To save money for my dream of studying music abroad, I worked as a model. All that was involved was smiling and having photos taken.
I studied economics in California to take a break from music. It doesn’t require any inspiration, just theory. Turns out I’m not good at economics.
Dan, my younger brother, and I are absolutely different in attitude, favorite things, job preference and way of thinking. Dan loves acting, but I don’t. However, we have a good relationship and get along well in some conversations.
I’ve been veggie since I was 17 years old. When I learned about hiking at school, my teachers recommended [vegetarianism] to me so I would have more stamina and endurance for adventure. And it works! But I still eat seafood.
Yoga makes me feel good—light, as if I’m floating. However, I have stopped it for the moment because my foot was sprained. So I’m gaining some weight.
My lover Becky and I have gotten along well for three years, so I’m happy. She’s quite an independent girl and doesn’t request any attention from me. Sometimes she also helps me with my job.
Iceland is my favorite place, but I have never gone there. Many songs, melodies and rhythms from Iceland are quite weird, but they are so heavenly and dreamy. So I want to know why they are that way. From textbooks I know that Iceland has few people, an extreme environment and an enormous landscape as if it’s not from this world.
I love to read equipment manuals, especially for musical hardware. It’s fun and it’s good for me to completely understand the equipment I use.
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is my favorite book. It’s about a smart architect who was always looked down on by his teacher because of his unique thinking. In the end he accomplishes [his goals] by being the black sheep.
I only pay attention to what I want to make first, then I’ll try to get listeners. On the other hand, music companies always try to please the listener first. Then again most of my songs are quite complicated, so few people like them anyway. I don’t care.
“Don’t worry and let it be” is my motto. I think I should be responsible for myself and accept my decisions even if they’re seriously bad.
Joining the American band Kenna was a great opportunity. I was bassist and keyboard player. We were the opening band for Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode on two US tours. And now we are producing our second album, so you can check it out the middle of this year.
Nowadays a lot of crap movies are produced. I don’t like seeing them so much. However, I love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. And my favorite movie is Little Otik, a Swedish flick about a wooden boy who becomes a human.
In the next life, I want to be reincarnated as a cat. A cat is always lazy and does nothing, just sleeps and eats. I love cats.
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The Chao Phraya is a marvelous thing, and anyone who isn’t captivated by it—the views, the lights, the boats, the riverside dining opportunities—should have their head examined. If, like us, you never tire of a meal by the river, check out these suggestions.
Vibe: Feel like you’re having your own private party in your own lovely garden. And that you’ve acquired a pool table along the way. Find a lot of university students, young office workers and couples here having a good time. The place can be quiet, so it’s a good spot for romance amidst the sounds of mellow pop, jazz, and bossanova. Service here is terrific.
View: The riverside tables win the best view prize. If you’re annoyed by the noise from the passing boats, grab a table inside the adorable house, decorated in a modern white color scheme.
Victuals: They serve nicely styled Thai food, which will cost you a very reasonable B200-300. Try the kai ta-khrai samsen (deep-fried chicken with lemongrass served with spicy sauce, B150), and sii krong muu ob sauce Tokyo (roasted pork rib with Tokyo sauce, B180).
Venue: 10 Soi Samsen Soi 3, Samsen Rd., 02-628-8362. Open daily 5pm-1am.
Vibe: The restaurant has a retro vibe and dark wooden tables and chairs with music comprised of old Thai songs. The now famous Baan Klang Nam 1 has paved the way for Baan Klang Nam 2’s popularity: A lot of loyal customers come here. On weekdays the place is packed with office workers, while weekends see the family crowd. Riverside tables are always occupied, so book ahead if you want one. Attentive waiters are energetic and work fast.
View: Sunset brings a gorgeous view. Across from the restaurant is a lush forest, making you feel like you are sitting in suburbia.
Victuals: Seafood cooked Chinese style is the way to go. Try plaa ka phong tod nam plaa (deep fried white sea bass in fish sauce B500), puu phat phong karii (stir fried crab in curry powder B300).
Venue: 762/7 Chatuchak Market Rama 3 Rd., 02-819-3880/-2. Open daily 11am-10:30pm.
Vibe: Decorated in a classy black and red theme, with a mix of Balinese and Thai styles. Tables and seats are big and comfortable. Bands take turns playing soft jazz and acoustic music. Wear your most fetching new outfit: everyone here is well-dressed. Service is supreme: the staff is both well trained and well mannered.
View: Surrounded by trees, with the river nearby, the view is quite magical. At night, candles and red lamps are lit, adding to the romantic atmosphere.
Victuals: They serve three different cuisines—Thai, European and Chinese. Try puu lon song khreuang (chopped crab and pork with coconut milk served with vegetables B450), plaa ka phong rad sauce wine kao (white snapper with white wine B450) and paw pia thawd sot sai phak khom kab cheese (deep fried spring roll with baked spinach and cheese B150).
Venue: 762/2 Rama 3 Rd., 02-682-9457-9. Open daily 6pm-1am.
Vibe: This casual restaurant is the place to go for university students. But their exuberance doesn’t scare off the large contingent of office workers. Hear live music in the form of pop, acoustic, country and folk. Reservations during weekend evenings are highly recommended.
View: The place is popular for its fabulous view of the Rama 8 bridge stretching over the Chao Praya. The sunset view is perfect and the traffic lights at night create a memorable picture.
Victuals: The kitchen isn’t known for consistency, but we always have good luck with these dishes: miang kung foy (baby shrimp with herbs B90), paa thong ko yad sai (fried wheat pastry B100) and ruam mit talay (mix charcoal grilled seafood B380).
Venue: 11/6 Soi Samsen 3 Samsen Rd., 02-628-8382-3. Open daily 11am-2am.
Vibe: This chic restaurant next to the river is a great choice for senior university students and young office workers, as well as couples out on a date. At the bar the DJ plays hip hop and other hits at 9pm, while at the restaurant side live bands play jazz and blues.
View: River Bar is one of the most attractive riverside dining places in town. The restaurant offers a great view of the Sang Hee bridge, the dimming lights of Bangkok and, of course, the Chao Praya. In the moon light, reflections are gorgeous.
Victuals: Choose from a variety of delicious food, including kung sa dung fire (sizzling prawn, B300) and yam sam lao thap (squid, shrimp and oyster spicy salad, B120).
Venue: Soi Chaopraya Siam Rachawitee Rd, 02-879-1747-8. Open daily 5pm-1am. (Take the express boat and get off at Saphan Sang Hee pier.)
Vibe: This well-known Mediterranean beach style hangout (with lighthouse) looks simple with white plastic tables and chairs. On Friday, the place is filled with office workers, while weekdays see university students and families. The music is Thai pop songs. Staff is nice and service minded.
View: Your best bet for a view is the second floor terrace of the lighthouse.
Victuals: Authentic Thai food includes laap muu tod (deep fried, mince pork salad, B90), and paw pia To Sit (spring roll stuffed with lichee and shrimp, B90). You’ll spend about B250-300.
Venue: 115 Charunsanitwong Soi 92, 02-879-1717. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
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Sitthi “Oh” Chareonrith is not your typical sports hero. He is the first Thai to win a bodybuilding champtionship, having been named top amateur bodybuilder category at the 2005 IFBB Competition (International Federation of Bodybuilders) in Shanghai. Standing at 165 cm and weighing 80 kilos, this buff native of Surin is also a sports advisor at the Sports Authority of Thailand and owns his own gym, Power Zone Gym and Fitness, which he dreams of expanding all over Thailand. By Nuntharat Suntimaneerat
Why did you become a bodybuilder?
At first, I was good at volleyball and was an amateur player in my hometown. Then I got into weightlifting and fell in love with it. I tried to go professional, but it was hard for me because my trainers were quite selfish and taught me nothing about how to become a competent weightlifter. Eventually I discovered bodybuilding and it became my favorite sport. I learned all the skills myself through textbooks, websites and through good friends. I never thought I’d be the world champion, though. It’s such a surprise!
Tell us about your latest win at the IFBB Competition.
I actually came in second place, but the winner was later disqualified for doping, so I became the winner. As one of only two Asians, I beat out 57 competitors in the 80 kg weight category. I was so proud of my good-looking muscles, my shape and my proportional figure. It’s so hard to be a perfect bodybuilder with the serious weight loss you have to go through, the diet management and the burning of fat.
What are you judged on in the competition?
In the first round, the proportion of your muscles and your shape are considered by the judges. Onstage, the competitors need to flex their muscles along to the songs, which may vary from hip-hop, classical to rap. It’s not dancing but it’s an art. Tan, oily skin is an advantage because it looks sexy onstage.
Do you think you’re sexy?
Not really. I think I’m good-looking when I’m on show and that the audience finds me attractive—the European women especially—while others find me disgusting—mostly kids. I think it depends on their taste. Thai girls usually like guys who are Chinese-looking—tall, thin and white, which is not what I am.
What is bodybuilding like in Thailand nowadays?
Twenty years ago, bodybuilding was very popular, but it has had its ups and downs. Thais have a negative view of the sport, that it is for low-class laborers. Furthermore, the government doesn’t provide much support, even after I had won in an international competition. The Thai government should have a positive attitude about this sport. Anyway we have to try to do our best.
What’s your advice for young bodybuilders?
You need to know the basics of physical education—eating right, working out and having love for the sport. If you really love it, I’m sure that you can do well.
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Originally opened in 1949, Bharani was named after the current owner’s mother. The recipes were created by his grandfather, Lieutenant Apai Isarapakdi. Inspired by his travels to the UK and US, he came up with original dishes that used farang ingredients and flavors but made them more Thai. In 2003, Bharani was closed after its parking lot was taken over and has just recently reopened again on the same road in Sukhumvit with parking now available around the sidewalk.
The new Bharani is decorated like a cozy western cottage with only five tables (seats about 24), so advance reservations are always a good idea. To remind customers of the old times, many antique items are displayed in the corner of the restaurant such as a lamp, an iron, a typewriter and a family photograph. The atmosphere is homey in warm tones of yellow and orange. Ease yourself down on a wicker chair and chill out with jazz and a variety of easy music from the owner’s own CD collection.
The new menu has been extended with more choices in a variety of cuisines—Mexican, European, American, Thai and fusion. All dishes have a simple, homemade look to them and taste outstanding. Taco pizza (beef/chicken or pork, B180) and pla ham (smoked ham and chili salad, B150) are great choices for fans of spicy food. Khao phat neua khem (salted beef fried rice, B80) and roti kaeng ped neua luk wua phrik khi nu saun (veal curry served with roti, B150) are also full of flavor. The crispy Thai-style dessert kluay haem thawt (fried banana in crispy flour, B60) is yummy but order a little in advance as it takes 10 minutes to prepare. Also don’t miss the sumptious sai grog Bharani (Vienna sausage, B80).
After learning about our future from our American-style fortune cookies, we sit with Khun Air, the son of Bharani’s owner to talk about his family restaurant.
How did your grandpa come up with his original menu?
My mother went to the UK and the US to study, and my grandpa went to visit her. He loved cooking and tried a lot of the food there. Restaurants which served farang food were hard to find here in those days. So, my grandpa opened Bharani to dish up western food for foreigners, flight attendants and other people who liked farang food, but he also adapted it to suit Thai tastes.
You added fusion food to your new menu. Why?
Actually, I don’t like fusion food; especially if it only has a stylish appearance, but is flavorless. But it’s interesting and adds more variety to the menu. Our fusion dish is pla ham (smoked ham and chili salad, B150), which I believe is a good one.
Thai-style Western food awaits you at Bharani. Open Tue-Sun 10am-10pm at 96/14 Soi 23. Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-4454.
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With deep roots in the ancient world, chocolate has long been associated with passion and desire. Montezuma of the Aztecs, the indigenous people who ruled northern Mexico, used this smooth, silky and super-sexy delicacy as an aphrodisiac. More recently, an Italian study indicated that women who normally consume chocolate have better sex than the ones who don’t due to the mesmerizing and infatuating powers it possesses. Not surprsingly, chocolate is one of the most popular gifts to give and receive on Valentine’s Day.
Which means that people who deal in chocolate are especially busy this time of year. “Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter are chocolate seasons, and it is the busiest time. I’ve never taken any days off during this holiday,” says Eric Perez, pastry chef and chocolatier at Visage, “I’m also surprised how much chocolate people consume in hot and humid country like Thailand.”
Here are some choice venues for chocolate in Bangkok.
Duc de Praslin is well-known among chocolate lovers for its rich and mellow Belgian chocolates. The range includes original Belgian flavor and delicious choco-fusions between homemade Belgian chocolate and Thai ingredients like coffee beans, macadamian nuts and tropical fruits.
Valentine’s specials: For Valentine’s Day, Duc de Praslin has created a range of adorable items with cute pink packaging, from white chocolate to dark chocolate and everything in between.
Where: 16 Soi Prasertsit, Sukhumvit 49-14 Rd., 02-381-6691, 02-392-1120-1.Open daily 8:30am-6pm. 1/F, Central World; 2/F, Central Rama 3 02-673-5555. Tops Supermarket Central Pinklao, 02-884-8000. G/F, The Mall Bangkapi, 02-734-1400-59. AE, V
Scene: Chocolate shares center stage at this French style high tea and bakery shop. Le Gourmet offers over 400 kinds of tea from all over the world, while their cakes and chocolates are made from imported French ingredients. Choose from a wide selection of dark chocolate, white chocolate and tea flavors filled chocolates. Their best selling item is “Exotica”—delicious chocolate and tea combinations. The dark chocolate pistachio-filled truffles come highly recommended. For the widest selection, stop by the Sukhumvit shop.
Valentine’s specials: Heart-shaped chocolates come in four different styles—Valentine’s praline (S/B50, L/B190), Valentine’s box (B250/piece), Valentine’s Romeo and Juliet (B250/piece) and an oval cute cartoon character chocolate box (B450/piece). Choose from a variety of different flavors like almond praline, strawberry praline and caramel praline. Feb 12-14, the first 100 couples to shop will receive a special gift while supplies last.
Where: 59/3-4 Sukhumvit 33/1, 02-259-8850. Open daily 9am-9:30pm. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-670-7509, 5/F Emporium, 02-664-8000. AE, D, MC, V
People recognize Le Nôtre as a staple for incredible cakes. Though its chocolate is delectable, selection is very limited even at the main shop at Langsuan. Friendly staffs welcome you at the front door. Chocolates are displayed on a tiny table beside a large cake showcase. All items are stylish with original French flavor. In addition to the popular cakes, Le Nôtre also serves meals and offers great sorbet to accompany lonely cakes.
Valentine’s specials: During Feb 5-14, heart-shaped volute chocolate will be available as well as a "love you" almond meringue. All Valentine’s gifts will be packed in a pink design box with a heart on top.
Where: G/F, Natural Ville Executive Residences, Langsuan, 02-250-7050. Open daily 6am-10:30pm. 5/F, Emporium, 02-664-8289. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-129-4364-5. Sofitel Silom, 02-267-5292. AE, D, MC, V
These luxurious shops from the five-star Oriental Bangkok are famous for, in addition to gourmet meats, ice cream, fabulous waffles and homemade chocolate. Popular chocolates have ingredients like peanuts, green tea and raspberries. Everything is rich in flavor and is made at the hotel.
Valentine’s specials: It’s a heart extravaganza with heart-shaped chocolates in a red silk or wire box, heart-shaped chocolates in wire bags and five chocolate praline hearts wrapped in white netting. Since Cupid is the poster-boy for this romantic holiday, you can find him there as well. If you’d like something other than chocolate, try the Valentine cakes, cookies and strawberry candy.
Where: (G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9845-6. 5/F, Emporium, 02-664-8185. G/F, Isetan, 02-255-9813)
Homemade chocolate is prepared at the largest branch in the Face complex on Sukhumvit—which is home to more varieties and selections than other shop. To maintain high quality and delectable flavor, almost all ingredients are imported from France. Both white and dark chocolate are available with a variety of flavors including caramel, raspberry, passion fruit and milk chocolate.
Valentine’s specials: Chef Eric personally likes the heart-shaped raspberry most because of its attractive red color, but it also comes in several different flavors. Recommended items include a chocolate box with three chocolate hearts—hazelnut, raspberry and milk chocolate and three passion fruit white chocolate (B210). See Chef Eric demonstrate how he creates his chocolate masterpieces Feb 11-12 at 2 and 5pm at Visage@Central Chidlom.
Where: 29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-713-6048-9. Open daily 7am. 2/F, Central Chidlom, 02-251-9202. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7511. V, AE, DC, M
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Among so many guys behind the bar, few possess real talent—a man with a smile on his face and a love of mixing in his heart. Yos Malelak, an expert bartender from Bali, has the skill for this job, plus a confidence and an always-smiling face. And that gets him many honorable awards, including last year’s International Flair Bartending Championships at Dubai. Now Yos is a resident at the well-known Behind Bar Company in Bali—managing bar entertainment, promotion, merchandise, catering and bartending course. As a bartender, Yos not only mixes nice cocktails but he also entertains his clients with his amazing mixing acts like juggling the bottles or spinning the shaker. To experience the art of this mixologist master, head to Zuk Bar, Sukhothai Hotel, where he a guest bartender throughout this February.
What makes a good bartender?
Smiling is the key. It’s not just making the customers a drink, but we have to entertain them. And making a good cocktail isn’t based on what recipe you have but it’s on your love in your job. Do it with your heart and the love will show in whatever you mix.
What’s your favorite cocktail to drink?
Sometimes I prefer gin and tonic, however, when I’m really in a cocktail mood, I always love my martini. None can make the same martini. If you ask a bartender to make one for you, he won’t ask what’s your martini style but he’ll do it in his own style. No one ever has the same martini taste. It depends on your style as well. And I love my style of martini.
What’s the most popular cocktail?
It’s more like a trend to drink martini nowadays. Everybody thinks they can make their own martini—and actually they can—but to make a good martini is another story.
For this coming Valentine’s Day, Yos Malelak recommends a romantic drink for all lovers, White Love Martini. The mixologist reveals his secret recipe to us and then even you can make it at home. It’s not hard to do, but to make it as good as he does is another thing. Here you go:
Ingredients
Absolute Vanilla 1½ oz.
Cacao White 1½ oz.
White chocolate
Rose petals
Add ice in the shaker followed by Absolute Vanilla and Cacao White.
Then pour it in cooled glass, topped with peeled white chocolate and rose petals.
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JOYCE Body Firming Lotion (B380) contains pueraria mirifica extract, which is said to contain antioxidants that can help lighten your complexion and rejuvenate your skin. In addition, Joyce is enriched with aloe vera to moisturize sunburned skin; vitamin E to help prevent aging, to nourish skin and balance the moisture of your skin; and centella asiatica extract, which may increase skin flexibility and reduce skin marks. (Joyce call center: 02-333-3333)
Another “firming” product is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace (B2,850). The milky lotion contains antioxidants to help restore moisture to your skin. Macadamia nut oil and olive oil are added to create softer and smoother skin. (Try M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9000/-59)
Known for using Thai herbs and spices in their skin care products, Erb offers a new item called Basic Body Care Spice & Shine Light Body Cream, (B590) a very light cream that absorbs quickly through your skin. The main ingredients include ginger, which helps stimulate blood circulation and contains antioxidant substances to help brighten your skin, and marigold, which helps improve the skin’s condition. If you have normal to oily skin, this is suitable for you. (Try 5/F, Central Chidlom, 02-655-7777)
Body Expertise Nutri Soft 24 Hours by L’Oreal (B199) is designed to treat intensely dehydrated skin. Besides smelling great, it also contains “Demo-Nutrilium,” which glides on, is absorbed quickly and will supposedly seal in moisture for 24 hours. Applying this velvety lotion to your body daily will make sure your skin softer than silk. (Try G/F, Central Chidlom, 02-655-7777)
The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Body Lotion (250ml., B450) contains wheat germ oil, which is rich in vitamin E and naturally prevents skin from wearing out with age. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, which rescues the skin from pollution. This will moisturize both face and body. (Try 5/F, The Emporium, 02-664-8000)
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