BK Magazine 678 17 February, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 678 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

Bangkok's best new cafes and the baristas heating up our coffee scene

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page 2 What We’ve Learned

6 cover story

Slow-Bar Dreams

4 upfront

10 escape

Bao Down

Andaman Arrivals 13 shopping

16 blends

Go Organic

New Round

18 bites

20 BK Now

Michelin Master

What’s On

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon, Thitipol Panyalimpanun Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Theerada Moonsiri, Choltanutkun Tunatiruj, Kulthida Srino, Kasidit Srivilai 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 Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont 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 Manager Pymporn Pinkaew Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn 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

Contributor Kathy MacLeod Interns Kuang Ye Marn, Haroon Ahmad, Wipawan Witayathawornwong, Pragyan Ghale Cover photo by Ekkamai Macchiato

Asia City Media Group 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 Suan Phlu’s coolest cocktail bar will open in the daytime Junker and Bar, the cocktail joint where drinks don’t exceed B300, will soon open early. They’re not saying when exactly, but we’ve heard you can expect some Vietnamese breakfast options soon. The move follows last year’s expansion next door, which introduced dim sum to the menu.

The BRT is closing because it serves the wrong people Hurray! That pesky bus-only lane will soon be returned to the thousands of private cars clogging up our roads. Made without any consultation whatsoever, the BMA’s decision to axe the 16km Bangkok Rapid Transit system as early as April has been pinned on it failing its original purpose: to feed commuters to the BTS. Right now, the service is mostly being used by low-income earners and students—and they’re just not who roads are meant for.

Central Group will bid to buy the British Embassy land Central is eyeing the prime, very green plot of land next to Central Embassy for its next property development, according to the Bangkok Post. If successful, it’ll be their biggest investment yet: a mixed-use project that’ll connect with the ailing luxury mall.

Wu Tang Clan is coming to Thailand, maybe A cryptic teaser for the mysterious Golden Axe Music Festival (slated for May 19-20) suggests the legendary hip-hop act is bound for our shores. Underneath the word “Headliner” comes the clue: “W_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _” with an image of a golden-headed axe seeming to reference the group’s seminal track “Protect Ya Neck.” All will be revealed soon.

Construction of the MRT Orange Line will commence in June MRT just signed off on a B79.2 billion contract with six contractors to build the eastern half of the Orange Line extension—though let’s hope they don’t just leave it at that.

This 22.57km section of the line will run from MRT Thailand Cultural Centre to Suwinthawong Road, comprising 17 stations both under and above ground. Construction will start in June and finish in 2023. Studies continue on the rest of the line.

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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BK Magazine February 17, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Nitro

Not: Slow-drip

Now that Bangkok’s coolest baristas all specialize in “nitro” (that’s iced coffee infused with nitrogen and poured from a tap), our coffee shops are ditching the twee garden shed vibe and styling themselves after science labs instead. Out go warm wood, dried flowers and terrariums, in come LED striplights, glosswhite tabletops and lab coats. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Uniqlo U

Not: H&M x The Weeknd

On your marks: Uniqlo’s latest collection in league with luxury French designer Christophe Lemaire hits Bangkok this Feb 17. That means Hermes-worthy fashion at you-and-me prices, as well as queues snaking out the door of EmQuartier. You’ll have to wait until Mar 2 to get your hands on H&M’s collection with The Weeknd, but seeing as one’s a highly regarded fashion designer and the other’s a singer, we know where we’ll be spending our pocket money.

Hot: Awards season

Not: Social anxiety

Later this week (Feb 23), we’ll learn if Bangkok has the continent’s best restaurant for the third year in a row when Asia’s 50 Best drops into town for a night of drinking Champagne and one-upping your friends cos you got invited and they didn’t. Ha! See opposite for an interview with the winner of this year’s Best Female Chef award, who recently opened a restaurant in Bangkok. Next month, you’ve got Top Tables to look forward to.

Hot: Farm-to-table in Not: Farm-to-table in Phuket Bangkok And speaking of those awards, the only chef in Thailand who made it into the regionals for Best Young Chef wasn’t even from Bangkok. Netherlands-native Jim Orphost runs some place on Phuket called Pru where he makes his own charcoal to roast up veg grown on the adjoining farm—take that, Cocotte and Seven Spoons. For more reasons why eating on Phuket is hot right now, see page 10.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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May Chow might be only 32 years old, but the founder of Hong Kong’s Little Bao restaurant was just named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017. Partly responsible for the global phenomenon of fusion bao, the traditional form of Chinese steamed bun, May also opened her second branch of Little Bao here in Bangkok last year. Here, she talks about her food journey and where she hopes to take her brand next.

What inspired you to be a chef?

I was lucky. My passion for everything to do with food and restaurants started when I was young, watching my mother cook and watching food TV shows like Yan Can Cook. I watched the food channel religiously while growing up in Canada, Hong Kong and the US. I always gravitated towards eating and cooking at a young age. When I was in kindergarten, my mother and I would cook together.

How did your passion for food evolve?

When I was 17, I was lucky enough to eat at Le Bernardin [the legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant in New York] and my mind exploded.

My parents, a textile merchant and a housewife, wouldn’t allow me to go to culinary school so I only got my first chance to work in a proper kitchen during my last year in college. I came back to Hong Kong and eventually worked at Bo Innovation [three Michelin stars], which planted a seed in my mind that creativity and Hong Kong food can be celebrated in all shapes and forms. I had my own voice very early on and I definitely didn’t fit well in other people’s kitchens. So I decided to open my own restaurant after a

few years. My passion for food is an emotional feeling that sits heavy in my heart and it always calls on me and steers me to want to create my own path.

Why did you choose bao as the main dish you wanted to get serious with?

The gua bao gained a lot of traction in the US because of Momofuku noodle bar. I simply wanted to do something that wasn’t available in Hong Kong at that time to support the first Island East market. We took inspiration from the gua bao, gave it our own spin and turned it into a Chinese burger.

Why did you decide to open the second Little Bao in Bangkok?

I love Bangkok because of the people, the culture and the food. I thought that it was a vibrant, safe city that had a certain grittiness and character similar to Hong Kong.

I think it was also timing and the space that was presented to us.

How do you see Bangkok’s food scene?

It’s quite exciting and there is a lot to offer. The greatest thing is that there is a huge population and also a lot of physical space and interesting sites.

That’s something we don’t have the

luxury of in Hong Kong because of the high costs of real estate and strict rules. Hong Kong is probably a couple years ahead of Bangkok in terms of eating trends and openness to things like natural wines, craft beers and such. However, I think it’s catching up really fast and there are some very interesting developments like The Commons which Hong Kong has yet to develop.

What’s next for you?

I’m about to open a new restaurant in Hong Kong that I’m very excited about, called Second Draft. Little Bao and the bao trend was something that almost chose me. It became bigger than anything I could have imagined and it consumed me. Second Draft is a partnership with the best beer makers and experts in Hong Kong and I wanted to create a restaurant concept that worked in a very hard-to-succeed neighborhood. The food is interesting yet accessible to everyone, almost downplayed to complement the beer. There’s much more Shanghai influences in the food here due to my family’s background but it’s a fun twist on true Hong Kong gastropub food. I like creating genres for my city that didn’t exist before.

Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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cover story

Coffee Calling

From the most serious roasters in town to dessert cafes that hit the sweet spot, check out Bangkok’s best new coffee shops.

By Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Wonderwall x 26

CAFE HOPPER PICKS Bangkok’s top coffee bloggers tell us their favorite spots in town.

BEST ROASTERS Blue Whale

DUCK YOU CAFERISTA Selected by: @oatkomkrich (10.3K followers)

Brave

Cylub

Ansel and Eliott

Brave Roasters

Cylub

Named after the great film photographers Ansel Adams and Elliott Erwitt, this compact cafe near Saphan Kwai junction cherishes analogue culture with its collection of black and white photographs. Their espresso coffee comes from boutique Chiang Mai roaster Pacamara (starting from B50), while for drip coffee they use rotating single origin beans. Desserts, made in-house, include the luscious Thai tea cake (B85), cookies (B35-55) and brownies (B55).

Run by one of the best coffee roasters in Bangkok, Brave Roasters (also see page 9) at Siam Discovery carries on from the success of its sister I+D Style Cafe x Brave Roasters (formerly at Siam Center) to serve specialty coffee alongside bites like sandwiches and pasta (from B180) and stunning views over Siam. Coffee starts from B100 while Brave’s signature syrup-laden drinks like Gingerbread Latte are priced at B140. Houseblended beans also shine in the super yummy latte soft serve (B110), which you can have with a swirl of vanilla or as an affogato (B140).

Old Town bike shop Eight Ridar began catering to diners last year with this cafe serving salads and pastas along with Euro-leaning bites like liver pate with olives (B110). As well as regularly changing coffee blends (B50 a latte), you'll also find the Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer (B80), featuring caramel, butter and soda, as well as a variety of smoothies (B80). Note: The space is open daily, but the kitchen closes on Mondays.

19 Soi Suthisan Winitchai, Sutthisarn Rd., 095-2391502. Open daily 9am-8pm. BTS Saphan Kwai

Blue Whale The nautical cafe is three stories of photogenic interiors and equally photogenic food. Even drinks stick to the color scheme, led by the butterfly pea latte (B90 hot, B120 iced)—a social media hit. Elsewhere on the menu are small bites like charcoal toast (with your choice of toppings like blueberries and coffee mascarpone or peanut butter-banana-nutella, starting at B130) and more substantial dishes like salmon teriyaki with rice (B220). Coffee starts at B60, with options like Thai-style coffee as well.

392/37 Maharaj Rd., 081-641-4514. Open Fri-Wed 10am-8pm

3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

Crack

“Their roasted single origin beans never disappoint whenever I buy drip coffee.” www.fb.com/duckyoucaferista

202 Krung Kasem Rd., 02-628-8448. Open daily 11:30am-9pm

Ekkamai Macchiato

This cute, pastel cafe whips up a damn fine iced latte (made with cream, B130), but the real star is its delicious Brussels-style waffles and pancakes. The signature Brussels Crack waffle (B290) is topped with a scoop of "pacotized" honey ice cream made in-house, while the star of their Japanese-style souffle pancakes is a take on tiramisu (B330) featuring mascarpone custard, coffee caviar and a shot of espresso.

At this cozy house on Ekkamai Soi 12, all the drinks cost B100, and they don’t skimp on quality. Espresso-based coffee uses a Thai-Ethiopian-Brazilian blend sourced from local roaster Bottomless. Filter coffee, meanwhile, uses a rotating list of single-origin beans (currently they source from Roots, one of the city’s top names in roasting). Chocolate drinks, green tea lattes, iced tea and fruit shakes are all accounted for, too.

Sukhumvit Soi 49, 085-359 -2656. Open daily 11am-10pm

6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12, 083-785-9090. Open Wed-Mon 8am-7pm; Tue 8am-5pm

GALLERY DRIP Selected by: @tidnub (923 followers) “Some of the first people to say that local coffee can be delicious if roasted right. I also like their collaborative projects with local farmers.” www.fb.com/GalleryDripCoffee

PACAMARA The Coffee Snob’s Seal of Approval : Knows how to handle a slow-drip : Move over Melbourne No badge: Go with the iced drinks and desserts

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Selected by: @afotonov (11.4K followers) “The best, both for pricing and quality. That’s why so many coffee shops use their beans.” www.fb.com/pacamaracoffee

BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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2/10/17 4:47 PM

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Remark: Pictures are for advertising only. Color and size may vary at each branch. Price is subjected to change without prior notice. *Seamless Shorts (Bikini) is available at CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, CentralPlaza Chaengwattana, CentralPlaza Salaya, CentralFestival Eastville, BLUPORT, The Mall Bangkapi, Emquartier, Zpell @Future Park, CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9, CentralPlaza Pinklao, The Mall Bangkae, CentralPlaza Lardprao, Fashion Island, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Mega Bangna, CentralPlaza Bangna, CentralPlaza KhonKaen, The Mall Korat, CentralPlaza Udonthani, CentralPlaza WestGate, and UNIQLO online store. **Seamless Shorts (Thong) is available at CentralWorld, CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9, Mega Bangna, Siam Paragon, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Emquartier, CentralPlaza Lardprao, CentralPlaza Udonthani, CentralPlaza WestGate, CentralFestival Eastville, CentralPlaza Pinklao, The Mall Korat, BLUPORT, CentralPlaza Chiangmai Airport, CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, Tesco Lotus Phuket, CentralFestival Samui, and UNIQLO online store.

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cover story CAFE HOPPER PICKS BEST BARISTA

PAKAWAN “PLOY” TIRAPAIROJ FROM ROOTS Selected by: @keerisnith (14.2K followers) Pacamara

Lilou

Elefin

Lilou

Roots

Elefin coffee roaster marked its 10th anniversary with this third, much more en-vogue branch opposite Wat Pho. Amid wood-heavy decor, the cafe serves Doi Chang and Chiang Rai coffee beans, and works with Seattle’s Lighthouse Roastery to achieve the perfect roast.

An espresso starts at B60 while a bottle of cold brew is B100. The cafe also serves food like breakfast sets (B90-185) and rice dishes (B105-140).

Owner Nuanwan Supertpanish is one of the partners at serious Phahonyothin coffee den Laliart. Here you’ll still find hilltribe-grown coffee starting as low as B50, but the focus is more on vegetarian and healthy bites. Nuanwam sources chemical-free vegetables from Baan Ka in Ratchaburi and crafts much of the produce in-house, including her various experimental breads, pastries and syrups. Come weekends, she serves main dishes like egg and avocado on bread (B120), best washed down with house specials like the lemon-and-honey coffee shake called "shakerato" (B80).

Overshadowed by the grand relaunch of Roast, this tiny coffee spot is still where the real coffee snobs go to drink. Roots has now relocated from Ekkamai to join its big brother at the Commons, but still acts as the roasting and testing space for what you'll be served up at Roast. Don't miss the deliciously fruity new cold brew poured from the tap (from B100).

House-roasted coffee also comes as espresso (B100), drip (B120) and other rotating specialty creations.

M/F, The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 097-0594517. Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm; Fri-Sun 8am-9pm

The Yard, 51 Paholyothin Soi 5, 089-142-8203. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Sati

Pacamara

Tucked behind Made Here on Earth leatherware store and Yo frozen yogurt shops, Sati’s glasshouse coffee shop provides the perfect, daytime friendly space to enjoy their slow-bar specialties (B150) and in-house creations like the peanut butter latte (B120) and coconut latte (B120). They also serve nitro cold brew coffee (B90). You can even customize your drink with their playful syrups (available in flavors as diverse as tomyum, candle-smoke, pandan and masala spices). When the weather permits, it also has one of the nicest coffee shop terraces around.

394/1-2 Maharaj Rd., 02-622-1115. Open daily 8am-8pm

Freebird The beautiful house not only serves up delicious modern Australian food but also some solid coffee from one of the partners' very own roaster Sarnie in Singapore. Pick up an espresso (from B100) up front at the grab-and-go coffee booth, or go indoors, pull up a stool in the restaurant’s beautiful dining room, and enjoy some of their brunch-y dishes like roasted corn salad on toast (B280).

28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936. Open Sat-Sun 9am-late

Grind Size The palette of turquoise offers colorful relief from the stock coffee-shop look of concrete on wood, while the coffee bar highlights two blends from local micro-roasters in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (also available to purchase and grind at home), along with rotating filter coffee, cold brew coffee and tea. Grab yourself a coffee and croissant for B120 on weekday mornings (7-9am), or drop by for brunch for a plate of bacon and eggs over French toast (B200).

The fifth cafe from the Chiang Mai-hailing coffee roasters is its flagship branch. Tucked down a little alley off Thonglor Soi 25, the two-story standalone house is divided into two zones: a cafe and a coffee academy, called Specialty Coffee Lab. You’ll find both classic espresso-based drinks (from B95) as well as slowbar coffee (B120) made using rotating beans roasted in-house. Do try the snow cold brew (B130), which features shaved frozen milk on coffee jelly, topped with a shot of cold brew coffee, or the refreshing cola-infused cold brew (B120) and nitro cold brew (B120). They also serve brunch dishes like truffle eggs Benedict (B250) and scrambled egg (B230) as well as burgers (B330), pasta (from B215) and ribs (B430-650).

www.fb.com/RootsBkk

ATHIP "MAN" ARCHALERTTRAKOOL FROM FACTORY COFFEE Selected by: @tidnub (923 follwers) “He’s friendly and has the skills for both espresso and slow bar coffee. I followed his work from Casa Lapin to Granola and now Factory. www.fb.com/factorybkk

MOST CREATIVE DRINKS

110/4 Rama 6 Rd., 095-929-5925. Open daily 8am-midnight

ROOTS Selected by: @afotonov (11.4K followers)

Thonglor Soi 25, 090 -930 -9340. Open daily 8am-9pm

“I love it that they encourage baristas compete against each other for the monthly specials.”

The Coffee Snob’s Seal of Approval

Sukhumvit Soi 39, 091-774-3653. Open Mon-Fri 7:306pm; Sat-Sun 8am-8pm

“I’ve followed her since Roots’ early days.

She works hard to know every bit about coffee and presents it in the very best way.”

www.fb.com/RootsBkk

: Knows how to handle a slow-drip : Move over Melbourne No badge: Go with the iced drinks and desserts

EVENT Thailand Coffee Festival Brings Japan's Best Roasters to Bangkok From Feb 23-26, Specialty Coffee Association of Thailand (SCATH) organizes Thailand’s biggest coffee event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event showcases roasters, equipment, shops and franchises, along with various coffees for you to taste. Take home beans from more than 100 stores as well as attend workshops and seminars. One highlight is “The Coffee Calling” project, led by Kinto Thailand, where you can buy a tasting ceramic mug for B480 with three tickets to sample

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coffee from more than 20 roasters. (Extra tickets are on sale at B60 each.) The event will also feature four baristas from renowned roasters in Japan, including Kiyokazu Suzuki from Glitch, Jun Saito from 4/4 Seasons Coffee, Yosuke Yamane from And Coffee Roasters and Yasuo Suzuki from Trunk Coffee. Visit www. fb.com/ThailandCoffeeFest/ for more info.

WONDERWALL Selected by: @bellbubblebob (1.2K followers) “They create new drinks regularly. I especially liked the mint milkshake with cookies and strawberry sauce called X’Mas Frappe.” www.fb.com/WKaffebar

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 Ratchadapisek Rd. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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2/10/17 4:48 PM

cover story Siwilai

Somersault

COFFEE ON TAP

Attached to one of the coolest multi-label stores in town, this high-end take on coffee culture doesn't just serve up quality brews from local roaster Pacamara. It'll also pour a decent cocktail from the all-conquering Sugar Ray team (the guys behind Q&A bar), including the likes of Re-charge (gin, vanilla, demerara syrup, melon, cucumber and lime, B270). Food charts breakfast fare like Thai rice porridge with braised pork belly (B210) and poached eggs with beetroot-cured salmon and Sriracha-hollandaise sauce (B350).

Another Thai roaster with some impressive coffee. Hopping on the trend of Southwestern-modern decor—think wood, white-washing and succulents—the small space dishes out croissants (B35) and scones (B60 for three), but the emphasis here is really on their beans.

Coffee starts at B60 for standard hot items, but they’re also not above trendy fruit drinks like the pink lychee rose soda (B125).

Unlike normal cold brew, nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen, kept in a keg and poured just like beer. Here’s Bangkok’s best.

5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5836

SNP Headquarter The S&P group took on the hipsters last year with this new serious coffee joint that seeks to join the pop cafe culture. On top of comforting food (try the rad na (thick noodles in pork gravy) with sunflower greens, B180)), a large espresso counter stands in the middle of the crisp, white space serving the usual cups of coffee (from B100) alongside tea and juices. Most exciting though are the nitro cold brew taps (B150), which spurt out smooth and creamy coffee as if it were draught beer (see opposite). There are also a bunch of fun smoothies and shakes—try the Tub Tab Frozen (milk smoothie topped with Thai-style peanut candy, B150). They just opened another branch at FYI Tower, Rama 4.

G/F, Ital Thai, 2034 Petchaburi Rd., 02-723-4442

Some Time Blue Ari’s award-winning drip coffee specialist Sutdrip has moved to a new space. Here, Sutida Srirungthum, winner of National Thailand Brewers Cup 2016, serves her rotating drip coffee (B150) alongside espresso-based cups (from B50) and fruit blends (B100). Do try her coffee shake (B150), a drip coffee shaken cold with ice. Food can be ordered from former neighbor Khao Bahn restaurant still. The space itself shuns current coffee shop cliches in favor of more classic, Victorian furnishings.

604/137 Sathu Pradit Rd., 081-655-6698

Siwilai

Wanderlust Not far from Chinatown's rising hipster rendezvous of Soi Nana, the chic, white Wanderlust cafe sources its beans from Chiang Mai to create perfect espressos (from B70), drip coffee (B100) and coffee-based mocktails (try the The Metro (espresso with tonic and orange juice, B120)). It also dishes out Melbourne cafe-inspired dishes with flavorful twists. The chia pudding (B160), for example, features coconut milk and tropical fruits, while the skillet Dutch pancake (B180) mixes the crispy baby Dutch pancake style with America's thicker, fluffier interpretation.

Somersault

New Horizons blend (B150) at Kaizen: citrusy with complex spices.

Tai Ping Tower, 582/5 Ekkamai Soi 26 and 28, 098-831-6009

149-151 Rama 4 Rd., 089-757-7770

Costa Rica or Kenya (B150) at SNP Headquarter: rich and acidic or fruity.

Wonderwall x 26 In contrast to the dark original venue on Sukhumvit Soi 31, the new Wonderwall, dubbed Wonderwall #26, sits in a bright, cozy space (courtesy of Be Grey design) with plenty of natural light on one of Sukhumvit's most pleasant-looking streets. On top of the signature Wonderwall blend coffee (from B60) from P&F roaster and familiar baked items, the cafe also adds a breakfast and brunch menu, consisting of things like eggs Benedict on Waffle (B220) and French toast with fresh fruits (B250). The slow bar features selected rotating beans from Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

G/F, ItalThai, 2034 Petchaburi Rd., 02-7234442

Phahee (B120) at Pacamara: medium-roasted with honey, chocolate and floral notes.

Wanderlust

Thonglor Soi 25, 090-930-9340

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan and Ethiopia blend (B160) at Sati: medium to dark-roasted and chocolatey.

110/4 Rama 6 Rd., 095-929-5925

“Dark” or “Light” Bhava blends (B88) at All Good in the Hood: chocolatey and nutty or fruity and berry flavored.

A Square, 120 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099-424-6592

14 Sathorn Soi 11 Yaek 5, 081-619-6377

Wonderwall x 26

Phaholyothin Soi 2, 087-907-0099

HOME BREWED Get to know Bangkok’s best coffee roasting teams and pour yourself the perfect espresso at home.

BRAVE ROASTERS

CERESIA

GALLERY DRIP COFFEE

PHIL COFFEE ROASTERS

ROOTS

Ekameth Witvasutti and co. may have opened their own spot on the third floor of Siam Discovery, but their beans are also found at cafes all around town. With their bright and bold new packaging, these are a welcome addition to any home kitchen. Try the Flag Bearer blend (B410), which mixes organic beans from Jomthong in Northern Thailand and Bolaven Plateau in Laos for a particularly rich espresso. fb.com/braveroasters

Owned by Venezuelan sisters Marian and Lucia Aguilar and Lucia’s husband Bret Asavaroengchai, this boutique roaster now counts two branches in Phrom Phong and Sala Daeng. Single origin beans (starting at B480/250g) are freshly roasted at the original location— just ask and ye shall receive detailed tasting notes and recommendations according to your method of brewing at home. They also host regular workshops (Thai and English) at around B2,000 per person. goo.gl/YO2XD6

Piyachart Trithaworn and Natthiti Ampriwan don’t just run the most charming cafe in Bangkok Art & Culture Centre; they also do their own damn fine roasts. Here though the focus is on lighter, fruity roasts perfect for drip roasts—don’t go putting it in your espresso stovetop.

The roasters recommend their Pamiang Organic 9-1 Dry Process from Chaing Mai, which is grown chemical-free under the trees in the forest (B450/250g). fb.com/GalleryDripCoffee

Born in America, educated in Melbourne and coffee-schooled in Taiwan, Han sisters Jaszmine and I Wuen Wang broke onto the Bangkok scene in 2011 with their delicious and beautifully packaged (love the illustrations) roasts. Prices go from B280 for 200g of the house espresso blend up to B1,300 for 100g of Panama Geisha Cantar Don Tito—voted the best coffee in Panama last year. philscoffeecompany.com

Varatt Vichitvadakan is bonafide Bangkok coffee royalty. After founding Thonglor brunch temple Roast, he opened up Roots as a dedicated roasting business which quickly began supplying to cafes and businesses all over town. Best of all is the super-functional website complete with delivery. Grab yourself a sweet and creamy P'Sri roast from Thailand at B550 (250g) or an acidic and juicy Kenyan “Karidundu” for B700 (250g). rootsbkk.com

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escapes Esenzi PHUKET

The ultra-luxurious design hotel Iniala Beach House (076-451-456, www.iniala.com) has partnered with Tim Butler of Bangkok’s Eat Me (No.23 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016, No.7 in BK's Top Tables 2016) to open Esenzi, a new seafood venture. The first Butler project outside of Bangkok replaces the property’s old restaurant, Aziamendi, with seafood dishes that pluck flavors from all around the world. A5 marbled wagyu beef from Shiga prefecture comes served with swordfish belly in red curry, while the Dutch Harbor king crab salad features heirloom tomatoes, basil sorbet and bloody Mary.

For the full experience, go with the eight-course tasting menu at B8,000 or B12,500 with wine pairing. Also keep an eye out for the recurring guest chef dinners, which have already welcomed Arnold Marcella from Bunker and Thitid Tassanakajohn of Le Du. In related news, the hotel also just unveiled a new Mediterranean restaurant, Iniala Kitchen and Bar.

Island of Plenty These new restaurants and food events are reinventing Phuket fine dining. By Monruedee Jansuttipan

Pru

Esenzi

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Part of Phuket pool villa-only resort Trisara's relaunch, Pru (076-310-100, www.trisara.com) takes its name from the resort’s own organic farm. Here, executive chef Jim Ophorst (who recently won the national round of San Pellegrino’s Young Chefs award) works with local producers like the neighboring goat farm and even goes foraging himself to create the likes of eggplant cooked five ways—creamed, mashed, roasted, crisped and puffed up—served with basil sauce and house-made bottarga (cured fish roe). For his carrots, he uses charcoal from the

farm’s wood and cooks them in a pit for eight hours. The result is sweet, juicy and tender, served with fermented carrot juice hollandaise sauce. The tasting menu starts at B3,000.

Osha Bangkok’s Osha restaurant (which originated in San Francisco) has taken hold of the dining room in Phuket Town's heritage Memory at On On Hotel to offer some creative high-end Thai dining. Amid minty and magenta decor, Osha Thai (076-634-420, www.fb.com/oshathaiatonon) serves a list of its star dishes from Bangkok like dancing king prawns in fish sauce (B380) and tom yum goong served through a coffee syphon (B390). But you'll also find traditional Phuket dishes like moo hong (braised pork belly, B350), mee gaeng pu (crab curry with rice noodle, B380) and nam prik goong sieb (shrimp paste with dried shrimp, B170).

The Nai Harn The glamorous The Nai Harn hotel (076-380200, www.thenaiharn.com) gears up to welcome a very special guest chef. Will Holland earned his first Michelin star before the age of 30 while head chef at La Becasse in Ludlow, England. Last year, as head chef of Coast restaurant in Pembrokeshire, Wales, he was named UK Restaurant Chef of the Year at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. The “Coast to Coast” dinner will take place on Mar 17 with Holland serving up a seafood-heavy six-course menu at Cosmo Restaurant for B4,750 net per person. Room rates range from B7,840-B19,460.

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

Jazz Time True Jazz Fest (www.truejazzhuahin.com) is a new music event that looks to fill the space left by the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, which has gone quiet for over a year now. Taking place at True Arena Hua Hin this Mar 24-25, the two-day festival will feature the Grammy award-winning fusion quartet Yellowjackets, American saxophonist Benny Golson and guitarist Al McKay, formerly of Earth, Wind & Fire, plus local names like Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Soul After Six and Thailand AllStars Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are B2,000 for a oneday pass or B3,500 for a two-day pass (though early birds can get this for B2,500 through Feb 19). Meanwhile, rumor has it that Hua Hin Jazz Festival may return in late May. Stay tuned.

MALAYSIA

Earn Your Stripes

HUA HIN

Box Fresh After a long wait, the first hotel both owned and designed by modernist architecture master Duangrit Bunnag (The Naka, Alila Cha Am) will begin taking bookings this Feb 20, with rates ranging from B5,000-13,000.

Located on the third floor of the Seenspace Hua Hin beachfront mall, the six-room Hotel Bocage (www.hotelbocage.com) blends itself into the rest of the mall with its simple yet brutal concrete lines. Inside is a vision of elegance, with minimal furniture, gray-scale colors and abundant natural stone. Already listed as part of the portfolio of Design Hotels - Boutique & Luxury Design Hotel Collection, the property features bespoke beds, tables and wardrobes from Italian furniture-maker Porro, while sofas come from Living Divani. Inside the bathrooms, you'll find the mnimal fixtures of Antonio Lupi Design, complemented by the en vogue toiletries of Australian label Aesop. A mobile app lets you check-in without stepping foot in the lobby.

Explore the new and old of KL side by side by staying at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur (www.stripeskl. com). Nestled in the heart of the cool Jalan Kamunting historical area, right near The Row, a strip of 22 1940s shop-houses that have been adapted into hip bars, cafes and galleries, the hotel’s 184 rooms reference the surroundings through giant blackand-white vintage prints of the neighborhood and art deco patterns. Rates are MYR480 (B3,797) for a deluxe room and MYR530 (B4,192) for an executive deluxe room. The colonial-chic Snug Restaurant offers all-day dining while Brasserie 25's Frenchtwist cuisine comes served amid copper chandeliers, red brick arcades and dark wood floors.

The Sanya Edition

CHINA

Latest Edition While we wait for the opening of The Bangkok Edition hotel, you can get a sense for what may be in store at The Sanya Edition (www.editionhotels. com/sanya). Located on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, just off the coast of Southern China, this Ian Schrager-designed behemoth takes a very tropical route that’s topped off with a “private ocean”—a 20,000-sq-meter pool filled with 10 million gallons of seawater. If the 500 guestrooms in the horseshoe-shaped main building (starting from CNY1,888 [B9,632]) aren’t your turf, they also offer 17 private villas (from CNY4,388 [B22,386]) sitting in terraced hills overlooking the pool. On top of a S pa and five on-site restaurants, amenities include a rock climbing wall and bumper car track, while the souvenir shop is curated by Ullens Center for Contemporary Art Beijing and Steven Giles of Miami Edition.

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avenue

FASHION

U and I Head down to Uniqlo this weekend and you’re in for a very nice surprise: the latest collaboration between the Japanese fast-fashion empire and former Hermes designer Christophe Lemaire. He heads Uniqlo’s R&D center in Paris, which is responsible for the brand’s minimal, fashion-forward Uniqlo U line. Lemaire’s second collection for the brand (the first was a sales phenomenon when it hit Bangkok last year) features a beautifully slouchy array of looks for men and women, with denims and knitwear playing leading roles, along with Lemaire’s first collection of swimwear for the brand.

You’ll find it at just three Uniqlo stores in Bangkok: CentralWorld (3/F), Siam Paragon (1/F) and EmQuartier (2/F). Our advice: act fast!

SHOPPING

SALON

MUSEUM

In the Bag

Sleepy Head

Medicine Memory

In-demand German leather house MCM has marked the opening of its new Central Embassy flagship store by collaborating with Thai artist Oh Hathairat. The illustrator and former member of noughties indie band Futon will take your shiny new B19,900 MCM Rockstar Vanity Case and personally hand-paint it with a cartoon version of your face in acrylic.

What ze Germans think about Oh’s whimsical illustrations we don’t know, but we think the results add a cute personal touch to the bag’s clean lines. Check out a video of her at work here: goo.gl/N82w3. 1/F Central Embassy, Pleon Chit Rd., 02-160-5915. BTS Pleon Chit

Rama 9 just welcomed a new salon perfect for a quick nap during the day. Nap Sleep Salon encourages you to doze off during the 60-minute-long hair-wash and head massage that comes before every haircut—they even provide an eyemask. At B600, it’s a little more expensive than an hour-long session at your favorite neighborhood masseuse, but also includes a haircut of your choice and organic shampoo and conditioner. The salon’s dark concrete environment also creates a relaxing atmosphere, just don’t forget your own earplugs if you want to drown out the hairdryers. 29/23, 1/F Siam Condominium, Rama 9 Rd., 095-248-9350 MRT Rama 9. www.fb.com/napsleepsalon

Chareonkrung Road’s new museum charts the history of Western medicine in Thailand from the 17th-century Ayutthaya period onwards. Called the Berlin Pharmaceutical Museum because it takes up residence in the iconic, European-styled yellow building of the former Berlin Pharmaceutical Industry Co., its exhibits take the form of an antique examining room, drug compounding room and “memory room” showcasing Bangkok’s WWII medical history. Gridthiya Gaweewong, gallerist at the Jim Thompson Art Center helped to curate the museum, which stands in memory of Dr Chai Chaiyanuwat, who founded the original Berlin Pharmaceutical Industry. Sua Pa Intersection, Chareonkrung Rd., 02-2254700. Open Wed-Mon 9am-5pm. www.fb.com/BerlinPharmaceuticalMuseumBangkok

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It

The b beau sellin Srivi

BEAUTY

It’s Natural

Natural-based and organic beauty products usually mean hefty prices. Here, we’ve selected nine best-selling or award-winning beauty products that all cost under B1,000. By Kasidit Srivilai

Clementine & Patchouli refreshing body lotion 100 ml, Panpuri, B610

Bee Lovely hand cream, Neil’s Yard Remedies, B790

Esse

Neil’s Y

Thann.

Loccita

Harnn.

Panpu

Erb. 1/

Comforting Shea foaming cleanser, L'Occitane, B950

Nano Shiso hair mask, Thann, B800

Juice B

Nano Shiso sunscreen SPF30 PA++, Thann, B1,000

Water Lilly Rice and Clay facial mask, Harnn, B980

Stem cellular repair booster serum, Juice Beauty, B870

Essentials Frankincense hydrating facial mist, Neil’s Yard Remedies, B950

Wine & Rose anti-aging hand serum, Erb, B950

Neil’s Yard Remedies. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam

Panpuri. Try L/F, Gaysorn Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chitlom

Thann. Try 3/F, Gaysorn Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chitlom

Erb. 1/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chitlom/Siam

L'Occitane. Try M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam

Juice Beauty. Shop online at www.lazada.co.th

Harnn. Try 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., BTS National Stadium/Siam

Bangkok’s best organic spa treatments

DIVANA VIRTUE SPA

PANPURI ORGANIC SPA

SALA

In a century-old house with its own private garden, this spa offers a 3.5-hour Organic Golden Silk Royal Pampering (B6,950) package, designed to nourish and restore skin with a combination of various organic ingredients. It combines eight steps, beginning with a refreshing Ashiyu foot soak, followed by the Tanaka body cover and silk thread spinning, a body compress using organic milk, a body scrub with white pearl and organic honey, a mulberry detoxifying steam, warm ginseng and silk oil body massage and a golden silk facial massage. Lastly, the session ends with a golden cocoon bath.

This high-end Thai spa specializes in organic aromatherapy and indulgent skincare products using traditional Thai and Southeast Asian ingredients. The perfectly formed space welcomes you in with its natural-wood-and-marble decor, and offers a wide range of treatments. Try the 2.5-hour Pan-Vimarn Heavenly Touch of Paradise (B4,500), which incorporates an organic tea tree foot soak, a body scrub, a head, shoulder and neck massage and a facial.

Located in a rooftop pavilion, Sala offers a wide range of treatments such as facials, massages, herbal steams and mani-pedis.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city while getting a traditional Thai massage or pamper yourself with a relaxing hydrotherapy treatment with organic herbs. What’s even better is that the spa specializes in personalized treatments, during which the therapist custom picks herbs depending on your skin type. Try a threehour Sala Paradise (B3,000), which includes body scrub,oil massage and facial treatment.

10 Srivieng Rd., 02-236-6788. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm, Sat-Mon 10am-10pm www.divanaspa.com

L/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 02-656-1199. Open daily 10:30am-7pm. www. panpuriorganicspa.com

8/F, Nuovo City Hotel, 2 Samsen Rd., 02-282-7500. Open daily 10am8pm. www.nouvocityhotel.com/facilities/sala-spa

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bites & blends CAFE

Home Sweet Home Online bakery turned full-time cafe Baker Gonna Bake has moved from K Village to a bigger space on the same soi. The latest spot keeps to the same bright, wood-heavy decor with handicraft touches, while the menu has expanded to more savory items, from Thai charcoal-braised chicken (B120) and pad kaprao chicken (B120) to the brunchy eggs Benedict on croissant (B200). The focus is still very much on sweets, though, with a new bingsu (shaved milk ice) line offering creative versions of the Korean-hailing dessert like mascarpone (B195) and apple (B150). Coffee beans are sourced from local coffee roaster Somersault (from B70). They will host workshops here, too.

Sukhumvit Soi 26, 092-651-6463

CHEF VISIT

RESTAURANT

FOOD COURT

Young Gun

Gastro Pub

White Kitchen

This Mar 1-2, Fireplace Grill welcomes French chef Jean-Marc Banzo, whose resume includes receiving his first Michelin star at the age of 28 (the youngest chef in France to achieve the honor at the time), and opening L'Esprit de la Violette in Aix-en-Provence, which held one star in the 2016 guide. His six-course wine dinner (B8,000/person) will showcase the likes of pissaladiere (Nice-style pizza) with black olives from Nyons, roasted milk-fed lamb rack with thyme and smoked duck breast with artichoke ravioli, alongside wines like Chateau Ormes de Pez – Saint Estephe 2010, Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 2014 and Cheteau Guiraud, Sauternes – Graves 2008. 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

Paragon's new steakhouse is the latest spin-off of the Mugendai group. From the front counter of Mugendai Steakhouse, you can see through a counter to the kitchen where chefs cook on teppanyaki or charcoal grills. Protein choices range from Japanese A4 wagyu striploin (B3,200/200g), A5 tenderloin (B3,800/200g) and Australian Angus short rib (B1,800) to NZ lamb saddle (B1,200), Iberico pork chop (B800), Canadian lobster (B2,200) and taraba crab (B3,500), all cooked with their special Japanese-twisted recipes. On top of that, try the steamed rice in a hot bowl (kamameshi) with toppings like truffle carbonara (cheese, bacon and cream, B300), tom yum goong (B370) and lamb (B550). From 10am-2:30pm, lunch sets cost B399. G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 090-510-4555

Siam Discovery has unveiled its new food court after a big renovation. Called My Kitchen, the white-dominated space is home to six restaurant counters with different specialties. They're all familiar names, too, including breakfast master Kuppadeli, Thai restaurant Nara, Isaan food purveyor Cafe Chili, Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan Kitchen, dessert cafe Brix and Yuzu, a spin-off of Japanese restaurant Yuutaro. What’s cool here is that the tables by the window offer views overlooking the greenery of Sra Pathum palace, and there's also a system that lets you order from a tablet on your table and pay directly there. Of the many classic dishes on offer, we'll vouch for Man Fu Yuan’s tea-smoked duck (B350) and Kuppadeli’s pumpkin and asparagus salad (B180). 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam/National Stadium

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blends

Track 17

COCKTAILS

New Tricks

Check out the all-new drinks menus at some of Bangkok’s best-loved cocktail bars.

By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Freebird

Junker and Bar

Bunker

The Suan Phlu cocktail bar known for its cheap prices (everything’s under B300 net) has given its menu a shakeup that’s all about fresh ingredients, especially fruit. The Mai Lu (B270), for example, throws banana into the mix of Bacardi white rum, ginger rum, lime, spicy mango syrup and black pepper. Another standout from head bartender Passapong “Bard” Phetpradit’s menu is the Tea Time (B280), which sees Bombay Gin mixed with chamomile Cointreau, green tea and watermelon. For something a little different, S@j Magarita (B240) mixes house-brewed green tea with Jalapeno tequila, triple sec and lime juice.

Bunker’s menu is a continual work-in-progress, and the drinks you’ll find served today are completely different from the ones it opened with. Head barman Kiattikoon “Toon” Auengkum takes his influence from whichever ingredients are being used in the kitchen, which right now results in must-try drinks like the Siam Sipper (B280), a balanced mix of Plantation 3 Stars Silver rum, aloe vera juice, pandan syrup and lime. Don’t think you like whiskey? Let Toon try and change your mind with the easy-to-drink Yuzu Whiskey Sour (B320), which balances the mild flavor of Japanese Suntory Kakubin whiskey with Yuzu orange puree, passion fruit and lemon juice.

454 Suanphlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open Tue-Sun 3pm-midnight

Track 17 Menu refreshes are expected at The Commons’ vintage train carriage-evoking bar, which switches up its destination-themed drinks list every three months. The one right now runs till March and takes on the spirit of Chicago (last time it was Mumbai) with four cocktails priced at B370 each. The Green Street Smoke takes inspiration from a well-known barbecue place for its smoky blend of bacon-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, Averna Amaro liqueur, dark corn syrup and smoked spiced bitters. For a twist on the bloody Mary, grab Brunch at the Bean (ginger-infused vodka, honey syrup, Dijon mustard, tomato juice, lemon, pink salt and celery bitters), or for something sweet, Pilsen’s Farm uses jalapeno-infused tequila, Alipus San Juan mezcal, banana liqueur, raspberry puree, orange juice, simple syrup and lime juice to reflect the Pilsen neighborhood market’s Mexican flavor.

Junker and Bar

Bunker

118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991, 02-234-7749. Open Sun-Wed 5:30pm-1am; Thu-Sat 5:30pm-2am

Freebird We love the simplicity of the new menu at Phrom Phong’s standout new restaurant. Rarely using more than just four ingredients, each drink is designed to be minimal yet not at all boring. For example, the Salon Prive (B320) features homemade butter-infused vodka, gin and Cointreau chamomile. Yellow Flower (B320), meanwhile, has chrysanthemum-infused dry vermouth, Benedictine liqueur and absinthe. For something refreshing, the Skyway (B340) balances Colombian white gin with green apple syrup, citrus and sweet basil.

28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight

1/F, The Commons, 355 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-101-4525. Open daily 5pm-1am

Vesper The new menu here is called The Art Book and takes the form of a ring-bound tome styled after Phaidon’s cult publication of the same name. It’s also one of the most ambitious cocktail menus we’ve ever picked up, charting 14 boozy creations each inspired by a famous work of art. In there you’ve got heavy, spirit-forward flavors like “The Treachery of Images”— which sees Rene Magritte’s painting of a pipe interpreted as a smoky, potent blend of Moonshine unaged whiskey, Alipus San Baltazar mezcal, Carpano Bianco vermouth and tonic bitters (B390)—along with the lighter, more spritely profile of things such as “Composition VIII,” which references the work of Wassily Kandinski in its mix of Pimm’s, Punt e Mes vermouth and Fentimans Rose lemonade.

10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm; Mon-Sat 6pm-1am; Sun 6am-midnight

NEW BAR Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar Bangkok’s latest rooftop bar takes over the top of the new Compass Skyview Hotel, five minutes from BTS Phrom Phong. That means 36th-story views stretching over Thonglor in one direction and towards downtown from the other. Despite some simple, wooden furniture upholstered in vibrant prints, and a sprinkling of palm trees, the massive marble bar backlit with colored LED lights retains a distinctly “sky bar” vibe.

Gin and tonics take a starring role in the cocktail menu, all priced at B320 and with some unusual flavors the mix (think peppermint and passionfruit or chestnut and chamomile). Our favorite, called the Honey Spice, sees dried chili-infused gin mixed with homemade honey-and-rosemary-infused syrup and tonic water, garnished with dried chili for a well-balanced kick.

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The rest of Vanilla’s signature cocktails keep things easy to drink and light on the spirits. Taste of Asia (B350) is a combination of vodka, kaffir lime-infused syrup and lychee with a dash of black pepper to work against the sweet and fruity flavors.

Some stuff to keep in mind: they don’t do proper food, only light bar snacks like salted beans, nuts, popcorn and Dorito chips, while a lack of elevator directly to the roof means clambering up a long flight of stairs from the 35th floor. Bathrooms are back down there, so don’t get too drunk or you’ll be seeing those stairs a lot!

35/F, Compass SkyView Hotel 12, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. Open daily 5pm-2am

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Roast HHHH Western. 3/F, The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-185-2865. Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-10pm. F. BBB

Welcome to Bangkok brunch nirvana.

When Roast first opened in 2011 at Seenspace, it kickstarted a lazy Sunday exodus from hotel buffets and into lightfilled Thonglor cafes brimming with midcentury furnishings, dangling light bulbs and industrial coffee equipment. The food didn’t always get the same attention as the lattes, but it was always a nice place to waste an afternoon. Since Roast’s relocation to the top-floor of The Commons, the Finn Juhl knock-off furniture has been given the boot in favor of cool concrete monochromes, s u bway t iles an d smo k y o rbs of incandescent light, while the menu has had an even more impressive makeover.

Out go boring side salads and humdrum comfort classics in favor of dishes that

City Skyline HHHH American. 36/9 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-6644300. Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat-Sun 7am-2pm B-BB

Less than six months old, owner/chef Katherine Aphaivongs’s no-frills American diner in Asoke has struck such a nerve it has already spawned a second branch in Thonglor. We stress the “no-frills” part.

City Skyline’s main plus is its lack of pretension; aside from one eye-catching neon sign outside, this poky, over-lit space is almost completely hipster reference-free. (Even the full-blown country soundtrack on our last visit was strangely refreshing.) The hearty, allAmerican comfort food sticks to theme, too, though there are ups and downs. On offer from as early as 7am, breakfast is arguably where the restaurant shines brightest. More than just novelty value, the biscuits are lumps of flaky, buttery goodness that come swimming in a milky sausage gravy (B155), while the syrupy, six-inch pancake stacks (B115) are just that, and not one of those crazy, creamy concoctions Bangkok’s cafe set is fixated on. But there’s a strange sweetness to

keep the comfort while also delivering in flavor, size and produce—crisp, rustic fries, tender steaks, fresh salads and eggy brunch dishes that embarrass most other cafes. A panzanella salad (B240) of cherry tomatoes, red onions, bell pepper, anchovy and croutons brims with the flavor of quality olive oil and sharp, juicy tomatoes. A seafood risotto (B420) leads with plump mussels and tender squid, along with a rich mascarpone sauce cut with citrus and saffron. The corned beef hash (B280) actually looks like it does in the Kinfolk-worthy menu photography, complete with abundant shards of moreish dried beef and a perfectly poached egg. This level of quality doesn’t come cheap. Knock back a couple of crisp gruner veltliners (B300/ glass), finish dinner on the excellent single-origin French press (B140), and that lunch date could hit you for near 2K; but there’s no denying Roast delivers on its prices. Of course, a whole heap of the clientele here waltzes right by all the foodie highlights and straight to the giant stacks of waffles and pancakes (B260-320). These are great too, but don’t dismiss Roast as just another one for the coffee-hopping photo gangs. This place turns out serious food to go with the flat whites.

many of the staple dishes that’s slightly off-putting, from the coleslaw (B85) to the ribs (starting from B355 for a quarter rack). These ribs feature meat that comes clean off the bone, but the sticky-sweet sauce masks a lack of smokiness for us.

Burgers are a fairly barebones affair (no pickles and you’ll have to add cheese to most), yet the homemade barbecue sauce and pineapple on the Phuket Burger (B315) make an unlikely but excellent combo. The less said about the bone-dry beef patty, the better (no one’s asking how you want your meat done, here). The mac n’ cheese can be ordered “loaded” (B395), which means piled high with pulled pork, though we feel both are better ordered alone. In all, this is ordinary food done well enough, though we’d like less of the frozen pre-cut fries and more of the home-style touches like in the heavily breaded and crunchy onion rings. Of course, booze could make the situation better (there’s none, despite a picture of beer on the menu), as could extended opening times (it closes at 2pm on weekends). To be fair, these issues have already been addressed at the new Thonglor branch, which operates as a counter at a Commons-like food court called The Society Fair (Thonglor Soi 10), where there’s a craft beer wall and a midnight closing time. Aside from the breakfast plates, late night is when we see City Skyline’s carb-heavy food working best. That said, your afternoon will be instantly better with a frosty chocolate milkshake (B145) and a slice of apple pie (B125).

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPP

B BB BBB BBBB

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

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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OPEN DOOR

Sushi Zo

An omakase restaurant with Michelin cred from Los Angeles and New York.

The buzz: Japanese chef Keizo Seiki began Sushi Zo in Los Angeles in 2006, and it was awarded a Michelin star in 2009. After establishing a second branch in LA, he expanded to New York City with an omakase-only restaurant in 2015 that Michelin later awarded one star in its 2017 guide. This is the fourth branch so far, and the only one outside the USA. (Omakase is a sushi dinner entirely charted bythe chef.)

The decor: The low-key facade is all but the size of a door with the restaurant’s name stickered on it­—literally a hole in the wall.

The economic use of space indoors features a sushi bar and seating for about 10.

The food: Hokkaido-born executive chef Toshi Onishi, who used to lead the kitchen in the brand’s downtown LA branch, helms

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the sushi bar alongside chef Satoshi Tsuru. A meal (B7,000-8,000) spans about 20 courses, comprising appetizers, sushi and desserts.

Being a sushi restaurant from LA, they don’t really stick to the traditional Edo-style sushi here. We find the Sushi Zo style lively and fun, with the use of many sauces, condiments and techniques you don’t normally find in a traditional sushi-ya. Their nigiri sushi is noticeably smaller and less densely put together than the kind we’re familiar with, and ventures into different, more adventurous flavors like the olive oil-marinated shima aji (striped horsemackerel) sushi topped with Sichuan pepper, and tai (red seabream) sushi that the chef smokes for a couple of minutes before serving. Fish comes in every day, which means currently you can expect to find seasonal specialties like ankimo (monk-

fish liver). After the main courses, the chef serves a plump seaweed-wrapped chopped tuna and delicious pickled radish maki before serving a box of tamago (omelet) and fruits, and whisking matcha for diners to finish the meal. They do two seatings a day and reservations are required two days in advance.

The drinks: The restaurant carries around five sake labels to pair with the meal, with prices starting from B700/200ml.

Why you should care: Omakase restaurants are dime a dozen in Bangkok at the moment, but this one has the added incentive of Michelin approval and exciting foreign flavors. Natcha Sanguankiattichai G/F, Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8490. Open Tue-Sun 5:30pm-late. BTS Phloen Chit

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Bangkok Bold Kitchen

Patissez

Magpie

NEW AND NOTED

Freakishly Good The original creator of the trending "freakshakes," Patissez (Parc 39, 5/9, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-185-3258), from Canberra, Australia, brings its overloaded drinks to Bangkok, alongside more Aussie-style cafe food. The photogenic shakes (all B230) come in five different varieties: nutella pretzel, mint chocolate, banana caramel, Thai tea white chocolate (exclusive to Bangkok), and watermelon and berries. On top of that, you can get all-day brunchy dishes like smashed avocado on toast (B380) and the Freak Burger (double-patty Aussie beef burger packed with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, house barbecue sauce, bacon jam on a brioche bun, B490).

Go Bold Opened on Phra Athit Road as a cooking school and chef’s table restaurant over a year ago, Bangkok Bold has forged a name for solid Thai offerings thanks to its team of prominent chefs Supanut “Ann” Kanarak, Chortip “Nhoi” Ouypornchaisakul and

Waraphan Chanthong. Now though, you don’t have to gather as a party of at least four people to enjoy the food as they’ve branched out to a casual restaurant with an a la carte menu (2/F, Riverside Plaza, Charoennakorn Rd., 096-626-4519). Try their stir-fried Thai mackerel with chili pepper, climbing wattle and pork cracklings (B170) or rice noodles with crab curry (B250) in a setting that's packed with Thai woven touches.

Cutie Pie Renowned Thai designer Noppadol “Ou” Baholyodhin’s (currently Jim Thompson’s creative director) thirst for good coffee led him to open this photogenic cafe in On Nut. Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler would approve of Magpie's (914, On Nut Soi 28, 02-116-1670) terrazzo floors and mid-century furniture pieces upholstered in velvet or bold, graphic prints. Food-wise, you'll find regular all-day dining dishes like pies, pastas and salads (from B165) on top of desserts like tarte tatin and banoffee pie (from B95). They offer a selection of tea and coffee (from B75), too.

TABLE TALK

Zheng Dou Grand Seafood & Chinese Restaurant 37/F, Anantara Sathorn Hotel, Narathiwas Rd., 02002-2420. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10pm.

Sitting on the 37th floor of Anantara Sathorn Hotel, Zheng Dou Grand has got views not many Chinese restaurants in Bangkok can boast. Amid a modern Chinese space, the restaurant presents Hong Kong cuisine whipped up by a native chef. Of the wide-ranging Cantonese selection, don’t miss their barbecue meats (B550/B800) or the all-you-caneat dim sum lunch (with rice, soup, noodles and a plate of barbecue meat per person, B706 net) and dinner (wider selection with refillable dim sum, B823 net).

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

Come 4 Pay 3 for Dim Sum buffet (Mon-Fri except public holidays) and get 15% discount on a la carte menu (Today – 29 Dec 17)

Natcha Sanguankiattichai

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FRI Love Triangle Renowned Thai-American composer Somtow Sucharitkul teams up with the Siam Philharmonic Orchestra and guest violinist Min Yang this Feb 21 for Exotic Love, a performance of three romantic pieces by Wagner, Strauss and Rimsky Korsakov. Although ticket info is yet to be announced, it’s all taking place at Thailand Cultural Centre (Ratchadaphisek Rd.)

SAT Strong Fruit Wonderfruit, aka Thailand’s version of Coachella, returns to the Fields at Siam Country Club, Pattaya, this Feb 16-19 for four days of outdoor music, slowlife workshops, quality food booths and inspiring wellness talks. Despite February being the month of music festivals, this is arguably the hottest ticket yet. Prices start at B5,500 at wonderfruitfestival.com

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SUN Paradise Found This Feb 22 sees the Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band Album Launch Concert take place at Rockademy (A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26), where the modern Isaan band who took over the stand of Glastonbury festival last year will perform tracks from their latest album. There also promises to be drinks courtesy of Thonglor’s Studio Lam, plus a closing set from DJs Maft Sai and Christ Menist. Tickets are B500-650 from bit. ly/2kWzw1X.

SUN Outside Chance Make the most out of the remaining cool weather this Feb 18-19 at Sansiri Market Fest, where the grounds of T77 (Sukhumvit Soi 77) transform into an outdoor market filled with over 180 booths selling trendy food and clothes. Grab the free shuttle bus from BTS On Nut.

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now LIVE MUSIC

NIGHTLIFE

Steve Aoki

Sweater Beats

Florian Rietze

SWEATER BEATS

CHARLIE KWENTA

The LA-based music producer and DJ, who has toured with the likes of Flume and Chet Faker, performs live.

Tickets available at at bit.ly/2kG0jji. Feb 17, 10pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-9746974. B350-590.

The Switzerland-based DJ spins quality deep house and techno with support from the club's resident DJ Wintix. Feb 22, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 (includes one drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

FROM TRANSPORT WITH LOVE

STEVE AOKI

DJs Jaydubb, To-Ru, Brent Burns, Persual and Seelie take over the decks with house and techno beats.

All proceeds from ticket sales go towards the Foundation For The Better Life of Children Charity. Feb 17, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117.

B100. BTS Chong Nonsi.

The popular American electro house DJ, best known for tracks like "Turbulance," "Beat Down," and "Boneless," stops by Bangkok with support from the Retox Sessions party crew. Feb 23, 8pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. B700.

WESTIN POOL PARTY - 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The German electronic music producer and DJ performs his live set with support from French DJ Jack Haze. Feb 24, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B250 (includes one drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

FLORIAN RIETZE

The popular pool party celebrates its first birthday with an open bar from 2-3pm, plus plenty of poolside bites and music from special guest DJs. Feb 18, 2pm. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok, 259 Sukhumvit Rd. B300.

HI-SO PRIDE PARTY

ISAN DANCEHALL WITH DJ CHRIS MENIST

The co-founder of Bangkok Paradise Molam International Band takes over the decks to spin old-school molam, reggae, luk thung and other Asian grooves.

Feb 18, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. Free. BTS Thong Lo. SUPERFLY VOL 1: SUPERFRESH

DJ Rory Breaker-Morant brings funky music to the dancefloor with support from MCs Unda, Emon, Jnknslry, ProtoZua and BangkokFlex. Feb 18, 9pm.

The Beat Lounge, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 081-3410512. Free.

TUESDAY JAZZ

As part of the bar's weekly nights dedicated to jazz, DJ Ben spins swing and Latin jazz on vinyl. Feb 21, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661.

Free. BTS Thong Lo.

Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

classical

The London-based DJ and music producer spins techno, house and disco with support from German DJ Moreno. Feb 24, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B250. BTS Chong Nonsi.

SABAI SABAI RADIO PRESENTS AKIMBO

The Red Bull Music Academy Madrid alumni, who has performed live at the Boiler Room, plays with support from DJ Dangdut Banget. Feb 25, 9pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B100.

BTS Thong Lo. DERRICK MAY & FRANCESCO TRISTANO

The American electronic music producer teams up with the Luxembourg-based DJ for a set of underground techno beats, with support from DJ Mendy Indigo. Tickets available at bit.ly/2loM9TL. Feb 25, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098974-6974. B500-800.

Paradise Bangkok

SHOWCASE: FRESHLY SQUEEZED SOUNDS

CONCERT IN THE PARK

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs songs from pop classics, movie soundtracks, Broadway musicals and legendary Thai favorites with rotating guest vocalists, all set in a picnic-friendly park setting. Feb 19, 26, 5:30pm. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free.

Emerging local artists Talley Berry, Thatsapol Koedkhumtong, Claire Stanley and Jordan Bradley Munger perform acoustic original songs, with an after party from DJ Crooze Kutz. Feb 18, 8pm.

Sportsman, Trendy Building, 10/22 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7241. Free.

BTS Phrom Phong.

JAZZ ON SUNDAY WITH THE BACHSWING

A NIGHT IN WEIMAR

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, along with guest conductor Johannes Klumpp and guest pianist Rolf-Dieter Arens, performs live. Feb 17-18, 4pm.

Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500.

EXOTIC LOVE

BAAN MEANS HOUSE WITH FELIX DICKINSON

Another edition of the new LGBT-focused party which takes place every third Saturday of the month, promising danceable music and rooftop views. Feb 18, 9pm. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000. B300 (includes one drink). MRT Lumphini.

Jenny & the Scallywags

The Siam Philharmonic Orchestra and guest violinist Min Yang conducted by Somtow Sucharitkul through three masterpieces from the romantic period.

Ticket info TBA. Feb 21, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

concerts CAFE LANAI

The Canadian duo perform tropical beats and world music tracks as part of their world tour, with support from opening act Jacob Kogan. Feb 18, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B200.

BTS Surasak.

gigs MELTDOWN - VOLUME 1

A night dedicated to underground bands, featuring music from Toby Willems, Matthew Fischer, Panic Station, Penny Time and Kota Taki. Feb 17, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B150.

BTS Surasak.

The Thai jazz band consisting of 2 acoustic guitarists, a violinist and a bassist perform as part of the community mall's weekly live music sessions. Feb 19, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Free.

JENNY & THE SCALLYWAGS

The soul and folk band performs at the rooftop bar with a closing set from DJ Lisa Bluestar. Feb 21, 8pm. Above Eleven, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. Free.

BTS Nana.

THE PARADISE BANGKOK MOLAM INTERNATIONAL BAND: PLANET LAM

The modern Isaan band, who played at Glastonbury Festival last year, performs tracks from their latest album, with DJ sets by Maft Sai and Chris Menist. Also expect plenty of drinks from a pop up bar

by Thonglor's Studio Lam. Tickets available at at bit.ly/2kWzw1X. Feb 22, 9pm.

Rockademy, A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. B500-650.

SINCERELY GRIZZLY

The three-piece Australian melodic hardcore band performs live with support from The Ginkz, Spring.Fall.Sea, Sinner Turned Sants and John Will Sail. Feb 24, 8pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-835-6824. B200.

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now PLAN AHEAD

ART

Boo!

They are Human

BOO!

STORY FROM THAI RECORDS

Nurse and photographer Panida Srijai uses a film camera to capture her private life with intimate, sexual undertones. Through Mar 18. Case Space Revolution, 2/F, Broccoli Revolution, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-5002.

Pichit Tangcharoen showcases a series of colorful paintings that attempt to retell the story behind old Thai songs, whether in the folk, urban or traditional genres, that serves as a tribute for both art and music lovers. Through Mar 26. Ardel Gallery of Modern Art, Belle Ville, 99/45 Borommarachonnanee Rd., 02-422-2092.

DISPLACED: VISUAL REFLECTIONS ON EVERYDAY LIVES

The visual works of graduating students from the Master of Fine Art in Visual Communication program at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi explore the subject of home displacement and its emotional affect on the subjects. Through Feb 19,. Humble Projects, 41/40 Sunthonphimol, Banthat Thong Rd. HERE COMES THE SUN

The craft studio hosts its first solo exhibition, showcasing pottery works created with inspiration from the morning sun. Feb 23-Mar 19. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd. JOURNEY OF LINES AND COLORS

Artist Siriput Pullarb exhibits his latest collection of watercolor paintings, created during his trips to Italy, France and Holland, and capturing the architectural landscape of each destination. Through Feb 28. HOF Art Gallery, 1588/288-290 W District, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-178-0095.

THEY ARE HUMAN

Artist Prasart Nirundornprasert presents a series of wood carvings depicting the lives of Rohingya refugees and their struggle with discrimination, starvation, oppression and brutality during their journey from Myanmar to Thailand.

Through Feb 28. Rebel Art Space, 10/5 Sukhumvit Soi 67, 087-112-7774.

Gig organizers Have You Heard? recently announced that their first gig of the year will be the British electronic duo Honne, who'll be making their Bangkok debut this Mar 7 at Voice Space (BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd.) Formed in 2014 and consisting of James Hatcher (producer) and Andy Clutterbuck (singer/producer), Honne made a name for themselves through hit EPs Warm on a Cold Night, All in the Value and Coastal Love. They're now on tour to promote their first studio album, Warm on a Cold Night, which includes hits like "Someone that Loves You" and the title track.

Tickets are B1,300, available at bit.do/honnebkk.

HIGHLIGHT

Upcoming Special Screenings

WHAT WE DO FOR LOVE

Artist Nino Sarabutra expresses her love for Thailand and the late HM King Bhumibhol Adulyadej through a series of installations. Through Mar 25. Ardel's Third Place Gallery, 137-137/1 Thonglor Soi 10, 02 714 7929.

THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES

Renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado, along with The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand and Sundaram Tagore Gallery, showcases 120 of his iconic black-and-white images from over the past 30 years of his career capturing various societies and landscapes around the world. Through Mar 8. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Little Miss Sunshine

DOCUMENTARY FILM NIGHT: RETURN TO HOMS

SALES & FAIRS

A screening of Talal Derki’s 2013 biographical short film following football star Abdul Basset Saroot as he becomes a protest leader in war-torn Syria.

B150. Feb 20. Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, Maneeya Center, 518/5 Phloen Chit Rd.

OACC PRESENTS LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

The Bangkok Open Air Cinema Club presents the heartwarming 2006 comedy drama about a family who go on a cross-country road trip in their VW van to take their young daughter to the final round of a beauty pageant.

B300. Feb 18. The Hive, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49

QUEER FILM SCREENING: BE A WOMAN

Sansiri Market Fest

Artbox Chatuchak

SANSIRI MARKET FEST

THAILAND COFFEE FESTIVAL

ARTBOX CHATUCHAK

The popular outdoor market, previously dubbed the Winter Market Fest, returns, featuring more than 180 booths from trendy food and fashion stalls under the concept "Love Sharing" in keeping with Valentine's Day. There is a free shuttle bus from BTS On Nut. Feb 18-19, 4pm onwards. T77, Sukhumvit Soi 77.

Considered the biggest coffee event in Southeast Asia, this fair features booths from roasteries, distributors and equipment manufacturers, alongside coffee-related workshops and seminars, coffee brewing competitions and plenty of pop-up cafes. Feb 23-26, 10am onwards. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000.

MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. (See page 6)

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. Through Apr 30, 12pm onwards.

Chatuchak Park, 3 Kamphaeng Phet Rd.

Chinese filmmaker and queer activist Fan Popo stops by Bangkok to present his drag queen documentary Be a Woman (2011) which explores a bar named Only Love and the lives of the dancers who work there. The event is hosted

by Brian Curtin, who'll chair a discussion about the film after the screening.

Free entry. Feb 24. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1. BTS Surasak

BANGKOK UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL

Returning for its second year, this popular film festival aims to support independent, DIY and first-time filmmakers with a series of screenings that will take place at various art galleries around the city.

Free entry. Feb 25-Mar 5. Arunkarn, Chareonkrung Soi 67 (Soi Don Kuson 1)

A DESIGN FILM FESTIVAL

TCDC's film festival dedicated to the design industry returns with eight documentary films covering street art, jewelry design, technology and more.

Among them is Banksy Does New York, a documentary spanning a month in the life of the British graffiti master, as well as Crazy about Tiffany’s, which charts the 180-year-old American jewelry brand’s rise to becoming a global icon.

Free entry. Feb 25-26, Mar 4-5, Scala Theatre, Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

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FILM

LAST CHANCE!

Opening (Feb 16)

Book your ad before 24 February 2017

ELLE (USA)

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (USA)

Comedy/Drama. When the owner of a video game company (Isabelle Huppart) gets attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, she begins an intense mission to track him down.

Action/Crime. Just as he returns to a quiet civilian life, a retired super-assassin (Keanu Reeves) gets a surprise visit from an Italian gangster who compels him to repay past favors.

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in BK Magazine’s new guide, Better You. Our traffic analytics show healthy living is the hottest trend among the affluent, active Bangkokians who follow BK.

A CURE FOR WELLNESS (USA)

THE SALESMAN (IRAN/FRANCE)

Mystery/Thriller. A young executive is sent to a mysterious rehabilitation center in the Swiss Alps where he discovers the treatments are not what they seem.

Drama. After their flat becomes damaged, a young couple is forced to move to another apartment where they become involved in a crime left behind by the previous tenants.

The BK Better You guide shows readers the hottest workout trends, best gyms, healthy-eating shops and restaurants, and coolest workout gear, as well as top wellness retreats and the beauty clinics you can trust.

Find out more at bkmagazine.com/betteryou

Call: 02 624 9696 #601, 615, 620 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th

THE MOMENT (THAI)

Drama. Following three separate love stories about unexpected romances between Thai couples living abroad in New York, London and Seoul.

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Chic doesn’t come overnight,

Upcoming (Feb 23)

it takes practice...

Learn French or French Fashion Design at HIDDEN FIGURES (USA)

Drama. The untold stories three African-American women working on the NASA program which succesfully launched astronaut John Glenn into orbit.

Alliance Française Bangkok!

GUARDIANS (RUSSIA)

Action/Adventure. A team of Soviet-era superheroes must come out of hiding to defend the homeland from supernatural threats once more.

Next session: French courses: from April 21st onwards Fashion courses: from Feb. 26th onwards Register now!

LIFE ANIMATED (USA)

FALLEN (USA)

Documentary. An intimate look into how animated Disney movies help a young autistic boy develop his reading, writing and communication skills.

Adventure/Drama. Whilst attending a boarding school, a young girl meets a mysterious man who she later finds out holds a terrible, dark secret.

IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD (JAPAN)

MIND MEMORY (THAI)

Animation. Following the life of a young Japanese woman and her life in Hiroshima 10 years before and after the atomic bomb.

Romance. An introverted programmer falls in love with his colleague after they are both assigned to work on a memory-assisting program for the elderly.

Early Bird offer:

Register before March 18th and

get a FREE AF Tote Bag with this coupon!

02 670 4210-11

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