BK Magazine 739 May25, 2018

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it's free!

Going underground

BK MAGAZINE NO. 739 FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

A guide to Bangkok's most under-the-radar neighborhoods

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Off the Beaten Track

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

9 escapes

Hole Picture

Travel News 12 avenue

15 blends

K-Beauty

Photo Finish

That Michelin is stressing street food in Phuket Phuket’s set to appear in the second edition of Michelin’s Thailand guide, due in November, and all the promo talk is pointing to a big focus on the Old Town’s street-food stalls and shop-house restaurants. At last week’s announcement, Michelin country director Segsarn Trai-Ukos added the guide’s inspectors will cover the breadth of food cultures found on the island, singling out Hokkien, Malaysian, Italian, French and Russian cuisines.

18 bites

19 BK Now

Tried and Tested

Main Events

Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Kankanok Wichiantanon Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama 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

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Kathy MacLeod

Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Senior Developers Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Assistant Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat 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 Associates 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

That it’s already too late to get Honne tickets Returning after last year’s sold-out show, the UK electro-soul duo with a rabid Thai fanbase have done it again. Barely an hour after tickets for their Jul 27 concert at GMM Live House went on sale, the organizers behind the new Mangosteen Music Festival announced the inevitable—no more tickets— much to the online disgruntlement of some jilted fans.

Interns Caria Chanyanuch, Megan Leon, Sirada Nimcharoenchaikul, Valaiporn Chalermlapvoraboon, Vick Chalermlapraboon Cover photo by Poonsawat Suttama

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 one of Belgium’s finest chefs is heading our way The guest chefs keep coming (flip to page 14 for a couple more). Hot off the press is news that Sang Hoon Degeimbre, the Korean-born sommelier-turned-chef behind the two-Michelin-starred L’Air du Temps in Brussels, will bring his intriguing marriage of Belgian and Korean cuisines to The Reflexions (The Athenee hotel) on Jun 2-4. Lunch and dinner sets are both on offer, with prices starting at B2,288 per person.

Send an email to fb.theathenee@luxurycollection.com.

That Museum Siam’s latest exhibition blurs the line between genders Through colorful and highly interactive installations, “Gender Illumination” highlights the country’s diverse LGBT community and questions Thai society’s definitions of male and female.

Among the highlights are the personal belongings of more than 100 LGBT community members, from letters to contraceptive pills, which tell the stories of years of discrimination, prejudice and inequality. The exhibition runs until Sep 30 and features both Thai and English languages.

That the Thai-Cambodia railway could be months away Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith this week told the Bangkok Post that the much-delayed railway linking the two countries could be operational within June or July. While the eventual goal is to connect the two capitals of Bangkok and Phnom Penh, the initial phase will see one of Thailand’s older diesel-powered trains make the trip from Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province in Thailand to Poipet in western Cambodia. Two daily passenger services currently run between Bangkok and Aranyaprathet.

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, May 25, 2018

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upfront HOT OR NOT Credit: George

Hot: P’win Motorsai Not: GrabBike How did motorbike taxis respond to new competition from GrabBike? Did they a) Promise to learn from Grab’s customer service standards, charging flat-rates by distance and providing passengers with secure, well-tested safety helmets?

Or b) Burn effigies of Grab’s CEO outside the company’s headquarters? First correct answer wins a white-plate Honda Dream.

Credit: Igor Prahin

www.toyota.co.th

Hot: Renting your car

Not: Renting your condo

First Uber, then Grab, now AirBnB. The holiday room rental app has been deemed illegal in Thailand after a court in Hua Hin slapped fines of between B13,000-15,0000 on short-term hosts. Meanwhile, there’s a new app called Drivemate that lets you rent your Toyota Vios to tourists at B1,000 a day—for now, at least.

Hot: Hot pot

Not: Dim sum

Sometimes, it takes America to tell us which Asian foods are cool. It happened with dim sum. It happened with ramen. And now, it’s happening with hot pot. New restaurant Mrs. Wu (see page 16) springboards off the current San Francisco obsession for DIY tabletop soup and sells it back to us in an environment that’s more Yaowarat cocktail joint than sad mall unit. But don’t worry Mo-mo Paradise, we still love you.

Hot: Photo booths

Not: Locker rooms

You’ve found the locker room. You’ve rung the secret telephone number.

You’ve dodged rats down an Old Rattanakosin back-alley. Now, there’s a new secret bar for you to unmask, and this one hides behind a photo booth.

And the best part is that the booth actually works—perfect for some tipsy, pre- selfie selfies. See page 15.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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INTERVIEW For anyone who dreams of sacking in the day job to become an artist overseas, Kantapon “Gong” Metheekul, 28, did exactly that. Once your typical ad-agency creative, he moved to New York to pursue a fine-art career, where he earned a reputation for his “sticker bombs”—stick-figure creations climbing out of dark holes that he would stick up all around the city. Currently back in Bangkok, his work is the subject of two exhibitions—one on Siam Discovery’s third floor and the other at Warehouse 30—where you can catch his minimal, street art-inspired drawings.

Can you tell us about your exhibitions in Bangkok?

I wanted to work on my own art projects so I decided to quit my job and move to New York. Life in New York was quite tough and my English wasn’t that good. I felt like I was stuck inside myself, so I started drawing a black hole, which represents freedom—a freedom hole that could take me anywhere. I also felt like a lot of people in New York were in a similar situation. People come to that city to fight for their dreams and future, but they face loneliness and homesickness. I created an Instagram account for it and my friend told me maybe I should do sticker bombs, too. People started to recognize my art and tag me on social media.

How did you get started as a street artist?

It took me about a year to get recognized with my Instagram. I

didn’t draw on any walls, only on paper because you need a license to draw on walls in New York .

Once I gained a name for myself, I was allowed to draw on the walls.

I did work in 6-7 places in New York including a seven-meter-long container, and a few pieces in San Francisco and New Jersey as well.

What is the difference between Bangkok’s art scene and New York’s?

In New York , everybody really appreciates art so much. They are very aware of the whole art scene—I noticed that when I started using sticker bombs. You don’t have to be famous to get recognized there. The scene in Bangkok is definitely improving though.

What has living in New York taught you?

To be patient. I have to be very independent, plan more and exercise more discipline. I didn’t have that many friends when I first

moved to the city, so I learned to socialize more. The living cost is also very expensive there, like 3-4 times more than Bangkok.

What’s next?

I will keep working on more artworks. This [black hole] project is an ongoing thing. When I go back to New York I will be doing more painting.

Advice for any Thai artists who are trying to make it out there?

Just be patient. Honestly, I don’t even think I’m that out there yet.

Maybe I just have more time to spend on my art. If you spend a lot of time working on something, I’m sure there will be progress. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Instagram: @gongkan_ Exhibitions: Siam Discovery, 3/F, until May 30 Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30, until Jun 15

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

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Hidden 'Hoods

These secret sois prove the best things are sometimes hiding in plain sight. By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

Sobakiri Gonoji

Soi Thararom 2 Where: Thonglor Between Thonglor sois 18 and 20 is a street whose peaceful vibe and picturesque, leafy appearance is atypical of this bustling neighborhood. While Thonglor is full of swanky clubs and bars, walking into this semi-residential soi is a breath of fresh air. Besides the rows of dream townhouses, Thararom Soi 2 boasts cool bars and authentic Japanese eateries.

Restaurants & Bars

Pass by glitzy wine bar Bottoms Up (888 Soi Thararom 2, 02-381-8020) and its row of supercars, and head straight for Shades of Retro (808/12 Soi Thararom 2, 02-714-9450), which after 17 years remains

Seven

Phaholyothin Soi 18/1 Where: Chatuchak/Mo Chit Just behind BTS Mo Chit parking lot is a long, leafy strip of road traditionally known as Soi Ruam Siri Mit, but which most locals call “Soi Channel 7,” in reference to the broadcasting studio which dominates one side of the road.

Aside from one main condo (U-Delight Chatuchak), this hidden soi has a very Thai-Thai vibe, lined by mostly old flats, shop-houses and food stalls. Walking around here feels probably a lot like Ari did back in the day.

Mezzanine

back kopitam round tables and chairs to the bare concrete walls and wooden ceilings. As the name suggests, the first floor is a restaurant which mainly serves Thai home-cooked dishes like pork omelets, pad kaprao and chicken tom yum soup (B70-75). The second floor is the Mezzanine, a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night, serving old fashioneds (B280) and negronis (B180).

Cafes

Quench your thirst with a smoothie at the health-conscious Seven (Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1 Yaek 2, 081-9018622)—try the pink Asian Remedy (B95), a combination of dragon fruit and coconut water. Their menu also boasts energy-boosting dishes like cheesy toast (B100) topped with sunflower sprouts. Towards the end of the soi, you’ll find the petite Three Little Birds Coffee (Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1 Yaek 26), serving the usual selection of coffee in a friendly setting similar to a friend’s living room.

Restaurants & Bars

New to the soi is First Floor Dining Room (1032/67 Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1, 081-206-7007), which we’re sure will soon be a popular staple in the neighborhood. Most striking about this place is its rustic appeal, from the throw-

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What Else?

A few minutes’ walk down the soi, next to Seven cafe, is Good Space (Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1 Yaek 2, 095-804-4610), a co-working space that shuns the tech startup aesthetic in favor of a more makeshift indie vibe, all bathed in natural light and looking out onto plenty of greenery. On top of the usual meeting rooms and hot desks (a day pass starts at B250 including a drink), there’s a vinyl record corner and a gallery space. One of the favorite local pastimes is attending the muay Thai fights that take place at Channel 7 Boxing Stadium every Sunday. For the best seats, head there from midday ahead of the 2:15 start time. Entry is free.

The Orange's Tea

Sukumvit Soi 69 Where: Phra Khanong Move over Phrom Phong, this strip’s the new contender for the title of “Little Japan.” Just a couple minutes’ dash from BTS Phra Khanong, Sukhumvit Soi 69 and the adjoining Pridi Banomyong Soi 3 may not look like much—crumbling townhouses and tangled electricity cables—but offer up a wealth of quirky eating, drinking and shopping finds with a distinctly Japanese flavor.

Restaurants & Bars

Jaded foodies looking for a quick fix of adventure should visit Okinawa Kinjo (24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-7110536), a modest shop-house izakaya dedicated to Okinawan cuisine. Beyond the recognizable gyoza and takowasabi, expect dishes brimming with textures of tofu, fermented fish and spam (yes, spam) to wash down with copious Asahi. Next door’s charming Koryoriya-te (24 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 092-472-0701) is a woodheavy Japanese bar that’s all about sake and shochu.

For broader international flavors, there’s always W District (Sukhumvit Rd., 02-381-2277), the vast open-air hub of food and drink tucked off the soi—in particular, we vouch for the Vietnamese sandwiches at Banh Mi Crispy (081-172-4918).

one of Thonglor’s most iconic bars. Surround yourself with old-school surfboards, Vespas and other bric-abrac and sip on an ice-cold beer while listening to the funkiest sounds this side of Studio Lam. During the day, coffees start at B60 for an espresso. Further down the soi are two relatively new Japanese restaurants—the Instagram-worthy Hyotan Kappo (812 Soi Thararom 2, 061-516-1777), which does oden (Japanese stew) and sashimi, and Sobakiri Gonoji (810/2 Soi Thararom 2, 02-130-6212), which specializes in home-kneaded soba noodles. Last but not least is 12 x 12 (810/22 Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713), which is basically every hipster’s wet dream. Duck inside the low door frame and you’ll be greeted by a soundtrack of world music and a homely setting of couches and other mix-and-match furnishings.

whole leaf teas—try the signature Hipster Moroccan Nitro (B130), a cold brew made from black tea and mint leaves that’s charged with nitrogen. For something more traditional, go for their honey blend Oolong tea, You Oolong With Me (B110), to pair with their homemade carrot cake (B60).

What Else?

For a dose of street art, visit Goja (5/2 Pridi Banomyong Soi 3, 085-848-7576), an old shop house-turned-gallery and bar boasting a clean and very cool Japanese feel. Its two plain white walls are lined with art pieces, with DJs providing a bumping hiphop soundtrack. For exhibition openings, the party often spreads out onto the street. As for shopping, the very small, very hidden Track Addict Records (MT&T Building, Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-0549669) is packed with an impressive collection of wax from B300, whether rare old finds (Pink Floyd’s The Wall, anyone?) or up-to-minute movie soundtracks. Thrifty Japanophiles should also check out Masaru Japan Store (26/1-2 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 063-969-7999) and Tokyo Joe (24/17 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-751-2544), both treasure troves of new and secondhand goodies. Masaru covers everything from toys and kitchenware to yet more vinyl records, while Tokyo Joe is more fashion-focused with emphasis on big brands—score Celine and Giorgio Armani pants and jeans from as low as B399.

Cafes

Nestled about 100 meters down Pridi Banomyong Soi 3, The Orange’s Tea (24/22 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 095564-1642) is a quaint little cafe serving high-quality,

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cover story CHECKLIST Good Soi Essentials

P’WIN MOTORSAIS

Pizza Pazza

Soi Sena Ruam Where: Ari/Saphan Kwai Slap bang between Ari and Saphan Kwai stations sits this up-and-coming residential area. Although a relative public transport no-man’s-land (you may have noticed the grayed-out station on the BTS map), the soi officially known as Phahon Yothin Soi 11 is proving a hit with developers. Currently in the works is the uber-hip Craftsmen Hotel, but the soi has already had a makeover in the form of brand new pavement (tactile paving for the blind included, no less), making this long strip a pleasant place for a stroll.

Sasori

Cafes

This is where Soi Rena Ruam really shines. Caffe Undici (G/F, Senabadee 1 Bldg., 4/7 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 02-279-6368) serves up classic sweets like flourless chocolate cake (B85) and chocolate crepes with ice cream (B95) together with iced matcha green tea latte (B90) in a European-style setting. Close by is Doctor Roaster (53 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 081-810-1983) run by a neurosurgeon who’s passionate about coffee.

They’re only open on weekends, so do try their signature Panama Geisha (B250)—Earl Grey-flavored drip coffee with a light scent of blueberries. Neighboring PH1b Coffee Bar (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 08-1339-0081) has a New York loft feel and concentrates on coffee, tea and handmade cakes, plus sandwiches and salads. Complete your cafe-hopping at the new Before Thirtieth Cafe (36/4 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 085-0442443), a quaint little shop that sources its beans from Thailand’s Doi Chang and Nan, as well as further afield.

Caffe Undici

SATHORN SOI 8 Where: Chong Nonsi Swinging Sathorn needs no introduction, but while sois 10 and 12, Suan Phlu and Convent vie for attention, this little alley not far from BTS Chong Nonsi is starting to make a name for itself beyond the local office hordes.

Cafes

Dexter Cafe & Bar (Sathorn Soi 8, 02-6366222) kicks off the soi with an all-day brunch menu amid white subway tiles, inspirational quotes and marquee signage. It’s vying for attention with the new A Clay Cafe (50

Sathorn Soi 8), which has taken over a grand townhouse dating back to the ‘80s with a mid-century modern mix of wood and tiles that’s perfect for enjoying the dirt-cheap coffee (B40-55) and herbal teas (B45). They also host regular ceramics workshops. Then there’s the crazy -popular Coffeelism (Sathorn Soi 8, 081-599-5961), the hippest coffee stand in the ‘hood serving only specialty coffee blends starting from the low price of B40 for an espresso. Need somewhere to sit? Join the tourists in rented costumes at Unicorn Cafe (Sathorn Soi 8, 086-397-9262), the internet sensation dedicated to all things rainbow-colored (yes, there’s even a rainbow burger, B250).

Restaurants

For a more grown-up meal, visit Teppen (48 Sathorn Soi 8, 02-237-2537), which hides behind a black , unmarked Teppen

In a rush to go somewhere? They won’t be there. But when you’re just strolling to the 7-Eleven, expect to see the p’win motorsais in their bright colored vests— sleeping, playing chess and listening to the radio.

Restaurants

In a street with no shortage of Japanese restaurants, one name stands out: Sasori (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 02-042-7797), a cozy nook of an izakaya from the same kushiyaki experts behind Ari’s Sousaku and Nabe Nabe. Head here for meaty specialties like chicken thigh with a hit of yuzu kosho (B45) and Australian beef with leek (B55) in a wood-heavy setting made for a few too many draft Sapporo beers (B160). Also on the soi is Pizza Pazza (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 02-279-3514), a warm and welcoming Italian pizzeria that’s always packed on weekends for its crunchy-based pies (B180–B515).

THE LOVABLE SOI DOG

Bonus points if the p’win motorsais have drawn a pair of specs on her in permanent marker.

What Else?

If you love to shop at Siam Square or Chatuchak Market, there’s a good chance you know hipster clothing brand Voidshop (Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 089-789-3977). They just opened a shop here right next to Oranjii, selling trendy, bohemian-inspired clothes, from T-shirts, jeans, skirts and jackets to accessories like sunglasses (from B390), bucket hats, wallets (from B690), tote bags (from B390), and shoes (B490).

THE COFFEE TROLLEY

Every soi worth living on needs a nearly-wrecked tin trolley selling drinks under B50. Always ask for “less sweet” when ordering, otherwise they’ll serve you diabetes instead of a drink.

A Clay Cafe

STREET FOOD

wall. The staff at this second iteration of the buzzing izakaya (the original is in Ekkamai) will greet you with a rousing “irasshaimase!” before handing over a menu dedicated to classic Japanese bar bites (sashimi platter, B730; karaage chicken, B180). The lunch sets, from B190, are a steal.

And we need more than one— noodles, somtam, khao man gai and a decent pad kaprao should all be on the same street.

What Else?

New spa Wild Clinic and Organic Treat (44/6 Silom Soi 3, 02-1016978) offers a photogenic white setting that pairs with organic treatments like facials, skin lasering, waxing and Botox in names like The Fountain of Youth (which uses water pressure to renew your skin, B12,000).

TWO 7-ELEVENS

Because the one that sells Giant Cones won’t sell ridged sourcream Lay’s. And the one that sells ridged sour-cream Lay’s won’t sell Giant Cones.

Coffeelism

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escapes feat.

ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

SAT 2 JUN’18

SAMUI

Moon Shadow While it’s quite unlike us to recommend you go stay on Chaweng, we’ll make an exception for the new Sala Chaweng (www.salahospitality.com/chaweng). The price of entry to this world of warm woods and heavenly whites starts from about B14,493 but it’s worth it: every room comes with its own pool, in addition to tasteful touches like circular bathtubs (very onsen-looking) and lunar-referencing light installations. It’s just the beginning phase for now, with the 52 completed rooms and villas set to be joined by 31 more by next year, but the completed ones face the ocean. In addition, there’s a spa, gym, hidden oasis swimming pool and beachfront restaurant primed for sunset.

PHUKET

Social Cachet Breathing new life into the former Dewa Phuket Resort, Cachet Resort Dewa Phuket (www. c a c h e t p h u k e td ewa . co m ) i s the first Thailand opening from this youthful, affordable group. On Nai Yang Beach, backed

by Sirinat National Park, Cachet is a sleek looking place dominated by black marble, polished concrete floors and deep mahogany. The resort features over 128 rooms surrounded by forest and two big swimming pools. Rates start at B3,200/ night. When night time comes, hit the Cachet Beach Club to be entertained by local and international DJs, or the Stonehaus bar, which began life in California as a wine bar that doubles as a bakery. Other facilities include a spa, fitness room and yoga center.

SATURDAY 2ND JUNE 2018 CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH BY THE BEACH WITH LGBT FAVORITES AND DANCE ANTHEMS. AN INCLUSIVE PARTY FEATURING HANDSOME

DJ ADASHI AND HEADLINING DJS FROM

Phuketlandia Tourists on Phuket flock to drink coffee and take selfies on the Old Town’s Soi Rommanee, but we’ve got another tip for you: Ketho, a little village in the Kratu district. It’s here you’ll find KetHo Coffee and Kitchen (www.fb.com/ kethocoffeeandkitchen), a plant-filled green-house of a space tucked beside the canal. They offer just a short cafe menu that sticks solely to Western classics like barbecue pork ribs (B250) and grilled salmon (B280), but it’s the coffee that people really come for. Expect a perfectly executed swan to grace the top of your frothy latte (B60), while the cold brew (B120) is just right for a hot day’s exploring. Room for dessert? They have honey toast (B140) and peanut-chocolate smoothies (B145).

THAILAND

Drive My Car Fancy cruising to Phuket in something sexier than the Yarises at Avis?

Drivemate (www.drivemate.asia) is basically AirBnB for cars. They’ve got over 500 vehicles to choose from in Thailand right now. While 90 percent of them might be Japanese hatchbacks for roughly B1,000/day, there are some interesting finds among the sea of metallic gray. Take a lastgen (2012) Mercedes SLK200, for example, which is yours for B12,000/day with unlimited mileage. Like most of the good stuff, it’s located in Bangkok, but then, what are road trips for if not driving? Of course, renting other people’s cars means you also rent their bad taste, like a late-2000s Toyota MR2 in Chonburi, whose terrible body-kit is made up for by a daily cost of B3,500. Some of these prices include insurance, while others will charge you around B500 extra on top, so be careful before ordering.

TRASHER BANGKOK 5PM - 11PM @ BEACH SOCIETY, SO SOFITEL HUA HIN

THB 400.-

INCLUDING FREE SHUTTLE

AND 1 DRINK BY SINGHA LIGHT Scan for ticket or visit TicketMelon.com

DRESSCODE BEACH FABULOUS!

More Info visit SOBeachParty.com

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avenue

CONDO

A is for Ari All tree-shaded streets and twee cafes, Ari has long been Bangkok’s “It” neighborhood for the slow life. The latest in a string of condos to pop up is Noble Development’s Noble Around Ari. Starting at B5.8 million, the high-rise condo will sit just 90 meters away from BTS Ari and La Villa community mall, taking up 4,892 sq meters of land, with 611 units split across two residential buildings (one has seven floors, the other 39). Perks include a lush botanical driveway, a multi-functional space and library called The Mezzanine, a 360-degree panoramic saltwater pool and The Uptown Sky Lounge on the 23rd floor that includes a tearoom, game zone and outdoor seating. Completion is still a long way off, but presales begin May 25. Call 02-251-9955.

WATCH

Force of Nature Minimalist design meets nature in Swiss luxury watchmaker Rado’s True Thinline Nature Collection. The three models—the golden, taupe brown “Earth,” the deep, midnight blue “Water” and the verdant green “Leaf” each come with a flat but elegant silhouette and a high-tech ceramic bracelet that offers lightness, comfort and peace of mind when it comes to marks and scratches. Each piece also comes with a mother-of-pearl dial treatment that creates a gentle play of colors and textures as the light changes. All models are priced at B71,300. Rado Boutique, 3/F, Central Chidlom, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-610-0200.

Open daily 10am-10pm

NEW COLLECTION

Dark Twisted Fantasy Proving rocker chic never goes out of style, Coach adds a little cool-girl edge in its latest pre-fall collaboration with Disney. Disney x Coach: A Dark Fairy Tale takes its cues from the classic tales of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but think gothic, rather than cutesy princess. The line features spooky yet playful iconography of poison apples, dark woods and rock ‘n’ roll fonts on T-shirts, hoodies, moto jackets and sneakers, while leather-goods like cross-body bags, fanny packs and wallets all still feature Coach’s signature print. Also look out for the Bonnie Cashin Duffle Bag (B19,90033,900) reintroduced as part of the collection. Available at 1/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-646-1881.

Open daily 10am-10pm

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SHOPPING

Get Packing Uniqlo is definitely on a roll this year, releasing designer collaboration after designer collaboration. Cue German designer Tomas Maier, the creative director of Bottega Veneta, whose beachinspired LifeWear collection for spring/summer 2018 should send shoppers into a frenzy. Pared-back highlights for men include the minimalist cotton short-sleeve T-shirts (B590), cotton poplin zip-up blouson (B1,990) and printed shorts (from B990-1,490). Women, look out for swimwear (from B390-990 for bikinis through to one-pieces), flowy long dresses (B990), crewneck sweaters (B3,490) and fine cotton short-sleeve shirts (B990). Available at 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6107787. Open daily 10am-10pm

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avenue FASHION

Q&A

Forever Young

Trend Report

It’s called “K-Beauty” and it’s more than just a fad. Korean skincare products have taken over Bangkok’s cosmetics market and for good reason—affordable prices (most of the time) and an understanding of the Asian complexion. By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

Nittaya "Nid" Chananukul runs the popular hipster travel page Coundsheck's Journey. She’s also a K-Beauty convert, and here shares her favorite Korean beauty brands and what she thinks will be the year’s hottest trends.

Cosrx

Saturday Skin

Klairs

What: Bangkokians may not be too familiar with the name, but it has quite a cult following not only in Korea, but also in the USA. Overnight masks, cleansers, alcohol-free toners and acne pimple master patches tout key natural ingredients like snail mucin and yeast ferment. Is this our answer to Jun Ji Hyun’s translucent complexion? We certainly hope so.

Try this: The One Step Pimple Clear Pad (B850) is for eliminating blackheads, clearing up existing pimples and unclogging pores.

What: Just one look at the packaging and you’ll fall in love with these cotton-candy-pink lotions and mint-green hydration masks. Fresh to Southeast Asia, this brand uses natural ingredients such as lemon (helps exfoliate and brighten the skin), peach (helps regenerate skin tissue and lighten dark circles) and avocado (helps keep skin hydrated and supple) to achieve radiant looks.

Try this: The Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist (B1,220) with kiwi and grape extract to help withthat perfect, dewy complexion.

What: The “inter” vibe looks like Aesop’s meets Kiehl’s, while the brand promises friendly-to-the-environment practices in addition to gentle-to-the-skin products—no colorants, no alcohol, no parabens and no artificial fragrances. Soothing masks, deep cleansing oils and youth-activating drops are upfront about their powers: we can delay the effects of aging, says Klairs, but we can’t stop them.

Try this: Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish (B800) helps remove dead skin cells and blackheads, and adds a glossy, smoothing complexion to your skin.

Goodbye foundation! Goodbye concealer!

Aland, 2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-9750. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.cosrx.kr

Sephora, G/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6400.

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

Aland, 2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-9750. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.klairscosmetics.com

Too Cool For School

Kocostar

Glow Recipe

What: Playful and fashionable, this brand made its name through artist collaborations. Each makeup line has its own, creative packaging theme. “Art Class” offers highlighters, blushes and shadings inspired by vintage art supplies; “Pumpkin” features products made from pumpkin extracts that promise plump-looking skin.

Try this: The Egg Mousse Pack (B750) is a five-minute wash-off mask made from real egg white and egg yolk extracts—radiant and moisturizing.

What: Do you desire baby-soft hands and feet? Kocostar’s Nail Art Starter comes in a hand glove that helps nourish and moisturize your hands, while the Foot Peeling Pack’s botanical extracts are for exfoliating dead skin. It also specializes in masks boasting of natural Japanese ingredients and hair packs that will give you the salon experience at home.

Try this: Tomato Slice Mask Sheet (B90) is a pieceby-piece application mask for hydrating and refreshing skin.

2/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02-279-8166. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.toochoolforschool.com

Aland, 2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-9750. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.kocostar.com

What: Anyone serious about their Korean skincare knows Glow Recipe. Like Cosrx, its cult following spans not just Korea but also America, France and Hong Kong. The specialty here is natural ingredients such as rice water, kelp, honey and camellia. The bestsellers are sheet masks, pressed serums and rich essence toners.

Try this: The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (around B1,440) is a bouncy, breathable sleeping mask that smooths and perfects your skin overnight, made from watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid.

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Absolute favorite Korean beauty brand?

I’m currently really into Abib, Tamburins and Huxley because of their quality and minimal packaging.

For skincare and makeup staples, it’s definitely Sulwhasoo pre-serum, Clio’s eyeshadows, and 3CE. I absolutely adore 3CE’s Velvet Lip Tint in the shade “Going Right.” The color is simply “right,” like its name! My trick is to dab the edges of my lips to create a blur effect—a hot makeup look in Korea right now. You can even use it to dab your cheeks too.

Korean beauty brands you wish we had in Bangkok?

Abib, Tamburins and Cosmic Mansion. Great quality and beautiful packaging. If Tamburins opens a store here, it would blow other Korean beauty stores out of the water. The one I went to in Korea completely blew me away. It’s like walking around an art exhibition!

Hottest Korean beauty trend this year?

The natural, makeup-nomakeup look is having a moment. Not the glowy, dewy skin look; more the au naturel “I woke up like this” look—looking good effortlessly. The gradient lips look is also going strong. As for packaging design and ingredients, a lot of Korean brands seem to be really into minimal packaging, natural ingredients and all things organic.

Instagram:@coundsheck Facebook: www.fb.com/coundsheckjourney

www.shopee.co.th or Sephora US www.sephora.com

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bites & blends

EVENT

Chicken Dinner

TABLE TALK

This May 31, Siwilai City Club welcomes Canadian chef Matt Abergel, the man behind the charcoal grills at Hong Kong’s cult yakitori restaurant Yardbird.

Since opening in 2011, Yardbird's forged a name for its full-on "beak-to-tail" approach to dining and creative Japanese drinks, regularly appearing on lists like Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Publisher Phaidon even bills his upcoming cookbook, Chicken and Charcoal, the first comprehensive book about yakitori in English. Try a multi-course meal of his chicken specials for B2,800/per person. 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631.

Open daily 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight

La Bottega di Luca 2/F, Terrace 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-204-1731.

Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; daily 5:30pm12:00am. BTS Phrom Phong Styled like a deli and a restaurant but more evocative of a fine-dining hotspot, this upscale eatery offers Italian classics made with fresh and, sometimes, homemade ingredients. The friendly and well-versed staff will tell all you need to know, from rotating daily specials to what region of Italy the dishes come from. The results are both delicious and beautifully plated, like the spaghetti with clams sauteed in white wine sauce (B490). To drink, the cellar comes equipped with some of the finest Super Tuscans around.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary welcome drink and chef’s dessert valued THB 800 when spending via Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige, Citi Preferred and Citi Select card members (limit 1 set /card /table /sales slip) Today – 31 Dec 18

DESSERT

VISITING CHEF

NEW MENU

Good Egg

Veg Out

Change is Good

As far as unexpected collaborations go, Ka-Nom’s new egg tart with American-Portuguese chef George Mendes ranks highly. Mendes, the creative mastermind behind New York's Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant Aldea, brings to town his take on pastel de nata, the creamy, custardy, caramelized Portuguese egg tart with a huge cult following. Not just another egg tart, this vanilla-tinted rendition (B150 for two) also comes with a sizeable dollop of sweet blueberry compote hidden between its flaky crust. Completing the package is cute blue-and-white packaging which resembles the boxes you find in Lisbon. Available at all 12 of Ka-Nom’s branches and via Line: @kanomshop.

French chef Jean-Christian Jury wrote the book on vegan cuisine—literally. His Phaidon published tome, Vegan: The Cookbook, has become an authority on meat-and-dairy-free cooking that tastes great. This Jun 6, Jury will be in Bangkok at Avani hotel’s Attitude rooftop restaurant, where he’ll prepare a seven-course plant-based dinner with wine pairing (B2,900) that he swears has the flavors and textures to satisfy vegans and carnivores alike. Beyond the salads, Jury will prepare cashew nut-cream-stuffed ravioli, zucchini spaghetti, vegan camembert and raspberry-chocolate cheesecake, to name just some of the courses. 26/F, Avani Riverside, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-431-9100. Starts 7pm

His recent openings 100 Mahaseth and Mrs Wu (see page 16) may hog the limelight, but back at the seven-year-old Surface, chef Chalee Kader isn't letting stuff stand still. Informed by time spent in Northern California and rare local produce, his latest menu pairs bright flavors with exquisite presentation, as in the grilled calamari (B320) served over squid ink emulsion with salted egg yolk, crisp chamuang leaves and a sprinkling of toasted kratin seeds for an umami finish. Also try the tiger prawns (B350), which are grilled over longan wood and served with slices of black garlic and a sweet longan broth. A little too fancy? The beef sliders (B370/ two) are the closest thing the city has to an In-N-Out Burger. 107 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-258-2858. Open daily 6pm-midnight

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blends SPEAKEASIES

Good Luck Finding These Other Hidden Gems

LOCKER ROOM “Past, Present and Future” iterations of classic cocktails hidden behind a wall of grungy lockers.

Sukhumvit Soi 55, 092-895-3689 (look for the two-storey restaurant-slash-bar)

ON THE BAR

The Photo Booth

SALON DU JAPONISANT This alcohol showroom turned cocktail bar exudes a Japanese attention to detail.

The people behind The Locker Room reveal their latest hidden bar. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj The buzz: The team that brought us The Locker Room is back with another hard-to-find speakeasy. This time Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn of Thonglor’s Backstage joins cohorts Hidetsugo Ueno from Bar High Five in Tokyo, Colin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove in Singapore and Nick Wu (third in the World Class Cocktail Competition 2016) in bringing a touch of class to the ailing Sukhumvit Soi 11 party strip.

The decor: Finding the bar is half the fun. As you head down the right-hand side of Soi 11 coming from Sukhumvit Road, keep an eye out for a restaurant-slash-bar with a second floor accessible by a flight of stairs. Up there you’ll find a regular old photo booth just like you see in the mall. That’s your entrance. While you figure out how to open the door you might want to snap a few photos (we prefer coming back once a bit tipsy). After a period of scrambling around in a darkroom (really), you’ll eventually

Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-019-9062

find yourself in a beautifully-lit space that’s a gentlemanly mix of black, browns and grays.

You can take up a stool at the bar or find a cushy spot on one of the sofas, but there’s also plenty of room to stand up and dance.

The drinks: The menu lists cocktails in pairs— play it safe with a classic (B360) or risk it all on its Thai-twisted companion (B390). Of the former, the 20th Century cocktail takes its name from its origins aboard the Twentieth Century Limited Rail, a train service that ran between New York and Chicago, and combines Gordon’s gin, bianco vermouth, creme de cacao and fresh lemon juice. The modern spin-off, dubbed Sorry, Only BTS this Century, plays with the cacao taste with a rim of dried coconut covered in chocolate, while the drink contains a mix of coconut-infused Botanist gin with white sesame vermouth, hazelnut liqueur and fresh lemon juice.

Another old favorite, the rye-forward, Manhat-

tan-like Red Hook, gets localized through the Got Hooked in Sukhumvit, whose infusion of Thai herbs gives the impression of tom yum.

The music: In a welcome change from the grownup jazz at most serious cocktail bars, the deep-house soundtrack encourages you to show some moves while you sip.

The crowd: Serious cocktail drinkers and adventurous types up for a challenge.

Why we’d come back: This place has done an impressive job of getting all the small details right, whether it’s the inventively Thai cocktails, the suave setting or the thrill of the find.

THE BAR VAGABOND Whiskey dominates at this Japanese bar in an old house hidden down an

Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-117-2636. Open daily 7pm-2am

69/1 Ekkamai Soi 1, 095-661-2733

Ekkamai back-soi.

COCKTAILS This Week’s Must-Try Drinks

KOBORI & ANGSUMALIN (B390) AT THE PHOTO BOOTH Sake, spiced tangerine juice and dry vermouth make light and friendly companions in an easy-to-drink blend. See above.

PAUSE (B320) AT REWIND Cucumber and aloe vera put a refreshing spin on this mix of gin, Midori liqueur, lemon, guava and kiwi.

KL TO BKK (B340) AT TROPIC CITY This is what tiki cocktails should taste like. Prepare for a super-sweet, sharp hit of fermented pineapple, clove, dark rum and Campari.

SMOKIN’ COOLER (B340) AT 80/20 Mexico meets Thailand in this lively blend of coriander, chili, cucumber, mezcal and tequila—imagine a boozy, liquid guacamole.

Thonglor Soi 6, 094-949-1619.

Open daily 7pm-1am

672/65 Charoen Krung Soi 28, 091-870-9825.

Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am

1052-1054 Charoen Krung Soi 26, 099-118-2200.

Open Wed-Mon 6pm-midnight

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Mrs.Wu

Familiar faces take hotpot down a hip, Chinese-American route.

The buzz: Taking their cues from the hotpot boom that’s overwhelmed San Francisco’s Bay Area, chef-owners Randy Noprapa and Chalee Kader add to their burgeoning portfolios (together they’re responsible for Fillets, Surface and 100 Mahaseth) with this vibrant melting-pot of a restaurant.

The decor: Move over Mo-Mo Paradise and other mall-dwelling hotpot pretenders. From the neon-lit Mrs. Wu sign out front, it’s clear this vintage-yet-modern restaurant does things differently. The walls are awash with street art (think qipao-clad girls playing on their iPhones) while the windows come with those old-school metal shutters you usually see in Chinatown.

The food: Your hotpot comes separated into three broths that are a real step up from the usual: a hearty pork bone stock

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bursting with peppercorn; a rich Japanese nabe –with red wine; and a herbaceous chicken turmeric soup. Add some thinly sliced pork (B280 for mixed pork set) and beef (B520 for mixed beef set) to the steaming pot and you’re in business. The list of potential add-ons is lengthy—mushrooms and other veggies, varieties of tofu and shrimp—but our picks go to the juicy, tender cheese lava meatballs (B50) and fresh squid (B160). The secret weapon: the Mrs. Wu pickled egg and soy sauce for the perfect sweet and sour duo.

The drinks: Tsingtao beers are B150, while your favorite spirit and mixer will set you back B180-250/glass. More impressive, though, is the long list of single-malt Scotch, from an Aberlour 12Y at B300 all the way to 25-year-old Glenmorangie at B1,800.

The crowd: The loyal, trendy and moneyed young people that follow messrs Randy and Chalee from opening to opening, plus a few more families than usual.

The music: Hip-hop and R&B of the old-school variety.

Why we’d go back: With Mrs. Wu, hotpot is probably as cool as it will ever be in Bangkok. The food’s tasty (the chicken turmeric broth, in particular) and the cute backstory of the restaurant’s eponymous mascot as an old Chinese grandma in America who loves to cook food from home for her family, adds a fun touch.

Caria Buaon, Vick Chalermlapvoraboon

3/F, The Portico Building, 31 Soi Langsuan, 02-051-2214. Open daily from 6pm-10:30 pm.

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Nitro 2

Fat Cow on the Roof

Arno Thai

TABLE TALK

NEW AND NOTED

Moo Point Much fancier than anyone who knows the Fat Cow name might expect, Fat Cow on the Roof (8/F, 1091/236 Phetchburi Soi 35, 095-003-4911) lets you sup on local homebrews from a fern-strewn rooftop terrace. Dutch owner Manuel Lucien is a big supporter of the local beer scene, going as far to say he’ll give pretty much any new brewer’s creation a chance. Twoten Brewing’s New England IPA (6.3%, B180) gets its super-refreshing taste from liquid yeast (instead of dried yeast), while their West Coast IPA (B180) has an impressive 7.3% ABV. And what is a craft beer bar without burgers? Their Fat Cow Australian beef burger will set you back B300, and comes with bacon, onion jam, pickles and aioli—special shout out to the delicious fries (B30 extra).

Jet Fueled Nitro Labs, Phra Khanong’s cold brew coffee tuk tuk, is on the move. A second, upgraded vehicle, dubbed Nitro 2, has

popped up in Asoke (in front of Ping’s Shark’s Fin Restaurant, 137/3 Sukhumvit Soi 21) to pour its nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee and tea from the tap. You’ll still find blends made from beans from up north (from B60), but this new truck also promises goodies like smooth, creamy Kenyan single origin coffee (B100) and cocoa (B80).

Turning Thai Arno’s, the beef and burger specialist that’s popping up all over town, has taken a left turn into guay tiew and pad kaprao. At Arno Thai (1721/5 Chan Kao Rd., 02-286-2635) the hearty bowls of beef noodles start at B40—throw in some short ribs (B95) or paleron (chuck steak, B95), or plump for the 400g beef combo (B140). Pad kaprao also comes in cheap (B50 for free-range chicken), but live a little and order the B590 version with juicy chunks of beef tenderloin. If you’re game enough to make yours level-four “Atomic Spicy,” you can wash away the pain with a big bottle of Leo (B70). BK staff

The Raweekanlaya Bangkok 10, 16, 16/1, 164-172 Krung kasem Rd., 02-628-5999.

Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS National Stadium Now there’s a genuine reason to settle yourself down on this wellness cuisine resort’s terrace shaded by gorgeous old banyan trees—a new Thai menu that spotlights ingredients plucked straight from the hotel’s organic garden. Expect homey and deliciously powerful flavors, like the rice noodles with Isaan-style jungle curry and prawns (B290++) or grilled beef steak with sticky rice and Thai melon salad (B640++).

Top it all off with a refreshing glass of butterfly pea or pandanus juice (B80).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount on food only and get 10% discount on spa treatment Today – 31 Dec 18

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Tiny Cup

HHH

Western. 411/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor Sois 21 and 23), 02-712-5112.

Open daily 7am-6pm. B-BB

5th edition coming this August!

Best Eats is the ultimate guide to this city’s buzzing food scene, with over 100 of our top “comfort food” picks — from ramen to dim sum, burgers to pizza, breakfast to dessert.

To reserve your spot in Best Eats 2018, contact our sales team at advertising@asia-city.co.th or 02-624-9696.

Tiny Cup is what happens when a Thonglor cafe lasts long enough to accumulate five years’ worth of food trends. For every avocado toast , there’s a purple-sweet-potato cheese tart; for every acai berry smoothie bowl, there’s an egg and chorizo skillet. The vibe is old-school European house—more Beatrix Potter than Brooklyn hipster—and goes down well with the permanent brunch crowd perched between comfy old sofas downstairs and the long wooden table ( Kinfolk -style) upstairs. Since you’re in Thonglor, and since you’re in a brunch cafe, you’ll be ordering some form of avocado atop bread. We recommend the multigrain avocado toast (B260), topped with generous sprinkles of toasted pinenuts, gold flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, chili flakes and a squeeze of lime juice— nutty, wholesome and with the perfect balance between sweet and sour.

The avocado bowl (B260) is also a

Matoi Sushi

HHH

Japanese. 9/16-17 Soi Thaniya, 02-267-7553.

Open daily 6pm-1am. BTS Sala Daeng. BBBBBBB

Matoi Sushi fits within that league of Bangkok sushi restaurants that hide behind dark Soi Thaniya doorways and require you to shuffle past karaoke hostesses to find. Its presence is made all but invisible not just by girls in skimpy dresses, but also thanks to its uber-kitsch sister barbecue restaurant, Matoi Yakiniku Fuku Ryu En—or, as you might know it, the one with a giant Godzilla statue out front. Maybe that’s why the nine-seat counter— manned by a single, headband-clad chef and eager-for-something-to-do waitress—always seems dead quiet.

But that’s what we like about Matoi Sushi. It’s an intimate, rough-aroundthe-edges experience cut from a different era of Bangkok sushi restaurants. Rather than cypress wood and wasabi graters made from shagreen, you get a clock with plastic nigiri for hour markers and a chef who works with a well-worn cluster of industrial

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kitchen bric-a-brac. Still, the food manages to be routinely delicious.

Duos of nigiri come draped in huge chunks of fish that taste perfectly fresh (B280 for two pieces of bluefin tuna; B700 for a six-piece set) and sit atop well-balanced rice with the right level of acidity. Oily-sweet unagi (eel, B380) is portioned with equal gusto, the eel itself surprisingly firm for something taken from a pre-prepared wrap of cellophane. The menu is refreshing in its lack of scope: nigiri, sashimi, sushi bowls and rolls populate just a single side of A3 laminate.

We’d recommend you order a portion of the soft-shell crab rolls (B500), which come loaded with well-fried crab that’s never too watery. We even enjoy the (probably bottled) spicysweet dipping sauce that comes with it. There’s other stuff to like here: the 300ml sake bottles that start from B380, the salmon don (B880) swimming in sharp bursts of salmon roe, and the fact that, when the bill for two comes, it will generally be below B3,000 with drinks. The Matoi experience is a world away from perfection. The pickled ginger is too sweet, the sake could do with being cooler and, as well-seasoned as the rice may be, there’s no escaping the fact it’s too stodgy. But this is a restaurant with character—and we’re always willing to venture behind a dark doorway in search of that.

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPPP

B BB BBB BBBB

Forget it Only if you’re in the neighborhood A pleasant dining experience Not to be missed Flawless BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

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good bet thanks to a smooth and creamy texture and enough banana to overpower any fears of the “spinach” in there. It’s all topped with granola, cacao nibs, sliced banana and strawberry. Drinks like the “Power Green Smoothie” (B210) further ensure your daily greens intake, and taste rather like a treat considering they hide spinach, lettuce and kale beneath almond, almond milk and matcha powder. The only thing to sweeten it? Dates. But what people really come to Tiny Cup for is the French toast (B300): two slices of buttered brioche cooked to eggy perfection and served with fresh fruits, strips of bacon, sausage and maple syrup—a combination that once again proves, when it comes to brunch, savory-meets-sweet always works best (just forget the fact you’re paying B300 for eggy bread). Outside the world of toast and smoothie bowls, Tiny Cup doesn’t do so well. A skillet of baked eggs and white beans in cumin-spiced tomatoes, for example, tastes unrounded and rather too sour—the topping of feta cheese and more avocado not doing much for it either. But it’s not enough to put us off liking Tiny Cup. The space is comfortable, the crowd buzzing, the service attentive and the brunch dishes mostly tasty. Plus we’ve got a soft spot for anywhere that can sneak so many greens into our system without us noticing.

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 E Dress requirements G Live music

5/21/2561 BE 6:07 PM

5/21/18 9:02 PM

now SAT Guitar Hero Funk, rock, blues— New York guitar virtuoso Adam Rogers is proof fusion is not a dirty word. Rogers will be channeling his inner Hendrix when he and his Dice Trio take the stage at Dr Tavorn Pornprapha Auditorium on May 26.

See page 20.

SAT You Got Seoul We’ve got a whole range of straight-from-Korea beauty tips this issue (see page 12).

And where better to strut your perfect new gradient lips than Beam, when Seoulbased DJ duo Downtown hit the decks this May 25? See page 20.

THU Teleport Exhibition Feeling lonely in New York City, Thai artist Gongkan (see interview, page 4) started drawing these black holes representing a “path to the world as he wants it to be.” The internet erupted. See what all the fuss is about at his latest exhibition—complete with "that" picture of Trump and Kim Jong-Un—now at Warehouse 10, through till Jun 15. See page 20.

FRI Get Jak’d The Sydney bro with a love for tank tops, off-center snapbacks and booming EDM, Uberjak’d is obviously doing something very right—he’s released music on Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak imprint and Laidback Luke’s Mixmash Records, no less. This May 25 it’s the turn of Onyx to bear witness to his party-starting antics. See page 20.

SAT Crate Digging They’ve got vinyl. They’ve got cassettes. They’ve got CDs. Embrace oldschool audio this May 26-27 by taking a trip to Happening and Friends, a market at BACC that proves our city’s best-loved art space is about so much more than art exhibitions—just don’t mention co-working. See page 20.

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now NIGHTLIFE

LIVE MUSIC T-RIOT ITALIAN JAZZ BAND AT THE BAMBOO BAR

The trio fuse piano, bass and drums for a night of topshelf jazz. May 25, 9pm. The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000. Free.

COCO ROUZIER 4TET LIVE AT FOOJOHN BUILDING

The soulful American singer Coco Rouzier promises a rousing performance with her jazz trio at the trendy French bistro. May 25, 9pm. Foojohn Building, 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 087-593-9973. Free.

MATH (ROCK) APPRECIATION

Coco Rouzier

Chazin

Local bands Numan, January, Wednesday, Count the Thief and Phy pay homage to math rock, a mid-'90s rock genre which relies on complex rhythms and instrumental prowess. May 26, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. Free.

TOOMTURN MOLAM GROUP

This live band perform the acoustic, instrumental take on early molam from the ‘60s and ‘70s. May 30, 10pm.

Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200.

METZ LIVE IN BANGKOK Uberjak'd

Scream and shout to the Canadian punk rock band Metz, making their debut in Bangkok. Jun 2, 7pm. NOMA, 21/66 RCA Block C, 092-264-7957. B650 on www.eventpop.me, B850 at the door.

Gramaphone Children

May 25, 9pm. Onyx, RCA (Royal City Avenue), 081-645-1188. Prices TBA.

NAKADIA AT VIOLETT

Fresh from performing at some of the world’s biggest festivals like Tomorrowland and Elrow, the Thai DJ returns home to spin alongside DJ Soi Dogs.

May 25, 9pm. Violett, The Third Place, 141 Thonglor Soi 10, 095-3938858. B300 includes 1 drink.

ADAM ROGERS DICE TRIO

NITE RIDE: MODERN FUNK / BOOGIE / DISCO

DJs Boogie G, Gramaphone Children, Lows and Maarten Goetheer take over the turntables with modern/ electro funk , boogie and disco tunes. May 26, 9pm. Studio Lam, 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661.

Free.

CHAZIN (ES)

Having conquered some of the biggest clubs and festivals in Spain, DJ Chazin presents his progressive big room tunes in Bangkok. May 25, 10pm. Insanity, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-731-8885. B300-400 includes 1 drink.

Metz

ART

SLUM DISCO SOUNDSYSTEM AT TROPIC CITY

A night of groovy “hands in the air” beats from the local DJ duo. May 26, 9pm. Tropic City, 672/65 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Free.

BERLIN BEATS PRESENT AUDIO WERNER

GROWN & SEXY WITH KINKY D

German DJ/producer Audio Werner spins high quality grooves alongside resident DJ The Outsider. May 25, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-4446. B500 includes 1 drink.

Renowned for an encyclopedic knowledge of music, UK-hailing DJ Kinky D promises a night of eclectic music, alongside DJ Nelly Ortega.

May 21, 11pm. Maggie Choo’s, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. Free.

CRUSH WITH HEXER AND JACK HAZE

Raw techno sounds from DJs Hexer and Jack Haze. May 25, 11pm.

Club 15, Sukhumvit 15 Residence, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 083-094-0650.

Free.

S.C-C AFTERWORK PRESENTED BY JOHNNIE WALKER

DJ Maarten Goetheer spins house while the bar whips out three special new cocktails. May 30, 7pm.

Siwilai City Club, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-119-7777.

Free.

DOWNTOWN (JESSE YOU + AIRBEAR)

Soul, techno and electronic dance sounds from Seoul-based DJ duo Downtown, supported by Tom FKG. May 25, 9pm. Beam, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. B300.

PLASTIC DREAMS

Thonglor’s Japanese dive bar hosts an intimate evening of warm analog sounds from DJs Mikey Mike, Billy V and Ronny Slama. May 25, 9pm. 12x12, 810/22 Tararom Soi 2, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 094260-4713. Free.

UBERJAK’D AT ONYX

The Australian DJ/producer, who has played alongside Deorro, Fatboy Slim and Riva Starr, takes over the decks with high-energy electro house and “Melbourne bounce.”

Prelude

Lights in

RITUALS

Mixed media works by Parinot Kunakornwong, Moe Satt and Ibadiou Piko explore spirituality, alchemy and the collective investigation of society. May 25-Jul 15.

Nova Contemporary, Mahadlek Luang Soi 3, Rajdamri Rd., 090-910-6863. Free.

LIGHTS IN

Malaysian artist Yeoh Choo Kuan observes the condition of light cast on landscapes. Through Jun 16. Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok, 3F, Golden Place Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Rd., 02-652-2732. Free.

PURE GOLD - UPCYCLED! UPGRADED!

A look at the role of trash in society and ways of reusing and recycling to create useful and valuable products.

May 18-Jul 22. Thailand Creative & Design Centre (TCDC), The Grand Postal Building, 2F, 1160 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-105-7441. Free.

SEE SAW SEEN VII

Seven photographers—Kanok Suriyasat, Charit Pusiri, Dow Wasiksiri, Thavorn Ko-udomvit, Somsak Pat-

tanapitoon, Ornin Ruangwattanasuk and Urasha Jakkachaphol—present works shot all around the world.

Through Jun 9. The Bangkok Atelier, 221 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 084-909-3631. Free.

HD L3I$UR3

Artists Adam Grinovich (US), Florian Miker (Denmark) and Annika Pettersson (Sweden) take a whimsical look at digital culture, social media, space travel and more.

Through Jun 23. Atta Gallery, OP Garden, 4-6 Chareonkrung Soi 36, 02-234-6422. Free.

PRELUDE

Thai artist Wittawat Tongkaew showcases his works which investigate the systems and regimes of Thailand, a nation rich in beliefs. Through Jul 1. Subhashok The Arts Centre, Soi Phrom Chit, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-0299. Free.

TELEPORT EXHIBITION

Artist Gongkan creates a “black hole” as a path to the world free of cruelty and full of beauty and equality.

May 24-Jun 15, 11am. Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30. Free.

MARKETS

COMEDY

THE FLASHLIGHT MARKET

PHIL KAY IS BACK!

The globe-trotting Scottish comedian comes to Bangkok as part of his Asia tour which promises to “bathe audiences in a waterfall of cosmic positivity.” May 31, 8pm. Stagetime Comedy Club, 3/F, Snapper Restaurant, Sukhumvit Soi 8, 089448-7757. B500 online at bangkok. oneplace.events, B700 at the door.

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The virtuoso American guitarist performs a Jimi Hendrix tribute set accompanied by jazz bass and drums.

May 26, 7pm. Dr Tavorn Pornprapha Auditorium, 5/F, Siam Motor Bldg., 891/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-215-0830-50.

B1,800-2,000 at Thai Ticket Major.

Shop vintage clothes, second-hand collectibles and toys. May 25-27, 4pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirinthon Rd., Bang Phlat, 081-817-2888. Free.

HAPPENING AND FRIENDS: MUSIC WEEKEND

The Flashlight Market

A music-focused indoor market featuring vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, exclusive or limited albums, along with live performances by well-known Thai bands and DJs. May 26-27, 11am. 1/F, BACC, 939 Rama Rd., 02214-6630. Free.

BK Magazine Friday, May 25, 2018

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FILM Opening (May 24)

Book you 2018 May 28,

LOVE, SIMON (USA)

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY (USA)

Drama. A closeted gay teenager is forced to balance the struggles of high school with discovering the identity of the anonymous classmate that he has fallen for online.

Action. Another prequel to the widely-loved Star Wars franchise, this film chronicles Han Solo and Chewbacca’s early adventures before joining the Rebellion, including their encounter with Lando Calrissian.

BACKSTABBING FOR BEGINNERS (CANADA/DENMARK/USA)

Drama. Based on a true story, a young man travels to Iran and exposes the corruption within the United Nation’s “Oil for Food” program.

THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT (USA)

Horror. Three masked psychopaths make a visit to a family’s secluded mobile home park for the night.

Upcoming (May 31)

HIGHER POWER (USA)

KID ON THE SLOPE (JAPAN)

Action. With the world on the brink of destruction, a man finds himself being held unwillingly by a maniacal scientist as a test subject.

Drama . Through a mutual love of music, two students—a successful but aloof academic and a rebellious kind-hearted delinquent—become friends for life.

CHINA SALESMAN (CHINA)

Action. A Chinese salesman and a corrupt competitor fight to control the contract for the first mobile telecom technology in Africa. Starring Dongxue Li alongside Mike Tyson and Steven Seagal.

2018

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Bangkok’ s ultimate guide to brunch, coffee,, sweets, and daytime dining Coming in June

The Misanthrope

CINEMA DIVERSE 2018

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre presents “Cinema Diverse 2018: The Invisible Hands,” in which 4 international films will be shown bi-monthly from May-Nov, each followed by a talk. The first film screening on May 26, 5pm, will be The Wound (2017), a South African coming-of-age drama surrounding the rural life, culture and initiation rituals of the indigenous Xhosa commu-

nity, highlighting issues of masculinity, sexuality and community.

BK Magazine’s guide to the tastest places to start the day in your neighborhood.

5/F, BACC, 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. B60.

Don't miss your chance to be seen in BK Cafe Society

THE MISANTHROPE

As part of the “Theater in Cinema” series, a screening of the 1974 adaptation of playwright Moliere's classic satire on the hypocrisies of Parisian high society. May 26, 4pm.

Call:02-624-9696 or email: advertising@asia-city.co.th

Alliance Francaise, 179 Witthayu Rd., 02-6704210. B200, B100 for members & students.

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