BK Magazine 650 July 29, 2016

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When’s our Michelin guide?

BK MAGAZINE NO. 650 FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com

EAT

THIS NOW Bangkok’s best new dishes

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lida thavorn,

ittikul

page 3 06 cover story

Eat the City

What We’ve Learned

04 upfront

14 beauty

Isaan Soul

Chemical Free 16 bites

18 bites

Latin Revolution

Tequila Time

22 BK Now

24 BK Now

Pop Princess

End of an Era

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 Writer Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Theerada Moonsiri, Earn Saenmuk, Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Art Director Dith Chang Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Panita Thiraphapong Senior Graphic Designer Chantich Kongchanmitkul Graphic Designers Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

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

Contributor Kathy MacLeod Interns Nicha Patradhilok, Nitchakan Chaoratanapisate, Chalida Dansuanyai, Wongsatorn Prasertthavorn, Noppanut Kraithong, Jirakun Nimmakulvirut, Lattaphol Rungsittikul, Suwalee Wangsaengthong, Praphanit Doowa Cover by Wariya Whangwaewklang

Senior Project Manager Chanyanap Tongdadas IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Account Manager Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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

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

A checklist of BK Magazine’s most important discoveries this week.

Mahakan Fort got its “living museum” wish But not with BMA approval. Despite having received their official marching orders, the folks of Rattanakosin’s disputed heritage area are standing strong and have gone ahead with plans to operate their community as a museum for tourists.

According to one source, the BMA has even visited the site and love what they’ve done—but not enough to do anything about the eviction notice.

Another Bangkok museum might lose its leafy surroundings The original owner of the Bangkokian Museum, a charming, 1930s-era tribute to Bangkok folk heritage which sits on what might be the last green patch on the whole of Charoenkrung, is so outraged at plans to build an eight-story residential building next door that she’s stumped up B30 million of her own money to buy the plot back from developers—which is exactly B10 million less than the developers want for it. Visit ow.ly/5OLY302ziaH to see what you can do to help her.

Bao buns are now on nearly every menu in Bangkok Not only have we just welcomed a big name from Hong Kong, Little Bao at 72 Courtyard, but they’ve popped up on two other menus as well: chef Fatih Tutak at The House on Sathorn is dishing out his own version of fried chicken fluffy white buns, while Paste has relaunched its pork belly bao.

Quality governance demands quality hardwood furnishings Kind of undermining the government’s policy to increase forest areas in the North is the fact that the permanentlyunder-construction, B12-million new parliament building had planned to cut down 2,000 teak trees from a 9,246-rai patch of the Khun Mae Kuang forest reserve to furnish itself.

Only when Dear Leader stepped in and said not so fast did anyone bat an eyelid.

The Color Run and Music Run are back on Last year we learned that running didn’t have to be about sweat and hard work when the Color Run showed us a new way complete with hip-hop soundtrack and beer at the finish line. We’re happy to report that it’s returning this year along with homegrown counterpart the Music Run. Both come with a party atmosphere and cover the kind of distance no one needs to train for. Check out the latest news here: ow.ly/ cJq5302zhjG.

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

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upfront Odette Singapore, 2 stars

HOT OR NOT

Hot: Michelin in Singapore

Not: Michelin in Bangkok

After years of speculation, the Michelin Guide finally arrived in Singapore last week, where it awarded 29 restaurants with their own shiny stars. Good for them; and maybe good for us, with well-connected foodie murmurings of a guide coming to Bangkok as early as 2017 and photos of the Michelin Man himself hanging out The House on Sathorn doing the rounds on social media. Heck, one of Singapore’s star winners, Alma, even belongs to our very own Water Library. Watch this space for more developments.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Latin food

Not: Mexican food

www.flickr.com

Now that every neighborhood has it’s own taco-specializing food truck, it’s time to move on and get with Latin America’s other rich foodie offerings. Blu36 (Peruvian), Azul (Miami-Cuban), Clandestino Cantina (Latin, see page TK) and Cali’s Grill23 (Ecuadorian) are just four new restaurants specializing in dishes which just six months ago we never knew existed.

Hot: Empty sidewalks Not: Street vendors Now that every neighborhood has it’s own taco-specializing food truck, it’s time to move on and get with Latin America’s other rich foodie offerings. Blu36 (Peruvian), Azul (Miami-Cuban), Clandestino Cantina (Latin, see page TK) and Cali’s Grill23 (Ecuadorian) are just four new restaurants specializing in dishes which just six months ago we never knew existed.

Hot: Transmission

Not: Tomorrowland

Nope, Tomorrowland, the EDM festival to trump all EDM festivals, isn’t coming to Thailand anytime soon. We learned that the hard way. But dry those tears— another massive European electronic gathering is heading our way. Born in Prague, Transmission isn’t quite the household name as Tomorrowland, but it does back up its trance and progressive house performers with a similarly over-the-top light and pyro show. You’ll have to wait till next March, though. Watch this space.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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Rasmee Wayrana, 32, is one of the hottest artists in Thai music right now. In collaboration with Chiang Mai guitarist Sathukarn “Kong” Thiyathira, Rasmee is currently taking her powerful vocals on tour with her molam band, and will be making a stop at soon-to-close live music institution Moose Ekkamai this Jul 29. Here, she opens up about her struggle for recognition, the dark side of music industry, and her passion for making music that matters.

When did you start to sing?

My parents encouraged me ever since I was young. My dad had a band that sang charieng, which is kind of like molam in Khmer language. Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to learn it as I was pushed to sing Thai lukthung, which was more modish. When I was 13, I quit school and started on tour with a local band, going to countless singing contests with the dream that one day I would sign up with a label and become a professional singer.

What happened after that?

I never won any contests. I moved in and out of the music industry for years. I knew it was because of my looks, as I don’t have white skin or a pretty face. I was so insecure. I had to take many jobs to make a living, hairdressing, working as a handyman at a market. At one music audition I met someone who exposed me to the reality of the lukthung industry. He told me that most female singers need to be the mistress of someone powerful in the industry. I was totally shocked.

I told myself that I would never trade sex to be a singer, and that if I didn’t make it this time then I would stop.

At 21, I turned my back on music for

six years, and went to school to study art. Though I didn’t sing any more, it helped release my creativity.

What brought you back to the stage again?

I didn’t have money to pay my tuition fee at university as I broke up with my boyfriend who was helping financially.

One of my friends suggested I sing at bars and restaurants in Chiang Mai. This time I was singing international pop songs, which allowed me to meet other international musicians including The Limousine—a molam band who took me on tour to France with them. It really opened my world and allowed me to see that my molam roots are cool. I also got to hear African music and learn about the familiarities between it and molam. That ignited my passion to create an album. Luckily I then met Kong, who helped compose songs while I wrote lyrics in both the Isaan dialect and Khmer language. We finally released our EP last year.

How far along is the full album?

We’re working on it. Now I want to concentrate on making music with a social message, especially regarding education. I feel like our society

doesn’t care about education, especially in rural areas. It gets passed through generations that kids don’t need to go to school and should rather work to send money back home. This is my personal experience and I feel it’s not right. Me and my sister had to run and hide in the bush whenever a school bus passed us. We didn’t want to be spotted by our other friends who had the chance to go to school. I want to make music that encourages people to care about education. I also wrote this song in the Nang Bak Tue molam style too. It’s like Southern nang talung [sloweddown rhythm] but sung fast like a molam rap. So fun!

What’s next for you?

I want to continue experimenting with music. I’m thinking about studying music more but I’m also afraid that if I stick to the rules it will limit my creativity. If I have the chance, I want to go back to Isaan and find those who still sing charieng and learn from them. If you want to make good music, you need to go right back to its roots.

Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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Hot Plates

Thirty new dishes in Bangkok you should be eating right now.

By Natcha Sanguankiattichai

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Sushi at Sushi Tama (B6,500 per person)

Tucked on the mezzanine floor above Karatama Robatayaki, this omakase-only joint is helmed by chef Seiji Sudo, who opened at Bangkok’s Ginza Sushi Ichi. Here, he serves up what's known as the "Sushi Sho style" (from the small and exclusive Sho family of restaurants in Japan), in which meals aren’t limited to nigiri but rather switch in delicately plated courses like conch, iwashi roll, grilled mixed rice with hairy crab meat and uni and Seiji's signature sushi soup.

M/F, Piman 49, 46/10 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 091-871-0666

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Thonglor’s popular breakfast cafe Toby’s has extended to dinner service. On the menu is this deboned chicken marinated with lemon zest and other seasonings and pressed flat with a brick.

Even after being grilled, the meat remains perfectly juicy—even better served with a delicious gravy.

Tawa lobster at Indus (B1,650)

Indus’s new chef, Anil Kumar, hasn’t just revamped the look of the restaurant’s classic dishes; he’s also added some new items inspired by the coastal region where he’s from.

Don’t miss the flavorful tawa lobster (B1,650), which features a whole Phuket lobster, marinated in spices, grilled, and then served in its own shell.

71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900

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Crispy suckling pig with grapefruit albedo puree at Islero (B450)

If you’re not ready to order half a piglet of Sergovian-style suckling pig , we really recommend this instead. Hidden away on the menu of Islero's adjoining wine bar, Cava, this dish lets you try that deliciously moist flesh with a side puree made from grapefruit peel to cut through the fat.

G/F, Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8100

Inspired by classic tom-yum fried rice, this dish substitutes rice with the trending superfood quinoa but still delivers all the tom-yum flavor—an excellent go-to dish for any carbwatcher.

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Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-712-1774

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Fried quinoa tomyum with diced salmon at Brekkie (B285)

6/9 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-656-6141

Crispy skin brick chicken at Toby's (B550 for half/ B850 for whole)

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Uni linguine at Tables Grill (B1,500)

While you might think this steak restaurant is all about heavy grilled meat, chef Kevin Kristensen actually serves up many lighter dishes, too. This particular option is a marriage of sustainable seafood produce—mussel cream, sea urchin and certified organic caviar.

M/F, Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-6250

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Happy Vegetables salad at Cocotte (B360)

This steak and roast specialist really can do great veggie dishes, too. The Happy Vegetables salad features no less than 12-15 kinds of Royal Project vegetables, all cooked differently with cabbage vinaigrette—fresh and cheerful.

G/F, 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 092-664-6777

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Calamari ripieno at Sun Street Panini (B230)

This new Italian eatery on Phra Athit Road is everything a homey restaurant should be. It also does an amazing calamari ripieno, which sees squid stuffed with homemade sausage, boiled egg and parmesan cheese, cooked in tomato sauce.

Phra Athit Rd., 082-454-8884

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ADVERTORIAL

RIVERSIDE SPLENDOR

This weekend, visit the recently renovated River City Bangkok for fine dining with a view and boutiques dedicated to Southeast Asian treasures.

The renovation is spectacular River City Bangkok has gone through a total refurb that propels it back to the forefront of our city's vibrant shopping scene. Siam may be all about high-street brands, and outdoor markets may stock their share of trinkets, but River City Bangkok offers something entirely different: genuine Asian handicrafts, antiques and textiles. If you’re looking for something you’ll treasure for a lifetime, not just a season, River City Bangkok is where to find it. Hop on a ferry at BTS Saphan Taksin, or get there via Charoen Krung Road, and you'll feel transported to the Venice of the East as soon as you arrive.

The location is still unrivaled

Bangkok’s oldest auction house is here

River City Bangkok was the city's first shopping center located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Today, it remains one of the most enchanting places to grab a drink while watching the sunset or to dine in full view of the ballet of rice barges and five-star hotel shuttles navigating the river. It’s also a great starting point to explore the river and the dock of choice for the city’s most luxurious cruises (more on that later). Order a cocktail, kick back and simply enjoy the river's slow-life appeal.

Dubbed the “Anchor for Arts & Antiques,” River City Bangkok is also a premier auction house, and the city’s oldest one still in operation. On every first Saturday of the month, collectors in the know gather to bid on rare treasures from the region. The auction is certified by the Association for the Propagation and Promotion of Objets d’Art meaning you can rest assured that when the gavel goes down and your bid has won, everything is above board. The atmosphere is electric, too, so participating is half the fun.

You’ll find some of the region’s best art and antiques

The auction house has made River City Bangkok a veritable hub for all collectors. Packed with galleries curating Southeast Asian antiques of the highest order, River City Bangkok has a depth of offerings that rivals a museum’s. Except here, if something catches your eye, you can actually take it home. Souvenirs and expert tailors complete the picture, meaning you’re guaranteed to find a meaningful gift that is both beautifully crafted and full of local charm.

The Chao Phraya’s premier cruises depart from here

Nothing says special occasion quite like a dinner cruise on the River of Kings. River City Bangkok is the boarding point for 10 luxury cruises, including Wonderful Pearl, Grand Pearl, Pearl of Siam, Chaopraya Cruise, Chaopraya Princess, River Sun, Wan-Fah, White Orchid and Apsara. Departing just before sunset, you will see the sun go down on the river as you sip your welcome drink and tuck into your gourmet dinner. So book now, and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Simply scan the QR Code to get direction to the store

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River City Bangkok 02-237-0077.

Open daily 10am-10pm www.rivercitybangkok.com

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Crispy Kinoko burger at Beef & Shake (B155)

Also called the CK burger, this meat-free handful consists of a whole portobello mushroom cap, marinated Japanese style with dried bonito, fried in batter then served with cheese and fresh veggies. OK, so it’s not strictly vegetarian due to the bonito marinade, but makes for one seriously yummy red-meat substitute.

93 Narathiwas Rd., 095-949-2646

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Brotzeit at Suhring (Part of the set menu, starting at B1,800 for sevencourses)

Literally meaning "bread time," this course showcases a part of German culture rarely seen in a restaurant of Suhring’s fine-dining stature. Soft pretzel and sourdough which they put through a long home-fermentation process get served alongside Oldenburger butter, schmalz (lard), obatzda cheese dip, pickle, Black Forest ham and dry-aged beef.

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Chef Mirco Keller has given some pep to a classic beef tartare by adding the refreshing tuna-based Italian sauce called tonnato into the dish. On top of the meat, you’ve also got flavors of mustard seed, capers and olives in there. Make sure you get everything altogether in one bite.

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2/F, Chamchuri Square, Rama 4 Rd., 061-852-5411.

MRT Sam Yan

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Chicken ramen at Menya Takeichi (B195)

It takes 10 hours of simmering and a bunch of whole chickens to make Menya Takeichi’s soup, and it doesn’t disappoint. The rich, dense broth comes very thick and is packed with flavors, while the ramen noodles are just the right thickness.

2/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259-9300

10 Yen Akat Soi 3, Yen Akat Rd., 02-287-1799

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Beef tartare at Water Library (part of the set lunch, starting B890 for two courses)

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Earth set at Mana Cuisine (B1,800)

Tucked in Chi Ultralounge nightclub, Mana Cuisine serves dinner as four-course sets which rotate every month and come in three options: meat and poultry (dubbed Fire), seafood (Water) and vegetarian (Earth). We’re partial to the Earth set, which highlights dishes like Eastern European borscht soup made with beetroot and red cabbage.

Food truck pioneer Daniel Thaiger and Thonglor drinking hole Brew Beers & Ciders teamed up and went back to burger basics, aiming to recapture the charm of old-school American fast-food burgers. The patties, though, are made from prime cuts of Aussie wagyu and angus beef, nestled between local breadmaker Conkey's steamed potato bun. These buns hold up admirably to the winning combo of gooey Cheswick cheese, garlicky Thousand Island-like sauce and juicy patty.

Chi, 32/8 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-102-0013

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The dips at Avra (B135-195)

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Brew Beers & Ciders, G/F, SeenSpace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366

Recurring in various meat and seafood mains, the simple dips like tzatziki (yogurt dip), melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), fava (yellow split peas dip) and, our particular favorite, tarama (smoked cod roe dip) really make the dishes at this Greek restaurant shine. Some of the softest pita bread (B50) in town helps things along, too.

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G/F, Lotus Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-2877

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White Italian pizza at Gallery Pizza (B365)

Italian-American co-owner/chef Shane Greene hopped on a flight to Italy, learned the workings of a pizza kitchen then came to Bangkok with a winning recipe for 72-hour fermented pizza dough. Our pick is the White Italian, which consists of mozzarella, baked spinach, Italian Sausage and Parmesan cheese.

Best part of the story? They deliver till 4am.

404 Sathorn Soi 11, 020-411-044

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Simply the Best Burger at Brew Beers & Ciders (from B190)

Rubia Gallega beef at Il Fumo (B5,400 for a 1kg prime rib)

The restaurant has rounded up some of Europe’s most prized meats. The veal is a Piedmontese breed raised on hazelnuts, the prosciutto and pork neck hail from the Ca’ Lumaco Estate (between Modena and Bologna), and the beef— well, that comes from all over the place. Our favorite however is the intensely flavored, dryaged Rubia Gallega from Spain.

1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833

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LOBSTER RAVIOLI AT VOGUE LOUNGE (B590)

The current seasonal menu at the cocktail hot spot highlights crustacean dishes. We like the perfect play of textures and flavors in this dish, which matches sweet pumpkin gnocchi with a crunchy fried lobster ravioli and salty lobster broth.

6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 02-001-0697

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ADVERTORIAL

Krungsri Gourmet

Bistro Bargains

Alphabet The menu at Alphabet reads like an A-Z of all Bangkok's

favorite cafe dishes. Serving customers from 8am right through till 2am, it dishes out Western and Thai food as well as some booze offerings. Don’t miss the spaghetti

aglio e olio with bacon and shrimp roe (B200), salmon

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krapao moo (stir-fried basil and minced pork, B160).

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At one of Bangkok’s best recent openings, they serve a decadently fatty plate of smoky wagyu short ribs so tender that they melt as soon as they hit your mouth. When paired with supercreamy mashed potato and their herby side salad, it’s perfection.

118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991

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Wagyu short ribs at Bunker (B950)

These Taiwanese bao come with a Japanese twist in the form of mild ginger notes to the fried chicken and an okonomiyaki sauce to go with the hand-cut fries.

The House on Sathorn, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000

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Gai baan kua bai jan at Saneh Jaan (B550)

Saneh Jaan provides fine-dining Thai cuisine that highlights regional and old recipes. The Northern-style gai baan kua bai jan sees freerange chicken stir-fried with wild basil to result in bold, spicy flavors with some delicious herbal notes.

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The 12-hour-brined pork chop from Joe Sloane is charcoal-grilled for charry finishing notes, while the tender meat comes well complemented by the house-made hot sauce, pearl onion jam, charred cauliflowers and killer taro gnocchi.

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Smoked salmon and cream cheese waffles at Upstairs (B260)

2/F, Revolucion Cocktail, 50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823

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POPEYE AND OLIVE AT SEED (B210)

Among all the brunchy dishes on Seed’s new daytime menu, this stuffed French toast with spinach and cheese is a real hit—crispy on the outside, while rich and comforting on the inside. Cut through all that fat with a sharp side of olives.

Sukhumvit Soi 39, 099-283-6363

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Ropa vieja at Azul (B220)

Instead of using beef like a traditional ropa vieja stew, chef Kip Oxman makes the dish lighter by using duck. The flavors are still there though, perfect for slathering on a to-die-for grilled corn cake along with an unctuous runny poached egg.

26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891

Crab meat pad Thai at Baan Phadthai (B280)

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1052-1054 Charoenkrung Rd., 095-843-2056

The crispy waffles offered every Sunday from noon-5pm at Upstairs at Mikkeller are no afterthought. Chef Dan Bark whips them up from corn starch and coconut, then serves them with delicious toppings like smoked salmon and cream cheese with capers and pickled shallots.

Don’t miss their other pickles (B50), too!

Tortilla Royal at Clandestino Cantina (B190)

This deconstructed take on classic Spanish tortilla (fried egg with potatoes) features a small jar of potato foam, sweet onion confit and fried egg yolk that’s crispy on the outside but still runny inside.

Glasshouse at Sindhorn, 130-132 Wireless Rd., 02-650-9880

Pork chop at 80/20 (B380)

Fried Chicken Bao at The Courtyard (B500)

Asado de huesos at Toro (B450)

Bone marrow oxtail marmalade tastes just as awesome as bone marrow oxtail marmalade sounds. Go try it at this Boston-hailing tapas bar along with radish citrus salad and cocoa nib.

2/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7790

16 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6117

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Issaya Group executive chef Sujira Pongmorn makes a “secret” sauce from 18 ingredients for her pad Thai, which also features Chanthaburi noodles, house-dried shrimps, duck egg and crab fat. The crab meat pad Thai features an outstanding flavor combo in which the crab stock, fat and meat perform powerful work.

21-23 Charoenkrung Soi 44, 02-060-5553

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Osha Noodles at Osha CafE (B190)

The classic pad prik khing (a stir-fry with red chili paste) gets given the noodle treatment by chef Poorida Theeraphong at the new casual dining venue of Osha. She stir fries the noodles with chili paste, gives the dish some crunch from pla foo (crispy fried fish flakes), then tops it off with a fillet of fried fish.

Warehouse 10, Asiatique, Charoen Krung Rd., 02-046-9441

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Sushi at Sushi Masato (B4,000 per person)

The fact that over six months’ advance booking is right now required to get a seat is proof of how much this city loves the omakase offering of this Tokyo-hailing sushi master. When working in New York, Masato was also the city’s youngest chef ever to win his restaurant a Michelin star.

3/22 Soi Sawasdee 1, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-040-0015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan and Gregoire Glachant

haircut and styling Shaving Facial treatment and hair colouring.

SAMUI

New Page Design-savvy travelers just can’t get enough of The Library's (077-422-767, www.thelibrary. co.th) clean, beach-chic lines and amazing sunset cocktails. So much so that the hotel has had to expand its restaurant, The Page. You’ll now find not just more seats perfectly poised for beach views, but also a list of 40 new dishes drawn from old Thai recipes. Go for Samrab Thai, the eight-course set dinner, to get a well-rounded hit of rare flavors like gaeng run juan nua nong lai (beef stewed in shrimp paste soup), yum moo waan sai ponlamai priksod (sweet pork spicy salad) and nam prik maprao kua naem nua kem (roasted coconut paste with salted beef)—B3,900 for two people. Room rates start from B10,500.

CHIANG MAI

Cabin Fever Macho, clean decor sets the mood at Moto Velo Cabin (098-584-9445, www.motovelocabin.com), a sleek new hotel and cafe from Chiang Mai-based architect firm Deco-Moda (goo.gl/yiYvVG). The mix of wood, steel and marble looks pure Nimmanhaemin, but here you’re actually staying in Chiang Mai’s historic heart, near the Three Kings Monument and with Tha Pae Sunday night market right in front of your room. There are two room types: standard for B1,500 or deluxe for B2,000. Visit now to try the cafe’s mango-focused menu, which includes the likes of mango hibiscus tea (B65/B75), mango toast (B129) and mango sticky rice (B129).

BARBERFORD :: 4th flfflloor of Erawan Bangkok, Tel :: 092-601-9993, 02-251-0422 BARBERFORD NOIR :: M flfflloor, Siam Discovery, Tel :: 061-680-8822

: /barberford.bangkok : @barberford : barberford

NOW OPEN!

Barberford Noir M floor, Siam Discovery

KANCHANABURI

Barge In

The Rice Barge Restaurant at Dheva Mantra (034-615-999, www.dhevamantra.com) floats on the River Kwai and serves up local specialties like pla khang (red tail catfish), with prices ranging from B280-B320. It's long been one of the nicest places near the city to have a riverside tete-a-tete with a bit of fine-dining polish.

And it's just been refurbished to even grander, Rama V-era luxe, complete with air-con and a Thai-style deck to eat on while collapsed onto a triangular pillow. Not quite as charming, perhaps, but a whole lot comfier and it'll stay open during monsoon downpours. Open for dinner only (6-11pm). Rooms at the equally swanky Dheva Mantra start from B3,700 a night for superior and B4,400 a night for riverside view deluxe room.

SINGAPORE

High Society

AT THE GEN with our collection of Food BlNCHO TAN (Bincho charcoal) A experience aroma and warmth of the meal. It gently helps the ingredients up. Japan’s most excellent ingredients are the pride of the Japanese people. Here, Tradition is not traded for innovation. But rather the two intertwine in every part of each experience. We firmly believe the peak seasonal ingredients that exist all over Japan through 4 seasons. We only use ingredients that we are thoroughly satisfied With season from Japan.

Chrome, mirrors, concrete, sexy organic shapes and more chrome—the new M Social Singapore (goo.gl/P2fMgB) could only have been envisioned by French designer Philippe Starck. Situated near the landmark Robertson Quay on Singapore River, the hotel’s gorgeously chaotic ambience begins in the lobby, where staff dressed in bright orange greet you from in front of a giant red-LED wall, and a walkway of dizzyingly mismatched floor tiles leads you to the elevator. The whimsical Beast & Butterflies restaurant goes for social engagement among guests thanks to long, communal bench seating and a huge, 13.5-meter bar embedded with television screens on both sides. The east meets west menu includes dishes such as crispy German pork knuckle served alongside Asian-spiced sauerkraut and a Thai-influenced dipping sauce. All rooms come with a smartphone with unlimited internet data, free local and international calls and digital city guides for a starting rate of SG$218 (B5,628).

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

267/31 Soi Sukhumvit 63(Ekkamai), Sukhumvit Rd,.

02-048-0008. Open Mon-Sat, 5.30pm - 11.59pm. Sun 5pm - 10pm.

炭火焼 源 Gen Japanese Charcoal Grill Restaurant & Bar

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BOOKS

Creative Playground Take your love for books and stationery to the next level at the ginormous Think Space B2S at Central Festival EastVille. Not only is it way, way bigger than any other B2S store around Bangkok, it also has more variety. Regular aisles make way for wide, open spaces lined with great walls of books that include loads more English titles than normal.

Meet up with your friends and colleagues at the second-story co-working space, work alone at the solo high stools, equipped with power outlets and lamps, or check out the selection of chic stationery and furniture items. The entertainment zone is also to die for, with a vast selection of CDs, DVDs, and (yay!) vinyl. There are even audio systems and earphones on display. Workshops are available from time to time—check their Facebook page (www. fb.com/thinkspaceb2s) for updates.

TECH

POP-UP

SHOPPING

Hand-free Power

Sneaker Paradise

Feeling Blue

If your desk is still a tangled mess of twisted cables then you’re living in the past. Samsung’s Wireless Charging Monitor lets you charge your phone just by putting it on the base of your monitor without any additional equipment. Colors also look great on the monitor, and your eyes will thank you for the flicker-free eye-saver mode—no more straining at the screen. Too bad for iPhone users—this monitor currently only works with Samsung phones (S6, Note5 or later models) and is priced at B10,900. The brand also released a charging pad (B1,490, works with S5, Note 3 or later models) earlier last year that we also love. Check your closest Samsung shop or call 02-689-3232.

Well-loved fashion start-up Kraftka now has a semi-permanent location. Kraftka Popup Store just opened on the second floor of Siam Center, letting us view their products up close rather than staring at pictures on a website. Created by over 1,000 designers around the world, the huge selection includes hip graphic sneakers, slip-ons, flip-flops and T-shirts. You can also create your own design, and who knows, maybe it’ll even make it into production. Orders usually take two days. Prices start at B990. The store will stay open till Oct 15. 2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.kraftka.com

Crafty ceramics and comfortable indigo cotton-wear are the go-to pieces at this hip new store at River City. The collaboration between two local brands—Cone Number 9 (ceramics) and Kasa’ Maya (indigo-wear)—sees them share an as-yet unnamed space for the collection of dreamy designs in charmingly imperfect patterns. Clothing like Raffles shorts and the reversible bag starts from just B750, while the ceramics are just as wallet friendly. Who could resist the unique, handmade 7-ounce cup at just B500, or ceramic coffee dripper for B750? Bigger, more luxurious ceramic pieces including vases (from B2,000) and bowls (B3,000) can also be found. 1/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Trok Rongnamkaeng, Yoda Rd. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/conenumber9, www.fb.com/kasamayabkk

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Training Ground

The Racquet Club

RSM Muay Thai Academy

Going for Gold

Five Olympic sports where Thailand excels and where to try them yourself.

BOXING Thanks to our traditional ties to this sport, boxing is what Thailand has performed best in ever since we first participated in the Olympic Games, reeling in a total of four gold, four silver and six bronze medals over the years. The first athlete to ever win a gold medal for Thailand at the Olympics was Somluck Kamsing, who took home the Men’s Featherweight boxing title in the summer games held in Atlanta back in 1996.

Try it at: RSM Muay Thai Academy (Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13/Jasmine City, Sukhumvit Soi 23, rsmacademy.com) Krudam Muay Thai School (3How Hostel, Asok Montri Rd/ 67 Sukhumvit Soi 36, www.krudamgym. com) and The Boxing Time (Sukhumvit 77 BTS On Nut, www.theboxingtime.com) Health tip: Boxing is a total body workout that promises cardio and strength training at the same time, while also improving balance, coordination, reflexes and agility.

Plus, it’s a great way to knock out the stress at the end of a long day.

BADMINTON As a country, we’ve always had a close relationship with badminton thanks to the long-term support from His Majesty the King, who is very fond of the sport.

Throughout the years, he has given trophy donations, created high-quality badminton courts, supported players with scholarships and placed the Badminton Association of Thailand under his Royal Patronage. This year, Thailand will be sending a total of seven athletes to the Summer Games with the hope of bringing home the first ever gold medal.

Try it at: The Racquet Club (Amara 3, Sukhumvit Soi 49, www.rqclub.com), Yenakat Badminton court (119/5 Soi 2 Yenakat Rd., 02 249 6935-6)

Health tip: Due to the fast pace of badminton games, the sport is great for training your reflexes and keeping up mobility by lubricating the joints. Staying mobile and flexible as you age prevents the chance of developing arthritis and many other joint-related conditions.

WEIGHTLIFTING Our female athletes dominate the scene when it comes to the sport of weightlifting, with all previous medalists being women. Back in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Udomporn Polsak became the first Thai woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she claimed the title of Women’s 53kg in weightlifting. This year we’ve qualified a total of nine competitors for the games in Rio de Janeiro, making it the sport for which we will be sending the highest number of athletes.

Try it at: Training Ground (36/2 Sukhumvit Soi 69, www.traininggroundbkk.com), Lumphini Park (Wittayu Rd., MRT Lumphini/Silom), The Lab (2/F RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31. www.thelabbangkok.com) Health tip: Weight-bearing exercise, whether it’s weightlifting, tennis or even stair climbing, can help to increase bone strength, fight osteoporosis, and improve overall strength and balance. As your muscles become bigger and stronger by adapting to the stress put on them, so do your bones.

TAEKWONDO Here’s another sport where our female athletes dominate. Since debuting in the Taekwondo games as recently as the 2004 Olympics, Thailand has already won three medals, all of them from our female players Chanatip Sonkham, Yaowapa Boorapolchai and Buttree Puedpong. This year, we’ll be sending three athletes over to take on 128 other fighters from around the globe.

Try it at: Asia Pacific Taekwondo Academy (Gateway Ekkamai, www.asiapacifictaekwondo.com) Health tip: Taekwondo is a great sport for training coordination and flexibility, as well as your core and spinal strength thanks to many of its kicking moves that require constant hip and shoulder motion. The sport also places a focus on self-discipline, balance and concentration, thereby providing many mental benefits alongside its physical ones.

GOLF This year’s Summer Olympics Games is the first to feature individual men’s and women’s golf since the 1904 Olympics in Missouri, USA, much to the delight of golf fans around the world. One of Thailand’s representatives is Thongchai Jaidee, a professional golfer from Lopburi who began his love for golf by attaching a five-iron to a bamboo stick, and has now risen into the world’s Top 40 rankings after winning the French Open in July.

Try it at: Bangkok Golf Center (5/F, RSU Building, Sukhumvit Soi 31, www.bkkgolfcentre.com), Xcite Golf Academy Bangkok (Marriot Executive Apartments, Sukhumvit Soi 24, www.xcitegolf.com) Health tip: Golf is a leisurely sport that provides a much lower overall risk of injury compared to other, particularly contact, sports. Instead, golf provides slow-pace and low-impact exercise including walking, swinging and pivoting, while still providing enough physical activity to keep the muscles engaged and get the sweat on.

Bumrungrad Hospital is one of the largest private medical facilities in Southeast Asia, with over 55 specialty centers, an internationally-certified lab and pharmacy, clinical research centers, advanced imaging facilities, and a 24-hour emergency care unit. Certified by the Joint Commission International since 2002, Bumrungrad cares for more than 1.1 million patients a year at its state-of-the-art facilities right in the heart of Bangkok. Learn more at www. bumrungrad.com.

Brought to you by Bumrungrad International Hospital

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avenue BEAUTY

Handle with Care Check out our 10 favorite beauty products with fewer chemicals for a healthier skincare routine. By Earn Saenmuk Checks and Balances Frothy face wash (150ml), Origins, B950

Pore Purifying Toner (200ml), June Jacobs, B2,410

Gentle Cleanser Milk (200ml), Caudalie, B1,110

Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask (100ml), Fresh, B3,600

Super Spot Remover acne treatment gel (10ml), Origins, B700

Activating Water Essence (150ml), Jurlique, B2,500

Cranberry and Pomegranate Sugar Scrub (226.5g), Burt’s Bees, B1,220

Pure Maracuja Oil (50ml), Tarte, B1,725

Essentials Sugar Lip Polish (17g), Fresh, B950

Fresh. G/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6430. BTS Phrom Phong Spring Rose Blonde Body Wash (200ml), Estelle & Thild, B760

Burt’s Bees available at Boots citywide

June Jacobs, Estelle & Thild, Tarte, and Caudalie available at Sephora, G/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6400. BTS Phrom Phong

Jurlique. 2/F, Groove at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-6879. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

Origins. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7763. BTS Siam

NEW SPA The Spa Studio at Mandarin Oriental The Buzz: The Mandarin Oriental’s spa has always been a cross-river refuge for best-part-of-a-day spa treatments. Now though they’ve opened this new spot where you can duck in, get your nails done and be out in 45 minutes. The pedicures and manicures are also in collaboration with celeb French pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez, whose deal is all about mixing medical and cosmetic treatments for hands and feet.

The Décor: A luxurious blend of cream on cream with more cream creates a tranquil atmosphere—all very refined and with the requisite dash of Oriental colonial charm (louvered window shutters, richly polished hardwood floors) and the garden right outside your window. Let them know in advance and they’ll join two massage rooms together so you can cosy up with a buddy.

The Price: When the names are big, the prices are too. For Bastien Gonzalez’ pedicure and manicure, prices range from B1,200 (20-minute color touch) to B4,850 (75-minute com-

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plete hand and feet treatment). Facial treatments start at B3,350 for a 45-minute session, and B1,120 for a 15-minute add-on. Express massages start at B1,500 for 45 minutes while other body treatments start from B1,800. The waxing service, however, is quite affordable—from just B800 for women’s under-arm treatment.

The Treatments: Facials get right in there with full lip and eye treatment—kind of scary at first but amazing once you get used to it. Not as amazing as the Bastien Gonzalez hand and foot treatments, though, which are to die for. The staff are serious perfectionists—never a nail filed too short; never a cuticle scraped too roughly—ensuring your hands and feet will never have felt so soft. Trust us! We love their products, too, which smell as wonderful as they feel. Earn Saenmuk 1/F, Garden Wing, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Oriental Avenue., 02-659-9000

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Let them Eat Cake!

Longchamp’s guide to the most beautiful French pastries in Bangkok.

Cream Dream Is it a blancmange? Is it a petit four? No, it’s a coconut sable, only this one comes from the pastry kitchens of Issaya La Patisserie, where they know a thing or two about creating incredible ThaiFrench fusion flavors in the prettiest of packages. It’s called the Mont D’Or (B170) and tastes divine.

The bag: Le Pliage Heritage Crossbody Bag Issaya La Patisserie, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5636. BTS Phloen Chit

Sugar Sugar Hot Chocolate Paris Mikki knows how to do dessert properly. Take some chocolate.

Add more chocolate. Pipe out on perfectly prepared wafers of sweet pastry. Decorate with even more chocolate. Between the indulgent Philip 70 or the creamy Philip 82 (B180), we choose both.

Say “macaron”; think Pierre Herme. The man is singlehandedly responsible for the world’s macaron mania, and once you try these delectable triple-decker sweet sensations (B980/7pcs), you’ll understand exactly why.

Rose, caramel, dark chocolate—all taste wonderful!

The bag: Le Pliage Heritage Luxe Crossbody Bag Pierre Herme, G/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6444.

BTS Phrom Phong

The bag: Le Pliage Cuir Handbag Paris Mikki, Metha Wattana Building, 27 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 088-870-0020. BTS Asok

Layered Flavor Cream? Good. Puff pastry? Good. Fresh raspberries? Good. So get yourself over to Fauchon right this instant to feast on this triumph of a mille-fuille (B220)— there’s a reason these patisserie maestros have been pulling in the wellheeled dessert-loving masses since 1880.

The bag: Honore 404 Panthere Handbag Fauchon, G/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0036033. BTS Phrom Phong

Cherry Bliss Glistening with scarlet goodness and begging to be eaten in a heartbeat, the Cherry Ripe (B200) from Patisserie Rosie is a scoffable blend of heavenly cherry-flavored mousse, sponge cake and decadent dark chocolate. Love at first bite!

The bag: Roseau Croco Mini Crossbody Bag Patisserie Rosie, 113/2 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-542-9900

Turn up to any dessert date looking fabulous thanks to the latest collection of delicious leather handbags from Longchamp. At the new, 160-sq-meter flagship Longchamp boutique in the Emquartier, you can find all these bags as well as the brand’s latest, ready-to-wear collection, shoes and travel collection.

Discover the latest look of Longchamp now at the new Longchamp Flagship store at G/F, Helix Quartier Building, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6166. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Phrom Phong

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bites & blends RESTAURANT

Todo Latino Revolucion cocktail bar has said since it opened last year that the space upstairs would be a proper restaurant. Now it has finally opened as Clandestino Cantina, where Mexican chef Gabriela Espinosa offers Latin cuisine that not only includes central and South American fare but also influences from Latin-derived language-speaking countries like Italy, Spain and France. Expect dishes like tartara de pescado (salmon and sea bass tartare, B360), paella (Spanish-style fried rice, B350410), churrasco en chimichurri (beef strip loin with chimichurri sauce, B590) and, of course, churros with chocolate (B200). 2/F, 50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823

CAFE

CAFE

SPECIAL MENU

Indie Dreams

Calorie Count

Dream Team

Run by Hon, the guitarist of Hope the Flowers, Ageha Cafe sits beside Brownstone Studio and draws in a community of music lovers by selling CDs from independent labels and aspiring bands along with drinks like the signature “Brownstone” (homemade dark chocolate ice cubes topped with an Americano, B100), the Black Rose (single-origin cold brew, rose syrup, pomegranate juice, B100) and, our favorite, Vietnam Drip coffee (B50). Hon’s vinyl collection spins on the record player, you can shop for tote bags and other little accessories, and, after dark, the event grounds turn into a small beer garden, too. Small bites are limited to just bruschetta (B60/3 pieces). 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 061-616-9694

Health-food junkies can trace exactly what goes into their lunch at this new Asoke cafe. At Mix and Munch you don’t just get to customize your meal box with your personal choice of carbohydrate, protein, veg and sauce—all selected from a flawlessly healthy list of ingredients like riceberry, wholewheat fusilli, boiled egg, lean chicken, beef, salmon and grilled broccoli—but they’ll also put a label on there telling you the overall calories count. Prices start from B100 for a box of chicken with a side of cooked greens and sauce, or from B70 for a salad box. 392/9 Sukhumvit Rd., 062416-6616. BTS Asok

American celebrity chef Richard Blais (Top Chef All-Stars winner, Iron Chef America judge and Food Network host) stopped

by Bangkok this week to devise a menu with local chef Thitid Tassanakajohn (of Le Du, Baa Ga Din and Baan), that is available at Baa Ga Din from Aug 5-12. The two Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduates are showcasing USDA ingredients as part of the annual US-Thai culinary envoy program. Expect modern Thai takes on the ingredients from chef Ton, such as seared scallop with massaman sauce and Angus beef tartare with candied betel leaf and tamarind gel. On Blais’s side, there’ll be a playful take on beef fillet served with “Thai-bouleh” (that’s a Thai-style tabouleh), oysters and pearls. 26 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-3813. info@baagadin.com

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OPEN DOOR

Touche Hombre Mexican food via Melbourne arrives at 72 Courtyard, bringing with it a serious collection of mezcal.

The buzz: Hailing from Australia, this Mexican restaurant and bar has made its name among Melbourne foodies for its cool vibe, easy eats and serious booze.

The decor: No, you won’t find walls painted in solid red, yellow or blue here. Neither are there any hanging sombrero or pinata. Touche Hombre goes for trendy, street-art culture and a sexy bar vibe instead. On the first floor you’ll find a neon sign—reading “Tequila”— against a black and white collage wall as well as an arcade pinball game. The second floor’s open-air space welcomes graffiti by Australian artist Nychos, a disco ball and a bar running down its middle.

The food: While Touche Hombre looks more bar than restaurant, you’ll also find substantial dishes on top of bar snacks. Patrick Martens of Sapparot group helps run the kitchen, bringing in Melbourne signatures like elotes callejeros (grilled corn on the cob with chipo-

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tle mayo, cotija cheese and lime, B120) and yellowtail ceviche in a mezcal marinade (kingfish laminado , B295). New creations are listed as specials, like the oven-roasted kingfish collar (B650), served with achiote paste. On top of flying in chilis and other ingredients from Mexico, they also make all the tortilla and chips in house. Don’t miss their tacos, starting from B225 for two. We also like their take on tres leches (three milk cake, B195) with horchata (Mexican rice drink with almond, cinnamon and coconut); a mix of ice cream, milk cake, whipped cream, macaroons and white chocolate.

The drinks: Touche Hombre brands itself a mezcal and tequila bar, so the sizable selection of bottles and signature cocktails makes heavy use of these two spirits. Sebastian De La Cruz of UNCLE is behind the drinks lists. Try his La Condesa (B295), a Manhattan-style spirit-forward drink that mixes mezcal with oak barrel-aged tequila,

Mancino vermouth, Cynar artichoke liqueur and a bit of grenadine.

We’re also partal to the refreshing, low-ABV Suavemente (B290), which is made from mezcal, a Sicilian Amaro-style liqueur called Averna, Mancino vermouth, orange juice, lemon juice and soda.

The music: Hip-hop and R’n’B, of course.

Why you should care: Touche Hombre provides Bangkok’s Mexican scene with a new, stylish vibe. Potent mezacal drinks and powerful Mexican flavors also prove there’s substance behind the style.

Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Vasachol Quadri

2/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-550-6346. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 6pm-1am

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic (Today - 31 Dec 16)

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Farm Sai Jai

Fat-U Burger

Bhava Cafe

Jamie's Burgers

NEW AND NOTED

Beef Up New burger truck Fat-U Homemade Burger (www.fb.com/fatuburger) developed its saffron brioche buns in collaboration with Bangkok bread-men extraordinaire Conkey’s in order to deliver a fragrant buttery hit to the signature “Fat My Life” burger—baked tomato and caramelized onion with your choice of pork (B220) or beef (B230). The owner, Pattrayuth Peantham, comes from a Le Cordon Bleu cooking background, and is currently looking for a permanent spot to park up. Check their Facebook to find out where their next appearance will be.

Farm Fresh Prachachuen's Farm Sai Jai (Soi Convent, 089-522-4651) health food grocery store has branched out into the city with this new shop-house conversion off Silom Road. You’ve got tasty clean food like oil-free stir-frys from Boomba (from B59), dairy-free bread from Kanommod (from B65) and baked items from Relish along with cold-pressed juices made daily. Try “Red Dragon” (red

TABLE TALK

dragon fruit, apple and tomato, B95) and “Bunny Beta” (carrot, orange and lime, B95). Other offerings come from familiar names: granola from Diamond Grains, wholewheat chips from De La Lita, almond milk from 137 Degrees, tea from Tea Atelier and cold brew coffee from Roots. The place is best suited for grab-and-go, but there are a few seats and microwave-oven service.

On Tap This city’s latest spot to offer nitro cold-brew coffee comes in the form of a tiny green box in a food market. Bhava Cafe (Narathiwas Soi 1, 086-898-0800) comes from a barista who trained in Australia and sources local coffee beans, blends and roasts them all by himself. Unlike normal cold brew, nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen, kept in a keg and served up on tap just like beer—perfect for Bangkok's steaming summer. Options span light roast, dark roast and Thai tea, all priced at B50 without milk and B60 with milk. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Frank & Release Futsal Field, Soi Sailom, Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 097-001-1108. Open Mon-Sat 5-11pm Jamie’s Burgers is little more than a tiny stall out the front of a futsal complex in residential Ari, but its owner, Pongsakorn “James” Boonraksa, takes great care in hand-picking his chilled beef daily. The burger's beef patty is a well-balanced, lightly seasoned mixture of Thai and Japanese wagyu that pairs perfectly with the charred bun produced in the town of Sungai Golok on the Malaysian border. Prices start at B99 for a regular pork burger and B119 for beef. In addition to burgers, they also serve an ever-changing variety of steaks at a range of price points, from Australian wagyu tomahawk to USDA ribeye.

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only (Today - 31 May 17)

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bites & blends market Events

FOOD REVIEWS

Quince

Siwilai Rocket

BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET

FUN WITH RUM

THE CROWDED KITCHEN

The weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source takes place at Gateway Ekamai. Jul 30-31, 10am-6pm.

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

Learn to make three classic rumbased cocktails with Ben-David Sorum at Siwilai Rocket this, Aug 26 and Sep 30 from 7pm. B1,500 per person including canapes. Limited space.

Quince celebrates its fourth year anniversary with a reunion of its ex-head chefs Jess Barnes, Blair Mathieson and Cameron Barker this Aug 4. Menu and prices TBA.

URBAN EATERY

5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5836. BTS Phloen Chit

This foodie market at K Village promises international dishes, mini cafes, handicrafts, clothing, home decor and more in a vintage garden atmosphere, with workshops held according to each month’s theme. Jul 29-31.

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

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478

CHEF VALENTINO MARCATTILII VISIT This Jul 27-31, chef-owner Valentino Marcattilii from two-Michelin-starred Ristorante San Domenico in Imola, Italy, visits Park Society and Red Oven.

Prices start at B2,900 per person for a four-course dinner, B2,400 for Sunday lunch and B1,950 for Saturday brunch.

Sofitel So, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000.

MRT Lumphini

Il Fumo

G&T NIGHT WITH FEVER TREE This Jul 30 from 6-9pm, The Terrace at Il Fumo hosts a gin and tonic event with live jazz. All gin with Fever Tree tonics are priced at B280/glass with complimentary canapes.

1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833

Osito

WINE & OYSTER MASTER CLASS

GIN WORLD CUP Through September, Osito hosts its own world cup of gin, featuring 16 top-shelf gin brands (including Martin Miller’s, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray and many other far more esoteric bottles). All you have to do is purchase a tasting set (B890 each) comprising two brands of gin served blind and mixed in three different styles— straight up, martini and gin tonic— with a score card to let you tally your vote. The winner will be announced at a closing party on Oct 7.

Sway

NATIONAL CHICKEN WINGS DAY Sway celebrates National Chicken Wings Day this Jul 29 with free spicy “Ghost” wings from 5-6pm, a fireball booth, B100 local beers from 5-7pm, DJs and giveaways.

Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-711-6052

888/23-24 Mahatun Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-4399. BTS Phloen Chit

Learn more about wine and oysters from The Commons’ specialists The Barrel and The Lobster Lab this Jul 31 from 2-4pm. B1,500 per person with six varieties of wines and oysters.

This Aug 2, chef Luca Appino presents a four-course menu inspired by Italy’s four Summer towns, which will be paired with Italian Texica Wine at Il Fumo. B2,500 for food only; B3,300 with wine pairing.

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

Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th

Advertise your business with us­ starting from B6,000 Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601

Credit card/Debit card payment accepted

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Tum Thonglor HHHH Thai. 2/F, The Taste, Thonglor Soi 11, 091-8744999. Open daily 10am-10pm. Corkage charge B200. B-BB BTS Thong Lo. F

(EDITORIAL, MARKETING AND ART DEPT.)

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

Menya Takeichi is every bit your Bangkok community mall ramen joint: it has connections to a legendary restaurant in Tokyo; it has acres of contrasting blond-and-dark wood laminate; it has an atrocious soundtrack playing on the stereo. Here though you won’t find a single mention of the words “pork” or “tonkotsu.” Menya Takeichi’s specialty is chicken-broth ramen, propped up by claims that it’s the most popular chicken ramen shop in all of Tokyo, now franchised across the country as well as to Singapore. The spiel goes that it takes 8kg of whole chicken to make the stock for every 10 bowls of ramen. These are simmered for over 10 hours to result in a texture which, in the restaurant’s words, “is gorgeously luxurious and rich in collagen.” That sounds just about right.

The white broth is so gelatinous that leave your bowl undisturbed for a minute and a heavy, transparent film will develop on the surface. This is

BRING ME TO ITALY THIS SUMMER, PLEASE

INTERN WITH US! You must send in a cover letter and resume. Specify which department you are applying for.

Japanese. 2/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259-9300. Open daily 11am-11pm. No outside alcohol allowed. B-BB F

The Commons Kitchen & Bar, 3/F, 335 Thonglor Soi 17. info@thecommonsbkk.com

1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833

You must be at least 18 years old

Menya Takeichi HHHH

Thanks to the heavy Southern cuisine of Kua Kling Pak Sod, Baan Ice and Phuket Town, as well as the wide range of regional specialities at the muchappreciated Supanniga Eating Room, Thonglor is well-catered for by quality Thai restaurants. Joining them to fill the empty spot for high-end Isaan food is Tum Thonglor with its colourful atmosphere that references playful Thai truck slogans, wickerwork and garland bands. One look at the menu and things seem mouth-wateringly promising, too, thanks to the eponymous Tum Thonglor tray (B485): spicy papaya salad with salted egg, a large grilled river prawn, moo yor (Vietnamese pork sausage), crispy pork skin and naem (fermented pork meat). Unfortunately it’s a mixed bag. While the grilled giant river prawn brims with perfectly yolky fat and the flat fettuccini-style papaya tastes

ramen for the most hardened stomachs, available in just four variations: flavored with salt, soy sauce, spicy sauce or a clear soy broth, priced from B130 for a small portion up to B245 for a big bowl garnished with plentiful sheets of nori, a perfectly fudgy egg, bamboo shoots, two chunks of white chicken meat and two chicken meatballs. Tokyo’s original Shinbashi branch, the menu tells us, favors the richer flavor of soy sauce. We’d have to agree. The character of Menya Takeichi’s broth does get a bit one dimensional—you really don’t have anything happening flavor-wise except chicken and more chicken—and the soy adds a depth which the simple salt broth lacks. It’s easy to love a bowl of ramen this decadent, though give us some noodles with a little more bite and springiness and we’d probably love it more. While you wait for your ramen, chew on some perfectly crisp tori karaage (deep-fried chicken, B120/3 pieces, B180/5 pieces) which don’t shy away from keeping the odd piece of deliciously chewy cartilage in the meat. Save space for one of the fried chicken rice balls (tori tenmusu, B40) as well—for that price, it would be a crime not to. And rest assured that if you turn up with a dieter, they can entertain themselves with a not-halfbad salmon rice bowl (B220), wellflavored with tangy shiso leaf and washed down with a wheaty green tea (B40 with unlimited refill).

deliciously fresh, some side dishes fall short of the same standard. The cab moo (pork crackling) tastes a little stale, while the somtum plara (papaya with fermented fish, B85) is way too sour.

The signature kai yang ton tamrab (grilled chicken marinated in coconut milk and herbs, B345/whole, B205/ half) is another let-down thanks to very dry meat. The soup dishes like tom zaap graduk on (pork cartilage in spicy soup, B175) are also overpowered by excessive salt and sweet seasoning. But we do have good memories of the food here, too. Their namtok khor moo (grilled pork neck salad with spicy herbs, B125), for example, offers wellrounded flavors and tender, aromatic meat, while the pak ped thod (deepfried duck beak, B145) is perfectly fried and crispy. We also love the desserts: from the super-creamy coconut ice cream (B75) served with a huge set of toppings, to the jumba (shaved ice on Thai bread topped with either red syrup or Milo, B185) sourced from The Commons’ kakigori specialist Maygori— well worth saving space for. If Tum Thonglor can fix some of its patchy dishes and offer a more consistent level of quality, they’ll definitely be on to a winner as Thonglor’s best place to hunt down Isaan food without getting soaked with sweat or rain.

Ratings

Price guide

Symbols

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

Reservations recommended

Parking available

Dress requirements Live music

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

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

H F E G

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now FRI Princess of Pop

SAT Bowing Out

Bangkok’s streak of awesome international concerts starts this Jul 29 when ex-Disney star turned internationally-known pop singer Selena Gomez makes her Bangkok debut at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani (99 Popular Rd.), promising performances of hits from her latest album, Revival, including “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself” as well as many other guilty-pleasure songs. Tickets are available on Thaiticketmajor for B2,000-5,000.

Bangkok bids farewell to yet another live music venue this Jul 31 when Moose Bangkok’s Farewell Party (24 Ekkamai Soi 21) heralds the closure of the indie institution, whose past credits include concerts for Yellow Fang to intimate gigs with Pete Doherty. Entry is B200 (includes one free drink).

SAT Indie Kicks This Aug 4 sees the return of Fung Jai Mun, online music zine Fung Jai’s concert dedicated to the best of emerging names in the city’s indie music scene. This edition, taking place at Loyshy (744/2 Soi Phayanak), welcomes bands Folk9, Vega, State of Living Ecclesiastic, The Octopuss and Geemtakum to the big stage for a night of quality live music, with tickets selling at B250 from bit.ly/29zGCYe.

SAT Game On While everyone is still waiting for Pokemon Go to officially launch in Bangkok, get your video gaming dose at 8-Bit Bangkok, Jam (41 Charoen Rat Soi 1) bar-slash-gallery’s monthly retro gaming event. This edition sees interactive gaming device Makey Makey take over the big screen, with players set to take on Mario, Tetrix and Pong by using their real-life physical movements to control the characters on the screen. It all takes place this Jul 31, entirely for free.

THU Crime Time The world’s favorite supervillains including the Joker (Jared Leto) and Deadshot (Will Smith) assemble in cinemas this Aug 4 for Suicide Squad, the much-anticipated action film following the antiheros on their mission with a secret government agency to save the world. Available in all SF cinemas around Bangkok.

With the MTL Six Packs App, Get Rewarded for a Fit, Fine, Firm Lifestyle For more great deals, download the MTL Six Packs app, with which you can earn up to 5,000 E-Stickers for taking part in various entertainment and pleasure activities such as traveling, going to the cinema, relaxing at a spa and community work. Simply upload tickets and/or photos that meet the criteria in the app.

You can also enjoy privileges in the form of discounts from Bangkok Airways,

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hotel bookings via Expedia and AirAsiaGo as well other lifestyle offerings.

Download the MTL Six Packs app and register now for free and get your first 2,000 E-Stickers.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

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7/26/16 10:12 AM

now NIGHTLIFE

GIGS

Seelie Yellow Fang

Hibiya Line

SHARAM JEY

The '90s hit DJ famous for remixing Faithless, Diplo & Diablo and Moby plays with support from Nu-Disco Hero: MIKUS. Jul 29, 9pm. Sing Sing Theater, Sukhumvit Soi 45 (next to Quince), 063-225-1331. B300 (includes one free drink). BTS Phrom Phong.

INHALE MEETS BERLIN BEATS AT GLOW

House and techno DJs Inhale and Berlin Beats collaborate with support from Sunju Hargun, Felix Moreno and Jack Haze. Jul 29, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. B300 (includes 1 drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

HIBIYA LINE

The Sathorn cocktail lounge hosts the Swiss-Vietnamese house/techno performer. Hennessy specials all night. Smart/fashionable dresscode.

Jul 29, 10:30pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697.

Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

DARK CIRCUS

Three dance floors host electronic music combined with circus performances from aerialists, acrobats, dancers and magicians. Jul 30, 9pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B250-350 (includes 1 drink) ULTRAVIOLET

A UV party featuring music from DJs Tommy Nori and Knatz and free-flow drinks for ladies between 9-11pm.

There also promises to be UV body

Sharam Jey

painting as well as UV beer pong.

Dress code is white. Jul 30, 9pm. Ce La Vi, 39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. Free.

BTS Chong Nonsi.

NITE RIDE FEAT. SEELIE (ILLUSION RECORDINGS / FUFU)

Nite Ride presents Seelie (One Records, Illusion Recordings) with support from Boogie G, Gramaphone Children & Lows. who will be playing some modern funk, disco & electro funk in a classic dance party vibe. Jul 30-31, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. GLOW PRESENTS LAYERED LOVE & TRISTAN KINO

Tristan Kino and special guest Layered Love play house and techno at the underground electronic music venue.

Jul 30-31, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 (includes 1 drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

LIVING ROOM PRESENTS: DJANE ZOMZII & LO-M

DJ Lo-m AKA Lom Soundstylist takes over Dickinson's Culture Cafe with Djane Zomzii for a night of soulful house and chill house music. Jul 31, 8pm. Dickinson's Culture Cafe, 64 Pra Arthit Rd., 089-497-8422. Free.

AMWET "OLYMPIC" POOL PARTY

DJs Groove, Alex Fischer, Pepe, Markus Alan and K.Kob, and percussionist B2B throw a rooftop pool party. Aug 6, 2pm. AmBar Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3288. B300 (includes 1 drink).

Singto Numchok

SRIRAJAH ROCKERS' ALBUM RELEASE

The Thai dub-raggae band release their third album with special guest Rasmee (Isan soul). Jul 29, 8pm.

Moose Bangkok, 24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550, 083-272-2210. B300 (includes 1 drink).

TUNE IN MUSIC FEST

An afternoon of live jazz, soul and funk music alongside food trucks from Guss Damn Good and Sloane's.

Jul 30, 3pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Free.

KICKS FEST! BRAND NEW SUNSET

The popular rock band performs songs from their new album dubbed Of Space and Time, with support from up-and-coming hardcore band In Vice Versa, post-hardcore band Hopeless and grunge band The Layers, as well as guest appearances from KC Irony, John Will Sail and Clive Pendock. Jul 30, 8pm. Brownstone Studio, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 087-703-0448. B200.

SINGTO NUMCHOK LIVE AT MAGGIE CHOO'S

Singto Numchok performs his signature ukulele pop music Saturday night. Jul 30, 9pm. Maggie Choo's, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. B900. BTS Surasak.

EYE-SEE EAR-FIN CHARITY CONCERT

Thai bands Blackhead, Desktop Error, Jinta and plenty more present an acoustic concert. All ticket sales go to a charity that cares for orphans in Thailand. Jul 31, 3pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616. Free.

MOOSE FAREWELL PARTY

The indie music live venue in Ekkamai calls it a day with a concert from Yellow Fang, Fwends, Gorn Clw and more. Jul 31, 7:30pm. Moose Bangkok, 24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550, 083-272-2210. B200 (includes 1 drink).

Srirajah Rockers

CMOISAJ VOL. IA "DRAGONFLY COLLECTOR" LIVE IN BANGKOK (PH)

Indie folk/pop singer-songwriter Clementine from the Philipines performs at the gallery-bar with support from Beer Soranut. Aug 3, 9pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-835-6824.

TIGER PRESENTS FUNGJAI MUN 2

Discover new underground Thai music from bands including Folk9, Vega, State of Living Ecclesiastic, The Octopuss, and Guem-da-guem. Limited to 150 people.

Aug 4, 5pm. Loyshy, 744/2 Soi Phaya Nak, 090-9706439. B250. BTS Ratchathewi.

CMOISAJ VOL. IA2 "OMNI SIGHT" (KYOTO)

Kyoto-based electronic band "Omni Sight" perform with support from Stylish Nonsense, and Summer Dress. Aug 4, 8pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoen Krung Soi 24, 061-835-6824. Free.

BACK TO THE 80'S AGAIN

Snow White, Neverland, Brownstone and Sugar Rocket play '80s heavy metal covers from Guns n' Roses, Skid Row, Motley Crue, Warrant, Loudness, Cinderella and Bon Jovi. Aug 5, 8pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086977-0621. B250-300 (includes 1 drink). BTS Ratchathewi.

IT'S ME CAT FOODIVAL

Cat Radio presents a music and food festival featuring dishes cooked and sold by Sqweez Animal, Yellow Fang, Greasy Cafe and Scrubb. Live music from Better Weather, Ten to Twelve and Jellyrocket. Aug 7, 11am.

Makkasan Airport Link Station. B300.

Neighborhoods Explore Your Favorite Neighborhoods

www.bkmagazine.com/neighborhoods BK Magazine Friday, July 29, 2016

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7/25/16 6:20 PM

now UPCOMING CONCERTS

FEATURE

Here's why Bangkok's bars are closing and what it means for our live music scene

Chrvches

Two Door Cinema Club

CHARLIE PUTH

SIMPLE PLAN

The American singer songwriter, who made a name for himself through his viral YouTube videos "Marvin Gaye" and the Critic's Choice-award-winning "See You Again" makes his Bangkok debut. He'll be joined by opening acts Ozmo and Room 39. Aug 12, 6pm.

Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom.

The French-Canadian punk band, best known for '90s hits including "Shut Up," "Perfect" and "Welcome to My Life," return to Bangkok for the third time as part of their "Taking One For the Team" tour to promote their latest studio album. Sep 8, 8pm.

Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80 (Lad Phrao), 02-539-3881. B2,800 from Thaiticketmajor.

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

The Northern Irish indie-rock band, known for their hits "Something Good Can Work," "Undercover Martyn" and "What You Know" take the stage with support from local opening acts Tabasco and Tattoo Colour. Aug 17, 6pm. Show DC Oasis Outdoor Arena, Rama 9 Rd. B2,000-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

PENTATONIX

The two-time winners of a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella will perform their original songs such as "Can't Sleep Love" as well as many of their popular covers. Sep 13, 6pm.

Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom. ADAM LAMBERT AND QUEEN

SUNGHA JUNG L'ATELIER TOUR

The Korean solo guitarist with a hit Youtube channel reaching more than 3.9 million subscribers returns to Bangkok to perform songs from his latest album, L'Atelier , which includes hits like "On Cloud Nine".

Aug 20, 6pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 08-0260-0771.

B1,100-2,400 from Thaiticketmajor.

CHRVCHES

The Scottish synth-pop band will be making their Bangkok debut alongside local indie rockers Polycat, Jelly Rocket and Somkiat, up and coming bands Monkey Business, Mirrr and 23'0 as well as visual artists, Dudesweet, Eyedropper Fill and Tuna Dunn. Sep 3, 7pm. BITEC Bangna Hall, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd. B700-1,500 from AllTicketThailand.

24

Two members from the legendary rock band Queen, Roger Taylor and Brian May, join the ex-American Idol contestant for a collaborative world tour featuring some of the British band's greatest hits including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" as well as Lambert's own hits including "Ghost Town" and "What Do You Want From Me?" Sep 30, 7:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455. B2,000-8,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

SCORPIONS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2016

Credit: fb.com/whateverpartyunofficial

Two weeks ago, Sukhumvit Soi 22 live music venue The Overground announced it was closing. "Business is tough out there,” wrote its owner, Graham Lynch, on Facebook. “Costs keep on rising, and income is not rising to match. The powers that be are actively hostile to the nightlife scene and probable imminent developments will make for an even more treacherous trading environment.

"We also have little visibility over the future status of our leased property which removes the incentive to invest for the long term. Most bars and clubs in BKK I talk to are down 30-50% in revenues."

He might be right. In the same month as Overground’s announcement, another long-loved Bangkok bar revealed they’d be going the same way: Moose, whose arrival in Bangkok in 2012 heralded a new dawn for live indie music in this city So what, exactly, is happening out there? While owning a bar which is also a live music venue—as both of these venues were—sounds really cool, the reality is that it’s seriously tough.

“People seem to assume that music venues are just money machines,” says Lynch. “They are not. They are usually labors of love from dedicated owners and promoters who accept reduced incomes or subsidize losses with their day jobs.”

He predicts many more venues will be forced into closure over the next few months, driven by declining revenue and rising rental costs. The rising cost of commercial property is a big problem for bars that make their peak earnings for just a few hours a couple of nights per week. Compare that to 7-Eleven, which can turn around money round the clock.

Passapong “Bard” Phetpradit, owner of Soi Suan Phlu’s low-key cocktail spot Junker & Bar says that the only way his bar can survive is because he also lives there. "The fact that I live above my bar, and next door is my grandma's place, really, really helps a lot in terms of reducing the big cost of renting," he explains.

And then there’s the uncertainty caused by the current political situation. “With the army gaining policing powers, bars are now subject to the law enforcement attention of both the military and the police and they do not always issue orders in lockstep,” says Lynch.

Bard has experienced similar troubles. “The military have come to visit my bar five times in the past two months—from mid-May to mid-July—asking for all kinds of licenses, randomly asking customers for their IDs, and scaring them,” he says. “I know they are just doing their job, but somehow, lately, it has been very tough, and they do pay visits unnecessarily often. It’s scaring the customers a bit."

The closure of Bangkok bars which support live music also has a knock-on effect on our local bands.

“Moose’s owner has always been a big supporter of Bangkok indie musicians,” explains Yuan Santiwattan, co-founder of Rats Records. “It’s a venue that’s guaranteed to bring you quality underground bands.

Now that it’s closing, Bangkok musicians are losing another valuable live music venue. When things are tough for bar owners, that makes it very difficult for the independent music industry as well.”

However, we shouldn’t be too despondent. While many bars are struggling, there are still plenty of gems out there who continue to support the Bangkok independent music community, such as Jam, Play Yard

by Studio Bar, Whiteline and Bar21.

Show your appreciation for the scene by dropping

by Moose this Jul 31, when the bar will bid farewell with a party featuring live music from Yellow Fang, Plot, Fwends, Gorn Clw and The Blackcodes. Entry is B200 (includes one free drink) with performances running between 7:30pm-midnight. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

The German rock band perform live to celebrate their 50-year anniversary, and to promote their latest album, Return to Forever. Oct 26, 8pm.

BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-7493939. B1,200-5,200 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Bang Na.

BK Magazine Friday, July 29, 2016

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7/25/16 6:20 PM

now CLASSICAL

ART

Akihiro Miura

AN EVENING CONCERT WITH BICO

A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC

Veeraphan Vawklang conducts the Bangkok International Community Orchestra. Jul 30, 7pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. Free. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Brendan-Keefe Au (Singapore), soprano Ayano Schramm-Kimura (Japan) and pianist Sim Yikai (Singapore) perform a mixed vocal recital of Schubert, Wolf, Dvorak, Lehmann and Alban Berg. Jul 31, 8:30pm. Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-245-7717. B200-500.

AUBARRA CLARINET DUO

The Dubai-based clarinet duo play pieces from around the world such as Theresa Martin's "Oasis" (2014) and Beth Wiemann's "Sheherazade Built for Two" (2015). Jul 30, 7pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-2331731. B300-500.

PIANO AND VIOLIN RECITAL

Violinist Etienne P fender and pianist Verena Dietrich perform classical music. Jul 31, 4pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B700.

THE BIG NOWHERE

KERN

Three New Zealand artists—Harry Culy, Robyn Daly and Max Scott-Murray—explore the world's diverse social landscapes through photography. Aug 5-4. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Sukhumvit 71 Soi Pridi Banomyong 3, 085-848-7576.

The gallery presents a collection the late politician Surat Osathanugrah's never-before-seen photographs capturing people and stories around him in a light-hearted and intimate way. Aug 6-27, 6pm. Bangkok University Gallery (BUG), 2-4/F, BU International College Building (Bld.7), 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-350-3626.

AKIHIRO MIURA GUEST VIOLIN RECITAL

The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra's concert-master performs on violin with pianist Eri Nakgawa. Aug 1, 7pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. Free.

GERMAN LIEDER AND ART SONGS RECITAL

D&M Music Studio presents soprano Natalia Leal and pianist Cristian Leal from Vienna. Aug 1, 7:30pm. Siam Ratchada Auditorium, U/F, Fortune Town, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-2457717. B300-600.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND BEERS

LUCID IX THESIS EXHIBITION

Seven Thai artists explore the concept of beer drinking in Thai culture and its role as both a celebratory drink and a comfort for stressful times. Jul 29-Aug 31. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Wireless Soi 2 (Ruam Rudi).

Graduating students from Silpakorn University present a thesis exhibition featuring a giant maze of illustrations and graphic designs depicting the obstacles in life and the difficulty of trying to grasp onto dreams. Aug 4-7. Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd.

THEATER

OUR LIFE: A KAREN VILLAGE STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

The Killing Game

ME, MYSELF AND THE MIND OF INSIGNIFICANCE

Director and scriptwriter Pathipon Adsavamahapong presents a performance following the dramatic story of two people who constantly bump into each other at various points in their lives. Through Jul 31, 8:30pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860.

B400-450. BTS Thong Lo. AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Chulalongkorn's dramatic arts students present a modern adaptation of J.B. Priestley's classic play. A family receive an unexpected visit from an inspector one evening, who interrogates them about the suicide of a young woman in their town. Aug 6, 7:30pm. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-2150871/-3. Free.

THE KILLING GAME

Eight local celebrities take over the stage in an interactive performance about a reality game show whose contestants must fight for their survival in a series of tasks, with only one winner guaranteed to be left alive at the end of the game. Aug 6-7, 13-14, 1pm. Bangkok

Me, Myself and the Mind of Insignificance

Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS National Stadium.

THE MOO MOO FIELD

An exhibition featuring photos captured by 12 -year-old students who live in a small Karen village in the jungle in Kanchanaburi Province who were each given small pointand-shoot cameras. Aug 6-30. Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Soi 1, 02-629-2026.

TO DO THINGS WITH WORDS

Five artists present an exhibition capturing the many forms of language, from body movement to the written word, in a series of paintings. The opening exhibition also features a live dance performance by Camille Bondonand Sompong Tawee under the same theme. Jul 30-Aug 19. Buffalo Bridge Gallery, 490/5 Paholyothin Rd., 02-616-6669.

SALES & FAIRS

Democrazy Theatre Studio presents a performance following five drama students at a theater workshop who are told to imagine themselves in a green field with a friendly cow, leading them on an adventure that blurs the line between imagination and reality. Through Aug 15, 7:30pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4 Rd., 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718.

B400-550. MRT Lumphini.

BAAN LAE SUAN FAIR MIDYEAR 2016

The magazine's mid-year fair returns with home decor booths, electronics, household and garden decor and crafts. Highlight zones include: Eco Village (Thai designs), Craft Village (workshops), Room Life Studio (by Room and Health & Cuisine), Green House (plants and gardening tools) and Color Party (home decor). There will also be a food truck zone on-site. Through Jul 31, 10am. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. BTS Bang Na.

THE ADVENTURES OF TIK-TOK, MAN OF OZ

The story of the first robot in literature, Tik-Tok Man, and his adventure with Dorothy in the world of Oz. Daily except Tuesday and Wednesday. Jul 29-Aug 21, 7:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor).

B300-550.

A BOOK FAIR 2016: FRIEND ZONE

A Book publisher invites over 30 of its friends to the annual book fair under the theme "Friend Zone." Meet the authors and check out some new releases while listening to live music. Through Jul 31, 10am.

Baan Lae Suan Midyear 2016

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now FILM Opening

BAD MOMS (USA)

JASON BOURN (USA)

Comedy. Amy (Mila Kunis) joins forces with two other overworked and underappreciated moms (Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn) to rebel from their regular duties, pitting them against queen-bee mother Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate) and her gang of perfect moms.

Action. Former CIA operative Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) starts to remember his past and embarks on a journey to find out who he really is and what he has done.

MAHALAI TIANG KUEN: COLLEGE NIGHT (THAI)

Horror. A group of students determined to study after dark are faced with ghosts when the clock strikes midnight in their college classroom.

UN-PLUS-UNE (FRANCE)

Romance. A composer heads to India to film an Indian adaptation of the love story Romeo and Juliet, where he forms a complicated relationship with the wife of the French Ambassador.

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THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (USA)

SUICIDE SQUAD (USA)

Comedy/Animation. A spoiled terrier in New York (voiced by Louis C.K.) forms a rivalry with his owner’s newly adopted dog (voiced by Eric Stonestreet), until they are both taken to the pound and must work together on a mission against humans. Aug 4

Action/Fantasy. A secret government agency recruits a group of dangerous supervillains (Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto) to carry out a mission to save the world. Aug 4

TRAIN TO BUSAN (SOUTH KOREA)

Action/Horror. A group of train passengers must fight their way through a viral outbreak of zombies that leaves them trapped inside the vehicle. Aug 4

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SPECIAL SCREENINGS Aekkanake Cineclub

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In collaboration with the Documentary Club, Ubaan Art Station art space hosts a special screening of Crystal Moselle’s 2015 dramatic documentary The Wolfpack. The film follows seven siblings whose abusive father has kept them locked in a small apartment in New York City for 14 years. The siblings only have television to teach them about the outside world, and spend their days re-enacting their favorite movies to pass the time, until one day one of them manages to escape. The film won the U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Jul 30. B120 (includes one drink). Screening starts at 8pm. Ubaan Art Station, 204 Soi Chinda Thawin, Si Phraya Rd. MRT Sam Yan

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