• By GROVE
  • | Jan 22, 2016

1. The Makeover

After around two years of operations, deli-slash-Mediterranean restaurant Moko has been reborn as Kumi Restaurant & Healthy Corner (71/2 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3673). Putting an even stronger emphasis on healthy food, the restaurant’s menu comprises clean bits that go beyond salads like sesame tuna quinoa. 
 

2. New Art 

Towards the end of 2015, Sathorn welcomed the simply named Sathorn Soi 11 Art Space (404 Sathorn Soi 11, 02-004-1199. www.sathorn11.com). The two-story space provides an outlet for the work of aspiring local artists as well as a residency program. They’ve got four atelier studios above the gallery, which they lend to Thai artists selected from across the country. The current exhibition is Ong-arj Loeamornpagsin’s “Thai,” comprising 14 expressionist paintings and sculptures that offer a satirical look at Thailand’s culture, belief systems and politics. Elsewhere in the neighborhood, the long-standing H Gallery (201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508) has just opened its latest exhibition, “The Body You Want” by Krit Ngamsom, which explores the dynamic between conformism and rebellion through an installation of toy robots.   
 

3. New Restaurant

Our favorite Thai restaurant in Thonglor is the latest addition to the Sathorn Soi 10-12 ‘hood. Three years after first opening, Supanniga (28 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-0349) has not only kept up its solid reputation for delicate Thai food, but also held strong on its mission to expand nostalgic Thai flavors to more palates. The new joint keeps it cozy and casual with a color scheme that plays on the vivid yellow of Supanniga flowers, along with Isaan-inspired decorative items like silk spindles and fabrics. Expect the same favorites on the menu including pu jah (blended crabmeat and pork, seasoned with pepper and steamed inside crab shell, B250), panang nuea lai (beef red curry, B190) and moo cha muang (stewed pork with herbs and cha muang leaves, B190).
 

4. The Comeback  

The name Sorrento has a long history in Bangkok. The Italian restaurant had been a Sathorn mainstay since 1989 before it closed down in the middle of last year. Now reopened as Sorrento Sathorn (Sathorn Soi 10, 02-234-9933), the restaurant spotlights traditional Italian and European dishes and a well-priced wine list amid a fittingly elegant design. They also worked with a local rising mixologist team to create a list of signature drinks like the not-to-be-missed The Don (B320), a sweet and smoky drink that mixes Chivas Regal Extra with port wine, cherry syrup, a dash of Peychaud’s bitters and smoked rosemary.
 

Distil Bar

5. New Drinks

As if you needed any more excuses to drink in Sathorn and Silom, three of the ‘hood’s hottest bars have rolled out new drinks. Head to Silom’s Distil Bar at Lebua (64/F, State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd., 02-624-9555) for a few craft cocktails to go with the stunning views of the Bangkok skyline. Try one of their superstar concoctions like the crisp and aromatic Hangovertini (B610), which mixes Chivas Regal 18 with green apple juice, Martini Rosso and rosemary-infused honey.  
 
Hanakaruta Sathorn
 
Make your next stop at Hanakaruta Sathorn (28/1 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-1239), the modern Japanese izakaya with an amazing floor-to-ceiling booze collection and a chat-friendly atmosphere. Beyond the popular homemade plum wine, try a limited bottle like the Chivas Regal Mizunara (B400/glass), a special blend designed exclusively for Japan that’s matured in a white oak cask. 
 
Revolucion Cocktail
 
Continue your night at the buzzing Revolucion Cocktail (Sathron Soi 10, 02-235-4823) whose upbeat party soundtrack is matched by super-creative cocktails like the Cookie Sazerac (B440)—don’t be fooled by the name, this potent drink combines Chivas Regal Extra with Martell VSOP Cognac, chocolate cookie syrup and flaming absinthe. Stay tuned for the upcoming opening of a restaurant, Clandestino Cantina, on the bar’s second floor. 
 
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