Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Sets to impress
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 26/09/2014
» And Bo.lan has a new home. The dynamic culinary duo behind the original incarnation over on Sukhumvit Soi 26, Duangporn "Bo" Songvisava and Dylan Jones, have transplanted themselves to Soi 53 and spread out into a more spacious (and stylish) premises not far from the Thong Lor BTS. While they had plenty of renovations to do, Dylan assures us, it seems the place has been there for decades with an already settled feel. Again, it's a house set among a well-kept garden — this time with a pool — that colour the main view and light source of the moodily-lit house. It seems they are enjoying the bigger space, particularly in the kitchen apparently, again creating a transporting effect through the portal driveway entrance to the secluded surrounds. There's enough room for 60 diners (80 at a push), with two private rooms available. They are pushing the environmental aspects of the place, (which is still largely overlooked in this city of appearances), reducing waste, installing LED lights and recycling organic matter and grey water. They are also moving towards being carbon-zero and hope to achieve this by 2018, which by then the city should have a better handle on such issues (and the real definition of words such as "farmer's" and "organic"). During our mid-week afternoon sitting, many local Thong Lor ladies were lunching with their well-dressed mums, but things get decidedly more moody in the evenings with all the mood lighting and timber, and the crowd morphs accordingly. Tunes sound like reminiscent of a molam Paradise Bangkok party, right in line with the other sensory stimulus.
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 21/03/2014
» Welcome to Guru’s Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
Three times a lady
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/02/2014
» Continuing the move southside, Lady Brett is the latest in a slew of new venues luring punters to fresher pastures of the city. Positioned right next door to popular brunch haunt Rocket, her stylish appearance and demeanour confirm she indeed has the same team in support. She’s as upwardly mobile as her namesake character from Hemingway novel The Sun Also Rises and the 1920s New York tavern interior is the perfect mise-en-scene for such a lady to cast her discerning social eye over. It’s cavernous, with plenty of natural timbers and only a small window at the front to seal in the atmosphere. With seating enough for 35 diners, it’s boisterous and intimate at the same time, with the tables for two nestled cosily near each other without being intrusive.
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.
Kitchen Comforts
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 22/03/2013
» What does W stand for? Branding, it seems. The W Hotel opened its doors in December to much fanfare, with Starwood going for it in terms of hype and cool. It was always going to be interesting to see the food and beverage slant in the place. And The Kitchen Table is a surprise package that somehow holds it all together and keeps things real for the hotel on the verge of eating itself. While downstairs they are trying to woo you at the subtlely named WooBar, upstairs is a more homey affair, where you are invited to sit up at the Kitchen Table for some relatively straightforward comfort offerings.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 22/06/2012
» Welcome to Guru's Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.
A Crib Apart
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 08/06/2012
» Mon dieu! Is there any more room for another French eatery in Bangkok? When it rains, it pours in this city (in or out of the wet season), and the deluge of French kitchens has been a little overbearing of late, with the likes of 4 Garcons, Le Petit Zinc and Viu all jostling for attention. But a new venue on the Sukhumvit skyline has risen above the glut, bringing a pinpoint freshness and contemporary European feel to the city, bobo tendencies aside.
Mussels from brussels
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 20/04/2012
» A new heavy hitter representing Belgium has entered the city's competitive French culinary arena, and we're not talking about Jean-Claude Van Damme, the "Muscles from Brussels".
Home KITCHEN
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 23/03/2012
» What are the main ingredients of restaurant success in our fair capital? A romantic might say sugar and spice, while a cynic might suggest P and R. (For the slower readers, that spells PR.)