BK Magazine 719 December 22, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 719 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

Dinner

is Served A glutton’s guide to the festive season in Bangkok

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ADVERTORIAL

Metal Couture World-Class Designer Manuel Albarran Introduces a dazzling club show at ONYX Bangkok Some of the best club dancers in the world are making their way to ONYX Bangkok to take part in an ongoing series of performances featuring the world-renowned “Metal Couture” designs of Spanish artist Manuel Albarran. The show sees performers from the legendary clubbing island Ibiza don full-body metal ensembles for their post-midnight performances, which were specially designed for the club and will happen on the Dancer Stage every Friday and Saturday from Dec 22, 2017 until mid-March, 2018.

The name of Albarran’s Bangkok show is “Visual Alteration”, which includes mutable groups of performers and variables to reshape according to the conditions of feelings of the audience reaction. It’s based on a fast environment alteration, reacting in action, and each performer undergoes different phases and rhythms.

The concept has earned him a star-studded awards cabinet— the latest being his award for “Best Costume Design” at the International Fashion Film Awards 2016 for his fashion film MYTH. Pervious film works from Albarran include Maleficent Albarran, a Spanish-hailing artist who is widely respected in the with Oscar winner Angelina Jolie, who donned many of his international fashion scene, combines metals, leathers, fabrics, trademark metal rings, collars, brooches and bracelets on screen. feathers, woods and many other materials for his collections, ONYX Bangkok, the only club eligible for voting in DJ Mag’s and has worked with some of the world’s biggest stars, such Top100Clubs list, will be the first venue in all of Asia to host one as Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga of his shows. The space includes one of the most technologically and the Black Eyed Peas. This year along, Albarran’s resume advanced audiovisual systems in the world, designed by D&B includes collaborations with Katty Perry, Nicky Minaj (for the Audiotechnik, which incorporates a high-definition LED display American Awards, and Minaj’s latest music video), Stella to complement the club’s roster of world-class DJs from all Maxwell, Lara Stone for W Magazine (Korea), Harpers Bazaar corners of the globe. The full weight of that technology will no Magazine (china), Nylon Magazine, Karlie Kloss for In Style doubt be felt in the coming months.

Magazine, Viktoria Modeas for Marie Claire (Mexico).

Manuel Albarran

Please come and experience a wonderful night at ONYX Bangkok during these special performances, and don’t forget to vote for ONYX Bangkok in DJ Mag’s Top100Clubs contest! www.top100clubs.com | www.onyxbangkok.com

Find out more at onyxbangkok.com FB: facebook.com/onyxbkk IG: @onyxbangkok Tel. 08-1645-1188

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page 3 6 cover story

Festive Feasts

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

11 escapes

Point of Pride

Travel News

16 avenue

19 bites

Purple Rain

Up for Review

20 bites

22 BK Now

Start of Something

On this Week

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Subeditor Mai Nardone Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon Junior Writers Kankanok Wichiantanon, Kasidit Srivilai, Neon Boonyadhammakul Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Executive Sarocha Satawiriya Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinators Nutnicha Nuttanakorn, Peerada Chotiya Senior Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associate Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant

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

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Kathy MacLeod Interns Ratchaneekorn Sriamnad Cover design by Wirankan Saiyasombut

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

That Locker Room is closing Five mixology superstars, incredible cocktails, a wall of grungy lockers—the last six months of 2017 belonged to this Thonglor speakeasy, even with a complete lack of social media presence. Last month, Locker Room claimed the title of Bangkok’s Best Cocktail Bar at our first B.A.D. Awards, however it wasn’t to last and The Locker Room will close its doors on Jan 1, right after what we’re assuming will be a big, big NYE party.

That Thonglor’s hip-hop nightclub has opened a rooftop bar Not content with its pink and aqua takeover of Badmotel’s second floor, Blaq Lyte has expanded to the rooftop with an open-air bar that will give dancers some breathing room.

The new bar has the same drinks menu but a tucked-away mood, stationed as it is above the raging night club and bustling Thonglor. The music upstairs is still hip-hop, but of the mellow variety, the likes of Frank Ocean or Daniel Caesar, whose sweet tunes are best appreciated alfresco.

That a little Thai school is competing for one of the world’s biggest architecture prizes Vin Varavarn Architects’ Baan Huay Sarn Yaw Post Disaster School in Chiang Rai has been nominated for the Royal Institute of British Architects International Prize 2018. The project represents an incredible feat on the part of the province to recover from a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that destroyed 73 schools and left 2,000 students without classrooms. Built from organic materials, the school’s stilted structure, paneled walls and deep eaves feel quintessentially Thai and perfectly suited to the climate.

Launched in 2016, the RIBA International Prize is handed to a building that “exemplifies design excellence, architectural ambition and delivers meaningful social impact.” The winner will be announced in late 2018.

That Uber is now embracing taxis in Bangkok After years of going head to head with taxis faced with increasingly tough regulations, Uber has teamed up with taxi operator Howa to add 5,000 cabs to its existing fleet of vehicles. Thailand is the seventh country in Asia to welcome UberTaxi, which lets users hail and pay for a cab online. Unlike UberX or UberBlack, UberTaxi fares are metered, while users also pay a service charge depending on demand at the time.

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

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

VOTE

Hot: Purple

Not: Elections

The junta promises elections by the end of 2018. Which is the same thing they said about 2015, and 2016, and 2017. That’s why we’re giving up on democracy entirely and putting our faith in consumer consumption instead.

Hey, did you hear 2018’s hottest color is purple? Who needs elections when you’ve got a quilted violet backpack from Chanel? See page 16.

INTERVIEW

Hot: First place

Not: Second place

We’re awesome. After placing second in Worldatlas.com’s list of countries with the most traffic deaths last year, we managed to come first this year. In case you’ve not been keeping track, we’re also at fifth biggest producer of junk in the sea, third most unequal nation and 76th most corrupt. Onward and upward for 2018!

Hot: Computer crimes Not: Watches “What’s the big deal?” was Dear Leader’s attitude about his deputy’s B4 million watch. And he’s right. What is the big deal? Prawit’s been wearing mad timepieces and bling out in public for years, and no one cared before. You need to concentrate on the real criminals like human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa and his type.

Hot: Mediterranean restaurants

Not: Novelty dinners

Diner en Blanc made you bring your own food, while Dinner in the Sky wants to charge over B600 for a brownie. Hence why we’ll be staying clear of novelty dinners for the foreseeable future and dining on Soi Sala Daeng instead, which just welcomed two awesome Mediterranean restaurants, Kika and Via Maris (see page 18).

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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On Dec 23, Bangkok will host its first gay festival in nearly a decade. The Bangkok Gay Festival community brought the original gay parade to our city in 1999, and followed it with four consecutive years of festivities from Narathiwat Road to Silom Road. Returning from a nine-year hiatus are organizers Pakorn “Odd” Pimton, a 54-year-old performance arts instructor, and 50-year-old Oam Pimdee, who’s the CAO of Chanita cosmetics. The return festival has a unique theme: Bangkok Gay Sports Day. Here, the organizers talk about their goals and the LGBT situation in Bangkok.

What is Bangkok Gay Sports Day? Odd: We want to encourage the LGBT community to be healthier.

Anyone can register at the entrance and participate in any of the day’s sporting competitions, like football or badminton. We just want people to have fun by participating in an activity with us.

Oam: The main highlight is our molam band, Siang Khaen. Also, we won’t be selling any alcohol because this is a family-friendly event. Kids between 15-18 can enter for free. We will also have police and ambulances with medics on-site.

Odd: We are trying to encourage the young LGBT people to acknowledge and appreciate their rights. The event is funded with our own money. We don’t have any sponsors.

When did you start this project and why?

Odd: We started it in 1998. I saw a similar street parade in Switzerland and started trying to find a way to bring it to Bangkok. A lot of people doubted me, saying I would need at least B10-20 million to be able

to do it. But we succeeded. We did it in order to promote LGBT rights in this country. Honestly, we only expected 200-300 people our first year, but we had around 100,000. It got way much more attention than we could ever have dreamed of.

Why do you donate your profits to charities?

Odd: We are not about business.

This year we are donating all of our profits to Wat Pra Baht Nam Phu, the Buddhist temple that cares for AIDS patients.

Do you feel that Bangkok is openminded about LGBT people?

Odd: I think we are the most open-minded city in Asia. We have been educating our children, and families are much more openminded nowadays. In Taiwan [a country that recently legalized same-sex marriage] the parade was met by many unaccepting citizens. In Bangkok, everyone is just so friendly and welcoming, and just want to take photos with all the dressed-up LGBT people.

I have students in Phuket, aged 13-18, who go outside with fully

done make-up and they haven’t experienced any negative pushback from society.

Oam: Don’t create any trouble for anyone, people will be quite open-minded and accepting. We need to support each other and help each other improve the LGBT community in our country. We’ve already seen families buying tickets for this event because it is very safe and alcohol-free. Parents just want to take their kids to watch all the fabulously dressed-up people.

Do you see our country legalizing same-sex marriage any time soon?

Oam: Maybe if we keep doing these LGBT-friendly events and activities, the government will see that we are actually helping to bring tourists to the country. Maybe that would speed up the process of legalizing same-sex marriage.

What’s the plan for next year?

Oam: The plan is to organize Bangkok Gay Festival as an annual event, like Songkran. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Grab your ticket for Bangkok Gay Sports Day at bit.ly/2A0RJn5

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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cover story Christmas Stuffing Where to have your fill this festive season.

By Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon, designed by Peeraya Sirathanisa

HOTEL

STANDALONE RESTAURANT

SET MENU

BUFFET

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

ROOFTOP

Best for Under B2,000

BANGKOK TRADING POST Date: Dec 24 | The price: B1,200 What: A 4-course set menu dinner The place: An airy brunch-leaning bistro in a leafy part of Phrom Phong.

59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-079-7133

BUNKER Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: B1,700 What: A 4-course set menu dinner The place: Small-plate fine-dining culture meets brutal concrete lines on the trendiest bit of Sathorn.

Bangkok Trading Post

8/F, Galleria 10, 21 Sukhumvit Soi 10, 02-615-0999

SUMMER PALACE

CHARCOAL

M/F, Intercontinental, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444 ext 6434

Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: B1,500 or B1,200 for the vegetarian menu What : A I n d i a n d i n n e r b u ffet The place: Intimate, high-level Indian amid blend of dark wood, lattice screens, spice jars and barely existent lighting.

Date: Dec 26 | The price: B899 or B1,898 with free-flow sparkling wine What: buffet lunch | The place: A lively all-day hotel spot that combines ballroom chandeliers and glitzy geometric designs.

Charcoal

Date: Dec 24/Dec 31 | The price: B800 (Dec 24) / B950 (Dec 31) with a glass of sparkling wine or B1,700 (Dec 24) / B1,900 (Dec 31) with a bottle of sparkling wine | What: A four-course dinner | The place: An elegant outdoor grill with couches and 8th-floor views.

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

ESPRESSO

Freebird

LEAPFROG BAR AND GRILL

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B1,150 What: A dim sum lunch buffet | The place: A grand yet classic Chinese room with red tablecloths and round tables ideal for large families.

5/F, Fraser Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-038-5112

Bunker

FREE-FLOW BOOZE

Intercontinental, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444

THE SQUARE Date: Dec 31 | The price: B1,699 What: A buffet burnch | The place: Vibrant buffet line with chefs dressed in white helming each stations.

8/F, Novotel Phloen Chit, 566 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-305-6000

Best for B2,000-4,000

APSARA DINING CRUISE

BRASSERIE EUROPA Date: Dec 24 | The price: B2,400 or B3,500 with free-flow alcohol | What: A champagne brunch buffet | The place: An elegant high-ceilinged hotel buffet enhanced by floor-to-ceiling wood and old-fashioned stone columns.

Siam Kempinski, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000

FREEBIRD Date: Dec 24 | The price: B1,550 or B2,500 with free-flow booze | What: A garden barbecue buffet from 12-7pm The place: A laid-back barbecue party in a welcoming wood-dominated house at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 47.

28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936

GOJI KITCHEN Date: Dec 25/Dec 31 | The price: B1,800 (Dec 25)/2,561 (Dec 31) What: A buffet dinner | The place: A suitably vast buffet comprising more than 10 stations.

Marriott Marquis Queen's Park , 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999

INDUS Date: Dec 31 | The price: B2,500 with free-flow alcohol | What: An Indian buffet dinner | The place: The city's best-established (and most relaxing) Indian restaurant.

71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900

Date: Jan 1 | The price: B3,500 What: A shared set menu dinner The place: An elegant teak wood rice barge decorated with fairy lights.

21/100 South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200

DELIVERY SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS DELICACIES

SOURCED GROCERS

PASSION DELIVERY

Look no further than this Thonglor deli for the perfect Christmas cheeseboard.

Chacuterie and cheese platters start from B400. Lay down B910 for a smorgasbord of Wensleydale with cranberries, blue de brebis, parmigianno, manchego, buche de chevre, pecorino pepperoncino and brie de maubert. They deliver sandwiches, pastas and salads, too.

They’ll provide a large, freerange Peking duck to your door for B750, half a glazed Christmas ham from Sloane’s for B1,100, or a frozen Thai turkey (5kg) for B2,300. Or you could just treat your guests to some chocolate ganache cupcakes (B700/6 pieces). www.passiondelivery.com

M/F, TheCOMMONS, Thonglor Soi 17, 094-526-4416

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THE GROCERS AT EL MERCADO Christmas demands cheese and cold cuts—and this is the place. From B445 you can pick up 1kg of cheddar cheese, alongside a mix of breads from Amantee, croissants (just B17) and desserts (grab a peach tart for B150) made inhouse. They also have fresh fruits and veggies, wine, beer, milk and an oil and vinegar refill station.

490 Soi Phai Singto, 099-078-3444

GOURMET DELIVERY

QUINTESSENCE

GUSS DAMN GOOD

Complement a splendid festive feast at home with hundreds of premium imported p ro d u c t s — c av i a r ( f ro m B1,699), sliced truffle (from B1,990), octopus (from B1,499) and cold cuts (try the Nuvola baked ham, B59/100g). Then invite us over. It’s free delivery for orders over B3,000 (otherwise B190).

This company has been supplying cheese to hotels and restaurants since 2006. The focus is on French deli products.

Highlights include more than 60 cheeses, but you’ll also find fig and honey jam (B230) and rillettes (B370). Oh, and that posh festive party essential— foie gras (B450).

One of the best ice creams in town has made itself known among ice cream lovers for its Boston texture. Enliven your Christmas bash with the Secret Ice Cream Box (B750)—five cups in five secret flavors, complete with a map showing you where each one comes from. Book fast because they’re only churning 300 sets this year.

www.bkkgourmetdelivery.com

213/18 Asoke Towers Building, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-4497.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm www. cheesequintessence.com

www.fb.com/GussDamnGoodEi8htThonglor

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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ADVERTORIAL

Krungsri Gourmet TASTY TREATS

Gismo Dangling terrariums, minty hues and sweeping communal tables mark out Gismo as one of those all-day, come-forbreakfast-and-stay-till-lunch kind of places. The menu covers the likes of rocket salad with Parma ham, barbecue chicken with avocado, spaghetti aglio e olio (a traditional Neapolitan pasta tossed with pressed garlic and chorizo) and pan-seared snapper with ratatouille and lemon butter sauce. To drink, they offer coffee, juices and cocktails.

• 15%* discount on food (only platinum credit cards and above of Krungsri consumer) • 5%* discount on food (other credit card of krungsri consumer) 1Jul 17 – 31 Jan 18 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

Tel. 02-160-0311, 090-091-9111

10%* discount

10%* discount

5%* discount

Saboten

Samsen Villa Life

Hinaya

• 10%* discount on food when spending over B600/sales slip

• 10%* on food (excluding beverages)

• 5%* discount on food (can’t combine with other promotions)

1 Dec 2017 – 31 May 2018 All branches (except Saboten Express)

1 Nov 2017 – 30 Apr 2018 The River. Tel. 097-092-6189 San Kamphaeng, Chaing Mai. Tel. 052-010-359

1 Nov 2017 – 28 Feb 2018 Gateway Ekkamai, 113 Sukhumvit Road.

Tel. 02-108-2870.

Credit Cards of Krungsri

*Please check more*Please terms &check & conditions with the the& restaurants restaurants with and other other media under under Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please more terms and media Consumer more with terms conditions the restaurants andKrungsri other media underGroup.

Krungsri Consumer Group. *Please check forcheck more terms &conditions conditions with the restaurants and other media under Krungsri Consumer.

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cover story HOTEL

STANDALONE RESTAURANT

SET MENU

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BUFFET

ROOFTOP

FREE-FLOW BOOZE

THE GREAT KABAB FACTORY Date: Dec 31 | The price: B1,400 or B2,300 with free-flow alcohol | What: A festive 6-course dinner | The place: A menu of mostly Indian kababs in a lively room of shiny floors and blue lighting.

L'Appart

L/F, Majestic Grande Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-262-2999

THE RIVERSIDE TERRACE

Date: Jan 1 | The price: B2,710 What: A brunch buffet | The place: A relaxed riverside dining atmosphere in the poshest of hotels.

Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoen Krung Rd, 02-659-90100 ext.

7390 Siwilai City Club

Rossini's

MANOHRA CRUISE

RIVERSIDE TERRACE

SIWILAI CITY CLUB

Date: Dec 25 | The price: B3,800 What: A festive dinner set on a cruise The place: An open-air dinner on a restored old rice barge that seats 40 people.

Date: Jan 1 | The price: B2,018 What: A dinner buffet with free-flow local beer | The place: A cool breeze flows through the grand high-ceiling pavilion with a countless array of buffet options.

Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: B3,800 What: A buffet dinner with jazz performances by Didier Mpondo, Darrel Kelly and more | The place: Giant tiedye daybeds and hammocks take over a sand-colored terrace looking out over extraordinary Phloen Chit views.

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, 257 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-477- 0770

PATUMMAT RESTAURANT Date: Dec 24/Dec 31 | The price: B1,800 (Dec 24) B2,000 (Dec 31) What: A buffet dinner | The place: A formidable dark wood room with sophisticated gray upholstery, a long line of seafood on ice and a parade of various international bites.

L/F, The Sukosol 477 Si Ayuthaya Rd., 02-247-0123

RANG MAHAL Date: Dec 31 | The price: B3,800 with one bottle of bubbles for every two persons | What: A buffet dinner The place: A grand Indian dining room of heavy maroon drapes, elegant gold-plated cutlery, traditional paintings and beautiful chandeliers.

26/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100

CHEAT SHEET

8

Anantara Riverside, 257/1-3 Chaoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022

ROSSINI’S AND THE LIVING ROOM Date: Dec 24 | The price: B3,400 or B4,900 including 3-hour free-flow wines | What: A buffet dinner with live jazz | The place: Choose to sit either in the Tuscan-referencing Italian restaurant Rossini’s or at its sultry live music partner, The Living Room.

1/F, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8364

SENSI Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: B2,990 What: A chain 6-course dinner menu The place: One of Sathorn's swankiest Italian restos, set in beautiful home where the service is polished and the food traditional but inflected with creativity.

5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631

SKYLINE Date: Dec 31 | The price: B2,900 What: A buffet dinner with a lucky draw | The place: Awesome views overlooking the river from a compact yet relaxing indoor space on the 11th floor.

TRADER VIC’S

Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: 3,500 What: A brunch buffet with free-flow wines and Mai Tais | The place: America's Polynesian-inspired restaurant also has stunning views of the river.

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort, 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-4760022 ext. 1416

WATERFRONT PROMENADE Date: Dec 24 | The price: B2,500 What: An international seafood buffet | The place: A panoramic view of the river and cool breeze.

Best for B4,000-6,000

JOJO Date: Dec 25 | The price: B3,500 or B5,500 with wine pairing | What: A set menu lunch and dinner | The place: A warm yet elegant Italian restaurant with an open kitchen in one of the swish St. Regis.

G / F, T h e St . Re g i s B a n g ko k , 1 5 9 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7815

KISARA Date: Dec 24 | The price: B2,900 or B4,100 with free-flow prosecco or sake | What: A dinner buffet | The place: High-end Japanese amid copper sculptures and marble accents.

3/F, The Conrad Hotel, 87 Rd., 02-6909999

L’APPART

Date: Dec 24 | The price: B6,000 for two with a bottle Louis Roederer champagne | What: various kinds of canapes | The place: An elegant, Parisian apartment-styled restaurant with an outdoor terrace to take in the breeze on the 32nd floor.

32/F, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999

Ramada Plaza Riverside, 2074 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-688-1000

Avani Riverside, 257 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-431-9100

TABLES GRILL Date: Jan 1 | The price: B3,999 with free flow Louis Roederer Brut Premier, wine and beer | What: A festive and boozy brunch buffet | The place: recalls a gentleman's high-end club with its antique mirrors and dark wood paneling.

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

Narathiwat Ratchanakarin 17 Yaek 5, 02-676-4466

Trader Vic's

WHERE BK WILL BE DINING THIS YEAR-END

BEST BUFFET UNDER B3,000

BEST SET MENU UNDER B3,000

BEST BUFFET OVER B3,000

BEST SET MENU OVER B3,000

FREEBIRD

SENSI

RED OVEN AT SO SOFITEL

SRA BUA BY KIIN KIIN

Why? Between the free-flow booze, which here includes wine, beer, cocktails and prosecco, and the unlimited barbecue from noon to 7pm, Freebird trumps any other standalone restaurant in its price range.

Price: B2,500 with free-flow booze When: Dec 24

Why? This Top Table doesn’t disappoint, delivering smooth service with high-end reinventions of traditional dishes like the day’s offering of Sicilian red prawn carpaccio with balsamic caviar and the turbot with zucchini veloute.

Price: B2,990 When: Dec 24-25

Why? The mouthwatering array of antipasti here is only a primer for the rich fare of the many live cooking stations (pasta, sushi, seafood and oyster on ice, Japanese noodles and steak).

Price: B5,000 with free-flow Champagne When: Jan 1

Why? Fine-dining at Sra Bua at these prices is a steal, especially with the New Year’s menu that guarantees limited, top-end ingredients like the trio of oysters, or the Maine lobster served with frozen red curry and the seared foie gras with ginger and plum sauce.

Price: B6,000 with a glass of Champagne When: Dec 31

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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ADVERTORIAL

Lobster

Le Boeuf

Festival Sea Truffles Seafood Bar

Crab and Claw Blu Coast Seafood Cafe

Lobster & More

Marian Urban Gastro Bar

Blu Coast Seafood Cafe

This fun and somewhat fuss-free seafood bar has some of the more creative use of lobster you will find in Bangkok.

KTC Deal: Free lobster bisque when ordering the Premium Set. 1/F, Central EastVille, Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

Burger & Lobster

Here, you can have wild caught Canadian lobster steamed or grilled with lemon and garlic butter (B1,500/1.5lb) or as chili lobster (B1,850).

KTC Deal: 5% discount on chili lobster (B1,850).

Burger & Lobster

G/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Rama 1 Rd., 02-656-1111. Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS Chidlom

Crab and Claw

Don your bib and dig into whole Maine lobster (B1,900) and C & C Lobster Roll; Chilled Maine Lobster Pulled Through Drawn Butter Topped with Lemon Zest (B950).

KTC Deal: Lobster Risotto with Squid ink and Seafood at B1,700 when spending with KTC credit card.

7/F, Emquartier, 02-003-6233. Open daily 11am-10pm.

BTS Phrom Phong G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9713. Open daily 11am-10pm.

BTS Siam

Le Boeuf

The steak-fries specialist takes its queues from Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecote and stocks fresh Canadian lobster.

KTC Deal: 10% discount on food when ordering B1,000 or more (food only).

G/F, Mayfair, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments, 60 Lang Suan Rd., 093-971-8081. Open daily 11am-11pm. BTS Chit Lom G/F 9:53 Community Mall, 124 Soi Sukhumvit 53 (PaideeMadee), 02-258-2671. Open daily 11am-11pm BTS Thonglor The Raw Bar

Lobster & More

Canada, Boston, and Maine that you can trust the sources of lobsters and they have it all for you to pick one and relish in the way as you wish at this far-flung Crystal Veranda.

KTC Deal: 10% discount on food only.

2/F, The Crystal Veranda, 064-127-9977. Open daily 10:30am11:00pm.

Marian Urban Gastro Bar

An urban British-style seafood bar in Thonglor serving up grilled lobster with mashed potatoes (B220 for 100g).

KTC Deal: 10% discount and get a free chocolate truffle with cherry brandy when spending more than B1,000 on food.

Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor Soi 13), 093-545-1469. Open TueSun 5pm-midnight

Sea Truffles Seafood Bar

Sea Truffles made its name providing the sweet little ocean delicacies to some of the best spots in town.

KTC Deal: Buy 1 fresh lobster and get another free (steamed, chilied or sashimi-style, from B1,790++).

The Opus, Thonglor Soi 10, 081-694-4186. Open daily 11am-11pm

The Lobster Lab

This seafood kiosk at The Commons specializes in freshlycaught lobster from either Canada or Maine.

KTC Deal: 10% discount on Lobster Boston Roll.

M/F, The Commons, 02-712-8197. Open daily 11am-11pm

The Raw Bar

Diners who want to sample fresh oysters and lobsters in a dining room with the feel of a ship below decks need look no further than this renovated shophouse on Soi Thonglor.

KTC Deal: 10% discount on food only.

440/9 Thonglor Soi 14-16, 02-713-8335. Open daily 5pmmidnight

Lobster lovers shouldn’t miss the Lobster Festival presented by KTC Tier 1: up to 10% discount or other privileges (special privileges for all types of KTC VISA INFINITE, KTC VISA SIGNATURE, and KTC VISA PLATINUM credit cards.

*Tier 2: Get cash back 15% when redeem KTC FOREVER REWARDS points equivalent to total spending per sales slip.

The Lobster Lab

*Only when send register with *SMS registration is required every time to get this privilege. (Send SMS to 061 384 5000 by typing DN6 (space)16digit credit card number#(transaction/ sales slip without decimal) (3 Baht/ SMS). This privilege is for all types of KTC credit cards.

Promotion period: 15 Dec 2017 - 31 March 2018

For more information.Please contact www.ktc.co.th or 02 123 5000 Press 6 KTC_AD_04.indd 7

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cover story HOTEL

STANDALONE RESTAURANT

SET MENU

BUFFET

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

ROOFTOP

FREE-FLOW BOOZE

CHAMPAGNE SOMMELIER-APPROVED B U B B L E S FO R U N D E R B1,500. BY CHOLTANUTKUN TUN-ATIRUJ

Yamazato

Medici

FREDERICK LORNET CREMANT DU JURA BRUT VV

“Simply, it tastes almost like Champagne!” Rungroj Ingudananda from Le Du Get it at: Wine Garage, B990 (via order@winegarage.asia)

Mahanakorn Cube

LA VIE

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B4,200 with a glass of Champagne | What: A dinner buffet | The place: A warm, calm brightly lit French dining room with a view the jostling area.

11/F, Vie Hotel, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939. BTS Ratchathewi

LE NORMANDIE

Date: Dec 25 | The price: B4,800 What: A 6-course dinner | The place: Bangkok’s original fine-dining French restaurant has a spectacular view of the river.

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000 #7390

MEDICI

Date: Dec 24 | The price: B2,950 or B4,950 with wine pairing | What: a 4-course set menu dinner | The place: Italian in an elegant Tuscan-style wine cellar setting.

Hotel Muse, 55/555 Soi Langsuan, 02-630-4000

PUNJAB GRILL

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B3,500 What: A 10-course set menu dinner The place: A fittingly grand Indian restaurant with warm and efficient service and a live duo singing in the background.

G/F, Radisson Suites, 23/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 13,02-645-4952

RED OVEN

THE KITCHEN TABLE

Date: Dec 24 | The price: B3,600 or B4,400 with free-flow booze | What: A buffet brunch | The place: Modern, amber decor and smoorth wooden furnishings at a sizable but chic hotel buffet.

2/F, W Hotel, Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000

VIU

Date: Jan 1 | The price B3,000 or B4,000 with free-flow booze; B5,000 with free-flow Veuve Clicquot Brut | What: A buffet lunch | The place: The St. Regis’s buffet spot features impressive Bangkok Sports Club views, lots of red and cream leather couches, dark wood and ceiling beams.

G/F, The St . Regis B angkok , 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7815

YAMAZATO

Date: Dec 24-25 | The price: B7,000 for 2 | What: A festive teppanyaki dinner | The place: A luxurious and contemporary Japanese restaurant that draws inspiration from the art of origami.

24/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000

Best for B6,001-10,000

ATTICO

Date: Jan 1 | The price: B2,500 or B5,000 with free-flow Champagne What: A festive brunch buffet | The place: This most talked-about buffet spot has nine live cooking stations and a wide array of food.

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B6,999 with a glass of prosecco | What: A 6-course set dinner | The place: A high-ceilinged Tuscan-leaning Italian lined with elegant wooden tables and chairs.

7/F, So Sofitel, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000

Radisson Blu, 489 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-302-3333

SPICE MARKET

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B5,500 What: An international buffet with free-flow alcoholic beverages and sparkling wine | The place: Classic wooden dining room with professional Thai dressed service staffs.

Anantara Siam Bangkok , 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866. BTS Ratchdamri

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Morimoto

MORIMOTO

Date: Dec 21-24 | The price: B8,000 What: A kaiseki kobe beef omakase The place: The Japanese restaurant of a hit US-Japanese chef, complete with stylish, Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and inventive takes on Nippon food.

5/F, MahaNakorn Cube, 02-060-9099

SRA BUA BY KIIN KIIN

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B6,000 with a glass of Champagne | What: A festive 10-course set menu dinner The place: Spacious booths, soaring ceilings, Thai pavilion and tiered pools of lotus flowers say five-star.

L/F, Siam Kempinski Hotel, 991/9 Rama 1Rd., 02-162-9000

TERRACE RIM NAAM

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B8,500 net | What: A dinner buffet | The place: The terrace borders the river in an elegant alfresco setting with a backdrop of traditional Thai pavilions.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoenkrung Rd., 02- 659 9000#7390

VERTIGO TOO

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B6,800 or B9,700 with free-flow booze What: A 5-course set menu dinner The place: This indoor sisiter to one of the best-known rooftop bars in Bangkok has an atmosphere that’s New York cocktail bar meets laidback restaurant.

60/F, Banyan Tree, 100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200

La Scala

Best for over B10,000

LE NORMANDIE

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B20,000 What: An 8-course dinner | The place: Bangkok’s original fine-dining French restaurant has a spectacular view of the river.

5/F, The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000 #7390

PARK SOCIETY

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B10,000 with wine pairing | What: A 6-course set menu dinner | The place: unique views looking out over Lumphini Park.

CLAUS PREISINGER ST LAURENT "ANCESTRAL" 2016 FROM BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA

“This is an amazing alternative to Champagne, from a famed biodynamic producer and hand-harvested—get it before Chef Ton [Le Du] buys it all!” Andreas Pergher from Bunker Get it at: Wine Garage, B1,450 (via order@winegarage.asia)

29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok , 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000

THREESIXTY JAZZ LOUNGE Date: Dec 31 | The price: B24,000 What: A dinner with free-flow Champagne, wines and cocktails | The place: Flanked in every direction by slanted glass windows, guests can look out across all of central Bangkok.

Millenium Hilton Bangkok, 123 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-442-2000

VERTIGO

CODORNIU "SELECCION RAVENTOS", BRUT, CAVA, PENEDES, SPAIN

“Great notes of citrus fruits, peach and almonds with a slight toasted character. Excellent with Spanish tapas or as an aperitif.”

Rasmus Poll, sommelier at Central Groups Get it at: Central Food Halls and most Tops stores, B999

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B23,900 What: A 7-course set menu dinner with a glass of champagne | The place: One of the city’s best views from 60 stories up.

61/F, The Banyan Tree, 21 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200

NV JACOB'S CREEK TRILOGY CUVEE BRUT

“It’s really balanced, a blend of three grapes that tastes almost exactly the same as Champagne.

Dry and fruity with notes of lemon, plus the design of the bottle is very luxurious.” Adrien Astagneau, beverage manager for The Kitchen Group and Co. Get it at: Foodland, Villa Market, The Mall Group, B799

LA SCALA

Date: Dec 31 | The price: B6,500 What: A 7-course set menu dinner The place: The original kingpin of Italian fine dining has undergone a glamorous renovation.

The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888 The Kitchen Table

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

Okurimono （テイスト オブ オークラ） ：Baht 2,900 Hoseki （スパークリング ジャパニーズ クリスマス） ：Baht 4,900 Takara （オークラ クリスマストレジャー） ：Baht 7,900

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK

This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, celebrate at The Okura Prestige Bangkok and enjoy our indulgent lunch and dinner menus at Yamazato, Elements, and Up & Above Restaurant.

CHIANG MAI

Jungle Nook Heading to Mae Rim this season? Stop by Cafe de Jungle (053-106-327,www.fb.com/jungledecafe) and lose yourself in nature—and one of the mesh nests of this cafe that’s perched above a waterfall. A wooden bridge spans the ravine between the two sides of the cafe, which gets its rugged, treehouse vibe from the surrounding Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort. Being one with nature doesn’t exclude comfort: there’s an air-conditioned section with floor-to-ceiling glass that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the canopy. Watch the waterfall as you sip on a chocolate latte made with the house blend (B80) and take a bite out of the velvety chocolate cheesecake (B100). If the outdoor mood gets to your head, there’s always the zipline and coaster nearby to try your hand at jungle thrills.

Gourmet dining with all your seasonal favourites, a wonderful festive atmosphere, beautiful decorations, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus with gifts for the children, it’ll be a very Merry Christmas!

Contact 02 687 9000 for more details or email fbreservations@okurabangkok.com

Veg Out Your health is at the heart of the vegetarian, alcohol-free Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort (053-904-974,awayresorts.com).

The hotel inside the walled old city combines Lanna style and colonial architecture for a look of classic elegance. The 39 rooms (from B2,458/ night), which surround an outdoor pool, are done in dark wood and marble that’s offset with deep blue walls and brass lighting fixtures.

The hotel takes its philosophy from the five precepts of Buddhism, which means no alcohol and an adherence to body-cleansing food. That spirit is best embodied in Moreganic, the hotel restaurant, where vegetarian Western and Thai dishes are accompanied by herbal drinks. Between the healthy food and relaxing atmosphere, this place should rank among your top wellness getaways next time you need to cleanse soul and stomach.

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok

PHETCHABUN

In Arcadia

Submit to that pent up FarmVille ambition with a weekend at this eco-tourism spot in Khao Kho. Uncle Tom's Cabin (086-600-5377, www.fb.com/UncleTomCabinAtKhaokho) is named not for the American novel but for the farm’s owner, Uncle Tom, who cooks a mean woodfired pizza to go with the kitchen’s specialties made with vegetables plucked right out of the lush backdrop. The accommodation is bare and simple, and that’s the point. An Earthen House, a sort of bungalow, goes for B2,300/night while a Big Tent, furnished with comfy beds and thick blankets, is B2,000/night (breakfast included). What better way to exorcise the muggy spirit of Bangkok than crisp Japanese melons, sweet cherry tomatoes, dewy mornings and green horizons.

PHUKET

Best of Three The hallmarks of a Phuket entertainment spot are all here—food, drinks and massages—but incongruously combined in a restored Sino-Portuguese home with a narrow courtyard. So, what is Tantitium (065-054-4087,www.fb.com/ Tantitium)? The answer comes in three parts: Tanti Eat, part one, is a Thai restaurant that contrasts the rustic building exterior with a polished interior, here featuring black and white floor tiles, mustard-colored sofas and huge brass light fixtures. The crab curry (B390), a Phuket classic, is deliciously authentic. If you’re there on a Friday, the very blue bar Tanti Drink does a TGIF-night. Their signature cocktail set is called The Six Sense (B280), with each drink coming with a different cocktail base. Finally, there’s Tanti Massage, which offers various spa treatments and massages. Tantitium is in Phuket’s Old Town on Dibuk Road.

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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DON’T MISS!

The Best Destination to Take Perfect Photos and Enjoy the New Year!

Wizards on Holiday (Siam Paragon)

Siam The Great Celebration promises the international premiere of an all-new Harry Potter extravaganza. That event is none other than the international premiere of the newest Harry Potter-theme retail experience from Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and GES. Titled “Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World,” the showcase combines Christmas with the Wizarding World with a specially curated selection of wizard-inspired merchandise, which will be on display and available for purchase in a holiday-themed setting sure to dazzle families of all ages. Grab some specially designed holiday ornaments, Hogwarts school robes, fan-favorite plush owls and we as wands, jewelry and branded collectables. There are also lots of memorable photo opportunities around the space.

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ADVERTORIAL

A Helping Hand (Siam Discovery)

Siam Discovery is helping to lend a hand during the festive season with a range of important and exclusive gift stations, a center for gift personalization called the Gift Lab and an innovative piece of art all of this during the New World New You campaign

by Siam Discovery. On the mall’s 3rd floor you find the Gift Lab, an exclusive boutique that promises to help shoppers personalize their gifts in ways that weren’t possible before—where you can make DIY scented candles, grab custom engravings on leather goods, tailor jeans to your specific body type and pamper yourself with custom nail colors. Step down to the M Floor and you’ll find the Citizen of Love #2, a charitable donation zone in partnership with CCF, under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The space allows shoppers to donate gifts to less fortunate children in need. Another heartwarming sight is found outside the mall’s doors, where the Upcycling Christmas Tree, a beautiful, repurposed plastic tree that glows in the dark, as well as, through a collaboration with PTTGC, a waste reduction in the ocean campaign at G Floor.

Sharp Wit (Siam Center)

Fans of rising acting stars Mario and Nadao are going to be flooding Siam Center during Siam The Great Celebration.

The two beloved celebrities will be on-site during select times from today until Jan 15—the perfect opportunity to make your Instagram follows envious by shopping for fashion collaborations like Mario x Greyhound. On top of the photo ops, you can see some awesome decorations from artist K.O. and other works by local designers.

And there are tons of stunning designer collaborations between some of the best Thai designers on the market, included Greyhound Original, Q Design and Play and Milin! There are also lots of specially designed photo zones to help blow up a social media feed or two.

Siam The Great Celebration takes place at Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and Siam Center through Jan 15, 2017.

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avenue FASHION

Local Lines Put your hands together to welcome a new emerging local fashion name.

Fah Chaksuvej, a graduate of London’s Royal College of Art and a former designer for Maison Martin Margiela’s menswear line, just launched her own showroom, Fah Chak Fitting Room, on Thonglor. A winner of the Conran Foundation Award, Fah now focuses on womenswear. Minimalist at first glance, the Le Lumiere collection boasts an intricate twist on typical tailoring, like a zipped-sleeve jacket (from B5,900) and a detachable dress (from B5,000), which make the line more suited to Bangkok’s tropical temperatures. For the maximalist-inclined, the pink metallic-splashed jeans (from B3,800) recall the Margiela line. 159/2, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). www.fahchak.com

PROPERTY

Come Together Thai real estate developer Magnolia has announced a new mega project. The B90 billion development, called The Forestias, will cover 300 rai on Bangna-trad Road and include residential housing, retail buildings, office buildings, a health center and much more that falls under the Lennonesque slogan “Imagine Happiness.” Magnolia says its project promotes four key elements: nature, multi-generations, community and “sustainnovation,” each segment headed up by international firms specializing in the areas of design, architecture, hospitality and residential management, among others. The project’s opening date is 2022. Bangna-trad Rd. www.theforestias.com

SHOPPING

The Store Abides Take “pop-up” from the label of Siam Square’s Freitag store— it’s here to stay. Working with denim importers Pronto, the Swiss brand has opened up what’s said to be Asia’s biggest Freitag store, fully loaded with over 2,000 of the signature bags fashioned from salvaged materials. An entire wall of the Bangkok store is dedicated to Freitag’s greatest hit, the Miami Vice bag (B3,900), in most conceivable colors and patterns. There is also a space for a rotating exhibition of the brand’s goods.

Following the Bangkok opening is Chiang Mai’s own branch at One Nimman. Siam Square Soi 7. Open daily 11am-9pm. www. fb.com/freitagbyprontobkk

FASHION

Staid Plaid Last minute gift-getters, here’s your chance: Comme Des Garcons’ holiday collection, Re/tartam Re/energy, has arrived in Bangkok. The line features unisex items from canvas sneakers to pouches to scarves all done in red plaid. The traditional design isn’t contained to the new line either, but has bled into Comme Des Garcons’ collaborations with other brands, including Japanese bag maker Porter Yoshida in the form of a plaid tote (B19,900), and the Comme Des Garcons x Fred Perry polo shirt (B12,900). G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-9pm.

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BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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We are the combination of Dynamic Espresso Bar and Casual Milanese Lifestyle Eatery

02-712-7817

nuvolacaffebkk

nuvolacaffebkk

#nuvolacaffebkk

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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avenue SHOPPING

Purple Line Pantone has named violet the color of 2018.

Prepare for the new year with these pieces.

By Kasidit Srivilai

Velvet sneakers, Massimo Dutti, B3,750

Socks, Topshop, B220

Silk scarf, Hermes, B7,950

Yuma top, Milin, B5,250

T-shirt, Onion, B13,00

Moc croc clutch, Massimo Dutti, B3,250

Backpack, Chanel, B136,000

Earrings, Topshop, B650

Salvatore Ferragamo

Flyknit trainer sneakers, Nike, B6,000

Essentials Balenciaga. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Chanel. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Dior. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Hermes. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Spandex sock boots, Balenciaga, B29,000

Milin. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. Nike. 1/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd.

So Real Pop sunglasses, Dior, B12,900

Small pouch, Mulberry, B7,000

Mulberry. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Topshop. 2/F, Central Chidlom, Phloen Chit Rd.

WELLNESS The year's hottest spa openings

CALM SPA

INFINITY SPA

PANPURI ORGANIC SPA

The neighborhood: Ari The look: Chic, mid-century pastels, knockoff Danish furniture, swathes of plantlife and concrete.

The treatment: B2,000 for a 75-minute Thai massage during which you’re soothingly pummeled with a heated clay salt pot, or B2,589 for a 120-minute treatment aimed at straightening that saggy office posture.

The neighborhood: Silom The look: Like a stylish laboratory with its raw concrete floor, mint green walls, yellow ceiling and industrial furnishings.

The treatment: Head-to-toe programs (including mani-pedis) using both Thalgo and house-made products. Relax-atherapy (B1,000/hr) is a 60-minute massage, while Infinity Jetlag Facial (B2,900) is a Thalgo treatment that claims to revive postlong-haul-flight skin.

The neighborhood: Phloen Chit The look: White furniture, curvy lines and sleek marble flooring make it feel like stepping inside a pebble.

The treatment: Expensive but good. The Panpuri Ultimate Indulgence treatment (foot massage, full body massage, facial, body wrap and scrub, 210 minutes) costs B9,800 and the Pan-vimarn Heavenly Touch of Paradise (150 minutes) is B6,800.

Sun Square, 1037/1 Silom Soi 21, 02-237-8588. Open daily 10am-10pm

11/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd. 02-012-1234. pen daily 10am-10pm

13 Ari Soi 4, 096-941-8645. Open daily 10am-11pm

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BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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ADVERTISEMENT

SERINA TEPPANYAKI JAPANESE DINING

Okurimono （テイスト オブ オークラ） ：Baht 2,900 Hoseki （スパークリング ジャパニーズ クリスマス） ：Baht 4,900 Takara （オークラ クリスマストレジャー） ：Baht 7,900 C

M

Y

SPARKLING NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK

CM

MY

CY

Celebrate the New Year with family and friends at The Okura Prestige Bangkok and enjoy gourmet international cuisine, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Bangkok.

CMY

K

Up & Above welcomes 2018 with a New Year’s Eve Brunch, Dinner Buffet and a New Year’s Day Brunch while Yamazato offers authentic Japanese Gozen lunch and Kaiseki dinner menus, and Elements serves an indulgent set dinner of signature French cuisine with Japanese influences.

Yaki soba. 450THB

Hiroshima Oyster fry 280THB

Chicken Steak. 380THB

This over-30-year-old Japanese restaurant is Silom’s best kept secret.

Old Japanese recipes are alive here with beautiful local produce and imported meat, shining honestly on your plates. At B2,250 per set, you’ll get 150g of teppanyaki Kobe wagyu accompanied by fresh sashimi, salad, soup, grilled vegetable, garlic rice and a scoop of homemade fresh strawberry sorbet.

Or get same set with 150g US Black Angus beef at B1,650.

SERINA, 9/26 Surawong Soi Jim Thompson, Bangkok, Thailand

Reservation: 02-235-8382

Reach Thousands of Hungry, Affluent Diners in BK Magazine’s Top Tables • • • • •

Bangkok’s most trusted guide for discerning foodies 100 top restaurants chosen by an independent panel The no.1 Google result for “Bangkok best restaurants” Distributed to over 350 hightraffic venues in Bangkok Extended exposure through digital PDF Version

1/2 H_TopTables_2018.indd 1

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Contact 02 687 9000 for more details or email fbreservations@okurabangkok.com

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok

2018

Book before February 21, 2018 Call: 02-624-9696 #601, 615, 620 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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bites & blends

RESTAURANT

New Cut Convent Road’s Vesper has split in two. That means that the once sprawling bar and bistro is now more the size of a moody omakase counter— which makes chatting to barkeep Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana about his latest art-inspired creations (try the creamy, vanilla-rich White Trumpet Flower, B360) all the more easy. Next door is the vibrant Via Maris, where Sardinian-born head chef Francesco Deiana explores the heavily-spiced flavors of the Mediterranean. Try the crab bomboloni (B240), dough-like fried balls stuffed with crabmeat and lemony sumac spice, or the lighter “Mediterranean Mess” (B320), which uses house-made harissa to zest up cumin roasted carrots, fennel salad and tangy preserved lemon. The Moroccan-style tagine of couscous with eight-hour braised lamb shoulder is another must-order. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-236-5558 Open daily 5:3011pm, Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm

POP-UP

BAR

DRINK

Garden State

Puggin’ Out

Top of the Pops

This festive season, drink and be merry at pop-up craft beer bar Wishbeer Garden. Underneath a ceiling of fairy lights, enjoy a selection of 14 craft beers on tap at Thonburi mall, Vue Bangkok. Beer prices range from B160—for a 250ml glass of Belgian Limburgse Witt 5 percent—to B450 for a half-liter glass of Imperial Stout, Evil Twin Biscotti 11.5 percent. So far, the only option for drinking munchies is a food truck from Mexican restaurant El Mariachi Taqueria, but more are in the pipeline.

From Thu-Sat, there's also live music to add to the cozy atmosphere. The beer garden will stay here until Jan 31, before moving to a permanent spot inside the mall. Vue Bangkok, Charoen Nakorn Soi 13, 02-392-1403. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Smokin’ Pug's old shop-house on Surawong Road has been reborn as The 88, a bar specializing in classic American cocktails. Helming the operation—which remains much the same as in its Pug days only with the update of some moody back-lighting and industrial fixtures—is Eric Stephenson, whose creations are historically-accurate and sometimes obscure, like the Jungle Bird—a blend of Jamaican and Bermudan rum, Campari, fresh pineapple and lime (B400). Rest assured the alcohol quality here is also top-notch—behind the venture is Bootleggers, the boutique alcohol importer. Hungry? The bar food goes above and beyond. Try the Thai wagyu steak served with Thaistyle nam jim jaew (B500). 88 Surawong Rd., 087-663-1365

It was only time before Bangkok jumped on the craft soda bandwagon. The newly minted Bangkok Soda company comes from a team that includes Fred Meyer, the restaurateur behind foodie bastions Pizza Massilia and Issaya Siamese Club. His latest creation sees real Thai fruits including mango, passion fruit, mandarin and lime turned into sweet (courtesy of local cane sugar) fizzy drinks that are set to become a fixture of decent bars city-wide. You can currently find Bangkok Soda behind the bar at 1881 by Water Library and for delivery through Pasta.go. Prices range from B100140. Issaya Siamese Club and Namsaah Bottling Trust will have it in stock by the end of the month. www.bangkoksada.com

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BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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12/15/17 7:13 PM

It's not too late

FOOD REVIEWS

Loulou Forks & Glasses HHHH

French. 459/61 Suan plu Soi 8, 095-496-1142.

Open Tue-Sat 5pm-1am. Corkage B600 F BBB

Lower Sathorn’s Suan Plu Road has long been known as a street food and budget dining alcove, and it’s buzzing right now.

In 2017 alone, the slender street has welcomed no fewer than two new property developments and five new restaurants, the biggest opening by far being Loulou Forks & Glasses. Parked just off the main road close to a cluster of midto-high range condominiums, Loulou bets all its chips on a more refined French-Mediterranean cuisine and atmosphere that’s a dime-a-dozen in Thonglor, but seldom seen in these parts. The restaurant effortlessly supports an easygoing, after-work vibe thanks to its breezy front terrace and secluded back garden that beg for long evenings sipping through a globe-spanning wine list (from B170/glass). Inside the glasshouse-like main dining area is a pleasant mix of local artwork (much of it coming from noted Isaan artist Maitree Siriboon), clean wooden furniture and mellow pop-dance tunes that feels suitably uptown. Besides the uber-fancy

The Local Canteen HHHH

Thai. Narathiwas Soi 3, 02-636-6849. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5:30 - 9pm. BTS Chong Nonsi. Corkage B60/person. F B-BB

Here’s an upscale Thai canteen tucked among the many lunch options in Bangkok’s crowded Sathorn area. And it’s really the lunch you’d come for— the narrow, slope-roofed building is given the illusion of airiness and space by the translucent sky lights (daytime therefore a necessity). Still, we didn’t come here for the elbow room. The draw of this lunch place in its old incarnation was a bowl of noodles from 80-year-old Rangsit noodle specialist Pae Jua. Alas, the noodles are no more. Instead, you get lunch sets (B145-255) that are not a bad deal, each one including various side dishes of sizeable portions. We like the B155 set of the fresh fish steamed with lime, which comes with a boiled egg in tamarind sauce and a hefty bowl of rice. On our last visit, all was well until we arrived at the very spicy

(and, frankly, out of place) Japanese restaurant Kom-Ba-Wa further up the road, Loulou is the only place in Suan Plu touting ingredients like 150-day-aged angus beef (B2,500/kg) or Normandy oysters (B450/6). The restaurant also boasts a respectable slate of local produce, like cheese from Chiang Mai, Royal Project vegetables and a rotating selection of market fish. The freshness of these ingredients really shines in dishes like the creamy stracciatella salad (B440) with velvety burrata cheese, crisp fresh tomatoes and just the right tangy accent from a reduced balsamic vinaigrette— simple, but a knockout. Same with the tiger prawns in the linguini pasta (B540), fresh, juicy and just enough bounce to the bite. The dedication to simple, fresh ingredients is admirable, and very much in the spirit of Mediterranean food. We just wish there weren’t as many cooking foul-ups as on our last visit. The badly undercooked Australian striploin (B550, ordered medium rare), aged 100-120 days, was still melt-in-your mouth delicious, but squeamish customers would riot at the sight of all that raw meat. On the reverse end, the organic half-chicken (B780) from Chiang Mai was overcooked and very dry in parts, although some delicious and peppery cumin sauce patched that right up. Mistakes aside, Loulou has a lot of things going for it: an unbeatable setting for the area, quality produce and a wine cellar worthy of special occasions. That said, it’s a cut below the four-star status that’s evaded every Suan Plu venue so far.

stir-fried holy basil with mushrooms (B125), which yielded something unexpectedly chewy—ah, a rubber band. Generously, the staff replaced the dish. Sadly, the replacement mushrooms, perhaps compensating for the rubber, lacked any bite at all, having been cooked down to brown mush. Next to arrive was the massaman gai (B255), which was sweet and unrecognizable as massaman: where was the cumin, the cardamom, the tamarind juice? It was closer to the peanut dipping sauce that comes with moo satay. As for the accompanying spring rolls, they were droopy, soft things that weren’t improved by the jelly-like plum sauce. Order the gai tod klook foon (B135) instead, whose chicken comes in a deliciously crispy batter that’s mixed with toasted rice and spices (not unlike larb tod, actually). The coconut ice cream with mouthwatering shreds of salted egg (B95) also helped us to swallow the earlier mishap. The verdict, like the restaurant, is mixed. Some dishes are excellently well-prepared and some fall short of the neighboring competitors. Still, if you’re looking for a place that’s insulated from the usual lunchtime crush of nearby shop-houses, or even a restaurant with a pleasant interior for an extended lunch with coworkers, The Local Canteen is a good choice.

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.

Help find that perfect festive present using BK Magazine’s Avenue Gift Guide—packed with amazing shopping finds from all across Bangkok.

Access your FREE copy at bkmagazine.com/giftguide2017

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Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking B500 E Dress requirements G Live music

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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12/18/17 6:18 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

Prelude

Experimental, Thai-influenced tasting menus on Thonglor.

The buzz: A young team of Singaporean and Taiwanese graduates from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has rooted down in Thonglor’s Arena 10 to open up a creative, Thai-inspired fine-dining restaurant that puts the focus on local produce and minimal waste.

The decor: Exit the elevator on the second floor and straight into design studio Mooof’s (Oishi Grand, King Kong Yakiniku) predominance of dark green and sophisticated wood accents. A huge, semi-open kitchen stands straight ahead, while the rest of the room gets split between the dining area and a retro tropical bar named Pink Flamingo. This you access via a walkway of bright pink flamingo leg-shaped lights. The bar itself is fun and laidback, and sits under a thick, warm pink curtain.

The food: On top of his CIA studies, Singaporean chef partner

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Cong Wen has also spent time in the kitchens of Bo.lan, Le Du and Nahm. These local influences can be tasted in his amuse bouches of a puff filled with guava, broken rice cracker and even grilled papaya with rosemary. His dinner menu comes in three options: B750 for two courses; B850 for three courses; and B1,200 for the six-course tasting menu. For your entree, we’d steer you straight in the direction of either “Corn”—a dish that makes most of this mellow-yellow treat as a soup, charred as a baby husk and matured into starch to make a milk-and-egg-free dumpling—or “Tartare,” which offers a catch of the day (tilapia last time we visited) cubed and served with kapi mayo and yogurt with dill oil. As for mains, Wenhas makes an excellent brisket using Thai-French beef paired with roselle sauce and charred potato terrine. Make sure you save room for “Tomato,” a dessert that features sweet ripe tomato

from the Japanese-run Yu Chan Farm in Chiang Mai with fresh fig, creamy pandan, ginger cream and salty granola on top.

The drinks: The focus is on local flavors and ingredients. Flamingo Sling (B350) is a gin-based concoction with pineapple and pumpkin molasses, while the bar team will also surprise you with Mystery Box (B450)—a glass created to your taste specifications. The wine list starts at B350 by the glass for the Austrian Weingut Velich Muskat Ottonel Trocken or Italy’s Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra IGT. Why we’d come back: Friendly staff and passionate owners back up a zero-waste, locally-focused philosophy. The creative touches don’t get in the way of a good meal, and the prices are almost reasonable for Thonglor. Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon 2/F, Arena 10, Soi Thonglor 10, 061-385-1067. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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12/18/17 6:17 PM

Cockney x Kuma Mura

Hanoi House

Mozza by Cocotte

NEW AND NOTED

Northern Exposure Joining Thainiyom and La Monita’s shop-house row is Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi House (Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 095-963-5745), from the same owner as Madam Somtam, another Mahatun Plaza institution. Owner Siriyakorn "Nicky" Thongton takes inspiration from travels around Hanoi and Hoi An, where she picked up the cooking techniques to give her confidence to start her own Vietnamese restaurant. The single-page menu includes staples like the eight-hour-stewed beef pho (B150), which arrives in a traditional Vietnamese ceramic bowl. The nem nueng (pork neck dumplings, B220) comes with a rice-paper wrap and a homemade sauce of coconut sugar and lime juice. Less conventional but simply delicious are the grilled snails with minced pork, lemongrass and garlic (B150).

Battle of the Burbs The latest sport-bar-style restaurant and bar in suburban Ladprao, Cockney x Kuma Mura (Ladprao Soi 71, 086-622-

7928) sits in a rusty house where it serves up fusion bar grub and eye-popping cocktails. They got a hand from Kuma Mura (Bangsue’s izakaya-fusion restaurant) to create dishes to match the live and re-run sports that play every night. Try the dory fish and chips (B320) or the slightly torched salmon spicy roll (B230) and sesame salmon salad (B230) for sharing.

Flush it down with Nautilus (B380), a mixture of random sousvide infused spirits and juice or tea that comes in a big shell.

Italian Job Mozza by Cocotte (G/F, Emquartier, 097-004-0072) serves the Italian comfort food of chef Samuele Alvisi, who cribbed the recipe for the Mangia Fuoco pizza (burrata, nduja and ventricina sausage, chili, and garlic, B680) from his grandmother. Chef Samuele used to be at London’s Michelin-starred Stefano Cavallini. At his mid-century furnished, pattern tilestrewn new home, he also presides over a cocktail menu and reasonably big wine list. Get the Prosecco Cuvee Stella Pilars to go with your brunch at B280/glass. Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon

TABLE TALK

Up & Above Restaurant and Bar 24/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. Open daily 7am-1am. BTS Phloen Chit Sitting atop Bangkok’s most high-end Japanese hotel, Up & Above will charm seasoned Japanese booze enthusiasts with its hefty selection of premium bottles, such as Suntory Kakubin, Suntory Yamazaki and Taketsuru Pure Malt. The glistening cityscape backdrop that surrounds the venue each night is nearly worth the price of admission alone, but its tasty a la carte bites and seasonal cocktail menu are what encourage return visits.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members.

Get 15% discount on food only for Citi ULTIMA and Citi Prestige (limit 8 persons /card /table /sales slip, excluding afternoon tea set and Sunday brunch, invalid for group booking and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions) Today – 31 Oct ‘18

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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12/18/17 6:17 PM

now SAT Dancing Queens The renowned party thrower is back with Trasher Hero: You Can’t Save The Dancefloor Alone on Dec 23. Here’s the chance to channel your inner diva, or better yet, to wear it on the outside through a superhero costume. Expect others to be thusly attired as they dance to a playlist right out of NOW 1992.

See page 23.

THU Getting Older Sanam Pao’s Older has been around for two years and there’s a party to prove it. You know who else is getting older? Joeyboy and his Gancore Club, who will be performing, among others, at the 2 Years Anniversary Sorry Party on Dec 28. Tables for 4 start at B5,000. See page 23.

SAT Country Roots The Thai Dance Music Festival returns this year with headliners The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band setting the tone. Also at the Dec 23, Fortune Town concert are Rasmee, famous for her pioneering Isaan soul sound, ska band T-Bone and reggae group Srirajah Rockers. See page 24.

SUN Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds Downtown dwellers may already have witnessed the psychedelic light show that morphs nightly the side of Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard. We’ve seen a school of tuk tuks, jelly fish-like jasmine garlands and even Hanuman’s head. The display’s the work of Limelight, a group of Hungarian artists, and runs through Dec 31. See page 24.

SAT Downtown Pride Bangkok Gay Festival 2017 is making history with what they’re calling the “world’s first gay sports day.” If you’ve been hankering to prove yourself to the peanut gallery, here’s your chance.

The rest of us will be cheering from the bleachers and waiting for the pride parade right inside National Stadium.

Tickets for the Dec 23 event are B900.

See page 24.

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BK Magazine Friday,December 22, 2017

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12/18/17 6:05 PM

now NIGHTLIFE

Tatexpression

The Lowdowns

BEER BELLY XMAS

Talk to Santa over a pint of Hoegaarden. Tickets TBA. Dec 22-23, 6pm. Beer Belly, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7770.

GET_A ROOM: UNDER A BLANKET

DOTT and Jaydubb spin techno beats.

Dec 22, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Free.

ISAN DANCEHALL .

The night of Northeastern Thai music returns with DJs Red-i and Maft Sai. Dec 22, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B150.

WE PLAY

International DJs Sabura, Cortex and Banjo team up to fill the night with techno-house sounds. Dec 22, 10pm.

Club 15, 43 Sukhumvit 15, 083-0940650. Free.

BERLIN HEIGHTS - PAULI POCKET [KATERBLAU] + FOOLIK [SISYPHOS]

A dusk-till-dawn party with a lineup of German DJs performing electronic sounds. Tickets TBA. Dec 22, 10pm.

Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02-274-5855.

MOON'S PALE

An evening with a string ensemble and their relaxing melodies. Dec 22, 7pm. Ticket TBA. Siwilai City Club, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Rloenchit Rd., 02-160-5631.

MELA AT DE COMMUNE

The techno collective featuring DJs Kova O’ Sarin and Krit Morton take over the decks at the all-new live music venue. Dec 22, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365.

B200.

BASSCLEF : THE INVASION

A DJ plays his Drum ‘n’ Bass sounds for a night. Dec 22, 9:30pm. Violett, 141, The Third Place Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858. Free.

MMMH FEAT. AGATA

Dance the previous year away with these house and techno sounds. Dec 22, 9pm. 12 x 12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713. B200.

TROPIC CITY X VASCO

Mark your calendar for a night with Christian Hartmann of Vasco mixing epic rum drinks. Tickets TBA. Dec 23,

8pm. Tropic City, 672/65 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825.

HERE WE DANCE W. HEXER

Dance to absorbing, strong techno sounds and join in on a secret after party. Dec 23, 8pm. Sorry I’m Gay, Ratchada Train Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173. Free.

SUNJU B2B KOISH

The two DJs go head to head with techno music. Dec 23, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. B350 includes 1 drink.

GIANT SWING - CHRISTMAS EDITION

Sunju Hargun

Ahivar

THE EVIL QUEEN & 7 SNOW WHITES : CHRISTMAS SHOW & PARTY

Drag queens reinvent the classic princess tale. Dec 25, 9pm. Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144.

Free.

DJ BEN

A DJ spins his setlist of jazz music. Dec 26, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

TOOMTURN MOLAM GROUP

A night of traditional Isaan sounds.

Dec 27, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

Dott

only B100. Tables are reservation-only at bit.ly/2AFL6dy. Dec 29, 9pm-2am.

The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. Free.

CANIS MINOR V02 FT B SAKKARN X MON P X SOI DOGS

A night of underground electronic beats. Tickets TBA. Dec 29, 9:30pm.

Violett, 141, The Third Place Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858.

NAANG TANI & DX-600 (NYC)

The two DJs take over the deck for a night. Dec 30, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

The Japanese DJ collective teams up with Sinkichis and Traps to spin funk and free jazz. Tickets TBA. Dec 23, 9pm. 12 x 12, 810/22 Soi Tararom 2, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor).

HYPNOTIC - DJ PAMMY13 X UNIX

PRE NYE AT DE COMMUNE

DJs join hands to blow your mind with their arresting deep house sounds.

Dec 28, 8pm. Sorry I’m Gay, Ratchada Train Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173. Free.

LEE CABRERA

OLDER 2 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SORRY PARTY

A showcase of underground, emorock and experimental spinning DJs like Jaa Hariguim, Tad Basement Tape and Rebelsun. Dec 30, 10pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-7174365. B200.

The American beatmaker returns with a new playlist. Dec 23, 10pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087804-9542. B300-400 includes 1 drink.

SABURA AT MUSTACHE CHRISTMAS EDITION

Celebrate Christmas with techno beats. Tickets TBA. Dec 23, 11pm.

Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 02-274-5855.

TRASHER: CHRISTMAS HERO : BATTLE OF THE BITCHES

The renowned party thrower hosts a night filled with dance music from pop divas under a superheroes dress code.

Tickets available at www.fb.com/ trasherbangkok. Dec 23, 7pm. GMM Live House, 8/F, Central World, Rajdamri Rd., 02-640-7000. B500.

PHATFUNK DRUM & BASS

DJs Dragon, Azek, Instinct and DeLorean are joined by visuals from GorbVisuals for a night of drum n’ bass. Dec 23, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B150.

THE LAST SUPPER : 80/20BKK X NATURALISTA

Celebrate the festive season with food from the 80/20 crew and a selection of organic wine from Naturalista. Tickets available at bit.ly/2kpjNt4. Dec 24, 6pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. B4,700.

A classy way to relax and talk to friends while enjoying live music.

Dec 28, 6pm. Older, Pahonyothin Rd., 086-383-3600. BTS Sanam Pao. Tickets start at B5,000/ 4 people - includes 1 bottle of Jameson 70cl.

GLOBAL VIBES THURSDAY WITH DJ AFRICAN STAR TREKKER

A DJ takes over the deck spinning a set of afro jazz. Dec 28, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. Free.

NEW YEAR'S EVE MINI FAKE CONCERT

A covers concert featuring songs from divas like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Adele. Dec 29, 8pm. Shakariki 432”, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Free.

WOLF PACK

DJ Duo takes over the deck with an electronic setlist. Dec 29, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. B800 includes 1 drink.

THE FLYING GROOVE CREW

DJs Ska, RabbitDisco, Tatexpression, Deejai, Parkin and Wutti spin funk, disco and boogie all night long. Dec 29, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

SOUND SYSTEM CULTURE

Say goodbye to the last Friday of 2017 in this arts space with an excellent DJ lineup and large bottles of beer for

NYE AT DE COMMUNE

A night of funk and disco matched with techno-house sounds featuring the familiar DJ lineup of Toru, TateXpression, ahivar, Kova O’ Sarin, Munta Morton and Jirus. Dec 31, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-7174365. B300.

SPACE TIME: THE JUNGLE NYE AT WHITELINE

Celebrate New Year’s with live DJs and bands like Nayla, Gramaphone Children, Mighty NP, Slum Disco Soundsystem, The Lowdowns, Zoe Winter, African Star Trekker and Cater. Tickets TBA. Dec 31, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B600

Sabura

2018 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

A night of live jazz performance from Yazz and Jakob Dinesen and Sunny Trio and Friends. Dec 31, 9pm. Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144.

B800-3,000 includes drinks.

CHEERS TO 2018!

Celebrate the new year with a live DJ set from Jam on Toast and live jazz from The Trio. Dec 31, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089152-2677. Free.

FROZEN BEATS - NEW YEAR PARTY

Celebrate 2018 with a rooftop party and drinks. Dec 31, 9pm-2am.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8000.

B1,200 includes 1 drink.

GOLD & GLAM NEW YEAR'S EVE AT VOGUE LOUNGE BANGKOK

New Year ’s Eve’s classiest party at the city’s ritziest building. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. B1,200 includes 1 drink.

Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. BTS Chong Nonsi.

REMIX YOUR YEAR COUNTDOWN PARTY

Welcome 2018 with a hip-hop lineup lead by Khan Thaitanium. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. W Bangkok, 206 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. B3,000 includes beers and burgers.

INSANITY - NEW YEAR!

A place to countdown with vibrant laser lighting and provocative sounds.

Tickets TBA. Dec 31,11:30pm. Insanity Nightclub, 32/2 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. BTS Nana.

COUNTDOWN NYE 2018

NYE POOL PARTY

Welcome 2018 with a variety of booze and electronic beats. Dec 31, 12pm.

72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02 -392-7999. Free.

Countdown at a splashing pool party with alcohol and DJs. Dec 31, 9pm.

Aloft Bangkok, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-207-7000. B499 includes 1 drink.

PARTY ROCK NEW YEARS CELEBRATION

ASIATIQUE THAILAND COUNTDOWN 2018

Celebrate the last night of 2017 with DJs and alcohol. Dec 31, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087804-9542. Free.

LA HORA LOCA! THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!

Counting down to the new year with our 90s favorite singers and other vibrant performances. Tickets TBA. Dec 31, 6pm-12am. Asiatique The Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd.

A party featuring with live DJs, Latin dance and cocktails. Dec 31, 8pm. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061450-3750. B1,000 includes 2 drinks.

BK Magazine Friday, December 22, 2017

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12/18/17 6:06 PM

now MUSIC

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Ugoslabier - “Minute of Minutes”

Roy Jet

The Young Wolf

Gigs NACARBIDE LIVE AT NONG TAPRACHAN

An evening of Japanese metal. Dec 14, 7pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd. Free.

ROY JET RETURNS!

The alternative rock band plays with Plague Pits and Overstay. Dec 22, 9pm. Fatty’s Bar & Diner, 598/66 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., 02-245-2965.

Free.

STAMP LIVE AT GOLDY

A night of chill, pop sounds. Dec 22, 8pm. Goldy, Thonglor Soi 10, 085253-2000. Free.

BACK TO THE BASICS

A showcase of local heavy metal bands including Lost Ferrari, The Young Wolf, Cana and Defying the Decay. Dec 23, 6pm. Immortal Bar, Dindaeng Rd., 062-829-7854. B200 includes 1 beer.

DEATH VISIONS - NOISE & SHIBARI

A night of noise music from Gamnad747 and Unnamedminor. Tickets available at bit.ly/2k0dQT9. Dec 23, 9pm. Maison Close, 397/399 Charoenkrung Soi 45. B350-450.

LIVE JAZZ BAND

Trio The Band hosts a night of popjazz and Brazilian sounds. Dec 23, 9pm. Le Café des Stagiaires, 142/21 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-235-8988. Free.

NU METAL ALL STARS

Local nu metal bands perform the covers of Korn, Linkin Park and more.

Dec 23, 7pm. The Rock Pub, 93/2628 Hollywood Street, Phayathai Rd., 099-191-5666. B250-300 includes 1 drink.

ZERO HERO LIVE AT NONG TAPRACHAN

A night of alternative rock from the band known for their unique Suphan accent. Dec 23, 7pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd. Free.

PUNK NIGHT

A punk night out with The Greed, Sandan, The Story of Stoners, Anti Pants, Hardcarry, Flipped, Turning Tide and Ass Ink. Dec 24, 7pm. De Commune, 1/F Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365.

B150.

STICKY FINGERS LIVE AT SOULBAR

The band rocks the night with a setlist borrowed from the Rolling Stones.

Dec 27, 9pm. SoulBar, 945 Charoenkrung Rd., 095-593-9661. Free.

Anti Pants

Bangkok’s heavy-rock scene has enjoyed a purple patch in recent years, and this five-piece have been an ever-present force. Drawn from their Brew Heart album, Ugoslabier’s latest single, “Minute of Minutes,” is a slab of American-influenced post-hardcore that’ll appease fans of Glassjaw or Everytime I Die. Over caterwauling guitars, frontman Paul Solis first wails and then growls about relationship woes. The result is an intense yet melodic style of hardcore you can sing along to—even if the lyrics devolve into teen diary strangeness (“Don't beg for God as he is not around, you're neither a slave worth waiting before it's found,” he screams convincingly enough). Hear more at www.fb.com/ugoslabier.

Concerts RCA 90’S REUNION 2

A throwback party featuring the music of '90s favorites. Tickets available on bit.ly/2ymCT7Y. Dec 23, 5pm. Impact, Muang Thong Thani, Popular 1 Rd. B1,500.

ART

KWANG AB AT GATEWAY

See the gorgeous singer up close with this public concert. Tickets TBA. Dec 23, 7pm-10pm. Gateway Ekamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888.

BTS Ekkamai.

B2F BIG BAND CONCERT

Whip out your vintage outfits for this diverse performance by Big Boy Band, accompanied by B2F. Dec 28, 8pm.

Maggie Choo’s, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. Free.

Classical SILPAKORN PERCUSSION CONCERT

An evening with percussionists from Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Music.

Tickets TBA. Dec 27, 7pm-8:30pm.

Yamaha Music Thailand, 891/1 Rama1 Rd., 02 215 2626.

Beautiful Bangkok

BEAUTIFUL BANGKOK

Limelight, a group of Hungarian artists whose complex 3D projection mapping artworks have lit up iconic buildings from Portugal to the UAE, have announced their latest project in Bangkok. The artists took top place at iMapp 2016, considered the biggest international video mapping competition in the world, and will here take over Ratchaprasong’s 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard build-

ing with their work titled “Beautiful Bangkok.”

Through Dec 31. Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard, Ratchadamri Rd. Free.

SPLASHED

Kawita Vatanajyankur's video performances reflect the ugly truth of female labor in modern consumerism.

Through Dec 24, 6pm. Nova Contemporary, G/F, Baan Somthavil, Ratchadamri Rd. Free.

FESTIVALS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC ON THE RIVER

Sunset vistas along with music performances by jazz and acoustic musicians and other local bands. Tickets TBA. Dec 22 - 29, 5pm-1am. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022.

Srirajah Rockers

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B A N G K O K G AY F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 7 Organized by Bangkokgay hosts an event to celebrate the gay pride featuring the highlights like a parade of muay Thai fighters led by Parinya "Nong Toom" Charoenphol, the first ever transgender muay Thai fighter, and a full molam band providing live music. On top of a packed roster of sporting events is the pride parade, which will take place inside the National Stadium at the end of the day. Tickets are on sale now at bit.

ly/2A0RJn5, with special promotions until the end of the month. All seating areas are B500 (originally B900 and B1,500). The profits from the festival will be donated to Wat Phrabat Nam Plu, the temple/foundation that treats people with AIDS. For more information about the event, contact 089-1493175. Dec 23, 4pm, National Stadium, 154 Rama 1 Rd. THAI DANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL

A music festival with a distinctly Isaan vibe headlined by The Paradise Bangkok Molam International, Srirajah Rockers and Rasmee Isan Soul. Tickets available at B700 via bit.ly/2AB5AAZ. Dec 23. Fortune Town, 1,3,5,7 Ratchadaphisek Rd. B700.

CRAFT SPACE BEER WEEK 2017: DRINK CRAFT, PLAY HARD, HAVE FUN

The first ever full-week event for craft beer lovers. Hang out on the rooftop or attend discussions and workshops by local brewers. Dec 25 - Jan 1, 5pm12am. Move Amaze, Ladprao Soi 19.

Free.

WHITE PARTY

The massive white-themed party, which claims to be Asia's biggest gay New Year festival, returns to celebrate the end of the 2017 with electronic dance music. Tickets available at bit. ly/2AiPzBp. Dec 28-31, 7pm. Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd. B7,0009,000.

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MARKETS BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET

Shop for organic products and handicrafts alongside live music and other activities. Dec 23-24, 11am. Gateway Ekamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888. BTS Ekkamai.

Bangkok Farmers' Market

OLDMAN CAMP CRAFT MARKET AT CHANGCHUI

The cafe hosts an event for handicraft fans to pick up gifts and home goods. Dec 22, 5pm-1am.

Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd. ARTBOX

Artbox

SPORTS

The pop-up market returns with trendy clothes, handicrafts and food from local designers and shops. Dec 21-24, 4pm. Suanlu-

ang Square, Chulalongkorn 12, 02-214-5235.

MERCHANDISE DAYYYYY YEAH! YEAH! 2

The people behind Noise Market present two days of arts and crafts from local indie artists and designers, along with live music. Dec 29-30, 11am. BACC, 939 Rama 1 Rd. CHANG CHUI FEST-TAKE OFF

To celebrate this festive month, the creative hub fills its 11 rai with live music, art, craft and food with free admission.

Through Jan 2, 11am. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd.

STUFF

Blind Book Date x The Book Fairies

HUMAN FLOW (GERMANY)

REALMS (THAI)

Documentary. Artist Ai Weiwei examines the global refugee crisis, which has seen over 65 million people forced from their homes.

Horror. Two robbers, two hostages and a driver whose fate brought them to an abandoned penthouse try to escape from paranormal attacks.

LOVING VINCENT (UK)

FERDINAND (USA)

Biography/Animation. Depicted in oil painted animation, this story explores the final days of Impressionist master Vincent Van Gogh.

Animation. A gentle but giant bull must evade his captors in order to return home PITCH PERFECT 3 (USA)

Comedy/Music . After winning the world championships and going their separate ways, the Bellas reunite for one final singing competition.

Upcoming (Dec 28)

CHITBEER FUN RUN 2017

A 5km run celebrating the 5-year anniversary of Chitbeer bar. Grab tickets at bit. ly/2zbV3NA. Dec 23, 10am-12pm. Koh Kret, Nonthaburi. B300.

RUN FOR HELP

A 2.5/5km run to raise money for local social-good programs. Tickets available at bit. ly/2ApxY8k. Dec 24, 5:30am-10am. King Rama 9 Park. B399-B599.

The international book club is partnering with Some Time Blue and Sofia’s Room to organize an afternoon story exchange for book lovers.

Dec 24, 1pm. Sofia’s Room, 55/5 Phahonyothin Soi 2, 087-907-0099. Free.

UPCOMING

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (USA)

JUMANJI (USA)

Musical/Biography. The story of P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman), who expanded the public’s imagination by establishing his own circus.

Adventure/Action. A remake of the classic adventure film featuring a family trying to end a game that’s upended normal life. In the update, Jumanji is a video game.

A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (USA)

ALONG WITH THE GODS: THE TWO WORLDS (KOREA)

American alt-rockers Incubus are coming back to Bangkok

Comedy/Drama. In this sequel, the original moms (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) team up against their own mothers to take back control of their Christmas party.

Bangkok-based events promoter Miracle Management today announced the return of American alt-rock band Incubus. The five-piece will perform songs from their eighth studio album, 8, at BCC Hall Central Plaza on Feb 15, 2018. Tickets are B1,500-2,200 from Thaiticketmajor. Formed in 1991, the band's last Bangkok appearance was 2015. It's fanbase, however, was established in the mid '90s, with their first EP featuring the tracks ''New Skin'' and ''Azwethinkweiz''

and the debut studio album that included the hit ''Take Me To Your Leader.'' With the songs ''Drive'' and ''Pardon Me'' of their third album Make Yourself, the band reached mainstream success. Their current world tour includes tracks like ''Nimble Bastard'' from their latest album.

Action/Fantasy. A dead firefighter has to accomplish seven tasks to win reincarnation for the guardians of the afterlife.

FIREWORKS (JAPAN)

MEMORIES OF NEW YEAR’S (THAI)

Animation. With the full name of “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, this story charts the intertwined destinies of three teenagers.

Romance/Drama. A film following three love stories that take place over New Year’s.

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