Places to Dine With Your Pets

A Garden
64 Sukhumvit 51, 02-260-4992. Open daily 10am-2pm, 6-11pm.
Note: Dogs are allowed in the alfresco area only.

Amapola Bar and Steakhouse
72/1 Sukhumvit 51, 02-258-7077. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 4pm-midnight. www.amapolabkk.com

Baan Klang Nam
3792/106 Rama 3 Soi 14, 02-292-0175. Open 11am-10:30pm.
Note: Only small dogs are welcome.

Chom Suan Restaurant
199/9 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-2169. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm.

O-Yaou
3/1 Phaholyothin Soi 30 (Soi Aladin), 02-511-4201. Open daily 5pm-12:30am.
Note: Only small pets are welcome.

White Cottage
5/5 Moo 18, Borommarachachonnanee Rd., 02-448-1282. Open Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm. www.petparadise2004.com

Checking-in

Friends coming to town with their pitbull? Don’t panic.

Rabbit Resort
318/84 Moo 12, Soi Dongtan Police Station, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, 038-303-303/-4. www.rabbitresort.com
- Rates are between B3,097-6,194.

Phi Phi Banyan Villa
129 Moo 7, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, 081-894-0624
- Rates start from B1,440.

Sunset Village
89/5 Soi Nachomtien 52, Sattahip, Chonburi, 038-237-940, 038-237-979, 038-237-980. www.sunsetvillage.co.th
- Rates start from B2,600.

Natural Park Resort
412 Moo 12, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, 038-231-561/-4.
www.naturalparkresort.com
- Rates are between B2,500-B22,000.

Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-Am
849/21 Petchkasem Rd., Cha-Am Beach, Petchaburi, 032-451-240. www.chaam.holidayinn.com
- Rates (for Pet Resort) start from B700.

Hotel Plaza Athenee
10 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800. www.starwoodhotels.com
- Rates are between B5,800-B7,800.

Conrad Hotel Bangkok
87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999. www.conradbangkok.com
- Rates start from B6,400.

Buffet

Flow’s Cheese Room

Flow’s impressive international selection of 20+ cheeses kept at cellar temperature makes up for the cheese butler who can go back to cheese school. B950 is all it takes for access to this all-you-can-eat sanctum. Available Fri-Sat for dinner (6pm-11pm) and Sun for the brunch (11am-3pm). For an extra B650, get five glasses of wine matched with the cheeses.
Millenium Hilton Hotel, 123 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-442-2000. Open Daily 6-11pm.

Iso

The Nai Lert Park’s loud, familial brunch continues to offer, for a mere B1,200, one of the best selection of cheeses on any Sunday 11:30am-3pm.
Nai Lert Park, Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., near MRT Lumphini, 02-253-0123. Open daily 6-10:30am, 11:30am-10:30pm.

Colonnade

Since the Sukhothai revamped their Sunday brunch (noon-4pm), their cheese selection has become a serious contender for the crown of “Best in Town.” At this price, B1,950, it better.
G/F, Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888. Open daily 6am-midnight.

Mistral

French hotel group Accor’s Sofitel has recently upgraded its cheese selection, too. The Mistral B700 buffet has a tight but near-perfect selection of perfectly aged cheese whether for lunch or dinner.
2/F, Sofitel Silom, 188 Silom Road, 02-238-1991. Open daily 6-10:30am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm.

A La Carte

Angelini

B290 cheese plate with 6 Italian cheeses.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoen Krung Rd., 02-236-7777.

Le Beaulieu

Around 30 types of French and Italian cheeses. Plate of 3 cheeses, B380, 6 cheeses B750. Once a month, they hold a cheese night (B2,500), an all-you-can-eat buffet of 60 types of cheese and free flow of red and white wine.
Sofitel Residence, 50 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-204-2004.

Bei Otto

B560 assorted platter of Northern European cheeses.
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-262-0892, 02-260-0869.

Chesa

B350 platter of four Swiss and French cheeses. B480 for fondue or raclette.
5 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-261-6650.

Gianni Ristorante

A trolley of 4-7 Italian cheeses, B490/plate.
34/1 Soi Tonson, Ploen Chit Rd., 02-252-1619.

Le Normandie

A trolley with a selection of around 10 French cheeses that changes daily. B750/plate. Lunch: plate of 3 pieces, B400
The Oriental Hotel, 48 Oriental Avenue Rd., 02-659-9000.

Terra Roku

Five Italian cheeses. B150 for 1 piece, B350 for 3 pieces, B450 for 5 pieces.
Grand Millenium, 30 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Sukhumvit, 02-204-4000.

Zanotti

B480 plate of 6 Italian ­cheeses.
1/F, Saladaeng Colonnade Condominium, 21/1 Soi Sala Daeng, Silom Rd., 02-636-0002.

PLUS: Seven cheeses and what you should know about them

1. Bread. Baguette is France’s most neutral bread but not your only option. Stronger cheeses can go head to head with darker, more rugged breads. We’ll even go so far as to indulge in bread with walnuts but try to stick to real bread with a strong, crispy crust and irregular, fragrant dough.

2. Condiments. The French don’t do jam, sun-dried tomatoes and all that jazz. Nuts are acceptable as many cheeses have hazelnut notes to begin with. Walnuts and pears are also good accompaniments to Roquefort. But hey, never let the French tell you what to do.

3. Roquefort is made from ewe’s milk (a female sheep). It’s the strongest cheese on this plate—a sharp, complex king of cheeses. Apart from Brin d’Amour, all the other cheeses on this plate are made from cow’s milk, but goat’s milk makes great cheese, too.

4. Reblochon. Most French cheeses don’t like getting cooked, unlike this Alpine favorite. Put on potatoes, bacon, cream and onions, bake, enjoy, gain 10lbs.

5. Camembert raises the essential question of aging. Cheese is not always ready to be eaten when you buy it and your fridge is too cold to let it mature. Like wine, your cheese needs to breathe at cellar temperature (12-16 degrees). Make sure your Camembert is in a near liquid state before you eat it. Otherwise, it will have a floury texture and less flavor.

6. Coulommier is not an AOC cheese, which is rare. AOC, which also works for wine, is a French standard that ascribes a particular food to one region. Bordeaux can only be made in the Bordelais region, Champagne can only be made in Champagne, Brie, in Brie, etc. Coulommier’s taste lies somewhere between Camembert and Brie.

7. Although cheeses have very different flavors, you can still broadly categorize them from mild (a fresh goat’s milk cheese) to extremely strong (a mature, delightful sticky and stinky Epoisses). With this plate, we’d start with this Corsican Brin d’Amour, made from Ewe’s milk and rolled in juniper and rosemary, as it was still a bit young.

8. This Brie has truffles in it. All kinds of stuff get stuffed into cheese but, frankly, it’s silly. Cheese is great to stuff food, not the other way around.

9. Mimolette is a flavorful cow’s milk cheese from Northern France that resembles Dutch cheeses. It’s a hard cheese and can get rock hard as it ages, taking on a increasingly sharp flavor with hazelnut accents.

Where to get good cheese

A brainchild of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Ministry of Culture’s Office of Contemporary Art and Culture and The Art Market Artists Society, the Bangkok Art Market is held in front of the highly-anticipated Bangkok Art and Culture Center (Pathumwan intersection, BTS National Stadium) every Fri-Sun, 4-9pm, through Sep 28.

The Art Market project first started in 2004 on Chao Fah Road. “We wanted the art market to serve as a platform for local artists to showcase their work. The feedback has been positive so we decided to join hands with the BMA to arrange another art market at the BACC before it is officially launched in September,” says cultural officer Boonseup Klippeng of the BMA Contemporary Art and Culture office.

On our last visit, the Bangkok Art Market was far from happening as there were more artists than visitors. But the organizers still have high hopes of attracting more people to the art space. “From paintings to jewelry and photography, we have around 50 well-established artists taking turns exhibiting their works every week. You can also have your portrait sketched in 15 minutes or shop for some handmade products from students,” says Boonseup. “On stage, there are various performances from miming to traditional Thai dancing.”

Looking for a free space to display your works? You can easily bring your resume and portfolio and fill in an application at the registration booth at the front of the art market. If your work passes the muster, the organizers will soon get back to you. “Creativity is what we are looking for,” hints Boonseup.

You can also check out the original art market at the National Gallery every weekend, 9am-4:30pm. For more information, contact the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (02-422-8828/9, www.ocac.go.th).

The Classics: Under B2,000

It can make calls, send SMS’s, tell time and it comes with a color screen. What more do you really need?

Samsung B110 (Left)

Design: Simple black exterior and fake brushed metal frame. It’s light and slips into your jean pockets.
Features: Color screen, polyphonic ring, multi-alarm, mobile tracker.
Price: B1,100. (At Jaymart, 4/F, MBK, Phayathai Rd., 02-611-8022. www.jaymart.co.th.)

LG KP105 (Right)

Design: Unlike other budget handsets, this slim red-on-white model isn’t too embarrassing when you use it in public.
Features: Color screen, polyphonic ringer, speakerphone, FM radio.
Price: B1,390. (At Jaymart, 4/F, MBK, Phayathai Rd., 02-611-8022. www.jaymart.co.th.)

The Entertainers: Under B4,000

OK, maybe a classic phone is just too basic. These media-capable options let you listen to music and some even take photos.

Left to Right

Motorola W230

Design: Coming in serious black and fiery orange, the body is a little thick but still retains Motorola’s signature simplicity.
Features: Color screen, MP3 player, FM radio, microSD card slot.
Price: B2,200. (At Motorola, 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., www.motorola.co.th.)

Sony Ericsson T250i

Design: Go Apple-style with the white one or opt for classic black. Its futuristic design helps disguise its true price.
Features: WAP browser, FM Radio, infrared technology and VGA camera.
Price: B2,990. (At PowerBuy, 5/F, Central Chidlom, Phloenchit Rd., 02-640-7000. www.powerbuy.co.th.)

Nokia 5000

Design: With a selection of blinding green, pink and blue neon trims, this phone is funky enough to hide its price tag (though it is B40 out of our price range).
Features: Media player, Bluetooth, Opera browser, 1.3MP camera and FM radio.
Price: B4,040. (At Nokia, 3/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8565.)

Bamblu

171 Sukumvit 63, 02-711-5589. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am.
Bamblu in Ekkamai is the newest hot and happening Sunday chill out spot especially if you enjoy live music. The two-story venue has house bands rotating on a weekly basis playing everything from jazz to pop rock music. Be sure to check out the scene on Sunday and return again on Monday night for their open-mic night and don’t forget to grab some yummy food while you’re at it.

Globe

23/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02- 100-1234. Open daily 5pm-1am. BTS Siam.
This newly opened earthy toned lounge at the Centara Hotel is a convenient choice for all of you Sunday shoppers. When you’re done walking up and down CentralWorld, head up to Globe and seat yourself on their white beach-like chairs on their patio. Chill out to some easy listening house and order a selection of their special Sunday night “muddling” fruity concoctions.

Sky Beach

Rooftop, Fantasia Wedding Center, 582/23-24 Ekkamai Rd., 08-1899-8987. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun 4pm-late.
It’s like going to beach except you’re hanging out in the middle of Ekkamai. Head over there in your shorts and flip flops, grab a white cushion and make conversation with the European owners with a beer in hand. Get there just before sunset, that way you can enjoy a pretty view as well.

Tuba

34 Ekamai Soi 21, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-711-5500. Open daily 11am-midnight.
In the middle of bustling Ekkamai stands chilled out Tuba, which is a three-in-one: gallery, bar and furniture shop. This two-story restaurant serves up good food and a selection of cocktails for a reasonable price. Finish your week in true Sunday style and head there with your groupies for a HBO movie marathon on their big flat screen TV.

The Bangkok Queen Saovabha Institute and Snake Farm is home to a variety of cobras, pythons, vipers, and many more of these reptiles. Visit them between 11am-2:30pm on weekdays and watch the trained staff as they extract venom from these “misunderstood” creatures, to produce anti-venom serum. They also have an informative slideshow presentation to explain the process. If you want the action up close and personal, you’re encouraged to have a stroll down their breeding and holding areas—of course, at your own risk.

You may have seen them in fancy restaurants, these degustation (or, in Italian, “degustazione”) menus consisting of five or six dishes (or more), and you may have wondered, “What kind of glutton eats all this food?”

Our kind of glutton, actually. And it’s not (always) as much food as you think. Degustation menus offer “just a taste” of several dishes, which are often matched with wines—or at least that’s the idea behind this invention. In most restaurants that offer tasting menus, the menus are set, and changes are only allowed for people who cannot eat particular foods for health, religious or other imperative reasons.

In some venues there isn’t even a menu, so you won’t know what you’re getting in advance. This is the equivalent of “chef’s choice” sets that are common in upmarket Japanese restaurants, such as Serina. At fashionable eatery Harvey, for example, diners who opt for a tasting menu simply state their budget as well as likes and dislikes, and the kitchen does the rest.

Tasting menus are becoming a more common fixture in Bangkok, although this demand is largely driven by non-Thais. At Le Vendome, most diners who order the degustation menu are tourists. “We get a few Thais ordering the degustation menu, but it’s mostly Japanese and Chinese, from Hong Kong and Singapore,” says Chef Nicholas Joanny.

Obviously it’s easier on the kitchen if everyone in the restaurant is ordering the same dishes. But chefs also like them because it gives them the opportunity to show what their cooking is all about. Some chefs put a lot of thought into their tasting menus, approaching them like works of art. They often include seasonal ingredients—or just what they happen to find at the market that day— and the dishes are usually what they want to cook.

For diners, degustation menus can be a perfect solution for those who can’t (or are too tired to) decide what to order. According to Gianni Favro, they sometimes provide “a way for people who spend all day making decisions to have a full menu without deciding what to choose.” Gourmands love them because they get to try a variety of dishes, which are in many cases so new they haven’t yet made it onto the a la carte menu. On a more practical level, degustation menus allow diners to try dishes they’re just curious about, but not so curious that they’d shell out the full a la carte price for.
Which brings us to what might be the best reason to go degustation: They’re great value. For the price of two or three a la carte dishes you get to try at least five in most tasting menus.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, let the chef know. (Calling ahead is a good idea.) It’s often more fun for him, and certainly for you, if he’s given free reign to make whatever he feels like on that night.

Tasting Around Town

Cy’an manages to sway almost half of its patrons from the traditional entrees to their tasting menu, which changes twice a year. Cy’an’s tasting menu is eight courses strong; the current one features oysters tempura, foie gras and wagyu beef. With an accompanying array of wines it will set you back B4,350, or B2,800 without.

The Metropolitan, 27 South Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333. Open daily noon-2pm, 6:30-10:30pm.

Ember offers six- and eight-course tasting menus (B1,600-B1,800), which are updated seasonally, showcasing the chef’s focus on modern European cuisine with an Asian flair. Bravo to any chef who has the decadence to combine snowfish, bacon, truffles and butter into one dish—one of the main course options on Ember’s tasting menu.

99/11-12 Lang Suan Balcony, Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-2086/7. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm, 6:30-10pm.

Gianni. Modern Italian food is the focus at Gianni. The six-course degustazione menu consists of selections pulled from the special menu, which changes fortnightly (B1,190). The current one includes tasty creations like Venice marinated filets of sardine with grilled white polenta.

34/1 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., 02-252-1619. Open daily noon-2pm, 6-10:30pm.

Harvey doesn’t yet have regular degustation menus, but they’re more than happy to design one for you on the fly. Just name your price, and tell them what you like, and voila!

129 Thonglor Soi 9, 02-712-9911. Open 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm.

Le Normandie offers an eight-course tasting menu for people with deep pockets. Luxurious ingredients like slipper lobster, foie gras, fillet of sole and pigeon breast. B4,200 without wine, B7,200 with wine.

The Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000. Open Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm, 7-10:30pm; Sun 7-10:30pm.

Serina. Little-known outside of the Japanese community, Serina does teppanyaki downstairs and a la carte upstairs. Designed by Chef Hiroko Matsumura, who flies in three times yearly from Hokkaido to update the menu, the cuisine here is based on traditional recipes but prepared and presented in ultra-modern style. In addition to shabu shabu and steak sets, they offer a more creative tasting menu (though they don’t call it that): Simply name your price (B1,500, B2,000 or B2,500), tell them what you like and they’ll do the rest.

9/26 Soi Jim Thompson, Surawongse Rd., 02-235-8382. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10:30pm.

Le Vendome. French chef Nicolas Joanny’s Michelin star-studded history is evident in his sublime five-course seafood tasting menu (B1,800). One of the many highlights is the John Dory fillet with herbs served with ragout of mussels and Spanish saffron “Barigoule” of purple artichokes and fork-crushed Ratte potato.

267/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-0530. Open Tue-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10pm; Mon 6:30-10pm.

Welcome diners, to our annual Restaurant Issue. This year we’ve highlighted 40 of our favorite places to eat. We chose them by digging through our notes, reviews, blog entries and photographs from the last year and combined them with our best food memories. We also consulted various experts, spoke to chefs and revisited a bellyful of venues over the past few months.

What we’ve tried to do is compile a list of places where you can get a great meal, places that have raised the bar or continue to maintain a high standard of quality and/or places that are somehow special.

Now let’s be clear: These are 40 of Bangkok’s best restaurants—but they’re not Bangkok’s best 40 restaurants. We’re good at what we do—and we’re better at it than any other publication in town (fight! fight! fight!)—but we’re not Michelin, either.

This list is subjective, and far from definitive. We’re sure there are a number of good restaurants that are not on this list that we’ve never been to—and probably more than a few we’ve never even heard of. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest, and if it helps you with your dining choices (or provides you with some entertaining reading), then we will have done our job.

We don’t expect you to agree with us every time. Your experience may not be the same as ours. If it isn’t, or if you agree or disagree with us, or if you have suggestions or other comments, we in vite you to post them on our website (www.aziacity.com/bk, where you can comment on all of our restaurant reviews—or any other story, such as this one) or email us at [email protected].

Here are a few other points:

• Yes, we originally said 50, but we’d rather be safe than sorry.
• Remember: Restaurants have good and bad nights
• Prices change, chefs change, your tastes change.
• It’s just food.

Nuttaporn Srisirirungsimakul / Food Editor

Arirang

The name is common among Korean establishments, but this Arirang is far from common. Where most Korean barbecue restaurants are smoky, greasy, cacophonous affairs with service straight out of Pyongyang, at this bright and modern venue you’ll enjoy not just delicious but also beautifully presented cuisine made with top quality ingredients. Traditional favorites like zesty bibimbap and delicate salt-to-your-own-taste chicken ginseng herbal soup aside, grilled meat is the focus. The portions are small, but the beef here is terrific, and sauces are simple, as they should be with such prime meat. The charcoal grills built into the tables are ably attended to by waitresses with the dexterity of doctors (but better bedside manner), and, thanks to a super ventilation system, you won’t go home smelling like your dinner. Starters: B200+; mains: B300+; meat (for grilling): B200+. Corkage: B300.
1/F Sukhumvit Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-0177/8

Akiyoshi

It’s worth braving the long queues, surly receptionists (and management) and impatient naew servers for the unlimited thinly sliced, juicy meat, some of it so marbled with fat that it practically melts in your mouth, plus accompaniments like noodles, tofu and veggies and excellent sauce for dipping. The quality of the ingredients is amazing considering the price: B360 for their version of “shabu shabu” (in a pot filled with soup broth) or “sukiyaki” (in a shallow pan)—or both ways for B400—per person. You’ll be thirsty, of course: Mon-Thu all-you-can-guzzle beer and sake is just B199 more. Three things to remember: book in advance—the waiting area is hell; show up on time or you’ll likely lose your table; and never, ever order off the a la carte menu. Especially the garlic fried rice.
1521/1 Sukhumvit Rd., Taisin Square Bldg., 02-714-0791, 02-381-2267

Alex’s

With a slick menu that reflects Australia’s diverse cultural heritage, Alex’s dishes up sophisticated bistro food to a mostly Sukhumvit crowd of expats and inter Thais. Highlights include Mediterranean “tapas,” barbecued imported steaks, and “Lighter Style” mains that combine refreshing salads with hearty grilled meats. Starters: B100+; pasta: B300+; mains: B400+; desserts: B300+. Corkage: B400.
253/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-6919

Anotai

How many restaurants have you visited lately that also host flower arrangement classes and have on-site yoga studios? Named after its Cordon Bleu-educated owner, this intimate eatery is heaven on earth for the health-conscious. Cast aside any preconceived notions you might have about bland earthy-crunchy vegetarian food. The organic vegetarian dishes served up at Anotai are packed with flavor, such as crispy deep-fried tofu with tangy dressing. Even the brown rice, which can be dry and boring if not properly cooked, is tender and flavorful. End with the sinfully rich warm banana cake with vanilla ice cream. Note: No credit cards. Starters: B110; mains: B100+; desserts: B80+; tea: B85.
976/17 Rim Klong Samsen Rd., Soi Rama 9 Hospital, 02-641-5366

Le Beaulieu

Le Beaulieu is modest in size but cost a small fortune to build, with its magnificent cathedral-like foyer/bar, intimate sky blue ceiling-ed dining room with original art hanging from the walls and gleaming show kitchen visible through a wall of glass. The menu is similarly ambitious and grand, featuring bold French dishes with a Mediterranean slant made with the finest imported ingredients money can buy. At the helm is Chef Herve Frerard, a talented perfectionist who anxiously watches diners through that huge glass window. Eating here is easy (if you can afford it), but, like the décor, a lot of work goes into creating such intense and concentrated flavors. Signature dishes include grilled scallops with a sea urchin emulsion, slow-cooked veal cheeks and exquisite artichoke cream soup. For dessert, the kitchen does superb soufflés and chocolate fondant. Starters B400+; mains: B500+; desserts: B300+. Corkage: B500.
Sofitel Residence, 50 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-204-2004

Bei Otto

Head to Bangkok’s premier German restaurant, which is actually a complex that includes a bar and bakery, and join blond-haired diners for a taste and feel of old Deutschland: pretzels and beer, wiener schnitzel, farmer sausages, pig “knuckles,” smoked, pickled pork chops and potatoes and cabbage prepared in every imaginable way. Depending on whether you love or hate big parties, look out for their annual Oktoberfest. Starters: B150+; mains: B250+; desserts: B70+. Corkage B300.
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-262-0892, www.beiotto.com

Bel Guardo

We weren’t exactly thrilled when Marco Cammarata and his partners decided to open his restaurant in Siam Paragon, but if any chef is worth making a trip to the mall for, it’s Marco. Only 37, he is one of Bangkok’s most talented culinary artists, able to create stunning dishes with bright, perfectly balanced flavors and exquisite presentation. The setting—cool and minimalist with glass walls on three sides, a long open kitchen and a second-floor wine bar—is an ideal canvas for his dishes, which are based on classic recipes but have the benefit of modern techniques. Though he might not look (or act) it, Marco knows how to be subtle, which really comes out when he’s working with delicate leaves, fruit, herbs and oils. A native of Torino, he also makes some of the most delicious risotto you’ll taste anywhere. Starters: B300+; pastas: B300-500; mains: B500+; desserts: B250+. Corkage: B500.
991 Siam Paragon Center, S15, G/F Siam Paragon, 02-610-9380/-1. www.belguardo.com

Biscotti

It’s the buzz as much as the food that makes Biscotti one of our favorites. The Tony Chi design is still handsome after all these years, and the service, even when the restaurant is full, is justifiably legendary. The current chef, Canilo Aiassa, is from Piedmont, so he’s a whiz at risotto. Nice gnocchi, too. Starters: B260+; mains: B350+; desserts: B150+. Corkage: B500.
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-255-5443

Chesa

At Bangkok’s best Swiss restaurant, the food is as reliable as a Swiss watch. In a converted house decorated in red and white (which matches the uniforms of the waitresses), mostly European diners dip into traditional fondues and bite into a satisfying assortment of grilled and braised meats. Justifiably famous is Chesa’s roasted venison served with pears, cranberries and walnuts and several side dishes: tangy red cabbage, slightly browned homemade spaetzle, thick gravy, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts with bacon. Of course you can also get your schnitzel and raclette but also trout from the Royal Projects, pastas, salads and salmon tatare. Starters: B100-500; mains: B400+; desserts: B100-300. Corkage: B500 (B900 for spirits).
5 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-261-6650. www.chesa-swiss.com

Chote Chitr

This out-of-the-way wooden shophouse restaurant has become something of a Bangkok institution in recent years, having been written up in a number of major international newspapers and magazines. Owner Auntie Tim does triple duty as cook, cashier and server, while her beloved (and amiable) lap dogs stand constant guard over the place and often surprise uninitiated diners—especially when one jumps on a table. What you can also expect from this six-table joint is consistently delicious, inexpensive (B30-150) and authentic Thai dishes with an often flawless blending of sweet and sour flavors and a subtle herbal spiciness. With over 300 dishes on the menu, there are bound to be some misfires, but there are many more hits than misses. Don’t miss legendary mee krob and yum thua phuu (angle bean salad).
46 Phraeng Phutorn, Tanao Rd., 02-221-4082

Crepes & Co.

This long-standing Bangkok favorite makes the list for its brunches. The bad news: It’s almost impossible to find a parking space or to nab a table here on weekends. If you’re likely to feel irked by this, or by family units and their ubiquitous and often highly vocal offspring, this is not your cup of tea. The good news: You can order crepes in any form you fancy, from appetizers to savory mains to desserts, along with apple cider or pitchers of sangria (to calm your nerves). The friendly waitstaff are more than happy to serve you as you nosh your way through a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries as well as yogurts, cereals, eggs toast and 100 kinds of tea. Starters: B125-210; mains: B140+; desserts: B130+. Corkage: B250.
18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-3990-1, www.crepes.co.th

Cy’an

Cy’an’s charms are many: the sunny Mediterranean mood that turns cool and sophisticated at dusk, dining-conducive lounge music, friendly staff and high-art dishes prepared with some of the city’s highest quality ingredients. Chef Daniel Moran is still finding his way a bit after stepping in to fill Amanda Gale’s huge shoes (she got a promotion), but Cy’an is still one of the best restaurants in the city—and without question the most overlooked of Bangkok’s top venues. The kitchen particularly excels when it comes to lighter starters, in which the true flavors of the ingredients shine through. The raw snapper with ginger, citrus, avocado oil, fennel and flowers is superb. You won’t get away cheaply, but you won’t feel cheated, either. Set lunches are a great option: B580 for a two-course, B680 for three. Starters: B300+; mains: B400+; desserts: B200+. Corkage: B700 for wines, B1,200 for spirits.
The Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 South Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388

Ember

While its chic original is housed in Singapore’s funky nouveau-retro Hotel 1929, the Bangkok offshoot is as stylish as an ice cream parlor. Fortunately, the food far transcends the lame atmosphere. Ember is an ace with seafood—particularly fish, serving up terrific dishes like crispy pan-fried snapper or Chilean seabass with truffle-yuzu butter sauce. Portions are small and prices high, though, so don’t come here when you’re starving. (But you can always skip starters and fill up on complimentary baskets of delicious naan.) Or take advantage of Ember’s luxe set lunch (B345 for two courses, B370 for three). Starters: B200+; mains: B400+; desserts: B200+. Corkage: B300.
99/11-12 Lang Suan Balcony, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-2086

Gianni Ristorante

Open for business for more than 11 years now, Gianni Ristorante is an institution. If there is a flaw, it might be the setting—in terms of design, there’s an extremely high standard for Italian restaurants here, after all. But the priority for Gianni Favro is the food, not fashion, and on most nights he’s running a packed house (so reservations are a good idea). The menu is more “homestyle” than haute cuisine, but following a bit of empire building, Chef Gianni is back in the kitchen full-time again. He’s returned with a newfound passion and joy for cooking, and his creative juices are flowing. See what he does with Wagyu beef cheeks—slow-cooking them at low temperature and served in an Amarone sauce with glazed vegetables— or sardines, which are draped over grilled white polenta and dressed with pickled onions, pinenuts, raisins, microgreens and a balsamic reduction. Even mainstays like fritto misto and cannelloni feel “new.” The food has always been flawless, but this year look to Gianni to raise the bar even higher. Starters B300+; pastas: B300+; mains: B400+; desserts: B200+. Corkage: B300 (B500 for spirits).
34/1 Soi Tonson, 02-252-1619

Great American Rib

Following a traumatic experience, we advise you to avoid the hamburgers, but otherwise we’re huge fans of the food—southern-style ribs, steaks, nachos, curly fries, jalapeno corn bread, pulled pork and “butt-kickin’” chicken—at this backyard-barbecue eatery, which is much more stylish (“cute,” even) than you would expect. Eating in the air-conditioned area is not much fun, so dine elsewhere on especially hot days. Starters: B95+; mains: B300+; desserts: B75+. Corkage: B300.
33 Sukhumvit Soi 36 (Soi Napasup), 02-258-5942, 02-661-3801, www.greatrib.com

Greenhouse

We agree that this venue seems a bit out of place here. And in fact we’re talking about two outlets. We sit in the Greenhouse, which has an Asian menu that includes tasty congee and noodle dishes, and order sandwiches from the Garden Court Restaurant, which is located downstairs but a bit too far from natural light. Nowhere else in town can you enjoy a bowl of joke alongside a sandwich as perfect as their awesome Brown Bread Reuben. Starters: B60+; pastas: B200+; mains: B200+; desserts: B120+. Corkage: B600 (B1,200 for spirits).
The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404

Indigo

Kitted out as a charming colonial home, the setting alone makes Indigo worth a visit. (We especially like its garden tables, weather-and mosquito-permitting.) French specialties, from a textbook cheese soufflé to yummy escargot, are impressive; and there’s a good selection of wine by the glass at wallet-friendly prices. The best items by far are from their butcher shop: various patés, rillette and saucisson and their amazing cuts of local beef—veal, steak tartar and huge cote de boeuf for two (or three). Starters: B190+; mains: B390+; desserts: B190+. Corkage: B400.
6 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-235-3268

Indus

Indus is unique among Indian restaurants in Bangkok in that as much attention is paid to the atmosphere and service, which is outstanding, as to the food. It’s a beautiful setting—multiple rooms in the restaurant, cool lounge and expansive patio and yard—for a meal of northern Indian food made without yucky stuff like MSG and ghee. Some have dubbed it “India Lite,” but there is no shortage of Indian patrons dining here on any given night. Snack on Indies Fries, tikka and samosas washed down with Kingfisher beer, then move on to herbal curries and daal. Starters: B120+; mains: B260+; desserts: B100+. Corkage: B400+.
971 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900

Je-Ngor

There are now 13 branches of this well-regarded seafood establishment, though the two-building original on Siphraya Road is still the best. The décor is a bit aged with pale green walls and big, round family-style tables, and you’ll still see waiters crossing the busy street with food, but you don’t go to Je-Ngor for the atmosphere. Go instead for fresh, well-prepared seafood like stir-fried crab with black pepper sauce and charcoal-grilled salt-coated sea bass. At dinner, you’ll want to call ahead for a table. Starters: B100+; mains: B300+; desserts: B50+. No corkage.
541/9 Soi Charoenkrung 39 (New Road), Si Phraya Rd., 02-235-8537, 02-234-8275, www.jengor-seafoods.com

Keyaki

The Pan Pacific’s 22nd floor Japanese outlet really feels like Japan. Not only is the décor reminiscent of some 1990s (or even 1980s) luxury Tokyo hotel, the food also has a real “Japanese taste.” This is one reason why the restaurant is not all that popular: Many non-Japanese would find the food bland and boring, and the kaiseki-ryori style of cooking that it specializes in is particularly understated. Keyaki doesn’t try to be stylish or hip—no models nights—which is just the way we like it. Teppanyaki sets B400-1,000; bento boxes: B500-1,600; set lunches: B300-700. Corkage: B350 (B800 for spirits).
Pan Pacific Bangkok, 952 Rama 4 Rd., 02-632-9000, www.panpacific.com

Kuppa

If you’re looking for something in the way of a culinary adventure, you are better off elsewhere. If it’s comfort and consistency that you seek, Kuppa fits the bill. This airy loft is the place to see and be seen and is a favorite lunchtime spot for young executives, embassy wives and the hiso set. The menu has changed very little over the years; beef short ribs and Thai sirloin served with jaew sauce and sticky rice are our firm favorites. Dessert is definitely a high point. The blueberry cheesecake and hot fudge brownies are worth a special trip. Starters: B150+; mains: B250+; desserts: B100+. Corkage: B400.
39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-0495

Lim Kwong Meng

The bare-bones décor and furious shouting from the kitchen at this unassuming two-story shophouse can easily scare away any couple looking for a romantic rendezvous. Your visiting friends might also be intimidated by the moody servers who hardly speak English. But if you are in for consistently good Chinese food replete with some Thai oomph and tasty seafood fare plucked fresh from the sea, here is the place. Suckling pig and steamed crab are musts. It’s a good idea to snatch a table downstairs, which doubles as the living room of the owner and her family, so that you’d be in earshot of better-informed staff. No credit cards. Starters: B100+; mains: B200+; desserts: B40+. No corkage.
294 Chula Soi 15, Rama 4 Rd., 02-215-4171, 02-215-4260

Lord Jim’s

At night, with its expansive views of the Chao Phraya River, the setting is wonderful, the service is impeccable and the Brazilian jazz duo creates a pleasant aural backdrop. But we include the aquatic-themed Lord Jim’s more for its peerless buffet brunch than its dinner menu. Starters: B750+; mains: B950+; desserts: B450+. Corkage: B1,000.
The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000

Nanjya Monjya

Prices are at first glance on the high side, and the portions are tiny. But most of the clients at this Bangkok outlet of the Japanese chain are Japanese businessmen with expense accounts. If you can afford it, Nanjya Monjya offers high-quality ingredients, pleasant atmosphere and helpful service by jean-clad waitresses. Teppanyaki is the focus here, but you won’t see grinning cooks flipping your dinner in the air, nor will you hear occasional bursts of applause from the diners—they’re too serious for that. What makes Nanjya Monjya really special is their monjyayaki, a lighter take on okonomyaki (a.k.a. “Japanese pizza). A warning: Small tables and big grills means don’t wear your best shirt. Starters: B160+; mains: B200+. Corkage: B500 (B800 for spirits).
Ascott Bangkok Sathorn, 187 South Sathorn Rd., 02-676-7190-1

New York Steakhouse

The competition is fierce among Bangkok’s steakhouses, and to be honest we don’t find them all that different: Sinatra; martinis; gorgeous waitresses; meat from at least four different countries; tableside Caesar salad and steak tartar; and sides you pay extra for that are inevitably disappointing. But for an over-the-top experience, there’s nothing quite like NY, with its huge handlebar platters and knives, oversized chairs at tables that are so close you can’t help pause when the couple next to you are talking, and a stuffiness that’s more Monaco than Manhattan. The steaks are pretty good, too. Starters: B300-1,000; mains: B500-2,200; sides B100+. Corkage: B500.
JW Marriott Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700

Le Normandie

The Oriental Hotel’s showcase restaurant needs no introduction. For years it has set the standard for service and cuisine, an it’s the place for well-off elites to close business deals, pop the question, or celebrate anniversaries. Dinner can easily break the bank, especially if you’re drinking (their) wine. For those on a budget, take advantage of Le Normandie’s little-publicized annual summer (through September 30) degustation menus. They’re a steal at B1,000 net for lunch and B1,900 net for dinner—with a free bottle of wine for you and your date. Starters: B800+, mains: B2,000+; desserts: B450+. Corkage: B1,000.
The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000

Pen Restaurant

Time has stopped at Pen. The tables and chairs made of dark wood have been there for decades, as have the mirrored walls, the hanging objets d’art made from stained glass and covered with gold-colored leaf and the plastic flowers. The menu is basically the same, though it’s a continuing commitment to sourcing quality ingredients—mostly seafood—as much as it is to cooking skill that make Pen such a great restaurant. It’s all about the food here, which is why trendy young Thais can only be found here when they’re dragged along by their wealthy Chinese-Thai parents. Our favorites include a spicy herbal beef soup, fried parrotfish, sea asparagus and crab baked in glass noodles, then wrap things up with mango and sticky rice or sesame balls in ginger. Starters: B100+; mains: B200+; desserts: B50+. No corkage.
2068/4 Chan Rd., 02-287-2907, 02-286-7061

Royal India

Tucked away in a back alley off Chakrapet road in Pahurat, Royal India’s faux brick walls, cramped tables and harsh lighting are hardly inviting to the uninitiated. Yet for years the restaurant has been serving some of the most consistently delicious no-frills Northern Indian food in Bangkok. The murgh malai, chicken in a heavily spiced sauce of yogurt and cream is a stand out, as is the chicken tikka masala. Vegetarians fear not: there is plenty of rabbit food on the menu as well. If you’re an okra fan, go for the perfectly spiced bindi. Freshly made naan, chapatis, puris and the like are in the offing as well. Starters: B70+; mains: B170+; desserts: B25+. No corkage.
392/1 Chakrapet Rd.., 02-221-6565

Scoozi Pizzeria

Scoozi has scored with a winning formula of pizzas and pastas, reasonable prices and courteous service. Though not the most authentic in town, high marks go to its consistently good pizzas and good-value pastas. There are over 30 kinds of pizza on offer, with a combination of tangy sauce, excellent cheese, premium toppings and smoky crust. Appetizers: B40-300; mains: B200+. Corkage: B300.
Fenix Thonglor Bldg., near Thonglor Soi 1, 02-391-5113, www.scoozipizza.com

Shahrazad

Brave your way through late-night vendors, foreigners in Islamic and African attire, and wafts of sweet-smelling shisha and you’ll find Shahrazad. It’s hard to miss actually as there will be lamb carcasses hanging on hooks in front and a display case full of animal parts. The atmosphere is informal and the decor is nothing to write home about, except for maybe the waitresses in hijabs. The menu can be perplexing, so usually we stick to tried-and-true staples like hoummos (pureed chickpeas with sesame seed paste), mutabbal (pureed eggplant with sesame seed paste) and freshly baked naan. Anything lamb here is also excellent. Starters: B80+; mains: B80+; desserts: B70+.
6/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1, 02-254-7392-3, 02-251-3666

Shan

Named after the Mandarin word for food, Shan brings together Japanese aesthetics and bold Mongolian tastes to create Bangkok’s best Chinese hot pot. The setting is a bit odd with a piano at one end of the dining room and a corner of what looks like a Chinese herbal shop at the other, but the food is terrific. You can order a la carte, but the trick is to go with sets (B500 for lunch, B900 for dinner) that include everything from tasty bite-sized starters, a plate of stuff you dump in the pot, a basket of veggies, to desserts and coffee. Two kinds of soup—“spicy” and “non-spicy”—bubble away in a divided hot pot like the yin and yang of broth, and eliminate the need for sauce. Yes, they are that good. Corkage: B300.
United Tower, Thonglor Soi 17, 02-712-6612-4

Shunbo

Japanese salarymen in the know head to this discreet eatery for its excellent food that is priced far lower than you might expect. They usually head for a private room, while we prefer the dark and stark downstairs dining area. With a combination of premium ingredients, skilled preparation (sometimes in unexpected ways), and exquisite presentation, simple Japanese dishes are brillantly whipped up and elevated above the cheap and common. Don’t miss the grilled saba, which is cooked with a blowtorch at your table. Absolutely amazing. Appetizers: B150+; mains: B150+; desserts: B150+. Corkage B500.
33/5 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-254-5885

Tapas Café

This new, shophouse-wide eatery has quickly attracted a loyal following with its authentic Spanish cuisine, wines and sherries served in a comfy and lively setting. The young Spanish chef has done an admirable job of adjusting to local ingredients while keeping the overall standard relatively high. Must-try dishes include Manchego cheese, platters of sliced meats and garlicky prawns. The menu changes regularly, so keep your fingers crossed lest your favorite Most dishes are B150. Corkage: B400.
Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2941, www.tapasiarestaurants.com

Tsu

Tsu’s Chef Akihiro Izumi is a loud, biker-loving, hotdog-eating giant of a man who can’t drink a drop of sake (it’s tequila or nothing). He also presides over one of Bangok’s most Wallpaper*-worthy Japanese restaurants that serves some of the best sushi you’ll eat anywhere. Where other venues in Thailand order through the same few seafood suppliers, JW Marriott’s status as a licensed importer gives Chef Aki access to truly superior ingredients. He even has the phone numbers of fishmongers in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and rings them regularly for tales about the freshest cuts. Quality like this doesn’t come cheap—we suggest you sign up for a Marriott member card before visiting Tsu for a dinner of super-fresh fatty tuna, melt-in-your-mouth seared matsuzaka beef, tarabagani nabe with juicy Hokkaido king crab and scallops straight out of the shell. Starters: B200+; sashimi: B300-2,500; desserts: B150+; set menus: B450+. Corkage B300. 
JW Marriott Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700

Tsukiji

Named after the famed Tokyo fish market, Tsukiji is one of the better restaurants on Soi Thaniya. Still, we wouldn’t go out of our way to eat there for dinner. But lunch is another story. Here’s what you do: Get there early. Order the sushi set. It’s a lot of food for B180. Hungry? Order the special sushi set. It’s not on the menu, though, so if they look at you funny, insist. It’s B297—don’t ask us why. Say “Thank you, BK.”
62/19-20 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-238-4146

Le Vendôme

We must admit that we preferred the cool, cozy darkness of the old restaurant, with its kitchen facing the center of the room. But from a business standpoint, it makes more sense for it to be in its present location, a two-story house with purpose-built kitchen, shaded garden and pool, and posh private rooms for big-spending VIPs. Chef Nicholas Joanny is still creating sublime food to an appreciative clientele of not just wealthy Thais and expatriates but also a steady stream of visitors from Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East. From langoustines and Canadian lobster to foie gras and baby lamb chops, various elements of his intricately designed recipes are given only a kiss of heat so that the true flavors shine through. A tip: Suppress your controlling tendencies and leave the a la carte menu alone—let the chef cook what he wants to cook. The degustation menu (B1,900/B2,200) is not just a steal; it’s an experience like none other in town. Appetizers: B100+; mains: B300+; desserts: B790+. Corkage: B700.
267/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-662-0530-1, www.levendomerestaurant.com

Xuan Mai

This small 10-table space has won over the pickiest connoiseurs with its refreshing interpretations of Vietnamese favorites. The restaurant won’t win any awards for interior design, but the food is simply fantastic. You’ll relish gregarious owner Meyung’s fresh spring rolls, palate-cleansing pickled vegetables, flavorful pho, and dishes like cha ca, grilled catfish that arrives in its own wok, with handfuls of fresh dill and homemade fermented shrimp paste. The former FBI agent makes regular trips to Vietnam, so the ingredients are always fresh—and no MSG. Appetizers: B100+; mains: B200+; desserts: B100+. Corkage: B200.
32 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-251-8389

Yamagoya

The second branch of this leading Japanese ramen chain offers the same small menu as its original on Thonglor, minus the noisy crowds and grumpy servers. There are seven kinds of Kyushu-style ramen on offer along with a few starters. Its signature Yamagoya ramen is served with boiled egg, seaweed and tender slices of BBQ pork and comes in a thick and opaque tonkatsu broth that is rich and hearty with deep pork flavors. Starters: B100+; noodles: B150+.
98-102 Suriyawongse Rd.,02-637-0588

Zanotti

Drop in for a taste of Tuscany created with some of the freshest authentic Italian ingredients to be had anywhere in town. Weekday evenings you can rub elbows with investment bankers and well-heeled expatriates guzzling a unique selection of wines from some of Italy’s finest estates. If your corporate expense account has been temporarily frozen, drop in for a value-for-money set lunch. Water is free if you ask for it, as is the bread. Starters: B200+; mains: B450+; desserts: B200+. Corkage: B420 (B600 for spirits).
921/1 Silom Rd., 1/F Saladaeng Colonnade Condominium, 02-636-0002

Zeist

In this cozy bistro wrapped in yellow walls with dark wood décor and tanks filled with tropical fish, chef Art serves hearty European fare to neighborhood regulars and the occasional group of women who remember his TV cooking show (or perhaps his days as a championship swimmer). Braised meats and roasted meats are among the highlights. Starters: B200-700; pastas: B300+; mains: B400+; desserts: B100+. Corkage: B300.
40/25 Ekamai 12, 02-391-9946

Come on, admit it: sometimes you wish you were famous. In the old days, you had to be “discovered.” But now, thanks to the internet, you can become a star without even having to leave your comfy crib. Or maybe it’s not fame you’re after but friendship, companionship, recognition or just an outlet for your creativity. You can find these on the web, as well. So what are you waiting for, newbie? Here are the basics and some strategies for getting you noticed in cyberspace.

Blogs

Do you have a lot to say but no one to listen? Maybe you need a blog. Derived from the word “weblog,” blogs have been around for “ages” (far longer than YouTube and MySpace, anyway—it’s all relative in cyberspace) and are the most basic means of self-promotion—sorry, “self-expression” on the internet. Basically they’re online diaries—although they’ve gone beyond “what I did today” to encompass news, opinion and analysis, satire, advice…you name it. There are niche bloggers who blog about anything and everything from technology to politics to tabloid gossip.

It’s All About Me

The first thing you’ll want to do is set up an account with one of the online blog hosts (see “Block of Blogs”). In a matter of minutes, you’re ready to blog! If you’re not sure how to begin, resist the temptation to start with your entire life history or, even worse, trying to explain who you are. Take it easy. Write a post about your day. The important thing is to get in the habit of doing it regularly. Write like you’re having a conversation with someone. If you write the way you speak, not only will it make your blog easy to understand but it also adds personality. People read blogs because they want to get to know the people behind them. (See “Blogging Do’s and Don’ts.”)

So, you’re writing—now it’s time to attract some readers. There are as many bloggers out there as there are stars, and a new blog is born every second. How do you get noticed? The first thing you should do is to list your blog in blog directories. Locally there is the farang-dominated www.thailandvoice.com (in English) or www.thaiblog.info (in Thai). Internationally, Technorati.com tracks millions of blogs around the world, and it’s much more advanced than the others in that it allows users to not just scroll through the list of blogs but also three different ways to search for specific content: by blog name; in the text of blogs; or in the list of tags.

Another way to build traffic is through search engines (Yahoo, Google…duh). If you’re blogging about something that is current or of popular interest, chances are your blog will come up in search engines.

To help you understand what people are looking for, you’ll want to equip your blog with a site statistic counter (try Sitemeter.com). These can tell you not only how many people visit your blog (or other site), but also give you profiles of visitors (what country they’re in, what browser they use, etc.) plus tell you how much time they’re spending reading your site, what parts of your site they’re clicking on, what they were searching for that brought them to your site and what site they came from (known as referrals).

Finally, just like in the real world, networking is key to generating traffic. Blogrolling, or trading links with other bloggers, can do wonders for your visitor count as well as your reputation. Aim high: Try to get yourself listed on popular blogs so you can ride their coattails.

Success Story

In 2003, a self-obsessed Singaporean girl with a knack for descriptive bitching started posting her stories of her daily life and self-obsessed images online. Four years later, Xiaxue (xiaxue.blogspot.com) is now one of the best-known bloggers in Asia, with over 20,000 hits daily. Loved (and hated) by many, she now has her own TV show and sponsorship deals.

There are many factors that contribute to the success of a blogger. The quality of writing is important, but don’t overlook the look. Design, color and the use of images matter, too. When you sign up for a blog, you usually get a plain default template, which means that, design-wise, your blog is not going to stand out. If you don’t know how to design a website, there are number of tutorials online (such as www.csstutorial.net).

BK blogs, you know. Read our musings at blog.aziacity.com/bk

Networking Sites

Networking sites are online “communities” of people who are known by their self-created profiles, which might contain things like interests, physical characteristics, marital status, education, profession and so on. On many sites, you can also upload photographs, music, videos, blogs and calendars. If this sounds more complicated than a humble blog, it is, but networking sites such as industry leader MySpace are easy to use—if you can send an email with an attachment, you should be able to use MySpace.

Ostensibly the goal is to make new friends with similar interests, but people also use them to find love, make business contacts or as a promotional tool for themselves or a product or service.

MySpace

There are many networking sites out there (see “More Than MySpace”), but MySpace is by far the best if your goal is maximum exposure. No longer just a “place for friends,” MySpace has developed into a vehicle for self-expression full of budding artists, filmmakers, singers, actors and comedians.

Not only can they promote their work on the internet, but fans who add them to their “Friend lists” help expand their network—i.e., their fan base. Tools like messaging and chatting make are another way for fans to get in touch with their favorite musicians.

Success Story

Lily Allen’s (www.myspace.com/lilymusic) chick angst hit “Smile” was originally posted on MySpace. Her link was passed from “friend” to “friend” until finally music magazines and record companies took notice. The world’s biggest entertainment companies now mine MySpace for talent; they are also posting content on MySpace to promote their films and bands. In addition to the arts, MySpace is being used to influence public opinion and to promote candidates for office—you can now befriend Hillary at www.myspace.com/hillaryclinton, for example.

What (Net)works

Just like blogs, you will not get any attention if all you have are a bland description of yourself and boring photos taken with your mobile phone. You need to “pimp” your profile with colors, graphics and music. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz: there are pre-made templates out there for you to just copy and paste into your profile (try www.pimp-my-profile.com).

Once you have a profile worth viewing, you can help nudge things along by placing clever comments in profiles of people you think might be interested in you (or your talent or whatever it is that you’re selling). A “soft sell” approach works best—if you’re pushy or too commercial you’re liable to get the kind of attention you don’t want.

Want to be our friend? Go on, head to www.myspace.com/bkmag and add us!

Digital Galleries

If you’re a decent photographer or visual artist, you have even more options for getting yourself noticed on the web. Starting a blog and posting your pictures on it may be easier, but these specialized sites cater to your specific, artistic needs and give you admission to communities of like-minded artists. While some are simply places to hang your work (online galleries), the best also offer the same kind of functionality as more general networking sites (user profiles, messaging, etc.) as well as added features such as forums and groups where members can interact with each other. (For more, see “Hang it Here.”)

Flickr

The most widely used and accepted site is Flickr (www.flickr.com). Though the, er, “focus” of Flickr is photography, you can pretty much upload any kind of picture file. However, most of the photos on Flickr are by professionals or near-professional quality—so the snapshots of your neighbor hosing down the dog won’t attract a lot of interest.

When it comes to maximizing your exposure, the first thing you want to do is sign up for as many groups as you’re interested in: black-and-white, travel photography, Lomography, models, whatever. In these groups you’ll be sharing your photos with people who give a damn, and you can learn a lot from other members. Another cool feature of Flickr is that other members can attach comments to your photos. In addition, blogging is as easy as clicking “Blog This” on your Flickr page.

With Flickr, you are forced to tag each photograph that you upload—while this may seem like a pain, this is something you would—you should—do anyway. Because the more descriptive you are with tags, the easier it is for people to find your photos; and the easier it is to find your photos, the greater the chances are that they will find you.

Success Story

Two years ago Hamad Darwish (www.flickr.com/photos/darwishh/) was a university student without any formal photographic training. Now, five of his pictures are featured as wallpaper in Microsoft’s new Vista operating system. How did this happen? He posted his newbie snaps on Flickr.

For photography that might not be chosen by Microsoft but but are still pretty neat, check out our Flickr album at www.flickr.com/photos/bkmag.

Cyber TV

Are you an aspiring director? Or an actress wannabe still waiting to be discovered at Center Point? Well, if you have a video camera, or even a phone camera, you can upload yourself onto the web with the help of online video services.

Web Movies

For better or worse, now everyone (who has access to a camera and computer, that is) can be a reality TV star and posting your home movies on sites like YouTube (for more, see “‘V’ is for Video”) is one of the best ways to get your face onto the world wide web.

YouTube

The most successful online video website is, of course, YouTube (www.youtube.com). Aside from giving a second life to movie clips and music videos, YouTube is also a tool for us commoners to get our 15 minutes of fame. All you need to get started is an account, a camera and an internet connection; also it helps if you have a thick skin and an active imagination, because it’s usually the most ridiculous, embarrassing and downright freaky videos that are the most popular, everything from how to fold a shirt Japanese-style to a clip of Saddam Hussein’s execution.

There you can create “channels” for your videos. Once you establish a fan base, your fans can “subscribe” to your channel to get updates whenever a new video is up. Another way to pull in viewers on YouTube is to leave “video response.” Instead of leaving wording comments you can post a similar video of your own to attract your potential audience.

Just like any other user-generated contents, you can integrate YouTube with your blogs and MySpace profiles by embedding your YouTube videos. This is useful if you have a blog related to your video project. And don’t forget to tag: your video is competing with millions of other videos out there.

Success Story

Internet celebrities have sprung up all over the place thanks to YouTube. One of the most famous is a teenage girl named Bree, a.k.a. lonelygirl15. Her “videoblog” attracted fans all over the world—that is until the public learned that she was an invention of a talent agency, and Bree was played by an actress.

So does that mean the lonelygirl15 project was a failure? Far from it: the New Zealand actress who played Bree is now a celebrity in her own right and she’s been receiving numerous offers, including starring in a feature with Lindsay Lohan.

Who needs YouTube when we have BK TV? Get your weekly dose of BK episodes at blog.aziacity.com/bk/bk_tv.

Speak the Lingo

Just like any culture, cyber culture is equipped with its own language. It can be hard for commoners to engage with geeks at times, so study these terms and enter the third millennium—at last.

Blogroll
A blogroll is a list of links to the blogs you like that shows up on your blog. Blogrolling is the act of adding a blog to your blogroll.

embed
To embed is to take the code (written in a language called HTML) to something you’d like to put up on your blog and include it so that the code will appear on your blog as a video, or a small music player, for example.

Host
A host is a company that physically keeps your blog on a server somewhere. Some are free (blogger.com) but if you want to have your own address (yourname.com), you’ll have to pay up.

PageRank
PageRank is like a web social status calculated by Google. It is calculated by looking at the number of links that are directed to your blog or website—and what their PageRank is. The higher the number of your PageRank, the more popular you are.

Post
Each time you publish an entry in a blog, it will appear on your blog as a post. Old posts in a blog will usually get archived monthly so they won’t clutter the homepage.

RSS Feed
RSS is a way to “feed” or send updates of new posts of a blog into a specific feed reader program. It’s like a way to subscribe for regular updates of your favorite news sources or blogs, the only difference is that the updates get sent to a feed reader (such as Google Reader [reader.google.com]) and not your email. So to be able to get updates, you have to also download a feed reader.

Tag
A tag is a word you attach to a post, image or video. These words are clickable, meaning that if you click on a tag, you’ll see every other item on that particular website that has that same tag. It allows for faster, more convenient browsing but, more importantly, it allows you to search things that contain no text, like videos, music or pictures.

Traffic
Traffic is the number of visitors (or “hits”) you get on your blog. Some site traffic trackers also give information such as average hits per day and an average time people spend on your blog.

Blogging Do’s and Don’ts

Do post photos. It doesn’t have to be a photo of yourself, but it should be something related to you or what you are blogging about. Photos make blog posts look more appealing.

Don’t publish your personal information. You can go by your screen name or nickname but it’s best not to reveal your real full name. Same thing goes for phone numbers and street addresses—it’s no fun having a stalker.

Do post your email address. To protect yourself, you want a bit of anonymity (if your name is part of your current address, create a new one just for your blog), but you still want people to be able to contact you or comment on your blog.

Don’t use other people’s work without permission. It’s just like real journalism: copyrights matter. Never cut and paste without citing your source.

Do copyright your work. With the help of Creative Commons (www.creativecommon.org), you can post a little notice on your blog letting other people know how they can use your material.

Don’t over blog. Unless you’re a niche blogger or a gossip blogger where you have to constantly report about certain things, you don’t have to post 5-6 times a day. This only leads to blogger’s burnout, and your readers will stop reading also.

Do post in-text links. If you’re talking about something of your personal interest, you should also link to other sites so readers can click for more details. You can also link to other blogs, and it’s a great way to make blog friends.

Don’t spam. Don’t go around writing nonsense comments on other people’s blogs to draw attention to your own. It never works. Also, with some blog services, spamming can get you blacklisted.

Block of Blogs

Here is a list of free blog providers to get you started on the path to shameless self-disclosure.

Blogger (www.blogger.com) — The world’s most popular blogging program by Google, Inc. Super easy to use, and if you already have Gmail account, there’s no need to sign up. There are all sorts of pre-designed templates to choose from, so you won’t need to be able to edit in HTML (or even know what HTML is). But then, of course, you’ll be settling for the same ones used by millions of other people.

Windows Live Spaces (spaces.live.com) — Formerly known as MSN Spaces, it’s the big blogspot for MSN users. Totally idiot-proof with colorful click-and-view functions. Only members can comment, though, so not the best choice if you want to blog for the world.

Yahoo! 360 (360.yahoo.com) — Same as Windows Live Spaces, but for Yahoo! users.

Wordpress (www.wordpress.com) — Sign up here if you’re ready for some serious blogging. Recommended for more advanced users who know what CSS, blogroll, RSS, trackbacks and categories mean.

Bloggang (www.bloggang.com) —Thailand’s most popular blogging service (thanks in part to it being bi-lingual), run by Pantip.com. No space limit and you can even add other bloggers to your “friends” list.

More Than MySpace

MySpace is by far the biggest, but there are lots of networking sites out there. Here are a few of the most popular.

Hi5.com
While the Americans are MySpacing, we give each other Hi5ives. Just like MySpace, you can customize your page and add music or videos. You can also give each other “5ives,” special badges for users who are “cool,” “swanky,” or “divas.”

Facebook.com
Has all the basic features a networking site needs, but on Facebook, your profile can also be grouped into different sub-networks, making it ideal for, say, school friends or company employees to stay in touch.

Friendster.com
Once extremely popular, this networking site has fallen from public favor. If you’re only going to choose one networking site, this is probably not the one you want.

Multiply.com
Multiply has some features that other networking sites don’t have. You can upload videos and music onto your profiles, and you can group your friends into categories for easy browsing. If you’re a blogger, Multiply allows you to publish your blog to other blog sites such as Blogger or LiveJournal.

You 3.0

There are countless other ways to promote yourself online. Here is a sampling.

Twitter.com
It’s a combination of blogging, social networking, and sms-ing. You set up a profile and all is left is to is just give quick “updates” about yourself—what you are doing, wearing, eating, whatever.

Dogster.com
Well you know Friendster—only this one is for dogs. You can add dog friends, upload pics of your dog and even get your dog rated. (Yes, there’s also a Catster.)

SuicideGirls.com
Are you a girl, goth, and don’t mind a bit of nudity? Well sign yourself up to be a Suicide Girl. This social networking site is a little bit raunchy but if you want to see “hot punk rock girls naked” this is the place to be.

Wikipedia.org
That’s right. Since this little online user-generated encyclopedia is free, why not add an entry about yourself? Finally your name shows up in Google.

Craigslist.com
Online classifieds is what Craigslist is all about. You can sell a house, find a job, find a date and of course market yourself online.

Camfrog.com
This site is like a chatroom but all are equipped with webcams. You log in, find the rooms you want and just connect your camera with the rest of the room. The idea seems dubious from the start, so it’s no surprise that people started broadcasting homemade porn on it.

Hang it Here

Gone are the days of performing on the street and drawing portraits of strangers. If you want your art appreciated, go online.

DeviantART.com
Hardcore artsy types can be found lurking here. If you love serious painting, drawing and illustrative art, get a profile here and get recognition.

pBase.com
Though the interface is on the drab side, this hasn’t stopped serious professional photographers from showing off their shots here.

2how.com
The ultimate online gallery for Thai photographers and artists. Post photos of your work in the gallery, where people can vote on them. There’s also a forum where members can exchange tips as well as criticism.

“V” is for Video

Google Video (video.google.com)
The original Google production. With a Google account, you can upload, embed and download (some) videos.

iFilm (www.ifilm.com)
This one is owned by MTV Networks, so you know what type of videos you can find here. Music videos, movie trailers and TV clips are the main attractions.

Imeem (www.imeem.com)
Not just a place for videos, but also for photos and audio clips. You can also create playlists and share with other members who have the same “meem” (area of interest).

Pornotube (www.pornotube.com)
The name pretty much explains it. If they won’t let us use YouTube…

VideoEgg (www.videoegg.com)
Online videos for professional use. Not only you can upload and share, but you can also edit your videos and add effects to them.

Yahoo! Video (video.yahoo.com)
Yahoo!’s own online video service. Just like Google.

you tube proxy (www.youtubeproxy.org)
That creep who made and uploaded those films deserves a spanking, but we don’t agree with the government’s decision to block YouTube (voice your opinion here http://facthai.wordpress.org). If you, too, need your daily fix of Mentos-and-Coke fountains, you can still access the site via a proxy server, such as this one.