Bring your party to the party—bring your group of friends to the Festive Season Party at Mambo Beach Club, where everyone can celebrate the festive season in unison. DJ Styluxtakut will be helming the decks at this much-hyped event. December 7

Enjoy an evening of good, clean, festive entertainment at Blu Jaz Cafe as The Improv Company presents a night of comedic improvisational performances. December 12

You don't have to be that tipsy to see Santa show off his moves. Dance the night away with the man himself at J Bar's Boogie with Santa party and enjoy great beats by guest DJs and live bands. December 24

Lose yourself in Zouk's Mystifying Wonderland on Christmas Eve with cool beats from Dutch House DJ R3hab and Hong. December 24

Up the hip quotient this festive season at Home Club's Yeah Yeah Yuletide! event, which promises a night of glamorous indie rock and roll. December 24 

Be seen at Kyō's Stay Gold Xmas! party and revel in melodic house, techno and tech house beats. December 24

Get jiggy with it at Loof and go Lancing Lancing all the Way to the sounds of DJ Tyler Made this Christmas Eve. December 24

Celebrate the musical genius of John Lennon at The Vault's Happy Xmas! War is Over! Christmas Eve party. December 24

Enjoy a jazzy Christmas Eve at The Sultan Jazz Club with The Funkimunkees, who will serenade you with their signature sound of funk, blues, latin and jazz. $35-$40

Unwind to live music on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the various Timbre venues, where local acts such as Goodfellas, Reverie and Enigma will perform live. December 24 and 25

Shine bright like a diamond this Christmas at Zouk with their Metallics Christmas Party inspired by all things shiny. December 25

Ladies, celebrate Christmas with your girlfriends at KU DÉ TA's Diamond Life Ladies Night, where you will stand a chance to win a salon package from Franz De Paris worth $2500. December 25

Plan your New Year's Eve 2013 with our roundup of fabulous parties.

Three Magnum Photos alumni—Stuart Franklin, Mark Power and Jacob Aue Sobol—are currently on show at the ArtScience Museum in an exhibition not to be missed.

Best regarded for his iconic photograph of a student challenging army tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989, acclaimed Brit photographer Stuart Franklin exhibits his long-term work, Footprint: Our Landscape in Flux, which tracks Europe’s altering landscape through the effects of pollution, flooding and the diminishing of glaciers. It also documents the positive side of environmental changes that includes the presence of sanitary water, regenerating forests in Scotland and Poland, and cleaner cities, creating an austere feel through the images.

More poetic is Brit compatriot Mark Powers’ The Sound of Two Songs, a photographic journey of a foreigner’s impression of Poland. Initially a Magnuminstigated project, the series taken over five years sees Power making more than 20 trips back to Poland as he studies the country’s changes while casting an impressionistic sojourn of its people, spaces and the interactions between the two elements.

But the most confounding is Danish photographer Jacob Aue Sobol’s black-and-white series I, Tokyo, shot with a pocket camera which gives the overall series a snapshot quality. Japan’s young punks, adolescents and everyday characters get cast in a whole new light as Sobol prowls the streets alone, capturing some of Tokyo’s most interesting street spirits. Sobol’s subjects, many of which surprisingly make eye contact with him, emote painful loss and alienation, something the photographer was also experiencing in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Outside In: A Magnum Photos Showcase is on through January 6, 2013 at the ArtScience Museum.

Sushi

Honmono Sushi BK PICK!

Honmono is an excellent sushi joint that’s worth the high prices and, thankfully, isn’t a bewildering experience for those of us who aren’t Japanese salarymen. After a year, almost every branch of Honmono still packs in hi-so Thais every night. The Take Sashimi platter (B1,500) is a favorite, and comes with seven kinds of assorted sashimi. The quality is great, and the pieces are enormous. You can also get a larger platter for B3,200. Their sushi and maki are also excellent, such as the dragon avocado and the grilled Matsusaka beef.
19 Thonglor Soi 23, 02-185-1447. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2pm

Mugendai

Claiming that their produce is imported to them five days a week (most places only get two deliveries), Mugendai seems to be the closest competitor to Honmono. Owned by a group of friends who have eaten all around Japan, the location is really hip, high up on the rooftop of Grass. Recommendations include the Aburi Seven (B2,200), comprising seven sushi varieties like Matsusaka beef, otoro and engawa, unagi foie gras (grilled eel sushi stuffed with foie gras, B1,500) and kinki shioyaki (grilled rockfish with salt, B3,200).
7/F, Grass, Thonglor Soi 12, 02-726-9222, 087-996-8888. www.mugendaibkk.com. Open Mon-Fri 5:30pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-late

Tsukiji

Named after the famed Tokyo fish market, the specialty here is sashimi and sushi. The clientele is mostly Japanese salarymen, and although this place bears some kind of affiliation with the Fuji chain, this is clearly their little pet project, and operates on a whole other level. The décor is suitably bland, the no-nonsense kimono-clad waitresses efficient and the chefs masterful. Dinners can break the bank, but those in the know enjoy the much more affordable sushi sets (B198) at lunch, which sometimes run out by 1pm.
62/19-20 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-233-9698. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 11:30am-2pm; 5:30-11pm

Kaiseiki

AOI BK PICK!

AOI may be found in a bunch of malls, but that doesn’t make its dishes and décor any less lovable to many of the people we talked to. A typical Japanese restaurant, Aoi offers everything from udon, sushi and teppan to its extremely popular set menu.
Try 4/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8590-2. www.aoi-bkk.com

Izakaya

Tenkaichi Yakiton Yakitori Nagiya BK PICK!

It’s near impossible to get in on weekends, and you’ll be waiting for a table alongside chain-smoking Japanese guys even on weeknights. The izakaya mood is perfect, even if the décor is minimal: lanterns hanging from ropes, Japanese kitsch plastered all over the wooden bar/kitchen, thunderous bellows from the all-male kitchen as patrons come and go, steam rising from the yakitori grill. Obviously, you’re here to knock back pints of draft Asahi or cups of shochu (the menu has two pages of the Japanese liquor by the glass and some bottles, too) but Nagiya’s food is no afterthought.
Nihonmachi 105 (behind K Village), 115 Sukhumvit Soi 26. 02-258-2790. www.nagiya.com. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Imoya

Imoya is a pretty typical izakaya: picture Japanese hanging lamps at the front door and drunken salarymen with neckties tied around their heads. Imoya is famed for its friendly, homey atmosphere, decent prices and super basic menu of dishes like fried rice, California maki and udon noodles. Small portions, but they go great with your bottle of sake, shochu or Asahi.
2/13-14 Sukhumvit Soi 24. 02-663-5185. Open daily 5pm-12am

Akanoya Robatayaki

Akanoya Robatayaki brings robata (Japanese grilling) to town. Be warned, there’s no menu here; rather the ingredients are presented at a counter display that evokes the Tsukiji Market. You’ll have to ask the staff to translate the signs and prices as they’re all in Japanese, but your reward is exotic fare such a isaki (chicken grunt sea bass) and kinki (rockfish) (B950-1,980), Hokkaido crab (starting from B1,750) or Wagyu beef from Omi (B990). The vegetables are also imported and worth a try if you’ve got the cash: tomato (B200) and taro (B200). This small, fun and energetic place is bringing in the crowds so book well in advance—we mean weeks ahead.
46/10 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (across from Terrace 49), 02-662-4237

Ramen

Bankara Ramen BK PICK!

As the first international franchise of the famous Japanese chain, Bankara promises to bring a taste of real ramen to Bangkok. The décor is Japanese to the core, from the very first view of the dark wooden windows and sliding doors to the dramatic kanji sign. There are four types of ramen to choose from that can be personalized with additional toppings like pork, corn, seaweed, veggies and different sized noodles. These include Bankara ramen, the original brand-making recipe, with its signature deeply-flavored broth, and tsukemen, springy noodles eaten cold and dipped in a special soup and miso ramen, a popular mainstay which wows with its unique miso flavor.
The Manor, 32 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-622-5162/3. Open daily 11am-11pm

Ramentei

Ramentei is like the white-shirt-dark-tie businessmen that eat here. It doesn’t look very exciting, but it’s very, very good at what it does; in this case, precision comfort food that always has the same great taste. In fact, on some days, you’ll see a visiting Japanese sensei tasting every single dish before they’re taken out (by the army of equally precise service staff) to the hordes of hungry office workers who pack the tables at lunch—and the noticeably more tipsy ones here in the evening. The ramen are neither too thick nor too floury, and the broth is bursting with umami. Not only is the food authentic and deeply satisfying, but portions are gargantuan and the consistency is always there. Don’t forget to try their katsu cutlet, too.
23/8-9 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-234-8082. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 11-2am

Chabuton

The kitchen here is led by 2002 TV Champion-winning Yasuji Morizumi, a former French cuisine chef who combines his Gallic culinary background with Japanese traditional noodles. Yasuji now owns more than 20 ramen restaurants in Japan and the US. The tonkatsu ramen is the original hit; you’ll be served a bowl of noodles in concentrated pork-bone soup that’s been cooked for more than 15 hours, topped with Japanese bunching onions and slices of special grilled pork.
Siam Square, next to Lido Theatre, Rama 1 Rd., 02-635-7930. BTS Siam. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

Yakiniku

Tamaruya Honten BK PICK!

This place might be located in a mall, but Tamaruya proves that Isetan is still a spot to head to for Japanese food, as evidenced by the Japanese crowd grilling their Wagyu beef from Australia. The a la carte dishes include kalbi (short ribs, B330) or you can opt for the premium Miyazaki Wagyu (B1,600) with a marble score of 4-5. And something not so common: the wasabi here is freshly grated.
6/F Isetan, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-255-9713. www.tamaruya.co.th. Open daily 10am-9pm

Gyu-Kaku

Japanese chain Gyu-Kaku had already opened 700 restaurants worldwide before they arrived in Thailand, quite sensibly opting to set up their first branch in Soi Thaniya, with its heavy concentration of Japanese businessmen at work and play. Gyo-Kaku does stand out from the crowds of Japanese eateries on this soi, though, by showing that yakiniku dining doesn’t have to be just about the buffet, with a quite impressive à la carte menu. The recommendation is Plate A (500g, B890), which is the beef set for two persons and includes beef tongue, sirloin, karubi (short ribs) and rump cap.
62/5-6 Thaniya Rd., 02-632-7781. www.gyu-kaku.co.th. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm;Sat-Sun 5:30-11:30pm

Acer Aspire V3-571-G-73614G1TMa 15.6”

Specs: Intel Core i7, 2.3GHz, Mobile Intel® HM77 chipset, 1TB harddisk, 4GB memory, nVidia GeForce GT 640M graphic chip
Highlights: The third fastest class of nVidia graphic chips, lots of hard disk space.
Price: B25,900

ASUS N56VM-S3141V 15.6”

Specs: Intel Core i7, 2.3GHz, Mobile Intel® HM77 chipset, 1TB hard disk, 8GB memory, nVidia GeForce GT 630M graphic chip
Highlights: Plenty of storage space, but this Asus also has double the memory compared to the Acer.
Price: B31,790

Lenovo IdeaPad Y580-59345162 15.6”

Specs: Intel Core i7, 2.4GHz, Mobile Intel® HM77 chipset, 1TB hard disk, 8GB memory, nVidia GeForce GTX 660M graphic chip
Highlights: The second fastest class of nVidia graphic chips, a high-speed processor and JBL speakers offering decent sound quality.
Price: B34,900

MSI GT60 0NC-074XTH 15.6”

Specs: Intel Core i5, 2.5GHz, Mobile Intel® HM77 chipset, 720 GB hard disk, 8GB memory, nVidia GeForce GTX 670M graphic chip
Highlights: This is the fastest of the bunch thanks to its processor, video card and hard disk speed of up to 7,200 rpm.
Price: B39,900

Dell Inspiron N7520 15.6”

Specs: Intel Core i7, 2.1GHz, Mobile Intel® HM77 chipset, 1TB hard disk, 8GB memory, AMD Radeon HD 7730M graphic chipset,
Highlights: A budget pick with a solid graphic chipset.
Price: B25,990

Fashion

1st Storey

The latest indie pop-up boutique to open in Tiong Bahru, this is chock-full of clothes, accessories, ceramics and artwork, from at least 16 homegrown brands including Coupé-Cousu ($39 upwards) and MILS ($49 upwards), as well as new label Steel ($79). Highlights for the festive season include funky pop artworks by local artist Andre Tan ($880 upwards), one-off shades by Mystic Vintage ($220 upwards) and customized bowls, plates and ceramics by IEX Asian Heritage ($99 upwards).

Actually+

The hundreds of styles and pieces here will set your pulse racing. For accessories, the Love Nail Tree necklaces ($39 upwards)with quirky detailing are top draw, while the all-over-print Dr. Denim Kissy Highwater three-quarter denim leggings ($89) make great gifts. Shoe lovers will swoon over the standout Veja heels ($95), while those looking for classic bags will love the massive Fjallraven Kanken bags ($79 upwards), not to mention there’re lots of cool graphic tees ($55 upwards) here, so no one goes home empty-handed.

Antipodean

Open since 2004, this inviting, minimalist-chic boutique is home to a smorgasbord of hard-to-find apparel, trinkets and accessories from Australian, Asian and homegrown labels like Rodeo Show, Alice McCall, Woon Hung, mrkt, Lesli Berggren Design, Icing and The Par Avion Store (prices range from $9.90 to $488). Home décor and lifestyle items, such as reed diffusers from BsaB ($15.90 upwards), will also make great gifts if you’re not looking for something fashion-related.

Blackmarket

Although the famous indie store’s stylish collection is made up of local and emerging Asian labels like Sundays ($49 upwards) and Yuki Mitsuyasu ($85 upwards), it is the other unexpected knick-knacks here that rock. Local street artist Mark Ong’s light boxes ($950)come highly recommended for those into home decor, while the trendy Uppercut men’s hair gels ($35) are perfect for no-brainer gift ideas too.

nana & bird

This regular haunt for trendy, clued-in shoppers started out as a pop-up concept store before it settled permanently in the hip Tiong Bahru neighborhood last year. To keep things fresh, owners Georgina Koh and Chiew Ling Tan introduce new brands every month. The latest items available till December include Clare Vivier’s stylish leather fold over clutches ($160 upwards), Jennifer Loiselle’s colorful woven necklaces ($160 upwards), and Fabitoria’s statement print skirts ($229 upwards).

PACT

Grab a Sapporo draft beer at this three-in-one space while shopping for Americana-inspired attire at the K.I.N corner, which features brands like C. Chauchat (preppy ties, $209 upwards), Deck Towel (linen beach towels, $239 upwards) and Kiel James Patrick (bandanas and accessories, $69 upwards), all sure-fire festive hits. There is also a limited selection of New Balance kicks ($249) for the fashion-forward.

The Society of Black Sheep

Amid the stuffy high-end labels at Marina Bay Sands, this indie boutique stands out for its unpredictable and quirky mix of clothes, shoes and accessories from underground labels like Thierry Lasry, Clotilde, Lila Conti, Sacaporter and Injury ($88 upwards). Arriving in time for Christmas are digital print dresses from Antoni & Alison ($868 upwards) and bold animal print tunics by Leopard ($328 upwards)—all make great outfits for the upcoming parties.

Willow & Huxley

This cozy-chic boutique houses obscure labels like By Marlene Birger, Finders Keepers, Sam & Lavi and Cameo, with only a small number of pieces brought in for each style ($100 upwards). Personally handpicked by the owners, the oh-so-wearable pieces are versatile enough to take you from office to party. Its vintage and handmade jewelry ($40 upwards) makes pretty gifts, too.

Front Row

With budding local and Asian brands such as iamwhoiam, Ling Wu, Carrie K. and Seventy Eight Percent, this multi-label concept store has a carefree, effortlessly sophisticated vibe and it’s still one of the best indie boutiques in town. Although the ready-to-wear collection is top draw, designer home accessories like the A.P.C. candles, Ling Wu iPad covers and Karen Walker sunnies are hard to resist.

Inhabit – The Other Store

One of our favorite indie boutiques, it’s popular among trendy socialites who come for their weekly fix of hard-to-find high fashion labels like Dion Lee, MM6 by Margiela, Sharon Wauchob and Les Aperizes. For guys, the comfortable basics from Australia’s Bassike should do the trick. Especially for the festive season, the store will be bringing in a selection of bling from new accessories labels wear&tear and Jenny Sheriff.

Parco Next NEXT

Check out this local designers’ specialist zone which boasts a veritable load of finds. Upcoming fashion heroes Samuel Wong and Sunny Lim’s edgy menswear creations for labels Evenodd and MILS respectively can be found here, as well as new arrivals from upstarts 20:TWOTHREE and WSDM, the former for its oversized jackets and drop-crotch pants, and the latter for its layered silhouettes for jackets and tops.

Surrender

Hip menswear boutique Surrender gets better by the day. There’re choice accessories like preppy Thom Browne ties, leather card cases and short tie bars that are perfect for the Christmas season, as well as limited edition white long-sleeved shirts produced in collaboration with the store. Elsewhere, feast on other gift ideas from coveted labels like Mark McNairy, Band of Outsiders and Maison Martin Margiela while you’re here.

Threadbare & Squirrel

Get your hands on gifts and clothes for the year-end parties at this indie multi-label store, which stocks an offbeat collection of apparel, accessories and curios. Local labels like A.K.A Wayward, Lion Earl, Depression, max.tan, By Airmail and PRiMARY predominate here, but there’re also a few international brands such as New York’s Nooka, UK’s O’clock, Bangkok’s mosstories and Italy’s Swank.

W.E.

With over 19 designers and labels under one roof, there are definitely lots to love. Casual tailored shirts by WanderWonder and trendy tees by Coupé-cousu are great for men looking for ready-to-wear that is actually wearable. For the ladies, don’t miss out on the limited edition collection by veteran Tan Woon Choor. Other brands here include MU by Alfie Leong, Elohim, Ling Wu, Womb, Eve and Sceneplicity—you won’t be short of shopping ideas here.

Collectibles

Books Actually

You won’t run out of gift ideas here. From paperbacks to first editions to rare books ($10 upwards), there is something for every book lover. But if you’re looking for something a little quirkier, owner Kenny Leck and his team also carry some vintage knick-knacks like old notebooks, ashtrays and cups that are also ideal for the festive season.

Flea & Trees

Interior designer-lecturer Terence Yeung and fashion consultant Bella Koh are the husband-and-wife team behind this eclectic vintage shop. With their backgrounds and good taste, expect a carefully curated range of furniture, clothes, accessories, books, ceramics, homeware and magazines from past decades—perfect presents for vintage lovers. Prices range from $10 for a magazine to $2,500 for a floor light.

Goods of Desire

This lifestyle specialist is perfect for bulk shopping for Christmas. OK so it’s a little commercial, but the purveyor of trendy, mid-priced interior goods and fashion apparel stocks an amazing range of small goods, including its signature dining set that is emblazoned with Chinese characters “double happiness” (prices range from $6 for a soup spoon to $130 for a pair of solid brass chopsticks with 24k gold). A must if you’re running out of ideas (and time).

Straits Records

One of the coolest and most unexpected places for a festive gift, but it might just work out if you have some music-loving friends into left-field music. Apart from hard-core Asian rock sounds, they also carry a small, curated range of dance, reggae, indie and jazz music for the initiated. There is also a respectable selection of music and counterculture books and DVDs that you won’t find at the other major bookstores here. Prices start from $6 to $120.

Supermama

Home to an interesting collection of paper goods, accessories and other novelties created by local and Japanese designers ($5 upwards), the rustic, minimalist store takes the stress out of Christmas shopping with its serene vibe. If something catches your eye, don’t just grab and go: talk to the nice shop assistant and ask the story behind the item, then tell it to your recipient to make him/her feel extra special.

The Little Dröm Store

This quaint store has a charming, nostalgic vibe, mostly due to the quirky indie merchandise it carries, like Mimipong’s plushes, pouches
and bags ($3 upwards), Vice and Vanity’s accessories ($85 upwards), Gemma Correll’s badges and postcards ($3 upwards), as well as tin toys and other retro items. Helmed by ad- and design-industry veterans Stanley Tan and Antoinette Wong, the shop also carries an eclectic range of illustration and photography books that the owners designed and published ($11 upwards).

World Savage

Previously known as Stevie General Store, this collectibles store and fashion boutique remains one of the city’s best places for art, antiques, books, lamps, tin toys, watches, silverware and every other item imaginable. Recent arrivals include vintage copper lamps from the ’50s and ’60s ($320), a poster of The Sex Pistols’ Sid Vicious ($350) and vintage cowboy shirts for men ($80 upwards).

Pigeonhole

You’ll find preloved books, furniture and fresh flowers in this hideout. Not just a place for people to chill, sip drinks, browse books and daydream, it’s also a dynamic arts space run by Rayner Lim and Ave Chan to promote Singaporean NGOs, music, film, art and performances. Shop for the latest arrivals or rare secondhand books like Simon Lovat’s Attrition while you hang out with the cool crowd.

Home Decor

Fred Lives Here

If you’re thinking of sprucing up your home this festive season, this furniture store may just be your answer. It stocks high-quality reproductions of iconic modern classics like Ray and Charles Eames chairs ($210 upwards) and Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair ($1,330 upwards). Fred, the imaginative chap dreamed up by owner Angie Pasley, also collaborates with local and international artists for a number of one-off designer pieces including Ibride’s Mobilier de compagnie animal-inspired furnishings ($285 upwards).

Like That One

Belle Waring and Cheu Koh don’t just sell vintage furniture; they rescue unwanted items mostly from local secondhand furniture stores, garage sales and even the dumpster, then restore them. Get lost in this 1,400 sq. ft. space filled with cool Art Deco furnishings, chic ’50s and ’60s goods and other unique, funky accessories. Prices range from $50 for a home decor piece to $3,000 for furniture.

Strangelets

Tired of mass-produced home décor items that everyone seems to have? This design boutique will provide that breath of fresh air. Established in 2008, Strangelets is still one of the best spots in town for wild and wow furnishings and accessories sourced from all over the world, like the cool lamp that resembles a hawthorn hedge ($2,000 upwards). If you're looking to refresh your space for the festivities, you know where to go.

Bangkok Poetry Night/Bombyx Stories

Bombyx Stories

Who Are They?
Apart from having a gallery on its second floor (and the occasional hanging sculpture in front of the place), WTF Bar & Gallery and Opposite play host to two regular literary events. The Bangkok Poetry Night is open to everyone, but does have a theme that changes each time. It runs every month (or every six weeks) and is hosted by Colin Cheney. Recently, the team also launched Bombyx Stories with a raconteur/storytelling angle for those who just don’t dig poetry. Again, there’s a theme for each evening.
What’s next
The third edition of Bombyx Stories will be under the theme “Small acts of courage” on Nov 24, 8pm, at Opposite. The next Bangkok Poetry Night is Dec 7.
How to join
To apply, email your work to [email protected] or [email protected]. Your piece should come in under eight minutes when read. The deadline for Bombyx was Nov 7 but there’s always next time. There is no deadline for Bangkok Poetry—just shoot them an email. If you just want to attend, it’s free and open to all.
Keep posted at
www.bangkokpoetry.com and www.facebook.com/BombyxStories

18Monkeys Dance Theatre

18Monkeys DanceTheatre

Who Are They?
The 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre is one of Thailand’s leading contemporary dance troupes. It infuses Thai traditional dance (khon) with other physical movements. Choreographed by Jitti Chompee, their past works have contained strong, emotional scenes set against a backdrop of high-brow culture (Jean Genet, Thomas Mann). Not only do they regularly include video projection, but we’ve yet to see them perform in a traditional space. Previous shows were at Bed Supperclub, Warp 54 Studio and in an empty swimming pool at someone’s home.
What’s Next
Taking its inspiration from the battle scene in the Ramayana epic, Muet (Speechless) tells the tragic story of monkey Kasorntamala, a soldier of Phra Ram who is forced to fight his demonic best friend. This performance will be a part of the International Dance Festival 2012, taking place on Dec 1-2, 7-9 at Ptendercool’s warehouse gallery (Charoen Krung Soi 30) and Dec 10-11 at 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai.
How to join
Tickets B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor.com
Keep posted at
www.18monkeysdancetheatre.com

B-Floor

Warp 54 Studio

Who Are They?
This local independent physical theater troupe broke into New York’s 2012 Underground Zero Festival last July, but we’ve had our eyes on talented artists Teerawat Mulvilai and Jarunan Phantachat (to name just a couple) for a while. They’ve definitely had a busy year, with intense political plays that touch on sensitive issues like Article 112 (Bang La Merd), Thailand’s deep South (The Other Land) or royal succession (King Lear). This being physical theater, you can expect unusual setups. For example, Bang La Merd took place in a tiny room, with spectators sat on a random assortment of chairs dispersed throughout. Among other things, the performer used video projection, involved the audience and stayed after the show to discuss the ideas in the performance. The last Sunday of every month, the group also has an acting workshop open to the public, which regularly features special guests.
What’s Next
The next workshop will be under the theme “Knowing the Metaphor of Your Life” lectured by Sarinrat Thomas on Nov 25 from 1-5pm (B500). And the next production takes its inspiration from the scientific theory of natural selection. Titled Survival Games, you can catch it Jan 10-21, 2013, at Pridi Bhanomyong Institute, Sukumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor).
How to join
Booking for the workshops and more information about the show tickets at 089-167-4039 or [email protected]
Catch them at
www.facebook.com/Bfloor.theatre.group and www.bfloortheatre.com

Bangkok Theatre Festival

The Return of Wanthong

Who Are They?
This outdoor stage festival hosted by the Bangkok Theatre Network at Santichaiprakarn Park and the small bars along Phra Artit Road features over 50 shows from independent stage groups in Bangkok like B-Floor Theatre, Anatta Theatre, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts and famous acts like the Babymime.
What’s Next
The 10th edition was postponed from Nov 2011 to Feb-Mar 2012 because of the floods. The schedule for the 11th edition has not been announced yet. In the meantime, there is a restaging of Anatta’s contemporary Thai dance performance, The Return of Wanthong, directed by Silpatorn-award winner Pradit Prasartthong on Nov 17-18, 2pm and 7pm at Srinakarinwirot University (B400 from 087-701-0986 or 089-754-1505).
Keep posted at
www.facebook.com/BangkokTheatreNetwork.fanpage

The Reading Room

Who Are They?
A contemporary art library and activity space run by art aficionado Narawan “Kyo” Pathomvat with a collection of over 1,000 books from all over the world. This cute, tiny space in Silom Soi 19 sees regular talks by guest speakers, special screenings of controversial films from the Film Virus group and open debates, the “Night School” (every third Friday of the month).
What’s next
How to Start a Revolution, a film by Ruaridh Arrow, will be screened on Nov 9 at 7:30pm. Then on Nov 13, 7pm, there’s 50 Years 007, exploring the politics, culture and technology of James Bond, with collage artist and columnist for Bioscope Magazine Sethapong Povatong and editor of Filmax Magazine Alongkorn Klaisrikeaw.
How to join
The events are open to public. For more information and reservations, call 02-635-3674.
Keep Posted at
www.facebook.com/thereadingroombkk and www.readingroombkk.org

Jam

Who Are They?
Run by one of the guys behind arty lifestyle mag Bang! and a food writer/photographer who’s also a pretty dab hand in the kitchen, this small café-cum-bar makes for a hip urban refuge in an unlikely residential setting, around five minutes’ walk from BTS Surasak. On top of the laidback vibe, Jam’s name is ringing out in discerning circles thanks to its hosting of a growing list of arts and cultural events.
What’s next
The opening party for Brazilian artist Cecê Nobre’s exhibition Concrete Variables on Nov 10. The exhibition is comprised of aerosol portraits of his close friends—mostly graffiti artists and skateboarders— accompanied by a short film documenting the Bangkok street scene.
How to join
Keep an eye on Jam’s Facebook page (see below) and just rock up. Other regular or semi-regular events include Apple Jam Cinema (last Sunday of every month), a selection of culturally significant films from around the world. Curated by Susanne Walter and co-organized with support from the French Embassy, Goethe Institute, The Japan Foundation and the National Film and Sound Archive, Australia. They’re also talking about bringing back their Jam Garage Sale, a chilled-out market day where anyone can sell their loot, whether it’s clothes, music, bicycles or art. Then there’s the intriguingly titled Bacon ‘n Bass BBQ, which the owners promise will have plenty for vegetarians, too.
Keep Posted at
www.facebook.com/jamcafebkk or drop by 1 Charoen Rat Soi 1. Open Tue-Sun 12pm-11:45pm. BTS Surasak.

Art Online

Siamese Dust

www.facebook.com/siamesedust
This page gathers archival movie posters, advertisements and other old prints and shares them in all their retro glory.

77PPP

www.facebook.com/77PPP
77PPP, or 77 Provinces Postcard Project, shares and welcome you to share photos and postcards of Thailand in times past. An evocative, and often informative, trip down memory lane.

Freelance Illustrators

tinyurl.com/bvqkf9t
This group (not page) is open for any freelance or full-time illustrators, or just illustration fans, to join and post their own work for the discerning eyes of others.

Fuck You Designer

www.facebook.com/fuuckyoudesigner
An open space for designers to share and discuss arts projects in order to improve their skills or get fresh ideas and new inspirations.

Interview: Christian Develter

Red:

Pull and Bear basic blazer, B1,790. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000.

Oversized:

Heidi’s Secret chiffon cardigan, B3,090. Baan Ekkamai, Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-715-7015. BTS Ekkamai.

Wool:

Pull and Bear basic wool coat, B3,590. 2/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000.

Black Leather:

Topshop black fur leather jacket, B4,790. 3/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-255-4013. BTS Chidlom.

Blue:

Uniqlo v-neck long cardigan, B990. 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1465.

Bangkok is really breaking free of the old stigma regarding Thai food, with locals finally accepting to pay more for Thai food in swanky restaurants, as long as it’s authentic. It started with Bo.lan, Nahm and Soul Food Mahanakorn, but new openings like Supanniga, Issaya and Thai Lao Yeh have shown this acceptance is here to stay. Thai desserts, on the other hand, haven’t quite surfed the trend. Although served at the aforementioned venues, we’re definitely not seeing Thai-centric kanom venues attract the kind of queues that the honey toast at After You garners. Despite the relative obscurity, there are encouraging signs that Thai sweets could be the next big thing, if people woke up to the complex and delicate techniques used to make them.

History books say Thai desserts were only made from flour, palm sugar and coconut before Maria Guyomar de Pinha of Portugal introduced the use of egg yolk-based recipes during the mid-17th Century. But even then, desserts remained a rare treat. “They were only really for ceremonies and everyone had to help because they were very delicate to make,” explains Dan Bunnag of the traditional Thai sweet store Sri: Thai Delicatessen. Not only were desserts for special occasions, but they were made according to closely guarded techniques. “When we were working on making our piak poon stickier, we realized Thais don’t share this kind of information,” says Dan. “You have to find out for yourself.”

Thai desserts have also failed to evolve, as Jakthong Ubolsootvanich, owner of dessert cafe Let Them Eat Cake, points out: “A modern form of Thai sweet hasn’t emerged. People complain about new things right away without experiencing them, or looking at the ideas behind them.”

However, Chef Ian Kittichai whose Issaya Siamese Club serves up Thai fusion desserts that experiment with presentation, suggests this isn’t always the case. “The people who come to Issaya, both Thais and expats, are generally open-minded when it comes to Thai desserts. They understand that we’re trying to educate them about desserts that perhaps aren’t so widely appreciated.”

When it comes to the issue of trying to make Thai desserts more popular, presentation is important, says Kittichai. As is knowing your dessert’s ingredients and history: “You should try to pass this knowledge onto your customers.”

Dan, from Sri, argues that increasing awareness about Thai desserts needs to happen outside of restaurants, too. “Look at how Japan takes their culture seriously and how their young people are so well-informed. The Thai dessert scene would be much better once Thais are more proud of their own culture,” he says. Prae Lavanamal of Pon Kum Wan in Hua Hin, too, says the new generation can’t even match the name of a dessert to a picture. “They need an education to know how delicate the craftsmanship is,” she says.

“Young people today appreciate only Western, Japanese or Korean stuff. They look down on Thai food. If it’s expensive, they won’t pay. Same with Thai desserts; I sell kanom tom for B60 and customers say it’s too expensive right to my face, which makes me mad. They never think about how much work goes into their creation,” Dan says.

Prae says that even though she knows how to bake, she simply prefers Thai desserts. Prae says you need roughly two hours to bake a regular cake that sells for over B100 a slice. “I could do that, but I just don’t want to. Even though something like aa-lua needs three days—to mix the flour, coconut milk and sugar together, leave it to form, and then bake for 18 hours—some customers tell me B60 is too expensive for a box of it. It’s sad but I won’t give up.”

Along with some other Thai dessert makers, Prae has joined with the Innovative House of Thailand Research Fund to breathe new interest into Thai desserts by such methods as changing their size, decreasing their sweetness and changing their packaging. Her hope for Siam’s sweets? “We don’t expect Thai desserts to ever be as popular as certain foreign desserts, just another alternative that people won’t forget to try every now and then.”

Where to Buy Thai Desserts in Bangkok

Sri. G/F, K-Village, 93, 95 Sukhumvit Soi 26. Open daily 8am-8pm. G/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd. 089-923-5477. Open daily 10am-9pm

Pon Kum Wan. Plern Wan, Phetkasem Rd. (between Hua Hin Sois 38 and 40), Hua Hin. 089-688-4053. www.ponkumwan.com. Open daily 10:30am-8pm

Issaya Siamese Club. 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Rama 4 Rd., 02-672-9040. www.issaya.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-1

B28

Formerly known as Malt Vault, B28 has relocated from one basement to another nearby at boutique hotel The Club. The swanky spot’s still got a mean range of whiskies, regular jazz performances (its current lineup is unconfirmed at press time, but the piped-in jazz music does the job), an awesome lead bartender in the form of Aubrey Sim and $15 cocktail hour from 6-9pm on Mondays to Fridays. Still one of the best bars around hip Club Street.

Brix

This old timer (it’s been around since the mid ’90s, baby) is still a hit among the PMEB crowd working in the heart of town. With three different sections—a wine and whiskey bar, a dance floor and a live music area—there is a lot going on here every night. The bar boasts a decent selection of wines, single malt scotch, cognacs and liqueur, but if live music’s more your thing, check out the energetic sets by international band Shades which performs R&B, soul and authentic Calypso tunes, as well as local band Energy and their teeming contemporary rock tunes every night.

Pangaea

Located below one of our favorite mega clubs Avalon, this slick baby is the top draw if you have loads of cash to blow—you need a minimum spend of $1,500 for a table. It is also home to the Asia’s most expensive cocktail, the Jewel of Pangaea, $32,000 worth of gold-flecked Hennessey brandy, a hickory smoke-infused sugar cube and 1985 vintage Krug champagne, topped with a 1K diamond. Occasional cool gigs are also held here, organized by the people from The Republic Agency, who recently brought in Ibiza’s Matt Caseli.
 

inITALY Bar Ristorante

Located in a shophouse along Craig Road, this rustic, homey spot is well put together, with marbletopped tables, brown leather chairs and a cheerful canary yellow accent wall. Saviour crowd-pleasing fare like crostino ($18), crisp focaccia with melted Taleggio cheese, prosciutto and black olives, and homemade beef-filled ravioli with Chianti sauce ($18).

Otto Locanda

Located in Maxwell Chambers, a refurbished neo-classical heritage building, this chic trattoria is sister to OTTO Ristorante, with more affordable prices, and we think, even better food. Dig into hearty classics such as the terrific porcini mushroom lasagna, and dough fritters with ham-wrapped scamorza cheese, in a warm, inviting space.

Pepenero

Chef and co-owner Marco Violano's establishment in the CBD isn't fancy (although you will find the requisite white table linens) but it's got just the right combination of factors. It's smart enough for business meetings yet atmospheric and unfussy enough for that all-important third dinner date. On top of that, it has great, soulful Southern Italian fare and outstanding service.

Senso Ristorante & Bar

This Club Street institution with a loyal following does great Italian food. There's a duo of risotti, one side composed of white sparkling wine and the other black squid ink; rigatoni pasta with wild duck in red wine sauce; and an eight-hour braised beef cheek with bacon and button mushrooms with glazed carrot puree. Not only is the food a joy, but the service is great and the restaurant's housed in a charming space complete with an open air courtyard. 

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