BK Magazine 732 March30, 2018

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it's free!

Holidays are coming

BK MAGAZINE NO. 732 FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

Your opinion.

Not ours.

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Congratulations

to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants!

O

ver 400 chefs, restaurateurs, food industry professionals and media partners turned out on Mar 21 for the launch of BK Magazine’s Top Tables 2018 at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. Suhring remains at the number 1 spot for the second year in a row, thanks to twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Suhring’s new inventive approach to German cuisine. The second position went to Le Normandie for its classic French fine dining. The Top 10 also has a distinctly Thai flavor this year, with 80/20 (#5), Paste (#6), Le Du (#7) and Bo.lan (#10) all getting high marks.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (#3), Gaggan (#4), Upstairs at Mikkeller(#8) and Sushi Masato (#9) round out the Top 10’s international credentials with a French, an Indian, an American, and a Japanese chef respectively. Now in its eleventh edition, the guide would not have been possible without its generous sponsors: Citibank, Sanpellegrino and Peroni. Top Tables has grown into Bangkok’s most trusted guide for discerning foodies, compiled by a completely independent panel of 30 foodies, journalists and industry people who vote on a shortlist of 200 restaurants selected by BK Magazine. See the full list and stay on top of Bangkok fine-dining news at bktoptables.com

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page 3 6 cover story

Up to You

News Quiz

4 upfront

8 escapes

Art of Dissent

Unseen Samet 10 avenue

14 blends

Freshen Up

Ari at Night

16 bites

19 BK Now

Just Plain Weird

Here Comes the Weekend

Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher 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, 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 Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach 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

Interns Sirada Nimcharoenchaikul, Marvin Schulz, Megan Leon 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)

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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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March in Bangkok officially sucks. It’s hot, there’s hardly any holidays, and the one day we do get off work’s a dry day. Then there’s this lot: the biggest headlines from the past 31 days. How much of it do you remember?

According to local scientists, what in Bangkok is safe to drink?

The remaining tap water not used up by massage parlours.

Sangsom and Red Bull buckets, but only when mixed with the fizzy European Red Bull.

The B380 red wine in 7-Eleven that doesn’t actually say “wine” on the bottle.

The unregulated homebrews at Baan Dok Kaew (see page 13).

• • • •

Why did Generalissimo Prayuth use Section 44 to dismiss election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn?

At under 60 years old, Somchai was considered too much of a young radical.

Somchai’s definition of democracy included vague ideas about public representation and governments being elected by the people, and therefore wasn’t Thai Niyom.

Somchai once had dinner with Thaksin’s cousin’s estranged nephew.

He was “causing confusion,” which is about the most confusing and ambiguous statement we’ve ever heard.

• • • •

The son of NLA member Youdtana Tupcharoen was recently caught doing what in the UK? Wearing Burberry fakes from MBK. Making upskirt videos in Topshop.

Pouring condensed milk into Twinings breakfast tea.

Trying to get supercar parking in Shoreditch.

• • • •

What do the junta and Thaksin have in common, according to the Washington Post?

They both felt BNK48’s third single, “Shonichi,” was a disappointing follow-up to “Koisuru Fortune Cookie.”

Both consider 1am an acceptable closing time for Thonglor nightlife.

Both like gold Rolex Daytonas, though Thaksin’s not so keen on Richard Mille sports-chrono pieces.

Both thought Nattawut’s Bad Genius didn’t deserve the hype at this month’s Suphannong Awards.

• • • •

Newly released data shows that the average Bangkokian spends 2.4 hours of every day doing what?

Waiting for the traffic lights to change at Asoke junction.

Watching Youtube videos... in traffic... at Asoke junction.

Selecting the right filter for Instagram selfies.

Walking around Paragon trying to remember what floor Uniqlo’s on.

• • • •

latest news and trends

@bkmagazine

see what’s happening

@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Pastel cafes

Not: Pastel cafes

The pastel colors, the terrazzo counters, the smoky dome lights… make it stop!

Make it stop! Six months after Boyy & Son kickstarted a new wave of tastefully twee coffee-shop decor and we feel like we’re living in a powder-blue nightmare. Our prediction: these Wes Anderson-inflected interiors will be destined for the same scrapheap as neo-Baroque in another six months.

B47, 9 B37, 00 900

B37 ,900

Hot: B37,900

Not: B47,900

Did you buy an Issey Miyake Lander Matter bag from B47,900 last month?

Tough luck. The brand just slashed the Bangkok retail price by B10,000. Or, put a way that Lander Matte bag customers will understand, by the price of dinner for two at Gaggan’s new tofu-only omakase restaurant (see page 17).

Think about that!

Hot: Overalls

Not: Bikinis

It’s only two weeks till Songkran, which means that, as usual, the old men who rule us are out telling young ladies to cover up if they don’t want to get raped. We don’t know by exactly how much they want you to cover up (are ankles OK? We’ve seen some pretty racey old photos from the era these guys came from), so we reckon play it safe with the new collection from North Face. Nothing says beach party like a pair of salopettes.

Minor Hotels

Hot: Elephants

Not: Mahouts

Minor Hotels (Anantara, Avani) found themselves in a deeper puddle of water than the one they left an elephant chained in (goo.gl/NSwYBL) after PETA released footage of mahouts clouting their beloved steeds with bullhooks during the King’s Cup Elephant Polo. The rights group claims that eight sponsors have so far ditched the highlight of Bangkok social calendars. We had words with Minor about it, who are saying it’s all the mahout’s fault. Bad mahouts.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

4

INTERVIEW The 2007 Silpathorn Award winner, Vasan Sitthiket, 60, made his name through provocative artwork showing how money and politics abuse (sometimes literally) Thailand. He’s also the owner of Rebel Art Space, a gallery nurturing other rebellious artists. Here, Vasan discusses his latest exhibition, I Am You, at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre.

Where does the exhibition’s title come from?

Whenever I criticize others, they respond with things like, “You think you are a perfect person or what?”

This exhibition, which features work I did when I was 18, is meant to show them that no, I am just like you, hence the name: I Am You. I want to be criticized, too.

Is it just about politics?

Social issues, politics, poverty, human rights and inequality. My art reflects my own thoughts of the world. I want to understand life, what life is and what the purpose of life is. I want to interact with the world.

Can you describe some of the works in this exhibition?

I Am You is divided into various concepts. One is from 1984, called, “Time… The fate for city people.”

My artwork then was very raw and ferocious. I wanted to know if human beings could learn to look at things even if they aren’t beautiful. Another concept I’m calling, “With Love and Hate.” We were all once cute little babies, and I want to know how we go from that to people who are cruel, or kind and generous. There will be video art, installations, paintings and more.

What is going on at Rebel Art Space right now?

The latest exhibition was called Human Stories. We always have exhibitions about topics like refugees, politics, social issues and more. It doesn’t matter how big or small the art is, it’s the idea that needs to be big. Next, we have in mind a Rebel Residency where we will invite artists to live with us for a few weeks and create artworks together, then exhibit the art in the gallery.

Do you think these exhibitions are changing people’s perspectives?

We provide a space for people with diverse ideas to communicate with the larger society. But the education system doesn’t really teach people to think creatively. Thailand is pretty much doomed, but I still haven’t given up. I still feel most comfortable here even though I don’t see any chances of beating the government. But I’m still here.

Let’s see how low this country can go. Life’s stability has no guarantee, so we always have to keep trying.

Of course we are all going to die, but art gives people hope.

Last time BK interviewed you [in 2014], you said the country could

be bought with just B12 billion. Do you think that’s still true?

Yes, but if you have the connections or the right last name, then you have a better chance than ordinary people. “Thai democracy” is founded on henchmen working for a big somebody. The rich can do anything, and the police follow them like henchmen.

I want people to speak out. I want people to stop respecting someone just because they are rich or a child of a politician. We don’t want to live in a society where someone can just come bash on us only because they are “somebody.” Also, the rich people wouldn’t be rich if they didn’t have working-class people working for them or purchasing their products.

For that reason alone they should not be cruel to the working class.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on getting my work exhibited in New York and Los Angeles right now. Around mid-year, I will go to Vienna and do graffiti. For Rebel Art Space, we will have a photography exhibition by Cherdsak Wongsa about the people from Thepa coal [the protests in Songkhla province against a new coal plant]. There is also a talk of creating an “Artist Army” at Rebel.

Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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WANT TO KNOW THE BEST DEALS IN BANGKOK? BK Privileges is your gateway to exclusive deals from restaurants, gigs, hotels, bars and more.

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AND MORE!

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BK Magazine Friday, March 16, 2018

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cover story

READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 2018 Favorite Cocktail Bar

NIGHTLIFE

18.4%

From burgers to barbers, Thonburi to Thonglor, here are your absolute favorite things in Bangkok. By BK Staff

Bamboo Bar

While standing round in crumbling Chinatown shophouses is great and everything, it turns out you prefer tiger-print armchairs sat in by the likes of Mick Jagger, accompanied by the smooth sound of a baby grand.

Who cares if it’ll cost B500 for a top-up.

1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000 13.4%

Runner up: Rabbit Hole

125 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-822-3392, 098-969-1335

Favorite Jazz Bar 21.6%

Bamboo Bar

Again? Jeez, you are keen, picking this swanky hotel joint over raucous jazz hangouts from Sathorn’s Smalls to the Old Town’s Brown Sugar. Get there before 9pm to snag the best seats with a front-row view of performers.

1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000 20.9%

Runner Up: Saxophone

3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592

Favorite New Bar 23%

Penthouse Bar

When we heard Bangkok was getting its own version of the Tokyo bar where Bill Murray brooded over all those Hibiki 17s in Lost of Translation, our mind turned to a refined, minimal space for quiet contemplation.

No. Bangkok’s Park Hyatt Bar instead goes for a vintage playboy look, complete with walnut woods, marble and tufted leathers—as well as the best-priced cocktail list you’re ever likely to find in a hotel bar.

34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-011-7480 12.5%

Runner Up: Iron Balls Phrom Phong

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478

Favorite Club 19.6%

Sing Sing

Almost one-quarter of you voted Ashley Sutton’s MadMax-meets-Swinging-Shanghai nightspot as your favorite in the city. Put it down to the intricate decor and hidden drinking nooks, put it down to the international heavyweight DJ lineup, or put it down to the foreigner hotties, but this place pumps.

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 063-225-1331 16.9%

Runner Up: DJ Station

Silom Soi 2, 02-266-4029

Favorite Big Local Beer 32.6%

Singha

It’s a win for the roaring gold lion, whose brews (according to this survey) you like 16.2-percent more than Chang. And we agree with you! (Even though in a blind taste test we couldn’t tell the difference.)

22.4%

6

Penthouse Bar

Runner Up: Heineken

Roast

DINING

100 Mahaseth

Favorite Hotel Brunch 10.8%

Marriott Cafe, JW Marriott

A lineup of sashimi, curries and prime rib (FYI any Brits reading: best Yorkshire puds in town), supplemented by that essential of any award-winning Bangkok brunch: the a la minute pan-fried foie gras station. Add in leafy views and a venue that feels custom-built for daytime dining, and it’s easy to see why this one wins.

4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700

Runner Up: Anantara Siam 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866

Favorite Local Coffee Shop 18.2%

Roast

3/F, The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-185-2865

Runner Up: Casa Lapin

51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-000-5546

Favorite New Restaurant 13.6%

100 Mahaseth

Clearly, you’ve been tucking into prime cuts of pampered Japanese cattle for too long and needed a break. 100 Mahaseth arrived with its nose-to-tail menu late last year, and proved straight away that pig’s brain stews and fried tripe can, in the right hands, be just as tasty as buttery Miyazaki tenderloin. What a win!

100 Mahaset Rd., 02-235-0023 11.5%

Runner Up: Penthouse Grill

34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-011-7480

Favorite Supermarket 35.4%

www.gourmetmarketthailand.com

Runner Up: Villa Market

25.8%

www.villamarket.com

Favorite Pizza 19.6%

Peppina

Awesome, pillowy, crispy-in-all-the-right-places bases topped with tomatoes that zing—Peppina's been living up to those authentically Neapolitan claims since 2014. Just make sure you save room for the mussels and grilled meat, too.

27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-119-7677

Of course it is. How could it not be? Not only will they do a stack of waffles sweet enough to please any cafe-hopping photo gang, but they’ll also serve a latte that competes with the best of them. And in the biggest shock twist of all, here’s a coffee shop where the savory food actually tastes great.

16%

Monacleness Tyler Brule, it’s no surprise that Gourmet Market marks the cornerstone of any BK reader’s weekly shop.

Gourmet Market

With a cheese and cold cuts counter that’ll serve you a mean local burrata to go with that fatty, nutty Iberico ham, as well as a parade of Japanese supplies that even impressed His

16.7%

Runner Up: Scoozi

174/3 Surawong Rd., 02-234-6999

Favorite Burger 22.1%

Daniel Thaiger

The only surprise here is that Bangkok’s burger truck pioneer only scooped 22.1 percent of the vote, such is this city’s love for those buttery, greasy, no-nonsense handfuls of meat, cheese and brioche.

Sukhumvit Soi 30/1, 084-549-0995 16.3%

Runner Up: 25 Degrees

G/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-267-5272

Favorite Restaurant 7%

Greyhound

The fashion brand turned food empire doesn’t just have 14 cafes in Bangkok; it’s also taken its “complicated noodles” and holy basil pasta to London, where it completely won over hardcore Observer food critic Jay Rayner. “There are things here I want to come back for,” he wrote. Praise indeed. www.greyhound.co.th 3%

Runner Up: 100 Mahaseth / Le Normandie

100 Mahaset Rd., 02-235-0023 The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Soi Burapa, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-659-9000 #7399

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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cover story AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Greyhound

PLATINUM PRIZE

A couple’s 2-night stay

at the 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam, including round-trip air tickets with Bangkok Airways. Prize worth B110,000

Congratulations Pailin Wongchaikunakorn!

Never Say Cutz

GOLD PRIZES

SHOPPING

EmQuartier

Peppina

Favorite Local Interior Brand 23.7%

If ever we were to enter some unthinkable kind of Ikea-less apocalypse, we could at least take comfort in the knowledge that local label Index would have us covered for Mason jars, neutral cotton bedspreads and wooden chopping boards at affordable prices. And that’s why we rest easy at night. www.indexlivingmall.com 17.3%

Runner Up: SB Furniture

www.sb-furniture.com

Favorite Local Menswear Label Greyhound

35.7%

More from Greyhound, and this time for what it does best; fashion—menswear, in particular, and spare us on the cheap-feeling fabrics and whose-body-was-this-measured-on cuts. OK, so we too could do without some of the “playful” tweaks, but we can count on Greyhound to keep us in well-fitting office pants for many more years to come. www.greyhound.co.th 16.2%

LIFESTYLE

Index

Runner Up: Dapper / Chaps-CPS

Favorite Fitness Club Virgin Active

37.7%

Rammed after work, yes. Expensive, yes. But at least they don’t shut branches and disappear from the face of the city, taking members’ money with them—which is saying something for this city’s fitness chains. www.virginactive.co.th

Runner Up: Fitness First

24.8%

www.fitnessfirst.co.th/

Favorite Hairdresser (women) 25%

Chalachol

Leave the big-haired auntie look to other salons and head here for a ‘do that’ll break both the bank and your Instagram “Like” record. Whether it’s a dye-job, blow-dry, cut or styling, Chalachol’s expertise means you can sit in that chair worry-free.

dapper.com, www.cpsclothing.com

chalachol.com

Favorite Thai Womenswear Label

www.shiseidopro.co.th

20.1%

Greyhound

It’s a Grand Slam for the dog logo—proof that “basic” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Now if they could only sort out an online shop that works, we’d be even more full of praise for these locally designed basics with a posh-punk edge. www.greyhound.co.th 13.2%

Runner Up: Vatanika

www.vatanika-design.com

Favorite Mall 23.2%

EmQuartier

It has a luxury cinema. It has a Kino. It greets you with a corridor of premium luxury labels as you make your way up the elevator to Uniqlo. What more could you ask from a Bangkok shopping mall? A waterfall, that’s what, and it’s got one of those too.

The EmDistrict, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000 17.6%

Runner Up: Siam Paragon

991 Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000

13.7%

A 4-person, 2-night stay in the Executive Two Bedroom Suite at White Sand Beach Residences Pattaya. Prize worth B64,730 Congratulations Hyde Kwan!

A couple's 2-night stay in the Deluxe Room at Phuket Marriot Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach inc. breakfast. Prize worth B40,000 Congratulations Jarupat Buranastidporn!

A 4-person, 2-night stay

in the Two Bedroom Jacuzzi Suite at Costa Well Resort Pattaya inc. breakfast. Prize worth B37,750 Congratulations Achira Srikasem!

A couple's 2-night staycation

in the Executive Suite at Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 inc. breakfast and a B2,000 voucher at Well spa. Prize worth B26,130

Congratulations Cillia Bettus!

SILVER PRIZES

Runner Up: Qi by Shiseido

Favorite Hairdresser (men) 34%

Never Say Cutz

There’s no beating these cheap (B400 every time), efficient (forget the shampoo and scalp massage) and reliable men’s cuts. But watch what that barber’s doing: left to their own devices, they will give you the kind of fade that should never be seen outside a Drake video. www.neversaycutzbarber.com 13.4%

Runner Up: Black Amber

Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-869-9393

Favorite Cinema 20.3%

Quartier CineArt

They’ve got the popcorn (our pick: cheese with extra cheese powder, please). They’ve got the seats (red velvet—yes!).

And they’ve got the ticket machines that actually work.

4/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0199 15.2%

Runner Up: Paragon Cineplex

991 Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4635

A couple's 1-night staycation in the Deluxe Room at The Okura Prestige Bangkok inc. breakfast and the Saturday night Jazz Buffet at Up & Above restaurant. Prize worth B25,180 Congratulations Sirikwan Rajchawat!

A couple's 1-night stay

in the Celestial Suite at Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa inc. breakfast at Al Hamra restaurant. Prize worth B25,000 Congratulations Nujpanit Narkpitaks!

A couple's 2-night stay in the Ocean Suite at Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Beach, Hua Hin inc. waterpark access. Prize worth B25,000 Congratulations Merry Puritanita!

A couple's 1-night staycation in Executive Suite at Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 inc. breakfast and a B2,000 dinner voucher at Eat Well. Prize worth B15,000 Congratulations Rachata Yothinoupamai!

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2017

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escapes karawat7 via flickr

KOH SAMET

Hidden Gem This beach might be the best place to stay on Koh Samet. By Kankanok Wichiantanon

Bar & Bed Resort

Bar & Bed Resort

Parasailing

S

et on the opposite side of the island from Sai Kaew’s party strip, Ao Noi Na is a long stretch of sand on Koh Samet’s northern coastline that doesn’t even make it onto many tourist maps. Long, quiet and well-preserved, the junk-free shore and crystal-clear water could be from the Andaman Coast.

What to do: Though tourism’s scarce here, you can still rent boat tours and go parasailing. For a group of around 10 people, Hapaya Marine Sports (086-282-5949) charge B1,000 per person for about eight minutes of flying time each—expensive but incredibly fun. If the beach gives you cabin fever, most resorts offer island tours for about B500-600 per person that’ll take you snorkeling for manta rays just off the coast of Ao Phai, followed by watching the sunset at Laem Rhua Tak, a cape that’s only accessible by boat. Keep in mind that boat trips are usually an all-day thing, and planning ahead is suggested.

Getting around the island: The main reason you would want to stay on Ao Noi Na is that it’s quiet, but you can go knock back some cocktails on Sai Kaew pretty easily. Songthaew (pickup-truck taxis) cost upwards of B200 per ride, while it's B300 per day if you want a scooter to go explore the island at your own speed.

Ao Noi Na

What to eat: Don’t let the thought of fish and chips take hold of you. Western cuisine on Ao Noi Na is terrible, so instead stick with the Thai seafood joints. Samed Hideaway restaurant (www.fb.com/samedhideaway) is one of our favorite spots thanks to the steamed white snapper in soy sauce that packs a punch (B480). For some fruity cocktails and good bar bites, hit up Baan Ploy Sea (www.samedresorts.com/baanploy), an open-air restaurant built like a sala (Thai pavilion) with matching bamboo ceilings and a beachside terrace.

Where to stay: You’ll find a number of fancy hotels to choose from. The young crowd tends to head for Bar & Bed Resort (www.barandbed.com) for its industrial-cabana look, as well as the modish Samed Club (www.samedresorts.com/samedclub). At Bar & Bed, sea view rooms begin at B4,701/night, while Samed Club’s romantic beachfront cottages can be had for B8,000 a night. If you prefer quiet and luxurious, next door to Bar & Bed is Baan Ploy Sea (www.samedresorts.com/ baanploy), a boutique hotel that tastefully blends contemporary Thai design with rustic pale woods. You can book the deluxe seaview room for B7,350/night.

Samed Club

Getting there: Buses from Ekkamai to Ban Phe leave every hour and takes three hours costing B200. The ferry from Ao Prao Pier on the mainland to Aoi Noi Na on Koh Samet takes 30 minutes and costs B15.

Call 03-865-1134.

RAYONG Don't just wait at the Pier. Eat!

BAN PHE MARKET

JOJO RESTAURANT

HAPPY CAMPER

BAAN SAPHANMAI

KHO KANOMWAN

Stop by this market for fresh seafood, whether that’s a half kilo of dried shrimp, a bucket of hoy kang or a whole sea bass just off the boat. Not in the mood to cook? Follow your nose to the stalls selling deep-fried soft shell crab or meaty goong thod.

Fresh fish and any-way-you-wantit crab are the specialities of this restaurant on Laem Mae Phim beach. The downside to such good food is the nightly crowd, which will likely keep you waiting 30 minutes for a table. 081-458-8253

This Thai kitchen rolls out specialities like a pungent and delicious kanom jeen (rice vermicelli and curry) in a garden beside Rajbumrung Road’s canal. For an idea of the mood, think bean bags, mats and hammocks stretched over the water. www.fb. com/happycamperrayong

Make a pit stop at this old Thai noodle house filled with Americana brica-brac; it’s a site of pilgrimage for many guay tiew lovers. 03-8614160, goo.gl/XXaFW2

Soothe that sweet tooth at this stall down a side alley of Ban Phe with its rainbow spread of treats from bua loi to sweet sticky rice. 081-762-0369, www.fb.com/khokanomwan

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3/26/18 7:19 PM

ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

KANCHABURI

Picture This Meena Cafe’s (www.fb.com/meenacafe2017) view is the stuff of oil paintings.

The entire glass-walled front of the cafe faces out onto lush rice fields with the pagodas of Wat Tham Sua rising in the distance. With this view in hand, the owners clearly decided that any decor would be secondary, and the bare industrial decor is fittingly casual. Take a cold coco (B60) to the high bar that runs the window, or better yet to the mesh seats outside that sit level with the fields. For a snack, orange cakes and blueberry cheese pies go from B70 a piece. The cafe’s best hour is sundown.

CHIANG MAI

Far Afield

Imagine a wedding out in a house surrounded by rice fields—got it?

The stuff of dreams are everyday realities to celebrity couples, in this case Peck Premmanat and New Napassorn, who built such a venue for their wedding. Now happily married, they’ve transformed the place into Brandnew Field Good (www.fb.com/brandnewfieldgood), a cafe and restaurant with a neighboring homestay called Baankaiho. Getting to the venue requires traipsing the raised boardwalk, which at night is lined with fairy lights. The cafe serves standard -issue drinks, while the restaurant focuses on traditional Thai dishes. The homestay is divided into two rooms: the Panorama Suite for B3,900/night and the slightly smaller Deluxe for B2,800.

BALI

Green Stamp With its cliffside, canopy-level perch, modern treehouse design and emphasis on self-sustainability, Suarga Padang Padang (www. d e s i g n h ote l s . co m / s u a rg a - p a dang-padang) is a little like a fivestar reinvention of the Swiss Family Robinson home. Bear with the analogy: the Balinese craftsmanship employs traditional bamboo, limestone and straw in beautiful, contemporary structures, while the place powers itself with solar panels and uses filtered rainwater for day-to-day activity. Convinced? At just 36 rooms/ villas, it’s also very exclusive, with each of the villas afforded the extra luxury of a private pool. The hotel’s Dugong Restaurant is another reason to take your beach getaway outside Thailand: the Indonesian fusion food is mostly prepared from ingredients sourced within a 50km radius. Room rates B9,867.

FLIGHT

Northern Neighbors Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) has rolled out an additional flight between Bangkok and Vientiane (Laos) for a total of two flights daily. The first of the hour-and-fifteen-minute flights leaves Bangkok at 9:45am and the second at 5:35pm. The B5,555 round-trip tickets include 20kg baggage. Now that Luang Prabang during the high season has been spoiled by its own popularity, Vientiane is gaining a reputation among travelers out to see the more local side of sleepy and quaint Laotian life. Try on traditional Vientiane wear, eat Laos style som tam and soak up the the slow life from a cafe on the banks of the Mekong.

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3/26/18 7:18 PM

avenue

FASHION

Whole Sale Bao Bao Issey Miyake has dominated the city’s fashion scene since its 2000 launch. Fashion-forward Bangkokians will delight, then, in the news that all four Bangkok branches of Issey Miyake have reduced the prices of all, and we mean all, of its Bao Bao bags. No more getting your friend to smuggle the goods in from Japan. The Lucent Basic will now cost B10,900 instead of B13,900, while the Prism Basic goes to B14,900 from B18,900. The most popular bag, the Lander Matte, drops a whopping B10,000 from its price tag, going on sale now for B37,900. All bags come with a one year warranty. Available at G/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-021-2177. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

SPORTSWEAR

Disruptively Simple Adidas Originals just dropped its latest sneaker that’ll make you look good at any time of the day. The Deerupt (B4,500) looks like it walked straight out of Tron (Jeff Bridges era) and onto the feet of Blaq Lyte’s dankest customers. Go for the twoway “Solar Bird” color scheme if you’ve got any kind of style cojones, or play it safe with the various black-and-white models. And since the pair weighs about as much as this magazine, you’ll feel light as air while pounding the pavement (or the M floor of Paragon). G/F, Adidas Originals, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1733. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

NEW COLLECTION

Oceans ‘18 Those hip recreations of Hawaiian shirts that have invaded malls are here to stay. Of course, Paul Smith knows better than to play it straight, upending the breezy islander look with bold retro designs that give the brand’s spring/summer 2018 collection a stand-out edge. New to Bangkok are coats (B24,500), short-sleeve shirts (B13,900) and knit jumpers (B22,500) in a collage of vibrant florals, undersea corals, koi and graphic tuna fish prints inspired by Smith’s many visits to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. Not ready for a full-on embrace of tuna-pink shirts? Add more subtle flavor to your wardrobe with ocean-print silk ties and rucksacks.1/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5756.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit

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HOME DECOR

Fine Dining When local billionaires need a silver wild boar sculpture or stingray-skin-coated bulldog figurine for their living room, they go to Lotus Arts de Vivre. Now though, the maker of massively extravagant furniture pieces has made a collection that we both want and can afford. The “Au Naturel” tableware collection comes in porcelain from Singapore’s Luzerne factory, and is decorated in minimal bamboo and lotus leaf patterns. Prices start from B700 for an entree plate up to B2,300 for a soup bowl— hardly Ikea, but chump change compared to the brand’s usual offerings, as well as an ever-so-hi-so touch to your next dinner party. Available online at www.italasiagroup.com

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3/23/18 6:03 PM

avenue SHOPPING

Midnight Oil Sleep tight with these organic aromatics.

By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

Thann

Herbpiness

What: Lavender and rosemary 100-percent pure essential oil.

They say: Deep relaxation that helps to alleviate tension, insomnia and depression.

We say: Sweet but subtle with a soothing mintiness. An antidote to a hectic work day.

How much: B790 for 10ml

What: Lemon and lavender 100-percent pure essential oil.

They say: Relaxes the mind and helps relieve tension and headaches.

We say: Warm and citrusy with a soft note of lavender that makes us want to sink our heads into a pillow.

How much: B390 for 10ml

5/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-9924.

Open daily 10am-10pm. www.thann.info

BUDGET PICK!

Available at: 3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 099-1315408. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.herbpiness.com

Zantiis

What: The Sleep Well bed mist made with pure plant essence and organic argan oil.

They say: Helps relieve stress and fatigue for better sleep and relaxation.

We say: Soft and uplifting geranium that’s pleasant and familiar.

How much: B650 for 10ml 2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 085-226-7657. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.zantiis.com

Cone No.9

What: The ceramic-maker's new essential oil blends patchouli, spices, basil, white sage and Sicilian lemon.

They say: Calms and soothes to ease anxiety and depression.

We say: Spicy, subtly musky and earthy in a way that sets it apart from the typically sweet stuff peddled by other brands.

How much: B990 for 100ml

Suvarn What: The Jasmine Queen essential oil blends jasmine, ylang-ylang and gardenia.

They say: Alleviates anxiety, depression, insomnia and stress.

We say: Warm and floral but not overpowering.

How much: B650 for 10ml

3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 096-516-4449. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.fb.com/conenumber9

2/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-538-5548. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.suvarnsiam.com

Panpuri

What: Organic lavender, organic Madagascan vanilla absolute oil and patchouli.

They say: Relieves stress and nervous tension.

We say: Not as sweet as the ingredients suggest. The concentrated scent makes it a better match for the diffuser than the burner.

How much: B1,130 for 10ml

BK PICK!

5/F, Central Chidlom, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-253-5858.

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

SPAS Take a load off at Phrom Phong's best Japanese spas

YUNOMORI ONSEN AND SPA

KASHIKIRI SODA ONSEN AND SPA

AT EASE MASSAGE AND SPA

Vibe: A luxurious, zen combination of wood and black tile. The onsen tub in a private garden is the perfect place to unwind.

Price: B1,750 for a complete package that includes a day pass to the mineral-rich spring water onsen, a 90-minute aromatherapy body massage and 30 minutes of a herbal compress.

Neighborhood: Phrom Phong Vibe: Luxurious and traditionally Japanese with private onsen wooden tubs.

Price: B3,200 for the Kashikiri Essence of Oriental signature package that includes a 30-minute private onsen, a 45-minute tropical fruit almond body scrub, a 30-minute body mask, and 60 minutes of traditional Thai massage.

Vibe: Clean and polished, but with Thai accents like lai kanok prints.

Price: B950 for the Enzyme Bath, which includes 15-20 minutes of being wrapped in hot rice bran enzymes (sand bath), good for blood circulation and melting away fatigue, plus a 30-minute cool down and shower.

A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259-5778. Open daily 9am-12am. www yunomorionsen.com/bangkok

84 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 081-268-4624. Open daily 9:30am-10:30pm. www. kashikirionsenandspa.com

593/16 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 061-682-2878. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.atease-massage.com

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3/26/18 7:19 PM

bites & blends NEW RESTAURANT

Isaan Takeover Somtum Der, whose New York outpost had a brief, illustrious affair with a Michelin star, welcomes a second Bangkok branch on Thonglor with all the true-to-Isaan flavors that we’ve come to associate with the venues of restaurateur Thanaruek Laoraowirodge and chef Kornthanut Thongnum. The compact shop-house bears many reminders of the Sala Daeng original: red accent walls, craft-inspired bamboo lamps, rows of jarred ingredients. Tam sua Sakon Nakhon (B80) and tum pla dook foo (som tam topped with deep fried minced catfish, B90) headline the som tam selection, while on the the meaty end, the deep-fried chicken (B90) served with lip-smacking jaew sauce is still a must. Thonglor Soi 17, 02-04649040. Open daily 11am-2:30, 4:30-10:30pm

EVENT

NEW BAR

NEW SPIRIT

Rise of the Provinces

Pirate Life

Taste of Amalfi

News flash: Thailand’s restaurant scene is way bigger than Bangkok. Udon Thani’s Samuay & Son's Weerawat Triyasenawat shows nerd-like devotion to regional ingredients, while Jimmy Ophorst of Phuket’s Pru has twice got to the semi-finals of Sanpellegrino’s Southeast Asia Young Chef competition. The Canvas Local Tour 2018 brings them both to Bangkok on Apr 7 (Pru, B2,900) and Jun 15 (Samuay, B2,900) to cook at Canvas alongside Riley Sanders.

Each evening will feature a different tasting menu. And if you’re in Hua Hin on May 18 (B2,900), Sanders will be at Marriott resort’s Big Fish restaurant, where head chef Xavier Charest-Rehel runs the best charcoal grill in town. Canvas, 113/9-10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 099-614-1158 Open Daily 6pm-10:30pm

Bye bye Seen Space, hello Pirate Arena. Thonglor Soi 13’s classic, pre-Commons hangout spot has a distinctly nautical feel nowadays, thanks to the same people who made Fallabella the ultimate party spot of Hermes-toting heiresses. Gone are Ashley Sutton bars and brunch cafes in favor of a duo of piratethemed places. The first to open is Pirate Saloon, a sprawling galeon-themed bar complete with membership-only games room. Knock back coconut-and-Captain Morgan cocktails (prices around B380) while chomping on Thonglor circa 2012 bar bites: angel hair pasta with shrimp paste, crab meat, truffle and Thai chili (B750). 251/1 Thonglor 13, 083-639-9919 Open Daily 6pm-2am

Malfy Gin’s eye-popping yellow and aqua-tinted bottle hints at the citrus-led spirit within. This 40-year-old family company makes its gin in Italy’s Piedmont region, adding to the juniper pressed Amalfi lemon peel. You can now taste the result—a light and crisp, limoncello-like gin made for a zesty spin on a G&T—in Bangkok, courtesy of Italy-loving booze importers PacBev. Find it in supermarkets by April, retailing for around B1,000 a pop (pitting it against Bombay and Tanqueray) and in bars like Teens of Thailand (76 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 081-443-3784), Just A Drink Maybe (44/3 Thonglor Soi 1, 02-023-7285) and Vesper (10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777), where it’ll launch with a party on Apr 3 from 6:30pm.

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3/26/18 7:21 PM

blends ON THE BAR Escape NEIGHBORHOOD

Ari Nights The best places to drink in Bangkok’s most-happening neighborhood. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj The buzz: Swanky EmQuartier dedicates some fifth-floor, malltop space to a tapas bar meets tiki bar with a “downtown beach club” theme.

Dok Kaew House Bar

O’Glee

Schneider Haus

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: The garden and spacious home make a refreshing, residential change from converted shop-houses. Also, the good stuff from Bavaria’s Schneider weisse.

How it looks: Classical and polished, like visiting your modest-but-rich friend who still lives with his parents.

Who goes there: Appreciators of German fare who are not ready to pony up for Suhring.

What you drink: Schneider beer, which starts at B140 for a glass of Mein Helle Weisse.

What music they play: Live acoustic performers and coffee-shop popsanova Ari Samphan Soi 4, 098-426-9456. Open daily 5-11:45pm

O’Glee

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: Always abuzz, this merry bar’s a great match for small groups out for a fun, casual evening downing craft beers.

How it looks: Faux-Irish pub but without the sexpats.

Who goes there: Craft beer-chugging hipsters and the after-work crowd following football.

What you drink: The owners’ favorite craft beer: Deschutes Inversion IPA (B215). Try the Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime cider (B255) if you’re into that sort of thing.

What music they play: Old pop-rock stuff to an accompaniment of TV football.

Ari Soi 1, 02-619-5354. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-midnight

Dok Kaew House Bar

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: The very spicy Thai food and the ghost stories.

How it looks: A Thai-style wooden house right out of the Rama 6 era.

Who goes there: Thais too cool to be caught drinking homebrews in a regular bar.

What you drink: Homebrew craft beer. The Nher Weizen’s a good place to begin (B180).

What music they play: Wild Nothing and other stuff you were shoegazing to in 2013.

71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 096 -886 -4104. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Tacochela by Mikkeller

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: The shrimp tacos (B50 off on Tuesdays).

How it looks: Thai house done up in punchy Dia de los Muertos style.

Who goes there: Mikkeller customers venturing out from Ekkamai and expats out for a chill meal.

What you drink: Mikkeller. The Fruit Fake is B320, or get the beer tasting flight of four 100ml glasses for B460. Margaritas are a mere B150 on Tuesdays.

What music they play: EDM club-bangers Ari Samphan Soi 1, 02-101-4962. Open Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight

Salt

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: It’s like Sathorn’s bunker on a smaller budget.

How it looks: Industrial to a brutalist, raw-concrete and glass-walls extreme.

Who goes there: Beautiful scenesters who enjoy dining in a fishbowl.

What you drink: Cocktails, beer or wine—they have it all (wine starts at B1,500/bottle) What music they play: Popsanova, house and ‘80s hits.

Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Pakalolo

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: Checking out Tropic City’s tropical competition.

How it looks: Tiki hut meets Florida Keys meets dark Ari back alley.

Who goes there: 20-something Thais recreating beach vibes with floral-print shirts, sandals and ripped jeans.

What you drink: Tiki cocktails, of course (priced around B300).

What music they play: Ukulele stuff (shocking!), which is replaced by deep-house as the night wears on.

Ari Soi 4, 02-075-0939. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Aaari Ba Bar

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: Your friends live in Ari and insist on a cheap drink.

How it looks: Plasticky and small.

Who goes there: Ari late-nighters. And by late we mean midnight.

What you drink: Black Label (B100) or a big bottle of Leo (B110).

What music they play: Mainstream Thai and 107 FM.

Aree Bar

Sofia’s Room

Jim’s Burgers and Beers

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: Bigger-than-your-face burgers and craft beers in serving sizes to match.

How it looks: Cramped and brick-walled. Just don’t move once you’re finally seated.

Who goes there: Ari’s burger lovers who don’t mind eating elbow-to-elbow.

What you drink: Craft beer served in one-litre glasses (Weihenstephan Vitus, B550).

What music they play: You are too excited about their burger menu, you don’t care.

Ari Samphan Soi 3, 02-000-9598, 085-660-8880. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight

Sofia’s Room

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: The after-hours cocktail pop-up that turns a neighborhood cafe into an intimate, library-like hangout.

How it looks: The Mad Hatter’s tea party plus booze.

Who goes there: Alternative regulars who wouldn’t be caught dead on Thonglor. Also, film and music industry types unwinding after work.

What you drink: The signature Fei Fei (B250) or a very dry martini (B200).

What music they play: Indie hipster.

1/F, Sahamongkol International, 55 Paholyothin Soi 2, 087-830-0097. Open Mon 6pm-1am; Wed 6pm-1am; Fri 6pm-1am

Aree Bar

What makes it worth traveling to Ari for: You crave a back-to-basics night out that doesn’t involve craft beer or craft cocktails.

How it looks: Like a party barn thanks to oversized wooden stools and tables, and generous use of brick.

Who goes there: Runoff from Salt looking for somewhere more conducive to drinking late into the night.

What you drink: A bottle of whiskey to share around or something fancy like, um, Stella.

What music they play: Thai rock on the more commercial end of the scale, whether live or selected by a dude behind a MacBook.

Ari Soi 4, 061-542-5535. Open daily 5pm-midnight

The decor: A wealth of Instagram-ready nooks is the reward for anyone expeditioning through the huge, tropical-plant and pink-flamingo festooned area.

The outdoor portion, which is most of it, is Samui transplanted: sofa beds, hayneedle patio umbrellas and lots of bamboo. There are four bars in total, but the restaurant bar occupies the only real cover. Beside the restaurant, the tapas bar shares a semi-enclosed space with a sport bar dedicated to football on flat screens, and the remaining bar is out in the open.

The drinks: Despite the decor, it’s not all tiki and pineapple here. The Myth Maguey (B340) is a Manhattan with a tequila base, which would usually throw us back to college in a bad way, but here goes down smoothly with the help of some Chiang Mai honey. More tropical, but still spirit-forward, the Sailor on Wrath (B340) is a mix of rum, tequila, Pina Con Criollo puree, Creole aromatic bitters, lime juice and a blow-torched pineapple. Our favorite mix is the Legend of Union (B340), which combines five different liquors whose names you won’t remember either when you’ve gotten to the bottom of the glass.

The food: Bar grub like Australian beef sliders (three miniature beef burgers, B450) or salmon tartare served on a lettuce leaf (B290).

For something heavier, get the spaghetti aglio e olio with Isaan sausages (B390).

The music: Beach bongo and reggae from 5pm with more electronic sounds coming later in the night. Live musician with DJ beats from 8pm nightly.

The crowd: Instagrammers, tourists with big cameras and a smattering of locals just enjoying the outdoors.

Why you should care: Stunning space that’s right next to the sky train. Good for an after-work sundowner or weekend boozing.

5/F, Building B, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-258-6515. Open daily 5pm-midnight

36/6 Phaholyothin Soi 7 (Ari), 02-279-7660. Open daily 5pm-midnight

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3/26/18 7:22 PM

bites NEWS

Hot from the Bangkok food scene

COFFEE CONNECTION After scooping pretty much everything in our Readers’ Choice Awards (see page 6), Greyhound’s moving into coffee—Ekkamai to start with, but no doubt the world soon enough. Choose between regular and nitro cold brew. Visit www.fb. com/greyhoundcoffeeoriginal.

RESTAURANTS

Bad Taste

SLOANE SQUARE

Shabu-serving robots, pervy maid outfits and a communist dictatorship diner —it’s Bangkok’s weirdest restaurants. By Megan Leon

The Rome Restaurant

Sanrio Hello Kitty House

It’s not quite Europe, but this restaurant 45 minutes outside Bangkok packs in lots of kitsch charm for a uniquely-Thai, faux-Italy experience. Dine alfresco under the looming Colosseum replica, or at a table in the pool area. Dishes are… Thai, or at least Thai-inflected, going from traditional seafood som tam (B180) to fried kurubota pork with pepper (B180).

Depending on your childhood, these three Hello Kitty-themed floors are the stuff of dreams or nightmares. Everything is tooth-achingly cute, from the decor to the kiddie music to the rainbow crepe cake (B150) and hot latte (B120) dusted with the icon’s chocolate face. If all this pink is dizzying, find yourself a seat in the spa, where there’s nail art (B300) and eyelash extensions (B1,500) galore.

Phetkasem Soi 77, 092- 681- 0999. Open daily 5pm-11.30pm

LG-2/F, Siam Square One, 99/Rama 1 Rd., 02-115-1335.

Open daily 10am-10pm

Hajime

Maidreamin’

What to expect: Theme park meets Italian restaurant

What to expect: Shabu Shabu served by intergalactic robots You’ve heard about robots replacing human labor?

Hajime takes you there with server robots in Samurai headgear. Even the menu isBK human-free, involving a touch-screen tablet. And robots PICK! don’t idle the way we humans do, when unoccupied, they dance to J-pop. The 145-minute buffet (B449) features sukiyaki and shabu.

3/F, Monopoly Park, 59/27 Rama 3 Rd., 02-683-1670.

Open daily 11am-10pm

What to expect: Pink madness

What to expect: A true-to-Japan maid cafe Are maid cafes ever not a little awkward? This one, deep in MBK, is indistinguishable from many cute dessert destinations until you’re confronted with a waitress in full French maid character. They’ll sing, they’ll dance and they may even call you “Master.”

The omurice (B320) takes the shape of an omelet blanket covering two rice bears.

7/F, MBK Center, Phayathai Rd. Open 11am-10pm

Chocolate Ville

What to expect: A themed restaurant and park that has nothing to do with chocolate It’s hard to peg the theme of Chocolate Ville. It’s quaint and unambiguously European, but takes its cues from many cultures, feeling at times like walking through an American suburb of the imagined melting-pot era. There are sprawling grounds, shops, a fake pond and a day’s worth of photo opportunities. Dinner is similarly mixed up, the menu including both quesadillas (B220) and spicy seafood spaghetti (B235).

Soi Nawamin 74, Yak 3-8, KasetNawamin Rd., 083-0773738. Open daily 4pm-midnight

Kaethy The Witch

What to expect: Halloween all year round It’s always witching hour at this cafe that pays homage to America’s spooky holiday. The tricky treats on the menu take the form of spider cupcakes (B95), eyeballs in blood jelly (B75) or, if you want to test your mettle, the Vampire (B135), a blood-red drink served in an IV bag. Waitresses are in costume, but like the decor, they’re more cute than creepy.

Nak Niwat Soi 41, 081-916-8447. Open daily 9am-8pm

Perhaps Rabbits

Pyongyang Okryu North Korean Food

It’s the Mad Hatter’s tea party come to life. A fake maple provides a red canopy, while the floors are mesmerizing black and white tiles, a pattern that extends into the mural of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. The desserts, include the Blue Bunny Egg (a blueberry cheese pie covered with purple chocolate eggs, B190) and the recommended Daniel’s Cup (a double-layer vanilla cake served with ice cream, crumble and berry puree, B160).

What to expect: A curiously tasty experience from the North Korean regime.

What to expect: Americana meets old England at a gas station

After a brief shutdown in June, the restaurant has relocated its beauty-queen waitress and surreal dance routines to Sukhumvit. Novelty and kitsch aside, the food has its high points,whether it’s the bibimbap (B280), bibim myun (cold noodles with sweet chili sauce and egg, B280), or Pyongyang sausage (B250). Note: The staff work under poor conditions.

This bar’s styled as an old garage and gas station, complete with classic Mini Coopers, Jeeps, signs, license plates and other roadster paraphernalia.

Sit indoors around wooden barrel tables or outside where there’s a pool and live music. Food is Thai, often spicy and fried and therefore well-suited to the laid-back, beer-tower culture of the place.

5/1 Ekkamai Soi 10, 096- 616-3314. Open daily 10am-8pm

Sukhumvit Rd., between Sukhumvit Soi 25-27, 02-2580460. Open daily 11am-11pm

What to expect: Alice’s Wonderland

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Sausage-maker extaordinaire Joe Sloane has arrived on Thonglor.

Linking hands with serial producer of lip-smacking dishes, Jess Barnes, Sloane’s bangers are now at Viva Thonglor (www.f b.com/VivaThonglor), where a butcher who trained at London’s Smithfield market runs things.

TURNING TABLES

Sukhumvit Soi 38’s Table 38 (www. fb.com/table38bkk) has big ambitions. It’s a chef’s table. The chef in question was the first Thai to win a Michelin star in America. And everything on the menu reads as just one word (“scallop,” “lamb,” “noodle”), which means you know it’ll be anything but that simple.

66 Station

Pradit Manutham Rd., 09-515-6666. Open daily 5:15pm-12:15am

SUNDAY SESSIONS

Pull your hungover ass out of bed this Sunday and head to La Casa Nostra (www.fb.com/lacasanostrabkk). The Italian restaurant partners with Aperol to bring you free-flow spritzers at B690 a head. And they’ve got the exact same deal on Peroni.

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3/26/18 7:24 PM

FOOD REVIEWS

IHOP HH American 4/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam. BB-BBB F

IHOP got a mobbed reception when it opened back in June. The International House of Pancakes has since opened a second store on the fourth floor, that sports the same glossy decor unrecognizable to anyone familiar with the fast-food fluorescence of the 24-hour U.S. counterparts. The pancakes, though, are American standard: a buttermilk batter that’s cooked to half-inch fluffiness but still dense enough to sponge up that “old-fashioned” syrup. No complaints there. The more ambitious iterations of pancake are a mixed bag.

The New York Cheesecake pancakes have satisfying chunks of cheesecake mixed into the batter but are topped with cloying strawberry jam and a dollop of deflated whipped cream (B195). The chocolate chip pancakes

Il Fumo HHH Portuguese-Italian. 1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833 Open daily 5:30pm-11pm BBBBBBB H F

This grand old villa tucked just off Rama 4 Ro a d h a s b e e n s e r v i n g c h a rcoal-grilled fine-dining menus since 2015. It began life as an Italian steakhouse, but with new Portuguese head chef Nelson Amorim (previously from the three-Michelin-starred Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong), its offerings have evolved to reflect his home influences. There’s still a la carte—and still a giant dry-aging fridge stocked with Europe’s most-prized cuts of beef—but the focus now is on the three tasting menus: five courses for B2,300 (B900 wine pairing), seven courses for B2,600 (B1,400 wine pairing), or a four course beef tasting menu for B2,700 (B900 wine pairing). Whichever you plump for, you’ll get the house signature kokotxa (cod chin) in a carbonara sauce (B560 a la carte). Gelatinous, chewy, rather tasteless and considered a delicacy in Portugal and Northern Spain, kokotxa’s all about texture—which means to say we don’t really like it.

That said, the spoonfuls of carbonara sauce, pecorino foam, crispy guanciale

were strangely salty taken bare, but went OK with the topping of chocolate chip ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. On the savory end, there’s the breakfast platter (B240) spread of two runny eggs, dry sausages, almost-crunchy bacon and crispy-but-oily hash browns or potato wedges. We’ll give them points for authentically American quantities of butter in everything, including the steak omelet (B220 cut it with the chili sauce), the sides of mashed potatoes and garlic bread, and the fish florentine that comes on a tide of alfredo sauce and is saved only with a muscular squeeze of the lemon wedge. Pair all this with a banana hazelnut chocolate smoothie (B125) that’s almost more syrup than milk and the meal leaves you feeling guilty, sinking into the seat cushion, a mood that’s not helped by the tuna salad (B240) because of its watery and sweet ranch dressing. There are things that recommend the restaurant, like its chipper service and the airy, relaxed vibe. But the truth is that Bangkok’s IHOP holds too true to the American originals: neatly-executed junk food that’s saved only by a serious pancake hankering or your desire to experience a genuine post-American-diner grease coma.

TOP TABLES 2018 NOW HAS ITS OWN WEBSITE SEE THE FULL LIST AND STAY ON TOP OF BANGKOK FINE-DINING NEWS AT BKTOPTABLES.COM

and egg yolk add some punch. The panseared foie gras served with fios de ovos (Portuguese egg threads) is more successful: simple, skilfully formed into a small roll and paired well with a port wine reduction. But really, Il Fumo feels more satisfying on classic Italian ground. A plate of duck-egg tagliolini with black truffle is rich, gooey and deliciously decadent, bursting with truffle and aged parmesan. With the kitchen’s wood-fired ovens still flaming, rest assured that the meat game remains on point. The Portuguese Carne Barrosa (B5,900 for 900g dry-aged 20 days, or as part of the beef tasting menu) is a blissfully meaty, grass-fed cut with proper bite. However, if you like your meat melt-in-the-mouth, go with the Australian wagyu “Diamatina” striploin (B1,350/300g, or as part of the beef tasting menu), which is just beautiful.

Overall, though, it’s difficult to really fall head-over-heels for the current Il Fumo experience. Service is invasive (we don’t need to be watched while reading the menu) and uninformed (completely thrown by anything deeper than what’s written in the menu), while the kitchen’s most inventive streaks are a mixed bag: squid ink crisps filled with Portuguese bacalhau (dried cod) and fava bean—delicious; a dessert that fuses apple and celery sorbet, pork crackling and bacon flan—let’s just say challenging. But you can rest assured of one thing here: being from the team who runs Vesper, the cocktails are exceptional. We last had the Fume Blanc (B370, white rum, wine reduction and calvados) and it was superb.

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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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

OR DOWNLOAD THE PDF GUIDE AT BKMAGAZINE.COM/BKTOPTABLES

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Holey Kitchen The answer to Suan Phlu's brunch prayers.

The buzz: New Yorker-Bangladeshi couple Porag and Lillian Alam’s much-loved Sukhumvit bakery opens a second branch that brings crusty, artisan breads and gooey sandwiches to eclectic Suan Phlu.

The decor: This second location captures the open and welcoming spirit of the original with warm wood accents, art-deco wall ornaments and an emphasis on the pastry case, which shows off the day’s baked goods. As with all excellent cafes, the place is primed for people watching, whether from the street-side window seat or a table on the mezzanine balcony.

The food: The fare here is testimony to head baker Porag Alam’s dedication to his craft. He has the flour especially milled to his requirements, which is evident in the chewy-crusty sourdoughs,

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flaky croissants and bagels that would do Brooklyn proud. All the old favorites are here too, like the Phet Mak Mak sourdough (B250), which is made with kalamata olives, sharp cheddar and pickled jalapenos. The onion bialys (a sort of baked-not-boiled, prototype bagel, B70) and the NYP sandwich (Sloane’s beef pastrami, whole grain mustard, pickles and cheddar cheese, B400) reference the couple’s New York days. Newcomers will want to try the signature Cubano sandwich, a toasted panini of house-made belly porchetta, smoked bacon, ham, jalapeno, dijon, pickles and cheddar (B300). And avocado toast has finally met its match in the Guaca Sandwich (B400), which won’t leave you feeling guilty for eating that frosted Berliner (B75).

The drinks: The usual suspects are all on the board, but for an extra boost, try Wham! (B120): brewed coffee, double espresso and milk foam. Get your chocolate fix with the hot or iced Chocolate Darkness (B120), which is bittersweet and rich. Looking for something to beat the heat? Go for the fresh squeezed lemonade (B120) or the fresh squeezed tangerine juice (B100) that has no additives or sugar.

Why we’d come back: Laid-back vibe, bustling location and downto-earth good food. Look out for a kitchen expansion that will open up the world of light dinners to lucky Suan Phlu regulars. Megan Leon 39/17 Soi Suan Phlu, 02-286-1549 Open daily7am-6pm

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Sasori

Via Maris

Mihara Tofuten

NEW AND NOTED

Midday Mediterranean Convent Road’s colorful Mediterranean restaurant Via Maris (10/15 Convent Rd., 02-236-5558) is mixing up the lunch menu. The old prices hold—B290 for two courses or B370 for three—but starting Mar 30 you’ll be seeing some substitutions on what’s already one of the best midday deals in town.

New appetizers take the shape of summer, as in the light cauliflower soup with chives or the friselle with chickpeas and feta. The lemon calamari with sweet potatoes makes an excellent main, but you’ll still find our favorite chorizo pizza with sheep ricotta represented. And take another 10 minutes away from your desk to savor the honey cake that’s served with homemade walnut ice cream. Available on Mon-Fri from midday to 2:30pm.

Turning Japanese Ari’s new cozy nook of an izakaya, Sasori (39 Phahonyothin Soi 11, 02-042-7797), comes from the same Japanese grill experts behind the neighborhood’s Sousaku and Nabe Nabe. Head here

for meaty specialties like chicken thigh with a hit of yuzu kosho (B45), pork belly with enoki (B39) and Australian beef with leek (B55) in a wood-heavy setting made for a few too many draft Sapporo beers (B160) or wild berry highballs (B190). Grill-ityourself options include the oozing, grilled cheese nori (B260) or you can relinquish all responsibilities with the chef’s sashimi catch of the day (B399/3 pieces).

Tofu Train Gaggan’s back with what he’s calling his “biggest risk” since opening his eponymous restaurant. The three-time winner of Asia’s 50 Best is throwing his weight behind Mihara Tofuten (Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Soi 5, IG: miharatufuten_bangkok), an omakase restaurant dedicated to tofu made by a family in Fukuoka with generations in the game. A seat at the counter starts at B3,900 for 16 courses spotlighting the many textures of bean curd. Also in the pipeline is Wet, a wine bar next to Gaggan—all before the chef reportedly gives Bangkok the boot to open GohGan in Fukuoka with chef Takeshi Goh Fukuyama (a partner in Mihara Tofuten) in mid-2021. BK staff

TABLE TALK

Café Pla M/F Siam Center, Rama I rd., 02-251-3596. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam The owner of popular ice-cream shop Iberry turns the focus to cafe culture at this greenhouse-inspired hideaway. Here, it’s all about Thai dishes with a twist, like the Floral Summer Rolls (Vietnamese fresh rolls stuffed with grilled pork and edible flowers like butterfly peas) or the fall-off-the-bone lamb leg in spicy Moroccan-style massaman curry served with roti. If you are not feeling some curry-based fire, just get the Anchan & Rose Milk Tea, which is sweet and creamy from rose syrup and milk.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary dessert valued THB 125 when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 piece / card /table /sales slip) Today – 31 Dec 18

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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now SAT Rooftop Rhythms Full-moon madness meets upscale swank in the Mar 31 party Siwilai City Club’s throwing to welcome Australian duo Robbie Charter and Tony Di Blasi, better known as The Avalanches, even better known for their 2000 album Since I Left You, which set the tone for the 16 years they kept us waiting before their follow up, Wildflower. See page 19 for more infor-

THU Very Funny Bill Bailey’s been funny for two decades. If you think that’s easy, recall that Jimmy Fallon’s streak lasted, oh, 20 minutes. What’s the old man got that the kids don’t understand? Jokes that jump from topical to political to observational, combining razor-sharp critiques of society and musical comedy. He’s performing a two-hour set at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit on Apr 5. For tickets, see page 20.

SUN Beware the Masses Apr 1 will mark the first ever BNK48 concert. It’s sold out. Who’s going? Photo-album clutching young men and that co-worker of yours who won’t stop humming “Koisuru Fortune Cookie.” The seismic crowd landing at BITEC is sure to send ripples through the traffic system. Steer clear.

MON Humble Origins The California natives who launched their career anonymously via Soundcloud have sold out another Bangkok performance. On Apr 2, fans of Lany can expect debutalbum favorites like “ILYSB”, “Good Girls,” “13” and “Super Far.” Fans should also have already bought their tickets. Show starts 6pm at Moonstar Studio 8.

MARKET Bangkok's first transgender job fair happens this weekend The transgender rights group TEAK Trans Empowerment teams up with Museum Siam on Mar 31 (11am9:30pm) to host a job fair alongside a day of art, music, talks and cultural performances.

Coinciding with International Transgender Day of Visibility (which falls every year on Mar 31), the festival promises exhibitions that examine Bangkok's understanding of gender minorities, with talk sessions from LGBT activists, columnists and artists like Prempreeda Pramoj Na Ayutthaya, Q Kanasit (the founder of online LGBT studies Non-Binary) and Tina Wattina (the editor of PRISM magazine).

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Alongside the talks, the event will also feature a job fair for the country’s leading companies that support the LGBT community, like Watashi engineering Co., Ltd., Hardcover Books Shop, Krunthai-AXA PCL, APCOM and Asia City Media Group Co., Ltd. (BK Magazine's parent company).

Live performances come from SISTERS Cabaret act and contemporary dancer Ajarn Jamie, in addition to a film screening of Laura Foreman's Days Like These.

Entry is free, while food and drink will also be available throughout the day.

The event kicks off with a preevent party on Mar 30 and a free screening of the LGBT documentary Coby at Alliance Francaise Bangkok, 179 Witthayu Rd. (7pm onwards).

TEAK is a Bangkok-based organization that aims to provide equal access to health and social resources for transgender prople, while raising awareness and education about equal rights.

International Transgender Day of Visibility first began in Michigan, USA, on Mar 31, 2009, and has since grown into a global event.

Mar 31 (11am-9:30pm). Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd., 02-225-2777. Free.

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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now PLAY LIST Natchanon Vana

NIGHTLIFE

Natchanon Vana last appeared in BK Magazine as the person behind Ari’s hippest dive bar, Sofia’s Room.

He’s also one of the film industry’s rising filmmakers, as showcased in his recent short film Upside, Down, which screened at the 28th Hamburg International Queer Film Festival last October. Here, we ask him not about his favorite films, but his favorite film soundtracks.

DJ Zinc

Hexer

Butane

SUNJU HARGUN

_COSM RETURNS

The electronic music enthusiast is supported by the underground DJ Mae Happyair. Mar 30, 12am.

Beam, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. Free.

After a year-long absence, the house and techno promoter presents DJs Mark Broom, Christian Vance, Discrete Circuit and Sarit. Mar 31, 8pm.

1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B350 before 10pm and B500 after.

KWENTA & HEXER

Pumping, trippy techno from two DJs. Mar 30, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. Free.

YOUTH LEVERAGE

Salaya Republic and SaDubRubFunk spin dub, reggae and funk. Mar 30, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. For tickets call 098-360-6069.

COCO ROUZIER

The American vocalist performs bossa nova, samba and jazz songs with band. Mar 30, 9pm. Foojohn Building, Charoenkrung Soi 31, 087593-9973.

JUNIOR & KYLE

Two festival veterans take over the decks with fine EDM. Mar 30, 10pm.

Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. B300-400 includes 1 drink.

RAFAEL DA CRUZ X MENDY INDIGO

The Cologne-based DJ teams up with Bangkok’s techno forerunner.

Mar 30, 10pm. 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061717-4365. B200.

BUTANE & DOTT

American DJ Butane, founder of house and techno label Alphahouse, is joined by one of Bangkok’s top DJing talents. Mar 30, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355.

B350 includes 1 drink.

LITTERBOX: CAT REPUBLIC FUNDRAISER DAY PARTY

A daytime celebration of cats and house music that’s also a fundraiser for the Cat Republic's adoptable cat cafe. Mar 31, 4pm. Coastal, 113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 098-253-9356.

B350 includes 2 drinks.

MIDNIGHT KLAXON BABY DISCO MEETS HOBOBRAZIL

The special guest from Bar Bonobo is joined by M.X.H.T, Gaolao and Gishiyama for a night of deep house, techno and disco. Mar 31, 8pm.12 x 12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713.

KOM WONGSAWAT

The jazz pianist performs with his trio. Mar 31, 9pm. Foojohn Building, Charoenkrung Soi 31, 087-593-9973.

RAI SOUL & NEIL THORPE

Two British DJs team up for a night of techno and trance-enducing club music. Mar 31, 10pm. Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081844-7080. Free.

PUMP UP THE JAM BY FRIENDS OF FRIENDS

International names Brent Burns, NK Chan, Alex Imix and Superstar Panda mix disco, house and techno. Mar 31, 10pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. Free before 11pm, then B350.

LIT IT UP

Hip-hop, rap, trap and mash-up tunes all night from a diverse range of DJs. Mar 31, 8pm. Chow Cafe and Bar, 2802 Soi New Petchaburi, 02-3182273. Free.

FUNK YOU VERY MUCH!

The Big Backyard live band mixes the best of old-school soul, funk and R&B. Apr 2, 6pm. Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-061-5344. Free.

DGA AT THE MYSTERIOUS TECHNO MANSION!

The Dark Groove Addict crew drops underground house, tech-house and techno beats. Apr 5, 10pm. Residence de Canal, 463/72 Luk Luang Rd., 02-061-8289. Free.

Mendy Indigo

NO RICE NO LIFE #2: MAH NOI EP RELEASE PARTY

At the release party of his new EP, underground techno DJ DOTT will be supported by Mikail and Sarayu.

Apr 6, 9pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. B350 (includes 1 drink).

Film: Tropical Malady (Thai, 2004.

Dir. Apichatpong Weerasethakul) Favorite track: “Kam Nai Jai (Straight)” by Fashion Show Vana says: There are only two topics in the film that I can relate to: love and music. The song ’Kam Nai Jai’ takes the audience back to the beginning, to the feeling of love without boundaries of culture, hometown and language. Also, I always catch myself humming it when riding a motorbike.”

Film: Laurence Anyways (Canada, 2012. Dir. Xavier Dolan) Favorite track: “Let's Go Out Tonight”

by Craig Armstrong

Film: Lost In Translation (USA, 2003.

Dir. Sofia Coppola) Favorite track: “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain

Film: Fallen Angels (Hong Kong, 1995. Dir. Wong Kar-wai) Favorite track: “Only You” by The Flying Pickets

Vana says: “I also love the song ’Kaze Wo Atsumete’ by ‘60s folk band Happy End, but it’s thanks to this film that I catch myself humming ’Just Like Honey” whenever I’m at the airport.’

Vana says: “I relate more with the motorbike riding than the film itself.

When Takeshi Kaneshiro rides his bike through a tunnel to the sound of The Flying Pickets it feels magical. It’s a scene I imagine myself in.”

Vana says: “‘Let’s Go Out Tonight’ comes right at the end of the moview. It plays when Laurence meets Fred for the first time. Give it a spin and you’ll straight-away get the vibe of the film.”

SUBCONSCIOUS: TECHNO SESSIONS

Guest DJ COWW and residents spin house and techno. Apr 6, 9:30pm.

Residence de Canal, 463/72 Luk Luang Rd., 02-061-8289. Free.

BIG DADDY FROM OSLO

The Norwegian electro house and EDM DJ spins a set. Apr 6, 10pm.

Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087-804-9542. B400 for men and B300 for women (includes 1 drink).

DJ ZINC

The UK-based DJ and producer turns up a strictly drum n’ bass set. Tickets TBA. Apr 7, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365.

TOPROCK PRESENTS: "IN HIP HOP WE TRUST"

Film: Marie Antoinette (USA, 2006.

Dir. Sofia Coppola) Favorite track: “Ceremony” by New Order

Old-school funk, hip-hop, samples and loops from the genre’s “golden age.” Apr 7, 10pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661.

B200.

Vana says: “The soundtrack to this film makes it different from any other period movie. ’Ceremony’ plays during Marie’s party. I feel connected to the extravagance. The film’s context gives a new interpretation to its music.”

RISE PRES. MYLE X MENDY INDIGO X RAFAEL DA CRUZ

The high-profile local DJ line-up delivers a dance-ready soundtrack till late. Apr 7, 10pm. Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081-844-7080.

B200.

MUSTACHE TAKEOVER VIVA AVIV RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL

Dan Buri, Soi Dogs, David F., Coran and Mjane take over the bar beside the Chao Phraya River with groovy house and tech-house music, food and art. Apr 8, 2pm. Viva Aviv, B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd., 02-639-6305. B350 for presale, B450 at the door (includes 1 drink). Tickets at www.eventpop. me/e/3062-takeovervivaticket.

SPOKEN WORD POETRY SLAM

This spoken-word contest organized by Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy offers up B3,000 in prize money.

Apr 5, 7pm. Live Lounge Bkk, Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. B300.

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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now ART

LIVE MUSIC

Rituals

Lany

Concerts BNK48

Thailand’s sister band to Japanese girl group AKB48 makes its full band debut concert. Tickets are already sold out. Mar 30, 6pm. Bitec Bangna Hall 106, 88 Bangna-Trad Rd. B800-2,000.

JBJ

K-Pop boy band Just Be Joyful makes its Bangkok debut. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2tNDh2o. Mar 31, 6pm. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani, Popular Rd. B2,000-6,000.

LANY

The LA indie-pop 3-piece returns to Thailand with tracks from their two albums. Tickets are sold-out. Apr 2, 8pm. Moonstar Studio No.8, Ladprao Soi 80. B2,500.

NIRVANA TRIBUTE CONCERT #17

A night dedicated to the legendary grunge-rock band with local acts Sammy Experience, Penny Lane, Specializers and Revive ‘90s playing covers.

Apr 5, 7pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Prasertmanukij Soi 29. B250-750 includes 1 drink and limited gift sets.

The Avalanches

ZEDD - ASIA CLUB TOUR 2018

styles from electronica and techno to dub. Apr 7, 8am. The Overstay, Charan Sanitwong Soi 40, 064-7234975. B150.

The Russian-German beatmaker takes over the decks on his tour of Asia. May 5, 10pm. Onyx, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 081-645-1188. B900.

JUBHUUCHONPAK!

Dub artists Ga-pi and T-bone present a talk and selected songs that have inspired them. Apr 7, 6pm. Nitt Press, Phran Nok Soi 6. B400.

Gigs THE AVALANCHES

The Australian electronic music group known for its sample-heavy records Since I Left You and Wildflower plays a rooftop DJ set. Mar 31, 7pm. Siwilai City Club, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631. B1,500-1,800.

DEATH VISIONS

An evening of bondage art and noise music. Tickets TBA. Apr 7, 7pm. Maison Close, 397/399 Charoenkrung Soi 45 LIVE JAZZ BAND

DANIEL WAPLES' HAND PAN "HANG IN BALANCE"

The pioneer of the newly invented “hand pan” instrument teams up with the Thai duo Honon for two nights. Mar 30-31, 8:30pm.

Livecube, 4/F, Bangkok Okinawa Restaurant Kinjo, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 089 047 1456. B250 (includes 1 drink), B500 (all you can drink).

BEAT SLICE REPEAT

A night dedicated to DJs who produce live beats and experiment with

A trio plays jazz, pop, Latin and Brazilian tunes. Apr 7, 9pm. Le Cafe des Stagiaires, 142/21 Sathorn Soi 12, 081-207-3077.

SPIRALS AND SQUARES

An electronic DJ showcase featuring Point and Shoot, Tomes and Linh Ha and Chamapoo. Apr 8, 8pm.

De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061717-4365. B100 before 9pm, then B200.

Two Men Look Out Through the Same Bars #2

GAMES AND POLITICS

In this interactive exhibition, Communication Design students of Chulalongkorn University use games as a way to discuss political issues like armed conflict, migration and governmental surveillance. Through Apr 12. CommeDe Building, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Rd., 02-218-4492. Free.

AT DAWN

Paintings, drawings and mixed-media artworks by young artists Supaporn Chulaka, Ponpassapon Bunyaritthanone, Tan Kositpipat and Terdtanwa Kanama exploring semi-surreal and abstract concepts. Throughn Apr 28.

Ardel’s Third Place Gallery, 137137/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-422-2092. Free.

BLOOD SWEAT BEER PART: MEDIUM RARE

10 street art artists and painters exhibit works meant to signify that neither happiness nor misery lasts forever. Mar 30-Apr 28. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, 119/14 Ruamrudee Soi 2, 02-254-4629. Free.

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH RAMMY NARULA

PLAN AHEAD Suuns On Jun 20, Have You Heard? gig organizer welcomes Canadian art-rock four-piece SUUNS, who will take over the stage at Rockademy with their mix of ‘60s psychedelia and ‘90s electronica-inspired tracks. Formed in 2007 as a duo—Ben Shemie (vocals/guitar) and Joe Yarmush (guitar/bass)—the band soon added Liam O'Neill (bass) and Max Henry (keyboard). Expect artful tracks at once melodic and noisy, including “Watch Me, Watch You” and “Make It Real” from 2018 album Felt.

Early-bird tickets are currently B1,100, rising to B1,300, at www.ticketmelon.com/hyhbkk/suuns. Jun 20, 8pm.

Rockademy, 120/8 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. B1,100-1,300.

Join one of Thailand’s street photographer legends for 2 days of lectures, a photoshoot and critique session. For more information, visit bit.ly/2FHMxqt . Mar 31-Apr 1. Leica Store, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-656-1102. Free.

FROM CHAOPHRAYA TO MAE PING

The watercolor paintings of Saichol Choungbunsri portray the lives and

At Dawn

cultures along the rivers. Apr 1-30.

A Day In A Life, 156/1 Tanao Rd., 092-462-8224. Free.

TWO MEN LOOK OUT THROUGH THE SAME BARS #2

Artists Miti Ruangkritya and Dhyan Ho examine different points of views standing from the same spot.

Through Apr 8. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246.

Free.

CROSSING THE APPEARANCES EXHIBITION

Photographer Deborah Metsch exhibits her memories of Africa through half-frame 35mm photos.Apr 5-May 6. The Jam Factory, 41/1-5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

RITUALS

American photographer David Longstreath explores Southeast Asian rituals like body piercings, fire walking and street processions. Apr 6-8. Cho Why, Soi Nana 17. Free.

19 BLACK EDITION

Photographer Cherdwood Sakolaya explores the measures man takes to control nature. Through May 31.

Rebel Art Space, Sukhumvit Soi 67, 081-666-8383. Free.

EDEN PART II

Piyatat Hemmatat’s photographs and sculptures draw on the imagery of Eden—serpents, forbidden fruit and the link—in a thought-provoking fashion. Through Jun 7. Galleria Oasis, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 43, 02-258-7376. Free.

NEW OPENING Future Factory

COMEDY BILL BAILEY

The British comedian and star of Black Books tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Grab tickets at www.ticketflap.com/billbailey-bkk18.

Apr 5, 8pm. The Westin Grande, Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8000.

B1,000-3,200.

Ari’s underground bar-slash-gallery has left its home in the basement of the Siamese Asset Building to head for the rooftop of Thonglor’s Badmotel in Thonglor, right above Blaq Lyte. Unlike its sister bar, though, Future Factory goes beyond hip-hop to spin nu disco, electro-pop and more diverse sounds.

Since re-launched earlier this month, the bar has already welcomed Nashville beatmakers Cherub as well as local talents like DJ Mae Happyair.

Future Factory, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Open Tue-Sun 8pm-1am.

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BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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3/26/18 7:41 PM

FILM

Opening

SLUMBER (USA)

READY PLAYER ONE (USA)

Horror. A sleep doctor confronts a demon that feeds on people’s nightmares.

Sci-fi/Adventure. Steven Spielberg adapts Ernest Cline’s best-selling novel, set in 2045, about a virtual-reality game where users vie for an enormous fortune.

Shuu S huu

ขอเชิญร่วมงานเปิดตัว ไกด์บุ๊กเล่มแรก! ของ คัมภีร์ที่จะพาไปรู้จักที่กิน ที่เที่ยว ที่พัก ทั่วย่านเมืองเก่าในกรุงเทพฯ พร้อมกิจกรรมเสวนากับผู้ประกอบการในย่านนี้ และการแจกของรางวัลมากมาย

DORAEMON: GREAT ADVENTURE IN THE ANTARCTIC KACHI KOCHI (JAPAN)

Animation. Doraemon uses the anywhere door to take Nobita and his friends on an adventure in Antarctica.

KEYS TO THE HEART (KOREA)

Drama. The former boxer connects with his long-lost, autistic brother through music.

Warehouse

30

THU l 5 APR 18 l 3-5 PM. ณ Warehouse 30 (โกดัง 1) เจริญกรุง 30 Berlin

Upcoming

PETER RABBIT (UK)

A QUIET PLACE (USA)

Animation/Comedy. Adapted from Beatrix Potter’s children’s tale, a group of rebellious rabbits faces eviction from a vegetable garden.

Horror/Drama. A family must survive the attentions of a beast in the cornfields by remaining completely quiet.

7 DAYS IN ENTEBBE (USA)

HEREDITARY (USA)

Action. Based on the true events of 1976 when four terrorists hijacked an Air France flight from Tel-Aviv to Paris and forced the crew to land in Entebbe, Uganda.

Horror. A family’s fortunes begin to unravel under mysterious circumstances after the death of the matriarch.

SPECIAL SCREENING

TALK AND TRUTH IN FASHION

The documentary Club and Lonely Two Legged Creature is dedicating the evening of Mar 31 to fashion with talks, workshops and a film screening. The event begins at 5:30pm with the screening of Dries, a documentary chronicling the rise of independent fashion designer Dries Van Noten. Following the film will be a discussion and workshops hosted by local fashion brand Lonely Two Legged Creature.

Museu

m

Now Hiring WE’RE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: • • • • • • • •

VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER JUNIOR/SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR SALES EXECUTIVE IT ADMIN/SUPPORT VIDEOGRAPHER SENIOR DESIGNER SUB-EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (EVENTS) Find out more at bkmagazine.com/jobs

Mar 31, 5:30-8:30pm. Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30. B100

BK Magazine Friday, March 30, 2018

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