Showing 21 - 30 of 88
Heart and zoul
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 30/05/2014
» Just down the road from Soul Food, the still-packed Thong Lor staple, comes another spiritual culinary contender in Zoulviet. The name could easily have started with an “S” had it not been for the requisite visit to the fortune teller, who advised against it. It’s a little strange that Thailand’s neighbours are so underrepresented on the food scene, but Vietnamese gets a better showing than most and Zoulviet is the latest addition to the contemporary canon, serving Vietnamese staples in comfortable surrounds. The ensemble ownership have taken over the prime premises above popular date dessert spot After You on the corner of J Avenue. It’s a much better use of the space with enough room for around 30 pax inside and another 14 on the smoking-friendly balcony. Beyond the now-cliche industrial decor touches, a steely Vietnamese woman in uniform oversees the restaurant from the signature wall-mural artwork. You’d best finish your pho or she may disapprove. Military dictatorships aside, the mood is comfortable but with style, proving popular with the local Thais of the area, particularly during dinnertime and weekends when the place packs out.
Gate crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 23/05/2014
» Welcome to Guru’s Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
Gate Crasher
Life, Richard Mcleish, Published on 23/05/2014
» Welcome to Guru’s Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 16/05/2014
» Welcome to Guru’s Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
Hot dog!
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 09/05/2014
» THE SET-UP: With the pizza and burger scene of the city a little saturated, perhaps it was only a matter of time that the hot dog race began in earnest. After success at Nana BTS station, Superdog has opened a dine-in location in Thong Lor to up the dog stakes just round the corner from rival Bangers. The cosy space has enough room for about 12 diners, who probably won’t hang around too long to notice the gaudy decor and direct lighting. (It ain’t called fast food for nothing). But the visitors are probably there for one thing. The hand-made dogs come courtesy of James, a Californian who spent enough time in New York to develop a serious affinity with the dog. Spend 10 minutes with the guy and you’ll soon know he is serious about his product.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 25/04/2014
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Urban Isan barn
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 25/04/2014
» After an extended golden era of European dining in Bangkok, it seems that the city is ready to get back to doing what it should and does do best — be Thai. And a wave of new eateries are bringing authentic Thai cuisine back to Bangkok, in a modern setting and without the inflated Euro-centric price points. Opened in November, Z Cafe is a slick conversion of a shophouse into the obligatory industrial-chic interior complete with exposed brick wall sections, filament light bulbs and some handy use of plumbing in shelves. Downstairs houses enough room for around 30 diners that can look out onto the sub soi, which can get pretty colourful at night with the neighbouring entertainment venues of the area. Upstairs is a cosy space for another 30-35 diners — perfect for a private group(s), as was happening the night we visited. And the kitchen is on the third floor (sorry wait staff). The measured ambience is no fluke, however, as the place is associated with the Anna’s in Phuket and the Anna’s Cafe chain. The crowd is mainly Thai at this stage, with the area’s office workers embracing the Thai menu and the comfortable air-con interior. The cheesy pop soundtrack could do with a little refining, but with the mood set right, the rest is up to the kitchen.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 11/04/2014
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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.
Meet, meat and multi-task
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 04/04/2014
» For a single fixed address, 661 Silom seems to have a few things on its mind. Gruesomeness of the “Meet and Meat” moniker aside, can it succeed at being a gastro bar and a steakhouse as well as a branded champagne lounge all at the same time? We were sceptical following such branding adventures as The Bar & The Restaurant and more recently (and closer to home) Le Bar by Le Beaulieu (same owners). But 661 Silom aims for a shelf a little higher, if this city is willing to reach that high. (Perhaps ask Ku De Ta?) This reincarnation of jazz bar Niu’s on Silom features enough room for 50 bar flies in the slightly confused split-space downstairs (Meet), which features an outdoor bar area that looks onto the leafy courtyard of the Baan Silom complex. Near the entrance and stairs, the Dom Perignon signature lounge seems doomed to lie eternally empty. Luckily the restaurant (Meat) upstairs is more moody and welcoming. It looks out over the trees and is subtly lit and decorated with cowhides to remind you why you’re there. The purse of the project comes courtesy of the team behind French fine-dining stalwart Le Beaulieu (Top Tables #1 in 2014), but are restaurants still simply about deep pockets and reputation?