Fogo Vivo

G/F President Arcade Tower, 973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0384. Open daily 6pm-1am (in the upstairs bar). BTS Ploenchit.
It’s posh, it has a good location and of late it has been the rising star of nightlife. If you need some caloric intake before you dazzle everyone with your dance moves, try the Brazilian buffet (B960) downstairs. Every Latin lover or Latin lover lover should be there: the smooth movers, the curious, and even some tourists. You won’t be shipwrecked; they’re all very welcoming and there’s always someone to help you with your dance steps.

Senor Pico Bar and Restaurant

Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit 18, 02-261-7100. Open daily 5pm-1am. BTS Asoke, MRT Sukhumvit.
Serves Mexican food in an atmosphere that walks a fine line between cheesy and authentic. There’s a sizeable dance floor where you can show off your skills but coming alone just for dancing isn’t such a great idea. Weekdays are better for dinner. Fri and Sat are filled with expats, which could be good for expanding your business network. Saucy salsa songs are provided by Los Gafas, Tue-Sun 7pm-midnight.

Patty’s Fiesta

109-111 Soi Patpong, Silom Rd., 02-632-7898/9. Open daily 11am-2am. BTS Saladaeng. MRT Silom.
Another well-known place packed to the rafters with Mexican décor. Opt for the mezzanine for a breeze and a bird’s eye view of the bar. Most customers are farangs with their “girlfriends” (cough cough) so you better bring your own dance partner. Enjoy live music and Patty’s Fiesta (B220), a strong cocktail that will make your moves smoother (or at least seem that way to you).

Growing up in St. Charles, Missouri, I felt like an outsider, considering I looked different. I was happy to move to Los Angeles at 17. My life and my world opened up to a whole new place.

When you are a kid, being different can make you insecure. However, you are happy to be different when older. Adversity builds character.

In Los Angeles, I started working with an artist named Tony Duquette. He introduced me to Asian culture, from Balinese and Chinese to Japanese. He was a world traveler and known for doing old Hollywood movies. He was a huge influence on me, opened my eyes to the world and who I really am.

Bangkok has always been one of my dream destinations. Thai food, which is really popular in Los Angeles, is my favorite. I want to get the sense of what Bangkok is really all about.

I have been so blown away by the immensity of the shopping structure in Asia. You can find big brand names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci and high-end fabric stores all in one place, which is not common in the US.

Fashion-wise, what I have seen here so far is very international. I want to experience people in sois and markets to get the real essence of cosmopolitan life here, which I have so far only seen out of a window during my cab rides.

The fame and notoriety of the show has been huge. It has opened up a lot of doors for me.

I transmit my stories through fashion.

As a fashion designer, I barely have free time. I am always busy looking and searching for inspiration.

My focus is currently on custom-made pieces. I need the right investors to take to the next level. You are going to see my own label or we will all die trying.

There is a big misconception about me because I was portrayed as an asshole on TV. Some parts were edited out until later on when my real personality showed through, not just soundbites. People who meet me would describe me as well rounded.

In life, I take a lot of risks. However, at the end of the day, if you are a current person and recognize the beauty in the world, you will make out OK, no matter if someone tries to paint you in a negative way.

I believe in being a master of your own destiny.

It is not about winning or losing. It is about the journey—where you go and where you take it.

I love music even when I don’t understand the lyrics. What matters is that I get the feeling of the music.

Reality TV can make things seem unreal. However, being on TV allows people to feel like they know you. When we get to meet in person, it creates an immediate connection. There are no walls.

Hard Rock Café

424/3-6 Siam Square Soi 11, 02-251-0797. BTS Siam. Open daily 11-2am.
The long running internationally branded bar and restaurant plays disco and rock tunes on all three floors. American music, beer and food (in American sized portions) also available.

Re-Feel

21/18-21, Block B, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 02-664-6459/60. Open daily, 6pm-2am.
The ground floor and mezzanine offer timeless Thai and international hits, spun by in-house DJs or faithfully covered by live bands. Dance on the second floor or chill in the small but fully equipped third floor.

Roadhouse Barbeque

942/1-4 Rama 4 Rd., on the corner of Suriyawongse Rd., 02-236-8010. Open daily noon-1am. MRT Silom.
www.roadhousebarbeque.com.
Roadhouse BBQ borrows a host of American bar traditions, including a “throw your peanut shells on the floor” rule, killer Buffalo wings, and pool and foosball tables on the third floor.

Never leave home without: Stuff to connect to the world via internet and my music

Stupidest Trend: Too many to try to find one

Favorite audience:  A happy, smiling one

Happiest moment:  When you have that new song you love, play it for the first time and it gets the crowd crazy—magical!

All time fave song: Change feat. Luther Vandross, “The Glow of Love”

On a night out you… Stay home! I’m out so much as a DJ that I do it reverse!

Last lie: I swear it wasn’t me

Rule for life: Try to live it in style

First job: Office clerk

Idol: Sean Connery

Favorite Bangkok sound/noise: The street food vendors scrapping and banging their woks

The path to inner peace: Find yourself first, then you can find the rest

Most annoying thing I have to encounter everyday: Grumpy taxi drivers

Last thing that made me stop and think: Plastic bags, do we really need that many?

Listening to: Too many things, but always soulful and musical

Best DJ groupie story: Groupies are for rock stars; you’re knocking at the wrong door

Make them think you’re cool: Why, didn’t I yet?

Most inspirational person: Quentin Tarantino

House music never dies because: It’s disco in disguise, and there hasn’t been anything better to get your groove on

Dimitri will be showcasing his trademark style at Polly Bar (see +nightlife previous page) on Friday, Dec 22. Advanced tickets B1,000 (call 08-5917-3616) or B1,500 at the door. Doors at 9:30pm.

In your pocket: Candy.

Never leave home without: Cellphone.

As a child: Loved singing.

In 20 years: I’ll keep singing.

All time fave song: Garota de Ipanema.

On a night out you… : Go somewhere to listen to music.

Last lie: I told my sons that Santa Claus really exists.

First job: Singer.

Idol: Antonio Carlos Jobim

Reading: Harry Potter.

Remembered as: A singer touching hearts.

Most annoying thing I have to encounter every day: Junk mail.

Love that job: Cleaning the house.

Most inspirational person: Dalai Lama.

Close your eyes and listen to my music, you will see: Peace.

Bossa nova never dies because: It can heal the heart.

Three words for your performance at Bangkok Jazz Festival: First experience, togetherness, easy listening.

Lisa is performing at the Bangkok Jazz Festival (www.bangkokjazzfestival.com/2006) on Sat, Dec 16 (see concerts, page 24).

Club 420

Next door to this Japan-meets-Jamaica reggae/hip hop bar is a t-shirt shop selling products made in the Land of the Rising Sun. International (mostly from Japan) guest DJs perform monthly.
1860/26 Petchaburi Rd., next to Amari Atrium Hotel, 02-716-6067/8. Open daily 7pm-2am.

Hippie de Bar

This two-story house hidden in Soi Tom Yum Goong is the perfect place for Britpop, jazz and retro pop fans to have a drink and a boogie. The tiny shop next-door, Made in Paradise, offers very colorful, over-the-top clothing, which most of the time is one-of-its-kind. Economic prices and limited sizes.
46 Khao San Rd., Taladyod, Phranakorn, 08-1820-3762, 08-1438-4738. Open daily 11am-1am.

Prop Bar

One of the more relaxed and stylish venues in RCA, Prop Bar features two floors with all sorts of vintage and designer furniture. With local bands jamming nightly, this place attracts a packed crowd on the weekends. The aesthetes amongst you might find it interesting that the whole interior is on sale.
Royal City Avenue, 21/51-53 Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0669. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Crystal Lounge

Boasting a restaurant, bar, alfresco area and crystal shop all under one roof; this elegant place has everything you need. A nice place to lure your date for dining, then scoot to the crystal shop to buy her a little surprise. A chill atmosphere in a luxurious environment.
28 Sukhumvit Soi 20 (next to Koi), 02-258-1599. Open daily 11am-1am. www.crystal-lounge.com.

Places to Shop - Expert Advice

For ... Parents

Think of all the times you’ve forgetten their birthdays, yet they still love you as much as when you were their little kid. At this festive time of year, take the opportunity to make amends and treat them properly. They deserve it.

Start with a handwritten note on the card that says, “This will keep you beautiful” and you’re sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face. The RMK X’mas Set (B2,600) from Central features RMK make up base and liquid foundation in a flash silver box.

For dad, get him something classic yet modern—just like him: a Nano shirt. Choose from the Cullinan Nano Capsule, which has anti-bacterial fluid injected into the fabric or the Cullinan Nano Perfume (B1,450), which is imbued similarly with perfume. Both available at Central.

Your mom’s been carrying around that old keychain for ages. Get her a new one with a touch of luxury: a Large Bohinc Key Purse (B6,645) from Playground!.

How about a multi-use box for your parents? Try a flower painted box by At Home (B450) from J-Gallery, which can hold anything from jewelry to spoons and forks.

For ... Colleagues

You work in the same soulless rabbit warren, you have coffee together, you share your feelings when the chips are down, you ask them for help when you are hungover or to lie to your boss when you sneak out to see your gig in the afternoon…aren’t these enough reasons for buying them something, jerk? You don’t want to spend too much, though.

Even if your female colleague is neither an executive or a lady, the DoiTung Ladies Executive Set (B1,500) from Mae Fah Luang, with a scarf, notebook and cosmetics bag, might make her look more lady-like, somehow.

For that colleague you’ve been secretly admiring, go Juicy Couture from Central: Lipstick (B1,650) or the Juicy Couture T-shirt pendant (B2,450). They double as key rings, too.

The Evita hair pin (B1,190) from Central, is specially designed with two legs and is suited for chicks who not only have thick hair but thick heads. Throw in a book and the package is complete.

A Starbucks Cash Card (starting from B100) is easy and something you know will get used.

For your astrology-reading friends, pick up some fortune cookies (box, B100) from My Place restaurant.

Climbing bags and roll top totes from RENE CHU Copenhagen (B3,500, B6,500 respectitvely) at Manga in CentralWorld are the epitome of hip and super-functional for all urbanites.

Give those with pillars of documents on their desks a Flower Paper Weight by M.L. Chiratorn Chirapravati (B2,000). Or try a painted photo frame by At Home (B450).

Help your friends get a good start on the year by planning ahead with this chic 2007 planner (B888) from Playground!.

For ... Gigs

Want to impress that new heartthrob in your life? Appeal to her cute side with a custom-made bear from Build-a-Bear (B695 plus) from Central, which you can stuff with tiny hearts, your own voice messages or, if you are at a loss for words, their ready-made messages. Dress it up with a Jean Jacket (B395) or other tops as you wish or just go bearback. It takes just 10-30 minutes to make one.

Keep her pretty in pink next year with a pink gift set from Marks & Spencer (B1,495). Though it may appear to be a more appropriate gift for grandma, your mattayom gig will surely love it.

Impress him with a Nokia N5300 XpressMusic (B9,620) from Nokia Shop, which can hold 1,500 songs in a microSD card (2GB) and can transmit music to your home stereo without wires.

Everyone loves an Apple. Try an inMotion iM500 (B6,590) from Mac Studio.

Planning a secret rendezvous with your gig? Surprise her with a Juicy Couture passport holder and bag tag set (B3,250) and your holiday season will surely be sweet.

She’s a smoker? Show your love with a Smokeshirt (B350) from Playground!, which covers the nasty warning picture with a pretty one. A healthier choice is the Little Music Box (B395) from Playground!, which plays one of four songs; “Happy Birthday,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Close to You” and “Can’t Take my Eyes Off You.”

An empty face pillowcase by Pang Nualphan Prasantong (B200) from J-Gallery is a nifty gift on which your gig can draw your face whenever you are apart.

For ... the Authorities

They are the ones keeping an eye on your street and just can’t wait to get a hold of your urine. Mr. Brown-Uniform has to work his ass off in order to keep us safe and it would be a good thing to get them something nice. Start with a DoiTung Coffee Lover Set (B990) from Mae Fah Luang—two coffee mugs and DoiTung Arabica coffee in a nice box. If he doesn’t like the mug inside the box, try a Starbucks Christmas Tree Mug (B380), an On With the Tradition Mug (B380), or better yet a Red Cup Tumbler (B460) for the longer hot drink.

A Motorola Bluetooth Headset H500 (B2,190), which works with all brands of phone, from the Motorola Shop is ideal for your neighborhood traffic cop. It’ll allow him to take his mistress’ call and still stop traffic so you can enter your soi.

Don’t forget to get something for the security guard in your building. Instead of the usual bottle of Black, surprise him with an Anti-Stress Back & Shoulder Massage from Suk Spa (B600/1 hour), which may help him release some of the tension you’ve been inducing all year.

For ... the Boss

Bosses may be the only lifeforms that you hate all month long, then love on payday. If you’re lucky enough, you might even love them more when they authorize your requested bonus or raise (hint, hint). No matter how bad they treat you during the year, you still “should” get them something to show that you know how to give and not just take, take, take!

Get your metrosexual boss a male toiletry gift set from Marks & Spencer (B1,495) at Central. That will please him during this celebratory time of year. Remember: bosses are human, too.

The leather Desk Pad from Liberia (B16,900) will surely make your boss’ desk look more exclusive and make it quite obvious that your lips are firmly placed on his/her butt. Or be less blatant and go for an elegant mocha and pink paperweight (B1,590).

What boss couldn’t use a little Colon Hydrotherapy (B2,400) from HydroHealth? Hand it over and hope for the best in the coming year.
Everyone loves to listen to music, even your cruel boss, so gather some cash from your collages and chip in for this JBL time machine dock for iPod (B11,990) from Mac Studio: Apple Center. It also has radio (FM and AM) and an alarm clock.

Spend Money Here

Central Chit Lom: Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chit Lom.

HydroHealth: 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ploenchit Rd., 02-250-7800, 02-250-7808. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Chit Lom.

Jay Mart: 4/f MBK Center, Phyathai Rd., 02-217-9368. Open daily 10am-9pm.

J-Gallery: 4/F, J-Avenue, Thonglor. Open daily 10:30am-7pm. Products are available through Dec 15 only.

Liberia Fine Stationer: Siam Society, 131 Asoke, 02-661-6480. Open Tue-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm.

Mac Studio Apple Center: 323/1, G/F, J-Avenue, Thonglor, 02-712-7620. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm.

Mae Fah Luang: 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-2427. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Manga: 1/F CentralWorld, 02-613-1177. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chit Lom. www.manga.com.

Motorola Shop: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9574. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-9pm.

My Place: 824 Thonglor, 02-381-8812. Open daily 11am-10pm.

Nokia Shop: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9778/9. Open daily 10am-9pm. BTS Siam.

Playground!: 818 Thonglor, 02-714-7888. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Starbucks: Try 231 Thonglor, 02-712-9691. Open daily 7am-10pm. BTS Thonglor.

Suk Spa: 1/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2672, 02-651-0461. Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS Nana.

Expert Advice: Personal Stylist

Name: Apiwat Yodpraphan
Company: The Emporium
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-269-1000 ext 1336.
Thursday and Sunday 10am-6pm

1. Buy something practical that is good value for money. Pricey but useless items do not count as much as gifts people can use.
2. Avoid personal stuff such as perfume, earrings, bracelets and clothes that involve size.
3. Find something that enhances their appearance and is handy in their career.
4. Quality is another element in choosing a good gift. Fine quality represents courteousness, thoughtfulness and the taste of the giver.
5. Keep up-to-date and study the trends.
6. Take into account his or her hobbies and interests.
7. Do some research beforehand. Ask their close friends or observe what particular items the recipient needs, what brands he/she uses, his/her favorite color and his/ her lifestyle.
8. Find something that goes with their personality. If he/she is an outgoing person and has to attend social functions a lot, an accessory that transforms his/her formal attire to a social dress without hassle is perfect.
9. Find something meaningful for your special or beloved one. Pamper them with a precious watch, or limited edition gift.
10. If you really can’t find the right gift, come to us for help.

Expert Advice: Personal Shopper

Who: Varindran Chancharoeng
Where: Central Chit Lom
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-793-7044

Great Gifts From Boys to Girls
1. White gold with a small diamond pendant, or heart shaped jewelry on small chain like a necklace or bracelet
2. Heart-shaped brooch or pin (says “I always love you,” “You’re always in my heart,” or “I’m saving money for Valentine’s Day”)
3. Small eternity ring
4. Silk or charmeuse baby doll lingerie with bikini bottom to heat things up in the bedroom
5. Black or red silk satin or charmeuse teddy, one or two-piece. Should be very, very short for the same purpose as the baby doll

Great gifts From Girls to boys
1. Fun and affordable sports watch
2. Palm pilot
3. IPod with your voice programmed in it so he can concentrate while working out at the gym
4. Sweater or cardigan, just to remind him that you’re always around to warm him up no matter where he goes
5. One dozen fun and bold printed boxer shorts. Clothing you can share wearing for fun

Expert Advice: Lifestyle Consultant

Name: Ruankaew Dechprom
Company: Gaysorn Shopping Center
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-656-1177

Suggestions for Holiday Gift Shopping
1. Purchase gifts when you find them, even if an occasion is several months away.
2. Great ideas come from everywhere. Don’t be afraid to talk to the people who know the recipient best. They’re likely to have great suggestions.
3. When in doubt, choose a gift that the recipient will actually use. Practical items are usually better than novelty.
4. White is classic, practical, and safe. When you have to buy a gift for an unfamiliar person, white is best as everything looks gorgeous in white.
5. Go surfing through websites for a wide range of choices and gift ideas to match the person’s interests.
6. If you don’t know the person well or are going to someone’s home for the first time, traditional gifts of wine, food, coffees or teas are foolproof.
7. Save your receipts just in case a return or an exchange is necessary.
8. Select a container that the recipient will want to save. Every time they use the container, they’ll remember you.
9. Gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated or appropriate. Gifts that show your time and effort are just as special as expensive ones.
10. If you run out of ideas, let me know!

In my pocket: My wallet and my Bluetooth headset.

Most annoying thing I have to encounter every day: I can’t complain. I wake up every day.

Love that job: Playing music for music lovers.

Hate that job: Putting out the trash.

Last thing that made me stop and think: Listening to people complain about life.

Listening to: Jill Scott, Jay Z, Justin

Groupies: Are people, too.

Stupidest trend: Expensive bottles of water. Are you kidding me? It’s water.

Favorite crowd: Cork, Ireland; Tokyo; Singapore.

Last lie: I wasn’t home when you called.

Fail-safe crowd pleaser: “In the Club” by 50 Cent.

People always assume I’m: Quiet and to myself.

But I’m really: Outgoing and really funny.

Best part about going on tour: Meeting people and making them have a good time.

Skybar at Sirocco

63-64/F, The Dome, State Tower, 1055/111 Silom Rd., 02-624-9555. Open daily noon-1am.
Though #1 for nightmarish accounts about the prices, the service, the food, the GM, etc., this is still the place to take out-of-town guests. From the elevator ride up to the live jazz and steep stairs to the standup bar that changes colors to the "floating" platform...wow.

Moon Bar at Vertigo

61/F, Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5pm-1am .
Sky-high open-air rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of the city, with telescopes on hand to provide close up views. Some call it a poor cousin to Skybar, but it's more like the little brother who got a better education. Great for sunsets—arrive early to get one of the more comfortable seats.

Phranakorn Bar

58/2 Soi Damnoenklang Tai. 02-622-0282. Open daily 6pm-1am.
This artsy venue featuring two floors and a rooftop bar not only boasts an art gallery showing the works of young promising artists, but also a relatively cheap (and good) menu of drinks and Thai food. The music is a mix of Thai pop, classical and jazz.

Sin Bar

18 Sukhumvit Soi 4, (02) 656-4840-1. Open daily 3pm-1am. www.sin-bangkok.com.
All-in-one vogue nightspot with club, rooftop garden, restaurant and lounge. DJ selections along the lines of hip hop, R&B and house keep the dance floor busy every night. Pool tables and views of naughty Nana.

Big Planet

Here’s an item for adventurers—this latest Nike Oregon Series Alti-Compass is much more than just a watch. With a solid aluminum case, rugged style and water-resistance up to 100 meters of depth, it is designed to suit all outdoor activities. Other highlights include a 1,000 hour chronograph, a weather sensing barometer and real-time digital compass functions. B10,250. Available at leading stores. (Try Nike Corner in Supersports, 4/F Central Chidlom 1027 Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777).

Beyond healthy

Working out is good for you, but only when you do it the right way. With this in mind, ChiroFit (8/F, Home Place Bldg., Soi Thonglor 13, 02-712-7383/-6. www.chirofitbangkok.com) offers many courses conducted by professional chiropractors to ensure a good, healthy workout. Being both a medical center and holistic fitness center, ChiroFit is determined to create an exercise program that suits each individual person. Thus, a health checkup, fitness test and lab test are offered to every first-time visitor for free. Additionally, yoga and Pilates classes are available. Just walk in for a free health checkup. For the first 250 persons, membership is B42,000 per year (standard rate B72,000).

Correction

A standard check-up at Testcar (641/2 Srinakarin Rd., 02-320-4490. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. www.testcar.co.th) for passenger cars is B3,200; B5,200 is the price for SUVs and pickup trucks (Marketplace, Nov 17).