BK Magazine 696 30 June, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 696 FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

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Different Strokes

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

12 escapes

White Washed

Male Order

16 avenue

20 bites

Local Stores

What’s Brewing

22 bites

26 BK Now

La Dolce Vita

Upcoming Attractions

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon, Thitipol Panyalimpanun Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Writer Bonnie Sananvatananont Staff Writer Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Theerada Moonsiri Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Kasidit Srivilai, Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designer Anunya Chobnitas Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Photographer Chissanupong Narmmoolnark Video Editor Tanaporn Choopanya, Saranya Laowtrakul

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 Sales Associates Pichayarak Chalermchainukul Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai Product Director Gregoire Glachant Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn Senior Developer Jinin Jaengkitsopon 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

Contributors Kathy MacLeod, Lily Kittisrikangwan, Chawadee Nualkhair Interns Pragyan Ghale, Kawee Jarach, Nathanan Charoenkitchaikarn, Yanika Piyatassee, Wipawee Chaweepat, Sirawit Paopattana, Phone Myat Khine, Punsita Ritthikarn, Chitsanupong Suphattanawat, Thanakorn Kongram Cover by BK Production

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

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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That Thailand claimed its first ever Cannes Lions Grand Prix Thai ad agencies take home awards from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for their tear-jerking ads all the time. But property developer AP Thailand and independent digital ad agency CJ Worx went one better by claiming a Design Lions Grand Prix last week for their Unusual Football Pitch campaign.

The initiative to turn abandoned urban spaces into areas of benefit to local communities resulted in a photo-friendly series of “L” and “Z” shaped football fields in Khlong Toei.

That Huy Fong Sriracha Sauce is here to stay The purists may not approve, but the US-hailing “rooster sauce” can now be found at Gourmet Market, Villa Market and Home Fresh Mart supermarkets all around the country. Prices start from B95 for the hot sauce characterized by its hot and sour taste (owing to Californian red jalapenos) as opposed to its sweeter Thai counterpart.

That Freitag’s teaming up with awesome artists for charity The Swiss eco-friendly bag maker has called on 10 top Thai artists to add character-packed illustrations to its famous shoppingbag-like Miami Vice design. Joining the project, called “Second Life Canvas,” are the likes of Alex Face, Miss Ink, Tabun Lee and Jaytherabbit. The bags will be on display at Freitag’s seemingly permanent Siam Square Soi 7 pop-up store from Jul 1-7 before being auctioned off on Jul 8, with proceeds going to charities of the artists’ choice.

That 72 Courtyard now has a karaoke lounge After the men from UNCLE (and Lady Brett) jumped ship, 72 Courtyard needed to come up with a space that pulled in the masses and not just the odd cocktail snob. Their answer is Savoy, a karaoke lounge which wouldn’t feel out of place over with the hi-so party crowd at Arena 10, but which retains UNCLE’s glamorously low-key decor. A minimum spend of B1,000 (B2,000 on weekends) gets you a small room with capacity of up to 10 people, while the smallest punch bowl goes for B1,250—it’s good to split between four.

That Chang Chui is a hipster’s paradise but a potential driver’s nightmare Thonburi’s cool new creative hub opened last weekend to impressive crowds—almost 20,000 people in one day, if what the PR told us is to be believed. Problem is there’s only parking for 300 cars. Naturally, it didn’t take long for Pantip denizens to pipe up with tales of congested traffic as a result of parked cars taking over full lanes and even concealing bus stops. We can only hope future planning doesn’t live up to Chang Chui’s “sloppy” moniker.

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BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Shopping in Ari Not: Dining in Ari The cultured kids of Ari with their encyclopedic knowledge of what’s hot in Japan right now are blessing us with some of their good taste. Thanks to Kamakura Shirt, you can now find threads worthy of the cover of Popeye without the trip to Tokyo. Chuan Pisamai, meanwhile, provides vintage dresses and wedding gowns sweeter than a stack of Shabuya honey toast with extra honey. Anything that prevents the opening of more sushi-pizza fusion restaurants can only be good.

Artwork by Harit Srikjhao

INTERVIEW

Hot: Backstage

Not: Maggie Choo’s

When Thonglor bartenders finish shift, they head to Backstage and test out rare infusions and weird flavor combos on each other before letting the rest of us pay B400 for them. This makes it one of the best bars in Asia. The 18th best, to be exact, according to the latest ranking to drop from we’re-not-really-sure-where. Meanwhile, Maggie Choo’s descent into tourist-trap nightmare got so bad in 2017 that it slipped off the list altogether.

Hot: Rama 3 Park

Not: Chao Phraya Promenade

Finally! Some proof that public opinion still counts for something in this city. Thanks to a petition signed by 3,318 people, plans to turn the 29-rai Rama 3 Park into a storage zone and workers’ camp for a new expressway have been scrapped. Not that this offers any relief for the 29,000 who’ve signed against the Chao Phraya River Promenade.

Hot: Asian street food Not: American diners Siam Paragon has listened to your desperate pleas for stacks of pancakes and coffee refills and opened Bangkok’s very first IHOP—about 15 meters from the stacks of pancakes and coffee refills of Clinton Street Baking Co. Terminal 21 has a new name from abroad for you, too: Hawker Chan, which was one of the Singaporean street stalls to pick up a star from Michelin last year. Michelin-level char siu for B100 or sandwiches for B240? You pick.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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On Jun 16, the military visited two galleries near Sathorn, Cartel Artspace and Gallery Ver, and ordered Gallery Ver to remove five works by local artist Harit Srikhao relating to the political protests of 2010. Jirat “Tae” Ratthawongjirakul, 29, has managed the gallery for the past six years, and was there when the raid took place. Here, he discusses exactly what happened, as well as the state of artistic expression in Bangkok.

Please describe the artworks taken down by the military.

There are five pieces that the military asked us to take down.

They include three photographs, a sketch and a seven-page note made by Harit Srikhao about the political movement of 2010. One features a shirtless reserve officer sitting and waiting for the procession of a VIP person, which Harit has overlaid with collage, another shows an orderly group of women in white, formal public servant uniforms wearing masks of the iconic head statue [by Indian artist Ravindra Reddy and burned down during the CentralWorld fire].

Why do you think soldiers took offense to these works?

Firstly, the soldier said that he’s worried these works could be threatening to the peace and security of the nation. Then, he asked us to consider our gallery’s safety since someone from the opposite political camp might not be pleased with this and want to harm the gallery. Then he kept coming back to the idea that he’s real serious about assuring the security of this country.

Tell us exactly what happened that day.

I got a text from Angkrit , the owner of Artist+RUN, telling me

the military was coming and asking about the operating hours of my gallery and the Cartel Artspace.

It was around 9:30am when 10 military guys with 10 plainclothes officers came and asked Angkrit about us. Angkrit told them that both Gallery Ver and Cartel Art Space open in the afternoon, so the soldiers together with plainclothes officers came back later that day. They walked around my gallery and asked us to take the five pieces down. They asked us nicely. My staff took those pieces down. I wasn’t there when this happen. I arrived later and the officers asked me to have a talk with them about this exhibition. I had to admit that I was shocked when I saw them, so before anything else, I dialed my friend for advice, who told me that in order to avoid trouble, I just needed to cooperate and only give short answers to their questions—and only speak when asked.

Did you fear for your personal safety? How did you react?

I was afraid at first because I didn’t know what was happening exactly.

But after getting advice from my old friend and having a conversation with the officers, I was no longer afraid. There was no sign of physical violence. It has had no

impact on how I live my life since then. I go wherever I want to. The officers only care about Whitewash [the exhibition]. They surveil the exhibition every day now but they don’t follow me.

Has this incident made you more afraid than before of hosting controversial exhibitions?

Not at all. Gallery Ver is a contemporary gallery, which means that we talk about the here and now.

We support artists to be themselves and display their work how they want. I don’t want to set any kind of censorship up in my gallery. Gallery Ver still welcomes any politically controversial art exhibition. And right now, the thing that people are mostly talking about in this country is politics.

What wider impact do you think this has on creative thinking in Thailand?

I view this as an attempt to use fear to govern this country. Of course when they came into my gallery, they did no harm to us and they spoke to us nicely. However, the act by the military implicitly forces us, both artists and art advocators, to set up a form of self-censorship. By Neon Boonyadhammakul

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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cover story You’ve Never Done this Before Thirty ways to spend your weekends and nights in Bangkok doing something different. By BK Staff

PTT Green in the City

Activities 1.

Learn stand-up paddle yoga Standup paddle (SUP) yoga involves throwing sun salutations, on a paddleboard, cut adrift on water. Bangkok’s first event happened back in May on an upriver part of the Chao Phraya beyond Koh Kret, where the water’s not so worryingly murky. It was followed by another SUP Yoga event at Taco Lake wakepark. The next one still hasn't been announced, though organizes assure us it'll drop soon. The 60-minute class is open to all people with or without yoga or paddling skills, and costs B1,500 per person—just note, space is limited to a group of eight. Incorporating aspects of surfing, SUP yoga is said to require a little more focus on your core than regular yoga, while also posing a challenge mentally if you want to avoid taking a quick dip.

Bookings at www.fb.com/thailandsupyoga or 087-794-6543

2.

Brew your own craft beer

Every Sunday, Thai craft beer pioneer Wichit Saiklao teaches a group of students the secrets to beer-making from his brewery on Koh Kret in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. His Chit Beer classes get booked out months in advance, despite it being technically illegal to brew beer in Thailand. Wichit has been fined three times but continues to run his operation.

The B7,500 class can be split between 6-7 people, who’ll brew up a batch of 20 liters of beer between them.

3.

Become a Shaolin master Learn kung fu with a true Shaolin master in the unassuming underground floor of an Asoke office building. Laoshi Zhu Qi Guo trained at the Shaolin Temple from the age of 7-18. At Thai-Chinese Shaolin Kungfu School, he’ll teach you the basics to have you doing frontflips and sparring with swords in no time. The exercises are as grueling as CrossFit—full-body workouts and stretches that will leave your joints aching the next day. B2,200 for a four-class package.

B2/F Interchange, Sukhumvit Rd., 083888-3906. Open Mon-Fri 6:30-7:30pm, SatSun 3:30-4:30pm

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The One Sand Bath Therapy

5.

7.

The chunky grains of volcanic Japanese sand at The One Sand Bath Therapy are said to use 50 essential vitamins and minerals to improve your immune system, stave off signs of aging, detoxify your system and improve blood circulation. There’s no denying that lying back in a bath of this stuff is super relaxing, but prepare to sweat… a lot. The therapist will check your pulse before bathing to analyze the proper duration your body can handle. The default temperature for the tub is 55 degrees Celsius, and you shouldn't really stay longer than 20 minutes. In fact, the owners compare it to rigorously exercising for one-anda-half-hours. Prices start from B2,500 for a 15-minute sand bath followed by a scrub and shower.

Just one hour’s ride from Bangkok, you can jump on a boat and see 40,000kg Bryde’s whales in the open sea. Wild Encounter Thailand runs whale watching expeditions which are so close to Bangkok it's basically still the Chao Phraya. Boats leave from Bang Khun Tian pier in Samut Songkram and spend 6-8 hours out on the water in search of these gentle ocean giants. The B2,300 trip includes Bangkok trasfers, lunch and soft drinks.

Take a sand bath

Koh Kret, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 083999-0935. Open Sat-Sun midday-9pm

the one residence hotel, between srinakarin soi 63-65. Open daily midday-10pm

4.

6.

Train with The parkour community If risky free-running videos turn you on, check out Asia Parkour. Run by certified French coach Julien Vigroux, who has been practicing parkour for 15 years, Asia Parkour offers classes for both beginners and masters in the making. Newbies will learn the techniques to safely jump, walk on a narrow surface and balance themselves. Aside from indoor classes held at the multi-use gym on the ground floor of Amarin Plaza, they also do outdoor sessions from time to time. Prices start at B550/session Activ Parc, Amarin Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd., 088-493-2075. Open mon-fri 7am-9pm, sat-sun 9am-5pm. BTS Chit Lom

Perfect your baseball swing For an alternate way to work off stress after a long day, check out Bangkok Batting Cage where for B100, you can perfect your swing against 55 baseballs pitched at 90-110km/h. No need to bring anything, just show up (preferably in comfy, sporty clothes) and they’ll provide you with a helmet and gloves. It’s basically like a golf driving range, but a whole lot cooler.

108/1 sukhumvit Soi 31, 022620699, OPEN DAILY 10:30AM-9:30PM

Go Whale Watching

www.fb.com/wildencounterthailand.

099-292-2666

8.

Enter a world of virtual reality At VR Cafe, you can be anything, really. Zombie hunter, space pirate, fruit-attacking ninja, the possibilities are endless. Just put on the virtual reality goggles and become immersed in a world of your choosing. There are almost a hundred games to try out, and these are not gimmicky VR wannabes either—equipment feels responsive and pricey. You can even go all Ender’s Game against a friend if that’s what you fancy. One session costs B650 per hour.

2/F Anekvanich Bldg., 154/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 080-288-2777. Open daily noon-midnight

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Visit the airplane graveyard Ramkhamhaeng’s “airplane graveyard” is home to dismantled jetliners and old aircraft wreckage that has become an unusual tourist attraction. It’s not often that you get to explore the interiors of stripped-down commercial jets and rummage around their debris. There are actual families living on-site acting as gate-keepers, so an entrance fee (between B100-B300 per person, depending on the negotiation) is required. Pro-tip: Take your tetanus vaccination before climbing into a rusty Boeing 747.

105 Ramkhamhaeng Rd.

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Book a cinema for you and your friends

9.

Float yourself to inner tranquility Floating in a pitch-black tank of skin-temperature saltwater balanced to create an almost no-gravity condition can lead to total sensory deprivation. The whole experience has been described as inducing a trance-like state close to sleep, typified by heightened receptivity and creative inspiration.

Currently the only place to try the wellness trend is at Bangkok Float Center, whose new home is at SHOW DC Entertainment Mall, over by RCA. Opt for a single float, starting at B1,950/60 minutes, or go for one of the multiple-entry packages (from B6,000 for four 60-minute sessions). If it’s your first time, you can also score an intro pack, which gives you three floats for the price of two.

4/F, SHOW DC, Jaturatid Rd., 090-993-6487

market airships, bang phli

11.

Print your own Lego set

Take on the Bangkok fight club Sorry to break the first rule of Fight Club, but you need to know this. Bangkok has its own underground fist-fighting scene, where you can take the role of Brad Pitt and beat the crap out of people. Fight Club Thailand hosts two matches per month at locations which

it’s still free. Make sure you show Spurrier some support by spending plenty of money at the bar. A glass of wine is only B100.

259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087 000 0795.

Open Tue-Sun 5-11:30pm

14. are only announced in advance on their Facebook page (see below). Anyone can ask to join on their Facebook page, male or female, lightweight or heavyweight. There are only three rules: You must listen to the referee, you must wear gum shield and gloves, and you must fight for three minutes. www. fb.com/fightclubthailand

10.

The Friese-Greene Club is an alternative independent cinema hidden on Sukhumvit Soi 22 with a bar on the ground floor. Filmmaker Paul Spurrier runs the show, screening movies for free every night (check the schedule at fgc.in.th/films). But every Tuesday, he lets group of six friends rent the place out to screen a movie of their choice. The best part:

At Ari’s Fab Cafe, you can design your own car or Lego set then have it printed out in plastic. This creative/design-focused space originated in Japan and specializes in 3D printing services. There are two types of printer on offer. One, an FDM printer, is perfect for making things like Lego bricks. Fab lets you use it at B750 for the first hour and B450 for every hour after that. The other, called an SLA printer, is used for more in-depth, detailed modeling and sets you back more—B1,200 for one hour then B750/hour onwards.

77/1 Soi Ari 1, 083-619-9983. Open TueSun 10am-8pm

Get some fresh air in the city Bang Krachao isn’t Bangkok’s only jungle.

PTT Green in the City has taken over a dilapidated five-acre plot of land with over 270 botanical species. Still only five years old, the land already looks lush enough to save you a trip to Khao Yai, complete with treetop skywalks and guided tours every 1.5 hours. Keep an eye out for rare birds

15.

Visit the planet from Avatar Travel through space-time to Alpha Centuari, Pandora—home to the Na’vis from James Cameron’s Avatar. The Avatar: Discover Pandora exhibition debuts in Thailand this Jul 1, learn more about the luminescent plants and creatures from the movie. You might even stumble upon one of those native blue aliens. Through Sep 3.

B490 for adults.

MCC Hall The Mall Bangkapi, Lad Phrao Rd., 02-173-1000. Open Mon - Fri 9am - 9:30 pm, Sat-Sun 10am - 10pm

and other wild animals that have moved in there. Entry is free.

81 Sukapiban 2 Rd., Prawet, 02 136 6380.

Open Tue-Sun 9am-6pm

16.

Get your lost ID card replaced on the BTS Some amazing services have crept onto BTS stations over the years, from locker shops to haircuts. But one of the most convenient has got to be the national ID card service, which saves anyone who’s night got a bit too wild from a trip to their district office and standing in line for 100 queue numbers. Get yours done at BTS Mochit, Siam and Phrom Phong.

BTS Mochit, 02-272-53462. BTS Siam, 02-250-0125-63. BTS Phrom Phong, 02-663-5203-4. Open daily Mon-Fri 9am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Food & Drink 17.

Drink cocktails made from oil Adding oily fats to cocktails is becoming a thing—yes, actual fats. Bronx Liquid Parlour on Thonglor now has a menu of six drinks with drops of oil in each. Umami (B300), for example, combines black sesame oil with sake, vodka, mirin, ginger syrup and lime for a very Japanese flavor. Thanks to the skills of barman Hide Saito, the flavors remain superclean.

Thonglor Soi 25, 02-036-6071. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am

18.

Discover the spic- Dine out on es of Ethiopian Northern Korean food Dishes Ethiopian is all about big sharing portions and eating with your hands. Dishes—mostly rich, condensed stews (or wat) flavored with a chili, cumin and garlic-heavy spice mix called berbere—all come served atop injera, an unstoppably moreish fermented flatbread with a distinctly sour flavor. Simply rip from the outside in and scoop up the wat as you go. Our favorite in Bangkok comes from Ethiopian Restaurant, whose Meat Combo (B450) serves as a flavor-packed introduction.

1/22 sukumvit soi 3 (nana), 0849303250, open daily 11am-10pm

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19.

Despite the secrecy that surrounds this closed nation, North Korea’s government actually wants to expose some of its cuisine to the outside world, and is personally behind the Pyongyang Okryu chain. The duck barbecue (B500) is tender and flavorful, covered in a tasty marinade and grilled in duck fat that gives a heady aroma, while the lightly-seasoned beef belly (B500) lets its unique flavor shine.

20.

Eat pig’s brain It’s not just Hannibal Lecter who enjoys pigging out on brains - Samong Moo Thai Tham’s famous pig brain soup (B70) is a favorite among celebrities and food critics alike. This hole-in-the-wall serves Shell-Chuan-Chim-certified kao lao, which contains pig brain, entrails, deep-fried fish skin, Chinese sausages and deep-fried taro balls, all floating in a peppery clear broth. Yum! 28/1 Phraeng Phuton Rd., 02-221-7612.

Open Mon-Sat 7am-2pm

72 Ekkamai soi 4/1, 020200220, open daily 11am-11pm

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cover story 21.

Art and Culture

Eat insects in a non-backpacker kind of way The edible insects trend has been creeping onto menus globally of late. Called Insects in the Backyard, Thonburi’s new restaurant has been conceptualized by the team behind the Old Town's beloved Seven Spoons. Chef Thitiwat Tantragarn heads the modern international kitchen to serve the likes of cricket pasta with pesto and chorizo, red ant and peppercorn-marinated tomahawk steak and Marou chocolate-covered crickets.

Chang Chui, 462 Sirindhorn Rd., 0818172888. open daily 4pm-11pm

22.

Drink craft beer at FamilyMart Family Mart at Holiday Inn Silom (981 Silom Rd.) has two fridges of craft beer stored and kept cold for you to quickly grab during lunch time (priced at B149-159). The convenience store also has a tap for Chang draft beer and a space set inside where you can sit and drink.

981 Silom rd., 02-836-5999. Open 24 hours

24.

Dine at a restaurant dedicated to Mama Noodles Everyone eats Mama noodles at home, and there’s a good chance you cook it with some extra veggies, egg, mince pork and the likes. Well, this shop in bustling Sathorn is all about that—and only that. At Suan Bamee, you’ll find all types of Thai instant noodles, whether it’s the classic tom yum or green curry. The ordering process is simple: pick your noodle, add your condiments (egg/veg/sausage/mince pork/everything) Best part yet: it’s all for a ridiculously cheap B35-45. Don’t expect to find a table easily at lunch time.

The Museum of Floral Culture, 315 Soi 28 Samsen Rd. 02-669-3633. Open TueSun 10am-6pm

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Situated by the Chao Phraya River, the 100-year-old Bang Khun Phrom Palace is considered one of the most beautiful residences in the country. And it just opened to the public free of charge. Walk-ins are scheduled for every Sat at 10:30-12pm and 1-4pm. And be sure to bring along your ID. 273 Samsen Rd., Wat Sam Phraya. open mon-fri 9am-12pm,1pm-4pm

sure you try holding the real human brain before leaving. Admission: free.

Room 909-910, 80 Years Chalerm Navamaraj Building, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Henri Dunant Rd., 02-218-8635, 091232-1519. Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. BTS Siam

25.

Drink laab in a cocktail Eat Me’s newest concoctions are on a whole other level. Mixologist Buntanes "Pop" Direkrittikul uses green chili paste, toasted rice, roasted chili and shallots. Flavors are so powerful, they can be almost too real: the Gaeng Kaew Wan, comes fully loaded with garlic. Our favorite has to be the vodka-based Laab Moo (a spicy, herbal Isaan dish made with minced pork). All cocktails are priced at B320.

23.

Bangkok’s museum of floral culture has opened a restaurant, Midnight Moon, created by master floral artist Sakul Intakul, who works on royal ceremonies in Thailand and abroad. Sakul’s idea of food is no less delicate. Inspired by the artist’s travels in Asia, especially Japan and India, the tasting menu (B1,450/person) charts dishes like grilled miso tofu placed on a magnolia leaf and served with house-pickled white turmeric and a white champaka flower, complete with instructions on how to smell the flower while eating the tofu.

Check out Bang Khun Phrom Palace

Rajanakarn Building, 183 South Sathorn Road, 02-676-5500. open mon-fri 7am-5:45pm, sat 8am-3pm. bts chong nonsi

1/6 Soi Phiphat 2, Convent Rd., 02-2380931, open daily 3pm-1am

Eat dinner in a flower museum

27.

26.

Pay for Noodles with Bitcoin Eighty-year-old noodle specialist Lim Lao Ngow is boldly going where no other Bangkok restaurant has gone before (OK, besides Eat Me) by accepting the bitcoin cryptocurrency as payment. Currently, it’s only available at their Siam Square One branch, where a bowl of noodles sets you back about B35. With 1 bitcoin currently valued at B84,647.97, we’ll leave you to do the math.

388 Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 021151435, open daily 10am-9pm

28.

Visit a snake museum Ophidiophobia sufferers will want to steer clear of Siam Serpentarium, Bangkok’s newest edutainment space dedicated entirely to snakes. Located out of the city in Lad Krabang, the space comprises three main attractions: an interactive exhibition about snakes and their life cycle; Snake Planet, a display of over 50 species of real snakes and Naka Theatre, which offers live performances featuring snake handlers. It may take you some time to spot the snakes as they are good at hiding—just keep in mind that photography and knocking on the glass are not permitted. Prices are set at B350 for Thai nationals and foreigners with a work permit, and B550 for tourists.

969 Luang Phang Rd., 02-326-5800.

Open daily 9am-5:30pm

29.

Learn about humans' insides Take a break from window shopping at Siam Square and drop by Chula’s Human Body Museum. Among the 130 specimens are 14 dissected full bodies which a technique called plastination keeps fully preserved without any mess or stench. Make

30.

Explore a Sex Work Museum Run by the Empower Foundation, This is Us museum in Nonthaburi is a judgement-free celebration of Thailand’s long history of prostitution. “Sex work is a sin in the eyes of many,” says foundation director Chantawipa Apisuk.

“This museum isn’t like Ripley’s in Pattaya where you go see weird stuff. Here, we provide information on the value of sex workers and the development of the sex industry in Thailand.” This it does with refreshing irreverence through bright and bold installations featuring everyday paraphernalia like condoms, lube and lingerie. Admission is B100.

Empower Foundation, 57/60 Tiwanon Rd., Nonthaburi, 02-526-1294. open wed-fri midday-7pm

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Krungsri Gourmet

Dine & Save

Baan Klang Nam With its spacious deck overlooking the Chao Phraya River, Baan Klang Nam serves up comforting Thai with unbeatable views. For well over a decade, it’s offered the type of relaxing atmosphere ideal for friendly get-togethers on the weekend for locals and tourists alike. Kick back on the terrace and take your pick from huge grilled prawns and a long list of other seafood dishes. There are three branches around Bangkok.

5%* discount on food Jun 1 – Oct 31, 2017 Branch I: Rama 3 Rd. Soi 14 Tel. 02-292-0175, 02-292-2037 Branch II: Bangkok Square Tel. 02-682-7180, 02-682-7186 Branch III: Suvarnabhumi Tel. 02-175-1576-7

10%* discount

10%* discount

10%* discount

5%* discount

Baan Thai Family Recipes

Daisy Restaurant & Coffee

Tawandang German Brewery

Bua

• 10%* discount on food when dining over THB1,500/sales slip

• 10%* discount on food (not applicable with other promotions)

• 10%* discount on food and beverages (only Krungsri and Central The 1 Credit Card)

• 5%* discount on food when dining over THB500/sales slip

Jun 1 - Nov 30, 2017 Wireless Rd. Tel. 02-655-8995

May 1, 2017 - Apr 30, 2018 Buddha Monthon Sai 1 Tel. 02-408-8792

Jul 1, 2017 - Jun 30, 2018 All branches Tel. 02-944-5131-2

Jun 1 - Sep 30, 2017 The Avenue Chaeng Wattana Tel. 02-575-2513

Credit Cards of Krungsri

check &&conditions with the restaurants and other media under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check moreterms terms conditions with therestaurants restaurants and othermedia media under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check more & &conditions with the other under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check more terms conditions with the restaurants and other media under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check terms conditions withand the restaurants and other media under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check for more terms &more conditions with the restaurants and other media under Krungsri Consumer.

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escapes

Zeeba's

MALDIVES

The New Male The capital of the Maldives doesn't have any fancy over-water bungalows and infinity pools, but is slowly changing the island nation's lifestyle. By Lily Kittisrikangwan

Meraki Coffee Roasters

Meraki Coffee Roasters Paving the way for specialist coffee roasters in Male, Meraki opened just a little over a year ago in the busy Husnuheena Magu alley. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different place—red bare bricks, vintage trinkets and a long coffee bar with stylish baristas in aprons.

Specialty coffees use beans from their in-house roaster. Milk coffees, hot chocolate, red velvet and matcha lattes start from MVR75-85. For something more refreshing, try the fruity Cherry Soda (MVR80), spiced up with cardamom, ginger, grapefruit, and sugar syrup. Some of the best soft-baked cookies on the island. Eggs Benedict get served from 9am. www.facebook.com/merakicoffee

Civil Coffee Society Owned by the same people behind the longstanding jazz cafe, The Civil Coffee Society operates as both a coffee shop and an all-day dining spot. The team recently began roasting its own coffee beans too. Other drinks include Gryphon tea and fresh juices (prices start from MVR55). The affogato with homemade hazelnut ice-cream is delicious but the highlight has to be the freshly baked, homemade croissants, plus savory options like pies, sausage rolls, ciabatta sandwiches and croque monsieur. Located in what’s known as the Wall Street of Mali, Civil attracts a big office crowd thanks to its white space with huge windows that allow a lot of natural light. They regularly experiment with homemade ice cream as well. www.facebook.com/civilcoffeesoc

Odegalla Coffee Foodie culture in the Maldives emphasizes breakfast buffets. Odegalla does a combination of Maldivian and Western food at MVR65/person (they’ve just started doing lunch buffets too). But that’s not the only thing they have in store. The two-story restaurant serves up a huge list of comfort dishes and Asian flavors, with milkshakes and smoothies inspired by tropical fruits. The local Kanamandhu cake is like a cross between an almond and carrot cake. Another delicacy to try is the Hoonu Maroshi— these are “short eats,” pastry bites traditionally served at teahouses between 5-6:30pm. Because only men are usually allowed in teahouses, the owners decided to modernize and recreate their

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Civil Coffee Society

own version of Maldivian short eats for a young, trendy audience of any gender. With the greenery right out front you won’t miss it. www.facebook. com/odegallacoffee

Zeeba’s Simple and homey, this deli dishes out the most decadent cakes and desserts in town. Owner and chef Zeeba finetunes her recipe swith highquality produce. Prices range from MVR30-50— we recommend ordering the banana cake and the carrot cake if you’re stopping by for a coffee break (around MVR45-55). Head over early for a traditional Maldivian breakfast set (mashuni) that features a roshi (a variation of roti), fried eggs and kulhimas (spicy tuna chili). www.facebook.com/zeebascafe

Thyme Bistro and Pressery In the midst of a street that was largely under construction on our visit, this nautical white and blue cafe stands out from the crowd. At Thyme, the owner dishes out affordable seafood like the grand Thyme seafood platter (crabs, lobster and prawns, served with rice). The delicious international dishes also highlight Maldivian produce, such as the tuna burger (MVR85), or the Valhomus spaghetti, perfectly cooked and topped with olives. Drinkswise, it's one of the few places on the island that serves refreshing cold-pressed juices. Maldivian breakfast combos of kulhimas and roshi run from 6-11:30am. www.facebook.com/thym.mv

The Island Bazaar In Maheedhee Magu, tons of shops line up on both sides of the street selling typical souvenirs. Here, hidden on the second floor of a nondescript building, the Island Bazaar oozes a beautiful nautical vibe with clean white walls and aquatic blue flourishes, selling books, artwork, tote bags, cushion covers and wooden artisan crafts. The Pinterest-perfect interior includes illustrations by young contemporary artists as well as refreshing spa products by Island Apothecary. You won’t be disappointed. www. facebook.com/islandbazaarofficial

Alchemist Bistro Cafe The one-room shophouse specializes in homemade creations for both the younger crowd and families.

The Island Bazaar

Top dishes include the huge all-day big breakfast (eggs, hash browns, baked beans, sausages, bacon, a coffee and juice), as well as massive freakshakes (MVR 65-90) and refreshing iced teas. www. facebook.com/alchemistmv

Family Room by Coffee Lab Maldives Find this spot for quality coffee amid the line of guesthouses that serve local divers on Hulhumale public beach. Filled with books, board games and a very family-friendly vibe, it focuses on specialty coffees and teas imported from Australia and Singapore and has recently expanded into a second branch called The Commons Room which doubles as a co-working space. There’s a seafood grill standing outside the cafe that serves hot dogs, burgers and lobsters. www.facebook.com/familyroommaldives

Day trip to Villingili If you have time to kill before your transfer, take a ferry across to nearby island Villingili. In contrast to the crowds of Male, this is an eco-island where cars and motorbikes are banned. Vehicles are all electronic, and there are plenty of large trees around. The public beach here really is amazing on a weekday, with fine sands and beautiful turquoise waters. Watersport enthusiasts should also give flyboarding a try at Liquid Watersports (www. facebook.com/liquidwatersportsmv). A ferry ride costs only MVR 3.25, and takes five minutes.

Essentials WHERE TO STAY

Male City The Somerset Hotel B4,711/night Sala Boutique hotel B4,696/night Hotel Jen Male B8,577/ night Hulhumale Seasons Holidays, B2,332/ night Vista Beach Retreat, B3,672/night Airport Beach Hotel, B4,639/night CURRENCY

1 Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) equals 2.2 baht GETTING THERE

Bangkok to Male: RoundTrip flights with AirAsia start from B15,974

BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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อิ่ม

ESCAPE ROUTES

By Lily Kittisrikangwan

คุ้ ม

หลากสไตล์

กั บ บั ต ร เ ค ร ดิ ต JCB

ลด 10%

ลด 10%

วันนี้ – 31 มี.ค. 2561

วันนี้ – 31 มี.ค. 2561

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะยอดใช้จ่ายตั้งแต่ 1,000 บาทขึ้นไป • ยกเว้นเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับโปรโมชั่นอื่นได้

เงื่อนไข • ยกเว้นบางเมนูและเครื่องดื่ม • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับโปรโมชั่นอื่นได้

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต CHIANG MAI

Northern Lights Located not too far from Wat U Mong (Tunnel Temple) and Baan Kang Wat Community Mall, Villa Mahabhirom (www.villamahabhirom.com) is Chiang Mai's most beautiful hotel opening in a long time. Set overlooking the mountains, the beautiful antique Thai houses are over 100 years old, each consisting of a bedroom suite, a study area, a spacious marble bathroom and an open-air balcony. Two to three villas can be reserved together to form enclaves that each come with private saltwater plunge pool and garden courtyard. The signature restaurant serves up home-cooked Thai dishes using ingredients from the Royal Projects. Through Oct 31, a two-night stay for two will cost you B18,000, inclusive of daily breakfast, a 60-minute spa session for two, airport transfers and discounts on F&B. Otherwise, room rates start at B12,355/ night for the villa duplex.

FLIGHTS

Ladies Take Flight

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

ลด 10%

ลด 10%

วันนี้ – 31 มี.ค. 2561

วันนี้ – 31 ธ.ค. 2560

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะค่าอาหารเท่านั้น • เฉพาะยอดใช้จ่ายตั้งแต่ 500 บาทขึ้นไป • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับโปรโมชั่นอื่นได้

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะค่าอาหารจากเมนู A La Carte • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับโปรโมชั่นอื่นได้

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

Bangkok Airways is rolling out awesome flight deals this August—but only for women.

As part of its Women's Journey campaign in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the airline's single-leg flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Trat, Krabi and Phuket for as little as B1,290. Return flights are the same, with the exception of Sukhothai (B1,390) and Trat (B1,390). While those are by no means the cheapest deals around, don't forget that the boutique airline offers full service (30kg luggage allowance and a meal on every flight) and a lounge area for all guests. Book from now through Aug 15 at bit.ly/2tHpN3r, applicable for flights through the end of Aug, 2017. Hint: Not a bad way to celebrate Mother's Day (Aug 12).

Phuket RendezVous

PHUKET

Make a Splash

It's time to start planning for Phuket's biggest boat show. The 14-year-old Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) has been taken over by Phuket RendezVous (www.thephuketrendezvous. com), which arrives in early 2018 with a four-day extravaganza.

Taking over Royal Phuket Marina on Jan 4-7, 2018, the event will feature over 40 beautiful superyachts as well as interactive displays of classic and super cars, exhibitions of art pieces and design items, art on water, marine conservation and sailing workshops by 80 exhibitors, live entertainment, plus plenty of booze tasting..

More details at bit.ly/2rucqBZ.

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

ลด 15%

ลด 10%

วันนี้ – 31 ส.ค. 2560

วันนี้ – 31 ก.ค. 2560

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะการรับประทานที่ร้านและมียอดใช้จ่ายตั้งแต่ 500 บาทขึ้นไปเท่านั้น • เฉพาะสาขา The Emquartier เท่านั้น • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับรายการส่งเสริมการขายอื่นได้

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะค่าอาหารจากเมนู A La Carte • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับรายการส่งเสริมการขายอื่นได้

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

SINGAPORE

Indian Summer Little India has been reenergized recently, with the Singapore Tourism Board's efforts to promote the area through initiatives like the Little India Artwalk. The new Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon (bit. ly/2rEXcyd) lies in the heart of this vibrant district, just a short walk away from Little India MRT, Tekka Market and Mustafa Center. The 328 elaborate rooms look out over historic shop-houses and are loaded with tech-y touches like the Hilton Honors mobile app, which allows you to check-in without having to approach the front desk and also doubles as a digital access key for your room. There's also an outdoor pool that overlooks the city and offers views as far as Parkview Square, the art deco building that's home to Atlas, one of the hottest new bars in Singapore. Room rates start at around B3,800/night.

ลด 5% วันนี้ – 30 พ.ย. 2560 เพียงจ่าย ด้วยบัตรเครดิต

วันนี้ – 30 ก.ย. 2560 Pantone® 306 C

เงื่อนไข • เฉพาะยอดการใช้จ่ายตั้งแต่ 500 บาทขึ้นไป • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับรายการส่งเสริมการขายอื่นได้

1/2V_HP JCB_2.indd 1

EscRoutes_696_June30_17_NEW.indd 13

รับฟรี

ของทานเล่น ประจำาวัน

Pantone® 2572 C

Pantone® 2935 C

Pantone® 221 C

Pantone® Blue 072 C

Pantone® 3125 C

เพียงแสดง บัตรเครดิต Pantone® 382 C

Pantone® 123 C

เงื่อนไข • ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับรายการส่งเสริมการขายอื่นๆ ได้ • เงื่อนไขเป็นไปตามที่บริษัทฯ กำาหนดและอาจจะมีการ เปลี่ยนแปลงได้ โดยไม่ต้องแจ้งให้ทราบล่วงหน้า Pantone® 3262 C

Pantone® 214 C

Pantone® 267 C

Pantone® 341 C

Pantone® 1797 C

Pantone® 206 C

Pantone® 3285 C

Pantone® 179 C

BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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6/26/17 6:35 PM

6/26/17 7:37 PM

avenue SHOPPING

Myeongdong to Bangkok No more ordering from Instagram intermediairies, Seoul’s trendy multi-label store A Land just launched its first branch in Thailand at Siam Center. With 15-plus branches around the Korean capital, plus a handful in Hong Kong, the store is known for its eclectic mix of in-demand foreign street brands and rising Korean designers. Here, they look to be leaning more on Siam’s K-pop obsession, with men’s and women’s pieces from up-and-coming names like Ampersand, Kirsh and Melroy. The very good news is there’s only a slight mark-up on prices, meaning cool items like a Good Rhyme pink T-shirt will set you back only B1,190 or Under the Air ripped short jeans just B1,990.

They also sell makeup and skincare products from the likes of Heimish and Land Museum.

2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd, 094-676-2525.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

FASHION

SPA

WATCH

Fashion Scents

Ari Oasis

All in the Wrist

Local 80s-referencing womenswear label La Boutique has branched out with a new business, Jardin de la Boutique, all about aromatherapy and spa products. Trellis walls, wicker chairs and assorted plant life give the place a luxurious greenhouse vibe, augmented by crystal chandeliers, butterfly mounts and decorative velvet pajamas. The aromatic candles, sachet and diffuser come in 12 newly-created scents—try the Fable Grapefruit aromatic candle (B1,590) or Anise Enigma sachet (B690). 2/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

Ari’s got a new spa and it comes decked out in a clean and minimal style. Tucked behind the new branch of Bar Storia del Caffe, Calm Spa takes a chic mid-century route through a pastel color scheme, Danish furniture and contrasting concrete and greenery. Add in that they use their own organic spa products and you can expect most treatments to run well into four figures. Try a 90-minute Thai massage with salt clay pot for B2,500 or an upper body office syndrome massage, on promo at B1,100 till Jul 15. 13 Ari Soi 4, 096-941-8645. Open daily 10am-11pm

Piaget follows up on the 60th anniversary reedition of its ultra-thin Altiplano model with the launch of new colors and sizes. The 38mm and 43mm models are now joined by pieces in 34mm and 40mm, sporting vivid dials and straps.

The 40mm version can be yours in midnight blue, pine green or slate gray, while the 34mm white gold version is fitted with a reddish pink dial. Coming with the calibre 430P movement, the 34mm model is a manual-winding movement, while the 40mm model is a self-winding 1203P movement with additional date indicator. Retails for B675,000 (34mm), B960,000 (40mm). M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd, 02-6109678. BTS Siam

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6/26/17 7:38 PM

It’s Natural

The Beauty Library offers low-chemical beauty treatments for your hair, brows, lashes and nails.

T

he Beauty Library, a hair and nail salon near EmQuartier, offers low-chemical hair treatments and herbal manicures. Beauty treatments using chemicals can have nasty effects on people with allergies and pregnant women. But everyone else can also benefit from putting fewer chemicals on their head. Here’s what to expect.

LOW-CHEMICAL HAIR TREATMENTS The Beauty Library uses hair products from British brand Organic Colour Systems and Japanese brand Milbon. Organic Colour Systems produces dyes that are certified 95-percent naturally derived. Balayage or ombre hair coloring treatment using Organic Colour Systems’ products (including the mandatory pre-treatment) sets you back B3,500 for short hair coloring up to B18,000 for a long hair balayage. If you’re after a complex shade like ash gray, they’ll treat your hair with low-chemical, Japanese-imported Milbon products instead.

Milbon claims their products actually repair damaged hair while coloring at the same time.

HERBAL MANICURE Waan sao long, or Amomum Biflorum, has been used by Thailand’s Northeastern hilltribes for generations as a perfume as well as to improve blood circulation. The Beauty Library’s “Thai Legendary Herbs Hand and Feet Spa” program utilizes this rare local treasure alongside nine other herbs with strong antioxidant properties for one of the sweetest smelling, most refreshing manicures in town. The program costs B1,300.

The Beauty Library is a one-stop salon for makeup, hair, brows, lashes and nails. It promises that products are 95-percent naturally derived, and 60-percent certified organic. But it’s not just about hair. The Beauty Library also offers nail treatments with JNA (The Japan Nailist Association) certified manicurists. Furthermore, a new makeup and hair styling zone has just opened on the third floor.

Brought to you by The Beauty Library

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BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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6/26/17 6:28 PM

avenue

Kamakura Shirt

FASHION

Good in the Hood Bangkok's not just about mall shopping. Here are the coolest new standalone boutiques by neighborhood. By Kasidit Srivilai Chuan Pisamai

ARI

Kamakura Shirt After the opening of Vick’s on Ari Soi 2, the area just welcomed another new boutique. The Japanese-born Kamakura Shirt has a reputation that stretches to New York’s Madison Avenue. Specializing in a relaxed, Ivy League kind of style, these guys make their shirts out of 100-percent cotton and linen while keeping their prices realistic. We’re talking B2,950-B3,250 for anything. The store decor has an equally dandy touch with its parquet floor and vintage-looking furniture.

The Decorum, Ari Samphan Soi 5, 086-533-5255. Open Mon-Fri 1pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm

Chuan Pisamai Cafe and Vintage Shop Girly Victorian style meets with coffee shop culture in this charming boutique packed with vintage-style accessories, swimwear and wedding dresses under the Chuanpiasami Bride label. Grab their cute straw bucket bag at B2,900 or flower embroidered swimsuit at B1,800. At their cafe, order up a plate of waffles (B228), topped with fresh berries and honey, or go with the blueberry cheese pie (B88) and Oreo Nutella shake (B148). For something savory, they do hearty plates of Japanese curry (B138).

Ari Samphan Soi 3, 095-554-0638. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm

SILOM

B Store The tucked-away Silom shop-house where Bangkok Screening Room’s amazing indie cinema lurks has been going through some other exciting changes recently. An intriguing multi-label menswear store called B Store is the latest project to join the space, run by one of the co-founders of Sukhumvit Chinese-themed bar Dim Dim. The raw, minimal interior displays niche brands drawn from around the world, like Goetze from Berlin, Document from Seoul and Mfpen from Copenhagen. Grab a cool striped long-sleeve shirt from pieces from Goetze at B7,300, a perfect-for-Bangkok indigo silk jacket by

FASHION

Document (B15,900) or a simple Winona T-shirt (B2,200) from Idea.

B store also devotes a corner to coffee from upcoming Roots. Cold brew sets you back B100.

2/F, 1/8-9 Sala Daeng Soi 1. 02-235-4711. Open Mon-Sun 10am-7pm

THONGLOR

Uncon

The whitewashed space formerly belonging to sneaker shop-slashrestaurant Knock Thonglor has been taken over by another group of street-fashion addicts. New multi-brand retailer Uncon packs in over 30 fashion names, among them cult local brands like Sneaka Villa, Missile and 9Face as well as Italian leather bag purveyors Solar Milano from Italy. As before, the highlight has to be the sneakers, which sit in a devoted corner: expect special series from Adidas like the Y-3 Lazelle (B7,000) and the highly-sought-after NMD in monochrome white (B9,000), all the way up to the Yeezy Boost 750 (B49,000). Rare Nike kicks include the Dunk Low Premium SB “Kuwahara ET” (B8,500). Super newly opened, the space is still figuring out its hours.

Fablab

331/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 099-195-2262. Open TBC

EKKAMAI

Fablab

Home to 35 young Thai designers from Facebook and Instagram, Fablab is a multi-label, one-stop destination for ladies seeking a wide selection that ranges from day-to-night looks to work outfits and accessories. This is their latest store and first standalone after three mall openings. Highlights include Calina’s sleeveless blazer (B1,200), Shameem pink sunglasses (B690) and Flecdart crossbody bag (B2,490).This Ekkamai branch even merges café into the ground floor serving photogenic selection of all-day breakfast dishes, pre-clubbing meals and cafe drinks.

126/43 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 094-323-3555. Open Mon-Sun 10am-10pm

Uncon

The Season's Hottest Cross-Body Bags

NASHA MEKRAKSAVANICH, B32,900 Shop online at www.nasha-accessories.com

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B Store

CHANEL, B117,000

BALENCIAGA, B34,500

MASSIMO DUTTI, B7,950

BOYY, B26,500

M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

G/F, Central Chidlom Phloen Chit Rd.

BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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Now Hiring • WRITERS (ENG) ­- JR. & SR. • SR. WRITER / ASST. EDITOR (THAI) • JR. BRANDED CONTENT WRITER (THAI/ENG) • SUB-EDITOR (ENG) • SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER • JR. VIDEO EDITOR • JR. IT SYSADMIN • EVENT SALES MANAGER • MARKETING DIRECTOR • MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Find out more at asiacity.com/careers BK Magazine Friday, June 30, 2017

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bites & blends

RESTAURANT

In the Oven Northern Spain's Basque cuisine of coal-grilled meats takes the center stage at Nan Charcoal Grill. In the casual, soft-industrial space, complete with vast windows and some green visions, owner-chef Vimvadee Piyavanich and her team cook up imported meat and local seafood on a charcoal-fired Josper grill. The results give a beautiful smoky, char-grilled aroma to dishes like the Galician-style octopus served with confit potato (B450) and the Iberico pork presa (shoulder, B520). Even cooked on a pan, the bomba rice paella (with chicken and seafood, B390) also gets a final touch from the Josper grill. Not able to sell alcohol, they encourage you to bring your own bottle (corkage B250) to pair with Spanish cold cuts like the 48-months-cured Beher Iberico ham (B395/30g). Don’t miss the whiskey tart (vanilla mousse tart topped with whiskey, B250) and choco coco ball (chocolate mousse dome with a layer of coconut milk and hazelnut, B250) for desserts. 1124 Narathiwas Soi 17, 081-939-8389. Open MonSat 5:30pm-midnight

AFTERNOON TEA

NEW MENU

DESSERT

Scones and Flowers

Comfort First

Cookie Monster

Located on a terrace of the old wooden house that is the Museum of Floral Culture, Dok Mai Thai Salon du The serves afternoon tea with a garden view. Following the recently-opened restaurant under the same roof, the tea house is back from a hiatus with some delicious daily-baked scones (B160) made with imported flour from England and served with housemade clotted cream. Pair them with their selection of flower-blended tea like the Love Pekoe rose tea (Assam black tea and Indian "hundred leaf" rose) and Kathmandu cinnamon apple tea (B120/pot). 315 Samsen Soi 28, 02-669-3633. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm

Newly-appointed chef Pongcharn Russell jazzes up Freebird's modern Australian food with bolder flavors in a new menu. The Thai-born chef spent more than five years working in kitchens like Gauthier Soho and Sketch in London. While still keeping the core of the East-meets-West cuisine, dishes now show a more comforting and easily-understandable side. The chef takes familiar fare like tuna ceviche (Latin raw tuna salad, B320) and adds his own touches with radish and pineapple-chili sesame dressing. The brunch menu highlights open-face sandwiches, including the Nordic Brekkie (mixed salted cod with crushed potato, poached egg and hollandaise sauce, B240). 28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936. Open daily 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-3pm

The size of your palm and filled with molten chocolate chunks, the UK-hailing Ben’s Cookies have become a global sensation. Now, they're causing queues in Bangkok. The red kiosk on the ground floor of Siam Paragon serves up various flavors of daily-baked cookies, including double chocolate and nut, white chocolate chunk and coconut, at B75 each, B375/five or B750/15. Cookies are also available in gift tins at B365/four and B645/8. Characterized by its red color and Quentin Blake-designed logo, the brand has more than 10 grab-and-go cookie shops in its motherland and has also spread to New York, the Middle East and a few of our East Asian neighbors including Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm

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Flann O’Brien’s

The Robin Hood

The Sportsman Sportsbar

Game On

Six great sports bars to catch the action in Bangkok.

CLUBHOUSE SPORTS BAR AND GRILL The bar is located a 10-minute walk from BTS Asoke, hidden away from the Soi Cowboy crowd.

It offers two floors, two projectors, 14 TVs and a private area to book. Check out their Facebook (www.fb.com/theclubhousebangkok) to make sure they’re showing your favorite sport. The people at The Clubhouse are big supporters of the MMA scene in Bangkok, so you can expect to see most— if not all—matches here.

Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-664-1376. Open daily 9am (or earlier for big events)-late

MOLLY MALONE’S Old-timer Molly Malone’s (once the “The Irish X Change,” nee “Shenanigans”) stands long and tall along Soi Convent, and remains a favorite to meet and lunch with co-workers. Upstairs, you’ll find barrels as table tops with accompanying dark brown and green stools scattered in the center next to a bar equipped with a wide selection of beer.

1/5-6 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-266-7160/1. Open daily 9am-1am

THE SPORTSMAN SPORTSBAR This bar is known for screening live American sports, which often calls for super-early starts. With

Brought to you by Singha

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26 LED TVs and nine big projectors spread across two floors, the ability to show three sporting events at once, and the capacity to hold up to 800 people, The Sportsman might be your liveliest option to catch all the action of your favorite sport.

Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7241. Open 7am-late

HANRAHANS IRISH PUB Decked out in the Irish colors of greens and dark browns this is probably the tidiest joint in the entire strip. They offer one big projector and eight TVs. past that huge front door, plus a long bar equipped with all the Kilkenney you want. Pick a seat downstairs, order your beer and munch on some pie.

12/1 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (Nana Tai), 02-255-0644. Open daily 9am-1am

FLANN O’BRIEN’S As the name suggests, this is your archetypal Irish pub (they also have branch at Impact Arena) serving up imported beers, classic pub grub and of course big screen sport. It also benefits from a great and easy-to-find location tucked neatly on Silom Road, right next to Sala Daeng BTS. Visit from 9am for breakfast.

62/1-4 Silom Rd., 02-632-7515. Open daily 9-1am

THE ROBIN HOOD Located opposite Emporium in Phrom Phong, this rustic-style English pub has a warm, homey feel to it, and serves “traditional English pub grub.” Their several TVs and two projectors, spread across two floors show live sports from around the world like Premier League football, cricket, rugby, F1, NFL and more. On big game days, they even provide an English breakfast buffet for free.

P.B Building, 597-597/1-3 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-6623390. Open 9am-midnight

STAY COOL WHEREVER YOU GO WITH THE NEW SINGHA ICE PACK Great sports bar do great drinking food: from wings to burgers and pies. And when pairing that food with beer, look no further than Thailand’s most venerable brewery. Thanks to age-old techniques imported from Germany, Singha beer’s clean, refreshing taste is particularly suited to hearty comfort food and spicy flavors— which can be difficult to pair with wine.

Thirsty? Singha is served at Bangkok’s best sports bars.

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blends NEWS

Thai Craft Beers

CHAO PHRAYA STOUT After launching Asoke Pale Ale, the craft beer specially designed to cure your traffic jam blues, Thai craft beer bar and Korean-Mexican eatery Changwon Express is back with another beer called the Chao Phraya Stout. Light-bodied with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, Chao Phraya Stout isn’t just suitable for Thailand’s heat, but is also designed to look as murky as Bangkok river water.

ON THE BAR

Mash

Get it at Changwon Express. 37 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., 092-251-8661

Silom’s Soi Convent gets the cozy craft beer bar it’s been missing. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj and Natcha Sanguankiattichai The buzz: Silom finally gets a proper craft beer-focused bar, serving up to 16 taps alongside a big food menu of everything American.

The decor: Industrial pipelines zigzag across the ceiling in a gimmick that’s meant to make you feel like you’re in a brewpub. Pull up a slinky barstool at the white-brick counter downstairs so you can ask the bartenders their recommendations on brews poured from 16 steampunk-like taps. Or head up to the monotone mezzanine where the seating offers much more privacy—as well as space to tuck into the hearty food coming out of the kitchen.

The drinks: Devanom IPA (B210/300ml) is the best Thai craft beer we’ve ever had— well balanced, with the right amount of bitterness and redolent of fruity hops (the guys who make it even grow their own). Nearly all the 16 taps get served in 300ml pours unless it’s high ABV stuff like the 13-percent Stone Woot Stout, for which 200ml (B280) should be plenty. Another well-recommended stout: The Commodore by Ballast Point (B220), blessed with a lighter texture and without the usual stout sweetness. If you want something light,

try the Ol Cloud 9 (B240), a witbier from Denmark that’s mild and easy to drink.

The food: Culinary Institute of America graduate chef-partner Chattip Danprasitpol makes sure diners enjoy some good grub alongside their beer. American-style burgers and barbecue dominate a menu of simple yet detailed dishes, alongside nibbles and lighter fare like herbal-crusted chicken tenders with orange mayo (B175) and a salad with crab meat and fish roe (B185). Don’t miss the American burger (B295), a thick brioche bun stuffed with a juicy, freshly-ground 150g patty, cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, as well as the Philly cheesesteak (B295) made with ribeye slices. To accompany the slow-cooked barbecue ribs (B395), try the oh-so-tender slices of barbecue brisket (B550), too.

TAOPIPHOP HURTSTER Taopiphop “Tao” Limjittrakorn, the law grad who made the news earlier this year when police raided his experimental home microbrewery, is back: this time with a fully legal brew called Hurtster, under his brand Taopiphop Ale Project. Tao launched his beer at the newly opened Lad Phrao craft beer bar Bad Taste Cafe on Jun 14 with “The Lost Kett l e, ” a n ex h i b i t i o n feat u r i n g h i s beer-brewing equipment, which was seized by police during his arrest.

The crowd: Silom after-hours workers come in with their shirts untucked, joining travelers in loose elephant-print pants who choose to linger over their books with a glass of beer instead of the usual coffee.

Get it at Bad Taste Cafe. 24/36 Ladphrao Soi 21, 094-290-3299

Soi Convent, 089-692-5666. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight

EVENT Old Town Beer Crawl

Bottle Rocket

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Yolo

The Old Town’s Phra Athit Road is transforming into Bangkok’s craft beer central. We’ve found three new must-visit bars for any serious beer geek. You’ll find six rotating local craft beers and special craft collaborations on tap at Yolo (140 Phra Athit Rd., 082-456-4499), cutesy and creative beer cocktails at Bottle Rocket (76/1 Phra Athit Rd., 086-085-5550), and limited edition craft beers and housemade sausages at Chef Joke’s latest opening Dock No. 13 (47 Phra Arthit Rd., 02-629-5165), the brand-new extension of his Chao Phraya dining spot Sheepshank Public House. A further trek down Samsen will take you to other new casual drinking spots like The Bar Has No Name (75-77, Samsen Soi 1, 094-465-4163) and Beer and Cider House (12 Samsan Rd., 02 002 0330), both of which opened earlier this year.

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bites sarajanes.wixsite.com

FOOD REVIEWS

Sara-Jane’s HHHH Thai/Italian. 55/21 Narathiwat Rd., 02-676-3338.

Open Mon-Fri 11pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm. Sat 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm. Sun 11am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm. BB-BBB

We don’t remember as far back as 1986, but we’re told from people who do that this restaurant was one of Bangkok’s first places to serve Isaan food indoors. In an age of Somtum Der and the Paradise Molam band, SaraJane’s garden, with its luk tung blaring and chunky wooden furnishings, feels weirdly on trend. The aircon indoor space, however, wasn’t given the memo about Isaan cliches being cool, and forges ahead with a look that’s more weekend in Hua Hin (whitewashed walls and patio furniture) than adventure in Nakhon Ratchasima. Still, the grilled chicken (B140) here is more rustic, more charred with real coal, more succulent and juicy, than any hipster joint we’ve come across—and beats many on the sidewalks, too. The restaurant’s efficiently ever-present staff say it’s still cooked up by the same lady who Sara-Jane’s began with 40 years ago. The somtam (B75-165) isn’t

Casa Azul HHHH Mexican. 2/23 Phahon Yothin Soi 7 (Ari), 02-6195107. Open daily 11am-midnight. BB-BBB

After dime-a-dozen coffee shops and cookie-cutter dessert cafes, Casa Azul brought a welcome splash of color to Ari upon opening in mid-2015. This small blue house themed after Frida Kahlo’s residence in Mexico City is casual yet lively, just as you’d hope for, thanks to vivid wall paintings, various on-point art pieces and an animated after-work crowd. More importantly, the soft flour tacos (starting at B225/3 pieces or B50/piece on Tuesdays) do enough to convince us Casa Azul deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Sukhumvit’s La Monita or Missing Burro. We wouldn’t label the moderately-spiced grilled chicken or smoked pork fillings as mind-blowing, but they come packed with enough coriander and onion that they’re a bullseye as drinking snacks. Pair them

in quite the same league, lacking a chili kick and with flavors that taste a bit too clean—like a refurbished country cabin that lost its personality in the process.

It also suffers from being right across the street from the awesomely punchy offerings of Tom Plapao. This is not the case with all the dishes, here. The namtok moo (pork and herb salad, B125) smacks of minty, crunchy, herbaceous high notes, as do the laab moo tod (B135)—deep-fried flavor bombs of meaty spice, made to be had with an after-work beer (big Singha, B130). That’s what most of the crowd at Sara-Jane’s seem to come for, though our last two evenings here could have done with more buzz in the dining room. Another reason to visit: the l u n c h t i m e k h a o s oy ( n o o d l e s i n Northern-style soup, B70), which they ladle out in the garden from 9:30am until they run out (usually before 1pm)—a big hit with the Chong Nonsi office crowd. Over time, Sara-Jane’s hasn’t really stayed true to its Isaan roots, adding more and more centralregion classics, from green curries (B180) to pad krapao (B140). Both are fine, though no reason to go here alone.

The menu even tries its hand at Italian.

In the case of the salami pizza (B290), with miles-from-authentic results. In 2017, there are upscale Isaan restaurants whose somtam’s better Sara-Jane’s, but as a place to drop by on a not-too-scorching afternoon, chow down on the best grilled chicken around, or slurp up a bowl of noodles, it takes some beating. with a pitcher of mangosteen margarita for B600 or a few too many Coronas (B200) and you’re in business.

The very generously portioned fajita set, available with juicy carne asada (grilled and seared beef), six flour tortillas and mountains of Spanish rice and refried beans at B540, makes an excellent choice for a social gathering.

As do the ribs, with a gut-busting halfrack costing you B450 (the full thing, B899). Perhaps not quite reason alone to trek over to Ari, the ribs’ fatty dryrubbed meat nonetheless peels right off the bone. Light on cumin and lime juice, the guacamole (B195 with chips), doesn’t quite hit the very high standard that La Monita’s creamy, crunchy and tart creation has set.

Service is warm if a touch prone to upselling—why, on our last visit on a Tu e s d ay n i g h t , d i d we g e t t h e impression there was some seabass in the fridge that desperately needed shifting? Thanks almost in part to such overbearing antics, Casa Azul is one of A r i ’ s m o st c h a ra c te r- p a c ke d restaurants, and it also doubles as a lively late-night haunt—all too rare in this neck of the woods.

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.

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

Symbols

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

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OPEN DOOR

La Dotta Pasta like Bangkok's never seen before at a new Thonglor bistro.

The buzz: The people behind Vesper and Il Fumo move away from Silom-Sathorn and bless Thonglor with pasta like the neighborhood’s never seen before—as well as a refreshingly different cocktail menu.

The decor: Like an airy ‘50s diner with La Dolce Vita edge and an added splash of aquamarine intensity. Peel yourself away from the ground-floor’s shrine-like display of fresh pasta and head up the eye-popping cast iron staircase to the mezzanine. Here you’ll find the best tables as well as a retro bar lit by smoky orbs on cast iron poles and neon signs—in more blue, naturally.

The food: Pasta, pasta and more pasta. Sicilian chef Giampiero Quartararo was brought on board because he can work old-school pasta-making kit like the pettine, a reed board that rolls out perfect, sauce-holding tubes of garganelli—best enjoyed with a sum-

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mery coating of parma ham and peas (B360). Other specialties of the open kitchen: the indulgent four-cheese tortelloni served with Parmigiano-Reggiano fondue (B340) and five-spiced duck ragu pici (B360). We also love the tortelloni Bolognese (B370), which Giampiero fills with 24-month-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma ham, then serves with a subtle butter and sage sauce. On top of pasta, they do starters like a beetroot salad (B240) and crab meat bruschetta (B290), as well as the Vesper and Il Fumo favorite of Nutella-stuffed bomboloni (fried Italian donuts, B190).

Find negronis too strong? Try the Passione Negroni (B340): coffee-infused gin, classic vermouth and Campari, topped with lemon foam and served with fresh passion fruit juice to even things out. If you’re there during the daytime, get the soft peach tea-infused G&T (G&T&Tea, B320)—a virtual no-brainer with your 11am brunch. We won't judge.

The drinks: Don’t expect the spirit forward creations of Vesper and Il Fumo. Here it’s about fresh and light drinks. Head barman Supawit "Palm" Muttarattana juices the green mangoes himself for the refreshingly sharp Menta Paloma (B340), which also features soda, peppermint-infused tequila, lime and orange bitters.

Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Why we’d come back: This is a pasta house Thonglor can rely on. The weekday lunch set deals (from B290/two courses) kill everything else in the area. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai and 161/6 Thonglor Soi 9, 02-392-8688. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11:00pm

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Sushi Matsuo

As.is

Brunch and Baked

NEW AND NOTED

Chinese Dream Chinatown’s latest hip coffee shop goes for an industrial loft look with brickwork and blackened metal. At As.is (45 Rama 4 Rd., 085-143-5215), owner Teerajit Luanpitpong (Brave Roasters alumni, Hiphipe hat brand designer) serves coffee (from B75 for espresso) made from Chiang Mai beans alongside a few food items and alternative drinks like fruit-infused affogato (B90) and strawberry cream cheese shake (B90). Hungry? Go for the eggs Benedict (B110) or buttermilk pancakes (B135).

Sushi Surprise As a separate room inside the already compact Tempura Kanda restaurant, Sushi Matsuo (G/F, No. 88, Sukhumvit Soi 53, 090-997-4991) barely has space for a sushi counter and its eight seats. This new brainchild of the Kanda brand sees Tokyoborn chef Matsuo Hirokazu, previously of Sushi Kanda, serving his take on Edo-style sushi. Unlike the sister sushi restaurant, this one limits itself to omakase sets (from B6,500-12,800)

TABLE TALK and bara chirashi (sushi bowls only available at lunch, B2,200), made with red-vinegar sushi rice and ingredients likes of sakepoached abalone with its liver sauce or fresh uni served in its shell with raw sweet shrimp. During your meal, you’ll also get to sample tempura from the attached restaurant.

Lady L

Brunch Time

Amid dangling ferns and plentiful natural light, this elegant glasshouse offers the favorite European dishes of Lady Lursakdi, daughter of business mogul Nai Lert Sreshthaputra. Indulge in onion soup under a puff pastry top, slow-cooked lamb shank, beef wellington and cobb salad. Or drop by for afternoon tea, which features housemade scones and fine tea.

Situated near the Giant Swing, the compact cafe-slash bakery Brunch & Baked (Mahannop Rd., 063-094-4494) blends seamlessly with its Old Town surrounds through marble-top wooden tables and old-school shiny green tiles. A coffee counter and cake display take up over half of the space, with seating for only around 10 people. Squeeze in to try the likes of spicy spaghetti aglio-olio with salmon (B245) and croque monsieur (B175), made with croissant, bacon and gruyere cheese. Coffee starts at B40 while there are also tea (B60), sodas (B75) and smoothies (B95). Dessert-wise, it has to be the white chocolate-matcha tart (B95) for its dense green tea flavors. Natcha

Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, 4 Soi Somkid, 02-655-4446, 095-425-1424. BTS Chit Lom. Open daily 9am-10pm

Get 15% discount on food only for Citi ULTIMA, Prestige, Preferred and Select or get 10% discount on food only for other card types (Today – 31 Dec 17)

Sanguankiattichai

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now

SAT Market Days It’s back: the greatest collection of fairy lights, bunting and homespun little leather accessories this city has ever known. The Great Outdoor Market this year pops up at The Commons from Jul 1-2, where your fix of handicraft shopping comes with fusion banh mi and nitro coffee. Beat that.

FRI Beer Beer Beer It’s been two years since Hair of the Dog showed Phloen Chit what a real beer bar should look like, and they’re celebrating. This Jun 30, drop by for the bar’s second anniversary and gulp down the city’s top craft brews at half their normal price. See page 25.

FRI A Lot of Nonsense What do Pok Stylish Nonsense and a Patpong stripclub have in common? Nothing, but he’s playing at Black Pagoda on Jun 30 complete with a bunch of other indie bands during The Nonsense of the Pong.

See page 25.

SUN Miller Time Big comedy acts are as rare in Bangkok as elections, which makes this weekend’s appearance of U.S. funnyman T.J. Miller a done deal for anyone who likes good standup. Catch him on Jul 2 at the Royal Oak Pub, where an operation called The Comedy Club is going from strength to strength.

MON Finish Him! Button bash your thumb raw like it’s 1996 at dive bar hangout Jam this Jul 2-3, when their monthly old-school video game night returns. This time 8-bit Bangkok is all about fighting games like Tekken 3 and Mortal Kombat. See page 25.

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now NIGHTLIFE

MUSIC

G-Dragon

Mikkeller

Siam Sinfonietta

The Bandit Boy

Iyaz

The deer tracks

4TH OF JULY AT GAME OVER LOUNGE

RETURN TO BUBBLES

NITE RIDE

Celebrate American Independence Day with a real American BBQ, super-chilled beer, classic American films, games and activities, plus special offers for those who dress in American flag attire. Jul 4, 5:30pm.

Game Over, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-170-7684. Free.

The disco party returns at MyBar under a masquerade theme in celebration of Dusit Thani's 48th anniversary. Free entry drink. Jun 30, 9pm. Dusit Thani Bangkok, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. B480.

MRT Silom.

An old-school dance club night with modern funk, disco and electro-funk tunes. Featuring special guest Might NP. Jun 30-Jul 1, 9pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. 200. BTS Thong Lo.

CLA X EASY TO LIFE MUSIC FOR LIFE

Retro-gaming crew 8-bit Bangkok take on classic fighting games like Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Tekken3 and Power Stone. Jul 2-3, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451833. Free. BTS Surasak.

HAIR OF THE DOG PHLOEN CHIT SECOND ANNIVERSARY

The second birthday of the craft beer bar means great promotions including 50% discount on all 13 taps between 4-7pm. Jun 30, 4pm.

Hair of the Dog, 2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-6507589. B0. BTS Phloen Chit.

FIGHT NIGHT

Watch a skimboarding performace by the CLA crew, as well as give it a go yourself. With music throughout the night from Thai hip hop artists such as Da Jim, B King, P9D, Uma, Z4, Liberate P & Ocean Mood and Miraculous. Jul 1, 6pm. Fortune Town, 1 Ratchadaphisek Rd. B450.

BAR9 POOL PARTY

DISCO DIARIES - MERCIE ET ADIEU

A night of funk , soul, disco and house from a lineup of local DJs before the popular club and live music venue closes down permanently.

Price TBA. Jun 30, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098974-6974.

A ninth-floor inifinity pool party with a free entry drink and non-stop music from DJs Verynice, Chickenpunk, Pim, Misae and Lemon Cat. Jul 1, 3pm. Hotel Novotel Bangkok Platinum, 220 Phetchaburi Rd. B400.

THE DEER TRACKS

THE NONSENSE OF THE PONG

Live music from local bands Stylish Nonsense, The Sangsom Massacre, Maitri and Johnny Loda Trio, plus support from DJ Kofty. Jun 30, 9pm. Black Pagoda, Patpong Soi 2.

B200-250. BTS Sala Daeng.

The Swedish electro-pop band compared to The Knife and Sigur Ros for their raw emotion perform live supported by DJ Slim Vic and Stefana Fratila. Jul 1, 9pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B300. BTS Surasak.

IYAZ LIVE IN BANGKOK

The Virgin Islander hip-hop artist performs hit singles including "Replay," "Solo," and "Pretty Girls." Jul 5, 9pm. Do Not Disturb, Behind Nunglen and Escobar, Ekkamai Soi 5/1, 094-414-9266. B1,000-1,200.

4TH OF JULY

The craft beer bar celebrates the 4th of July with 30 taps of fresh beers from American breweries including Modern Times Brewing, Mikkeller San Diego, Ale Smith and more. Jul 1-5, 3pm. Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891. Free.

Alphabeat

gigs

concerts G-DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR

BEACH BASH

The annual beach-themed party is back for its second year with live music from Traffic Jam, Supermassive, Alphabeat, Lily & Chopin, Daniel Didyasarin, White Jack, Subatomic and Blues Tape. Jul 1, 3pm. Flow House Bangkok, A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-1085210. Free.

THE BANDIT BOY AND INTHANOO

A concert celebrating the launch of two debut albums on the Minimal record label: The Bandit Boy, an indie-rock and screamo-inspired band with a hint of grunge; and Inthanoo, an indie-shoegaze band. Support from Medicine Men and The Rocket Whale. Jul 2-3, 6pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616, 085-146-8017, 086-866-8869.

B100 includes one free drink.

The Bigbang frontman returns to Bangkok for the second time promising new material from his upcoming solo album. Jul 7, 8pm; Jul 8, 6pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B2,500-8,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

classical SIAM SINFONIETTA PLAYS MAHLER 5

Changhua County Youth Symphony from Taiwan and the Siam Sinfonietta Orchestra, conducted

by Somtow Sucharitkul, perform Mahler's Symphony No.5. J u l 6, 8pm. Mahisorn Hall, Room 18-19, 4/F, SCB Park Plaza, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-937-5400.

Free. Reserve your tickets at bit. ly/2s3dPj6

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now PLAN AHEAD Upcoming International Concerts in Bangkok

ART

Opening

Foo Fighters

IYAZ

The Golden Axe Musical Festival promoters present Virgin Islander artist and dancer Iyaz, the name behind hits including "Solo," "So Big" and "Pretty Girls."

Jul 5. Do Not Disturb, Behind Nunglen and Escobar, Ekkamai Soi 5/1

OH WONDER

Grande became an international super star with hits like "Love Me Harder" and "Problem."

Aug 17. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

The American pop-rock band who rose to international fame with their 2007 album Dreaming Out Loud, stop by as part of their world tour to promote their fourth and latest album, Oh My My.

PHOENIX

Sep 21. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

Tickets: B3,000 via Ticketmelon. On sale now.

Indie gig organizer Have You Heard? presents the Bangkok debut of the French indie-rock band best known for their sound that traverses synth-pop, alternative rock and new wave.

LUCY ROSE

Tickets: B750 via Ticketmelon. On sale now.

Due to popular demand, concert organizer Vijicorp has now added an extra night to the tour schedule of British electro-pop duo Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West.

Aug 17. Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80

FOO FIGHTERS

Concert organizers Medium Rare and Live Bangkok host the return of the English folk singer-songwriter who made name for collaborations with indie rock bands like Bombay Bicycle Club and Manic Street Preachers.

Tickets: B2,500-6,500 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale now.

Sep 22. Heaven at Zen, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

Jul 31 and Aug 1. Do Not Disturb, Behind Nunglen and Escobar, Ekkamai Soi 5/1

The American alternative rock band led by ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, make their first appearance in Bangkok since 1996 when they took the stage with The Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth.

Tickets: B1,800-5,500 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale Jul 1.

Tickets: B2,000 via Thaiticketmajor (Aug 1 show). On sale now.

LANY

Tickets: Sold out.

Those lucky enough to snag a ticket in time can catch the American threepiece indie rockers perform songs like "Ilysb," "Hot Lights" and "Omg," as part of their tour promoting their latest EP I Loved You.

Aug 24. Impact Challenger Hall, Impact Challenger Building, 1 Popular Rd.

Aug 2. Do Not Disturb, Behind Nunglen and Escobar, Ekkamai Soi 5/1

The American DJ and music producer duo made up of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall bring their EDM/pop tracks including hits like "Closer," "Roses" and "#Selfie" to the stage. They'll be joined by guitarist Nick Martin from rock band Sleeping with Sirens as their opening act.

DNCE

Tickets: B2,500 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale Jun 25.

The new band from ex-Jonas Brothers singer Joe Jonas performs as part of BEC Tero's Soundbox live music series. They'll be joined on the night by opening acts Sekai No Owari and Gnash.

Aug 10. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Siam/ Chit Lom

ARIANA GRANDE

Tickets: B2,500-24,500 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale now.

In the wake of the tragedy surrounding her Manchester concert, the American Nickelodeon star-turned pop singer has vowed to continue her "Dangerous Woman" world tour. Known for her wide vocal range (often referred to as the new Mariah Carey), Ariana

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THE CHAINSMOKERS

Tickets: Starting at B2,000. On sale June 30.

Sep 15. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

FKJ

P/A/U/S/E HAVANA

Supanit Riansrivilai's photography exhibition offers an escape to Cuba's capital, capturing the stories of its people and highlighting the juxtapositions of the nostalgic, 1950s-esque city. Jul 6, 6:30pm.

Woof Pack, 1/3-9 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 086-680-8867.

SACRIFICE, AN EXHIBITION BY NAKROB MOONMANAS

Collages illustrating cultural diversity pay respect to past artists and tell the story of Bangkok. Jun 30-Jul 30, 6pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Ongoing

ED SHEERAN

After becoming the first ever artist to have two songs debut in the US top ten chart in the same week, seven-times platinum artist Ed Sheeran is arguably the hottest singer/songwriter in the world right now.

Nov 16. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

SHAWN MENDES

Tickets: B2,000-5,000 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale now.

GREY AREA

PARALLEL

Indonesian photographer Angki Purbandono presents a series of images he captured during his imprisonment in 2012-2013 and inspired by community relationships within a limited space. The images are creatively created from a scanner, as a camera was prohibited.

Through Jul 26. Bangkok University Gallery (BUG), 2-4/F, BU International College Building (Bld.7), 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-350-3626.

Architectural photographer Pirak Anurakyawachon presents photographs from throughout his career, capturing uncertain economic situations, environmental problems and political issues in Thailand.

Through Jul 22. Schemata Gallery, 1/F, Liberty Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 088-088-8066.

The teenage heartthrob and Canadian singer/songwriter will promote his second album, Illuminate, which includes hits like "Mercy" and "Treat You Better."

Dec 11. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

Tickets: B1,290

HARRY STYLES

The French electro-jazz DJ and producer behind songs like “Lean to Fly,” “Instant Need” and “Lying Together” returns to Bangkok courtesy of event organizers Dark White and Live Bangkok. The concert starts at 9pm.

Tickets: B2,040-5,040 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale now.

ONE REPUBLIC

After releasing his first self-titled solo album, the ex-One Directioner has been making headlines around the world for his huge step away from the boy band sound and towards '70s soft rock, with some people even comparing news his work with that of the late David Bowie.

Tickets: Starting at B2,000 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale Jun 24.

May 7, 2018. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd.

Sep 15. Zen@CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02640-7000

The artist explores how photography is used to document history by presenting his own personal account of events and the surrounding environment. Jul 8-Aug 19, 7pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-8356824.

DREAMY LAND

Supasit Thrammaprasert explores the past, present and future using oil on nylon nets, oil on canvas and drawing on giclee print. Jul 1-30, 6pm. S.A.C. Subhashok The Art Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

DNCE

Ariana Grande

Tickets: B1,000-1,200 via Thaiticketmajor. On sale now.

CHECK-IN BY PEERA VORAPREEPANICH

SIAMESE TWINS GROUP EXHIBITION

BY FREAK SHOW

Six emerging artists, including Ong, Kowuts, Warhead, Mamablues, Shared Toy and Shittak, host a group exhibition featuring their independent works that are all in conflicting styles to one another.

Through Jul 16. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02861-0950.

WHITEWASH

Popular photographer Harit Srikhao’s latest collection explores the repressed Thai society under the current military regime and the constant dismissal of injustice for those who have lost their lives under the political instability. Through Jul 22. Gallery Ver, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22, 089-988-5890.

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now COMEDY

FILM

Opening T.J. MILLER - LIVE IN BANGKOK!

The Silicon Valley actor and stand-up comedian presents an evening of his signature absurdist humor. Jul 2, 7:30pm. The Comedy Club Bangkok, The Royal Oak Pub, 595/10 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02- 662-1650.

B1,200-1,600. BTS Phrom Phong.

DRIVER (THAI)

2:22 (USA)

Drama/Romance/Thriller. After a man goes missing on a trip back from Korea, his wife and her driver attempt to track him down but discover a dark secret instead.

Thriller. After being suspended from his job, a New York air traffic controller notices a series of strange events recurring at the same time every day.

SALES & FAIRS

NOISE MARKET X LANBAIMAI MARKET

THE GREAT OUTDOOR MINI MARKET X THE COMMONS

The beloved art and music flea market returns once again, this time in collaboration with Lanbaimai Market. Expect to see its usual setup of stalls selling art, books, and music-related merchandise, as well as live music performances from indie and folk bands. Jul 1, 11am. Yipintsoi Coffee 523 Maha Phruettharam Rd., 02-353-8600. Free.

The popular outdoor market takes over of the community mall, bringing with it booths selling clothes, lifestyle products, crafted goods and DIY items. Jul 1-2, 11am. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089152-2677. Free.

BOOZE FESTIVALS

HONG-HAM-TAO (LAOS)

KIDNAP (USA)

Comedy/Romance. A documentary-maker falls in love with a subject he’s filming, and needs to find a way to win her heart.

Thriller. Halle Berry stars as a mother willing to risk her life in order to track down a kidnapper who’s taken her son.

Upcoming (Jul 6)

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (USA)

THE LURE (POLAND)

Fantasy/Sci-Fi. Young Peter Parker embraces his newfound identity as Spider-Man under the eye of mentor Tony Stark as they prepare for the threat of the evil Vulture.

Horror. Two mermaid sisters become caught in a love triangle when they fall for the same man.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

WINE FAIR 2017

THAILAND BREW FEST 2017

Gaysorn Village's Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar is hosting a boutique wine festival on Jul 2, starting from a bright and early 2pm. Tickets for Wine Fair 2017 cost B1,500 each and entrance is limited to just 100 people. That gets you a 30ml sip of 40 different labels of limited-run wine, like the Italian 2011 Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG that comes loaded with awards or the French 2013 Philippe Pacalet Gevrey-Chambertin, which is from a small village in Burgundy's Cote de Nuit's district, known for producing high quality red wine.

Aside from top labels from independent wineries across the world, you will also get to taste complimentary artisan cheeses. The tasting starts from 2-6pm, with purchases available only from 5pm onward. Tickets are available for pre-purchase directly at Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar or bank transfer (call 02-656-1133 or email info@ riedelwinebarbkk.com for more information). There are no promises that any tickets will be left at the door.

Bangkok's getting a festival dedicated to American craft beers in July. Thailand Brew Fest 2017 is organized by Smiling Mad Dog, who imports around 20 craft beer brands from the US, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Taking place at the leafy surrounds of Sukhumvit Soi 61's Quaint on Jul 7, the festival will let you taste over 50 American craft beers and ciders on tap from 12 different breweries including familiar names like Ballast Point, Flying Dog, Coronado and Evil Twin. Early bird second-phase tickets are available for B755 at bit.ly/2tDsjYm, which gets you two beer coupons, one Thailand Brew Fest T-shirt and one glass. Door tickets are priced at B955. On the day, you can also team up with two of your friends to participate in the "The Very Serious Beer Pong Tournament" for a chance to win a draft beer party set and a keg of Ballast Point Unfiltered Sculpin IPA. Entry is B2,500 per team. There will also be live music and entertainment from the likes of The Tabby and Plengprapan "Guitar" Gingthong and Friends, plus a DJ set from DJ Mong Sabadpan.

Jul 2, 2pm. Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar, 2/F, Gaysorn, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1133. Open daily 11am-midnight

Jul 7, 5pm. Quaint, 23 Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-714-1998. Open daily 8am-midnight

Malaysia’s official Oscar's submission, Men Who Save the World, screens for free at Alliance Francaise this Jul 1 courtesy of a new film collective called Southeast Asia Film Lab. The film takes a comic look at xenophobia and superstition in a Malaysian village. When an African immigrant moves into a small community, he’s mistaken for a ghost with messy consequences. A talk with its director, Liew Seng Tat, and producer, Sharon Gan, follows the screening.

Admission is free.

Jul 1, 3pm. Alliance Francaise Bangkok, 179 Wittayu Rd., 02-670-4210

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