Showing 1 - 6 of 6
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.
Soap and spaghetti
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 20/06/2014
» What do soap and spaghetti have in common? Not a lot might be a fair answer, but actually it’s more than you may assume. The link between food and beauty products has come to the fore in Bangkok in venues such as the Karmakamet outlets. And the House of Lakshmi Mantra is the next to fall in line. Situated on a huge leafy block on a southern Sukhumvit soi, walking into Lakshmi Mantra is like entering the house of the crazy aunt you never had. It puts the itch back in kitsch, with the soapy aroma throughout the house definitely tweaking the nostrils. The quirkiness kicks off immediately with the soap and flower displays in every corner among the one-off items collected by the proud owner (one of the Supanniga partners). Take a seat at one of the mismatched tables, or, even better, head upstairs where there’s more space for bigger groups.
Tasty island treats
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 31/01/2014
» With a name that means island in Thai (in case you missed it), a big element here is, you guessed it, the tranquil and tropical surrounds that Samui is now world-famous for. Designed by the famous Bensley Design Studio, the restaurant and bar is perched high up at the deluxe resort so takes in all the villas and jungle right down to the beach and beyond. It's definitely distracting enough to abandon any monetary sensibilities for a meal. The deck is open-air, exposed to the elements to maximise the scenery, and the gentle breeze lets your big-city worries recede quickly into the background. Most people are too distracted by the view to notice the design of the structure with its natural timbers and black marble. The space is big enough for about 70 diners, mostly of which stay in the resort even though its open to outside visitors (tick).
Second time around
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 11/10/2013
» The second branch of aLL Six To Twelve follows the original in Lang Suan. It has a strong industrial feel with its bare concrete floor, zinc sheets, wooden beams, and rustic wall decorated with past issues of the Bangkok Post (extra points here). It feels like sitting in a stylish warehouse but also may come across as a bit raw for some. Expect Japanese and western expats as well as office workers here on weekdays.
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 27/04/2012
» Welcome to Guru's Gate Crasher, your ultimate guide to finding something fresh to do in this big city.