Showing 31 - 40 of 212
Med spread at Moko
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 07/05/2014
» Located in one of the burgeoning leafy sois of mid-Sathon, Moko Coffee & Eatery is a recent addition to the daytime dining scene of the city. It’s located just round the corner from some fair competition in Rocket, the Swedish-tinged brunch juggernaut. But at Moko the trajectory is of a different Euro-flavour, with an unashamed Mediterranean bent, executed with panache and poise. Modelled on (multi) shophouse proportions, the interior is an airy open-plan room of blacks and whites with plenty of natural light and an easy ambience to welcome you in off the street. The soft jazz sets the tone right, and you can almost feel the heat and bustle outside slipping away as you dip your croissant in your coffee. The crowd is a mix of Europeans trying to feel closer to home and well-heeled local residents that know their latte from their larb.
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 25/04/2014
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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?
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 04/04/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 28/03/2014
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The big banger theory
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/03/2014
» Off the back of the recent Bangkok burger revolution comes the hot dog race. Although the latest player Bangers will no doubt produce some pretty interesting results in a Google search, the new outlet is simple enough and does what it says on the tin. It’s the second incarnation of the space, first imagined as the pretty forgettable Print Bar by David Stanton, formerly of the hotel F&B scene. This time round, he’s a little wiser and has joined forces with Chris Foo of Brew fame, to tackle the big banger theory. The result? A niche hot dog and beer outlet smack bang in the middle of Thong Lor. What’s not to like? Inside, the decor and poky interior hasn’t changed enough just yet to lure people off the street for a sit-down meal (although there’s room for 30), but the menu certainly will fuel plenty of night-time punters, particularly if the place can cheekily manage to stay open after all the nearby bars close.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/03/2014
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