BK Magazine 667 November 25, 2016

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 667 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com

Bangkok’s best tailors and made-to-measure services

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BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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page 3 What We’ve Learned

6 cover story

Perfect Cuts

4 escape

9 bites & blends

Travel Ideas

Brunch O’clock 12 bites

14 bites

Season’s Greetings

Italian Staples

17 bites

22 BK Now

Tried & Tested

The Week Ahead

Who's in charge?

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

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

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

Interns Gunticha Pangsalae, Warunya Litthisri, Tessa Domzalski

Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Asia City Media Group

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

Cover by Production BK

Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg

A checklist of BK Magazine’s most important discoveries this week Sukhumvit Soi 11’s best street food has gone You already know that Cheap Charlie’s and its buddies on that little street are going to be gone by March 2017. But big construction in the neighborhood means that the space where you used to find awesome, cheap food stalls for late-night/ early morning partiers has already disappeared, including our favorite, the honest-to-god chicken noodles stall. Suppose 7-Eleven food will have to satisfy those drunken cravings now.

Bangkok’s fancy new onsen is worth the wait For its 18th branch, Thai spa empire Let’s Relax targets Thonglor’s Japanese crowd with a high-end bathhouse (5/F, Grande Centre Point Hotel, 300 Sukhumvit Soi 55). Aside from the steaminghot baths, there are a few goodies to differentiate it from Suk Soi 26’s Yunomori Onsen, namely the hot stone-bed room and the 12-degrees-Celsius cool-down zone. The prices are higher at B650 (unlimited soak time), but then the crowds are also thinner (for now, at least).

There’s yet another cheese tart specialist in town Drag yourself away from the Pablo queue and you’ll discover that Bangkok now has a fifth Japanese cheese tart bakery in town. Called Milch (see page 15), this one comes from the hot-spring mountain town of Yufuin. Unlike the massive pies of Pablo, Milch’s cheese tarts come in little red paper cups, look like baby sick and cost B75 a pop. Get there before your friends do!

We may never get to see Motel Mist Prabda Yoon’s Motel Mist has been one of the most hotly anticipated Thai movies of 2016. Promising plenty of violence and sex, it amazingly passed through the censorship board unmolested with an 18+ rating, and hit Scala for its premiere last week. Unfortunately for Prabda, the movie’s exec producers, True Visions, were in the audience. They didn’t like what they saw and pulled the movie from its nationwide screenings lastminute. Now there’s no telling when it’ll get screen time.

There’s finally a place to get the world’s hottest food trend in Bangkok

We’re talking about poke, the classic Hawaiian fish dish that has recently had a surge in popularity among foodies.

Now, regular food-trend-spotter Shari Shari (see: eggplant fries and sushi burritos) in CentralWorld has brought the dish to Bangkok in its customizable, mainland US format.

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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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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cover story Made to Measure Nothing beats getting clothes that fit perfectly. Check out Bangkok’s best tailors and bespoke fashion brands for men and women. By Earn Saenmuk

Bespoke Suits Tailor on Ten Elegant, professional, well-staffed and upfront about pricing, Tailor on Ten has become many a sartorialist's go-to. Unlike the vast majority of tailor shops, they carry out all their work on-site, and staff are willing to take you behind the scenes to show you what goes into making a jacket—lining, canvas, shoulder pads and chest plate. The result is a low-pressure environment, where everything’s spelled out and the customer feels free to walk out without buying. Tailor on Ten may not be the cheapest tailor in Bangkok, but it might just be the most stress-free.

Price: Suits start at B14,500 for blended wool and B17,500 for pure wool. Prices for cotton shirts start at B2,200.

93 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 084-877-1543. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-7pm. www.tailoronten.com

Pinky / Pawin Tailor The three-decade-old Pinky is a perennial favorite for the well-dressed man and woman. It may look like many other tailors on Sukhumvit—and there are very many—with endless rows of fabric, but the experience here is unlike any other. His tailors work especially for him and are very skilled, so know what you want and you'll get exactly that.

Pawin (see BK Asks, page 8), Pinky’s son, has since opened up his own tailoring business right next door, offering younger styles made with no less attention to detail. With his own ready-to-wear collections, Pawin has even transitioned to exhibiting his work at Europe’s fashion weeks.

Price: Pure wool suits start at B13,000, plus the cost of extra knickknacks like special buttons or personalized details. Top-quality fabrics from brands like Ermenegildo Zegna become considerably more expensive.

Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/40 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-2536328. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7:30pm. BTS Phloen Chit. www.pinkytailor.com

Narin Couture Wooden paneled and outfitted with traditional mannequins, Narin Couture looks all of its 20 years of age. Owner Narin Bowonnaowarux formally trained as a tailor at Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris (basically Le Cordon Bleu but for clothes), learning both suit design and construc-

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tion. He’ll offer you a classic and elegant, fully-canvassed (meaning the suits inner structural lining is sewn in rather than glued) jacket made to your perfect measurements. Don’t expect him to get things done quickly—good suits take longer than seven days to make.

Price: Pure wool starts at B25,000, plus an extra B10,000 if you want canvassing.

180 Sukhumvit Rd. (between soi 8-10), 02-251-9237.

Open Mon-Sat 10:30am-9:30pm. BTS Nana. www.narincouture.com Tailor on Ten

Vvon Sugunnasil With a significantly more hi-so feel than your usual Bangkok tailor, this tiny shop offers very high-quality fabric, starting from pure wool Japanese super 120 and going up to luxury fabrics from Europe that can cost B40,000. Choose your sample swatch, and match it with a shirt collection that allows for 20 different collars. Owner Von spent a year in Paris learning about small bespoke boutiques before opening up shop, which explains why his tailoring style leans towards the French. Among his customers, he counts society page regulars like Nadech Kukimiya.

The wait is long, so make your appointment well in advance of whenever you need the suit for.

Price: From B18,000 for Japanese super 120 wool.

The Barkyard BKK, 65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 086-899-9888.

Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm; Monday by appointment. IG: vvonsugunnasil

Tailorbird

Vvon Sugunnasil

Tailorbird

Unlike most tailor shops, Tailorbird is headed by a woman, Passara “Mhai” Silapat, who specializes not in business suits but rather wedding-wear. Though her focus is on things like tuxedos, morning suits and handmade grooms’ accessories (pins, bowties and pocket squares, from B350), she does also offer standard work suits that are made using the same high-quality cloth as her family’s 70-year-old Broadway Tailor shop (Petchburi Rd.).

Price: From B11,000 for both work and wedding suits. Suit rental starts from B3,500, while custom rental goes for B8,000 and up.

8 Sukhumvit Soi 28, 081- 633-4884. Open Mon-Fri 1 0 : 3 0 a m - 6 p m ; S a t 1 0 a m -7 p m . w w w. f b. c o m / Tailorbirdshop

Pinky Tailor

BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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cover story Denim

Selvedgework

Memoirs

Nama Denim

Selvedgework

Dresses

Price: From B6,900 Siam Square Soi 2, 02-658-0486. Open daily noon9pm. BTS Siam. www.selvedgework.com

Memoirs

Well Shop

Wanpen

Although this online clothing store is better known for its line of minimal, ready-to-wear clothes in linen and other breezy fabrics, the tailor service is killer, too. Options range from simple dresses to evening gowns and wedding dresses.

You can bring your own style and fabric, or pay a little extra for designing help and have the fabric picked out for you hassle-free.

Earlier this year, The Voice sensation Violette Wautier got her lace floor-length gown made here for an award ceremony. And it looked amazing. Contact Memoirs via Instagram: memoirsofficialth or Line: melodiemgl.

This shop strictly does made-to-order clothes with around 90 percent of orders being for long evening gowns. Its specialty is perfectly fitting feminine dresses, using mostly chiffon and satin. Just send over the style you want, along with colors, fabric types and other information, and you’ll hear back about the details and prices in no time. Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what you want; Mint, the tailor, will help you design and make your ideas come to life. The home studio is in Pattanakarn, but you can get a house-visit for measurement at no charge. Contact via Instagram: well_shops, Line: oncemint8 or call 081-349-1838 for services.

This tailor may not look fancy, but fashionistas swear by her execution (see BK Asks, right). Owner and house tailor Wanpen makes what could be described as “mom’s style” clothes, from simple everyday dresses to shirts and pants. But if you want something more elegant and fancy, just show her the design and you will get exactly that (if not better). Production is done at the shop, which is also her house.

Price: From B6,000

The first thing you see when you walk in this store is a dozen of different kinds of selvedge denim to choose from displayed on the wall.

The staff can walk you through the process and options available, so don’t worry if you don’t know anything about denim. Selvedgework offers five cuts (super skinny, skinny, slim, straight and regular) with denim both made in-house and imported from Japan and the USA, along with options to customize your new pair of selvedge denim jeans with buttons, waistbands, pocket linings and lasered initials. Customers are mostly men, but women’s denim jeans are also available with fewer customizable options. You can also find ready-to-wear products in-store, including denim shirts, aprons and imported bags. Production time is around 1-2 weeks.

Prices: From B800 excluding fabric.

363/24 Ladprao Soi 26, 089-7744045. By appointment only

Nama Denim One of Bangkok's most trusted (and affordable) jeans makers, launched a custom line at the start of this year to give customers the opportunity to make their own ideal pair of jeans. The process starts with the fit (skinny, slim, straight, workwear or you can even bring in your existing fave pair of jeans), then you can choose from a selection of Japanese selvedge denim fabrics that are designed to look better with age. Other customizable details include pocket lining, back pocket (five different designs), stitching color, buttons, rivets and leather patch.

Price: From B4,900-8,900, and production takes around one week. Available for both men and women.

2/F, Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Rd., 08-989-2723. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Asoke. www.fb.com/ namadenim

Price: From B3,700

Shoes

BK Asks

SULAIMAN SWALEH, 27, SWING DANCER AND INSTRUCTOR

What are the most important things to consider when getting a tailored suit?

“You have to know what you want, and really do your research.

There are many different styles, different details like where the pockets should be placed, how high and how low, neat cut or slim cut and so on. Eras like ‘20s-50s have different lapel shapes, pleat styles, pocket styles. If you let the tailor do everything, they’ll stick to the basics and your suit won’t stand out much.”

Favorite tailor: Pinky

KRAIJAN SUWANSANYA, 23, BEAUTY DIGITAL WRITER FOR VOGUE THAILAND

What makes you opt for tailor-made clothes?

“Everyone’s body is different.

Some dresses only look great if they fit you perfectly, not too tight where they’re supposed to be loose, or vice versa. You won’t find every dress in the right size for you, and you can only customize store-bought ones so far. The fit is really important, and so is the design. If it’s something you like, it is worth the hassle.”

Favorite tailor: Wanpen

Mango Mojito

Don’s Footwear

Ballet Shoes

This Thai brand offers six designs for classic gentleman-style custom-made shoes. You can choose the color, leather, shoelaces and many more options to make your pair unique and special. The boutique is stylish, with many polished Oxfords, loafers and boat shoes on display that are made to fit your feet comfortably. You can also get quick, 15-minute shines (B200) and up-to-60-minute premium shines (B400) using world-class products like horsehair brushes and Saphir cleaning products.

Located at the bottom of Mahanakhon Cube, this traditional made-to-order bespoke shoe shop offers a big range of hand-welted shoes—around 15 different styles—for every occasion, from casual footwear to some serious business kicks. Other shoe services like 10-minute express shoe shine (B180), mirror shines (B500), sole and heel replacement (B1,500) and repairs (prices range from B500-B1,750) are also available. You get two free shoe shines, free minor repairs and touch-ups with every pair of shoes you purchase at Don’s. Service takes 2-3 weeks and prices range from B4,000-20,000 per pair.

One of Bangkok’s oldest shoe shops, Ballet Shoes has been around for over 60 years. It started out as a small family-owned store, but has gradually changed into a tailor-made shoe company catering to a diverse range of customers. Most of the shoes are comfortable ballet flats—the shop’s specialty—but there are also wedges, high heels, Oxfords and sandals. You can play with the style and materials all you want.

Prices: From around B4,000. Tailored services are available only at J Avenue (Thonglor) and Siam Square branches.

Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-252-5945.

Open daily 12pm-9pm. BTS Siam J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15, 02-712-5529. Open daily 12pm-9pm. BTS Thong Lo

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B1/F, Mahanakhon Cube Building, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 080-071-7176. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

Available in 4 locations: CentralWorld (3/F, 02-6131745), Siam Square One (1/F, 02-252-2464), Terminal 21 (3/F, 02-254-0747) and Silom Complex (2/F, 02-2313267), or at www.fb.com/BalletShoes.

PAWIN PALITDEJTAKUL, 31, OWNER, PAWIN TAILOR

What are you doing differently from your father's store, Pinky Tailor?

"My dad has built such a solid base of customers and craftsmanship.

I am building on that with my own collections. Earlier this year I exhibited at Paris Fashion Week.

We want to tell people we can do many things other than just normal suits."

BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

he Eleraising ng Mai. exhibi17. The ad, Wat Parade umibol. p celebhe Elery own

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CHIANG MAI

Elephant Town After touring around the world, including a stint in Bangkok late last year, the Elephant Parade (www.elephantparade.com),​the massive charity art exhibition raising funds to protect Asian elephants, is heading back to where it all started: Chiang Mai. It’s been 10 years since the Elephant Parade first got underway, and now the exhibition plans to take over the streets of the city from Dec 9 through Jan 15, 2017. The location spans from the moat canal to the Three Kings Monument, Tha Pae Road, Wat Intharawat and Warorot Market (aka Kad Luang). As many as 89 Elephant Parade statues will stand proudly across the city to mark the age of the late King Bhumibol. Each statue was created by a renowned Thai artist, international brand or top celebrity—even starchitect Duangrit Bunnag has contributed a design.

Don’t miss the Elephant Parade Land Experience, an art studio where visitors can paint their very own elephant.

a pope menu e chickyme-ingrocer .

Lanna Italian Four Seasons just opened its new Chiang Mai cooking school last month, and now the Dhara Dhevi (www.dharadhevi.com) has released another food highlight in the form of Allegro, an Italian restaurant that just launched this month. Contradicting the resort’s fancy atmosphere, the kitchen here offers simple family-style dishes like wood-fired pizzas, pastas and antipasto platters with premium ingredients. If you’re planning to go during the festive season, check out the “Jolly Festive” package from Dec 22-26 and Dec 29-Jan 3, 2017, which gives you a minimum-three-night stay with rates that start from B16,000 per night including a dinner at its all-day dining Akaligo and airport transfers.

tad-ke. onal re15-min. While making, also ofal field s, bamy at the ay-twotwo—a

KHAO YAI

Forest Grocer Australia-hailing deli Jones the Grocer is getting in on the winter action with a pop-up cafe (goo.gl/stm6UE) at the newly built Thyme Hill Village in Khao Yai. The menu spans from all-day breakfast to Australian wagyu burgers and the new signature assorted skewer plate (B250) which includes barbecued chicken with thyme and sausages. The pop-up lasts till Mar 26, 2017. After Khao Yai, the grocer plans to expand its horizons to other locations in Thailand. Stay tuned.

LAOS

Botanical Touches Luang Prabang just welcomed the new 25-hectare Pha Tad Ke (www.pha-tad-ke.com) botanical gardens—a first-of-its-kind for the nation which acts as a regional research center and living museum for Laos’ native flora. Getting there takes a 15-minute boat ride from Ban Wat That, which departs every hour from 9am to 4pm. While you’re there, try one of the enticing workshops like traditional Laos bouquet making, forest foods, gardening and studying medicinal plants (all US$18/B640). They also offer full-day tours like the Pha Tad Ke mountain trek (US$59/B2,100) and botanical field trips (US$125/B4,450). Entrance costs US$25 (B890) and includes a talk on orchids, bamboo handicraft workshop and herbal tea tasting. Combine your trip with a stay at the gorgeously colonial Luang Say Residence, which right now offers a three-day-two-night package for US$740 (B26,343) for two people. That gets you entrance and transfers to the gardens, two dinners for two people and airport transfers. A bargain, considering two nights would usually cost B32,000.

FREE DOWNLOAD! WHERE Hot Spots 2016 covers the hottest new openings in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Chiang Mai. Get your free copy today at bkmagazine.com/hotspots2016.

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BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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avenue

FASHION

Urban Expansion Good news for those who live in Bangna. The multi-label Kanvas Concept Store brings familiar downtown labels to Mega Bangna, presenting them in a cool space that resembles an artist’s studio. Some familiar shoes and clothing brands are Toms, FitFlop, Vick’s Weekend and Brixton. See also a range of accessories from Komono and Mr. Lemon Head, as well as bags, pouches and purses from Herschel Supply Co., Paul’s Boutique and Poler Stuff. Thai design addicts will definitely walk out with an item or two. We can’t resist the chic swimsuits from Aprilpoolday, and women’s sportswear from Wakingbee. Prices start from just B390. 1/F, Mega Bangna (near Ikea), Bangna-Trad Rd., 02-105-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm

GROOMING

Scrub Up Located in the same building as Black Amber Social Club, and run by the people formerly involved in Black Amber Barbershop, Dirty Hands Club is a nail salon in a private “gentleman’s cave” (think a Black Amber-like mix of leather sofas, dark woods and booze bottles). Foot massage starts at B350 (60 minutes), classic hand or foot treatments from B650, and combo deals at B1,200. Guests also get their beverage of choice (whiskey or beer), private TV (for each chair), Bluetooth headphones and even a PlayStation console to while away the time. Thonglor Soi 6, 096-884-01564. Open daily noon-8pm. www.fb.com/dirtyhandsclubbkk

BEAUTY

Natural Glow Japanese organic makeup brand Three has rolled out a new holiday-themed collection that promises to add some natural sparkle to your look. The collection consists of a special eye kit (B2,950) and four product lines: Mesmerizing Performance Eyeliner Pencil (B1,200), Shimmering Lip Jam (B1,100), Nail Polish (B850) and, our favorite, Epic Mini Dash (B1,250), a whipped gel which can be used both on your cheeks and lips. All items come in two colors (coral pink and rosy red) that they claim are suited to all skin tones.

Available at Three boutiques at Siam Paragon, Zen at CentralWorld, Central Chidlom and Central Ladprao.

CO-WORKING SPACE

Rabbit Warren The Rabbit Hub is a co-working space with more of a cozy, almost school-like vibe, combining a tutoring space, meeting room and event hall, all decked out in a mix of white brick and blond wood. Grab a seat in the shared quiet zone (B50/person/ hour or B150/person/day), at the group study table (1-4 people, B100/hour or B500/day), in a private meeting room (1-6 people, B300/hour or B1,200/day) or event area (up to 15 people, B500/hour). If you want a little pick-me-up, there’s a cafe inside as well. 69/10 Soi Pathumwan Resort, Phayathai Rd., 093-895-5641. Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-10pm.

BTS Phaya Thai. www.therabbithub.com BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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bites & blends

DOWNLOAD BEST EATS 2016 FOR FREE And discover Bangkok's best casual restaurants. bkmagazine.com/besteats

NEW MENU

Local Appreciation Charoenkrung’s hottest eatery 80/20 is back after a short break with a new menu and chef's table. Executive chef Napol Jantraget is now joined by Canadian accomplice Andrew Martin. There's still the emphasis on local ingredients and made-from-scratch elements, but now there are even more distinctly Thai touches. The tea-smoked duck breast (B480) comes with pumpkin in a variety of guises (charred young pumpkin, flower and shoots, puree) while the lamb tartare in Isaan dressing (B280) blends herbs and powdered crickets. Desserts are another step up: the pumpkin and basil dish (B220) is an opera of different textures in one bite. Also catch chef Napol’s nine-course tasting menu served at the kitchen counter from B1,800. 1052-1054 Charoenkrung Rd., 087-593-1936

ICE CREAM

PASTRY

NEW CHEF

Cream of the Crop

Flaking Out

Chef Special

One of the best bakeries in town, Bangladesh-hailing Holey now goes beyond wonderful bread and pastries. The new Holey Gelato shop serves Italian-style ice creams and sorbets.

Italian gelato maker Jacopo Bionic, who was also behind the brand’s frozen treats at the now-defunct Dhaka shop, whips up creamy goodies in both classic flavors (think French vanilla, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, mandarin) and specialty flavors (Nutella, red wine, tiramisu, Ferrero Rocher, saffron risotto, whiskey custard) and sells them at a humble B50 or B80 a scoop. Takeaway tubs are B300 for 0.5kg and B550 for 1kg. The stall, tucked near the Sukhumvit Soi 23 exit of Asoke’s Interchange building, carries a selection of Holey’s bread, too. G/F, Interchange Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 21. BTS Asok

Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon was the chef at the helm of Dara Dhevi’s Japanese restaurant Ren in Chiang Mai. Now he’s back in Bangkok and focusing his attention on yummy, non-greasy kanom pia (Chinese-style puff pastry) with his Le Cordon Bleutrained wife. Their brand, Rabbit & Goat, does kanom pia as they should be done: good puff pastry with thin, flaky layers, no chemicals, and a mung bean paste filling that's not too sweet. In addition to mung bean, they roll out new experimental fillings every month, including this month’s taro from Nakorn Pathom with palm sugar from Songkhla and salt from Udon Thani. Orders are only taken once or twice a month via Facebook (and these fill up quick!). Prices start at B220 per box of 10 pieces. www.fb.com/Rabbitandgoat

Sukhumvit’s homely-yet-refined Italian mainstay, Enoteca Italiana, has a new head chef. Stefano Borra recently relocated from his native Piedmont, where his restaurant, Ristorante VO, still has one star in the Michelin 2016 guide. Piedmont cuisine is about full-on, meaty and rustic flavors. Borra brings them out in powerful dishes like braised quail stew served a salt-cooked onion (B650) and roast pigeon with foie gras and savoy cabbage (B1,500). While the old Enoteca menu remains, look to the truffle seasonal menu for Borra specialties like beef tartare made from lean fassona beef and topped with a fudgy, slow-cooked egg yolk (B790) or tajarin pasta—made with 40 egg yolks per kilo of flour—topped with butter and Parmesan cheese (B300). 39 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-258-4386

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DOWNLOAD TOP TABLES 2016 FOR FREE BK’s yearly restaurant guide is Bangkok’s authority on fine dining. http://bit.ly/2eIAGip

By

NEW MENUS

Paste

Fall/Winter Collections Check out the new seasonal menus at our Top Tables 2016 guide’s 10 best restaurants. By BK Editorial

1. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Who: Olivier Limousin has accounted for a good portion of the Michelin stars in Joel Robuchon’s arsenal of over 20, thanks to head chef stints at both the flagship London and Paris restaurants. He’s even guest-judged the semis of Britain’s Masterchef.

What’s new: Limousin says they’re trying to make the menu at L’Atelier more healthy—less butter and cream, more organic produce.

The menu: L’Atelier follows Europe’s seasons, which right now means wild mushrooms: cepes, girolles, trompette and, the daddy, white truffle. Another favorite of Limousin is the Dover sole, sourced from his hometown of Vendee and portioned to share among 2-4 people by the maître d at the sushi-style counter.

Price: B7,500 (7 courses), B5,000 (5 courses) 5/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0698

2. Gaggan Who: Gaggan Anand, winner of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants two years in a row.

What’s new: In August, Gaggan opened “The Lab,” a B20-million extension of the original villa.

The new menu: One of the new toys in the lab allows them to make astronaut food. Why are freeze-dried mushrooms better than fresh ones? Because the desiccation process intensifies the flavors. Plus, when dropped into a broth, the mushroom soaks it all up. Playful additions like Kiss Me involve devouring lip-shaped gyokuro tea jelly.

Price: B4,000 (22 courses) 68/1 Lang Suan Rd., 02-652-1700

3. Nahm Who: The flagship restaurant of Western Thai-food champion David Thompson these days stands under the stewardship of fellow Aussie executive chef Chris Miller and Thai head chef Prin Polsuk.

What’s new: There’s always something inventive happening on the menu. As Miller points out, “Esoteric ingredients change as we stumble across them and incorporate them into our menu.”

The menu: Rain, heat and humid conditions mean it’s the time of year for Thailand’s earthy wild mushrooms, het kone, which appear in Nahm’s latest seasonal menu as part of hot and sour wild mushroom soups. Other seasonal highlights: unripe mace, sour leaves and sand ginger, which they use as part of a coral catfish curry, and a Northern-style galangal relish served with prawn stuffed young bamboo that’s quickly deep-fried.

Price: B2,500 (per person for a family-style set menu to share) COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388

4. Ginza Sushi Ichi Who: Affiliated with the Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant of the same name, these two counters seating 11 people each serve uncompromisingly authentic omakase-style sushi. Artistic, delicious, refined and subtle, Sushi Ich’s food competes for attention with the very theater of omakase, where chefs in traditional out-

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Water Library Chamchuri

Appia

fits wield elegant knives and scrape fresh wasabi on boards strewn with shagreen.

The menu: Eight-week dry-aged Ohmi (Shiga Prefecture) wagyu beef is Butler’s proudest new offering. It’s also truffle and game season—two of the chef’s favorites—and a special winter tasting menu is in the works. Also look out for autumn knife fish, grilled whole.

What’s new: Sushi Ichi’s founding chef Masakazu Ishibashi picked up big-time in Michelin’s inaugural Singapore edition, winning one star for Sushi Ichi and two for his other Singaporean restaurant, Shoukouwa.

The menu: Right now, tuna snobs are looking to the coast of Wakayama for the perfect cuts. It’s here served in a variety of subtly different styles: lean, fatty and aged for five-days. Japanese flying fish and mackerel pike are also at their best. As for salmon roe, this is the only time of the year when you can get it fresh.

Price: B4,000-10,000 (various set tasting menus) LG/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-250-0014

5. Water Library Chamchuri Who: Mirco Keller likes to keep a low profile but he is a regular in the BK Top Tables Top 10, meaning this town recognizes him as one of its most important chefs.

What’s new: Keller is becoming more adventurous with highly personal touches such as his Chinese-inspired dumplings and his take on Germany’s ubiquitous doner kebabs.

The menu: Keller straddles France and Germany, segueing from a beef tartare with piquant mustard seeds and capers, on a bed of tonnato (a Piedmontese tuna-flavored mayo), to a Berlin-style kebab with pulled pork and coleslaw lobster rouille.

Price: B2,190 (4 courses), B3,290 (5 courses).

2/F, Chamchuri Square, Rama 4 Rd., 061-852-5411, 095-085-7777

6. Appia

Price: B2,000-3,000 (average 3-course dinner per person).

1/6 Soi Phiphat 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931

8. Paste Who: Compared to other top-tier names in Thai cuisine, Bongkoch Satongun and Jason Bailey tend to be the underdogs. But their elevated yet authentic Thai dishes have a staunch crowd of Thai admirers.

What’s new: The chefs dig deep into ancient Thai cookbooks, pulling out recipes and developing them into their own dishes. They’re also using more wild produce from local farmers in the countryside.

The menu: All the dishes are now either uncommon or historical Thai dishes, elevated by premium proteins and more extensive flavor composition. The Chiang Mai salad with fresh river prawn is like a deconstructed nam prik noom (roasted banana chili paste), inspired by a recipe of M.L. Dtiw Chonlamartpitjarn (1905-1965), while the massaman lamb curry plays with shaved coconut apple and raw durian and a curry paste that combines seven old recipes.

Price: B2,000-3,000 (average 3-course dinner per person) 3/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1003

9. Bo.lan Who: Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones are constantly raising the bar for genuine royal Thai cuisine, researching recipes, tracking down former palace chefs, and putting in colossal time and effort.

Who: Italian native Paolo Vitaletti is also known for the one and only pizzeria in Thailand serving certified Neapolitan pizza, Peppina. Now, he’s joined by a new head chef, Rome-hailing Roberto Cimmino.

What’s new: This summer saw pop-ups abroad, from Hong Kong to New York, while they continue their path towards a zero-carbon footprint back home.

What’s new: Cimmino brings Southern Italian cooking and passion for seafood to the table of the originally Roman restaurant.

The menu: With slightly heavier dishes and fewer summery fruits, the Oct-Nov menu is packed with sharp flavors like coconut flower vinegar in a salad of flowers, braised salted beef in a relish of young tamarind, lamb with betel leaves and a smoked dried fish soup.

The menu: Appia’s classic menu remains, while Cimmino rolls out a seasonal rotating menu highlighting Icelandic cod fish and mazara prawns. The acqua pazza is a traditional dish from Naples which features an Icelandic cod fish fillet cooked with Italian sea water, capers, anchovy from Sicily and sweet tomato from Mt. Vesuvius, on top of Bouchot mussels; and the single-origin-wheat spaghetti with cooked and raw mazara prawn.

Price: B1,500-2,000 (average 3-course dinner per person) 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056

7. Eat Me Who: New Yorker and Culinary Institute of America-graduate Tim Butler has been responsible for ensuring the landmark restaurant has never slipped from the minds of discerning diners thanks to his truly globally-inspired recipes that manage to keep flavors comforting.

What’s new: The bar will soon welcome a new cocktail menu, while the dining room moves more towards large-format sharing dishes.

Price: B2,280 or 2,680 for the sets (No a la carte) 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-260-2961-2

10. Le Du Who: Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn was the toast of Bangkok’s restaurant scene after opening Le Du in 2014, thanks to boldly reinterpreted versions of Thai dishes that go well beyond tourist staples.

What’s new: A renovation is currently underway. So far, this means a new second-floor dining room, while a total revamp of downstairs is next (service will carry on as normal upstairs while this happens).

The menu: Ton says his two favorite things to work with now are cuttlefish and termite mushrooms. Not traditionally served together, at Le Du they come together under a dressing of Thai herbs and salted egg. Though the dish is served a la carte, it should be enjoyed as part of the seven-course tasting menu.

Price: B2,590 (7 courses) 399/3 Silom Soi 7, 092-919-9969

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VATR ADV for Festive - BK magazine FA.pdf

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MahaNaga:

Modern Thai cuisine ; Fresh and bursting with flavor prepared using only the freshest, high quality local and international ingredient.

MahaNaga is set in a magnificent architecture blend with the outdoor courtyard situated in a desirable location of Bangkok.

Gypsy Spells Bar:

The bar for lifestyle you should not miss

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OPEN DOOR

Cantina Ari finally gets an Italian restaurant the rest of the city should care about.

The buzz: Despite being a buzzing foodie area, Ari hasn’t had a decent Italian place until now. From Soho Hospitality (the group behind Above Eleven, Charcoal and Havana Social) comes this casual pizza and pasta house.

The decor: The restaurant stands in a quaint house on the corner of Ari Samphan Soi 3. Referencing the name Cantina—Italian for wine cellar—the decor employs a whole lot of wood and bricks to create a cozy, dimly-lit dining room. A huge wine rack straddling two stories features hundreds of bottles, while upstairs offers more seats and a pizza-making kiosk. The theming doesn’t stop at the dining room, either.

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The food: There's nothing fancy here in terms of food. It's all about Italian comfort dishes—antipasti, pasta, pizza, cold cuts and, of course, tiramisu (B180). The quality of ingredients shines in dishes like the simple smoked burrata salad (B440), which comprises refreshing buffalo cheese and delicious heirloom tomatoes. They also make pizza the Neapolitan way, raising the pizza dough for 24 hours. Don’t miss their mascarpone e tartufo pizza (B520), which features mascarpone cheese, mozzarella cheese, truffle paste, rocket leaves and San Daniele ham.

The drinks: This spot is definitely a must-try for wine-lovers. A three-page menu with names from Chile, New Zealand, France, Australia and Italy leads things, but you’ll also find some esoteric bottles which the restaurant imports exclusively. One of the

owners, Matthew Milotich, acts as the restaurant’s sommelier and personally imports Slovenian Edi Simcic Giocato Merlot 2012, which comes in at a tidy B170 by the glass (B950/bottle). Also try Argentina’s Aberdeen Angus Mendoza Centenario Malbec 2014 (B180/glass, B1,100/bottle).

Why you should care: This isn’t just some place to provide decent Italian for Ari residents. Cantina’s flavors are full-on and worth traveling for. Add to that a wine list that’s one of the most approachable in town and you have an easy-to-recommend package. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj 4 Ari Samphan Soi 3, 02-278-0250. Open daily 5pm-midnight. www. fb.com/cantinabkk

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Hot Wheels Pizza

TABLE TALK

Morimoto The Clock Out

Milch

NEW AND NOTED

Like Clockwork The Clock Out (35/5 Krungthonburi Road, 092-962-2279) is a casual Italian restaurant whose decor is the definition of modern-farmhouse chic. The dinner menu spotlights nicely plated fare like foie gras raspberry rocket salad (B360) and Australian steaks like tagliata de manzo (B630 for 400g and served with mashed potato). More exciting are the drinks, with the bartenders carefully guarding the secret to their “shimmer” cocktails (B290), gold and purple vodka-centric concoctions whipped up in hip flasks. Visit on Tuesday for the weekly wine buffet (B499).

Wheely Good Former food truck Hot Wheels Pizza (G/F, Opus Bldg., Thonglor Soi 10, 02-066-6300) has finally found a permanent home at Thonglor’s The Society Fair, a newly-launched communal food zone. The pizza joint’s chef-proprietor Teddy Black-

way has partnered with Alvi Yashaya (of Let the Boy Die) to serve local craft brews on tap alongside the 32-hour-raised pizza, baked in a big wood-fired oven inside the kiosk. Expect familiar flavors like four cheese (B280/360) and Teddy’s Favorite (four cheese, black olive, mushroom, mild chili, B290/390) or create your own pizza from B240. They also deliver.

Join the Queue With the lines are still long for Osaka-hailing Pablo’s cheese tarts, here's another Japanese cheesy treat driving Bangkokians wild. Yufuin-born Milch (G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.) sells nothing but the brand's specialty cheese cups (B75/cup or B414/box of six cups). What’s in the red cup is reminiscent of a Japanese-style cheesecake, only with a more shortcrust-like bottom layer and fluffy topping. No surprise, then, that the treats have a tendency to sell out early. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Tessa Domzalski

4/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-060-9099. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; SunWed 6-11pm; Thu-Sat 6pm-1am At this Bangkok outpost, chef Masaharu Morimoto (best known as one of the Iron Chefs America) presents his eponymous chain's playful signature dishes like tuna pizza (crispy tortilla crust with fresh tuna, olives, tomatoes, chili and anchovy aioli) and yellowtail bibimbap (Korean-style mixed rice with vegetables and sauce) along with some new creations, including the Morimoto black pepper shrimp. With its stylish, Zuma-evoking decor—think wood and lots of it—the sizable restaurant spans sushi bar to alfresco area and lounge zone, which stocks up on loads of sake, beer and other booze. Morimoto is known for harmonizing Western and Japanese ingredients and is today one of America's best-known chefs. He first opened Morimoto in Philadelphia after training in Hiroshima, Japan, and New York's Nobu. Since then, he has gone on to open branches across the country, as well as establishing the offshoot Wasabi

by Morimoto in both Mumbai and New Delhi.

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

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

BK Magazine Friday, November 25, 2016

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Wicked Snow specializes in bingsu, Korea’s softest ground snowflakes, in two flavors—milk and chocolate—you can enjoy all year long.

Aside from the original red bean, soybean and green tea flavors, you can top your bingsu with mango, berry and choco. And don’t forget our teok-toast with three kinds of delicious toppings.

Let’s check in our Wicked Snow-Korean Dessert Café at I’m Park and Baan Rachakru.

I’m Park Chula

BaanRachakru

353 I’m Park Chula Building Soi Chulasoi5 Patumwan Bangkok. 0982753896

33 BaanRatchaKru PhaholYothin 5 Phayathai Bangkok.

0982753897

The-Wickedsnow-Thailand

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11/18/16 4:14 PM

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Kumi HHHH International. 71/2 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-6353673. Open Wed-Mon 9am-10pm BB

Kumi’s superfood-laden menu (antioxidant this, quinoa that) popped up just before Bangkok’s newfound health food obsession, so we wouldn’t accuse this Sathorn restaurant of riding the trends. The space is minimalist and vaguely industrial, with a nice terrace out front, but probably doesn’t classify as “cool.” Nor does the largely middleaged, expat clientele. The pounding house music during dinner on our last visit was just… weird. Yet the food, which cherrypicks from Asia and the Mediterranean, is not without reward.

Wraps, sandwiches, pastas and risottos are joined on the menu by a “Thai corner” and various protein-forward mains. Kumi is at its best when it keeps the onus on fresh produce, as in the standout vegetarian “mille-feuille”

Baan Phadthai HHHH Thai. 21-23 Charoenkrung Soi 44, 02-060-5553.

Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS Saphan Taksin.

B-BB

The team behind Issaya, Namsaah, Kombawa and Pizza Massilia has attempted something more down-toearth with this little shop -house renovation on Charoenkrung. Think of it as the Somtum Der of pad Thai: an approachably cheap attempt to give a single street-food favorite the love it deserves in a comfortable setting. In this case, pad Thai made from Chanthaburi noodles, house-dried shrimp, duck egg, crab fat and a sauce containing some 18 ingredients. The results are pretty impressive, most notably thanks to a genuine wok hei —or “breath of the wok”—flavor that imparts the noodles with a smoky, sticky dryness that stands apart from your average street-food offering. The menu has five options: swimmer crab (B280), river prawn (B250) grilled chicken (B190), grilled pork B190) and vegetarian (B160). Both times we’ve had the swimmer crab

(B340), a fine layering of roasted eggplant, bell pepper, asparagus, goat cheese and pesto dressing. We wish every dish were as inventive and wellexecuted. The nicely marinated grilled prawns served with a smooth eggplant “caviar” (like baba ghanoush minus the tahini , B380) and lime wedge comes close, though the awkward plating is an example of style over substance. However, some mains take the healthy concept to ascetic realms, like the “creamy” pesto pasta (B320) which, though perfectly al dente, lacks both garlicky edge and creaminess.

The chal kboard special of baked chicken in a light garlic parmesan crust (B400) is also underwhelming.

Seasoning levels that are all over the place manifest in some extremely salty crisp potatoes. Still, it’s comforting if not all that exciting. Desserts like the very decent chocolate fondant with ice cream (B180) add some decadence, while wine starts from a not-tooshabby B240/glass. Amid its more f a s h i o n a b l e S a t h o r n S o i 1 0 -1 2 neighbors, Kumi still makes a sound neighborhood lunch option for its veggie-centric dishes and excellent smoothies (from B150). Would we travel across town to try it? Probably not.

Come together with family and friends and celebrate the most magical time of year.

CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET DINNER 24th December 2016 Dinner : 18:00 - 22:30 hours Adults THB 999++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 549++

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH

25th December 2016 Brunch : 11:30 - 15:00 hours Adults THB 999++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 549++

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 31st December 2016

Count down to the New Year and savor a sumptuous buffet dinner and welcome 2016 in style.

Dinner from: 18:00 hours onwards Adults THB 1,699++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 899++ Free Flow Beverage package at THB 799++ *Early bird bookings before 20th December 2016 receive 20% off on all festive buffets

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Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand T: +66 2683 4888 www.holidayinn.com/hisukhumvit : holidayinnbangkoksukhumvit : info.bkkhi@ihg.com

we’ve found the crabmeat thin on the ground and not that flavorsome either.

Save yourself B90 and go with the chicken, which comes topped with a beautiful slab of moist, deboned thigh meat. Stray from the pad Thai, though, and Baan Phadthai goes downhill.

There’s a whole lot of dish crossover with Somtum Der—larb moo tod (spicy pork fritters, B190), moo ping (grilled pork skewers, B180), salted egg somtam (B130), gai tod (fried chicken, B190)— and none of it plays in Baan Padthai’s favor. A syrupy jim jaew dipping sauce does nothing to save the dry, underspiced larb moo tod, nor the middle-ofthe-road moo ping. The salted egg in the somtam kai kem—which the restaurant says it salts in-house for 30 days—tastes more like a regular egg given seven minutes on a rolling boil. A shame since the somtam itself is not bad—salty, sour, mildly sweet but in dire need of an extra chili or two. Hang around long enough for dessert and things do pick up with a well-executed coconut ice cream (B120) and some decadent, durian-filled xa la bao (steamed buns, B140). In all, Baan Phadthai reminds us of hip young Thai bistros we’ve visited abroad—a dining space riddled with folksy cliches, a menu that dares go beyond just pad Thai, and a youngish, exclusively white clientele.

Here on home turf, though, an awesome pad Thai just doesn’t make up for the serious lack of flavor elsewhere on the menu.

Ratings

Price guide

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

B BB BBB BBBB

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

STAY FESTIVE

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

Masquerade Style at Maya 31st December 2016

Maya welcomes all the fun, glamour and mystery of a masquerade party complemented by cool tunes from our DJ. Buffet dinner including countdown party & free flowing bar A gourmet buffet dinner, specially created by Chef Hardip Bhatia including free flowing beverages and countdown party.

Party commences: 19:00 hours Adults THB 2,999++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 1,499++ Join in the countdown party only and celebrate at Maya from 11.00p.m. onwards for 2 hours.

Adults THB 1,799++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 949++ New Year’s Day International Brunch 1st January 2017 Brunch from: 11:30 - 15:00 hours Adult THB 700++ Children from 6 to 12 years old THB 350++ *Early bird bookings before 20th December 2016 receive 20% off on all festive buffets 29th floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit For more information or reservations please call 02 683 4888 or visit www.mayathailand.com

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now SAT Bear Essentials For Color Me Bear, 15 Thai artists show off their unique takes on the popular Bearbrick figurine, which they’ve decorated in styles ranging from traditional Thai to street art. Nov 23-Dec 15, 6pm. Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Sathorn Soi 11.

FRI First Blood

THU Let's Pray

Bangkok welcomes the hit British singer and music producer Blood Orange, who has worked with artists like Solange Knowles, Florence and the Machine and Tinashe.

Nov 25, 8pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., 02261-3883. B1,900.

Marching Church, the solo project of Danish rock group Iceage’s lead singer, Bender Ronnenfelt performs an intimate gig at Surarak’s cool dive bar with just 70 tickets available on the door only. Supports by local band The Pillers. Nov 26, 9pm.

Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 0835451-833. B400. BTS Surasak.

NIGHTLIFE

LIVE MUSIC and electronic sounds, play Bangkok with support from legendary Thai rockers Moderndog. Dec 4, 8pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., 02-2613883. B1,500.

gigs I SAW A UFO

Dope as Funk University

DOUBLE AGENT 7 (UK) : MISSION 45

REVIBE: THREE MASTER'S DUB SESSION

A night of rock ‘n’ roll, R’n’B, doowop, rockabilly and ‘60s soul played exclusively on 45 vinyl. Nov 25, 9pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo.

Dub DJs Kuranaka aka 1945 (Japan), GAPI (Thailand) and Prince Fatty (UK) spin old-school reggae music and more. Dec 2, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B350. BTS Thong Lo.

DOPE AS FUNK UNIVERSITY

RUMBLE IN THE CLUB 2

DJs Arin​, Karl Andy​, Tommy Nori​, Luck-E​and Rory Breaker-Morant​plus MC UNDA spin Dope as Funk’s usual blend of hip-hop and funk this time at an even bigger venue. Nov 26, 10pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B300.

Six Bangkok DJs who have undertaken 5 weeks of muay Thai training do battle: Rory Roketto vs Tekayu Harrington, Dan Buri vs Matteo Ianna, Coran Maloney vs Alex Fischer. With guest DJ Vichuda Keetanitinun spinning dirty hip-hop beats, plus folk music by John Will Sail. Dec 3, 5pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B650-1,000.

HAVANA SOCIAL: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Sukhumvit Soi 11’s Cuban-themed bar celebrates its first birthday with an open bar from 8-9pm, resident band Carribesound Band and DJ Justin Mills.

Dec 1, 8pm. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-066-7711. Free. BTS Nana

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GET.A.ROOM FEAT ADESSE VERSIONS (LOCAL TALK, TOY TONICS)

The British DJ stops by Bangkok for the second time to spin deep, vocal-filled house with support from DJs Dragon and Jaydubb in the second-floor Safe Room.

Dec 3, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B250. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Yo La Tengo

classical SWU PIANO FESTIVAL I 2016

The university’s first piano festival features piano professors Dr. Bennett Lerner of Payap Uni and Dr. Mario Santoso of the University of Pelita Harapan Conservatory of Music, Indonesia. Through Nov 25, 9am. Srinakharinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-6495000. Free.

3 PIANO GENERATIONS

Italian pianists Cesare Picco, Rita Marcotulli and Alberto Pizzo perform on stage together. Nov 27, 4pm. Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. Free.

FABIO MONTOMOLI, GUITAR

The Italian winner of the Mauro Giuliani guitar competition in 1992 performs a classical guitar showcase.

Nov 30, 7pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama

1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium. Free.

concerts CAPTURE THE CROWN

The Australian metalcore band known for its 2011 single "You Call That a Knife, This Is a Knife!" plays at Bangkok’s home for heavy-rock music. Nov 28, 7pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086977-0621. B400-1,200. BTS Ratchathewi. oOoOO The pioneer of the "witch house" genre, pronounced "oh," performs his gloomy, glitchy music with supporting act. Dec 2, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B500 (includes one drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.

THE LAST LIVE SERIES WITH YO LA TENGO

The American indie-rock veterans, whose 14 studio albums combine folk, shoegaze, mellow surf-rock

Three Bangkok rock bands with different styles—Spring. Fall. Sea (instrumental rock), Degaruda (heavy rock) and Phy (straight rock)—take over Rama 9’s burger house. Nov 26, 9pm. Fatty's Bar & Diner, 598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081438 7221, 02-245-2965. Free.

EXPEDITION VOSKHOD

The Russian heavy-rock band traveling by road from Moscow to Bali stops by the Surasak bar. Support by local acts ThirdPerson and The Proper Clan. Dec 2, 9pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

B200 (includes one drink). BTS Surasak.

music festivals STILL ON OUR MINDS

In tribute to the HM the King, Silpakorn University and Live Loop Asia throw a 2-day music festival with 11 local musicians and 4 visiting international acts, along with art installations, jazz performances of the king's songs and speakers. Dec 3-4, 10am. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.

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FILM

Opening (Nov 24)

TROLLS (USA)

BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK (USA)

Animation. When the Troll Village is invaded, it is up to the happy troll Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) and cranky Branch (voiced by Justin Timberlake) to rescue their friends while trying to tolerate each other.

Drama. During the halftime show of a Thanksgiving football game, a 19-yearold soldier has flashbacks of the horrors he faced during the battles in Iraq.

THE DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM (USA)

20 MAI U TURN (THAI)

Drama/Thriller. After moving from Brooklyn into an old house in the countryside, a family discovers hidden horrors in a secret room in the attic.

Comedy. An elderly woman gets to relive the joys of youth when she is suddenly transformed into the body of a 20 year old.

ART

SALES & FAIRS nature through experiments with leaves, roots, bark and flowers. Nov 18-Jan 9 2017. PT Gallery, 48-58 Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-4344.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF INSTRUCTIONS

Austrian artist Erwin Wurm poses himself or his participants with unexpected objects in what he calls "One Minute Sculptures." Nov 25Feb 26 2017, 6pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

RAW

JUNKED

Photographers Christian Hogue, Yossawat Kasemthirakun and Zuzanna Kowalska present a group exhibition of photographs capturing the transient and fleeting moments of life, including themes like the cycle of life and death, the disappearance of nature and the power of technology in controlling daily life. Nov 19-Jan 3 2017. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Ruamrudee Soi 2, 02-254-4629.

BURNING LOVE

Artist Francois Langella’s exhibition involves objects picked up from old, abandoned buildings that have been restored and crafted into an installation that explores themes of creation, production and destruction. Through Dec 1. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859.

Nuttapon Sawasdee and Saksit Khunkitti present a series of abstract works exploring the concept of stability and instability in the modern world. Nov 25-Dec 25. Tentacles N22, 22 Narathiwas Soi 22, 082487-1487.

Photographer Ram Kanjanavanit presents images capturing the daily lives of a young couple's relationship in a series that combines

French artist Jean-Louis Dulaa presents an interdisciplinary tribute to

A Lifetime of Work Exhibition

A LIFETIME OF WORK EXHIBITION

BY STEVE MCCURRY

The renowned journalist and photographer, best known for the "Afghan Girl" portrait of a refugee featured on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, hosts a four-month long exhibition of his work over the decades including stunning portraits from around the world. Through Mar 14 2017.

House of Lucie, 1 Ekkamai Soi 8, 095-478-9987.

minimal composition with a color running method. Through Dec 28.

Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700.

NURTURE, NATURE, NATURALLY

UNSTABLE TERRAIN

Artbox Chatuchak

PLOENCHIT FAIR 2016

ARTBOX CHATUCHAK

The British Community's annual fundraising fair for Thai charities returns with stalls, family-friendly activities and this year’s highlight: a red, double-decker bus from London. Nov 26, 10am. Bangkok Patana School, 643 Sukhumvit Soi 105 (La Salle Rd.), 02-398-0200.

B50-150.

Arguably the city's most popular pop-up market returns to a brand new venue, this time a little further from the city center. Expect some 100 trendy food stalls, over 150 stalls selling clothes at affordable prices, 20 stalls selling home decor and 50 stalls selling DIY and handmade products. As always, they'll be set up in large, colorful container boxes alongside plenty of live music and various art installations. Every Fri-Sun until April next year. Through Apr 30 2017, 12pm.

Chatuchak Park, 3 Kamphaeng Phet Rd. MRT Kamphaeng Phet

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