1.) Dokodemo. The shop owner takes what would have been normal tee’s and does minimal tweaks to make it the right balance between eccentric and cool. These t-shirts cost B250 each.
Siam Square Soi 2 (under Lido). Open daily 2-8pm, 084-724-8151

2.) Urethane Skateboards. This Thai longboard shop in Chatuchak is only open on weekends, but you can order slick decks from them whenever. This Sector Nine complete is made of Canadian maple (B9,500).
Chatuchak Market Section 14 Soi 7. Open 10am-7pm, 089-409-0740.

3.) Preduce. Bangkok’s original skateshop supplies the newest and slickest Converse, Nike and Adidas. Grab these Nike SB Eric Koston Signature (B3,290) in new colors and Converse Trepasso Mids (B3,000, see below). They’re the only store in Bangkok to stock them.
Siam Square Soi 1. Open Mon-Sun 12-8:30pm, 086-045-5784

4.) NY/LA. This place has everything and is everywhere. Check out the Siam Center branch to get the new Globe Tramp deck. B6,900.
4/F Siam Center. Open 10am-10pm, 02-255-2060

5.) Yeah! Blue denims will never go out of style but you probably already have a pair, so diversify it by adding a bit of color. B1,800.
3/F Esplanade Ratchada, Ratchada Rd. Open 11am-9pm, 02-660-9099.

READ MORE:
Our Q&A with Simon Pelleaux, co-owner of Preduce Skateboards tells us how to pick out a skate shoe

SKATE HERE: Spots for Cruising and Tricks

SHOP HERE: Urface

A Homemade Life

By Molly Wizenberg, B792 at Kinokuniya
The author moved to Paris for graduate studies but fell in love with the food. She started a blog, Orangette, which ended up on the Times Online’s 50 World’s Best Food Blogs list, and met a reader who became her husband. Who wouldn’t want to read about this charmed life, especially if you’re at all a fan of her blog and its gorgeous, soft-lit photos. The book combines personal stories with comfort food recipes for stuff as diverse as chana masala, carmelized cauliflower with salsa verde and chocolate cupcakes with bittersweet glaze. Molly is self-taught, so instead of making you feel incompetent, she imparts a sense of possibility.

The Songs of Sapa

By Luke Nguyen, B1,195 at Asia Books
Chef at the Red Lantern in Sydney, Luke Nguyen already has a celebrated cookbook, Secrets From the Red Lantern, under his belt. In The Songs of Sapa, a very personal followup, Luke travels to his ancestral homeland, Vietnam, meets long lost family, makes new friends and learns to make all sorts of delicious regional specialties. From Sapa to Hue to Hoi An to Saigon to elsewhere, Luke travels north to south, each section of the journey begins with a brief personal essay, followed by recipes of springs rolls, simple stir fries, intense soups and more. You won’t find some of the more specialized ingredients in this memoir-travel log-cookbook, but you can put those on a shopping list for your next trip to Hanoi.

Reinventing Food

By Colman Andrews, B986 at Kinokuniya
The cathedral of modern gastronomy, El Bulli, finally closed its doors in Spain recently, so this is perhaps a nice, reflective time to pick up a biography of its owner and chef, Ferran Adria, the man who allegedly changed the way we eat. This biography by Colman Andrews covers Adria’s childhood during the Franco years in Spain and humble beginnings as a resort dishwasher, complete with charming baby photos and bad-hair youth photos before arriving at the techniques that are the basis of his style of cooking: spherification, foaming and deconstruction. We like the expert combination of personal story and culinary context by Andrews, a founder of Saveur magazine.

Eat, Memory

Ed. Amanda Hesser, B483 at Kinokuniya
If you don’t cook, but love eating and talking about it, Amanda Hesser has gathered 26 food essays that have previously appeared in the New York Times. There are no recipes to follow, and these essays are not all by chefs, though there is a nice piece in there by Gabrielle Hamilton of the New York restaurant Prune, about a blind line cook in her kitchen. Most of the writers are actually, well, writers—novelists, poets and essayists—sharing personal stories involving food. And they’re not all straight-up celebrations either. They’re about bad meals, forgotten meals, canned meals and more, showing such a range of experiences with food that the book is far from corny and predictable.

My Father’s Daughter

By Gwyneth Paltrow, B947 at Kinokuniya
Unless you’re miserable cynics like us, you’ll be delighted by Gwyneth Paltrow’s collection of recipes and stories about growing up and cooking with her father, the late actor Bruce Paltrow, and about cooking for a young family. Her lyricism is a little tiresome at times (seriously, Gwyn, does your heart really skip a beat when you pass by a flowering plant?), but we like the collection of warm family photographs and simple recipes for burgers, sandwiches, pastas and baked treats that are very doable. She’s also a stickler for health so you’ll find recipes like vegetarian chilli and healthy blueberry muffins. Amateur cooks will appreciate that she’s not an overbearing expert, just an advanced home cook.

As Always, Julia

Ed. Joan Reardon, B803 at Kinokuniya
Let’s face it, you probably didn’t know or care about Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia Child’s magnum opus, until you saw the film and were smitten with the sassy lady’s adorable straight-talking style. So even if you’ll never attempt a complicated classic French recipe by her, you can still enjoy pages of her indomitable personality in this collection of correspondence between her and her friend and publishing confidante Avis de Voto. They write with elan and joy, discussing recipes to death and over hundreds of pages, planning Mastering. Basically, if you loved Julie and Julia and want more of it, get this book.

NOMA

By Rene Redzepi, B1,850 at Asia Books
There’s something here for everyone: the design fiend, the food pornographer, the would-be chef, the naturalist. Chef of allegedly the best restaurant in the world, NOMA (just outside Copenhagen), Rene Redzepi is a fierce localist and a forager: he walks around the fields and woods, collecting weeds and herbs and mushrooms and whatever else to add to his cooking. This in-depth look behind his art is comprised of three parts: journal entries by Rene about his culinary journeys, a bulky middle section with 200 full-page food shots and thoughtful captions about the ingredients and finally, recipes using machines and produce unavailable to us mere mortals. Still, the book is a peek into the food of a gorgeous parallel universe.

Cookbook

By Rirkrit Tiravanija, B1,195 at Kinokuniya
Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija is famous for his live cooking art performances, notably at the MOMA in New York and the Serpentine Gallery in London. Cookbook collects simple recipes ranging from pak boong fai daeng to meatballs, an essay on the artist’s work as well as a long interview. A nice balance of intellectualism and fun, easy cookery.

Essentials

Asia Books Try the one at Emporium, 3/F, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8545
Kinokuniya Try the one at Siam Paragon, 3/F, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9500

In this city, it pays to plan ahead. You know how it is—you want to be a good friend, so you over-commit, and suddenly your weekends are block booked months in advance. If it’s not a wedding in Bali, it’s a quick jaunt to Bangkok, and before you know it, it’s Christmas already and you’ve barely spent a weekend here in months. It doesn’t help that there are now so many events happening here, so filtering through the noise gets harder with each passing week. What’s truly worth sticking around for? F1, obviously. But here’s the best of what else is coming in the next few months.

1. Baybeats 2011 **FREE**

The premier showcase for upcoming indie bands from Singapore and the region, this year’s musical jamboree promises a three-day fest of alt rock, folk, punk, post-rock and metal. Held all around the Esplanade, this one is not just for hipsters in skinny jeans. (Though there’ll be plenty of them around to laugh at.) “This is a festival for the young, young-at-heart and just about anyone who wants to know more about the Asian alternative music scene,” says Esplanade’s Programming Officer Ye JunMin.

In any case, no-one’s ever too old to show their support for local musicians, and this is a great chance to check out upcoming bands like Cheating Sons, Seyra, Arajua and The Rejeks, who made the cut at the Baybeat auditions earlier in the year. “It's a fantastic opportunity for established and new local talents to showcase their musical art,” adds Cheating Son’s bassist Don Loh. “Besides, the line-up of both local and foreign bands serves to remind us to keep stepping up our game.” Other highlights include the Pinoy apocalyptic rock outfit Moscow Olympics (and it’s hard to argue with ambition like that) and Indonesia’s Bangkutaman.
Baybeats 2011 is from August 19-21.
Log on to www.baybeats.com for the full line-up and updates.

2. Voyage Night Festival 2011 **FREE**

Where to start with the Voyage Night Festival? Taking over the Bras Basah civic district for two weekends back to back, it offers a smorgasbord of art, music, installations, performance, dance and film. Ignore the talk of “interdisciplinary displays” and “multi platform showcases” and just enjoy the creativity on show in, out and around the National Museum. This third edition will celebrate the historical culture and roots of the area (and it sure beats a walking tour). By invoking the memories of explorers, traders, immigrants and pilgrims, curator Goh Ching Lee (previously with the Singapore Arts Festival) hopes to “inject energy and movement into Singapore’s nocturnal rhythm.” A kind of cultural Viagra, then.

Not to be missed: The interactive light installations “Nightlights” (look out for the works “Lyrical Perspective’”and “Parking Mad” in particular, which feature 1024 Architecture and French artist Benedetto Buffalino), an outdoor performance by Belgian group Theatre TOL that celebrates an intercultural wedding and sound exhibition “Ulysses Syndrome” by Soundwalk, who retraces and recorded the route of Homer’s Odyssey on an old sailboat along the Greek and Corsican coastlines. Oh, and the shows are all free—so there’s really no excuse not to go.
Voyage Night Festival is on from August 26-27 and September 2-3.

3. The Substation’s 21st Anniversary

Our experimental indie institution is all grown up. Host to many landmark events over the years (if you missed The Stoned Revivals’ farewell gig held in late June this year, shame on you), the brainchild of late, legendary local playwright Kuo Pau Kun represents the very best of alternative Singapore. To commemorate their 21st birthday, they’ve lined up SeptFest, the inaugural edition of what they plan to be an annual event right through until they turn 25. To kick things off, there’s a line-up of edgy performances, including the not-to-be-missed premiere of Kuo Pau Kun’s homage Dance, Tree. Dance, a multi-disciplinary performance that incorporates elements of dance, theater, sound and film. Visual artist Bruce Quek will also unveil his specially commissioned work “The Hall of Mirrors”, an installation that mirrors an echo-chamber.
The Substation's 21st Anniversary runs from September 2-30.
Log on to www.substation.org for full line-up.

4. 24th Singapore International Film Festival

Never mind that the line-up remains unconfirmed as of press time, we’re excited to see the return of this particular shindig, after going AWOL last year. There’s been some internal reshuffling of sponsors and festival directors, and there’s a real sense of expectation after the lackluster response to ScreenSingapore earlier this year. Rumor has it that the usual eclectic screening schedule will be supplemented by newly introduced fringe activities, including a symposium by Lucasfilm Animation, and a weekend film-themed carnival for all the family. True Blood fans (is there anyone who isn’t?), are likely in for a treat, too.
Sep 15-25. Shaw Lido, 350 Orchard Rd., 6732-4124. Various venues and times.
Log onto www.filmfest.org.sg for further updates.

5. Avalon

If there’s a club that you’d need to see and be seen in this year, this is surely it. Singapore’s biggest club yet at 17,000 sq. ft. is finally opening in one of Marina Bay Sands’ Crystal Pavillions. Hollywood-based club sensation Avalon, brainchild of party visionary Steve Adelman, promises an endless onslaught of big name DJs, musical acts and surprise celebrity appearances, that may well reset the bar when it comes to nightlife in this city. Just check out the line-up when it officially launches on Sep 16: Massive Attack, The Chemical Brothers, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Benny Benassi, Sander Van Doorn, M.A.N.D.Y, Boy George, Sander Kleinenberg, Simian Mobile Disco, The Toxic Avenger—if there’s one thing we’re worried about, it’s simply being too tired to make it to every event.

“Avalon's one-of-a-kind space combined with our 20-plus years of experience providing nightlife at its highest level, should at least entice people to give us a try,” says Adelman, with a pinch of modesty (after all, the original Hollywood location has hosted Oscars and Grammys after-parties, as well as the MTV Music Awards). “We welcome anyone who appreciates our offering, which will be multi dimensional and will include three separate areas—a bit of something for everyone.”

Designed by revered New York-based design duo Roman and Williams, the feel of the club is slinky and exclusive, boasting warm, sensual colors, custom furniture in wood and leather interlocks, state-of-the-art sound system and a jaw-dropping exterior, shaped like a giant 3D diamante dome. A killer combo of pure style and musical substance—what more could you ask for?
Avalon launches on September 16, followed by a crazy line-up the week after including the return of dance music festival Avalon at Large on Sep 21-23.
Log on to http://avalon.sg to book your tickets and for more updates.

6. dan:s Festival

Connecting the dots between contemporary hip hop and West Papuan tribesmen (no, really), is this festival celebrating all things dance. Besides traditional favorites like the flamenco flaunting of the Ballet Nacional de Espana, the contemporary performances in Hofesh Shetcher’s Political Mother and 6,000 miles away with acclaimed French ballerina Slyvie Guillem are bound to impress, even if you know next to nothing about dance.
October 7-15. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $15-120 from Sistic.
Log on to www.dansfestival.com for the full line-up.

7. Singapore Writers Festival (SWF)

The 20th edition of SWF returns with the theme “Transaction” as it delves into how pivotal commercial exchanges are in our daily lives—from our individual purchase and consumption of goods and services, to the business of the global economy. Fortunately, they’ve got some solid names in store to enlighten us as to what that really means.

While the full line-up is yet confirmed, luminaries including popular economist Steven Levitt (of Freakonomics fame), as well as novelists Vikas Swarup, Manu Joseph and Chen Guanzhong.

Frankly, SWF plays second fiddle to the much more widely known Ubud Writers and Readers Festival down in Bali (5-9 October, if you fancy it), but this might yet be the year that it comes into its own. And for local author Dave Chua, it should be celebrated anyway, since it manages to avoid the “high art and stoic nature of most literary festivals.”

No less than 100 talks and seminars are scheduled across the city from SMU to SAM, SOTA to The Arts House—so be prepared to do some running around if you want to catch them all.
October 22-30. Various venues.
Log on to www.singaporewritersfestival.com for more information and ticketing info.

8. The National

Undoubtedly the biggest disappointment of this year’s Mosaic Music Festival was the last minute cancellation of Ohio-born, Brooklyn-based band The National. (To be fair, they were due to play Japan around the time of the earthquake, so at least they had a good excuse.) Come Nov 6, disappointed fans will get their chance to watch their long awaited debut. Frontman Matt Berninger sings like a man possessed (we should know, we saw him steal Morrissey’s thunder at London’s Wireless Festival a few years back), and if “Fake Empire” doesn’t send a tingle down your spine, there’s something wrong with you. Our advice: Use the next few months to learn the songs off their most recent album High Violet by heart.
The National is set to play on November 6 at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

9. Affordable Art Fair 2011

After a successful first edition last year here, with sales totalling over $1.75 million (and much fun along the way—we’ll be back for sure), the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) returns Nov 18 with an even more coveted selection, including prints by acclaimed Japanese icon Takashi Murakami (You heard it here first). “This year, we are looking to offer visitors different types of art such as media art in the form of lightbox installations, in addition to the traditional canvas or paper types of works as well as prints,” says marketing manager Alan Koh. ‘It’s important that we continue to keep that element of surprise.”

And if you’re a supporter of local talent, check out a specially-curated section featuring upcoming young Singaporean artists. Sales of artworks aside, there will also be free talks by leading art experts from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, as well as workshops about various art techniques. If it all gets too much, you can chill out at the café or wine bar which will be located within the complex, offering you the perfect spot to sit and contemplate that eternal question: But is it art?
Affordable Art Fair 2011 runs from November 18 and 20.
www.affordableartfair.sg

10. Richard III

We love to champion local arts, but we’re big fans of international collaborations, too. The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) will be playing host to Richard III, the final play of The Bridge Project, a three-year collaboration between New York’s BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), London’s The Old Vic and UK-based indie production house Neal Street Productions. With Hollywood A-Lister Kevin Spacey of American Beauty fame playing the colorful tyrant and Sam Mendes (who directed Spacey in that film) behind the curtains, you can be assured of something saucy. Critics—both local and international—have been raving about the production. “It’s just one of the best theater productions I have ever seen,” says Charlotte Nors, the SRT’s Executive Director who caught the show in London. “It all comes together —great set, evocative score, standout performances and a compelling story.”
Richard III is from November 17-26 at Esplanade Theatre.

10 Scotts

Just two weeks old, the old Scotts Lounge has been entirely revamped by Japanese design firm Super Potato to be 10 Scotts. Built on a home concept, you’ll find a collection of different rooms each with its own character including The Library, The Living Room and our fave, The Dining Room, overlooks a waterfall (what can we say, we’re suckers like that). If you fancy a nibble, pop by for a spot of afternoon tea (from $38, from $68 with free-flow Perrier-Jouët champers) of homemade scones with clotted cream and cucumber sandwiches with your tai tai friends. It’s also well-suited for a meet with business associates, as you chow down on items such as duck rillettes ($22) and, if you dare, fried Padrón peppers ($18).

The Dempsey Brasserie

Despite the fact that they’ve only been open for six weeks, this newcomer has quickly established a firm following (so much so that they boast a full house on the weekends). We like the raw concrete flooring, exposed brick finish and high ceiling, but mostly it’s the laidback vibe that make this a winner. The menu echoes that sentiment with eats like the sausage board ($17), as well as mussels and fries—get it done in the tomato-based rouge sauce, which is a real winner (from $20). Casual enough for a first date or just a catch-up session with friends, there’s also a good selection of booze to help ease any jitters (from $10); we suggest the Dempsey Pimms and blackberry Champagne mojito (don’t be fooled by its name, it’s one hell of a strong drink).

Group Therapy

You’ve got to love the assortment of eclectic offerings in Duxton, save those of a more seedy nature, and one of its newest babies is Group Therapy. Don’t let the name throw you off; just venture up the stairs of this non-descript two-storey shophouse and you’ll find yourself in a “collective lifestyle space” that has a lot going for it. Courtesy of owners Deborah Oh and Phyllis Yeo, aside from the aesthetic aspect of it, the venue also plays host to events such as TEDx’s The Stuff of Life. Plus, it’s home to a café with a trim food and drinks menu. Expect to find bites like homemade wholemeal bagel with cream cheese ($4.50) and turkey breast panini stuffed with spicy guacamole and red cabbage, accompanied by salad and crisps ($15), as well as beverages including macchiato ($4.50), and Trappistes Rochefort and Coedo beers (from $12).

jimmy monkey

Before you accuse us of subjecting you to our unhealthy obsession with cawfee, we feel inclined to state for the record that it really is because our local brew scene is enjoying an explosion of third wave coffee and we’re just doing our journalistic duty by telling you about it. The latest addition to an ever-growing stable of cafés about town, this month-old spot is the brainchild of Melburnian Michael Ryan. He’s kitted it out with the city’s first Slayer espresso machine (there are only 80 worldwide), feeds it with their house blend of Central American Rain Forest Alliance beans or single origin Guatemalan Antigua Finca Medina seeds (rotating weekly) for truly addictive cuppas (from $4). Step into this cool, chic venue and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve been transported Down Under. Ryan’s stayed true to his roots with offerings like thick-cut French toast with golden syrup and berry compote ($12) and toast soldiers slathered with Vegemite and melted cheese, served with a poached egg ($8). Be warned, portions are generous.

Punjab Grill by Jiggs Kalra

This award-winning restaurant from India threw open its doors a month ago, and proudly presents Punjabi food in a sleek and modern setting. Ditch any preconceived notions of what to expect décor-wise; think muted grey-toned furnishings, and metal and glass finishes. While the interior is a departure from the usual, the menu is fairly extensive with items such as golgappa platter—whole wheat shells filled with a vegetable medley and served alongside coriander-infused water, and spicy tamarind water ($15), Norwegian salmon tikka ($35) and tandoori foie gras with mango chutney ($45). They also offer five-course degustation menus with both vegetarians ($75) and carnivores ($95) in mind.

Roadhouse

The latest offering from The Privé Group comes in the form of a modern American diner, which opened less than a month ago, right across from sister venue Café Hacienda in Demspey. If you’re in the mood for grub like burgers (from $24) and pizzas (from $16), this should do the trick. You manly folk might be tempted to take on the challenge of The Roadhouse Rager ($68). All you have to do is scarf down a monster truck-sized burger with three 200 grams Wagyu patties (that’s 600 grams of meat), streaky bacon, cheddar, jalepenos, caramelized onions and aioli to get your mug on their Wall of Fame. Oh wait, we forgot to mention there’s a six-minute time limit. Alternatively, you could excite your taste buds with their spicy “call 995” buffalo wings ($12).

At first glance, Lee Kiyoung’s monochromatic flowers might seem rather ordinary.

But peer closer at the canvasses, and you’ll pulled in by the sheer uniqueness of his execution. Part of the draw here is stepping right up to the works until your nose is almost touching them, and trying to work out how exactly they’re made.

Unfortunately, the artist keeps his techniques a secret and so we can’t describe the process that has gone into his meticulously detailed works. What we can tell you, however, is that they’re all stunning. A delicious fusion of textures and strokes sit neatly together on a completely flat surface, which we are told is due to the skilful manipulation of hanji—a form of paper made from mulberry bark.

While ink painting is one of the oldest Asian art forms, Kiyoung has managed to reinvigorate it with a truly innovative contemporary style. His method of repeatedly drawing, erasing and then repainting works serves as a metaphor for nature, which unfolds with beauty before fading with age, but always remains resplendent due to its very existence and history.

Although most of the paintings are of flower blossoms, the most resonating works are actually the more abstract linear pieces; both titled “White Forest.” In the words of curator Jasmine Tan, “good art is not merely painting what you see, but knowing how to dip your brush into your soul and capture the essence on canvas.”

Bloom runs through Aug 16 at MAD Museum of Art and Design.

Nonlanee Panthachotirat, 22, freelance photographer
To check out the beautiful, dirty-rich ABAC Bang Na Campus students.

Tid Unakornsawat, 27, graphic designer
Solely because I have to pass through that area when I take my girlfriend to Bang Pu. Is there even a mall in Bang Na?

Saengwit Kewaleewongsatorn, 32, reporter
I won’t go out there until Ikea is open. Modernform and Index don’t fulfil my D.I.Y. soul.

Theeranan Naowasate, 19, journalism student
There are a few reasons. Firstly, my girlfriend lives there. Second, I love cruising around the BITEC motor show. Not for the motors, but the pretties.

Chonlada Wachiropathum, 22, account executive
To go to the cosmetics counters at Central Bang Na because the stock doesn’t run out as fast as at Paragon.

Bang Chak Station

Punnawithee Station

Udom Suk Station

Bang Na Station

Bearing Station

Beyond the BTS

Je Ngor Kitchen

1656 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 3.5, 02-3985721-2. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.jengor-seafoods.com
This place is good for a big family dine-out. The menu is mainly Chinese but there are some simple Thai dishes like fried rice. Go early because this place gets packed and the aunty who owns the place doesn’t tolerate moaning customers.

Rabieng Talay Seafood

12/709 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 5, 02-743-0306. Open daily 11am-11pm. www.rabiengta-le.com
The seafood here is all very fresh and comes lightning fast, even though the wait staff can sometimes get your order wrong. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating and the place is pretty easy to find, sitting right on the main road.

Royal Dragon Restaurant

35/222 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 1, 02-398-0037-42. Open Mon-Thu 11am-2pm and 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 11am-2am. www.royal-dragon.com
This pricey Chinese place is expensive and so huge, its staff rush about on roller blades. There’s also a slightly camp Chinese traditional show, and karaoke making this place perfect for a multi-generational outing.

Bai Mai Rareung Karaoke

105 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 2, 02-743-6400. Open daily 11am-1am.
A good combination of trees, food and music. This place is great for large groups, and you can even get your own karaoke room.

Bang Chak Station

Punnawithee Station

Udom Suk Station

Bang Na Station

Bearing Station

BK Asks: What does it take for you to make the journey out to Bang Na?

Terrace@999

999/5 Sukhumvit Soi 107, 086-326-8107. Open daily 5pm-1am. www.terrace999.com
Situated beside a lake and decorated with wooden decking and elegant sofas, this is probably the hippest spot in the suburb. Split into three sections (lakeside, front of stage and the VIP section which has its own karaoke section), the bar has played host to many famous bands like Endorphin and ETC.—while Klear is playing soon. However, most come here to watch the English Premiere League on a huge screen that sits out on the water.

Tum Tum

333 Sukhumvit Soi 107, Soi Bearing 58, 02-361-3461, 081-854-0889. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.tumtumbkk.com
If you love somtam then this simple spot has got you covered. Tum Tum offers a huge variety of the classic Isaan dishes from your run-of-the-mill somtam Thai (B45) to more original choices like fried somtam (B60). But they also specialize in Southern food, thanks to their Southern-born chef and they really don’t relent on the hot and spicy flavors. We also love the freshness of the ingredients: the owner grows most of the vegetables herself and she also ferments her own pu ma. There is a choice of both outdoor and indoor seating.

VT Nam Nueang

84/3 Bearing 29, Sukhumvit Soi 107, 02-399-5292, Open daily 10.30am-9pm.
Another branch of a famous Vietnamese cuisine chain from Udonthani, well known for their namnueng (sausage with greens and herbs), with its delicious dipping sauce, and fondue talay. You can get four pieces of namnueng for B100 and mhee moo (fried pork) for B90. They also do cheap steaks and pasta if Vietnamese isn’t your thing. Be warned though don’t go hungry as this place only has 30 tables and is always packed which can mean waits of up to half an hour.

Uno Restaurant

849/2 Sukhumvit Soi 107, 02-749-9886, 081-803-2570. Open daily 5pm-10.30pm.
One of the most homely Italian restaurants you could find, it’s popular with the large numbers of foreign teachers in the area as well as the occasional big name news reporters from the Nation. They are most famous for their lasagna (B200) and their ham and cheese topped Uno pizza (B120). With only 10 tables, this is an intimate and friendly spot, where the owner sometimes serves spicy soup according her mother’s recipe for free.

Pluen Pung

333 Bearing 68, Sukhumvit Soi 107, 088-323-0404. Open daily 11am-10pm.
Owned by the same person behind Tum Tum, this noodle place also has lots of fresh vegetables and quality ingredients. With only twenty tables, things are pretty basic, though you do have a choice of either outdoor or air-con seating. The menu includes both noodle and rice dishes but you should definitely try the famous best-selling kuay tiew tom yam tumlueng kai matoom (tom yam noodle soup with bitter veggies and half-boiled egg).

Lanna

750/870 Sukhumvit 170, 02-743-2966-9. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.spalanna.com
With a real emphasis on Northern-style massages this place is pretty unique for offering the original tok sen treatment (B500/90mins). This ancient Thai therapy actually makes use of a wooden stick to release your stress and muscle tension. You can also try their luk pra kob boran treatment (B600/120 mins) which combines Thai Yoga and herbal massages to restore flexibility. They also offer a full range of salon treatments including shampoo and cut. Call for an appointment.

Bang Chak Station

Punnawithee Station

Udom Suk Station

Bang Na Station

Beyond the BTS

BK Asks: What does it take for you to make the journey out to Bang Na?

BITEC

88 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 1, 02-749-3939, 02-361-1916. www.bitec.co.th
The main rival to Impact in terms of events and exhibitions just jumped ahead of its competitor thanks to the newly afforded accessibility. Home to fairs, exhibitions, motor shows, graduations and even the occasional dance party, you can now walk to the events direct from the skytrain station. Sure beats having to battle the horrific traffic on the expressways.

Silawat Seafood

447 Sanpawut Rd., 02-745-2061, 02-173-4952. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.silawatseafood com
What started out as a tiny noodle and a-la-carte restaurant in 1973 has now undergone a ten-fold increase in size. The big draw is their fresh fish and crab dishes and its super popular with big groups who can take advantage of their private rooms. Their top three sellers are plum-steamed sea bass (B190), koong ob woonsen (baked shrimp with vermicelli noodles, B165), and pad ped catfish (B70).

Suan Aharn Kraton

99/1 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 1, 02-399-5202. Open daily 5pm-1am
Much more famous for their insane cabaret show, this is a place to come with a group of friends for some drunken fun than their slightly-average Thai food. The nightly show involves a unicycle, a spiked helmet and flying chickens, and they even let the customers have a go, should you feel inclined to catch a chicken on your head. With a choice of outdoor or indoor seating there’s also a karaoke section with private booths or just take to the main stage and let everyone see why Mariah Carey has nothing on you.

Bang Chak Station

Punnawithee Station

Udom Suk Station

Bearing Station

Beyond the BTS

BK Asks: What does it take for you to make the journey out to Bang Na?

Siam Paradise Night Bazaar

2430 Sukhumvit Rd., (across from Sukhumvit Soi 101/1), 02-744-8620-5, 02-744-7252-3. Open daily 6pm-midnight. www.siamparadisenightbazaar.co.th
When Suan Lum Night Bazaar closed, the owners just took the winning formula and plonked it down in this new venue. They even brought the cheesy stone temple arch. That means you’ll find a big beer garden and a stage for live shows, which gets super popular for big footy games. There are also stores selling clothes, DVDs and antiques, but to be honest it really hasn’t got the style or quality of the original and the choice isn’t that great. However, we have a feeling the opening of the skytrain might encourage more former Suan Lum tenants to finally make the move.

Park2bar

8 Sukhumvit Soi 66, 081-838-2971, 083-615-1782. Open Tue-Sun 6:30pm–1am
This friendly local bar is filled with a lot of trees, which are one of owner Kum’s obsessions, besides collecting CDs and cooking. Originally a restaurant, Park2Bar’s cozy atmosphere was such a hit that it has now been transformed into a bar with a house party-vibe and occasional gigs from bands like Clash or Tamone. In fact, music is the main draw with live bands playing daily from 9pm onward. There’s something for everyone with soul, funk, pop and R&B on Tue, blues, rock and pop rock on Wed and Thu, while Fri, Sat, and Sun offer a mix of ska, pop, jazz and more soul.

The Garden

6/F Executive Residence, Udomsuk Soi 18, Sukhumvit 103, 084-660-1026, 02-361-7881-90. Open daily 11am-11pm. www.thegarden-restaurant.com
Not the easiest place to find, the Garden actually sits on the sixth floor of the Executive Residence serviced apartment in Soi Udomsuk 18. Boasting a slightly odd neo-classical style, it comes across as a mix between a Tuscan villa and a formal English garden with an interesting view over the expressway. It has three sections: the garden, the balcony, or the more formal interior. The food is a mix of classic international and Thai dishes that are reasonably priced but not particularly exciting. Try the rainbow trout steamed with red wine (B350) and the mhee krob (B150). There’s a limited wine selection by the bottle (from B960) or glass (white B250, red B300).

Ideo Mix

Sukhumvit 103, 02-361-5265. www.ideocondo.com
The two 21-story towers of Ideo, connected by a vertigo-inducing sky bridge, contain a total of 1,172 units and are right on the door step of the BTS and Udomsuk wet market. There’s a choice of studio or one-bedroom units which come in four different arrangements. The smallest room is 24 sq meters. while the largest is 36.70 sq meters (B95,000/sq meter). Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool and fitness center as well as little gardens on each floor.

Bang Chak Station

Punnawithee Station

Bang Na Station

Bearing Station

Beyond the BTS

BK Asks: What does it take for you to make the journey out to Bang Na?