You might think the best grub’s only available at dinner. But these specials prove that it’s worth venturing out on your lunch break.

Fish & Chips
A real fancy version of the old school classic. White fish is coated with a light-as-air batter made using French bubbly.
$33 at Lawry's The Prime Rib Singapore

JQ’s Beef Noodle
This luxe take on the popular hawker favorite comprises superior herbal beef broth, plus braised tendon, ribs and tender slices of wagyu beef.
$28 at Sky on 57

Pulled Pork Sandwich
Stuffed full of tender shredded pork, homemade coleslaw and caramelized onions, this filling handheld creation is a drippy, juicy delight.
$18 at Moosehead

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Style Notes: i.t sale, Manicurious pop-up shop and more

Type: 

Nailing I.t
Ready your plastic: Multi-label boutique i.t is now having its first sale storewide. Get $40 off with $200 spent, $80 off with $350 spent and $180 off with $500 spent (that’s at least 20% off your bill if you do the math!).
 
Buy Curious

Topics: 
shopping
Author: 
Crystal Lee
Issue Date: 
2013 Aug 29 - 23:00
Images: 
i.t, Singapore
Cumulus x Manicurious, Singapore
adidas Originals x Bedwin, Singapore
Patrick Owen; Mythology, Singapore

Craft beers and exotic cocktails paired with Japanese bar chow? Sign us up.

Izy
Adding a big dose of cool to this quieter bit of Club Street is swish joint Izy, helmed by chef Kazumasa Yazawa (formerly of Waku Ghin). As you’d expect, he takes the traditional bar menu to new heights with small plates like ocean trout carpaccio ($28). With snazzy interiors straight out of a cyberpunk movie, and a list of sakes, small batch single malts, craft beers and bespoke cocktails to work through, it’s no surprise that this place is always packed with cool cats.

KOI Sushi + Izakaya
Another fresh new Club Street offering is KOI, a cozy bar which spills out onto the road on weekend nights. It’s a great spot to nurse a Hitachino Nest beer ($15) or interesting concoctions like the Cherry Blossom ($16)—Effen black cherry, Kirei umeshu, cherry, lime—and the Truffled Japanese Whisky Sour ($16). The vibe here is pretty low key, with local artworks lining the walls and simple but satisfying bar bites like scallop sashimi.

Sumiya
This retro (think vintage enamel signs and copper crockery) grill and izakaya has been packing in crowds with its DIY-style meals. But if you’re here to drink—and you will, because this joint’s got the cheapest Asahi in town at a mere $4.90 a pop—you’ll want to go for all-you-can-grab edamame ($6) and deep-fried goodness (from $6). Oh, there are shochu cocktails and sakes, too, if you can somehow resist their beer deal.

The Horse’s Mouth
Thanks to a big sign outside the shopping mall, this underground drinking den is no longer as hush-hush as it used to be, though parting the unmarked curtain in Uma Uma Ramen and heading down the dark steps still feels excitingly illicit. Although you’d expect too-cool-for-you barkeeps and impenetrable menus here, the mixologists are truly friendly, chatty and do their best to deliver a fun cocktail experience.

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Tired of the Ari-Sukhumvit-Siam triangle? BK heads out to Thonburi, Bangna and Praditmanutham to discover the top restaurants, bars and shops urbanites have been missing out on.

KLONGSAN

Gallery/Cafe | The Space Bangkok (01)

Attend exhibitions, screenings, parties, and seminars in this open space that looks over the Chao Praya River. Or just hang out at the Space Café for some delicious brownies (B80) and standard beers (B80). Conveniently located at the heart of Khlongsan market, local street food is just seconds away.
Above 7-11, Khlong San Plaza, Next to Hilton Millenium, 083-034-9101. www.thespacebangkok.com

Gallery/Cafe | House of Commons (02)

This is a book café where you can enjoy some java and cakes and experience exhibitions, theatre, screenings and workshops. They regularly have interesting and innovative events such as the recent talk about controversial hit TV series Hormones with its director Songyot “Yong” Sukmakanan, a one-off screening of Pen-Ek’s new political documentary Paradoxocracy, and the upcoming Social Media seminar (Aug 26, B2,500).
Charoen Nakorn Rd., between soi 20-22, 082 983 8099. www.facebook.com/HOCSpace. Open daily 8am-8pm

Bar | A Bar Above (03)

Soaring vaulted ceilings, wood paneled walls, wide archways and a mix of cobblestone and tiles conjure up the atmosphere of an elegant wine cellar turned bistro. The unobtrusive soundtrack promises chill easy-listening while the menu features similarly inoffensive inter favorites like the signature A Bar Above Burger (B250) with beef, grilled bacon and egg. They also serve pizza, with toppings such as salmon and onion (B300) or pepperoni (B300). Wash it all down with a draught beer (Hoegaarden or Stella Artois, B240/pint) while you take in the tasteful decor.
2/F, Krung Thon Building, 371 New Ratchadapisek Rd. 02-476-5700. www.facebook.com/ABarAbove. Open daily 6pm-1am
 


RAMA 2

Food | Bangkok Sea View (04)

Bangkok Sea View asks you to get on a long-tail boat (B50 for adults and B20 for kids) from a pier on Rama 2 and go dine in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, basically on a big platform of bamboo sticks. During the 20-minute journey, you’ll pass through a mangrove forest and see the lifestyle of people living by (and on) the river. This is bordering on a day-trip but it’s definitely worth it. Enjoy the seafood dishes like sea crab in yellow curry (B550), stir fried prawns in red curry sauce (B250) and seablite spicy salad (B150). Reservations recommended.
74/3 Thakam, Bangkhuntien, 083-160-6714, 089-613-1340. www.bangkokseaview.com

Food | Pla Mae Nam (05)

Set in a traditional Thai house, there’s no air con here, only wooden seating and a staff made up of grumpy aunts who are then joined by some hard-working kids on the weekends. The menu is standard Thai fare, but it’s very well executed. Just about all the fish dishes we’ve tried have been impressive. The choo chee pla nuea on (sheatfish in curry paste, B240) is naturally sweet beyond the rich coconut sauce it is cooked in. And on the deep-fried side of things, the pla maa tord (deep-fried croaker fish with garlic, B240) is a delight served with a refreshing side of pineapple. The tom yum pla buek (Mekong giant catfish in tom yum, B160), too, is simply wonderful, providing a welcome kick of spice. While service and décor may leave much to be desired, Pla Mae Nam’s kitchen is top notch.
145 Rama 2 Soi 100, 02-892-3499. Open daily 11am-8pm.


TALING CHAN / RATCHAPRUEK

Food | Galley Cafe (06)

Located in a cute white house with a terrace and a garden, this place is popular at lunch with the office workers in the area. The salads, steaks and pastas are pretty good. But what we always order here is the khao pad gaeng kiew waan moo (stir fried rice with sweet green curry and pork, B65) and khao pad kee mao (stir fried rice with basil and pepper, B65).
14/42 Bangkhunnon, Talingchan, 02-881-3623. Open Thu-Tue 10am-9pm

Food | MisterPas (07)

We were pretty crushed when this one moved out to the boonies. (MisterPas was originally on Phra Athit Road.) But what’s a little taxi ride for some home-cooking and a cozy dining-room-sized ambience. The new address offers a larger space but the simple yet innovative food remains untouched—as does the warm welcome. The pistachio crusted snapper fillet on nero spaghetti (B395) remains a stand-out. Also, try the spaghetti with crispy bacon (B250) and the oven-roasted pork fillet with garlic and sage wrapped in bacon with a cranberry sauce (B425).
88/12 Kritsana Village, Kanchanapisek Rd., Bang Kruay, 081-921-1920. Open Sat-Sun 12-11pm, 5-11pm; Mon-Fri 5-11pm

Food | Silom Restaurant (08)

The original Silom venue left many customers in shock when it closed its doors. Fortunately, this canteen-like cookshop has reopened at Taling Chan. Despite the trek, the 60-year-old dishes are still just as delicious: a Thai take on Western and Chinese classics, a kind of Vietnamese-era fusion. When you get there opt for one of the four recommended specialties: oxtail stew, shrimp salad, pork chops or stir-fried fish maw. Prices start from B100.
7/4 Borommarachonnanee Soi 59, 087-072-2944. Open daily 10:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm

Food | Holland Brewery (09)

This massive beer bar can hold up to 1,500 guests. Inside the brewery, the stage shows and live music are reminiscent of the Tawan Daeng brewery, as are the specialties: Holland-style pork leg (B320), grilled chicken (B220) and sausages (B280). Of course, you’ll be needing lots of Dunkel and Weizen beer for the complete experience.
30/5 Ratchapruek Rd., Pak Kret, 02-195-4671-5. www.hollandbrewery.com. Open daily 6pm-1am

Cafe | Willy’s Chocolate (10) 

This place not only serves various chocolate desserts, but its warm, brown tones and homey materials, like brick, have a comforting feel that hits you before you even tuck into the recommended chocolate lava (B175), chocolate choux ice (B185) or chocolate French toast (B175). Don’t forget to try their pink lemonade soda (B90).
The Circle, Ratchpruek, 02-863-8673. www.facebook.com/WillysChocolate. Open daily Mon-Fri: 12pm-9pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-9pm


RAMA 9

Food | 99 Rest & Backyard (11) 

Located behind community mall The Nine, this restaurant is actually part of a posh residential development. Its garden and large bay windows allow the surrounding greenery to take center stage, making for a countryside experience in the city. Try new dishes like pan-roasted Atlantic salmon with vegetables and white wine dill sauce (B460), soft shell crab with salmon roe mixed lettuce, lime and coriander spicy dressing (B320) and hot green tea chocolate fondant (B210).
99 Rama 9 Soi 41, 02-300-4339. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm


NONTHABURI

Food | Suan thip (12)

With unlimited al fresco dining options from a leafy garden under the stars to graceful pavilions and a terrace overlooking the river, Suanthip’s dreamy garden is booked out for weddings on most weekends. But we also like to swing by for a lunch of lip-smacking traditional Thai food. The house special is kaeng bon (mushroom curry, B250) and kaeng kee lek (B250), a herbal curry served with grilled fish.
Changwattana Pak Kret 3 Rd., 02-583-3748. www.suanthip.com/. Open daily 11am-9pm
 


PRADITMANUTHAM / TOWN IN TOWN / RAMkHAMHAENG

Cafe | NY Cheesecake (13)

This little shop with a diner feel serves up the best New York Cheesecake (B205) in Bangkok. Now if that’s not reason enough for you to visit, you might also want to sample a hearty pastrami sandwich (B279) anf cocoa frappe (B80).
Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham Rd., 02-102-2065. Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-10pm

Food | Tinee Eatery (14)

This self-service café serves Western comfort dishes that work pretty well for a lunch break, as well as grab-and-go options such as liver pate and marinated goat feta. They stick to local produce, with beef, cheese and vegetables sourced from the Royal Projects and almost everything else homemade. Enjoy comforting mainstays like beef stew (B105) and pork balls (B105), pop in early for breakfast dishes like Moroccan baked eggs with onion chutney and bacon (B180), or just bag a chicken tikka sandwich (B110) to go. Drinks include the raspberry lemonade (B80) and Italian soda (B80). They also do gluten-free cakes.
1213/45, Town in Town Place, across Si Wara Soi 4., Praditmanutham Rd., 02-559-2475, 083-015-4555. Open daily 9am-6pm

Bar | Beerology (15)

Beerology aims to bring the imported beer craze to suburbanites with a solid selection of brews. The bar sits somewhere between a typical English pub and a Thai-style watering hole, with its outdoor area dotted with faux-leather stools. Check out the imported draft beers (Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hofbrau and Guinness B210/pint) and bottled drops (B160-280). Or try the bar’s eponymous wheat beer for B160. Hardcore drinkers shouldn’t miss their ongoing beer buffet where B800 gets you unlimited refills from 5pm-midnight (Tue-Thu). They also do food, from the usual pub grub to a range of Thai and Western single dishes (B80-370).
2/F, Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham Rd., 081-553-1718. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Bar | Niche (16)

The huge venue, sat right across from The Crystal Park, promises a wide selection of craft beers from all over the world, including some rare beers. Resembling a small town in Belgium, it’s a beer garden with plenty of seats, as well as an old container-cum-stage to one side for daily live entertainment and huge projector screens for the weekend football matches. The decor is all about bare cement, light-colored wooden furnishings and white couches. Adding a little excitement are all the beer-related decorations, which have all the makings of a beer museum. Bavaria, Weienstephan, La Trappe, Hoegaarden, Hoegaarden Rose, Stella Artois and Boddingtons are all available on tap (B230/pint, B120-190/half pint), with over 140 choices by the bottle like Hitachino, Brewdog, St. Bernadus and Chapeau (B200-590). Food includes rolled chicken stuffed with mushroom and bacon (B295), 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shank (B490), black-ink pasta with river prawns (B345) and spicy smoked salmon salad and fruit (B185).
482 Praditmanoontham Rd., 02-515-1232-3. Open daily 4pm-midnight

Food | Haus 20 (17)

Haus20 Design & Dine is owned by a member of our fave new electro-rock band, Dot, Anucha “Off“ Ochareon, and a friend, Natchaphan “Ae“ Pisarnkoskul. Set in a four-story building that features a bar, an office for indie label Rat Records, a furniture store and an empty space used to stage gigs, it’s already a rendezvous point for media industry hipsters and starry-eyed indie-loving 20-somethings. Aside from concert nights, the owners’ playlist is a pretty hip mix of new (think Daft Punk) and old (R.E.M. and The Radio Dept). Indulge in beer-friendly dishes like deep-fried chicken wings (B90), which are a bit salty but totally addictive, or the salmon canapé (B180). A basic selection of whiskey is available from Sangsom (B240 for 300ml) to Chivas Regal (B1,300 for 700ml). Or opt for Beerlao (B100-110).
62-64 Lad Phrao Soi 122 (Ramkhamhaeng Soi 65), 085-162-2111. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am

Food | Nong Khai Pa Su (18)

Since the owner grew up in Nong Khai, the menu reflects his Isaan heritage. But it’s also been combined with a taste for Vietnamese food in dishes like the recommended nam nuong (Vietnamese sausage, B150). Other highlights include the guay jub yuan (Vietnamese noodles, B70) which is a thick, gooey delight, too.
174/479 Soi Sena, Phahon Yothin Soi 32, 02-578-0532. www.nongkhaipasu.com. Open daily 9am-9pm


BANGNA / SRI NAKARIN

Food | Hong Bao (19)

Tucked away in the far-flung Thanya Shopping Park, this restaurant is decorated with modern Chinese accents. With a chef flown in from Macau, expect expert Cantonese cuisine, including a variety of dim sum stuffed with lava cream and salted egg (B85), fried prawn with salted egg (B500) and more.
G/F, Thanya Shopping Park, Srinakarin Rd., 02-108-6055. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5-9pm; Sat-Sun 11am-9pm

Food | Nam Vietnamese Restaurant (20)

Despite the curios and framed illustrations, this Vietnamese restaurant décor is nothing to write home about. What is worth adding to your Instagram feed, though, is the tasty food served here. Recommend dishes include the baked beef (B180) and nam nuong (Vietnamese sausage, B190).
68 Bangna Soi 66, Near Ratwinit Bangkaew School, 02-740-2166. www.facebook.com/NamBangna. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-10pm

FOOD | Suphan ocha (21)

Although this place may come across as just another shabby cookshop, it is a stellar Thai seafood restaurant. Home style recipes such as stir-fried shrimp with salted egg (B180), stir-fried spotted Babylon sea snails with basil and fingerroot (B180) and stir-fried crab meat with chili (B300) just burst with flavor—and are always fresh.  
19/1 Lasalle Soi 79, 02-361-6522. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-9:30pm


BANGNA / SRI NAKARIN

FOOD | Koh Lanta (22)

Sure, it’s a long drive but this restaurant, situated just minutes from the Suvanabhumi Airport, cooks up some amazing seafood. Try the spicy papaya salad with salmon (B250) and the grilled fish with special Japanese soy sauce and grilled garlic (B470). You can choose to sit on the moored boat or stick to the numerous salas if you’re a land lubber. Whether the passing jets flying over your head at five-minute intervals are an added bonus or a deal breaker, we’ll leave up to you.
88/11 King Kaew Road, District Bangplee, 02-738-4811. Open daily 4pm-midnight

Cafe | Amatissimo Caffe (23)

Way out on the edge of Bangkok, Amatissimo is hidden behind the huge Paradise Park mall. Here, the owner brews his own coffee in an industrial-meets-vintage space. His cappuccino (B65), made from his own blend, stands up as a solid cup of Joe. But perhaps the real reason you should seek the place out is for the yummy pastries like the passion fruit tart (B75). Try it with the siphon coffee, too, if you’re feeling a bit geeky.
127, Seri Villa Soi 3 (Behind Paradise Park), Srinakarin Rd., 085-482-9977, 081-898-0070. Open daily 9am-8pm

Food | Breizh Crepes (24)

Breizh Crepes is basically an outdoor food stall with seating. And yet, it is the only place in town that uses the traditional way of making savory crepes, using buckwheat flour. They also use this great fresh goat cheese that’s both tart and nutty (Corsica, B149, three-cheese, B149). As for the sweet crepes, they’re just about perfect; we recommend the one with salted butter caramel cream, almonds and whipped cream (B119)—delicious.
Room Bldg. B, 2/F, Thanya Shopping Park, 735/2 Sri Nakarin Rd., 02-108-6090. Open daily 10am-9pm

Bar | In the Box Bar Station (25)

Boxy modernist architecture, bare cement, wooden crates used as stools: this bar might be far from downtown but it’s definitely following all the same trends. The drinks list included imported beers along with local ones, as well as sheesha. Soak it all up with regular or Japanese-inspired snacks like chicken wings fried in fish sauce (B110), shrimp in wasabi sauce (B150), or salmon and wasabi salad (B220). Of course, cover bands provide the soundtrack to your evening.
17 Seree Villa Soi 2, Srinakarin Rd., 081-449-9358. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

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For traditionalists or teetotallers, these warm sips are still a great way to wash down a good mooncake.

Gryphon's White Gingerlily
Bite-y ginger is a great match for thick gooey lotus paste filling.
$16.70 from Jason’s Market Place

Tea Forte's Honey Yuzu
Honey brings out the caramel notes in traditional lotus paste mooncakes, while zippy yuzu ensures that the whole affair doesn’t get too cloying. $39.95 from Shermay’s Cooking School

TWG's Paris Singapore
This mix of fragrant rose and light green tea is a mild soothing partner to sticky sweet mooncakes.
$23 from TWG Tea

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Save some serious bucks with these hotel membership cards.

 

 

The White Card for The Okura Prestige, The Sukhothai and Rayavadee Krabi

Membership fee: B16,050
 
Dining discounts: Depending on the outlet—25% discount available at restaurants like Up & Above (Okura) and La Scala (Sukhothai), 15% off at Yamazato and 15% off drinks at all hotels.
 
Perks: 25% discount on spa, complimentary one room for one night at each hotel, one complimentary lunch/dinner buffet, afternoon tea at Okura and Sukhothai.
Minus points: The most expensive of all.
Why we like it: No limit for diners at all three hotels. Do note that the deal for The Sukhothai is currently being revised.
  www.thewhitecardthailand.com

 

 

Bangkok’s S Privilege Card for Shangri-la (free!)

Membership fee: Free
Dining discounts: 20% discount on food and drinks. Dine in a group of 10-20 people and get an extra 5% discount.
Perks: 20% discount on the deluxe room. Collecting milestones gets you more rewards like complimentary afternoon tea and Sunday brunch.
Minus points: The card can’t be used on holidays.
Why we like it: Besides the card being free, you get a 30% discount on food every Wednesday.
  89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoenkrung, 02-236-7777. www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

 

 

Le Club for Plaza Athenee Bangkok,
Le Meridien Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Membership fee: B6,999 (or B10,999 with supplementary vouchers)
Dining discounts: Single diners get 20% discount, two people get 50% and four people get 25% (food only).
Perks: One free night at Plaza Athenee and pay one get one free for Le Meridien Bangkok.
Minus points: The discount only applies to some outlets.
Why we like it: 14 vouchers attached, including a set dinner at The Reflexions (2 people), a spa treatment and some half-price discounts if you bring a group of 6-12 people.
  61 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800. www.lemeridien.com/plazaatheneebangkok

 

 

Club Marriott for hotels under Marriott

Membership fee: B7,800 (or B9,800 with supplementary vouchers)
Dining discounts: Single diners get 35% discount, two people get 50%, four people get 25% (food only). 15% discount on drinks.
Perks: Dining vouchers such as free peking duck at Man Ho (JW Marriott) and 50% discount on Sunday brunch at Renaissance Bangkok. Can be used with hotels in the group across the Asia Pacific region.
Minus points: There are limited times you can use the discounts.
Why we like it: Great deals for hotels around Thailand and they’re transferable. For example, pay only B3,499 a night for the beautiful Renaissance Koh Samui.
  www.marriott.com

 

 

Hilton Premium Club

Membership fee: B7,500
Dining discounts: Single diners get 25% discount, two people get 50% and four people get 25% (food only). 20% discount on drinks.
Perks: Dining vouchers include lunch/dinner buffet and afternoon tea. Accommodation vouchers include a 50% discount at Conrad Samui. 30% discount on the spas at Millennium Hilton and Conrad.
Minus points: The discount on drinks do not apply to Hilton Sukhumvit.
Why we like it: The network includes properties in Malaysia and China.
  www.hilton.com

 

 

Accor Advantage Plus (Biggest Network)

Membership fee: B5,950
Dining discounts: Single diners get 25% discount, two people get 50% and four people get 25% (food only). 15% discount on drinks.
Perks: Get another 10% discount with the Accor Super Sale.
Minus points: Not every hotel under the Accor brand offers the same discount. For example, Red Oven and Park Society offer a 20% discount on food.
Why we like it: The card can be used with many hotels such as Pullman, Sofitel So, Sofitel Sukhumvit and Novotel.
  www.advantageplus-asia.com

 

 

Bangkok’s S Privilege Card for Shangri-la (free!)

Membership fee: Free
Dining discounts: 20% discount on food and drinks. Dine in a group of 10-20 people and get an extra 5% discount.
Perks: 20% discount on the deluxe room. Collecting milestones gets you more rewards like complimentary afternoon tea and Sunday brunch.
Minus points: The card can’t be used on holidays.
Why we like it: Besides the card being free, you get a 30% discount on food every Wednesday.
  89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoenkrung, 02-236-7777. www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

 

 

Club at the Hyatt for Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Membership fee: B8,600
Dining discounts: Single diner gets 10% discount, two people get 50% and four people get 25% (food only).
Perks: Enjoy 20% discount at Hyatt Hua Hin and more discounts on accommodation worldwide (barring Canada, the Caribbean and USA).
Minus points: Many different levels of discounts requiring you to do some research. For example, you get 15% discount at Erawan Tea Room and You & Mee.
Why we like it: You get a cheque book to use at any of the outlets with a value of B3,500.
  494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-6295, www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com

 

 

Dusit Wine & Dine for Dusit Thani

Membership fee: B6,500
Dining discounts: Single diners get 20% discount, two people get 50% and four people get 25% (food only). 20% discount on drinks.
Perks: 20% discount for 11 Dusit Hotels across Asia with late check-out.
Minus points: The card doesn’t apply to the properites in China, Maldives and India.
Why we like it: Of course, the card includes the French fine-dining institution D’Sens, too.
  946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9912-13.  BTS Saladaeng. www.dusit.com

 

 

Club Landmark for The Landmark (huge
discount)

Membership fee: B4,900/B5,900/B6,900
Dining discounts: Single diners get 40% discount, 2-4 people get 50% and 11-20 people get 25% (food only).
Perks: 50% discount on the rack rate for all room types. Premium packages get you a 75% discount on the joining fee at Fitness First Platinum.
Minus points: Can’t be used elsewhere.
Why we like it: Highest discounts of all and three nicely varied packages.
  138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-252-6676. BTS Nana. www.landmarkbangkok.com

 

 

SPG for Starwood Hotels (FREE)

Membership fee:

Free

Dining discounts: Depends on the outlets. Some restaurants like Sambal Bar & Grill (Royal Orchid Sheraton) and The Drawing Room (St. Regis) offer 15% discounts but with different conditions.
Perks: A variety of benefits ranging from complimentary rooms to plane tickets and special events.
Minus points: Few restaurants in Bangkok offer the discounts.
Why we like it: Of great benefit to those who travel a lot.
  www.spgrestaurantsandbars.com

 

 

Aspire by Anantara

Membership fee: B6,999
Dining discounts: Two people get 50% discount, three people get 33% and four people get 25% (food only).
Perks: 15% discount on the best rate for all room types at 10 participating hotels.
Minus points: The complimentary night is only valid for the property in Bangkok.
Why we like it: More than 10 accommodation vouchers (most are transferrable) with good prices around Thailand.
  www.bangkokriverdining.com

 

 

The Grande Club by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Membership fee: B7,900
Dining discounts: 30% discount on food and drinks with no limits on the diners.
Perks: One complimentary night (no breakfast) at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and complimentary five-day use at their fitness.
Minus points: The card is only valid at this property.
Why we like it: You actually get the credit of B7,900 in your card. 
  http://www.thegrandeclub.com
 

 

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Stay bold and green with these environmentally-friendly alternatives to your lifestyle essentials.

The Stationery

Labrador document bag M, B2,900.

Labrador

Founded eight years ago, Labrador does leather goods and stationery made from recycled leather in minimal and understated designs. Stationery starts from B590. 1/F, Central Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 02-231-3333. BTS Saladaeng. www.facebook.com/labradorfactorypage

Grey Ray

This stationery maker has won many awards, including a Design Excellence Award 2013, for its designs blending simplicity and practicality. Grey Ray started off doing pencil caps that make pencils more comfortable to hold. They have since released more products like notebooks made with recycled paper and an improved pencil cap with better grip, the Drawing Out 2. 4/F (Room Interior), Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0410. BTS Siam. www.grey-ray.com

The Accessories

Greenies & Co Natural hand-dyed iPhone 4/4s/5 case, B690.

Greenies & Co

Shops that do smartphone cases are a dime a dozen, much rarer are those whose cases are made from recycled leather. Here at Greenies & Co, the leather used is mostly offcuts discarded due to defects like uneven texture, a trait the shop turns into a selling point. And they go about it in an eco-friendly manner: the leathers are naturally hand-dyed, the boxes they come in are made from recycled materials and even the prints on the boxes are from soy ink. Order online at www.facebook.com/GreeniesAndCo

Rubber Killer

The three-year old label uses unconventional materials like car tyres to create fashionable bags that combine bold designs with rugged touches. Prices start from B350. 1/F, Digital Gateway, Rama 1 Rd., 087-099-0639. BTS Siam. www.facebook.com/rubberkiller

The Décor

Dots Design Bike frame, B15,000

Dots Design

Started out as a product design house specializing in wooden furniture and décor, Dots Design has now taken wood to a whole new market, making bicycle frames and accessories from recycled wood that highlight meticulous craftsmanship and minimal-meets-retro designs. Bicycles start from B15,000 and accessories from B2,200 . Shop to open around Victory Monument. www.dots-studio.com

Pin

Winner of a Design Excellence Award 2013, Pin does lamps and wall art with an emphasis on the use of recycled metals. The results are unique decorative pieces which display trippy geometric shapes and intricate designs on products ranging from mirrors and coffee tables to lamps. 6/F (TCDC), Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. BTS Phrom Pong. www.facebook.com/Pin.metal.life

The Gadget

Re+Pair Re+Pair S15, B450.

Re+Pair

Re Pair offers budget portable speakers with a rather unusual concept: the body is made from liquid soap and gasoline bottles. Yep, you read that right. What’s more, the speaker doesn’t require batteries or a power outlet as the frame simply acts as a sound enhancer—if not a particular effective one. Speakers start from B450. Order online at www.facebook.com/repairproduct

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With the Sonic Bang festival looming this weekend, we look for inspiration from three stylish artists.

The Chic Bohemian inspired by Haim

LA sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim shot to fame after topping the BBC Sound of 2013 poll on the strength of the first EP, Forever, and are now readying their first studio album, Days Are Gone, for release at the end of September. On top of their summer-friendly sound that blends soft rock with folk and Rn’B, what’s also caught our attention is the siblings’ fresh-faced look, defined by natural long hair, vintage t-shirts and jean shorts. This extends to the face, with the girls putting the focus on sharp and bold brows and lashes, and beautiful natural-looking skin.  
Get the look: Carefully blend the medium coverage foundation and softly apply cream blush. Then, choose a brow color that’s at least two shades above your skin tone. We pick Benefit Brows A-Go-Go: Brows & Eyes Shaping Kit (B1,450) for an all-in-one brows and eyes solution.

The Avant-Pop Star inspired by Lady Gaga

Pop stars don’t get any bigger—or more outrageous—than Lady Gaga, back with a huge new single, “Applause,” and a much-talked-about forthcoming album, Artpop, to be released in November. On the single’s cover, the self-named Mother Monster uses her face as a canvas which she paints in a bold pop art style. The look strengthens the current blue-eye trend and also shows the contrasting direction that most cosmetic brands are heading in. This is Gaga we’re talking about so don’t be afraid to take risks and match the look with a lip color you’ve never tried before.  
Get the Look: Choose a palette that already provides you with contrasting shades. Our pick? The YLS City Drive Arty Palette (B2,700) that comes with bold tones like mature deep night blue and neon green.

The Hip Rocker inspired by Alisa Xayalith

New Zealand electro-pop band The Naked and Famous is another group to have burst onto the scene with a fully-formed sound with their debut release, Passive Me, Aggressive You, back in 2010. After a few years of solid touring—including a show in Bangkok in 2011—the band have just returned with a new single, the anthemic “Hearts Like Ours,” while an album is due in September. Front lady Alisa Xayalith made her debut sporting long black hair, leather pants and cherry red lips, but is now turning heads with super-stylish pastel purple hair to match a darker shade of red lips.
Get the Look: Make a real change to your hairdo by going for a white-ish dye like egg shell, pastel purple or pastel green. Our pick is the new product Schwarzkopf Igora Royal. If the new color is too drastic, you can always just highlight some parts.

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Catch some sporting action while you chill out at these waterfront bars.

Harry’s @ East Coast Park
Like every other Harry’s outlet, this watering hole is perpetually packed. Its menus don’t differ significantly from that of other branches, so it’s a comfortable spot and the obvious choice of Harry’s fans everywhere. Bonus: You get to watch wakeboarders whizz around the lagoon while you drink, since it’s co-located with wakeboarding park SKI360°.

Mana Mana Beach Restaurant & Bar
Sporty types probably already know about this place, which has a range of surfing equipment, paddle-boards, kayaks and sailboats for rent, plus a beach volleyball court and training pool for divers. If you’re not into sea sports, though, be forewarned that food and drinks aren’t particularly outstanding, and service is spotty at best.

Wave House Sentosa
This 70,000 sq. ft. beach club attracts surfer types with its FlowRider and FlowBarrel rides which simulate real waves, as well as a host of other activities like skating, wakeboarding and kayaking. As you’d expect from a sports-centric establishment, patrons tend not to hang around drinking very much, and are much more likely found tucking into their hearty, self-styled Californian-Asian plates while watching all that flow action going on.

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These gas- and electric-powered barbecues work just as well as charcoal grills—but without the smoke or mess.

Mayer Smokeless BBQ Grill
With its blockish utilitarian design, this electric grill is easy to use and clean (the oil drip tray and grilling racks are removable). Food just has to be sliced and then pressed between two racks, then inserted into the contraption: It’s a pretty fuss-free process. The only trouble is that you can’t cook larger items like steak or burgers. But it works a charm on meat, fruit or veggie skewers.
$399 from Mayer Showroom

O-Grill 3000T
A compact clam-shaped stainless steel grill powered by propane (just attach a new gas canister with each use), this appliance opens up completely to accommodate even thick cuts of meat. Weighing in at just 24lbs (11kg) with a nice carrying handle, it sure is portable.
$838 from Tan Brother Electrical Corporation Pte Ltd. (193 Kitchener Rd., 6292-4351).

Outback Excel 200
A mobile gas grill, this unit has some sturdy wheels at the base—that allow you to roll it outside over grass and gravel—so it’s great for park or garden barbecues. We also like that there are two powerful burners, and two spacious side shelves, which are chrome-coated and resistant to rusting (real important in our tropical climate).
$588 from Outback BBQ

Smeg BBQ Range
This top of the line gas grill has five different burners and 90cm of cooking space, so it’s ideal for a big party. There’s also a 400˚C thermostat so you can cook your meal to exacting temperatures. For klutzes, the heat-insulating hood (which never gets too hot) is a godsend—you’ll avoid any nasty burns.    
Available from Oct from APS Lifestyle Gallery


Check out our Q&A with Nazrie Jaafar from Carnivore Appetite for a pro's tips for barbecuing!

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