Have you always been interested in beer?
No. I was actually a wine person. But I am interested in taste, and when I found out what beer could actually be developed into, then I got interested.
How did you become a brew master?
My husband started out brewing with the very first Danish microbrewery and then he founded our brewery. Since he is into the actual process of brewing (he is an engineer), he gave me the responsibility of developing the taste of Bøgedal.
Why make a premier craft beer?
Because we have a very small production capacity and a very complex story behind our production methods, I decided we should make a beer targeting the high-end wine market. They tend to be more interested in taste notes, history and production methods.
What is all gravity brewing?
All gravity brewing is brewing without the use of pumps; using natural gravity to move the beer from cask-to-cask. This method of brewing is now also becoming popular for some of the world’s best wine makers as it retains more of the important flavors, often lost in other methods.
What makes Bogedal beers so special?
The beers are very full bodied and complex, but at the same time they are elegant and well balanced. Due to the production process, many fine taste notes are still present, which give an experience you don’t find in beer produced in modern breweries.
Bøgedal will be imported by Hopsessions at select venues soon. Visit www.facebook.com/hopsession
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(EAT) It doesn't look like much with it's crudely painted scenes depicting the Swiss Alps and otherwise barebones decor, but this little cheese shop and restaurant has some of Bangkok's best fondue and raclette.
Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm. 02-259-0590
Taiwanese interior designer Eugene Tan’s love for classical elegance is clear in the grandeur of the eight-room Cabochon Hotel, tucked down this quiet dead-end soi. Completed last year, the building offers an imposing white neoclassical façade while the interior recreates the home of a Chinese tycoon in the heyday of 1920s Shanghai. Inside you’ll find an Aladdin’s cave of vintage items from animal skulls to huge Louis Vuitton trunks. Even if you’re not staying here, The Joy Luck Club lounge and bar supplies an ambience that’s part speakeasy and part library, while the Thai restaurant Thai Lao Yeh is furnished with traditional wood, marble tables and old prints. It serves up dishes influenced by Lao, Northern and Northeastern cuisines. The newest addition comes in the form of Wooden Submarine, a clothing and accessories store that lets you browse vintage Americana from confederate flags to old prison vests (see more details on page 19).
Restaurant open 11am-2pm, 6-10:30pm. Rooms from B8,600/2 nights. 02-259-2871/-3. www.cabochonhotel.com
(SHOP) The airy 600-sq-meter, two-story space is filled with an eclectic mix of tasteful home decor items, ranging from French country style wooden dining tables to industrial-chic leather couches to hemp rugs sporting giant Baroque prints. But smaller decorative pieces are also available.
Open daily 11am-8pm. 02-258-1917
(EAT) Just up the road from the Cabochon is the equally handsome Quince. One of the hottest eateries in town at the moment, its intriguing and inventive “market” menu has a real focus on sustainability, ethical eating and local produce. That means simple, but delicious treats like roast carrots with shallot, honey and poppy seed and whole shoulder of lamb. It’s all served in a space that mixes industrial elements with vintage touches like European furniture and posters.
Open daily 11:30-1am. 02-662-4478
The five-story venue, clustered around an impressive water feature, offers plenty of dining options from Thai restaurant Som Tum Dok Rak (2/F, 02-863-8593. Open daily 10am-10:30pm) to Japanese Udon noodle venue Marugame Seimen and contemporary sushi bar Kinki, as well as some quirky shops. See the following individual entries for highlight venues.
www.rainhill47.com
(SHOP) Owned by couple and self-confessed fashionistas, Diloklarp “Him” Junthachotibutr and Ploy “Paloy” Horwang, Him & Her started off as a vintage clothing store where the two curated items from around the world. Since moving to their new location they’ve also started designing their own womenswear ranging from dresses to pants, which are proving popular with local stars and celebrities.
Open Tue-Sun 1-9pm. 2/F, Rainhill, 02-261-7233
(SHOP) This is Bangkok’s second branch of this Japanese-style zakka store, a small shop selling everything from cute tableware to linen handicrafts—all of which follow a similar theme. Browse through their collection of handcrafted pillow cases and tote bags, and then sit back and sip a bag of their homemade lemon soda.
Open daily 10:30am-9pm. G/F, Rainhill, 083-110-0445
(EAT)The décor follows an industrial chic setup with bare brick walls, steel painted black and lamps dangling from the ceiling—and gets extra points for the outdoor terrace overlooking Sukhumvit Road. The menu embraces comforting dishes like chicken wings and burgers but also offers more unique options like peach and prosciutto salad with brie or the “rustic quesadilla” with smoked salmon, mornay sauce and chive sour cream. They stock decent wines and a few American craft beers and also promise a special brunch menu soon.
Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-midnight.
1/F, Rainhill, 02-261-6992
(EAT)(DRINK) Nestled on the 6/F of Rainhill, Kinki may offer only modest views of the Sukhumvit skyline, including the nearby BTS line, but this newly opened rooftop venue delivers on its promise of “urban attitude” through its combination of Japanese fusion fare, custom cocktails, walls covered in graffiti and regular DJ nights (including international acts). Imported from Singapore, the Japanese-themed bar and restaurant serves up signature dishes like tai carpaccio (B380) and foie gras and scallop sushi (B350) while the cocktail list includes such offerings as the Spicy Hachimitsu (B240). (See more details on page 27.)
Open Mon/Tue/Thu/Sun 5pm-midnight, Wed/Fri/Sat 5pm-1am.Rooftop (6/F), Rainhill, 02-261-7204. www.kinki.co.th.
(EAT) If you have the energy to escape Rainhill and walk a little further down the leafy Soi 47 you’ll come to this 60s-style former home. The second floor boasts wooden walls, floors and colored screens while downstairs there’s a selection of Thai furniture, handicrafts and knick-knacks for sale. The kitchen whips up artfully-presented Thai dishes like stir-fried pea sprouts with oyster sauce, tom yum kung and fried chicken with lemongrass.
Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm. 02-258-1564
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(EAT) Yes, knitting is still hot! The main draw here is that it’s a great place to knit, providing all the materials you need in its shop, along with some friendly tips, and a cute café to get your knitting done. Big Knit Café has a compact menu of baked pasta, Thai single-dishes and plenty of cakes.
Open daily 9am-9pm. The Natural Park Bldg. next to Dental Hospital,.02-260-5050. www.bigknit49.com
(EAT) When it comes to Italian fine dining, La Bottega lives up to expectations in every way, shape and form, from the authenticity of the food (drawn from all parts of Italy), the hands-on service by Chef Luca and his staff, the classy ambience and yes, the hefty bill at the end of your meal. For a slightly more uptight and hiso option, head indoors with the rich Thai and expat families; otherwise, head for the dark wooden balcony.
Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-midnight;
Mon 5pm-midnight. Terrace 49, 02-204-1731
(SHIOPPING) Regarded as one of the most sophisticated menswear brands in Thailand, Duly stocks ready-to-wear formal clothes, and offers a tailoring service for suits and shirts, even for international visitors. (They can also deliver orders by mail.) They provide a range of different options, from the buttons you want to the types of stitching and a huge choice of quality shirt fabrics from the likes of Thomas Mason in the UK, which was founded back in 1796. They also recently rolled out a range of business shoes made at an old workshop in Italy.
Open daily 10am-7pm. 02-662-6647/8
(EAT)(DRINK) Newspaper heir Dan Hetrakul chose to eschew the hustle and bustle of the usual party districts to open Grease, a swanky all-in-one nightspot, on the quieter Sukhumvit Soi 49. Occupying a four-story shophouse, this newly-opened venue contains a bar, club, lounge and restaurant, aiming to cater to all sorts of late-night pursuits. Each floor is decked out in a different theme. The first floor, named Any Winehouse, is a high-ceilinged restaurant and wine bar. The second floor sees a faux garden, while the third floor is home to LSD, the clubbing space with interactive-LED surfaces, laser lights and plethora of mirrors. Meanwhile, up on the fourth floor you’ll find Cry Baby, a sort of chilled-out living room, where musical newcomers are given a chance to play live. On the rooftop is the open-air bar called Top-Loader for drinks under the stars.
Open daily 6pm-late. Piman 49 Complex, 02-662-6120/1
(EAT) Probably the classiest branch of the famous egg tart chain founded by real-estate tycoon Patinya “Pa Tob” Kuantrakul, it is housed in a standalone house right opposite Samitivej Hospital. Don’t just munch on Pa Tob’s Hong Kong-style egg tart (B40) and pa tong ko with dippings, though, as Kanom also offers a selection of Thai-Chinese dishes such as khao soy (noodles in Northern style, B49) and mee phad pak krached (stir-fried white noodles with water mimosa, B160).
Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-8pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm.
0-2391-2428, 02-712-6618
(EAT) With a classic European décor, Made My Day cooks up Italian dishes with Thai touches (such as pasta with salted fish). But the most popular time to visit this petite place is for the breakfast for dishes, such as the big plate of kai krata, a Northeastern speciality with eggs and sausage in a pan (B110).
Open daily 7am-10pm. 02-714-7299
(HEALTH) Fitness center, badminton, tennis, squash, racquet ball, futsal, rock climbing wall, swimming pool, jacuzzi, snooker, sauna and steam room, business meeting rooms—the Racquet Club is simply awesome, if you can afford it. 1-year membership is around B21,400, 6-month B14,980, 3-month B9,630, 1-month B4,280.
Open 6am-11pm. 02-714-7200
(EAT) The very new addition to this happening soi, Thai restaurant Paste spices up the traditional Thai cuisine with modern interpretations in a charming space. (See more on page 16.)
Open Wed-Sun noon-2:30pm, Tue-Sun 6pm-late. 02-392-4314, www.pastebangkok.com
(EAT) Peng You Chinese Café shakes up the foodie scene in Sukhumvit Soi 49, which was formerly dominated by Western and Japanese options. A charming, high-ceilinged coffee shop, it’s vintage references to China Town are balanced by a cool grey palette for that touch of modernity. The food is totally nostalgic though, and might remind you of Hong Kong’s diners with dishes like toast and deep-fried dough alongside classic Chinese drinks like milk tea.
Open daily 9am-11pm. Piman 49 Complex, 02-662-6169
(EAT) The high-ceilinged space is decked out in an Indochinese-themed, adorned with hanging lanterns and a bamboo-strewn balcony overlooking the soi’s trees. On offer are classic dishes like pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup, B160) and spring rolls (B90) and don’t forget to ask about their specials of the month, too. Before asking for the bill, do finish off your meal with a Vietnamese coffee (B50).
Open daily 11am-10pm. Piman 49 Complex, 02-662-6311,
www.saigon-recipe.com
(DRINK) A comfy but upscale sports bar that has a legit food menu alongside some fancy booze, it’s pretty compact, given the normally cavernous Irish-themed sports bars we’re used to. No faux wood paneling here—instead, Shots 49 looks to offer a contemporary vibe. It’s decked out in black leather sofas and low black tables giving it a plush gentleman’s club feel. There is a big LCD screen along the wall and a pool table surrounded by mirrored walls next to the bar. There’s also a tiny outdoor space but it’s more for people to grab a smoke than somewhere to enjoy the night air.
Open Tue-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri 5pm-1:30am. 02-762-7816.
www.shots49bar.com
(EAT)(DRINK) Bangkok’s newest yoshoku (Japanese interpretations of Western food developed in the Meiji era) is a spacious, pale-grey dining room like those contemporary eating spaces in Tokyo’s Daikanyama neighborhood. Must-tries include the khao gaeng gari pad haeng (rice topped with stir-fried minced pork and scrambled eggs, B270) and the tender Kurobuta steak (B440). Pair them with sake-based cocktails like Yellow Martini (yellow chili peppers) and Tokyo Route (sake-marinated blueberries, B280) and wrap things up with a fragrant and flavorful Mont Blanc dessert (B170).
Open daily 11am-2:30pm; 2:30-5:30pm (afternoon tea only) and 6-10:30pm. 02-662-8378
(BEAUTY) Located on the second floor of an unassuming building at the mouth of the soi, Sindy Lim has been operating as a high-end salon for nearly ten years. Lim has a degree in hairstyling from the UK and is well known for tending to the hair of local celebrities whose privacy is guaranteed. Needless to say reservations are a must.
Open Thu-Tue 10am-8pm. 02-260-0635/0793
(EAT)(DRINK)The dream team behind Hyde & Seek bar at Phloenchit, chef Peter Pitakwong, star chef Ian Kittichai (who also owns Thai restaurant Issaya Siamese Club) and mixologist Chanond Purananda, combined forces again to create this new dining spot. Smith gets its name from its focus on craft, as in “blacksmith,” which in the food world, translates to the global nose-to-tail trend of eating every part of the animal from the tongue to the trotters. The décor also has plenty of nods to this ambition, with an industrial vibe consisting of a corrugated steel façade and old butchers tools and pictures of cuts of meat on the cement walls. The place has just added a chef’s table to let you get up close and personal with both chefs (B3,800-B5,800 per person) and remains very popular with the city’s socialites.
Open daily 5pm-midnight. 02-261-0515/6.
www.smith-resturant.com.
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1.) Amore (SHOP) Made famous by the evening gowns they tailor for Miss Thailand Universe pageants, Amore specializes in glamorous dresses for special events. The founder Pakamon “Khem” Taweesuay does a mix of original creations and homage models.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. 02-259-6211
(EAT) A famous franchise from Tokyo that does are four types of ramen: Bankara original, Tonkatsu, Tsukemen and Miso ramen—each can be personalized with additional toppings like pork, corn, seaweed, veggies and different sized noodles.
Open daily 11am-11pm. 1/F, Manor Complex, 02-662-5162
(SHOP)They claim to be the biggest barbeque store in town with over 500 gas, charcoal and electric barbies. Our favorite has to be the Weber Compact Kettle (B12,990). Practically a design icon, the black cannonball of a grill doesn’t take up too much space.
Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm.
02-662-6437. www.bbqthai.com
(EAT) This humble little bakery packs some serious pastry surprises created by a young Japanese couple. Among their baguettes and croissants is a selection of fruit tarts. The pastry is a crispy, flakey triumph of good ingredients and the cherry topping (our favorite) with a touch of vanilla custard is bliss (B45 per piece, B199 for 5).
Open Mon-Fri 8am-6:30pm, Sat 8am-5pm. 02-259-4353
(EAT) Escape to the vineyard without leaving the city, thanks to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery’s The Great Hornbill Bistro. The sister venue to the one in Khao Yai follows the same concept, right down to the Martha’s Vineyard, country cottage feel. The kitchen keeps in step with Thai and international dishes from yam ka moo (pork knuckle in spicy salad, B550) to the GHB Breakfast (B250).
Open daily 11am-10pm. 02-262-0030 ext. 321
(EAT) Inside, the flagstone floors, brick walls and random bric-a-brac give the place a grotto feel, while out in the conservatory, the fake vines and barred windows are a bit theatrical. For those with deep pockets who want traditional Italian with a capital I. But it’s not the lightest or most modern food.
Restaurant open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-11pm.
Wine bar open daily 5pm-1:30am. 02-258-5606
(EAT) This petite white-and-blue restaurant has been a favorite for more than thirty years. Get there early (around 9am) to get fresh baked pastries like eclairs, breads and pies. Their single-dish food, like those phad krapao, is also good too.
Open daily 7:30am-7pm. 02-258-8293, 02-261-5734
(EAT) Enjoy classic French fare and good wine while rubbing shoulders with the local bigwigs. The food is just as classic as the stately decor: foie gras, escargots and plenty of truffles. Its affordable three-course set lunch with menu changing weekly is another reason to pay a visit to the knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 6-10pm. 02-259-4577/8
(SHOP) A sister store of Quattro House of Mirrors in Thonglor, Quattro Home imports high-end furniture from around the world, some of which is exclusive to this store.
Open daily 10am-7pm. 1/F, PST Building, 02-662-5831/3. www.quattro-design.com
(EAT) Set in a pleasantly peaceful, grassy compound this actor-owned restaurant dishes out Thai fusion recipes. The spacious all-white house charms with its modern minimalist décor. Don’t forget to drop by Summer next door (open noon-midnight) for their particularly tempting desserts.
Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 5-11pm. 02-392-2747/8.
www.springnsummer.com
(EAT)(DRINK) Passersby are unlikely to miss the 4-meter-tall Eiffel Tower replica out front. The mood and tone is similar to other wine bistros: sophisticated black walls with gold rim, black-framed glass windows and wooden furniture. There are only a few bar seats and tables inside, leaving space for a wine cellar and a DJ deck.
Open daily 10-1am. Room A1, 1/F, Manor Complex,
02-662-5427, 087-675-7779
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What’s it like: It all starts when you set foot on a long-tail boat (B50 for adults and B20 for kids) to be whisked away to the middle of nowhere. During the 20-minute journey to what is basically a big platform on stilts in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, you’ll pass through a mangrove forest where you see all sorts of birds and get a glimpse into the lifestyles of people living by (and on) the river. The venue itself certainly offers some scenic views.
What’s the food: The seafood here is not going to be the best you’ve ever had. The yam cha kram (sea blite spicy salad, B150) is pretty nice, though, but if you’re feeling particularly DIY, you can even bring along your rod for a spot of fishing while you enjoy beers at your table.
74/3 Moo 9, Thakam., Bangkhuntien Rd., 089-613-1340. www.bangkokseaview.com. Boat leaves every 30-45 mins. Open Tue-Sun 11am-9pm
What’s it like: Hajime serves modern Japanese fare with a bold, futuristic gimmick—human-like robots instead of waiters. Even the menu is computer-based, so diners can order directly from the touch-screen device attached to their table. In the center of the space is a glass-covered aisle where the robots zoom back and forth serving dishes and, when the mood is right, dance.
What’s the food: Japanese a la carte classics alongside BBQ (B499) and shabu (B329) buffets. For 145 minutes, you can get your fill of meats like pork sirloin, Kurobuta and sirloin beef. As for the a la carte dishes, recommendations include the pork steak and yaki soba (stir-fried noodles). Here’s one place where you needn’t bother tipping.
3/F, Monopoly Park, 59/27 Rama 3 Rd., 02-683-1670. Open daily 11:30am-10pm
What’s it like: This restaurant is all about depriving you of your sense of sight in order to heighten your other four senses. You’ll be dining in complete darkness and guided by visually-impaired staff.
What’s the food: You won’t know what you’re eating, but that’s half the fun. The chef rotates the menu so that even repeat customers are guaranteed fresh experiences. The three-course set menu is B850 for meat or seafood options and B750 for vegetarian. As for feel-good factor, 10% of Dine in the Dark’s profits go to helping Bangkok’s visually-impaired. Currently relocating, DID is set to reopen in a couple months. Call 080-201-5992 or visit www.DIDexperience.com for updates.
What’s it like: It’s like stepping back into the comic Ninja Hatori. The place is decorated to be a ninja’s cave and is filled with the sound of drumrolls and ninjas shouting. There’s even samurai performances, too. Hold your excitement though, as the place is in the process of relocating to CentralWorld and is due to reopen around July.
What’s the food: Traditional Japanese and some fusion dishes. The restaurant also recommends the set menu ranging from B1,200-B2,500. Dishes include sashimi and spaghetti with seafood. Do check for the special monthly drinks. heroninja.jimdo.com
What’s it like: Settle in for a night of good food in a homey setting up on the 15/F of a residential building. Nang Gin Kui is a self-proclaimed “guerilla dining” operation run by a couple—Florian Gypser, an architect, and Goy Siwaporn, an avid foodie—who like to let perfect strangers share their private space, with its winning views of the Chao Phraya River. The end result is something akin to throwing a good house party, with the company of your own choosing, only without the hassles of cooking and cleaning up.
What’s the food: The open kitchen is run by Goy and her small team of silent hands who serve up everything from Thai to Italian and Japanese—basically whatever takes their fancy on any given day. The food’s good enough that we’d recommend it anyway, but did we mention the views? Reservations can be made for 8-25 people, simply organize a meeting spot somewhere by the water, with full-course dinners starting from B800 per person (negotiate for free-flow booze).
868 Soi Vanit 2, Charoenkrung Soi 20, 085-904-6996, www.facebook.com/nang.gin.kui, www.nangginkui.com
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