BK Magazine 643 June 10, 2016

it's free!

Samsung 598 Jul17_15-coverwrap_NEW.indd 7

6/3/16 8:56 PM

Greyhound Cafe

Hyde & Seek Pee-a-boo

Home to 13 restaurants spread across two floors, Groove is a one-stop lifestyle destination where you can sip a cup of coffee, have a hearty dinner or enjoy a cocktail all in one, open-air space. Groove also regularly welcomes exhibitions and concerts, making it a vibrant oasis of entertainment and good food.

Greyhound Cafe

Have fun and get your creative juices flowing with your favorite munchkins.

Not only is CentralWorld home to the most desirable toys, from drones to action figures, but it’s also a place for kids to create and learn, be it with musical instruments or the multimedia resources at the TK Park knowledge center.

Disaya

All the global high-street labels are here—but so are our very own fashion talents. Thai prêt-àporter has come a long way, and labels like Fab Lab, La Boutique, Disaya, Vickteerut and Senada are now celebrated throughout the region for their fresh, wearable styles with a sprinkling of natural Thai elegance.

Ari Running

CTW Inside front1.indd 8

Le Petit Pumm

Break a sweat in style as you pick up the latest gear from CentralWorld’s sports stores.

The sweeping Super Sports department store covers scores of different activities, from golf to hiking, while flagship stores like Adidas or Nike ensure rare and limited-edition pieces are always on hand.

Nike

6/6/16 6:29 PM

it's free!

The People’s Party

BK MAGAZINE NO. 643 FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com

Cover_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 1

6/6/16 5:28 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Also Check Out These Places • 1881 Bar & Restaurant

by Water Library • HOBS • Tales of Gold Mine • Wine I Love You • Apinara • E.A.T. All Thai • Hiyaku • Mejico Hyde & Seek Pee-a-boo

Chill out in the center of it all

The Grill by Wine Connection

Home to 13 restaurants on its two floors, Groove is a one-stop lifestyle destination where you can sip a cup of coffee, have a hearty dinner or enjoy a cocktail all in one, open-air space.

Groove also regularly welcomes exhibitions and concerts, making it a vibrant oasis of entertainment and good food.

Catch the live music performances every Wed-Fri, 7pm-late.

Greyhound Cafe

WABI/SABI

HYDE & SEEK PEEK-A-BOO

Try this: The Salmon Galaxy is a generous don-style serving of rice topped with chopped salmon and a generous heap of shrimp and salmon roe.

Try this: The fancified signature Scotch eggs have a light and crisp breadcrumb batter, while the fillings are moist and flavorsome.

The place: Featuring a handsome monochrome palette of metal surfaces and black stone, Wabi Sabi is a modern take on sushi restaurants and the perfect fit for Groove’s about-town crowds. With a long bar and a solid drinks menu to match, the place works both for a big outing with friends and a more intimate date.

We love: The buzz of the ground floor location, perfect for people-watching or catching one of the live bands who often perform there.

1/F, Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-6451. Open daily 11:00am.-midnight. BTS Siam/Chidlom

The place: Inspired by tree-houses, this bar-restaurant offers a sophisticated trip down memory lane. A local former champion of the Diageo Reserve World Class Thailand Competition designed the drinks list, and it shows. The menu is tight and original, from the fruity BKK Cobbler to the Old-Fashionedstyle Whiskey Rebellion. Be sure to order the tasty bites like the 300-gram charcoal-grilled rib-eye steak to go with your drinks.

We love: The impeccable bartenders’ award-winning drinks.

1/F, Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-168-5152. Open daily 11.00-midnight. BTS Siam/Chidlom

S'Mores Hunting Lodge

THE GRILL BY WINE CONNECTION Eat this: The US Angus is premium imported meat that delivers tender and juicy texture, along with rich, buttery flavors.

The place: Wine Connection’s Groove branch is a top-notch steakhouse without the five-star hotel prices. Befitting the venue’s name, the wooden wine rack on the wall displays hundreds of bottles of wines which can matched with your choice of meat from the large grill station.

We love: The long bar, whose refined atmosphere works both for a date or a power lunch.

1/F, Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-631-1715. Open daily 10.30-11.00pm. BTS Siam/Chidlom

GREYHOUND CAFE Try this: The Salmon Saab sees unctuous, fresh salmon sashimi slices topped with spicy green chilli sauce.

The place: You’ll instantly recognize Greyhound’s signature style—black and white palette, chalkboard featuring the specials of the day, and corrugated metal sheet counter for a touch of industrial chic. This particular Greyhound also features metallic modern art installations for even more cosmopolitan chic, but the comforting menu of Thai, Asian and Western comfort food make the cafe an enduring favorite with both groups of buddies and families having a casual get-together.

We love: The bustling open-air space in front and its European terrace atmosphere.

2/F, Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1263. Open daily from 11:00am-10:00pm. BTS Siam/Chidlom

Wabi/Sabi

S'MORES HUNTING LODGE Try this: The Roasted Duck Salad combines smoked duck with assorted vegetables and juicy, sun-kissed orange slices.

The place: The decor here celebrates the great outdoors thanks to vintage camping paraphernalia, half-log stools and a giant grizzly bear up front. Camp out with your friends to a menu of comforting Western dishes like Steak for Two and barbecue pork ribs.

We love: The unique, cozy atmosphere with a playful theme.

Wabi/Sabi

CTW advertorial1.indd 8

Hyde & Seek Pee-a-boo

S'Mores Hunting Lodge

2/F, Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1271. Open daily 11am-midnight. BTS Siam/Chidlom

6/6/16 6:45 PM

lida thavorn,

ittikul

page 3 06 cover story

Come Sundown

What We’ve Learned

04 upfront

10 escapes

Farm to Stage

Summer in San Fran 14 shopping

15 bites

Mall Comforts

Modern Indian

16 bites

22 BK Now

Sushi Deals

Rocking Weekend

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 Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Kankanid Mitrpakdee, Theerada Moonsiri Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dith Chang Deputy Art Director Panita Thiraphapong Senior Graphic Designer Chantich Kongchanmitkul Graphic Designers Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Production Assistant Saranya Chawanrattanasakul Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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

Contributor Kathy MacLeod Interns Joseph Lam, ThaksapornThiengthamcharoen, Nicha Patradhilok, Wannakarn Opassatien, Nitchakan Chaoratanapisate, Chalida Dansuanyai, Wongsatorn Prasertthavorn, Noppanut Kraithong, Jirakun Nimmakulvirut, Lattaphol Rungsittikul, Suwalee Wangsaengthong Cover by Panita Thiraphapong

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

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

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

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

We need more South American restaurants Spanish restaurants may be flavor of the month (Islero, Uno Mas, Thyme and co.), but if there’s one thing last weekend’s Latin Food Festival at Ceresia taught us it’s that South American food seriously rules. Dishes like Venezuela’s decadent torta tres leches and pabellon criollo, and Ecuador’s hallaca practically walked out the door. We hope you arrived early.

Our forests’ boundaries literally mean nothing “Do you think these tigers can survive in the jungle, that’s if there is any jungle left for wildlife to live in?” Luang Ta Chan, abbot of the Tiger temple, asked the Bangkok Post in 2008 (goo.gl/gXIdyn). And he should know, since his own temple has just been found to encroach on almost 1,000 rai of what should be forest land, thus adding it to the long list of other alleged encroachers—Bonanza Khao Yai, Chokchai Farm— who’ve gone completely unpunished.

Visiting chefs are not all about Michelin stars Call us spoilt, but visits from French or Italian Michelin-star chefs don’t always do it for us these days. Thankfully, we’re now seeing a shift towards more down-to-earth guests. This weekend, Quince welcomes an Israeli “street food” maestro (see page 15), while later this month Mandarin Oriental hosts a genre-pushing chef specializing in Peruvian-Japanese “Nikkei” cuisine (goo.gl/ZzIIBD).

Thai bartenders rule The woman behind Il Fumo’s cocktails, Pailin “Milk” Sajjanit, was last week named the best bartender in all of Southeast Asia. And if you’ve ever tasted Il Fumo’s cocktails, you’ll know that the judges must have had a very easy decision—smooth, perfectly balanced and strong enough to make you not care what you paid for it.

You need to start thinking about Thai festival season now Did you all have fun watching your buddies’ live Primavera streams over the weekend? No, us neither. But for those of us who aren’t flying to Europe for festival season this year, hope is at hand with the first blossoming of news from Thailand’s homegrown music fests. Earlybird tickets are now on sale for Dec 11’s new Overcoat Music Festival (note: no overcoat necessary), while this year’s Wonderfruit has been confirmed for Dec 15-18. Band lineups coming soon.

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

get in the loop

bkmagazine.com

contest, updates, stories

facebook.com/bkmagazine

latest news and trends

@bkmagazine

see what’s happening

@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

TOC_643_jun10_16.indd 3

3

6/6/16 6:20 PM

upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Specialist bars

Not: Speakeasies

Forget Havana Social. There’s only one place we know that even vaguely approaches a real speakeasy: it’s called Wong’s and it’s shit. So let’s just put that sorry little trend to bed and forget the whole incident ever took place.

Great. Now that’s over with, can we start getting excited about specialist bars?

Places that serve one spirit only and serve it well are one of the many reasons why you should be out getting drunk this weekend (see page 6).

INTERVIEW

Hot: Regional ingredients

Not: Organic ingredients

As half a dozen recent news stories on Thai ingredients made painfully clear, our food is messed up—organic certification or no organic certification. Fortunately, some restaurants are trying to blind us to that fact by telling us what province that cabbage was grown in, as if that makes any difference whatsoever. “Rice from Sisaket” and “pomelo from Nakhon Pathom” have become like the new “homemade ingredients” and “conscientiously chosen produce”—phrases that mean nothing but make you feel a lot happier about what you’re eating.

Hot: Buddhism

Not: Monks

It surprised no one when Mercedes maniac Janepob Verraporn scurried away to the monkhood after killing two students with his car. Nor that a temple billing itself as a wildlife sanctuary was packed full of lucrative and unregistered animal carcasses. Head over to the FCCT this week for a chat with two Buddhist scholars about how certain monks are distorting their religion beyond anything even remotely related to Buddhism. (goo.gl/07EM9u)

Hot: Matcha ice lollies Not: Giant cones If you go down to the Sehwen today you’re in for a big surprise: a freezer bursting with Glico ice cream. Yup, that little bubble is well and truly popped.

Good luck if you can get your hands on one of these little beauties, though: Japanese matcha ice bars imported direct from Japan and into our hearts. ♥♥♥

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

4

Viroj Yakham [the second from left], 47, originally formed his phin [Isaan guitar] band, Khun Narin Phin Prayuk, as a way to help young men in his village find jobs. Six years later, it is signed to a US record label and is embarking on its second tour to Europe this month. Here, we talk to Viroj and his son, Sumet Yakham, 25, about the journey.

How did you land on a US record label?

Sumet: It all started with a video I recorded on my phone. I normally work at a factory in Rayong. When I came back to visit my dad, I found out that he had just formed a band.

I wanted to help him promote it on social media so I recorded a clip and put it on YouTube with the hope it would help secure jobs from locals. One day, an Australian called Peter Doolan who studies Thai contacted me to say he’d loved to see the band. We started to record our music again to talk with labels and finally got a contract with Innovative Leisure. We have released two albums now.

How did the band start?

Viroj: I used to be a musician when I was younger, playing guitar, and worked as a handyman in Nongkhai. After working for more than a decade, I decided to come back home to Petchabun, where I saw the unemployed teenagers in my village playing music in their spare time. I just thought I wanted to help them make money from their music, so decided to gather them together to play music for special occasions like ordination ceremonies and weddings.

What was your first gig?

Viroj: It was an ordination ceremony in our village, Sak Ngoy in the Lom Sak district, which was followed by temple ceremonies like kathin and phapa [an annual Buddhist ceremony when robes are offered to monks at the monastery]. We were so blessed. We went to play at the 37th Trans Musicales, a French music event last year. Now we’re going to play at Roskilde Festival in Denmark this June 25.

What do you guys normally do?

Viroj: Now we have eight members and we’ve all kept our day jobs. I sell beef from my home, our phin player is a political science student at Rajabhat Phetchabun University, and our drummer is a janitor. We’re also farmers. We grow rice every year when the rain comes. Anyway, our members keep changing due to their age—some have grown up and left to work permanently or start families. The lineup has changed six times already. There are eight members now. I just help playing cymbals.

Sumet: I also still work at the factory and do some freelance photography both in Rayong and Bangkok. I rarely go home to help the band but do manage the tours if they need it.

Your instruments look different from the normal molam or phin bands. What’s your style of music?

Viroj: We have kind of adapted our style from phin bands. We combine modern instruments like bass and orchestral drums with Isaan’s phin.

It helps add more colorful rhythms from the usual phin band style, which only uses traditional long tom tom drums and rammana [a onesided drum with a shallow body].

Musically, we just create new melodies based on styles that people like, from molam queen Siriporn Umphaipong to Carabao. But phin remains the band’s lead instrument.

That’s why we call ourselves phin pra yuk [adapted phin band]. The phin player needs to be able to create sounds and change them while playing non-stop.

How does it feel to have signed with a US label and be invited to play abroad?

Sumet: It’s absolutely beyond our expectations, and all from a low-res video on my phone. It’s absolutely wonderful.

Viroj: I didn’t expect this either. We were nobodies and now we are on tour. We will try to keep on advancing our skill. We plan to buy more instruments and a car with a better sound system for ceremony jobs.

Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

Upfront_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 4

6/6/16 5:33 PM

P.5 Siam Paragon_Jun10_643.indd 2

6/3/16 5:28 PM

cover story

It’s halfway through 2016 and Bangkok’s nightlife scene is getting sexier every day. Here are 16 new reasons why you should so be out getting drunk right now. By Vasachol Quadri

THE LOCAL HOMEBREW SCENE HAS BEEN LEGALLY RECOGNIZED

LOCAL CRAFT BEER BARS ARE ALL OVER BANGKOK

1

2

Over the past few years, the Thai home brewing scene has been through a lot, from Chit Beer’s illegal hobby industry that started on Koh Kret in 2012 to the first two legal brews—Chiang Mai beer and Chalawan pale ale—getting recognized early in 2016. Stone Head is the latest bottle you can pre-order from Wishbeer. com. Our last conversation with the company’s founder, Panitan Tongsiri, also revealed that he soon plans to set up a platform to help other brewers make their beer legal.

All these developments would not have been possible if brewers hadn’t had the support of bars. Let the Boy Die (Luang Rd., 082-6759673) was probably the first bar in Bangkok (considering Chit Beer is actually in Nonthaburi) to sell local brews on tap. Now though you can find draft local brews all over town. Some of our favorites include the Korean-Mexican fusion joint Changwon Express (Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 092251-8661), beer website turned riverside bar Craft N’ Roll (Charan Sanit Wong Soi 92, 098260-9292), the quirkily named Where Do We Go (Ladprao Wanghin, 094-548-2326) and its Ladprao neighbor Sugar House Cafe, (Ladprao Soi 101, 089-789-6593).

Teens of Thailand

Vesper

6

Ma-Rum-Ba

Let The Boy Die

Junker & Bar

Changwon Express

3

THAILAND’S EVEN GROWING ITS OWN HOPS

SOFT DRINKS ARE GETTING AS SERIOUS AS THE SPIRITS

Nonthaburi’s craft-brew cred extends beyond Chit Beer now. We’ve just heard of another brewer up there called Devanom who’s actually founded Thailand’s first hops farm, with the debut harvest last February. Deva Farm & Cafe also grows hydroponic vegetables which you can buy wholesale or taste in the adjoining cafe. The whole place is open to the public, in fact—check out www.fb.com/DevaFarmCafe.

Smiling Mad Dog (also importer of Ink Gin, see left) kicked off the trend by bringing in premium tonic water East Imperial to go with their gin.

You can find it in three styles—Tonic Water, Burma Tonic Water and Ginger Beer—at the same bars specializing in gin (Teens of Thailand, Vesper and Junker & Bar). Now G’Vine importer, Brand Connect, has followed suit with the full line of Fever Tree, which includes tonic waters, sicilian lemonade, soda water and ginger ale.

NEW GINS MEAN G&TS HAVE NEVER BEEN TASTIER

4

On the white spirits side, this city’s finally welcomed some of the world’s most-trending gin brands. This year has seen the arival of G’Vine gin from France, which is distilled from grapes, the artisanal Sipsmith gin from London, and Aussie small-batch label Ink Gin, which is infused with butterfly pea. Check out all these bottles at Bangkok’s gin bars like Teens of Thailand (76 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 081-443-3784),Vesper (Convent Rd., 02-2352777) and Junker & Bar (Suanphlu Soi 1, 085100-3608).

5

THERE’S A RUM BAR THAT’S RUN BY RUM MAKERS

6

We thought Ma-Rum-Ba (Sukhumvit Soi 69/1, 084-024-7036) was just another Phra Kanong dive bar before we discovered it’s actually run by a trio of rum makers. Florian Tenhagen, Julian Gebhard and Sunanta Yousagoon’s tiny, semi-outdoor space serves their own Three Monkeys local rum brand in cocktails like mojito, daiquiri, pina colada and mai tai.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

Cover_Story_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 6

6/6/16 5:36 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Stay Refreshed in Style at Le Fenix Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 11 is an explosion of sights and sounds. In the heart of it all, Le Fenix is where to refresh yourself with made-to-order bites and a healthy chug of mineral water.

Flow Bar is an all-day (from 11am) bistro serving up classic comfort food. Located on the second floor of the hotel, it offers street views through its large bay window, which also lets in plenty of natural light. Try the massive bacon and cheese burger, a black bun packed with a Thai-French beef patty, crispy fried onion rings, bacon strips, cheddar cheese and house-made barbecue sauce. Or grab some beer and classic cocktails to pre-game before a big night. Either way, stay hydrated with the rejuvenating powers of Evian natural mineral water so you can stay at the top of your game.

Upstairs, L3 Eatery is a spacious dining room serving up a range of international options, from breakfast and brunch dishes to pasta and steaks.

There are also delicately-plated Thai dishes, from pad Thai to stir-fries, tom yum kung to green curry.

The perfect pairing for your feast? A palate-cleansing bottle of Badoit, the lightly natural mineral sparkling water.

If you’re staying the night, the modern-designed rooms each boast a comfortable bed, flatscreen TV and, of course, a minibar stocked with the finest mineral and sparkling waters.

Le Fenix Hotel, 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-305-4000

evian & BADOIT, premiumness from France for your venues & guests

Evian_Jun10_2.indd 21

6/6/2559 BE 4:53 PM

cover story ROOFTOP BARS HAVE HAD A REVIVAL

12 The Commons

There have never been so many new rooftop bars in Bangkok. One year after opening, Hotel Indigo on Wireless Road has set up Char Bar & Grill (25-26/F, Hotel Indigo Bangkok, Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999) on its roof, which consists of a restaurant zone on the 25th floor and a bar on top. Other newcomers include Dusk (Thonglor Soi 13), Top Knot (8-9/F, Hotel Once Bangkok, Charoenkrung Soi 72/2., 02-6882596), Bonfire (Rooftop/F, Rain Hill, Sukhumvit S o i 4 7, 0 6 1-850 -7 7 2 2 ) a n d 722 Craft Experience (9/F, Paradise Sukhumvit Hotel, Ekkamai Soi 12, 093-426-3591).

THE OLD COSMIC CAFE IS UNDER NEW HANDS AND HAS TURNED INTO AN EDM SPOT

13

Bonfire

Beam

RCA’s former indie hot spot is now Bar 21 (RCA, Soi Soonvijai, 080-302-9752). The same DJ who used to play at Moustache Bar and Live RCA, focuses on a new style of electronic tunes for RCA—think funky house and Berlin beats rather than the massive EDM tunes of Onyx or Route 66. We’re also told there’ll be live music occasionally. Drop by Sundays when they say they’ll be giving out free tapas.

La Monita Taqueria

TRAIN MARKET HAS ONE OF THE BEST NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUES

14

722 Craft Experience

TEQUILA AND MEZCAL ARE HERE IN A BIG WAY

7

We have importers like Bootleggers to thank for bringing in new bottles like Alipus and Los Danzantes mezcal. You can go to bars like La Monita Taqueria (Mahatun Plaza, Ploen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581) and Mexicano (formerly Senor Pico, Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-7100) to find them, or head over to Mejico (Groove, Central World), which has the most extensive collection of tequila and mezcal in town—over 160 labels.

Plus, Australian-born Mexican restaurant and self-proclaimed tequila bar Touche Hombre is opening very soon at 72 Courtyard (see below).

72 COURTYARD IS THE NEWEST NIGHTLIFE MALL

8

Thonglor has welcomed four new community malls so far this year. But while The Commons (Thonglor Soi 17) is all about coffee and food with just a bit of drink, 72 Courtyard (Sukhumvit Soi 55) on the opposite side of the street is dedicated to the night scene. On the first floor, Evil Man Blues jazz and cocktail bar has now opened behind Rocket coffee shop, while up above, Beam has become the best nightclub in town. Head up one more floor to find UNCLE, home to the cheapest cocktails of any quality on Thonglor. Then there’s Touche Hombre (see above) and a soon-to-open beer space.

8

UNCLE

9

THE MAKEOVER OF ST. REGIS BAR

The five-star hotel’s lobby bar with incredible views of Royal Bangkok Sports Club has become a destination in itself. Not only will you find some amazing local jazz and blues bands playing live (think the same people you find at Brown Sugar rather than stuffy hotel lounge piano), but the drinks list has also gone through a total overhaul. Trending bottles like Martin Miller’s, Edinburgh and G’Vine are all accounted for, along with some local producers like Iron Balls, Kristall G (from Chiang Mai) and Chalong Bay rum. The gin tonics (from B395) are a match for any hipster outfit, with specific gins paired with the right tonics and herbs. Make sure you go before the end of this month, because they’re offering two-for-one on cocktails (starting from B295) between 5-9pm Mon-Fri until Jun 30. 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777

10

TALAD NOI IS BACK

Soi Nana is still hot, and now its neighbor, Talad Noi, is getting in on the action. Soy Sauce Factory has a regular live music night and we’ve heard of a new French-slash-Americanbarbecue bar that’ll be opening in August. Stay tuned for updates.

Mejico

OUR LOCAL BARTENDERS ARE KILLING IT ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

11

Thailand’s bartenders are gaining some serious international recognition. This year, we had six venues make it into the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars (Hyde & Seek, Maggie Choo, Bamboo Bar, Teens of Thailand, Q&A and Vesper), which were followed by the news that Michelle Kai Lum, bartender of Vertigo Too (60/F, Banyan Tree, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200), had made it into the top eight of Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition’s global stage for his signature drink The Haole (white rum, white vermonth, lemon juice, pineapple syrup and ginger ale). And most recently, four Thai bartenders represented Thailand on the Southeast Asian stage of the Diageo World Class 2016, winning The Best Southeast Asia Bar Team 2016. Pailin "Milk" Sujjanit of Il Fumo (1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833) was crowned Thailand’s winner at the same competition and also won Southeast Asia Bartender of the Year 2016 and the “Local Flavors” challenge by Ketel One.

This new bar at Rod Fai Market 2 (Esplanade Complex, next to MRT Thai Cultural Center) might look like your regular cruddy Train Market dive pumping out live music in a space way too small for live music, but the roster of bands here are people we actually give a damn about.

At Speaker Box (084-662-6642), the music is more like something you’d find on Ekkamai— unlike the prices, which thankfully remain dive bar cheap.

DUDESWEET’S PROJECT FOR TAPAS SILOM SOI 4 HAS BEEN GIVEN A NAME

15

It’s called Third World Bar (Silom Soi 4) and themes its nights after stuff like “drunk and gay” and “artist’s house party.” Running since the beginning of May, it’s been packed pretty much every weekend.

LIGHTROOM FINALLY HAD ITS GRAND OPENING AND IS NOW IN BUSINESS

16

Dark Bar’s opposite number, Lightroom (Ekkamai Soi 10, 095-050-9095), received official recognition at the end of May and is now in business with a blend of white decor, sci-fi lighting, cool customers and heavy basslines.

Owner Nodnuanwan “Nod” Tatong shook up the Ekkamai after-hours scene when she opened Dark Bar at the end of 2014, with this latest opening promising to keep the buzz at Ekamai Mall going.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

Cover_Story_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 8

6/6/16 5:37 PM

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

P.9 SF Cinema_Jun10_643.indd 9

9

6/6/16 5:41 PM

escapes SAN FRANCISCO

Bay Today

Three great reasons why your summer should be all about San Francisco By Ric Stockfis

Iwan Baan

Cadence

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Four Seasons Hotel

N

After three years, SFMOMA is finally reopen—and it’s three times bigger than before While conversation in SF these days can too often turn to the city’s sky-high rents and the pros and cons of the tech giants on their doorstep, right now things are a little more cultured. After a three-year hiatus, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (151 Third St., www. sfmoma.org) reopened in mid-May, having undergone quite the renovation. A new, US$305 million, 10-story extension by Norwegian architects Snøhetta almost triples the display area to 175,000 sq feet, turning it into the country’s biggest modern art gallery (its display space is 40-percent larger than New York’s MoMA). Reception has been mixed, with many questioning the wisdom of modeling the huge facade at the rear of the building after the city’s infamous fog (The Guardian called it ”a gigantic meringue with a hint of Ikea”). But there’s no denying the scale, with 19 exhibitions in the opening season alone and a huge donation (technically a 100-year loan) of 1,000-something pieces of art from the Fisher family, founders of The Gap, including dozens of pieces by icons like Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Cy Twombly and Roy Lichtenstein. But there’s much more to it than just famous pop art, with, to give just a few examples, prominence for work by Ai Weiwei, a Bauhaus-inspired installation from Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes and vast, currently empty wall-space by the main staircase awaiting work by Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-born, New York-based artist. Whatever you make of it all, SFMOMA is the place everyone is talking about right now. It’s open daily from 10am5pm, with late-night Thursdays till 9pm. Entry is US$25 (B889).

Thanks to Twitter, some of the best dining in town is in Mid-Market There’s been a glut of restaurant openings in the City by the Bay over the last year—more than at any point in the last 15-20 years according to a recent piece in San Francisco Magazine—and the inevitable crash is probably not too far off. For now however, many of the current hot spots are all within a short walk of one another in the Mid-Market district—and it’s all (kind of) thanks to Twitter. In 2011, in an effort to stop tech firms jumping ship to Silicon Valley, the city began offering tax breaks to businesses that remained or set up in the then down-atheel Mid-Market and Tenderloin, with those above a certain size committing to community benefit programs. Twitter, who’d been most vocal about potentially leaving town, chose to stay, with Spotify and

10

others following suit. Despite question marks over whether the scheme has been a net benefit to the city, the result has been the rapid gentrification of previously dilapidated blocks, with new restaurants in abundance. Newcomer Cadence (1446 Market St.,www.cadencesf. com) is connected by a hallway to sister spot, Mr Tipple’s Recording Studio, a cocktail bar/jazz club hybrid that itself only opened at the end of last year. But whereas the latter is dark and moody, Cadence is all about ‘30s glam, with a two-sided tasting menu (meat on one, vegetarian on the other). Nearby Cala (149 Fell St., www.calarestaurant.com), which opened in September, focuses exclusively on seafood (think Santa Cruz abalone, trout tostada and Marin miyagi oysters), courtesy of Mexican star chef Gabriela Cámara—and there’s even a lunchtime tacos stand in the back. Also new on the block is The Perennial (59 Ninth St., www.theperennialsf.com), an upscale bistro from the folks behind the infamous, inventive Mission Street Food. Here they’re championing progressive farming through “eco-friendly comfort food,” such as morels with sprouted wheatberries, and trying to make the entire operation, “the most environmental ever.”

The outer ‘burbs are on the up Outer Sunset, which abuts the windswept Ocean Beach out West, isn’t somewhere most tourists venture. But thanks to cheap(er) rents, this primarily residential (and often foggy) ’burb is becoming increasingly popular, with the surf-bum-poets not yet forced out by all the new money. Outerlands (4001 Judah St., outerlandssf.com), a socially-conscious, rustic eatery offers the best brunch for miles. The name might hark back to a time when no one in their right mind would venture out this far but be warned: these days you can queue for hours. If you’d rather not wait—quite so long—try the cultish cinnamon toast at Trouble Coffee & Coconut Club (4033 Judah St.) right next door or go browse the cool handmade wares at General Store (4035 Judah St., www.visitgeneralstore.com). A little further away, the huge Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company (1735 Noriega St., sunsetbeersf.com), which opened up at the end of 2014, serving five of its own beers alongside an eclectic pub-grub menu, is the latest venture from the owners of the hugely popular Devil’s Teeth Baking Company (3876 Noriega St., www.devilsteethbakingcompany.com) down near the beach. Ocean Beach itself is notoriously windswept—it’s a challenging surf spot—but it’s a great place to get away from the city. And as Outer Sunset historically housed many of the city’s Asian immigrants, you can even finish up with a taste of home at Polly Ann Ice Cream (3138 Noriega St., is.gd/pollyannicecream), which has been serving up sesame, lychee and durian flavors for more than half a century.

Helynn Ospina

ot that you need too much persuasion to spend some time in San Francisco this summer, but thanks to a fabulous reopened museum and plenty of up-and-coming neighborhoods, you’ll have all the reasons you need. Here are just some.

The Perennial

Essentials HOW TO GET THERE There is no direct flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. But Delta Airlines might be the best option by price: from B33,705 with stops at Tokyo and Los Angeles. China Airlines is the best option for layovers as it stops only in Taipei, at B38,020, with a 17-18-hour flight.

WHERE TO STAY Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (757 Market St., www.fourseasons.com) is right in the heart of town, near Union Square and next door to SFMOMA and the rest of the Yerba Buena Arts District.

With 277 rooms spread across 12 floors of a 42-story building, it’s a fancy spot that makes a great base for exploring: cable cars, street cars and the BART are all right outside the door. Dining is at MKT, a classy, wood-panelled space harking back to the early days of newspaper printing in the city, with a locally-focused menu and stylish adjacent bar. The on-site Equinox Sports Club is one of the city’s largest fitness centers, and access to the facilities, including a basketball court, boxing ring and indoor pool is complimentary to hotel guests.

Rooms start from USD445 ($610).

VISAS Thais need a visa to visit the US, which costs B5,760. See details at goo.gl/tFf4NA.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

Escape_632_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 10

6/6/16 5:42 PM

ESCAPE ROUTES

By Joseph Samuel Lam and Monruedee Jansuttipan

PHUKET

Monkey Business Phuket’s leading zipline service, Flying Hanuman, has opened a new location in the south of the island. Hanuman World (062-979-5533, goo.gl/93jXSZ) lets you fly through the canopies stopping off at either 16 (B1,900) or 30 stations (B2,700). The main attraction, though, is the Roller Coaster zipline, which flings you along an 800-meter-long line at speeds of 60km an hour. This ride is usually priced at B1,700 per person, but Thai nationals can currently enjoy a reduced price of B1,000 per go. Away from the high-wire adventures, you can also take a leisurely stroll along the skywalk and dine at the on-site restaurant, Wanon (meaning monkey), which serves international as well as tangy Southern Thai food.

Try the Hanuman Prasanguy (Southern-style coconut curry with sator beans) served with shrimp chili paste while taking advantage of the 1.5-hour unlimited beer buffet at B499 per person. Available daily from 8am-10pm.

SAMUI

Fit and Fun Pioneering eco-friendly resort Tongsai Bay (www.tongsaibay.co.th) marks Samui’s tourist high season with a tempting “Bike & Hike” package. The four-night deal includes a half-day bike trip and mountain hike, as well as a pampering at the on-site Prana Spa. The package, which includes a stay in their gorgeous cottage suites, is B39,000 for two persons valid from now to Jun 30 and Sep 1-Dec 20. If you want to extend your stay further, their cottage suite rates start from B10,500 till Jul 31.

WEBSITES

Culinary Journey Launched by Etienne Marleau-Rancourt, Benjamin Ozsanay and Kowit Charoenratchatabhan, new startup Cookly works by linking inquisitive foodies up with the pros who know Southeast Asia’s culinary scenes best to offer cooking classes, market tours and other food-related activities. Travelers looking for an adventure can master the art of pho in Hoi An (starting from US$55 [B1,965]), take a beachside Balinese cooking class in Ubud (from US$31 [B1,107]), or enjoy wine tastings in Khao Yai (US$36 [B1,286]). Visit their website (www.cookly.me) for the full list of activities and to book your course in advance, and also check out their blog (www.culinarymission.com).

INDONESIA

Time of the Season Sprawling, suffocating Jakarta often gets a bad rap. But things might just be looking up for your next business trip with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (www.fourseasons.com/jakarta) this Jun 20. Located in the business district of Jalan Gatot Subroto, the all-suite hotel boasts 125 rooms with Four Seasons’ usual impeccable interiors. An outdoor pool and terrace offers panoramic views of Jakarta’s (often smog-filled) skyline. Guests can also get drink at the ground-floor Nautilus Bar or get pampered in one of their eight spa rooms, which include two VIP couples’ suites and a hammam. Room rates start from Rp3,888,000 (B10,215) including B2,624 worth of hotel credits.

Advertise in our free guide to the best new openings in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui and more. Coming this September 2016. sales@asia-city.co.th Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

EscRoutes_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 11

11

6/6/16 5:45 PM

avenue FASHION

Gentlemen’s Club Multi-label store Gin & Milk was a welcome addition to Bangkok menswear when it opened in 2014, gathering the top local designers in one place. Now, the same team has followed it up with the more mature styling of Pur Suit at the relaunched Siam Discovery. Here you’ll find more formal designs like Oxford shirts, suits, tuxes and accessories. Highlight brands include Mr. Painkiller, the new line from long-time menswear favorite Painkiller; the suits and tuxes line from P.Mith named P.Mith Black Label (younger lines P.Mith Brothers and P.Mith Club are still available at Gin & Milk); and our beloved formerly-online-only men’s basics specialist Wardrobe Ministry, which offers its full line of Oxfords, trousers and tees. But wait, there’s more: the ready-to-wear shirt line from tailor Vvon Sugunnasil, Greyhound’s men’s collection, accessories from Rams and the new pocket square collection from Ston Tantraporn, Byston.Thankfully, most prices stay pretty pocket friendly, too. 2/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.instagram.com/pur.suit

HEALTH

TECH

APP

Life Cycle

Mind Over Matter

Bike Wars

The range of Bangkok fitness studios keeps expanding. One of the latest is Absolute Cycle, an extension of the popular yoga and pilates brand Absolute You. Based on the concept of SoulCycle in the States (where Chloe Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham apparently met), Absolute Cycle sees class members cycling to the rhythm of an up-to-date Top-40 playlist rather than spinning their asses off to reach the highest RPM. Over a 45-minute workout, Absolute Cycle reckons you can burn between 500-800 calories. The first-timer package is B6,500 for 10 classes, valid for a month. Although still in its early months, the classes are already packed. 3/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 02-712-8383. Open daily 7:30am-9pm. BTS Thong Lo. www.fb.com/AbsoluteYogaandPilates

The event center C ASEAN has just revamped its ASEAN-focused library, Mind Space, into Thailand’s first library dedicated to helping start-ups. The small collection of books focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership and business management, with 90 percent of the titles in English and kept quite up to date. Members get access to Wi-Fi, online magazine database PressReader and online business database Euromonitor International. Although the library itself is rather tiny, the center is spacious with several reading/working spaces plus a coffee shop and an openair balcony offering a great view of Ratchada Road. Entrance fee is B100/day. Membership fees: adult B4,500/year, student B3,500/year. 10/F-14/F, Cyber World Tower, 90 Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-785-9999. Open daily 8am-8pm. MRT Thailand Cultural Center. www.c-asean.org

What if someone came up with an app to make motorcycle prices transparent, allowing credit card payments and forcing drivers to supply a clean helmet to their passengers? Well, the government would ban it, of course. But following the demise of UberMoto and GrabBike last month, the Motorcycle Taxi Association of Thailand has now launched its own app, GoBike. Though the booking process seems pretty simple—set your pickup and drop-off points and the app will calculate the fare rate for you before you confirm (starting from B20)—for now the app’s main problem is it barely seems to work anywhere. We’ve tried to book rides from Sathorn without any luck.

12

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

AVN_Landing_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 12

6/7/16 9:52 AM

avenue FASHION

TREND PICKS

Hot to Trot

Must-have items from local Instagram fashion stores

What better way to beat Bangkok’s heat than with these 10 lighter-than-air pieces. By Thaksaporn Thiengthamcharoen

Printed strappy dress, Zara, B1,690

Patterned A-line dress, H&M, B1,377

OFF-SHOULDER TOPS Summerdaze Store The Jolie top comes in white, blue and pale pink with button detailing down the center while the Madison top is available in white and denim. Versatile, casual and girly, they make a fun alternative from the usual basics, and can be paired with any bottoms, from skirts to culottes. The B450 price is a steal. www.instagram.com/summerdazestore

Embroidered sleeve jumpsuit, Bershka, B1,59 Flower print dress, Mango, B2,490

Flared dress with V-neck lacing, H&M, B1,799

KIMONOS Everythingestok The brand’s latest Resort 2016 collection features a white lace kimono (B1,290) and a rose-patterned chiffon kimono with velvet edges (B990). Kimono cardigans are effortlessly carefree, light and airy. Plus, they come in many different patterns and embroidery styles. The store will have a pop-up booth at Emquartier on Jun 25-26. www.instagram. com/everythingestok

Floral jumpsuit, Pull & Bear, B1,290

Flower printed long sleeve jumpsuit, CPS Chaps, B1,814

Long tricolor dress, Zara,B1,690

Essentials Strappy striped jumpsuit, Bershka, B1,690

Zara, Mango, Bershka and Pull&Bear, CPS Chaps. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam/Chit Lom Pom-pom detailed playsuit, Topshop, B1,990

H&M. G/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-646-1077. BTS Siam/Chit Lom Topshop. 3/F Central Chidlom, Ploen Chit Rd., BTS Chit Lom

TIE-DYE Sparks Blue Hand-dying makes each item in this sensational bohemian lineup unique. The garments include original blue-dyed cardigans and flowy long pants which come in cloud patterns and shibori style—perfect if you’re searching for a statement item that will make your outfit stand out. www.instagram.com/ sparksblue BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

AVN_Fashion 643_Jun10_16.indd 13

13

6/3/16 4:34 PM

avenue

Coin ch belt Mang B990

Home Decor Zone

SHOPPING

Mall Discoveries Siam Discovery’s bright, futuristic makeover is the talk of the town.

Here are the shopping highlights. By Vaschol Quadri

Loft

Object of Design Store (O.D.S)

Pur.Suit

Tokyobike

INTERIOR

Object of Design Store (O.D.S) This collaboration with the Department of Export Promotion stocks lifestyle products and home decor from some 160 award-winning and emerging Thai designers. Our top picks include jewelry and accessories from Demark Award-winning labels Trimode and Plural Designs, ceramics from Yarnnakarn Art & Craft Studio, and pop art-inspired furniture from 56th Studio and Cast. Up-and-coming designers to keep an eye on include Sur (table lamps), R.Noo Studio, Ce’halo (ceramics) and Patapian (wooden home decor). Prices are pretty pocket-friendly, too.

3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/ objectsofdesirestore

The Loft The re-opening packs in an almost completely new selection, much of which comes from Japan. The cosmetics and home accessories zone is like a combination of Daiso and Tsuruha with fancier products (and higher prices)—expect brands like Shiseido Perfect Whip, Kizzei and Dolly Wink. There’s a new coffee zone filled with everything from French press to Aeropress to drip coffee accessories. And there are still plenty of headphones, desk gadgets and stationery, too.

2/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/loftbangkok

The Whole Home Decor Zone Not only is high-street decor brand Habitat back in Bangkok, it’s joined by Hay, the Danish brand likened to Muji for its minimally designed stationery, tableware and other home accessories. The zone is also home to the mid-century-evoking designs of Jonathan Adler, the contemporary plastic furniture of Kartell, the iconic metal copper pieces of Tom Dixon, and the creative, eco-friendly accessories of Thai designer Thinkk Studio.

3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/siamdiscovery

FASHION

BIKES

Pur.Suit

Tokyobike

This multi-label store is the older brother of Siam Center’s Gin & Milk and gathers formal menswear from Thai designers like Painkiller and P.Mith. See the full profile on Avenue Landing, page 12.

This independent bicycle company from the Tokyo suburb of Yakana already has a cute branch in Ari. But now you can pick up a pretty pastel set of wheels in the city center. Located on the fourth floor, the shop offers the Classic Sport model (B26,3000) and there’s even a little park for you to test ride. Aside from tees and shorts, you can also pick up helmets and bike bags.

M/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.instagram.com/pur.suit

Cazh Here, you’ll find streetwear and casualwear for guys and girls from Thai designers and imported Asian brands. Local highlights include Rotsaniyom’s first men’s collection, Playhound, Curated, Dry Clean Only, Boyplain and Pattric Boyle, to name a few. As for foreign brands, Ekkamai store Onion will have a menswear corner here, while you can also pick up kooky cult Korean menswear brands Drink Beer Save Water and Sewing Boundaries. There are also vintage pieces from Thonglor’s Wooden Submarine and customized jeans from Selvedgework. Shoes and accessories come from the likes of Chubasco and Cote et Ciel, while you can pick up customized kicks from Walk in Men.

4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/TokyobikeTH

Motor-Culture The mall has teamed up with Rubbers Magazine to open this store that’s all about bikes. Highlights are popup shops from motorcycle accessories brands like Life and Kustom, Mooneye, Elder Helmet and Deus Ex Machina, plus the rotating exhibition zone which displays celebrities’ custom-made bikes.

2/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.f b.com/ rubbersmagazine

1/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. www.instagram.com/cazhcrew

Three Design Shops We Love Outside of Siam

ANOTHER STORY

GOOD DESIGN STORE

ROOM FACTORY

This concept store gathers designer products from all over the world with a heavy focus on stationery and home decor, plus some fashion. The huge one-stop space also comprises a gallery, cafe and flower shop. Aside from the imports, you’ll find product from Thai designers like Grey Ray stationery, Plural Design home decor and Thinkk Studio pendant lamps.

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 dedicated to award-winning design from Japan's Good Design (or G Mark) Award. You can also shop for award-winning products from Thailand.

First opened at Siam Discovery (3/F) is one of Bangkok’s longest-standing multi-label stores for locally designed home decor (though they stock international brands, too). Its new openings at Central Embassy (4/F) and Emquartier (3/F) see a larger selection of Thai designer brands, mostly mid-size furniture and smaller decorative items.

4/F, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6138/9. BTS Phrom Phong. www.fb.com/AnotherStoryOfficial

14

4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5686. BTS Phloen Chit. www.fb.com/gooddesignstore

4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., Open daily 10am-10pm.

BTS Phloen Chit. www.fb.com/roomconceptstore

BK Magazine Friday, Jun 10, 2016

AVN_Shopping 643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 14

6/6/16 5:50 PM

bites & blends NEW CHEF

Refreshed Look Bangkok’s longstanding Indian kitchen has just got a new chef and, for the first time in several years, revamped how its dishes look. Known for making reliable traditional Indian food for more than a decade, Indus admits that only subtle changes have ever been made to its menu. Now though, new chef Anil Kumar has given a more contemporary look to classic dishes like the tandoori malai broccoli (B340) and kebab-e-malai (chicken kebab) (B380). Don’t worry, though. Indus still stays true to traditional Indian cooking methods. Chef Kumar has also added some new items, inspired by the coastal area of India where he’s from. Don’t miss the tawa lobster (grilled marinated lobster, B1,650) and alubukhara kofta (cottage cheese and dried plum dumplings, B320). 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900

NEW MENU

VISITING CHEF

EVENT

Star Credentials

Streets Ahead

Master Farmer

La Vie, the French fine-dining spot at Vie Hotel, has a new man on board, and he comes with some serious credentials. Nicolas Basset has worked for two of the biggest players on the London dining scene: Albert Roux, who won Britain its first three Michelin-star back in 1982, and Marcus Wareing, former partner of Gordon Ramsay and current holder of two Michelin stars for his restaurant Marcus. Chef Basset has revamped both lunch and dinner set menus, as well as the a la carte. Classics like La Vie salad with warm confit duck leg (B550) and rib-eye steak (150day grain fed) with truffled pommes purée and beef jus (B1,200) play a big part. Lunch sets cost B799. 11/F, Vie Hotel, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939. BTS Ratchathewi

Among all the visiting chefs from Michelin-starred and World’s 50 Best restaurants, one of Bangkok’s favorite European bistros is taking a more down-to-earth approach. From Jun 9-13, Quince welcomes guest chef Pierre Bouko-Levy from Paris’s cult-favorite Israeli eatery Miznon to showcase his talents. Originated in Tel Aviv, Miznon specializes in humbly-presented Israeli street food made using quality ingredients. The menu is yet to be confirmed but chef Bouko-Levy’s dishes include soft handmade pita bread stuffed with slow-cooked juicy lamb, roast chicken, vegetarian-friendly ratatouille and choux farci (cabbage rolls)—all of which are available on the al a carte menus at both lunch and dinner.

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478. www.fb.com/quincebangkok

Through Jun 30, Scarlett, the 37th-floor wine bistro with sweeping views of lower Silom and the river, serves special dishes made with prized Kobe beef from Japan’s wine-making Hyogo prefecture. Visit by Jun 11 and you can also catch “master farmer” Takeshi Yamada, who will wax lyrical on how he feeds his cattle a mixture of corn, oats, wheat and grape pomace from the wine production process, resulting in a sweet, lean taste with high marbling. Taste Yamada’s beef rare to medium-rare in the forms of beef carpaccio with imperial caviar and turnip mousse (B660), burger with red-wine caramelized onion, aioli, cheese and truffle fries (B1,100), or good old rib eye (B2,800) and rump (B1,900) steaks. 37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-2381991, 089-108-8744 BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BB_Landing_643_Jun10_16.indd 15

15

6/3/16 7:09 PM

bites SUSHI

Go Fish Top sushi restaurants roll out unbeatable deals.

Be quick! By Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Sousaku

Sushi Hiro

Tenyuu Grand

Sushi Mori

Nippon Kai

Sousaku

Sushi Hiro

One of Ari’s favorite affordable sushi places just got a new home.

Now located on Ari Soi 4, the new spot still offers up chunks of fresh fish in various forms. On top of classic nigiri sushi, you can find fusion ingredients like snow crab and Thai mud crab roe. They also constantly roll out new dishes, taking inspiration from several sushi places in Japan.

The sushi empire has been dramatically growing in the past year.

(They now have 10 branches and counting.) You may still have to queue up in front of some branches though. Known for its fresh produce dished up simply, Sushi Hiro takes its fish so seriously, they hold a fish-filleting show regularly.

The deal: Sousaku regularly has promotions going on with different set dishes. Catch the Sashimi Icedome featuring otoro, chutoro, hon akami, salmon toro, hotate and rotating white fish at B1,499 with a free crispy salmon roll or salmon sandwich right now.

The deal: They have a strong Line account worth following, which they use as a direct way to communicate some really amazing deals including regular discounts of up to 70 percent. Act fast though; they’re only valid for a couple of days.

39/1 Ari Soi 4, 02-279-2461. www.fb.com/SousakuSushi

Ten branches. Try Eight Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 080-0804951. www.fb.com/SushiHiroThailand

Sushi Mori

Nippon Kai

This Sathorn office-crowd favorite is nestled on the mezzanine floor of Sathorn Square building. The decor combines metal and wood, a red-lit bar and smoke-patterned screens for a look that stands out from your average Japanese opening. While the main focus is sushi and sashimi using fish delivered every other day (plus daily-delivered Norwegian salmon), there are also plenty of hot dishes.

Now with six branches in town, the chain is backed by a big importer of Japanese produce. Our favorite joint though is the twostory Nippon Kai Market comprising a sushi bar and Japanese market on the first floor where you can buy premium imported seafood either to take home or have the chef whip up right there. Head up to the second floor for a cozier dining area that feels less like a shop.

The deal: The up-to-50-percent deals rotate across different dishes and are offered on a bi-weekly basis. From now till Jun 15, you can get the Stamina Bowl (fresh quail egg, salmon roes, uni, surf clams, akami and pickled wasabi, B600) and Super Salmon Crunchy Roll (B380) at just half these prices.

The deal: Another solid Line user, Nippon Kai offers weekly-rotating deals to those who follow its account. There are also daily deals highlighting different dishes, like B180 foie gras sushi from the regular B300 every Thursday.

M/F, Sathorn Square, Sathorn Rd., 092-424-4040. BTS Chong Nonsi. www. fb.com/sushimori.bangkok

Tenyuu Grand Situated in the heart of busy Sathorn, this welcoming white house surrounded by a Japanese garden is a haven for sushi lovers. The imported ingredients are delivered fresh daily and put together as both the classics and tweaked dishes. Some of creative options include the salmon pizzado (B650), featuring a thin naan-like crust topped with fresh salmon, shallots, tomato, Japanese chili and a special creamy dressing. Expect first-class service, too.

The deal: Here, they always offer changing, produce-based discounts. For now, it’s Hokkaido king crab dishes at half prices, like taraba sashimi and grilled taraba. Till Jun 30.

66 Sathorn Rd., 095-247-2988. www.fb.com/tenyuugrand

16

Sendo Sushi

9:53 Art Mall, 124 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-662-5683. www.fb.com/ nipponkaimarket

Sendo Sushi This new sushi contender hides away on the second floor of a new mall, Maze Thonglor. Here, the focus goes straight to the sushi and rice dishes while there’s also some space for the likes of grilled fish and salad. Try the recommended salmon saikyo roll, featuring aburi salmon, avocado and miso mayo sauce (B350) and yakuza roll (fresh scallop, chutoro, salmon, and hamachi on top of eel and avocado roll, B700).

The deal: Right now they’re offering 40-percent discount on every item on the menu. Get there quick, we don’t know when this deal’s going to end.

2/F, Maze Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 063-175-1599. www. fb.com/sendosushithonglor

Sushi Shin

Sushi Shin Young Bangkokians just can’t get enough of this sushi bar, which combines affordable raw fish, a host of deals and a decor of pale wood that evokes Muji’s minimalism. The popularity isn’t just down to its actor-owner, Pakorn “Boy” Chatborirak, either. Sashimi and classic sushi options coexist with signature pieces that don’t shy from tempura crumbs, a bit of blow-torching, a sprinkling of shrimp eggs and a dollop of freshly chopped wasabi.

The deal: Each month there are different deals. This month, for example, you can get salmon sashimi at B145 instead of B290 and Poseidon sashimi set at B1,360 from B2,723.

2/F, Nihonmura Mall, Thonglor Soi 13, 091-021-8985. www.fb.com/ sushishinthailand

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BB_Bites_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 16

6/6/16 5:51 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

Saneh Jaan Phloen Chit's fancy new Thai restaurant draws on old-school recipes.

The buzz: After last year’s renovation of the Sindhorn Building, with the Glasshouse food complex in front and a few restaurants inside, a sizable traditional Thai fine-dining restaurant has finally been added to its collection of swanky dining spots.

The decor: Contrasting with the old-school Thai food, Saneh Jaan sits in an elegantly designed, contemporary space with plenty of style. The large, high-ceilinged dining hall is lined with photos of attractions from around the country as well as pieces of writing by nationally-renowned poet Naowarat Pongpaiboon. A red-dominated lounge welcomes guests, while private rooms sit on both sides of the space.

18

The food: Food guru Torroong Jarungidanan, who wrote a food column in Matichon, published two cookbooks and also owns Simmer

by Praha in the same building, was brought in to devise the menu, which is built around selective Thai ingredients—shrimp paste from Krabi, pomelo from Nakhon Pathom, local KU beef, and veggies which the owner grows in the restaurant's own garden on Soi Tonson. The herbal Northern-style gai baan kua bai jan (B550) sees free-range chicken stir-fried with wild basil, while the gaeng ranjuan (shrimp-paste pork soup, B380) features local Kurobuta pork tendons. The five-spiced egg with soybean paste showcases egg braised for three days with baby pork belly and tofu, resulting in a super-firm egg and powerful flavors. Somchun (B350), a rare dessert of fresh fruits in citrus and kaffir lime syrup, is also on the menu.

The drinks: Sompong Boonsri (also of Cigar One, in the same complex) heads the lounge bar and has created an eponymous signature cocktail (B250), which features Disaronno Amaretto, lemon, orange juice and syrup. He also curates the long list of more than 40 whiskies (from B220). Wine starts from B250 by the glass.

Why you should care: Saneh Jaan provides bold Thai flavors in an elegant setting, though neither of those things come cheap. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Glasshouse at Sindhorn, 130-132 Wireless Rd., 02-650-9880. Open daily 6-10pm

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BB_NNOD_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 18

6/6/16 6:49 PM

Wonderwall #26

TABLE TALK Dream Loft

Koryoriya-te

Paintbar

NEW AND NOTED

Home Sweet Home At Ratch Osathanugrah's Dream Loft (3/F, The Taste Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-101-9431), you can lounge back on one of the sofas or daybeds to watch TV using the provided wireless headphones while having your choice of international dishes.

There’s no big name involved in the menu, but the nicely-plated food here features popular dishes like colorful pan-seared foie gras with raspberry sauce and fresh fruits (B575) or angel hair pasta topped with a whole crab shell (B975). Signature cocktails include Wet Dream (tequila, gin, blue curacao, lime juice, Shark energy drink, B330) and Tom Kha 11 (vodka, malibu, tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, crushed galangal, kaffir and lemongrass, B330).

Hole in the Wall In contrast to the dark original venue on Sukhumvit Soi 31, the new Wonderwall, called Wonderwall #26 (A Square, Sukhumvit

Soi 26, 099-424-6592), sits in a bright, cozy space (courtesy of Begray design) on a pleasant-looking street off Sukhumvit Soi 26. On top of the signature Wonderwall blend coffee (from B60) from P&F roaster and familiar baked items, the cafe also adds a breakfast and brunch menu, consisting of things like eggs Benedict on waffle (B220). The slow bar features selected rotating beans from Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

Kanpai Culture Phra Khanong's new low-key Japanese speakeasy Koryoriya-te (24 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 092-472-0701) serves a full range of shochu, sake, umeshu, Japanese whiskey and beers, plus an ever-changing snack menu. Inside the dimly-lit, wood-heavy venue, situated next to Kinjo Okinawa Restaurant, you'll find big Japanese shochu brands like Nikaido (B200) and Doragame as well popular sake brands such as Masumi (B220 glass, B420 bottle). The snacks include the likes of smoked pork jerky (B80) and anchovy potato salad (B120). Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Joseph Lam

6/F, Piman 49, 46/4 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 081-612-6105.

Open Tue-Sat 2-10:30pm; Sun 2-6pm Paintbar Bangkok combines art and nightlife by running painting classes in a bar. Perfect your brushstroke while sipping on craft beer (Punk IPA, St. Bernardus WIT and Abt 12, B240), cider (Brothers, B270) or wine (Robert Mondavi Private Selection, B240/glass). They also serve reasonably priced tapas like meatballs and nachos (both B120). Don’t worry if you’re out of practice. An instructor will guide you through each painting step-by-step. You can also choose your starting time, from 2:30pm onwards. B799 covers painting supplies, a canvas and 2-2.5 hours’ instruction.

Reservations recommended.

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only for Citi Ultima, Prestigue, Preferred and Select. (Today - 31 Dec 16)

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BB_NNOD_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 19

19

6/6/16 6:49 PM

We can tell your story.

Social Media & Content Provision

bites FOOD REVIEWS

Guides & Magazines Jirafu HHHH Japanese. 665 Ladprao Rd. (in front of Ladprao Soi 5), 02-002-9989. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 5-11pm. Corkage charge B100. F

The recent opening of cool new shops, cafes, bars and record stores are proof that Ladprao is becoming one of the hottest hoods in town. For the past year, the area’s even had its own izakaya, Jirafu, which has been such a success that it has since expanded to two more spots in Pinklao and Ramintra. The original branch on Ladprao Soi 5 still attracts regular customers to its spacious two-story warehouse decked out with raw concrete, industrial black steel beams and fake maple trees in the vivid shades of a Japanese fall. The dining yard with its giant projector wall make the place feel more

BAAN MAI KHAO

GUIDE TO PHUKET

Apps & Websites

Avra

HHHH

Greek. G/F, Lotus Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-2582877. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm; daily 6-11pm. BTS Phrom Phong. BB-BBB

Asia City Media Group’s custom solutions can win you a bigger audience and deeper engagement.

Our clients include

Compared to its Mediterranean neighbors, Greek cuisine is severely underrepresented in Bangkok. That’s a shame. At least we now have Avra to serve up the country’s meaty, tangy, olive oil-doused dishes. From its Santorini-evoking blue-and-white color scheme, this long, slender restaurant does a great job replicating the boisterous atmosphere of a Greek taverna. The outdoor terrace might not offer too much excitement (it’s the lobby of a hotel, after all), but inside is a charming mix of whitewashed stone walls and hanging earthen pots that doesn’t overstep the line into kitsch. When we last visited on a Wednesday night, the place was close to full with several large groups taking advantage of the four-course evening set menu (B650, eat-4-pay-3), while the owners and chef worked the room with smiles and small talk. The food mostly lives up to the surrounds, too, starting with the mezze. The pita bread (B50) is some of the softest we’ve tasted in town. Order it with tzatziki (yogurt dip), melitzanosalata Ratings

Price guide

PPPP

B BB BBB BBBB

Forget it

PPPP

Call us today at 02-624-9654 Email advertising@asia-city.co.th www.asia-city.com

Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

like a suburban Thai pub than a Japanese tavern, and the menu runs the full course of Nippon dishes, from udon and soba to to tempura, maki, sushi, sashimi and izakaya-style grilled meat staples. The sushi station does some good work with its sushi and maki—the Engawa Saikyo Delight (B135) features well-torched salmon and a smothering of delicious miso-saiko sauce, while the salmon unagi cheese roll (B380) also benefits from a tangy miso sauce. Shame the same level of flavor couldn’t rub off on other dishes like the Jirafu yaki mori (B450). None of the selection of grilled vegetables and meats on sticks taste like they’ve been marinated for long enough to absorb enough flavor.

The wagyu teppan steak (B850) isn’t too exciting, either. Though the meat is tasty, it comes swimming in an oily pan. Since this neighborhood lacks any really decent Japanese restaurants, we don’t blame the people who visit on the regular— it does the job well enough for when you’re too lazy to go some place else. But factor patchy, unorganized service into the fact that the food is rarely anything spectacular, and it’s hard to see why you’d visit Jirafu for any reason other than it being close to where you live. (eggplant dip), fava (yellow split peas dip) and, our particular favorite, tarama (smoked cod roe dip), at B135-195 each, or get three of your choice for B250. These dips are arguably the star of the place, recurring in various meat and seafood mains such as the excellent xtapodi me fava (grilled octopus with fava, B395). The octopus tentacle is just the right chewiness and comes with wonderful charred notes, but what really elevates the dish is the caramelized onion which cuts through the dense fava. The xorini souvlaki (grilled pork on skewers with pita bread, tzatziki and fries, B320) spotlights tender, wellmarinated chunks of meat—don’t mind the bland fries. The moussaka (layered minced beef with eggplant, potato, bechamel and zucchini, B390) is a hearty casserole that stands out from lasagne for its sweet, juicy eggplant that’s balanced out by the savory beef. Desserts are not to be overlooked. The Turkish-inspired kataifi (B200) is evidence of the chef’s upbringing in the Eastern port city of Thessaloniki. This nutty, syrupy treat tastes like a mix between baklava and Thailand's foy thong, topped with an eggy custard, cream and a liberal sprinkling of cinnamon. It’s totally worth the calories.

Not everything is a hit—the spanakotyropita (pastry with spinach and feta, B195) are like hollowed-out spring rolls—but there’s plenty worth revisiting for. Competition may be scarce, however Avra does a convincing take on the fresh, well-rounded flavors of Greece. For the full experience, order a glass of Tsantali ouzo (B180), an aniseflavored spirit typically mixed with water, to sip throughout your meal.

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

Symbols

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

Get the best of Bangkok delivered straight to your inbox every day with the new BK Daily newsletter. www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

20

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

1/2V_2.indd 1

BB_Food_Reviews_643_June10_16 _New.indd 20

6/6/2559 BE 6:13 PM

6/7/2559 BE 10:39 AM

now SUN Common Grounds

SAT Road to Glory

This Jun 12, food-focused mall The Commons (Thonglor Soi 17) turns into an allday picnic destination for the second edition of its Wild Rumpus Day. Expect a food market, live jazz from the musicians behind Sweet Records, s’mores-making sessions with Meat and Bones, as well as workshops and theater performances.

One of the city’s biggest EDM festivals, Road to Ultra, returns this Jun 11 at BITEC (88 Bang Na Trat Rd.), promising a line-up comparable to the original event in Miami.

Headliners include huge names like Martin Garrix and Avicii, the latter of which will be making his last performance before officially retiring from the music scene.

They’ll be joined by DJs including Jauz, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Ninegod, Skinny Mark and Super L. Oh, and Ansolo (aka the guy from The Fault in Our Stars and the Divergent series) will also be making an appearance.

SUN Garden of Delight If you’ve passed by BTS Thong Lo over the past few weekends, you’ll have seen the Garden of TFest, a garden-themed pop up market that’s found a home for itself at Fragrant Park (Sukhumvit Soi 36).

With its final weekend this Jun 10-12, expect the crowds to be even bigger than ever at this market gathering over 250 stalls of trending fashion brands selling clothes, accessories, bags and more.

Of course, there will be a ton of food and drink stalls, too.

WED Moto Madness Calling all motor heads—ride over to Lumphini Park for Rubbers Rebel Ground, a fair running through Jun 12 organized by Rubbers Magazine.

Aside from being able to check out really, really cool motorbikes (and buy them if you have the money), you can catch trick demonstrations from professionals throughout the day as well as opportunities for test drives. On top of that, the team from Jam Factory’s popular Knack Market will also take over the grounds with food and fashion booths.

SUN Mod Cons Real and virtual worlds intertwine this June 11 at Simulator, an art exhibition taking place at Ubaan Art Station (204 Soi Chinda Thawin, Si Phraya Rd.) by Winyagorn Junthasiri, Rath Panircharoenphol, Chatchai Wutimananon and Porramet Jittaksa which combines mixed-media works ranging from graphic design to paintings in order to explore the increasing impact technology has on our world.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BK Now_643_June10_16_NEW.indd 21

21

6/6/16 6:09 PM

now LIVE MUSIC

NIGHTLIFE

Jelly Rocket

Jason Chance

classical RACHMANINOFF AND NIELSEN

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gudni A. Emilsson and featuring guest pianist Gun Chaikittiwatana, performs pieces by Rachmaninoff and Nielsen. Jun 10, 7pm; Jun 11, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500.

ROMANCE IN THE AIR: FRENCH POETRY AND MUSIC Max Vangeli

Julian Perez

JULIAN PEREZ

1979LIVE: BOUNCY JUNE

The Ibiza-based DJ and producer, who has played at festivals such as Outlines and Sunwaves, makes his Southeast Asia debut with a night of house and techno with support from local DJ Sunju Hargun. Jun 10, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B350 (includes one drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

Three up and coming bands, including the indie-pop Telex Telexs, dream-wave Vivid Dream and lo-fi The Proper Clan, perform live. Jun 12, 4pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 086-606-2230. B150. BTS Thong Lo. FREDDIE GLITCH

THE WHITE BALL

The massive vintage masquerade party promises Champagne, canapes and music from DJs Maarten Goetheer and Karl Andy. Dress code is white and masked. Jun 10, 10pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-0010697. BTS Chong Nonsi.

ROAD TO ULTRA 2016

One of the city's biggest EDM festivals returns, headlined by Avicii, known for his massive hits "Wake Me Up" and "Hey Brother," and Martin Garrix, the DJ behind "Turn Up the Speakers" and "Forbidden Voices". Jun 11, 5pm.

BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-7493939. B2,700. BTS Bang Na. STEREO SATURDAYS FT. JASON CHANCE

The house and techno DJ, who has performed at Ministry of Sound and Pacha, visits Bangkok. Supported by local DJs Tommy Nori and Knatz Srirongmuang.

Jun 11, 9pm. Ce La Vi, 39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02108-2000. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

HASTA LA DISCO

DJs Koish and Jaydubb spin their best '70s and '80s disco hits, promising plenty of bongo and Mexican trumpet sounds. Jun 11, 10pm. Revolucion Cocktail, 50 Sathorn Soi 10. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

22

The Dutch deep house and nu garage DJ takes over the decks as part of his Asian tour, with support from DJs Tom and Maarten Goetheer. Jun 17, 10:30pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Free.

BTS Chong Nonsi.

URBAN POOL PARTY

The last edition of the afternoon-evening pool party before the rainy season hiatus features 7 DJs including Ehh Kay, Bomber Selecta, and Champ Promdee, who'll be spinning the best of hip-hop, r&b, pop, trap and twerk. After party at Sway, Thonglor Soi 10. Jun 18, 2pm.

Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. B500 includes one drink.

MRT Lumphini.

CONTRAST EP.2

San Francisco-based house and electronic DJ Max Vangeli hosts the second edition of the club's EDM series. Jun 18, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. B500.

BANGKOK BOAT PARTY

A boat party on the Chao Phraya River, featuring hip-hop, house and techno music from DJs Juany Bravo, Skinny Mark and Tony B, along with special UK guest DJ Lazru. The boat leaves from Sathorn Pier, Saphan Taksin. Jun 18, 9:30pm. B900.

The library hosts a concert by the Ibycus Chamber of Music, featuring Sophie Tanapura (soprano), Bunnapat Tangphiboon (flute) and Noriko Nakashima (piano), playing romantic French pieces. There will be a chance to meet the performers after the concert. Jun 12, 7pm.

Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-2331731. B600.

BSO CLASSICAL CONCERT NO.3

Jasmine Choi, the Korean woodwind player known for performing with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, plays alongside pianist and conductor Stefano Miceli and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Jun 14, 8pm.

Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02262-3456. B300-800. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

gigs COME ON IS SUCH A JOY VOL. 5

The live music series' fifth edition returns to the loftstyle bar and art space with emerging Thai indie musicians Jinta, Kawin and The Proper Clan. Jun 11, 8pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-835-6824. B300.

Jazz on Sunday

JAZZ ON SUNDAY / WEEK 2 "ALTO SAX / VIBES / GUITAR"

As part of their Sunday live jazz music series, the community mall welcomes a performance by Teerus Laohverapanich playing the alto sax, Sittan Chananop playing the vibraphone and Peerachuch Keesiri playing the guitar. Jun 12, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Free.

ROCK 'N' ROLL: PARTY #3

Eight local rock bands, including Be the Light, Pretty Punks, Temple Boxers and more, cover the biggest rock 'n' roll hits from the 1960s through 2000 from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Slipknot and Oasis. Jun 15, 7pm. Parking Toys' Watt, 164 Soonvijai Soi 14, 02-318-1415, 081-814-7919. B100.

AVANT GARDE ELECTRONIC : LIVE SESSION

A night of live experimental electronic music from local bands Nolens.Volens, Marmosets, Space Telexxx and Sweed&Bunnyman. Jun 15, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. FETE DE LA MUSIQUE

In celebration of World Music Day, join local bands My Life as Ali Thomas (indie-folk), DCNXTR (electro-pop, Jelly Rocket (dream-pop) and Monomania (alt-rock) for a night of live performances. On top of the music, there's also a screening of music documentary Eden as well as an indoor and outdoor flea market. Jun 18, 2pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Wireless Rd., 02-670-4200. Free. MRT Lumphini.

PLAN AHEAD Two Door Cinema Club Update Northern Irish indie-rockers Two Door Cinema Club will be making their way to Bangkok (barring any sudden illnesses) this Aug 17. Tickets will go on sale this Jun 18, priced at B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor and B2,500 on the door.

The location, however, is still yet to be announced, though the event listing on Thaiticketmajor says tickets are limited and "when they're gone they're gone."

The band will be supported by local poprock bands Tattoo Colour and Tabasco, the latter of which was supposed to support TDCC back in 2012 before the concert was canceled. There are also murmurings of an official after party, though details have yet to be announced.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BK Now_643_June10_16_NEW.indd 22

6/6/16 6:09 PM

now ART EXHIBITIONS

SALES & MARKETS

CULTURES FROM 10 COUNTRIES

FRAGMENTS OF EMOTION

A collection of watercolor paintings capturing daily life and cultures from various Asian countries by artist Weerapan Phiwhoom. Through Jun 30. Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Soi 1, 02-629-2026.

Artist Pataraporn Sansing exhibits her paintings from the past two years on themes of confusion, grief and fear in a surrealist style. Jun 17-Jul 6. Jamjuree Gallery, Jamjuree 8, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-218-3709.

NU TONG GIN KHAO

OUTPUT

A photo essay and art performace by photographer Michael Sakamoto and contemporary Thai dancer Waewdao Sirisook which explores the changing face of Lanna culture and cultural identity as a result of modernization. Through Jun 15. RMA Institute, 238 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-0809.

Three young artists, Panjarat Polpluek, Nattagan Pansri, Rach Chulajata, explore themes of identity and experience through the use of three different styles of acrylic painting. Through Jun 30. S.A.C. Subhashok The Art Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

The Glass by Artbox

RUBBERS REBEL GROUND

THE GLASS BY ART BOX

Rubbers Magazine presents an outdoor fare for motorbikes and car and bike accesories, as well as other automobile-related vendors. Expect trick demonstrations and test drives throughout the day, plus food stalls from Jam Factory's regular Knack Market and plenty of live music.

Through Jun 12, 5pm. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free.

After a short break, Bangkok's biggest container market returns with stalls selling clothes, food, drinks and hand-made items. Through Jun 19, 5pm. The EmDistrict, The Emquartier and The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong.

THE GARDEN OF TFEST

Now in its final week, the popular market promises over 250 booths selling clothes and accessories.

There's also plenty of food and drinks.

Jun 10-12, 11am. Fragrant Park, 776 Sukhumvit Soi 36. BTS Thong Lo.

NEON FEST

The new container market promises a massive 931 booths that combine eating, drinking and shopping in one place. Special events like concerts from Tatoo Colour, Singto Namchok and Lipta, plus plenty of other surprise festivities are also lined up. Open every Thu-Sun until Jul 1. Through Jul 1, 5pm. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT Lumphini.

WORKSHOPS

SIMPLY NATURE

SIMULATOR

Thanan Kilntapaneeyakul's solo painting exhibition aims to capture the bond between men and nature.

Through Jun 29. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Four artists—Winyagorn Junthasiri, Rath Panircharoenphol, Chatchai Wutimananon and Porramet Jittaksa— present a collection of paintings, graphic designs and mixed-media works exploring the harmony between the real and virtual worlds. Jun 11-Jul 2. U Baan, 204 Soi Chinda Thawin, Si Phraya Rd., 088-088-5140.

NEW VENUE

Humble Projects Picolo Folkvento Home Brewing Coffee Workshop

Founded by Nigel Power and Mat Trusler, two visual art professors from King Mongkut's University of Technology, this new art space has made a home for itself in a four-story renovated shop-house in Chinatown.

On the ground floor, visitors will find an open-access print studio for hands-on learning about letterpress printing and other creative workshops. Meanwhile, the upstairs floors are dedicated to small-scale art exhibitions, screenings and seminars.

Their debut event, A Fearless Love, takes place this Jun 18 and is a project in collaboration with H Gallery Project Space that involves a performance-lecture by cultural activist and artist Prumsodum Ok and Cambodian dance company Natyarasa. The performance is a contemporary interpretation of Khmer classical dance that explores the theme of a fearless love.

A D O B E L I G H T R O O M WO R K S H O P

A two-day workshop about the tools and techniques of using Adobe Lightroom to get the most out of your digital images. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the eBook with Lightroom presets and templates. Register at bit.ly/1XM8HKI. Jun 14, 6:30pm.

FabCafe Bangkok, 77/1 Soi Ari 1.

B5,000.

PICOLO FOLKVENTO HOME BREWING COFFEE WORKSHOP

Learn the correct process of making drip coffee, including how to choose your coffee beans, how to use Aeropress and Dripper and other tips and tricks. All equipment will be provided.

Jun 19, 10am. Teaspoon Studio, Pradiphat Soi 17.

Humble Projects, 41/40 Sunthon Phimon, Banthat Thong Rd.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BK Now_643_June10_16_NEW.indd 23

23

6/6/16 6:09 PM

now SPORTS

FILM Opening

WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (USA)

NOW YOU SEE ME: THE SECOND ACT (USA)

Documentary.

Filmmaker Michael Moore travels across Europe on a mission to see how each country battles with socioeconomic issues compared to America. Jun 9

Action/Comedy. A tech genius (Daniel Radcliffe) recruits a group of illusionists (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco) to pull off their most difficult magical heist yet. Jun 9 THE CONJURING 2 (USA)

Horror. Paranormal investigators (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) are called to help a single mother and her four children whose house is occupied by an evil spirit. Jun 9

Human Run

MANGO AND STICKY RICE RUN

RUN 4 MOM

A 5km and 10km run at one of the city's biggest parks.

Register at www.race-hunter.com. Jul 2, 6:30am. Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103, 02-328-8982. B600-650.

The fourth annual run to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, offering 3km, 5km and 10km runs. Register at bit.ly/1WoCaNZ. Aug 7, 6am. Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103, 02-328-8982. B600-650.

Upcoming

FAT RUN

Franky Sport organizes a 5km fun run to encourage healthy lifestyles. Register at bit.ly/27UQkJW. Jul 10, 6am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT Lumphini.

B500.

ALPHA BUDDY RUN

A chance to partner up for an afternoon of exercise, where people registering in pairs will get discounted prices. Offering distances of 2.5km and 5km. Register at bit.ly/1r4IVGn. Jul 23, 6am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT Lumphini. B500-900.

A BIGGER SPLASH (USA)

HUMAN RUN 2016

Crime/Drama/Mystery. When rock legend Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton) goes on holiday with her partner Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts), an ex-lover (Ralph Fiennes) and his daughter crash the getaway. Jun 16

The annual run organized by A Day Magazine returns, this year under the concept of "Unstoppable" and challenging runners to take on the route around the Old Town. Offering 21km, 10km and 5km runs.

Register at bit.ly/1sehLOF. Aug 28,4am. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd. B500-600.

WHY NOT Enjoy a Night of Stand Up

DISTANCE (CHINA)

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (USA)

Drama. Bolin Chen stars in a series of stories following individuals as they struggle to find their paths in life and face relationship hurdles. Jun 16

Comedy. An accountant (Kevin Hart) reunites with a high school friend turned CIA agent (Dwayne Johnson) and unexpectedly joins in on a top-secret case.

Jun 16

FINDING DORY (USA)

THE NICE GUYS (USA)

Animation/Adventure/Comedy. A fish suffering from memory loss, Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), embarks on a journey with the help of her friend Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) to reunite with her family. Jun 16

Drama. In 1977 Los Angeles, amid an age of sex, disco and scandal, investigators Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) are assigned to solve the case of a porn star’s suicide. Jun 16

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

This Jun 11, QueerMango, the community that connects the LGBTQ+ women of the city to promote diversity and inclusiveness, hosts an open-mic night inviting creative performers of all sexualities for a night of slam poetry, comedy and dance, plus plenty of food and drinks. The open mic runs from 8-10pm, where pre-registered performers will take the stage for seven minutes each, while those who join last-minute can also volunteer on the spot. The night will be followed by a DJ set till midnight in celebration of QueerMango’s first anniversary.

Free entry. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1. BTS Surasak

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

www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

24

Spa Night

This Jun 10-19, the film festival dedicated to screening the best LGBTQ+ films from around the world returns for its second edition at Quartier Cineart, EmQuartier, for 10 days of film screenings to promote sexual equality and gender rights. Under the theme “Love Wins,” the second Bangkok Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will showcase 12 films. Here are some of the highlights.

Spa Night (2016) Director: Andrew Ahn In this coming-of-age drama film that won the Special Jury award at this year’s Sundance Festival, a closeted Korean-American teenager takes a job at a night spa to support his immigrant family, only to discover the exciting underground world of gay sex in Los Angeles.

Miss Bulalacao (2015) Director: Ara Chawdhury This Indonesian film follows a young drag queen who enters a gay pageant only to be kicked out of his home by his father. Running away into the jungle, he discovers he is pregnant from what he believes to be an immaculate conception.

Nasty Baby (2015) Director: Sebastian Silva A gay Brooklyn couple attempting to have a baby through the help of their female best friend must face growing harassment from people in their neighborhood. The film won a Teddy Award for films under LGBT topics, as well as an official award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Weekends (2016) Director: Lee Dong Ha This documentary from the 66th Berlin International Film Festival follows the lives of Korea’s first gay chorus group as each member struggles with issues of homophobia from friends and family, causing tension to arise within the group.

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016

BK Now_643_June10_16_NEW.indd 24

6/6/16 6:09 PM

marketplace PROPERTY For Rent get in the loop

bkmagazine.com

giveaways, updates, stories

fb.com/bkmagazine

OFFICE for Rent – 18,000 THB – 100 m2 in Soi 33 of Sukhumvit 107 (Bearing), 3 km from Bearing BTS station. Unfurnished office space 18,000/month or furnished 21,000.00/month, ample parking, CCTV, 1 new aircon pre-installed.

The office has a separate entry and is situated on the 1st floor (2nd floor for Americans) Available immediately.

Please contact Paul on 0816338468 or Thapanee 0814023918.

Now Hiring

SUB EDITOR (ENG LANGUAGE) JUNIOR WRITER (THAI LANGUAGE) DEPUTY EDITOR (ENG & THAI LANGUAGE) MARKETING MANAGER

see what we’re up to

@bkmagazine

MEDIA SALES / MEDIA SALES MANAGER latest news and trends

@bkmagazine To apply send (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with your (3) salary expectation to jobs@asia-city.co.th.

For more information, see bkmagazine.com/jobs

Advertise here from only B6,000!

Contact 02-624-9696 sales@asia-city.co.th

ADVERTISE IN

BEST EATS 3RD EDITION: COMING TO YOUR PLATE THIS AUGUST • Exclusive distribution with BK Magazine to over 400 high-traffic venues • Extended exposure through e-guide version • Early-bird discount for bookings before June 15, 2016

Call: 02-624-9696 # 601,613,615,620 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th Best Eats House ads1/2page.indd 1

Marketplace_643_Jun10_16_NEW.indd 25

BK Magazine Friday, June 10, 2016 25 5/30/16 11:58 AM

6/6/16 6:06 PM