BK Magazine 615 13 November, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 615 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

Outside C hanc e Bangkok’s newest alfresco bars and restaurants.

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page 3 06 cover story

Open Season

Bake Off

4 upfront

12 Avenue

Write Now

Moving House

14 Beauty

16 blends

Cult Cosmetics

Havana Highlife

20 bites

29 BK Now

High Steaks

Stage Presence

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 Senior Staff Writers Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

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

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kantita Leangcharoenpong, Theerada Moonsiri, Sunputt Puangpet, Thaparit Lomsucka, Phattrapon Pichitphan Cover Panita Thiraphapong

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive Walaipan Anotaiyuenyong Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Distribution Manager Suda Angsuputiphant

Group Directors

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

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

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

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

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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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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11/9/15 5:05 PM

upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Public drinking

Not: Public masturbation

Take a low-budget, seedy reality TV format from Japan, reduce the budget even further and what do you get? Thailand’s Memo 7 Sisters, in which local “web-celebs” took to Siam Square and convinced men to do the five-knuckle-shuffle in public. What’s more, these guys weren’t even drunk. Which really they have no excuse for since we’re heading into peak beer park season (see page 6), when publicly leering at girls in tight nylon mini skirts practically becomes a national pastime.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Instagrammers

Not: Journalists

julian_vgn

The Thai Journalists Association has done some research and thinks it’s figured out the problem with journalism in this country. Their conclusion: we sometimes wear shorts at press conferences (see fb.com/jr.ethics), and that’s very disrespectful to the people who’ve asked us there to listen to them. But who really cares what we have to say anyway, when a person posting pictures of their dessert can get twice as many followers as a 30-strong news organization.

Hot: Egg waffles

Not: Waffle towers

And speaking of sweet-obsessed Instagrammers, it seems they’ve finally found something better to post than stacks of Belgian waffles coated in spray-on cream and strawberries. Thanks to the Hong Kong-style egg waffles taking over menus at Sweetery, Once Cafe and even The House on Sathorn, our phones now provide a running stream of colorful, topping-heavy dough-balls. Thanks, guys.

Hot: Secret bars

Not: Secret bars

You really have to question the whole secret bar thing when these same places fill your Facebook feed with sponsored content. We’d love to sit here and moan about them more, only the thing is, we really like the cocktails at J. Boroski, we love the telephone entrance thingy at Havana Social (see page 16), and think the decor at Q&A is one of the best in town.

The 2015 winner of the South East Asian Writers (SEA Write) Award, Veeraporn Nitiprapha, 53, used to work in advertising and magazine editing before releasing her debut novel this year, Saiduan Ta Bod Nai Khaowongkot (A Blind Earthworm in a Labyrinth). Reflecting political turmoil and romantic feuds through five main characters and their relationships, the novel was praised for both it’s critique of Thai family strictures and its evocative descriptions of food. Here, she talks to BK about life before and after becoming a successful novelist.

What questions are you sick of hearing?

What my thoughts are on being a female writer winning this award.

I don’t feel any different or think any differently. I also get a lot of “how has your life changed?” My life hasn’t changed much. I’m a lot busier but I am still living and writing. What I want people to ask me are questions like, “how do you stay looking this young and healthy?”

Are you always a positive, happy, person?

I guess you could put it that way.

My mom was a piano teacher. We didn’t have much but every time she earned enough she would take me to a nice fancy restaurant to try international food. Eating sushi back then wasn’t as normal as it seems today. I was the kind of kid who liked exploring. I would skip class and go sell noodles with some aunties and lie that I went to school. I think I am an optimist. I promote life. I live like a punk. I am not attached to anything.

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How did you start writing and how did Saiduan Ta Bod Nai Khaowongkot come about?

I started writing at a very young age [22], but like writing a status on Facebook, it didn’t sound pleasant enough.

This book came at the right time for both me and the readers. My inspiration came from the political conflict of 2010. Writers, when they have anger, frustration, love or any emotion, can express those emotions on paper. I wrote it as a love story, so it’s not too in-your-face with politics. If you get the political references, great, if not, still great. Myths like peace and unity are promoted in society, but why is the result never what you expect it to be? This book doesn’t give you answers but it raises awareness.

Describe your creative process.

I think many writers like myself have our own bubble. When I write, I write for myself. My goal was to write this piece until I considered it a good piece of material. It took three years because I kept going back to furnish the characters’ thoughts. Think of it as a friend; you need time to get

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to know one another. It’s the same way with a character. I need to stick to the character and not mess it up with too many different thoughts in my head. Although I wasn’t brought up with artistic skills, my mom was a piano teacher so I was surrounded by music and art. I studied to be a secretary but I always had a curiosity for art and music.

Have you ever faced tough times in your career as a writer?

I published my own magazine, called Hype. I was desperate to make it work. But I had to ask myself the question; did I really enjoy the work or was I just comfortable with the life of picking up calls and being the boss? I knew that if I continued with publishing I would lose the integrity I have as a writer by focusing on sales rather than the creativity of the magazine. I forgot to look at what I have in life. I forgot what I was living for.

When I stopped with all the work and stayed home, I got to understand myself more. I didn’t want a fancy job, I wanted to be able to live comfortably and be with my family.

Interview by Kantita Leangcharoenpong

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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cover story

Open Air Come winter, we list the 12 best new spots to eat and drink alfresco. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Vasachol Quadri

Pizza Massilia

Ifitis

Black Beer’d

Garden

Terraces

Ifitis

The Courtyard

Pizza Massilia

Black Beer’d

The name might be familiar, but what’s new is the location. This Thai/fusion restaurant has moved from its adorable little plot on Sukhumvit Soi 38 to a bigger, even nicer spot on Thonglor Soi 23. The highlight, of course, is the big outdoor space right in front. Diners can kick back on the bean bags strewn on the grass, while enjoying the menu of French fries available with some of 36 house-made dips (starting B275) and spaghetthi white cream with shrimp roe and poached egg (B250), brought over from the original location.

The name says it all. At the very center of The House on Sathorn, the beautifully restored mansion next to W Hotel, you’ll find this openair courtyard, prettily decked out with chic furniture that sticks to the overall vintage tone.

Chef Fatih Tutak whips up comforting yet delicate food and dessert like the tuna tartare with ginger dressing and pistachio (B450), wagyu steak with polenta and Singapore black pepper sauce (B1,200) and Hong Kong waffle with berries (B300). The highlight, however, may well be the much-hyped afternoon tea set (B1,150), which lets you go crazy with refreshing sorbet, scones, sandwiches and other delicacies with a choice of TWG tea from the House collection, under the shade of the patio umbrellas. Available from 2:30-5:30pm daily.

This truck offers something new for Bangkok’s Italian scene—alfresco courtyard pizza.

Anchored at Sala Daeng’s MK Gold parking lot and surrounded by majestic banyan trees, Pizza Massilia stems from a collaboration between two French and Italian powers, namely French restaurateur Frederic Meyer (Issaya Siamese Club and Namsaah Bottling Trust) and Italian chef Luca Appino (La Bottega di Luca). And the toppings here are some of the best in town. In addition to the classic margherita (B250), other options include spicy andouja and garlic (B380) and burrata culatello (B490). Drinks range from soft drinks (B70), wines (B1,000/bottle), Peroni (180) and Heineken (B120) beer.

This new addition to the arty 9:53 Community mall is the brother bar of fellow beer specialist White Beer’d at Crystal Design Center. There’s a small, boxy interior, but we recommend grabbing a beer on the outdoor terrace (where you can actually order from other bars in the mall, too). We particularly like that the place sticks to what it knows: nine craft beers on tap (rotating), burgers and grill dishes. The indie/electro-pop soundtrack is also on point.

17 Thonglor Soi 23, 094-449-4426. Open daily 11am-midnight

The House on Sathorn, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-3444000. Open daily noon-midnight

9:53 Community Mall, 124 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 091769-2640. Open daily 5am-midnight

MK Gold Parking Lot, Sala Daeng Soi 1, 094-5522025. Open Tue-Sun 5:30pm-11:00pm. MRT Silom/ BTS Saladaeng

Winter Beer Parks

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Heineken

Chang Live Park

Singha Beer Park

The Dutch beer brand is already rolling out The Heineken Space at five different locations around Bangkok: CentralWorld (through Dec 31), The Esplanade Ratchadapisek (through Dec 31), Parc Paragon at Siam Paragon (Dec 23-Jan 3), Greyhound Cafe at Major Avenue Ratcayothin (date TBA) and, a newbie, Quartier Garden at The Emquartier (Dec 1-31).

Highlight artists for the stage at CentralWorld include The Parkinson (Nov 17), Flure (Nov 25), Stamp (Dec 3), Lipta (Dec 8) and Musketeers (Dec 22). They have also launched an online booking service via www. heineken.com/heinekenspace.

This year, Chang sets up two beer gardens under two different themes in front of CentralWorld. The first, Chang Live Park, welcomes a long list of Thailand’s favorite pop-rock artists, from Stamp (Nov 17), Slot Machine (Nov 24) and Potato (Dec 10) to Paradox (Dec 1) and Joey Boy (Dec 22). The more laid-back option, Chang Lifestyle Lounge, features the breezy acoustic pop of Lipta (Nov 18), Singto Numchoke (Dec 16) and Room 39 (Dec 31). Through Dec 31. For the full lineup, visit fb.com/changbeer.

If you’re looking for something heavier, Singha Beer Park sticks to its usual rocking lineup at CentralWorld with the likes of Blackhead (Nov 19), Mild (Dec 3), Zeal (Dec 8), Silly Fools (Dec 29) and Lomosonic (Dec 31). Now, you can bring your dad out, too, as the stage will also welcome some surprising blasts from the past, like the legendary luk krung singer Soontraporn (Dec 12) and m e l a n c h o l i c co u n t r y ro c ke r Po n g s i t Khumphee (Dec 28).

BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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11/9/15 4:50 PM

cover story Terraces Superflow The beach club vibe has spread to Khao San with this recent opening. The owner, who spent 12 years in the Ibiza party scene, aims to present a similar atmosphere here, beginning with the decor: thatched rooves, sandy dance floor, beach-evoking artwork. The drink options are pretty basic (Singha, Asaha; B120/bottle), plus buckets (from B300) for the more adventurous.

Khao San Rd., 086-088-0129. Open daily noon2am

7th Street Thonglor This beer terrace opened its first branch a couple years back at Mega Bangna, before branching out this year to the busy Thonglor Soi 10, in the spot once home to Hint Cafe next to the German bar Brotzeit. Decked out like a modern sports bar with plenty of big screens, the beer-friendly mood extends to the Thai and international fusion dishes like spaghetti cabonara with crispy chicken (B247) and larb salmon (B227). Seven draught beers are available, inclusing Hoegarden, Stella Artois and Leffe (B157/277 per half/pint).

1/F, Ten Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-8052. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am

Whiteline Located on the corner of Silom Soi 8, this sixstory, renovated shop-house-cum-gallery looks like something from Charoenkrung (Speedy Grandma and Soy Sauce Factory).

The first floor is dedicated to a grungy art space that sees white-washed walls covered

with film projections and colorful lighting.

The venue holds an eclectic range of events, from live music to craft beer meetups, but the place to be is out on the sidewalk, where the city’s coolest food trucks are often parked.

Silom Soi 8, 087- 061-1117. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight. BTS Sala Daeng

El Gaucho The new outlet of the Argentinian steakhouse institution not only is located right on Thonglor but also has a large outdoor terrace. In addition to top steaks, there are a butcher and a bar inside the place.

El Gaucho

Eight Thonglor, 88/36 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 088-721-3088. Open daily 11am-midnight

Revolucion This Shanghai-born, colorful Latin-American-themed bar brings a touch of Suk 11-style nightlife to the thriving Sathorn Soi 10. The specialty is both classic cocktails like mojito (Havana Club 3YO Rum, fresh lime, mint and sugar syrup, B270) and Moscow Mule (Absolut vodka, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, angostura bitter, ginger beer, B330) and reinvented signatures like the Aged Negroni (gin, Martini Rosso, Campari, fresh strawberry, blueberry, orange, passion fruit and soda, B390).

The 8.8-meter-long bar showcases more than 500 bottles, while house DJs serve up clubfriendly sounds. The tapas dishes come from French chef Julien Lavigne, formerly of Dusit Thani and Oskar bar—and the prime spot to enjoy them is the open-air terrace out front.

7th Street Thonglor

50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823. Open daily 6pm-2am Revolucion

Superflow

Rooftops

Octagon

Octagon

Roof 409 Bar & Bistro

It’s been a quiet year for new rooftop bars, but not for Mercury Ville, which introduced two sharing the same floor: Octagon and Roof 409. Co-founded by Prabt Aurpatcharphon, of Glur Bangkok Hostel and Coffee Bar, Octagon is decked out in the requisite fake grass and rattan benches, conjuring up a laidback garden vibe—think Thonglor’s Wanderlust. Explaining the name, an octagon-shaped open bar sits at the venue’s center. The food is international fusion, including beer-friendly choices like deep-fried seafood (B490) and garlic spaghetti with dried chili (B180). Asahi is available on tap, they claim to serve at an extra cold -2 degree Celsius (B200/pint). Especially for winter, they’re offering draught Singha and Asahi from B200/pint, B285/jug (buy-threeget-one-free) and B678/tower through the end of November. The 360-degree urban views of Chit Lom aren’t bad, either.

This French casual dining and drinking balcony occupies the same rooftop as Octagon (see right). There’s a happening vibe here thanks to the clean black-and-white industrial decor and DJ booth that pumps out house tunes. During the daytime, it opens for lunch, which spans salads, pastas and burgers, with prices that start at B240 for a main and soft drink to B490 for starter, main course and dessert. Head there for Thursday mojito night, with glasses priced from B150-250, and Tuesday ladies’ night, which offers buy-one-get-one-free on cocktails.

4/F, Mercury Tower, 504 Phloen Chit Rd., 088-8424044. Open daily 5pm-midnight. BTS Chit Lom. www.fb.com/octagonbar

Roof 409 Bar & Bistro

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Roof 409 Bar & Bistro

4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd., 081-9956984. Open daily 11am-midnight. BTS Chit Lom. ow.ly/JeYVg

Bangkok Bar Infinity This 20-year old veteran of the Bangkok nightlife scene moved from Ekkamai Soi 2 to Thonglor’s Opus Building a couple of years ago. Now, the outdoor bar has been taken over by a new group of owners, who've given it a minor renovation to welcome winter. You can still expect the same quality lineup of bands, plus local and international DJ acts spinning of-the-moment soundtracks.

8/F, Opus Building, Sukhumvit Soi 10., 02-713-8581.

O p e n Tu e - S u n 6 p m -2 a m . w w w. f b. c o m / bangkokbarthonglor

BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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11/9/15 4:51 PM

ADVERTORIAL

SCG Eldercare Solution

Innovation that Cares At SCG Innovative Exposition, discover the latest innovations designed to improve our homes and the city we live in.

For over a century, SCG has been focused on developing goods and services with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life through innovations. Their latest exhibition, SCG Innovative Exposition 2015, showcases the company’s most recent social, environmental and economic innovations.

Under the concept “Innovation That Cares,” all of the products showcased are designed with the intention of making life more convenient, enjoyable and safe for people of all ages.

Promising three floors of interactive demonstrations, informative displays and real-life simulators, this exhibition is bound to provide an eye-opening experience for all visitors.

Kan Trakulhoon President and CEO of SCG

3D Printing : Architecture of Tomorrow

Floor 1: Residential Area – Care for Life

Medical for Life

Microwavable Microflute Packaging

The first floor welcomes guests into the “Innovative City,” a presentation of lifestyle models and urban designs: modular home designs built from light-weight precast concrete technology, 3D printing demonstrations and the latest future sustainable home design dubbed “The Nest” (The Next Eco-Sustainable Technology for Home), which visitors can experience through a virtual reality simulator.

The floor’s highlight, the “Eldercare Solution” zone, highlights the fact that Thailand is quickly becoming an aging society, presenting products aimed at making life more convenient, safe and sustainable for senior citizens. Products on show include prototypes of shock-absorbent safety floors, machinery that calculates a customized optimum height for orthopedic furniture, melamine tableware suited for the physique of elder users, and plenty more.

On the same floor, the “Medical for Life” zone presents all of SCG Chemicals’ latest developments in medical technology, from anti-microbial dental plasters to carpal tunnel retractors, an “Eco-Inno Factory” zone highlights innovations aimed at improving the manufacturing process, and an “Everyday Convenience” zone showcases safer and easier to use packaging such as Microwavable Microflute Packaging.

Floor 2: Design & Technology – Care for Living This entire floor is dedicated to showcasing SCG’s construction material innovations that guarantee both functionality and stylish design.

The collections presented include the largest porcelain innovation by Cotto, water-saving faucets by Cotto, touch-sensitive faucets by Tunio and high-grade marble material by Geoluxe.

Floor 3: Building & Living Tech Here you’ll find the latest SCG innovations designed to make buildings more sustainable and environmentally friendly, like the SolarEco system, Active airflow system, various roof innovations and X-Shield Heat Block technology, along with plenty of other products that promise to improve the future of both exterior and interior home construction.

At SCG Innovative Exposition, visitors are guaranteed an enriching, interactive and informative experience that proves how technology and personalized care can intertwine to provide products that guarantee a safer and more sustainable future.

SCG Innovative Exposition takes place from Nov 1-30 at SCG Experience (EkamaiRamintra Express Way). Open Sunday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm. For more information, visit www.innoexpo.scg.co.th or call 02-586-2222.

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon

PHUKET

Quip It The founders of Phuket Town’s super-hip Quip Bed & Breakfast and Quip Sky Bar have just opened Quiplicious Food Bar (at the intersection between Montri Rd and Soi Surin, Talat Yai, Phuket Town, 076-355-052), a standalone restaurant serving tiny Thai tapas plates balanced out by massive drinks. The must-try is the Quiplicious set (B380), which includes an assortment of bite-size Asian-inspired appetizers such as moo ping (grilled pork skewers), red chicken curry and salmon with wasabi served on a banana leaf. But if bite-size Thai isn’t your thing, hit the cafe up during breakfast for scrambled eggs served in a bacon bowl (B90), or sunny-side up in a thin toast bowl (B50). Drinks throw Thai herbs into the mix, such as the Magic Drink (B85), a naturally-sweet butterfly pea base zested up with honey and lime, or the Super Bowl (B120), a potently sour combo of Asian citrus fruits and soda water served in a giant fishbowl. They serve artisanal coffee, too. We also love that the wood-dominated space is decked out with all sorts of nostalgic bric-a-brac, ranging from vintage Thai dolls to old-school lunch boxes.

Gone Fishing Just a 10-minute walk to the Southern end of Patong Beach (and a few kilometers from the area’s notorious party strip), Fishermen’s Harbour Urban Resort (www.fishemensharbour.com) is part of an ongoing luxury development that will eventually include a water park, and meeting and expo facilities. Almost everything in the resort is decked out in sand and turquoise hues to match the Andaman backdrop, with facilities including a well-equipped gym, a spa and three gorgeous swimming pools. Still in its soft opening, the resort is offering 67-percent off all rooms for stays through Dec 23, with the most basic deluxe rooms currently B3,135 per night (originally B9,500), while a suite with its own swimming pool and separate living quarters is B6,402 per night (originally B19,400).

PATTAYA

Nautical Flair The newest addition to the Accor-owned boutique MGallery chain, Hotel Baraquda Pattaya (www.hotelbaraquda.com), brings a touch of class to the party city. Dressed up with splashes of nautical color and contemporary geometric furniture inspired by boat interiors (think quarterdeck-shaped leather headboards, porthole mirrors and island tub sinks), the 72-room design hotel offers three room types: the 37-sq-meter deluxe, the 75-sq-meter Baraquada suite and the 80-sq-meter Grand Baraquada suite. A fish-shaped pool acts as the hotel’s centerpiece, alongside a fitness center and spa, which specializes in treatments using marine ingredients such as seaweed. Rates start at B3,654 inclusive of a buffet breakfast and 2pm late checkout.

AROUND THAILAND

Where Next?

Our sister magazine, WHERE Thailand, just completed its guide to the hottest new openings in Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations. In our research for WHERE Hot Spots 2015, we discovered that many of the provinces are undergoing their own particular lifestyle booms, and it’s getting harder and harder for us Bangkokians to keep track. While Chiang Mai’s coffee scene continues to blossom with an experimental new opening from pioneering cafe Ristr8to, the Southern islands have seriously upped their hospitality game (with a little help from some familiar Bangkok names, too). Whether it’s the launch of mythical rainforest-inspired resort Keemala (pictured) in Phuket or the arrival of Casa Lapin in Samui, you can read all about it by downloading a copy at bit.ly/wherehotspots2015.

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

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BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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11/9/15 4:55 PM

ADVERTORIAL

The Great Forces of Sustainable MICE In order to promote sustainability in the country’s MICE industry, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been working closely with the following three associations to turn words into action.

Meetings, incentives, conferences and

To achieve this goal, TCEB has joined with

exhibitions, otherwise known as the MICE

leading MICE associations such as the Thai

industry, play an undeniably crucial role in

Exhibition Association (TEA), the Business

stimulating the nation’s economic growth.

of

As such, the Thailand Convention and

Association (EMA) and the Thailand

Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has initiated

Incentive and Convention Association

moves to promote sustainability among

(TICA). Here’s what they are doing.

Creative

and

Event

Management

MICE businesses.

What are TICA members doing to further promote the sustainability movement?

It’s the future of the MICE industry. Many of the world’s leading companies are now adopting sustainable policies, whether it’s corporate social responsibility or simply sustainability as part of their corporate philosophy. Our 380 members, the true "Who's Who" from the industry's top organizations of industry, are now working on following a sustainable path, as customers are demanding it more and more, especially Westerners, who only want to work or do business with responsible operators who have the

Sumate Sudasna President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) How has TICA worked with TCEB so far?

We always share strategies and news, as well as mutual support for sustainable policy. We appreciate that TCEB is really earnest in supporting local operators by subsidizing their attempts at attaining international certificates such as ISO 20121. It’s good branding and great promotion for our country.

earth’s best interests at heart.

Prapee Buri President of the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA)

How can we improve our MICE industry further?

We need to share our knowledge about sustainability and

Why does the MICE industry need to adopt sustainable practices?

work as a team to promote it to customers. Customers must have confidence in Thailand, so we need to raise

Sustainability isn’t important just for the MICE

awareness of sustainability in our MICE industry and

industry; it’s actually important for our country

further afield. Don’t wait until it’s too late to save the earth.

and the world as a whole. We live in a world where

We’ve already posted extensively about the sustainability

we’re all connected. One thing can impact another.

movement on our website (www.tica.or.th), which allows

We have been over-consuming for too long now,

members to follow our practices for sustainable meetings

and we can’t live like that anymore. As the MICE

and events. Please join us.

industry is at the forefront of the Thai economy, we should be a leader in this movement.

30 universities; we plan to teach them the importance of

What is the key to promoting sustainability?

sustainable practices.

Education. All organizations need to see the

What is EMA’s vision for sustainability?

importance of nurturing people to understand the real meaning of sustainability. Organization

Quality and sustainability must go together. It’s not

leaders must help spread the word about

just about sustainability, but also about improving the

sustainability. That’s why we regularly host

standards of quality in the MICE industry. Events are a

seminars and workshops for our members—about

major form of business for stimulating the economy. So,

100 organizations. These seeds won’t flower in just

in making the MICE industry more sustainable, we need

a couple days, these things take time.

to ensure our events are safer, more energy-efficient and

Sermkhun Kunawong Chairman of the Business of Creative and Event Management Association (EMA)

sensible when it comes to reusing materials. We must

How do you get your members on board?

take social responsibility for establishing an industry-wide

You need to set an example; others will see the

sustainable movement.

results and follow. I still believe that we shouldn’t

How do you see the growth of Thailand’s MICE industry?

blindly follow all Western practices, but should

How have you worked with TCEB so far?

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will accelerate the

We’ve put a lot of effort into boosting the overall quality of

growth of the MICE industry. I think Thailand can become

our MICE industry. We’ve developed the human resources

a real MICE and tourist destination in the region. If we can

side of things through projects like MICE 101, designed

develop our infrastructure, Bangkok can become ASEAN’s

for students who are going to be the leading forces of the

MICE capital.

adapt them to match the local atmosphere.

Theories are just pieces of paper unless you start putting words into action. We encourage our members to apply a sustainable approach to every aspect of their business.

MICE industry in the future. We have joined with more than

By

To get more information, please visit www.micecapabilities.com

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avenue HOME

Segunda Casa Eclectic furniture importer Casa Pagoda has opened a second branch on Sathorn’s colorful Pan Road (aka Soi Wat Kaek). Like the original Sukhumvit venue, the new store is home to a tasteful mix of European rustic and industrial-chic furniture and home decor, but there’s also more emphasis on modern, edgier designs.

The raw yet contemporary space itself is also impressive, occupying two newly-renovated four-story shophouses. At the entrance, you’re welcomed by a huge staircase that separates the furniture showroom on the left from the team’s other new project, Luka Cafe, on the right. Our eye was drawn to highlight pieces like the Gold Skull (giclee print with gilding on archival paper, B19,000), the cowhide Paris trunk in Moo (B42,000) and Extruder skull lamp (B29,000). 64/3 Pan Rd., 02-637-8338. www.fb.com/casapagoda

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on col90) to ial set turned omote

HEALTH

BEAUTY

HOME

One on One

Pretty Kawaii

Seasons Tidings

Longstanding Southeast Asian women’s health and beauty club Philip Wain, which forged its reputation on facial and spa treatments, continues to branch out further into fitness. It now offers Pilates at both its Bangkok branches (Phloen Chit and Lad Phrao), and the good news for newbies is that the classes are all one-on-one, offered by a US-certified trainer using high-quality equipment imported from the US. Of course, this exclusivity is reflected in the cost, too, with opening prices set at B3,990 per two pilates classes (through Dec 15). 19/F, Amarin Plaza, 496 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-252-9858; and, 12/th, Central Plaza Ladphrao, 1693 Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-541-1555 www.philipwain.com

Cancel those flights to Tokyo, ladies. Japan’s no. 1 drugstore is here. With over 1,500 locations in its homeland, Matsumoto Kiyoshi has forged a reputation for beauty products at reasonable prices. Now at Central Plaza Ladprao (yeah, we know, that’s still a trek for some of us), you’ll find tons of health and beauty products, including some exclusives like organic haircare label Argelan, head-to-toe fragrance Love & Peace, and high-quality cosmetics brand Chifure. The bad news? Prices really aren’t all that much different from our local drugstores—and a fair amount higher than you would pay in Japan. G/F, Central Plaza Ladprao, 1693 Phahon Yothin Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. MRT Phahon Yothin

In Thailand it’s never too early to prepare for Christmas. The good news is Swedish home decor giant Ikea is rolling out its festive decoration collection this November, giving you plenty of time to deck the halls. The collection spans everything from the Fejka fake Christmas tree (B2,190) to the Strala star-shaped steel pendant lamp (B690) and sets of Christmas-themed cookie cutters (B169). The highlight would have to be a special set of cloth dolls, for which Ikea asked kids all over the world to draw their dream doll. B39 from every purchase goes towards the Ikea Foundation to promote global education. For more information, visit Ikea.co.th. 38 Moo 6 Bangna-Trad km. 8, 02-708-7999.

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avenue BEAUTY

Eastern Beauty

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With the first Stylenanda counter and Japanese drugstore giant Matsumoto Kiyoshi (see page 12) having just arrived in Bangkok, here are 11 new-in-town Asian beauty products you need to know right now. By Theerada Moonsiri

Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam

Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks

Country: Japan If you’ve never used it, you might be wondering why your girl friends keep talking about this facial wash, but they have good reason. Its pearly white and thick texture (somewhat like a shaving cream or toothpaste) may seem rather sticky, but leaves your skin feeling healthy and smooth.

Price: B290 from Watsons

Country: Japan We love the pretty packaging that shows off five candy-colored shades. There are four color sets: apricot, fairy orange, peach and strawberry. Each provides a cute, natural look with just a hint of shimmer and glitter.

Price: B380 from Matsumoto Kiyoshi

My Beauty Diary Facial Mask

Country: Japan This mascara hits the sweet spot: the evenly-spaced bristles help volumize and lengthen your lashes, while the water-resistant formula lasts all day and prevents your lashes from becoming brittle.

Price: B795 from Tsuruha

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Country: Taiwan This facial mask comes in over 20 formulas, from sake yeast, ginseng and bird’s nest to broccoli and black pearl. Each has its own supposed benefits. Our pick is the incredibly sweet-smelling strawberry yogurt mask aimed at oil control. Simply cool the mask in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, then let the magic happen.

Price: B230 from Watsons 3

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Hada Labo Lotion

Country: Japan Applying this moisturizing lotion product feels pretty much like splashing water over your face, but the results speak for themselves: smoother skin, reduced pore size.

Price: B520 from Watsons 4

Bifesta Cleansing

Country: Japan This makeup remover is probably like none you’ve ever used; it actually works. You won’t use up a whole pile of cotton pads, either. The smell might seem a little off, but rest assured, the brand doesn’t use any alcohol or fragrances.

Price: B390 from Watsons

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Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 5

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Country: Japan What do you mean you haven’t tried this yet?

Don’t you watch Momay Pa Plearn? This watery sunscreen comes with SPF50+ and PA+++ (the more pluses, the more protection from UVA rays) and absorbs into your skin right after applying it. We swear it won’t make you feel in any way greasy or sticky. The best part? It can also be applied over makeup.

Price: B420 Watsons

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Fairydrop Mascara

Banila Co. It Radiant CC Cream 8

Country: South Korea This CC cream does actually make your skin look a lot brighter and healthier, even if you haven’t slept for three days and actually feel like a zombie inside.

Price: B990 from Lazada.com

The Face Shop Character Mask 9

Country: South Korea There are a lot of facial masks out there, but we love that this one from Korea one won’t make you look like a pale-faced ghost. It comes in 10 cute animal-face prints: panda, tiger, sheep, dragon, fox, puppy, monkey, pig, horse and cow. Cute!

Price: B129 from The Face Shop 10

Kate Designing Eyebrow

Country: Japan This all-in-one-kit lets you create a natural eyebrow look while also contouring your nose bridge. The pocket-sized palette comes with three shades of brown and a brush applicator that can be used for real, unlike some cheap and useless ones you often get.

Price: B400 from Tsuruha and Matsumoto Kiyoshi

3 Concept Eyes Lip Pigment 11

Country: South Korea Three words: color, color, color! This lipstick comes in spicy tones like bright orange, hot pink and vivid yellow, which have a slightly naughty appeal. Plus, all the colors can be mixed together, so you can have fun creating new styles.

Price: B450 from Style Nanda

Essentials Watsons. Nationwide. Try 258/14, Siam Square Soi 3, Rama I Rd., 02-017-8899. BTS Siam

Tsuruha. Nationwide. Try M/F, Gateway Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888. BTS Ekamai

Boots. Nationwide. Try 3/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-9599. BTS Phrom Phong

Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Try G/F, Central Plaza Ladprao, Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-541-1111. MRT Phahon Yothin

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Style Nanda. 2/F, The Glass Quartier, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6475. BTS Phrom Phong The Face Shop. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

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BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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bites & blends

NEW CHEF

Flower Power Osha, the Thai restaurant on Wireless with a Vegas-worthy decor, just welcomed chef Purida Theeraphong at its helm. She’s being tasked with Osha’s plans to expand into mid-range territory with a host of new branches, but is also showing off her molecular abilities at the flagship. The new menu (B2,200 for six courses) makes liberal use of flowers and grandiose presentations that go heavy on the dry ice. But flavors are indeed much more familiar than they look: a fresh Hokkaido scallop in a typcial yam dressing, tender rice balls with a surprisingly yellow pla ra (fermented fish) filling, or a chilled curry sauce that manages to evoke lobster thermidor and gaeng daeng simultaneously. 99 Wireless Rd., 02-256-6555

GUEST CHEF

Pizza Pleaser

BRUNCH

Good Sunday The Peninsula has rolled out a new brunch deal. Held in the hotel’s lobby, Sundays at The Pen may look short on fanciful offerings—but that’s with good reason. Aiming to reduce food waste, the brunch only features five food stations, spanning premium seafood on ice, freshly-tossed Caesar salad, pasta, lobster bisque, Peking duck and chocolatey desserts. You can expect a la carte mains like lobster Benedict with creamy spinach, Champagne sabayon and caviar; pan-seared snow fish with poached oysters, asparagus barley and lemon nage; and a wagyu beef burger with seared foie gras, red onion jam and truffle aioli. (You’re encouraged to only order one at a time.) Veggie options include organic pumpkin risotto with wild mushrooms, parma and white truffle oil. For B2,200 per person, you can enjoy the meal with freeflow juices, soft drinks and iced tea. One bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne will be included for two diners at B3,200/person or Louis Roederer Cristal B5,300/person (including meal).

Every Sunday from 11:30am-2:30pm. 333 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888. Free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin Pier

So last month we got a Peppina in Sriracha, followed a couple days later by a Peppina food truck at the Spring Epicurean market. Now, there’s even more news from our favorite pizzeria. For one, they’ve opened a whole new Bangkok branch at Tha Maharaj riverside community mall (11/1 Maharaj Rd., 02-024-1330). It’s basically the same as the original—delicious pizza, deep-fried Italian delicacies, hearty grilled meats, fresh pastas and acres of bare concrete and wood—only about one-third the size and with amazing river views. But the really exciting news happens Nov 19-22, when the original Sukhumvit Soi 31 branch welcomes Italian pizza-making god Guglielmo Vuolo. His party piece is pizza dough made using seawater taken from the Mediterranean off Puglia, the heel of Italy, which takes center stage in his all-pizza menu for the evening. We’ll be ordering his Assoluto di Marinara (Vuolo’s “special” tomato selection, wild oregano, organic olive oil and fresh garlic from the Ufita Valley, B340) and the Passatempo (salsa verde pizza, B340). 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-119-7677

ON THE BAR Havana Social The buzz: Soho Hospitality, the firm behind Nana nightlife haunts Above Eleven and Charcoal, has upped its conceptual game with this secret bar offering a portal to pre-revolution Cuba. The finely-concocted story goes that Havana Social was once a hip hangout back in the Cuban capital’s 1950s heyday, before falling into ruin after Fidel Castro seized power.

Now it’s back. Only it’s in Bangkok. But all you really need to know is that the entrance is down a small soi opposite Soho stronghold Fraser Suites, past a couple of dubious massage parlors. Find the telephone booth labeled “Telefono,” then call the place (on your modern-day smartphone) for the night’s unique entry code.

The decor: Soho spent seven months renovating an old four-story shop-house to resemble

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something even older. The adventure starts with the carefully graffiti’d phone booth. Inside is Cuban pastiche done right, with shuttered windows, spare lighting and crumbling walls giving off a convincingly clandestine feel. This is no shady den of iniquity, though; the overall vibe is more party-minded, like a shut-in Gramercy Park, Above Eleven’s upstairs cousin.

The food and drinks: Rum, and lots of it (Bacardi as the main booze sponsor), with the occasional creative flourish courtesy of Joseph Boroski. The Cuba Libre (Bacardi black, angostura bitters, cola and kaffir lime, B260) is served with chunky Coca-Cola ice cubes, while Between Two Sheets (Bacardi Black, Hennessy VS, Grand Marnier, lime, and pomegranate grenadine, B300) comes in two mismatched cocktail glasses, one sweet and one sour, and

requires you to rather daintily sip at both for the full effect. Off theme, the Sazerac (Rittenhouse Rye, Absinthe, Creole bitters, sugar, B310) is served with an extra thimble of Absinthe to add at your discretion. A couple Beervana beers, and a shelf of gins and vodkas complete the booze, while they’re promising street-style food in the form of empanadas (spinach and pulled pork) and Cuban sandwiches.

The music: Sticking to an Afro-Cuban theme, the bar will welcome live bands three nights a week joined by a coterie of dancing girls.

The crowd: A young, clued-in crowd, with the whole “secret bar” thing doing just enough to keep out the real Nana riff-raff. Carl Dixon Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-066-7711. Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Nana

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Hot off the grill!

Extensive BBQ feast - cooked to order!

BBQ dinner sets start from only

THB 650++ Inclusive of "all you can eat soup, salad and dessert bar" Every Friday & Saturday 05:30 pm - 09:30 pm Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road

81 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan Bangkok 10330

Tel. +66 (2) 207-4999 hotelindigo.com/bangkok

facebook.com/indigobkk pinterest.com/hotelindigobkk @hotelindigobkk @hotelindigobkk @hotelindigobkk

BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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THIS IS HOME

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EVERYTHI NG Y O U NE E D, A L L I N O NE P L A CE

ONE LIFE INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

CENTRAL.CO.TH | CENTRALEMBASSY.COM

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bites RESTAURANTS

Kin Cow Where’s the beef? Red meat awaits at these hot new openings.

By BK Editorial

Meat Bar 31

Meat Bar 31

Meat Bar 31

Arno’s

This new steakhouse serves a variety of premium cuts from the US, Japan, Australia and England prepared by owner Itthi Voranate, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who is also the main guy behind Silom’s Bitterman and Ari’s Barka. The highlight has to be the Australian grain-fed tomahawk steak (B2,950), a 1kg bone-in rib cut which serves at least three. Other picks are the platter of six different cured meats (B800) and lobster mac’n cheese (B240).

Dessert include a cup of double chocolate brownie with marshmallow cream (B280), while drinks range from TWG tea (B150) and coffee (from B85) to French house wine (from B200/a glass, B980/a bottle).

People are calling it the best steak in town—and that means there’s a three-week wait to eat here. French butcher and chef Arnaud Carre and his two Thai partners, Supanit Chaiyawiwat and Siripong Luengvarinkul, buy whole carcasses and dry-age them for at least 45 days at the butchery. They offer pretty much every cut you could wish for with no extra charge for cooking and eating in.

Prices start at B1,200/kg for T-bone, tomahawk and strip steak, and B1,500/kg for ribeye. On top of beef, he stores lamb chops, pork chops, chicken and some seafood. Here’s how it works: pick your cut at the counter, tell the chef how you want it prepared and then sit back and wait for your grilled meat.

El Patio, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 095-778-2617. Open daily 6:30-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-2pm

2080/2 Narathiwas Soi 20, 02-678-8340. Open Tue-Sun noon-11pm (butcher); 6-11pm (restaurant)

El Toro

Butcher Beef & Beer

The owners of Grand Beef Farm in Pitsanulok and Birdie’s Bread Boutique (which makes buns for restaurants like Chef Bar and Crab and Claw) have opened up a butcher-slash-eatery right on Sukhumvit. El Toro may look like a bare-bones pizza joint, but the main focus is actually on cuts of wagyu from their own farm, as well as imported beef from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, along with some house-made bacon and Brazilian-style sausages. Select cuts can be charcoal-grilled in-house, but it’s not cheap, starting from B636 for 250g Australian grass-fed striploin. The thin-crust pizzas (B149-199 for 10-inch, B199-299 for 12-inch) are a whole lot more affordable, though.

Butcher lets you cook your own meat in a brass wok while sinking beers outdoors. Specializing in local beef, recommended cuts include hump (B99), tongue (B99) and knuckle (B89), but our favorite has got to be the twice-a-week-delivered premium diced super steak (B800-900), which offers a balanced chewy bite. They also offer various pork cuts (from B69) and seafood like shrimp, squid, scallop and mussel (from B79). There is a long list of bottled beers from around the world, from the classic Beerlao white and black (B80/B100) to Vedett Extra White and IPA (both at B190).

Butcher Beef & Beer

Arno’s

3695/57 Charoen Rat Rd., 086-030-5953. Open daily 6pm-midnight

519 Sukhumvit Soi 29, 02-662-2880. Opening daily 10am-10pm

El Toro

NEWS Settling Our Beef with the British For the past 20 years, since the height of the BSE epidemic (otherwise known as mad cow disease, when Britain’s cows were plagued with a neurological disease transmittable to humans), Thailand has banned beef from cattle bred in the UK. The disease has been all but eradicated for a decade but it’s only now, thanks to a joint effort between the British Embassy and luxury food importer Gourmet One Food Services, that it’s coming back to our shores.

That makes British beef one of the few options for European beef available in Bangkok, as well as one of our only choices for grass-fed rather than grain-fed beef. This, according to Gary Rhodes, a British celebrity

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chef in town as part of the British Embassy’s promotional efforts, is something we should all be very happy about.

“It has a different strength,” he says.

“The flavors of Aussie wagyu and USDA Prime are wonderful, but they're grain-fed and what we offer from the UK is grass-fed beef. We have a reputation for having a wet climate, but of course that does nothing but enrich the flavor of the grass, and as the cattle are feeding from that it adds another dimension to that finished product.”

But the British have a hard sell. Compared to far more intensively reared Australian beef that dominates Bangkok’s imported beef scene, you’re probably

looking somewhere at around double the price, according to Gourmet One co-founder Patcharin Hemeunggull.

For now, your options for challenging Gary's claims are pretty limited. In fact there's only one place in town that's added British beef to its menu, the Landmark hotel's Rib Room & Bar (138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404, priced starting at B1,800). But Britain's campaign is in its early days. Expect to see names like English Longhorn and Lincoln Red on a steakhouse menu near you soon. Oliver Irvine

BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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blends

This Month’s Must-Have Upgrades for Guys

Humidor Badmotel

Gents, this is how to spend your hard-earned cash this month.

Get the Perfect Suit

Forget about buying off the rack and turn to made-to-measure tailoring. Bangkok has been a hub of cheap suit-making for decades, but in the past couple of years we’ve seen younger, more style-savvy eyes turning their attention to the craft. From a petit bespoke studio, Vvon Sugunnasil (The Barkyard BKK, 65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 086-899-9888) uses his experience in French tailoring gained from working in Paris to turn out beautiful and sophisticated, tailor-made suits in Japanese and English Dormeuil wool (prices start at B18,000). For something a little cheaper but still reliably elegant, check out Tailorbird (starting B11,000, 8 Sukhumvit Soi 28, 081-633-4884) and Toast Bespoke (starting B7,500, 3/F, Black Amber Thonglor Social Club, Thonglor Soi 6, 087-5097654).

And Bespoke Dress Shoes to Match

The booming trend for bespoke craftsmanship in this city stretches from head to toe. Don’s Footwear opened its doors at Mahanakhon Cube earlier this year, offering traditional, handmade shoes in over 15 different styles, from classic-ca-

sual to full-on business kicks. Prices range from B4,000-20,000. B1/F, Mahanakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 080-071-7176. BTS Chong Nonsi

Beef Up

It’s cow season in Bangkok right now, with dedicated steak restaurants popping up all over town that are perfect for a guys’ night out. Try the very first from this new wave, Meat Bar 31 (El Patio, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 095-778-2617), from one of the guys behind Bitterman in Silom and Ari’s drinking joint Barka. The shop specializes in a variety of premium cuts from the US, Japan, Australia and England with highlights like Australian grain-fed tomahawk steak (B2,950). If you’re a budding home cook, check out the new opening Butcher Beef & Beer (3695/57 Charoen Rat Rd., 086-030-5953) which specializes in local beef and craft beers. Even Thonglor party shaker Badmotel (Thonglor Soi between Soi 15 and 17, 02-712-7288) is on the trend, having recently launched a new menu of beef dishes, including a grilled striploin served with assorted fresh vegetables and nam jim jaew (B530).

Head Outdoors

Is it us or is the weather already marginally cooler? Now’s the time to take a break from drinking and dining indoors and head out to make the most of that breeze. If

the massive beer parks aren’t your thing, check out some of the new openings with their own gardens right in the center of town. 7th Street Bar and Bistro (1/F, Ten Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-8052.) on the corner of Thonglor Soi 10 offers a range of Thai and International “drink friendly” dishes with a cozy but sizable garden.

Tailorbird

Try an Original Speyside Single Malt

We love a good blend, but also don’t mind splurging on a delicious single malt from time to time. It’s not a question of being snobbish about single malts over blends. Single malts are just different: bold, full of personality and completely unique to their terroir. This month, be sure to check out the new The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, a superb tribute to the Speyside distillery’s 200-year-old history. Bring out the taste even more with the handsome setting like one of Whisgars’ three branches: Sukhumvit (Soi 23, 02661-3220), Phloen Chit (2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 02-650-8157) and Silom (981 Silom Rd., 02-630-1997). And for something even more exclusive, check out the Balcony Lounge and Humidor Cigar Bar (L/F, Intercontinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-044).

Don’s Footwear

Bonus Tip Drink it Your Way

22 Steps Bar at Hotel Indigo

Brought to you by The Glenlivet

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There are no rules for drinking whiskey. Mix it with ice or soda for a refreshing kick. But we say straight up is best for single malt. Grab a proper tumbler and don’t be afraid of adding just a dash of water to open up the flavors.

If you do go for ice, look for bars that serve ice balls tailored to the size of your glass to keep the drink chilled while only diluting it as little as possible.

Try 22 Steps Bar, Hotel Indigo (M/F, Hotel Indigo, Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999) and Le Champagne at Gaysorn Plaza (G/F, 999 Ploenchit Rd., 026561364).

7th Street Bar and Bistro

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Seed The Water Library Thonglor's star chef is back with comfort food amid rustic decor.

The buzz: The Water Library Thonglor, which closed in February, was an incredible restaurant—a single bar, no menu, prices starting at B6,600. Now, the same restaurant empire has finally given its chef, Singaporean chef Haikal Johari, a new home, inside the shell of the defunct The Library. Water Library bistros tend to go for 1900s-1930s big city airs, making Seed's faux-barn looks a surprising departure.

The food, too, is meant to be heaps more rustic, comforting and affordable than what Johari was doing in Thonglor.

The decor: It's Water Library's only venue that isn't in a mall, allowing the ground-floor restaurant, which is set back from the street in a small lot, to actually feel like one. Indoors, decorative carpentry and stone veneer mix with accessories meant to evoke the natural charms of the countryside: glass jars filled with nuts and seeds, tufts of potted grass, ropes dangling from the ceiling. The kitchen

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sits at the room’s center with windows giving diners a glimpse behind the scenes.

The food and drinks: Prettily-presented, French-inspired dishes that feature some Asian touches. While this might seem a step down for the kitchen team previously behind some of the city’s most sophisticated food, there’s no lack of expertise on show in the generously-portioned salads, soups, pastas, fish and meat dishes here. The Salmon Belly (B270) sees salmon mousse sit atop salmon apple tartare served with savory white wine ice cream; while the baby cos Caesar salad (B270) features cheddar cheese and wild sea prawns instead of bacon. They not only use as much local produce as possible, but also incorporate Thai flavors in dishes like the freshly-made seafood risotto (B560), which features a touch of panang curry paste, and the signature whole sea crab spaghetti (B1,390, for

2-3 people), which is peppery, mildly spicy and charmingly reminiscent of pu ob woonsen (crab casserole with glass noodles), made with fresh crabs delivered live daily (thus, reservations are recommended). Desserts are equally special, particularly the fluffy French toast (B250), with poached pear, smoked banana ice cream and mascarpone cream. Rather than cocktails, the drinks list is focused on affordable wines, with prices starting at B189 by the glass for Scanavino Prosecco DOC, N.V. from Northern Italy and Shaky Ground 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.

Why you should care: You can now try the food from the kitchen team previously behind one of Bangkok's most exclusive restaurants for a fraction of the price. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 104 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 099-283-6363. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

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Hashtag

TABLE TALK

The Hatter 68/2 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0212 Vivin

2nd Yard

NEW AND NOTED

Bread Line

Charoenkrung has welcomed an exciting new sandwich shop, 2nd Yard (763 Charoenkrung Rd., 095-898-8070. MRT Hua Lamphong), which has been created in consultation with the guys behind Phra Athit institution Escapade Burgers and Shakes. The owners whip up big-portioned sandwiches with pretty innovative fillings, like grilled pork neck with bacon and apple sauce (B280), deep-fried squid with spicy turmeric sauce (B360) and grilled unagi with grilled green pepper and ponzu sauce (B550), each served between two pieces of lightly-charred ciabatta.

Unlike other night spots, the drinks list is focused mainly on juicebased smoothies (B75) and black tea (B65), though they still have a few rotating beers (starting at B200 for imported bottles, B100 for Chang) and spirits starting from B200.

Burger Time

Easily spotted by the flaming torches above its signage, Hashtag (www. hashtagfoodtruckbkk.com) doesn’t just offer the classic

combination of meat patty, lettuce, tomato and onions (B160); they’ll also add a dollop of controversial ingredients like peanut butter, raspberry or mango into the mix. Want to know what the Mango Works’ (B200) combination of mango and cheese tastes like in a burger? Head to Major Ekkamai, where the truck is parked every Thu from 4pm.

Something Fancy

After two years making its name at farmers’ markets and supplying restaurants, foie gras specialist Vivin (G/F, Central Chidlom. BTS Chit Lom) has finally opened a grocery outlet at a corner of Central Chidlom’s Food Hall. On top of the brand's selection of foie gras mi-cuit (pre-cooked and pasteurized foie gras, B5401,380) it also offers plenty more gourmet delicacies like dried magret (duck breast, B360), locally-harvested sea salt (B220) from Phetchaburi, goat cheese (B280) from Chonburi and spirits like the Phuket-made Chalong Bay Rum (B480-740). Natcha

The people behind the popular Moroccan bar and restaurant Al Majlis have opened a new themed dining spot on the venue’s first floor. Inspired by the novel Alice in Wonderland, The Hatter goes all out with decorations like clocks hanging from the ceiling, mad hatter’s teapots and cups, and colorful wall murals. Here, they serve a broad range of comfort dishes, from spicy tom yam river prawn spaghetti (B490) to penne foie gras with truffle cream sauce (B490). Another highlight is The Dodo (B450), duck breast stuffed with bread, chestnut and truffle served with sauteed vegetables and orange gravy. There are plenty of sweets, too, like Paint the Rose Red (B210), a whiterose cheesecake with mixed berries that comes with a paintbrush for you to apply the berry sauce yourself.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only for Citi Ultima, Prestige, Preferred, and Select Get 5% discount on food only for other card types Today – 30 Sep 16

Sanguankiattichai

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, November 13, 2015

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bites & blends market + Events Macau Cafe Throughout Nov, Macau Tourism presents popular Macanese treats like egg tarts and serradura (dust pudding) at various locations: Nov 14, from 11am-2pm at Center Point Siam Square; 5-10pm at Ramintra night market. For more information, visit on.fb.me/1MEfNzG.

La Monita

La Fiesta Monita No. 6 On Nov 14, Mexican restaurant La Monita celebrates its sixth birthday with free-flow Mexican food, along with Spanish tapas from Osito and Japanese food from Jubei Izakaya. Others present include Whisgars, Hair of the Dog, Beervana, San Miguel, Two Tales and Hopsession. B500. 6pm-10pm.

888/25-26 Mahatun Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. BTS Phloen Chit

Elements

Heavenly Touches From Nov 17-21, chef Onno Kokmeijer (of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ciel Bleu) visits Elements to serve a sixcourse dinner (B5,600/person), a threecourse set lunch (B3,200/person).

Advertise your business with us ­

The Okura Prestige, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-6879000

starting from B6,000

Wine Workshop On Nov 18 from 7:30pm, Wine Garage holds a wine workshop on “How to make sense of the complex region of Burgundy” at Another Story. B1,000 per person inclusive of six wines, Amantee bread and Jean Yves Bordier cheese.

Register at anotherstory@themall.co.th.

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

4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong

ASEAN Delicacies Flava chefs add ASEAN dishes like nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), laksa lemak (Malaysian coconut curry noodles) and Lao-style beef noodles to the menu.

Credit card/Debit card payment accepted

Dream Hotel, 10 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-2548500

Root Garden

Fisher Folk’s Journey This Nov 14-15, Root Garden hosts a fisherman-themed market with seafood-related talks and demonstrations.

67 Thonglor Soi 3, 083-060-1109

K Village Farmers’ Market The weekend market gives you the chance to meet the producers and buy your food from them. Nov 14-15, 9am-5pm.

K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-9919

Bangkok Farmers’ Market The weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source takes place at Gateway Ekamai.

Nov 14-15, 10am-8pm.

Gateway Ekamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888. BTS Ekkamai

Barolo Wines Exclusive Tasting On Nov 14, Zest Bar & Terrace hosts a wine tasting with four wines from Piedmont’s vintages of Viberti Giovanni.

B1,500 per person.

Deals

Wagyu Beef Night The World adds a range of wagyu dishes to the dinner buffet every Fri from 6-10:30pm. Through Dec 31.

B1,899 per person. B1 extra for freeflow Cabernet Sauvignon.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

China Table Get a 50-percent discount on all menu items with a booking of 10 people or more in a private room at China Table.

Radisson Blu Plaza, 489 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333

New Venues Ta’cone Much-loved Mexican bites in handy, eaton-the-go paper cones.

Tha Maharaj, 11/1 Maharaj Rd., 085-1161222

A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants BKmagazine.com/TopTables

Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit 19, 02-207-8032

Taste of Korea This Nov 12-21, The Pavilion adds Korean dishes to its dinner buffet line, whipped up by master chef Heon Chul Kim. Mon-Thu B1,550/person; Fri-Sat B1,850/person.

Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000.

MRT Silom/BTS Sala Daeng

Chairman

Chairman The latest opening from the renowned Chef Man goes for retro Hong Kong diner vibes.

2/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Soi 35, 02-2610426. BTS Phrom Phong

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 24

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Kukkuuk Yakiniku Bar HHHH Japanese. 8/4-5 Soi Anumanrashaton (Silom Soi 6), Surawong Rd., 02-634-3935. Open daily 11am-3pm, 5-9pm. Cash only. No corkage charge. BB-BBB. F G

Hidden above the nightlife complex that’s home to EDM-focused bar Do Not Disturb, Kukkuuk Yakiniku offers grill-it-yourself stoves and a vintage-Japanese atmosphere.

The wood-dominated room evokes iconic Japanese film Always: Sunset on Third Street (2005) with its playful Japanese manga figures, including a huge Astro Boy and shelves lined with Japanese manga heroes and ultraman masks. You might have a hard time choosing where to sit between the dining area with its long table and Mt Fuji wallpaper, the onsen-stylized private rooms, and the cactus garden

Crab and Claw HHHH Seafood. 7/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 095-5645422. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong BBB-BBBB. H

Since its opening in May, Crab and Claw has been one of the most-hyped restaurants in Emquartier, with photos of lobsters, lobster rolls and bibs lighting up Instagram and Facebook. Six months later, the crowds haven’t gone anywhere. On our last visit, late on a Thursday night, there was barely a spare seat in the room; a crowd of threegeneration families to business-folk and awkward dates all baying for a taste of the type of seafood you’d usually enjoy sitting by the shore in Maine, USA. The setting may be off (more on that later), but the food is spot on, emphasizing quality ingredients and authentic New England flavors. Live lobsters are imported daily from Maine in limited quantities and presented in a range of styles that will all cost you a pretty penny: steamed and served with drawn butter, grilled with garlic and butter (both B1,800 for 600700g; B2,600 for 900-1,200g), and a couple more extravagant options. It’s worth the splurge, but you might want to 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.

rooftop balcony. All have a playful character that is also reflected in the iPad menu with its manga animations for every dish. Beef takes center stage here, but only the premium stuff like fatty wagyu from Oita province (B990) manages to shine. The tokujo karubi (selection of sliced beef with fat, B380) has a gummy texture, and it’s a similar story with the yaki hire (sticks of tenderloin, B150), though both are saved somewhat by the aromatic yakiniku sauce.

The fresh kitchen actually does a better job with its sashimi tuna wasabi (B35)— delicious cuts of fish and a pungent wasabi sauce. But the menu doesn’t just do Japanese. Risottos and pastas both make an appearance, as does surprisingly competent Thai food. The yam nua (Thai spicy beef salad, B180) is spicy and tangy, while the beef is actually more tender than the imported yakiniku choices. The crispy wonton pad Thai with taraba crab (B350) is also delicious, albeit made with crabmeat that’s far too dry. We also don’t recommend the lobster baguette (B390) with its doughy bread and cheese topping.

Kukkuuk is by no means quality dining, but it hits the spot when you want to mix bottles of Absolut (B3,500) with a few prenight-out plates of food in a lively, themed setting.

AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE Enjoy exquisite Indian cuisine, presented modern fusion style, complemented by a decadent selection of desserts, by our well-known Chef Hardip Bhatia.

Dining with residence DJ spins various tunes in a chill out house style music and panoramic views of Bangkok skyline rooftop opening up to an intimate outdoor cigar lounge Sunday Brunch is served weekly from 11.30 am to 03.00 pm Dinner open daily 05.00 pm - 01.00 am

dine in a group. Anyway, we say the B950 lobster roll, in all its buttery goodness, more than justifies the price tag. Served without the slathering of mayo you find elsewhere, the buttered house-made bread lets the sweet, subtly smoky—and plentiful—lobster meat truly star. It’s rivaled by the perfectly crisp and seasoned fries—the portions are generous, but we still wish there were more. The menu also contains a variety of seafood boils and grills, of which the Old Bay-marinated grilled shrimp (B650) are another mountainous, messy highlight. It’s a quick and easy recipe, but it’s done right (those char marks). The dishes that don’t require you to roll up your sleeves also stick to the rich, buttery theme, like the pasta uni-ara (squid ink pasta made in-house with cheese, uni butter, pancetta, uni sauce and fresh uni, B480), which strikes a rewarding balance between salty and sweet. The New England clam chowder (B220) is less exciting but wins for its texture of great, big chunks of clam and pancetta. There’s also a long list of oysters, of which we recommend the clean and smooth big Irish premium (B170/piece), and heaps of craft beers to choose from. The food’s great, so what’s the catch? It’s true, the over-lit setting doesn’t create much in the way of mood. Yes, it’s in a mall, it’s noisy, the service is patchy, but we quite enjoy the bustling nature of the place: half Red Lobster, half spruced-up seafood co-op.

While Crab and Claw doesn’t come cheap, it does set the bar high for premium seafood that’s not only fresh but also organic and sustainable.

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

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now THU Grand Arrival His hit 2006 single “Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit” reached no. 1 in the UK’s singles charts back when people still bought singles, and now he’s coming to Bangkok. Dutch house DJ Fedde Le Grand lands at Onyx RCA (Soi Soonvija, Rama 9 Rd., 081-645-1188) this Nov 19 to play his best and latest EDM tracks. We don’t have the ticket info just yet, but visit on.fb.me/1NT5dlo to stay updated.

SUN Run for It There’s a high chance that you, or at least someone you know, is one of the expected 30,000 runners making their way across the city this Nov 15 for the Standard Chartered Marathon. One of the city’s biggest running events, starting in front of the Grand Palace (Na Phra Lan Rd., 02-253-5500), invites both professional and beginner runners of all ages to take on the challenge of distances ranging from 42 to 4.5km, with plenty of medals and trophies to be won. Registration closed.

SAT Cat Call Cat Radio's annual music festival, this year dubbed Cat Expopo Tamus, sees more than 70 acts take over four stages at Wonder World Fun Park (Ram Intra Rd.) this Nov 14-15. They’re all in there—Polycat, Greasy Cafe, Proud, Inspirative, Monomania, Gym and Swim, The Parkinson, Slur and Yellow Fang—plus some names from the past like Flure, Thaitanium, Paradox, Crescendo and Apartment Khun Pa. As always, there will also be plenty of stalls selling Thai records and handmade products to complete the scene. Tickets B1,200 from all 7-Eleven Convenience stores.

FRI Brave New World It’s that time of the year again when the World Film Festival of Bangkok celebrates the works of emerging and independent filmmakers from Bangkok and beyond.

From Nov 13-22, SF World Cinema (7/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Chit Lom) has lined up a bill of movies ranging from drama to comedy, such as Kongdej Jaturanrasamee's Snap, Jakrawal Nilthamrong's Vanishing Point, Li Shih's Almost Heaven and Morshedul Islam's A Day in the Life of Anil Bagchi. See the full schedule at worldfilmbkk.com

ADVERTORIAL

KOH TAO PUB CRAWL Want to get an insider take on Koh Tao’s nightlife scene? Join the Koh Tao Pub Crawl, whch kicks off every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7pm to take the visiting party crowd on a non-stop tour of the island’s best bars—with a special promotion on Leo beer at B80/bottle all night long.

Get the party started early at Choppers Bar & Grill, an Australian sports bar and live music spot which makes just the place for some pre-drinks and food before things really get going.

Next up it’s the Koh Tao party strip along Sairee Beach, where you’re guaranteed to find a hardpartying crowd at the always-happening Bar Next 2 and Lotus Bar, but not before a steamy drag show at Queens Cabaret.

For anyone who wants to meet new people and party till dawn, the Koh Tao Pub Crawl is the best excuse on the island. What do you need to do to take part? That’s easy. Just show up at Chopper’s at 7pm and join the fun—no advance notice necessary!

Sponsored by The Koh Tao Pub Crawl takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm till late. For more information, visit Facebook: Koh Tao Pub Crawl or Leo Beer TH.

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NIGHTLIFE

MakJ

Stefano Noferini

MAKJ AND TIMMY TRUMPET

EXPERIMENTAL EDGE

A massive double act from the American EDM DJ behind tracks such as "Let's Get F*cked Up" and "Derp," alongside the Australian house DJ and producer known for his live trumpet solos in some of the biggest EDM songs out there. Nov 13, 9pm. Ztudio Live Hall, RCA Rama 9 Rd., 093-939-9893. B850-1,000 (includes one free Bacardi Breezer).

Join sound artists Tommy Hanson (US), Liew Niyomkarn (Thailand), Katsura Yamauchi (Japan) and Jaap Blonk (Netherlands) for a night of experimental sounds using synthesis, manipulation and improvisation. Nov 18, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B150.

BTS Surasak.

OFF THE GRID FT. KING KONG & SUPERSONIC

The American EDM and hip-hop duo make their Bangkok debut with tracks such as "Nolia" and "Badinga", with support from the Bangkok Invaders. Nov 18, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000.

Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

A night of underground bass, tech and techno from DJs King Kong and Supersonic. Nov 13, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090528-4646. B100-120.

STEFANO NOFERINI

Join the Italian DJ who's played legendary stages from London's Ministry of Sound to Space Ibiza for a night of tech-house and techno. Nov 13, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-8600808. Free.

HIGH SOUL LAUNCH PARTY

A rooftop party featuring DJs Slomororo and Sir Walt, who'll be playing funky tunes from the likes of Darius, Rick James, Madonna, Snakehips, Prince and Michael Jackson. Nov 13, 10pm. Above Eleven, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111.

Free. BTS Nana.

JOHN MORALES

RIAL

The New York DJ known for his Motown remixes plays an exclusive outdoor set of disco, boogie and soulful house jams with support from DJs Tek Harrington, Jaydubb and Seelie. Nov 14, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086860-0808. Free.

DESTROYED & DISTRESSED DENIM PARTY

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and est ake pm

by

Unda 747

Funky Villa and Demo team up for a collaborative party of EDM and contemporary rock and pop music. Dress code is ripped denim. Nov 14, 9pm. Demo, Thonglor Soi 10. Free.

UNDA 747 EP002 RELEASE PARTY

The hip-hop and electronic music producer celebrates the launch of his second EP with a live performance featuring DJs 93 Flow, Pyra, Boakye 222 and Burnspit, plus after party tunes from DJs Luck-E, Slomororo and Sir Walt. Nov 14, 9pm.

Grease, Piman 49, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. Free.

CRUSH WEDNESDAYS: TWRK

ISAN CONNECTION: KAMMAO & FRIENDS

A chance to experience the authentic roots of molam music from Kammao Perdtano, who showcases the traditional sounds and instruments of Isaan. Nov 18, 9:30pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. REGGAE APPRECIATION SOCIETY PARTY #22

The cafe's final reggae party of the year presents music from international names including Mista Marc, Woken, K9 and Penitence. Nov 19, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100.

BTS Surasak.

ALTERED STATES

Experimental Swiss artist The Dude of Stratosphere brings his set of abstract hip-hop and electronic tunes to Bangkok.

Nov 19, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. FEDDE LE GRAND

His massive hit "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit" back in 2006 has earned the Dutch house DJ a spot in DJ Magazine's Top 100 DJs list for eight years now. Ticket info to be announced. Nov 19, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. Price and ticket info to be announced.

DARK GROOVE ALLIANCE

Every first Thursday of each month until next year is dedicated to deep melodic house, progressive and techno music from DJs Mody, Moca, Kani, A_Lien and Kanabis Stoned. Through Feb 5 2016, 9pm. Dickinson's Culture Cafe, 64 Pra Arthit Rd., 089-497-8422. Free.

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Now Hiring

MUSIC FESTIVALS

INTERNS

Cat Expopo Tamus

(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 national 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

River Jazz Festival

CAT EXPOPO TAMUS

THE MIXMASH FESTIVAL

Cat Radio’s music festival comprises four stages of music from indie bands such as Goose, Polycat, Monomania, Jelly Rocket and Greasy Cafe as well as veterans like Flure, Thaitanium, Modern Dog Paradox and Crescendo. Stalls selling Thai records and handmade products, plus free screenings complete the event. Tickets available at all 7-Eleven convenience stores. Nov 14-15, 3pm. Wonder World Fun Park, 41 Kanchanaphisek Rd. B1,200.

A brand new festival that combines food, art and music across three stages, featuring an exclusive cooking show from Michelin-starred restaurant Casamia (England) as well as music on the Mash-Up Meadow stage from DJ Yoda (UK), The Wise Guise (UK), Stevie Z (Australia), and local names such as Modern Dog and Buddha Bless. Nov 27-29, 12pm.

Rachadamri Soi 2 (opposite CentralWorld). B800-3,000 at www.themixmashfestival.com.

DREAM CASTLE FEST

Under an "American Indian" theme, this festival brings with it stalls selling handcrafted products, photography, graphic illustrations, cycling gear and food. There will also be live music from Yellow Fang, 15th Scenery, Plastic Plastic and more.

Free all-day shuttle bus from MRT Phahon Yothin. Nov 21-22, 3pm. Motor Sport Land, 1096/1 Phahon Yothin Rd. Free.

RIVER JAZZ FESTIVAL

A night of outdoor jazz music by the river from Lisa Ono, the woman who brought Brazilian bossa nova music to the Japanese scene, and jazz fusion group Spyro Gya, known for their hit songs "Morning Dance" an "Shaker Song." There will also be local support acts and plenty of food trucks such as Cactus, Forkers, Orn the Road and Deli Q. Nov 29, 5:30pm. Asiatique The Riverfront, 2194 Charoen krung Rd. B2,0003,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

HIGHLIGHT International Dance Festival

Caffe What If Sukhumvit 31

Gram Sukhumvit Soi 49

Kuppadeli Sukhumvit Soi 21

See full list at www.bkmagazine.com/bkdistribution Contact : marketing@asia-city.co.th 28

This Nov 19-Dec 6 sees the International Dance Festival host dance troupes from 10 countries in a huge celebration of contemporary dance. Highlights include performances such as 9th Element by Singapore’s Odyssey Dance Theatre, Itali

by Italy’s BYOplas Theatre, and a triple bill performance by Turkey’s Antalya State Opera and Ballet group. There will also be free workshops and weeklong dance masterclasses throughout the festival. B600-1,800 from Thaiticketmajor. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium. www.dance-festival.info

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now THEATER

HIGHLIGHT

Bangkok Theatre Festival 447-4670. B800. BTS Saphan Taksin.

THE ART OF BEING RIGHT

When Pipo and Por decide to break up, they must figure out how to do it the right way in this emotional performance by the Splashing Theater Company. Through Nov 15, 7:30pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). B300.

2gether

2GETHER

Fan Fare to Murder

FAN FARE TO MURDER

Brought to you by Bangkok Community Theater, this interactive murder mystery dinner and theater performance promises comedy, action and plenty of audience participation.

Through Nov 14, 7pm. DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-6496666. B850 THE VILLA SMARIS

The annual drama-comedy play by Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Communication Arts returns, following the dispute between two five-star hotels in the 1980s that are compet-

ing to be the best in town. Tickets available at bit.ly/1P2kOR8 Through Nov 15, 7pm. Scala Theatre, Siam Square Soi 1 (Siam Square), 02-2512861. B250-330. BTS Siam.

SOMETHING MISSING

Theatre Momggol and B-Floor Theatre present a dramatic performance exploring erased memories and bygone eras that have resulted from a new society filled with stress and apathy.

Performed as part of the Low Fat Art Fest. Through Nov 14, 8pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B550.

The team from Sun Dance Theatre and director Wannasak Sirilar present a comedy/horror performance about sticking together even through the toughest of times. Nov 14-15, 1pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-2146630-8. B350-500. BTS National Stadium.

GENESIS OF THE BLINK

A cautionary tale about a future where every newborn baby is implanted with a tracking chip, until one family decides to rebel against the rules. Nov 14-15, 5pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).

Free.

DOG FACE

A Thai folk performance directed by Pradit Prasaartthong which follows

the adventures of Maneesunakka, a girl with a dog's face, who has been sent down to Earth by the goddess Indra. English subtitles proDog Face vided. Nov 14-15, 3pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). B350-500.

THE LISBON TRAVIATA

Originally produced by The Manhattan Theater Club in New York City, the drama-comedy play centers around two homosexual male friends, one of whom is about to lose his lover to a younger man. Starring Bangkok's drag queen entertainer Pangina Heals and Bangkok Community Theatre's Steven Fry. Shows run on Thu, Sat-Sun. Tickets available at bit. ly/1LglP7r. Through Nov 15, 7pm.

Culture Collective Studio, 3/F, Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, 26/276 Charoenkrung Soi 70, 099-

THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE TRAGIC LIFE AND TRIUMPHANT DEATH OF JULIA PASTRANA, THE UGLIEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD

Peel the Limelight presents the true story of Julia Pastrana, a Mexican woman who was born with hypertrichosis, leading her to become one of the most famous human curiosities in the world. Tickets at peelthelimelight.com. Nov 13-22, 12pm.

Jasmine City Building, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-204-5888. B500.

MURDER (UN)SEEN

After a girl is mysteriously murdered, her roommate and boyfriend are accused of a crime they did not commit. Through Nov 23, 12pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. Free. BTS Thong Lo.

Tickets are available at www.bangkoktheatrefestival.com unless stated otherwise.

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now HIGHLIGHT Unfolding Kafka Festival

ART Opening Exhibitions

ABSURD AESTHETIC

BURNT PETALS

Explore how one can find absurdity in things others value seriously in this collection of artworks by artist and designer Anon Pairot.

Dates: Opens Nov 14, 6pm. Through Jan 15.

A series of dramatic acrylic on canvas paintings by Krissadank Intasorn that explores how desire and lust can often lead to uncontrollable obsession.

Dates: Opens Nov 17, 6pm.

Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Ari Soi 5, 02-6172794.

Number One Gallery, Room B-15, The Silom Galleria, Silom Soi 19, 081-684-6577.

FOR THE GOOD

WILD RANGE

Lucy Sarneel presents her set of jewelry art based on themes of love, folklore, forgotten traditions and popular motifs. The exhibition will also take part in Bangkok Galleries Night later this month.

Dates: Opens Nov 18, 6:30pm.

Through Dec 26.

Baramee Temboonkiat presents his wildlife photography, capturing everything ranging from wild elephants to hornbills.

Dates: Through Jan 7.

Foto United Galleria, 519 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-629-2841.

Cesser D'etre (Stop Being)

The Silence of Insects

Jitti Chompee, renowned choreographer and founder of Thai dance company 18 Monkeys, is back with another art festival, this time collaborating with Goethe-Institut, the Japan Foundation and World Performances @ Drama Chula in a series of performances that draw inspiration from the madly bizarre and dark world of Franz Kafka. The Unfolding Kafka Festival, taking place through Dec 3, aims to highlight the importance of performance art through international collaborations. Here’s a closer look at the performances: THE SILENCE OF INSECTS BY YOKO SEYAMA

DER BAU (THE BURROW) BY ISABELLE SCHAD AND LAURENT GOLDRING

Through Nov 16, 5pm This performance installation inspired by Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Letter to His Father uses origami and live performance to explore the interaction between space and body. B400.

Nov 19, 7:30pm Based on Kafka’s novella Der Bau (The Burrow), this dance piece explores clothing as simultaneously the missing last layer of the body as well as an encompassing external space. B600.

The Rose Hotel Bangkok, Soi Na Wat Hua Lam Phong. Surawong Rd.

Sodsai Pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Henri Dunant Rd. BTS Siam.

ATTA Gallery, Room 1109, OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd., 02-238-6422.

CESSER D’ETRE (STOP BEING) BY LAURENT GOLDRING, JITTI CHOMPEE AND MARIKA RIZZI

Dec 2-3, 7pm For this performance, three people enter a large structure made up of strings balanced on a 40cm tall support beam. The movements of the performers are amplified by the strings that make up the sculpture itself. B400.

K Bank Siam-Pic Ganesha Center of Performing Art, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam.

SALES & FAIRS RUNS

A Day Bike Fest

RMHC Mini Marathon

WALK WITH US WALK-A-THON

Now in its eighth year, the annual walk-a-thon invites people to take on a 5km route to raise money for charities ICare Thailand, Gift of Happiness Foundation and Sister Joan. Donations will also be used to fund medical supplies, clothes, food and sporting items for children's hospitals throughout Thailand during the Christmas period. Registration not required. Nov 15, 10am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd., Free. MRT Lumphini.

RMHC MINI MARATHON

Proceeds from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation run go towards accommodation and amenities for hospitalized children and their families. The event offers a mini marathon (10.5km) or a fun run (3km), with iPad Minis for the top five finishers. Register at bit.ly/1PoPbS5 Nov 22, 5am.

Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B350-450. MRT Lumphini.

SPORTS MALL TOGETHER RUN

Choose between 10km and 5km runs, with B3,000 in cash plus a year's membership at Virgin Active going to the winner. All proceeds will be donated to the Thai Red Cross Society. Register now at www.sportsmallrun.com. Nov 29, 6am. The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. B500. BTS Phrom Phong.

BOOK SALE

ON CLOUD 9

The historic library hosts their annual book sale, with thousands of second-hand English language books available at prices as low as B20. Nov 14-15, 9:30am-4pm.

Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

Free.

A flea market featuring booths from some of the best online shops and brands. Expect a food zone from the best of Wongnai and Food Panda, clothing stalls from Thai social media-based brands and plenty of travel-related booths. Nov 14-15, 11am-10pm. The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

ARTBOX EMOTION

The newest installment of Bangkok's favorite outdoor market invites all lovebirds to shop in the newly vamped romantic setting. As always, expect plenty of trendy fashion stalls, food trucks and live music. Nov 13-15, 4pm-midnight. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000.

Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

INTO THE WOOP X U VILLAGE

The outdoor night market returns for the third time, promising clothes from the likes of MMot Clothing, Clear Cut and Classic Culture, and food from Orn the Road, Masami Sushi, Mother Trucker and many more. Nov 19, 4pm-10pm. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd., 02-613-3333. Free.

A DAY BIKE FEST

BANGKOK ARTISAN 2015

A Day magazine returns with the city's biggest bike festival, this time under the concept of "Tour de World," which celebrates the rising trend of people traveling internationally by bicycle. Expect over 200 shops selling bicycles and bicycle-related products, booths selling bike-friendly travel destinations and tours, plenty of biking demonstrations, test-rides and competitions and mini concerts from well-known artists. Through Nov 15, 9am-9pm. Makkasan Airport Link Station, Free.

This huge art gathering will display works from more than 200 of Thailand's performance artists, filmmakers, designers, painters, fashionistas and musicians, spread across five zones (exhibitions, workshops, galleries, art installments and, of course, a designated food truck area). Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Through Dec 20, noon-10pm. Thanya Park, Sri Nakarin Rd., 02-108-6000. Free.

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now Upcoming

FILM Opening

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 (USA)

Action/Adventure. Katniss Everdeen joins forces with District 13 to begin a revolution against the Capitol with the ultimate goal to assassinate President Snow. Nov 19 THE NIGHTMARE (USA)

Documentary/Horror. A frightening study into the lives of eight people suffering from AMERICAN ULTRA (USA)

LIFE (USA)

Action/Comedy. Much to his surprise, full-time stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) finds out that he is in fact a CIA agent after the agency targets him for termination, leading him to bring out his hidden agent abilities. Nov 12

Drama. Based on the true story of Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson), a photographer for Life Magazine, whose friendship with Hollywood star James Dean blossoms when he is assigned to be his personal photographer. Nov 12

sleep paralysis, a phenomenon that leaves them trapped between nightmare and reality. Nov 19 THE LOBSTER (USA)

Romance/Comedy. In a dystopian future, individuals have 45 days to find a romantic partner, otherwise they are transformed into woodland animals to be set into the wild.

Nov 19

SPECIAL SCREENING Thai Classic Films

Shutter

THE 33 (USA)

LOVE THE COOPERS (USA)

Drama. When a group of 33 miners are trapped underground after a coal mine collapses, they must stick together on a quest of survival as family and friends desperately come to their rescue. Based on the true events of the Chile mining disaster in 2010. Nov 12

Comedy. Four generations of the Cooper family reunite for Christmas Eve, each bringing with them their own set of problems and misfortunes which results in a weekend of unexpected catastrophes. Nov 12

Throughout November, the Thai Film Archive screens a selection of movies chosen by the Ministry of Culture to be added to the national film heritage registry last month. Audiences will get a chance to re-watch national treasures including Banjong Pisanthanakun’s Shutter (2004), Group Four’s Baan Pee Porp 2 (1986), Pen-ek Ratanaruang’s Rueng Talok 69 (1999), Chana Kraprakoon’s Wai Tok Kra (1978) and Somboonsuk Niyomsiri’s Choo (1972). The films will be screened at the Srisalaya Community Theater on Tue-Fri at 5:30pm or weekends at 1pm and 3pm. Entrance is free. Visit www.fb.com/thaifilmarchive or www.fapot.org for the full schedule.

Srisalaya Community Theater, 94 Moo 3, Salaya, Buddha Monthon Sai 5 R., Nakhonpathom, 02-482-2013

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THE BEST DECOR & FASHION PIECES BY THAI DESIGNERS

Brought to you by DITP

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2015

Primprame

LOCAL TALENT 10 Thai-designed products taking local craftsmanship to the next level.

Inner Light Collection Bai-Tong 01

DEmark

NEVER 4

or the Design Excellence Award, celebrates the best of emerging Thai design.

Since 2008, when it was founded by the Thailand Institute of Design and Innovation Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of International Trade Promotion, it has been bringing Thai designers into the spotlight. For 2015, the eighth edition of the DEmark Award took place last October, revealing 69 winners whose products fall into six categories: furniture, lifestyle, fashion & apparel, industrial design, packaging and graphic design (a category that includes digital media). Here are the highlights from this year.

INARI MAT

Designer: Sini Henttonen from PDM Brand

PDM Brand has revived cheap Thai PPL (polypropylene) floor mats with modern patterns and recycled material. Their new design for 2015 features a black and white geometric pattern by Finnish illustrator Sini Henttonen, perfect for use both indoors and outdoors.

Price: B1,850/2,750/3,250 for S/M/L from Kenkoon Showroom, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-711-5701/2. www. fb.com/PDMbrand or order online at www.pdmbrand.com

BAI-TONG 01

Designer: Duangkamol Vongsomsri

The form and pattern of banana-leaf food wrappings and containers inspire this wavy leather tote bag. The result: a very modern interpretation of Thainess.

Price: B12,000 from Bolona Shop, 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chit Lom.

JAAK

Designer: Supachai Klaewtanong from Tima Home Decor by Nakkhid Design Studio This pendant lamp adopts the Southern Thai birdcage craft technique of combining a main pillar with beams and bars, using it to create a detailed woven pendant lamp.

Price: B9,000-39,000 from www. fb.com/tima

TEX-TILE

Designer: Wanus Chocketaweesak and Nichepak Torsutkanok from ease embroidery design studio This design studio specializes in de-

cor pieces that incorporate embroidery techniques. The Tex-Tile collection turns cotton-polyester fabric into hexagonally-shaped wall decor that follows a Thai pattern called sha-leaw.

Price: B6,500 per sq metre from Flo Showroom, Narathiwas Soi 26, 088220-8611. www.fb.com/ease.emb

PUANG MA LAI RING (THAI GARLAND RING)

Designer: Nawat Palungwitwattana from Thammada Studio

This silver ring takes its pattern from the traditional Thai puang malai (lotus flower garlands) given as presents to pay respect.

Price: B3,490 at The Selected, 3/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6585000. BTS Siam

PRIMPRAME COLLECTION (KIDDEE DESIGN)

Designer: M.L Poramats Varavarna from Kiddee Design

This multi-purpose Thai-patterned frame uses recycled leftovers from mass-produced furniture to create a platform for tables, desks, shelves or simple wall decor. Whichever application you choose, the look is cozy, contemporary and Oriental in a noncliched way.

Price: B260/piece from Kiddee Design Studio www.kiddeedesign.com

NEVER 4

Designer: Sarinee Klinsuwan

Monochrome woven rattan creates a minimal clutch or crafty pencil case in this contemporary Thai collection.

Price: B325 from Good Design Store, 4/F Central Embassy, 1031 Phloenchit Rd., 02-160-5686

Inari

INNER LIGHT COLLECTION

Designer: Sarinya Limthongtip

This collection of colorful ceramic tableware imitates designer Sarinya Limthongtip’s childhood memories of light flooding through the windows of her family’s Thai-Chinese shop-house in Bangkok’s Old Town.

Price: Starting from B790 from Room Concept Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02119-7777. BTS Phloen Chit

DinFi Condiment Set

Puang Ma lai Ring

DINFI CONDIMENT SET Designer: Tan Pitiyanuwat

This ceramic and wood condiment set keeps ants away from your food thanks to a wooden reservoir tray.

Price: Starting from B4,130 for duo set to B6,160 for quartet set, available at Good Design Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5686. BTS Phloen Chit

SHADING

Designer: Wanus Choketaweesak and Nichepak Torsutkanok from ease embroidery design studio

Jaak

The contemporary Ease Embroidery studio brings back traditional Thai embroidery techniques, like this piece of wall decor with modern graphic lines.

Price: B2,600 from Flo Showroom, Narathiwas Soi 26. www.fb.com/ ease.emb

Shading

Tex-Tile

Brought to you by DITP

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2015

TAKE A SEAT

THREE MULTI-LABEL SHOPS FOR THAI DESIGNERS

Chairs, benches and sofas to sit back in style.

ANYROOM

Tori Chair

Line-S Collection

Run by one of Bangkok’s top designers, Duangrit Bunnag, this furniture showroom reopened as part of his creative empire The Jam Factory.

Inside you’ll find his house brand as well as a corner for other Thai designers like Alltag and Thinkk Studio.

About 30-percent of the pieces are home decor, with an emphasis on big pieces.

41/1/5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0955.

Open Mon-Sun 11am-8pm. www.fb.com/ anyroomTM

Swingy

ROOM CONCEPT STORE

The Placer

Jockey Chiar

Whipcream Lounge Chair

THE PLACER

TORI CHAIR

JOCKEY CHAIR

As much a multi-purpose storage unit as it is a bench seat, this piece addresses the needs of small-space living. In one compact package, you’ve got a seat, a shelf, a hanger and a bicycle rack that can carry two bikes.

Price: B8,800, order online at www. fb.com/whoop.is.home

The combination of a curved oak body and genuine leather seat makes for a warm and comfortable combination in this elegant piece. Hidden steel reinforcement allows the look to stay slim and elegant.

Price: B16,500, order online at www. golfjc.com

The designer took inspiration from horseracing jokeys and interpreted their gear using brown bamboo perfectly matched with navy leather.

Price: B9,000 available at Showroom Pformax, 866-870 Sukhumvit Rd. (between soi 38-40), 02-713-6027. www.pformax.com

Designer: Pitchana Maneerattanaporn from Whoop Furniture

LINE-S COLLECTION

Designer: Piboon Amornjiraporn from Plural Designs

The Line collection features a minimal, geometric look thanks to skinny legs and a sheet steel seating platform. Though delicate in appearance, rest assured it’s strong enough to take more than one person’s weight, and ergonomically curved for perfect comfort.

Price: B14,000 from Good Design Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5686. BTS Phloen Chit

Designer: Jakkapun “Golf” Charinrattana from Golf JC Studio

Designer: Wiroon Sanguanwongwan from Performax

WHIPCREAM LOUNGE SWINGY Designer: Wuthichai CHAIR Designer: Krit Phutphim from Filobula

This practically sized piece is easy to slot into any living space, with a design that mixes Asian and European influences. And rest assured it’s also of the highest quality, made from a solid oakwood frame and duck-feather cushion in a soft, earthy color.

Price: B16,900 for one seat and B28,900 for two seats. Showroom at Taka Town, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 099-4215553. www.fb.com/Filobula

from Everyday Studio

Leelavoravong

This bar stool is part of the studio’s latest ‘Play It’ collection that comes under the concept of furniture that you play with. The Swingy wood and steel chairs are born from the memory of chilling by the river with your feet dipped in the water.

Price: B6,900 from Room Concept Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-119-7777. BTS Phloen Chit. www.everyday-studio.com

This is one of Bangkok’s longeststanding multi-label stores for local home and decor (though they stock international brands, too). Its new openings at Central Embassy and Emquatier see a larger selection of Thai designer brands, mostly middlesize furniture and smaller decorative items.

4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit. www.fb.com/roomconceptstore

ANOTHER STORY

Opened earlier this year, this concept store gathers designer products from all over the world. Along with international tech, fashion and design brands, there are also plenty of Thai stationery names (Gray Ray, Labrador and Midori) as well as cute home decor pieces (look out for Plural Design, PDM Brand, Karv Design and Alltag).

The huge space also has a deli with some to-die-for food.

4/F, The Emquartier, Helix Building, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6138/9. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

Brought to you by DITP

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FORM & FUNCTION Creative, stylish and practical, here are five must-have accessories for the home.

KAPP

Klank Wireless Speaker

Sunbin Garbage Bag

Kapp

Z Series

Designer: Waewyos Sonthichai from Pana Objects Why we like it: The wood-loving Thai brand designed this product to be a functional, single material piece that people can take anywhere. Kapp is a bottle opener made from maple or walnut wood that’s portable, pretty and easy to use by just adding a coin in the middle.

Price: B360 for maple and B400 for walnut, www.fb.com/panaobjects www.pana-objects.com

“Good design is feasible and practical without sacrificing creativity. The product should give its user a new experience, while being easy to use and complementing their lifestyle.

The next step for product design, I believe, will go towards personal usage, but minimal design will still dominate in terms of styling.”

—Waewyos Sonthichai, Designer at Pana Object

GEOWL

Designer: Piyanat Ratanawongsarot from Barketek Why we like it: This pet food bowl is made from ceramic and helps to keep ants out thanks to a water-filled gap between the bowl and the outside edge.

Price: B1,250, order online at www.barketek.com

Z SERIES Geowl

NEW OPENING

Designer: Papawee Pongthanavaranon, Sarinee Balavarnabha and Anek Kulthaveesup from Labrador

Good Design Store

The Japan Institute for Design Promotion (JDP) has teamed up with Shane Suvikapakornkul of Serindia Gallery and Hardcover Book Store to launch a new boutique at Central Embassy dedicated to awardwinning design from Japan's Good Design or G Mark Award. Decked out in cool tones of white and gray, the space looks as much like an art gallery as it does a shop, with products carefully displayed alongside explanatory notes, just as if you were visiting an exhibition.

Why we like it: This clutch opens in a Z pattern to let you see everything inside while keeping it organized and upright.

Price: B790-B1,490, Labrador shops nationwide. Try G/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 02-632-0388. BTS Sala Daeng

KLANK WIRELESS SPEAKER

Designer: Warin Thanathawee from Core Design Studio Why we like it: Klank is a portable speaker that connects via Bluetooth to your phone, while also acting as a tablet dock and device charger.

Price: B5,990, klankproject.com

“'Good design' is that which has been through thorough research and planned properly—it doesn't matter if that's for a product or a service. It should be attractive and compliment the user's lifestyle in a not-toocomplicated way." —Warin Thanathawee, Design Director at Codesign Studio

SUNBIN GARBAGE BAG ON ROLL “EASY TEAR & TIE”

Designer: Thantawan Industry Why we like it: The rolled packaging makes it easy to use while the extension part on top allows you to seal it after use.

Price: Starting from B45 from Big C nationwide

The selection of items comes mostly from Japanese designers (of course), ranging from iconic pieces like Sori Yanagi’s Butterfly Stool (B24,000) from 1966, to newer designs such as the Kisaragi dining chair (B52,300) by Hida Sangyo company and the super-cool Urushi card case (B8,200) by Kirimoto Wooden Craft Factory, which they make from one piece of bent pinewood polished to give it a leather-like texture. G Mark-awarded Thai design joins the space, too, with affordable items such as Sign of Siam’s woven Never 4 clutch (B325).

Good Design Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5686.

Brought to you by DITP

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2015

THREE MINIMAL PRODUCTS TO MODERNIZE YOUR HOME Water Stone Scarf

DA DA

Morning Dew

Coffee and Tea

The designer team at Bathroom Design Company Limited has created this minimal bath tub with a hint of Japanese Zen. The addition of wood to the white tub gives an Oriental touch to its innovative finger touch water control.

Get yours at: Price TBA from www.bathroomtomorrow.com

Metal Dip Cuff 7th

Facet

gogo

Shoegather

LOCAL LUXE

Stay gorgeous with these eight new fashion and jewelry pieces.

FACET

Designer: Siree Chitphong from Noon Studio Why we like it: This young jewelry design studio is unique for its use of natural materials like rock and sand to create wearable pieces of art.

Price: B1,850 (rings), B2,450 (necklace or earrings), www.fb.com/nnnoonstudio

WATER STONE SCARF (TRIMODE)

Designer: Pirada Senivongse na Ayudhya Why we like it: The designer draws inspiration from Isaan’s scorched land, using batik fabric silk with wax-printing techniques.

Price: B3,550 from The Wonder Room, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-5000. BTS Siam

MORNING DEW COLLECTION

Designer: Orawan Soitong Why we like it: Pearly dewdrops create shiny little accessories of brass and quartz jewelry.

Price: B16,000 (necklace), www.fb.com/aztique.jewelry

METAL DIP CUFF

Designer: Pirada Senivongse na Ayudhya Why we like it: Gold and silver are classic, and even more dramatic thanks to these

flexible horns.

Price: B4,550, from The Wonder Room, 3/F, Siam Center Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-5000. BTS Siam

SHOEGATHER

Designer: Chalermkit Pokamas Why we like it: It appears that the ‘90s are back, so here is a nice pair of timeless Oxford shoes in an edgy color combo.

Price: B7,500 from Just In Case shop, 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam.

COFFEE AND TEA CLUTCH COLLECTION

Designer: Punyapa Tangkittikun Why we like it: You can just grab-and-go with this chic clutch for the perfect everyday look.

Price: Starting from B1,790 for iPad size and B2,190 for A4 size from Good Design Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5686. BTS Phloen Chit

7TH

Designer: Daungkamol Vongsomsri Why we like it: Real chic. On vacation, what more can you ask for than a bag that can be unfolded into a beach mat?

Price: B3,640 from The Selected, 3/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-5000. BTS Siam

GOGO

Designer: Nart.anong Photirat, Sirinart Sirisombat and Anek Kulthaveesup Why we like it: Lightweight and waterproof, this one’s perfect for travel. Plus, each print has an underlying story.

Price: B2,490 at Labrador shop, 1/F Silom Complex, Silom Rd. BTS Sala Daeng.

“Bangkok’s design industry is now wide open to newcomers.

The opportunities are there for those who want to chase them. However, it is still stuck in the capital and other major cities. Many designers and design industries are also focused on overseas markets. To be strong enough to expand abroad, the core to success in the design industry is a brand or product that’s already been accepted by the domestic market.”— Anek Kulthaveesup, Designer at Labrador

THE DOOR

An outdoor shower system designed by Doonyapol Srichan (of PDM Brand) for Kenkoon Designed. The water creates a door-like effect as it runs from the top.

Get yours at: B56,000 from Kenkoon Showroom, Thonglor Soi 10

QUADRO

Tripasai Architect Company limited’s minimnal, woodenframe serves a commercial purpose as a clothing rack for design-forward fashion boutiques, but will also fit in perfectly with any stylish home. The best bit? It looks even better with clothes hanging on it.

Get yours at: B43,000 from Good Design Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605686. BTS Phloen Chit

Brought to you by DITP

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