for.

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

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

Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th BK Magazine Friday, October 28, 2016

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bites

The Capital

BITES

Business Time Sathorn’s best spots for a power lunch. By BK Editorial

UNDER B500 net LA CASA NOSTRA Daily 11:30am-12am The price: Two-course set menus for B390 or B690 This artfully decked out former residence near the Goethe Institute is Sathorn’s latest Italian dining player. Lunch prices skirt well below the price of a single main at dinner, and stick to a concise two courses. The B390 set starts off with a choice of salad, while mains get you the likes of tortiglioni all’arrabbiata (spicy tomato sauce with garlic and parsley) and slow-roasted sundried tomato and rosemary-spiced baby chicken. The B690 set offers a choice of spaghetti carbonara or grilled Italian sausage with mashed potato.

22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Goethe), 02-287-2402. MRT Lumphini

THE CAPITAL BY WATER LIBRARY Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm The price: Two-course set menu for B350; three-course set menu for B450 Perched above the Chong Nonsi office hordes on a mezzanine level of Empire Tower, Water Library’s first stab at a steakhouse snubs the little people with a stockbroker-appeasing menu of imported steaks and seafood. Dinner here would comfortably set you back B2,000, making these set lunch prices genuinely admirable. Dishes change regularly, but things we’ve seen include pumpkin soup and beef goulash as starters, as well as spaghetti arrabiata, grilled sea bass and wagyu beef burgers for mains. Includes coffee or tea at the end of the meal. Nice!

3/F, Empire Tower, Narathiwas Rd., 061-852-5451. BTS Chong Nonsi

LADY BRETT Daily 11:30am-2:30pm The prices: A la carte The refined barbecue specialist’s lunch menu dishes out the same kind of stuff you’ll find at dinner—barbecued meats, burgers, hearty salads and pastas—portioned down slightly and priced accordingly.

Go as a group of four, order up the roast beetroot and herb salad (B190), Japanese pumpkin salad (B180), beef burger (B380), penne Bolognese (B320) and some chicken thigh (B170) and you’ll each be in for under B400, even after tax. That’s a mighty fine lunch at that price—just don’t expect to get much work done afterwards.

149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405. BTS Chong Nonsi

B500-1,000 neT SORRENTO Mon-Fri 11am-2pm The price: Three-course set menu for B499 Dating back to the ‘80s, Sorrento is one of the city’s oldest names for Italian food. Earlier in the year it got a youthful injection by way of a Diageo World Class cocktail winner and a few Instagram-baiting dishes. For the most part, though, it’s still satisfyingly traditional.

Things like calamari with mixed salad, beef tongue stew, salmon fillet with brandy cream sauce and spaghetti carbonara crowd out the lunch menu, which rotates weekly and includes starter and dessert.

73 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-234-9933. BTS Chong Nonsi

THE COURTYARD Daily 12pm-2:30pm The price: Two-course set menu for B640; three-course set menu for B780 The Courtyard is not House on Sathorn’s showpiece restaurant (that would be The Dining Room), but it is a charmingly alfresco venue for a cool season lunch. The menu offers fairly standard “Asian-inspired” type fair—green leaves salad with pomelo peanuts and sesame vinaigrette, tandoori lamb cutlets with saffron biryani and smoked eggplant, pandan panna cotta with mango jelly and hazelnut sable—in your choice of two or three courses.

106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi

LUCE Daily 12pm-2:30pm The price: Three-course set menu for B700 net Luce opened at the end of 2014, but quickly got overshadowed

by Eastin Grande hotel’s real smash restaurant, Chef Man. There is a certain style to the place—shiny stone surfaces, open kitchens, prominent wine chillers—which makes you quite aware you’re not dining in a labor of love, but the food has never disappointed. Lunch gets you three courses, with mains that chart pastas (try the fusilli with smoked salmon and cream sauce) to meat dishes like hunter-style chicken with cherry tomatoes, capsicum, garlic, rosemary, quinoa and scamorza cheese.

14/F, Eastin Grand Sathorn, 33/1 South Sathorn Rd., 02-210-8100. BTS Surasak

LA SCALA Daily 12pm-2:30pm Lunch prices: B750 for antipasti, soup, cheese and dessert; B900 for pasta, main course or pizza; B1,100 for pasta and main course or pizza Sukhothai’s La Scala epitomizes hotel fine dining. Less stuffy than Le Normandie, it shares the nosebleed prices and veteran staff with a photographic memory of Bangkok’s one percent. Go for the antipasti buffet and you won’t be disappointed bythe big line of salads, soups, cold cuts, cheese and desserts. Up the price a bit and you get access to their certifiably excellent pizza, or main dishes like capellini with Italian sausage, and pan-seared duck breast with potato puree.

Nahm

M KRUB Daily 11:30am-2:30pm The price: Set menu starts from B2,000; dim sum sets from B1,180 Mahanakhon Cube’s other big dining player has the lofty concept of serving modern Chinese dishes in a style befitting French fine dining. Whether you’re going for the full ten courses, or the smaller option of assorted dim sum, soup, main dish, vegetable dish, rice or noodle dish and dessert, you still have to book 1-2 days in advance.

Expect the likes of double-boiled black chicken consomme, stewed fish maw with abalone sauce and Yong Zhou-style fried rice.

2/F, Mahanakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwas Rd., 02-019-8105. BTS Chong Nonsi

NAHM

OVER B1,000 net

Mon-Fri noon-2pm The price: A la carte or set menu for B1,600 per person At David Thompson’s showpiece Thai restaurant, you can order from the a la carte or go for a full set menu that includes appetizer, salad, vegetable dish, soup, stir-fry, curry and dessert. Only available at lunch is the single-dish kanom jeen (rice noodles) with your choice of dressing, including coconut milk with fresh herbs and fish dumplings (sao nam, B600), catfish curry with tamarind and lemon basil (B650) and minced prawn curry with yellow eggplants and holy basil (B720).

L’ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON

Metropolitan by COMO, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388

Daily 11:30am-2:30pm The prices: B950-B1,950 for lunch sets For most of us, this might be our only time to try the immaculate offerings of this two-time Top Tables winner. The chic, red-and-black restaurant designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon (who did London’s Savoy and Paris’s Four Seasons George V) turns out contemporary French fine dining, with sets ranging from two courses (starter and main) to four courses (two starters, main and dessert). Current options include sweet and sour prawn and turnip ravioli with rosemary, tempura of grouper fillet wrapped in shiso leaf and squid ink risotto, and pork cutlet in mustard sauce.

Daily noon-2:30pm, except last Sunday of the month The price: Five-course set menu for B1,100 Back in 2014, this restaurant beat Robuchon to becoming the first restaurant in Bangkok backed by a three-Michelin-star winner (chef Jean-Michel Lorain of the Côte Saint Jacques in Burgundy). While you can still order a la carte at lunch, the five-course set is the way to go. Dishes currently featured include tomato fish soup with red mullet and stuffed calamari and pan-seared tuna fillet with caramelized baby eggplant.

13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888

5/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Rd., 02-001-0698. BTS Chong Nonsi

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La Scala

The Courtyard

J’AIME

U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-1194899

BK Magazine Friday, October 28, 2016

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OPEN DOOR

La Casa Nostra

Sathorn’s latest Italian restaurant brings a touch of refinement to the Ngam Dhupli neighborhood.

The buzz: Signs of gentrification are slowly hitting Sathorn Soi 1’s run-down streets. La Casa Nostra follows on Il Fumo’s heels as an upscale Italian restaurant taking over one of the area's old residential homes.

The decor: The renovated house on Soi Goethe sits peacefully in grounds that include a cozy outdoor terrace where you can dine outdoors, lounge on a sofa or play a game of petanque. Upfront is a standalone wine room which will serve as the flagship store for boutique wine importer Global Vineyards, who co-own the project.

Indoors sticks to a mold that's tried and tested for these charming older houses: plenty of exposed wood, a glasshouse extension, and divisions between spaces that retain a welcomingly residential feel.

looking the Andaman. Here, though, you won’t see artily dotted sauces, bubbles and foams on plates, just well-polished yet slightly rustic dishes and quality produce: Joselito Iberico ham (B550/50g), Italian sausage (served grilled with burrata and wild rocket, B650) and Spanish anchovies (served with grilled bread and tomato relish, B290). The chef here, Nino Scognamillo, wants to take La Casa Nostra in a comforting direction with creations like grilled Sardinian pecorino cheese with eucalyptus honey and fresh figs (B180), paprika-spiced roasted octopus on potato veloute (B490), and plenty of pasta dishes. Don’t miss the fresh ricotta and spinach gnocchi, either, which comes in a flavorful tomato sauce (B580) inspired by the chef’s grandma’s cooking.

the cheapest in Bangkok (and they won't do corkage on your own bottle). Our favorite red was the 2011 Chateau Gigault ‘Cuvee Viva’ from France (B175/75ml, B280/125ml, B1,400/bottle)—smooth, easy to drink, and well-suited to wine newbs. For something more complex, try the 2012 Agricola Punica Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi from Italy (B210/75ml, B330/125ml, B1,740/bottle). All wine comes in Zalto wine glasses, considered some of the best stemware in the world.

The food: One of the owners, Alessandro Frau, is head chef at Acqua in Phuket, a glitzily modern, black and white affair over-

The drinks: Owing to the partnership with Global Vineyards, their wine menu is almost as thick as a notebook. Prices, they reckon, are

Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

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Why you should care: La Casa Nostra makes a complete package.

You get the same, polished yet welcoming residential vibe (complete with cool-season terrace) as Il Fumo, but here you have prices that just about qualify it as a low-key neighborhood spot.

22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Goethe). 02-287-2402. MRT Lumphini

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Kuku

Bonnie Dolly's Tea Room

Butterfly Organic Place

TABLE TALK

NEW AND NOTED

Bowled Over Silom has welcomed just what it needed: another ramen restauran—this time from Water Library. With its preponderance of blond wood and tight table plan, Kuku Ramen (Silom Soi 3, 094-890-777) feels more like a food court than one of those oft-romanticized dingy salaryman haunts. You won't find too much talk of regional ramen styles or generations-old family recipes here; just a long list of Japanese staples to appease the ravenous lunch crowds. In addition to traditional tonkotsu (pork soup), ebi (shrimp soup) and tori (chicken soup) ramen varieties, there are signature creations like Bangkok (pork miso-tomyam ramen, B220) and Hokkaido (creamy shrimp soup ramen with shrimp balls, B280). Rice bowls (B110), yakitori (from B19) and Japanese booze also available.

Got Milk New milk bar Butterfly Organic Place (23/6 Soi Napasap, Sukhumvit Soi 36, 089-894-3316) offers a cleansing blend of

all white decor in which to enjoy their line of house-made milks (from B58), yogurts (B28) and coffee (from B100). Take your spot in one of the padded reading nooks or head out into the garden to embrace your inner child on the swing-set. The shop basically serves as an Instagram photo set right now, but there’s more to come in the future, including a menu of pastries within the next few weeks.

Tea With Bonnie European-inspired cafe Bonnie Dolly’s Tea Room (Sukhumvit Soi 26, 080-080-0003) is all about afternoon tea. Twee decorative features like teapot-shaped lighting, French-style windows and a greenery-covered ceiling set the scene for baked goods synonymous with teatime: chocolate and fruit covered tarts, pastel-colored macarons, an assortment of scones, and dainty finger sandwiches. They offer over 30 kinds of tea, including the ever-popular blue butterfly pea, with afternoon tea sets starting at B390 per person. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Tessa Domzalski

Malt & Salt Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-714-4249. Open daily 5pm-1am. www.fb.com/TheMaltandSalt The team behind Ekkamai’s former burger house, Burger Factory, has transformed the venue into a wood-dominated bar specializing in a long list of Scotch whisky. Fear not, the food menu remains impressive, with hearty mains like grilled lamb and Australian beef steak joining the juicy burgers. You don’t have to be a whiskey expert to visit, either: tasting flights start from just B790 to let you get a well-rounded taste of the spirit. There’s also live acoustic music every night except Monday.

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers: Get 10% discount on food only. Today – 31 Mar 17

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now Due to the national state of mourning, many events in Bangkok have been canceled. We’ve verified what has and hasn’t been canceled with organizers, but please note that some of these event listings may be subject to change. We recommend you call and check with the venue or organizer before heading out.

NIGHTLIFE

ART

Oskar Offermann

CHASING THE LIGHT

CONTINUUM: ACCULTURATING

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Longstreath presents his latest collection of black and white photos captured while exploring the back roads of Southeast Asia during the morning light. Oct 2830, 6pm. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoen Krung Rd.

Artists Jakkai Siributr, Jedsada Tangtrakulwong and Piyatat Hemmatat capture the lives of immigrant laborers entering the country as they adapt to their new surroundings in this series of multimedia works.

Oct 28-Dec 17, 6pm. The Art Center, 7/F, Center of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-2182-965.

PIECED IMPRESSIONS: QUILTS BY KAREN SENGAL

An exhibition showcasing artistic quilts by Karen Sengal, whose work captures traditional Asian characters and symbols inspired by her 10 years of living in the region. Nov 1-27, 6pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

TRACK OF THE WEEK “Move Slowly” by Gramaphone Children

Paul Reed

Marc Maya

OSKAR OFFERMANN (WHITE, RIMINI, MULE/BERLIN)

The Berlin-based DJ, music producer and label owner who has remixed for artists like John Talabot, Osunlade, Bloodgroup and Zola Jesus plays at Silom Soi 8's shophouse-like club. Party is in the Safe Room, with support from Masa Niwayama (Giant Swing).

Oct 28, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B200. BTS Chong Nonsi.

HALLOWEEN AT THE HOUSE

House Jam and Elektro Delikatessen transform three floors of the bar into a twisted dancefloor with DJs Paul

Jaree "Jerry" Thanapura is not a new name on Bangkok's underground music scene. Under the pseudonym Gramaphone Children he's known not only for his funky DJ sets and slinky, electro-pop smarts (best heard on 2013's "Teenage Love" single), but also as one of the main forces behind Kitsch Cat, an electronic music label we rate very highly.

The latest Gramaphone Children album, Slice & Dice Vol. 1, came out last month and it's packed with nine tracks of intriguing synth grooves, including lead single "Move Slowly" featuring up-and-coming local singer Pyra. Less upbeat than the songs surrounding it, this easy-listening tune makes a curious choice of single. We're not complaining, though. Jerry's big basslines and spacey synth sounds lay the groundwork for Pyra's affected (and effects-laden) vocals.

While "Move Slowly" is unlikely to fill too many dancefloors (unless Jerry's hiding a high-bpm remix somewhere), it's an infectious come-down track that's more layered and finely-crafted than most of the electro-pop coming out of Bangkok right now. It deserves a bigger audience. Hear more at www.fb.com/Gramaphonechildren and www. fb.com/onlypyra. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Reed, Ikono, Jamie James, Timid.E, Richie and Local F, plus special guest Sammy. Oct 29, 9pm. Tapas Room Club, Silom Soi 4, 02-234-4737.

B250. BTS Sala Daeng.

BABABOBO WITH MARC MAYA [ELROW]

The founder of Ibiza's Elrow party series headlines this event taking over three floors of RCA's live venue. Support from Bangkok collectives Elektro Delikatessen, Blast.Bkk, Phatfunk and House Jam, who'll spin techno and electro house. Nov 5, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098974-6974. B350.

BARS Nightlife Returns Behind Closed Doors

Beam

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Despite the country entering a 30-day mourning period after the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, government officials have given the green light to entertainment conducted "behind closed doors."

That means that while big-profile concerts and music festivals have been canceled, including Morrissey, Scorpions and Melody of Life, Bangkok's bars, live venues and clubs are slowly reopening their doors after a very quiet period.

Loud music is understandably the main concern for bar owners, with many deciding to remove it all together. For instance, all the bars in Thonglor's 72 Courtyard are serving drinks as normal until midnight, though there will be no live music or DJ sets until further notice. Rooftop bars Above Eleven and Octave are also open for business, but without any music. At the other end of the spectrum, popular dive bar Jam is open for lunch and dinner, plus their regular film nights, but no music will be played.

Other bars including Soulbar and Junker and Bar are taking a tactful approach by ditching live music in favor of HM the King's own jazz compositions and songs which influenced him. The likes of Vesper, Mikys and Mustache Bar have all pledged to play only soft background music.

Nighclubs are perhaps the biggest beneficiaries of the new "behind closed doors" policy. Sukhumvit Soi 11's Levels reopened last week, as did Phrom Phong's Sing Sing Theater. However, both have stated that the music will be "toned down" and there will be limited flashy lights. On top of that, all events (including Halloween parties), have been canceled at both venues. It's a similar story for Studio Lam, which has cleared its event schedule for the month ahead.

Beam and Glow remain closed for the time being and are said to be playing it by ear on when they will reopen—for now, it remains to be seen whether they, too, will double back on the 30-day mourning pledge. By Bonnie Sananvatananont

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FILM

Opening (Oct 27)

DOCTOR STRANGE (USA)

Adventure/Fantasy. A young surgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch), who has lost his ability to operate after an accident, finds out he is the newly designated Sorcerer Supreme.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE (USA)

Comedy. Two quiet teenage boys make a plan to break every single rule in the student handbook in an act of rebellion.

FROM THE LAND OF THE MOON (FRANCE)

THE NURSERY (THAI)

Drama/Romance. At the end of WWII, a woman marries a man who has been kind to her family during the war, but soon falls in love with a veteran she meets at the nearby spa.

Horror. Towards the end of the Yuan dynasty, a troop of soldiers capture all the newborn babies in the small village of Lin Tang to be eaten. Upon finding out, the mothers of the village gather to seek revenge.

Upcoming

OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL (USA)

HAUNTED SCHOOL (THAI)

Horror/Thriller. In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters unwittingly invite an evil spirit into their home that ends up taking over the body of the youngest daughter.

Comedy. When a horror story told among school students comes true, the teachers and students must come together to chase away the evil spirits.

DEATH NOTE: LIGHT UP THE NEW WORLD (JAPAN)

Horror. Six different deaths occur in a small Japanese town as a result of a supernatural notebook that grants its user the power to kill by writing the victim’s name on its pages.

BK Weekend Our weekly e-newsletter with top stories and happenings around town

www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

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IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIS MAJESTY

KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ 1927-2016

C U S T O M

M E D I A