Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Peppy Peppina
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 07/11/2014
» These days in Bangkok, it's not just about choosing simply "pizza" for dinner, but what style of pizza you'd prefer. It's a good problem, after all, but we'll have to get used to such discernment. In the latest contender in the pizza race, the team behind Appia has delivered Peppina, a bustling mid-Sukhumvit spread that has somehow become everything from a Sunday evening pizzeria to a Friday night hot spot. It has only been open a few months and it's already full, all the time, so book in advance — something else that will need getting used to in this city. The kitchen dominates the warehouse-style room to good effect, involving you right in the action among the countless food and floor staff buzzing about the place. It's great for big groups (definitely book), and during our early sitting we were flanked by two tables of at least 10, who were easily accommodated. Nooks in the back section (under the stylish wall tiles that spell "Peppina") offer more intimacy for smaller groups. Overall, there's room for 80 or so.
More is more
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 19/09/2014
» Nestled at the front of Groove upstairs, this hunting lodge-themed restaurant is starting to garner plenty of attention in the area with some pretty stiff eating competition. To pull off the concept, they have gone all out with the decor to good effect, which is fun enough to dispel the mall feel that other venues in the precinct suffer from. It’s easily located by the iconic grizzly bear that towers over the entrance, instantly confirming the hunting tendencies of the place. The expansive premises has enough room for about 80 diners inside, which can stretch to over 100 with the outdoor area. Hang up your rifle on entry as you slink onto a bar stool after a solid morning’s hunting. The crowd is a steady stream of cool kids that all seem to know each other — friends of friends of friends, etc — Bangkok-style.
Scando stylings
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 12/10/2014
» Cast aside any thoughts of amicable mass murderers when considering this bright new all-day venue in Sathon. Set in a cosy square space on an accessible soi, the style is a mishmash of cafes and restaurants you could find in any global city of style, particularly Copenhagen where the main partner spent her formative years. There are plenty of details for the aesthetics crowd to enjoy (courtesy of the other main partner) including high and low timber tables, recycled timber, a signature wall of light-bulbed letters and some arrangements that cater well to groups (book those early, particularly on weekends). The crowd is a 50-50 split between local and farang, with a stream of homesick Scandinavians getting their Euro fix. It’s good for a coffee, meal, drink, or more. There’s room for about 40 comfortably, and two narrow smoking perches outside.
Gate crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 31/10/2014
» Welcome to Guru’s Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
Down on the corner
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 18/07/2014
» With a modest name and unassuming digs, The Corner defies any expectations you may have for a local Euro kitchen in an off-beat neighbourhood. On-hand owners Cédric Cador and Panticha Gunnut don’t make much of a fuss either, letting the menu and easy atmosphere speak for themselves. The place is positioned in a soi on the up, located between the burgeoning Suan Phlu area and Rama IV — just far enough away from Sukhumvit to be interesting. A smart renovation in August saw the space split into a breezy outdoor section at the front (16 seats) and a more protected indoor A/C area (20 seats) behind. The crowd is mostly local residents and walk-in tourists, with plenty of Frenchies in the mix who trickle down from the Euro-tinged enclaves of Yenakart and Nang Linchi. But the hosts would welcome anyone, it seems, judging by the refreshing mix of regulars, accessible menu and inviting prices.
Bon vivant bliss
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 11/04/2014
» It seems that every sub-soi of Ekamai holds some kind of treasure these days, whether it be a craft beer sanctuary, a coffee bean roaster or a gallery space. The area seems to have taken up the mantle that Ari has hinted at for years but arguably never delivered on. Nestled down the quiet Soi 2 (right next to Toot Yung Art Center), Vivant Table is the latest off-map neighbourhood restaurant to charm local residents. It’s based on the proportions of a double shophouse, with a long leather sprung sofa along the near wall and a small wine bar area at the back. Comfy couches, mood lighting and segregated areas complete the cosy mise-en-scene. For a more intimate setting, couches upstairs offer two cosy tables of four diners each and there’s a decent-sized patio and smoking area with seating for another 16 or so.
Style for jam
Richard Mcleish, Published on 07/02/2014
» As Bangkokians become willing to brave unknown postcodes, new boroughs are emerging across the city from Sathon to Samsen. The latest spot to reach beyond the BTS is Never Ending Summer, landing firmly on the muddy banks of Thon Buri. And the reach is rewarded with extra space, charm and niche. From old warehouses (medicine, ice and battery factories), architect Duangrit Bunnag has fashioned The Jam Factory - the new home of his design office, a gallery, bookstore and Never Ending Summer - in an enclave of style for all the senses. An old ice factory, the restaurant affords 16 tables easily (70+ pax), all with a view of the open kitchen at the back and trimmed with industrial specks from decades past, artworks and rustic fittings. The result is a deep-pocketed architect's romp in a new restaurant motif for the city that seems ready for it and more.
Delectable Mess
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/06/2013
» Thong Lor is typically an area of neatness. Footpaths, hair curls, poodle coats - all perfectly groomed in the well-heeled part of town. But one creative cluster is breaking rank, going against the grain and messing things up at Opposite Mess Hall.
Quench and mince
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 19/10/2012
» More than merely a venue to both quench your appetite and mince around at, Quince is offering some welcomed new pages in the city's recipe book, creating a fuss by doing just the opposite - keeping things simple. It's named after the perishable fruit that needs care and attention, highlighting the kitchen's commitment to freshness and quality that also extends beyond the evolving menu. And there's no foam, fluff or favour to be found.
Charm of the Siam
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/09/2012
» The audacity! Opening a hotel with such a grand name as The Siam seems awfully ambitious, we thought. It reminds us of the 80s band Europe, the group named for a continent that delivered a lot less than their title promised. Why didn't they just call the hotel "The Bomb" and be done with it?