Showing 1 - 10 of 35
All the right elements
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 12/09/2014
» The peaceful/vanilla/unlively neighbourhood of Lang Suan enjoys an abundance of eateries; from local favourites offering traditional Thai dishes to the more exotic progressive Indian cuisine of Gaggan. And now, with more community malls popping up, residents and office workers are spoilt for choice. What’s missing from this friendly part of town that’s just a stone’s throw away from Central Chidlom and Central Embassy, however, is a decent brunch place - which is exactly what Stonehouse is. The brainchild(ren) behind this all-day dining eatery are three friends who are mining engineers (hence the name Stonehouse) that wanted to set up a casual hangout spot where diners can relax and find delicious treats from breakfast through to dinner. Unlike most industrial interiors we’ve seen, this one has gone a step further and constructed a beautiful backdrop of mineral stones dug straight from the mines they work at. There’s an outdoor patio perfect for after work chill out sessions with live bands from Thursday to Saturday.
Souper bowl
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 03/10/2014
» The combination of thick, warm, aromatic broth with slippery noodles puts ramen on the top of any foodie's list. But with countless venues offering ramen, everybody seems to already have their go-to place, whether it be the infamous Bankara Ramen on Sukhumvit Soi 39 or the one for the masses, Hachiban Ramen. Although set inside a glitzy mall, Ippudo's prices are very reasonable (especially compared to some of the restaurants on the fifth floor that are likely to leave a hole in your pocket). Opting for a casual and fun vibe, the decor is simple and modern, with an open kitchen where you can watch the ramen masters cook up a storm, exchange loud greetings and interact with customers. Ippudo has more than 120 branches across the world, but the quality and standard of service here makes you forget that you're dining in a chain restaurant.
The campaigns
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 03/10/2014
» Recently, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued a 23-page policy statement on how he intends to get this country back on its feet. Of course, we’re not one to criticise his foolproof plans, nor suggest that he should come up with another song, this time collaborating with popular artists like Thaitanium or Joey Boy to keep the young’uns from switching radio stations every time the tune comes on. Instead, Guru enlists the help of aspiring change-makers from different industries to come up with their own political campaigns of what improvements they’d like to see, what laws should be implemented and even the lyrics to their own songs; so if the present and future PMs ever run out of ideas, they’ll know where to look.
A Parisian affair
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 10/10/2014
» If you've seen the movie Hugo, there's really not much need to explain the concept and ideas behind the restaurant. But for those who haven't watched the touching adventure drama set in the 1930s about an orphaned boy who lives behind the walls of a train station in Paris, listen up. Upon entering, guests are greeted with the uplifting sound of jazz music and dim lighting that accentuates the careful detailing of the restaurant's industrial decor. The casual, funky vibe and sound of bartenders shaking away their fancy cocktail concoctions add to the restaurant's eclectic charm. You can almost feel the cool Parisian breeze if you sit in the right spot with the air-con blowing in your face and forget that you're in Ekamai for a little while.
(Deep) Fried and tested
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 24/10/2014
» <b>THE SET-UP:</b> Unlike their loud and overbearing neighbour Carl's Jr., Mono+Mono quietly squeezes itself in the middle of two restaurants with a maximum capacity of only 24 diners. Think New York loft-style cafe with high ceilings and hints of industrial decor here and there. Opting for the middle ground between a fast-food joint and restaurant, diners have to order at the counter but the food is served at your table. With only one or two staff around, service can be slow during busy hours (possibly on purpose to make customers work up their appetite) but the advantage of being able to park in a shaded car park is definitely a bonus. Diners include students, residents and office workers who are based around the area.
Truth be told
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 21/11/2014
» As Thailand prepares for yet another crackdown, it’s the false adverts this time that are on the chopping block. We’re proud supporters of the big clean-up regime — especially this one that involves the removal of (not so) little white lies that assume we’re all idiots and want ridiculous products like an armpit whitener.
Rolls, roes & rice bowls
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/12/2014
» You may have heard of the name Mugendai and its frequent association with being the Japanese restaurant that tears your wallet apart. Muteki, on the other hand, is like the newborn son of Mugendai — he’s younger and relatively cheaper. Situated on Sathon Road, the restaurant naturally attracts businesspeople and office workers within the area. Since we’re talking about the CBD/financial district here, it comes as no surprise that you won’t find basic ramen or prawn tempura as you would a couple of roads down in Silom. The casual-like cafe setting is less intimidating than its Thong Lor counterpart. But of course the standard here is still set high with opulence emanating from the plush interior and the long marble counters where the sushi masters prepare your meal.
French frills and thrills
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 16/01/2015
» The current trend of importing international chefs to Bangkok is proving to be a big hit. Foodies here are surely thankful that they no longer have to travel to Singapore or Hong Kong for a taste of the Michelin star experience. Henk Savelberg, the Dutch superstar chef, has chosen an interesting (if not convenient) location for his restaurant – right next to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands where multi-coloured EU cows can be seen grazing on the front lawn. If that doesn’t make him feel at home, we don’t know what will. Opting for light grey tablecloths, modern hanging lights and large window panes, Savelberg offers a sense of casual comfort that is neither intimidating nor uptight. Regular diners include guests from the hotel, expats and high rollers whose list of favourite things include caviar and imported chicken.
Haute cuisine, hotter views
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 30/01/2015
» One of the most anticipated dining spots to open in Bangkok, Vogue Lounge is already making a name for itself. A sense of exclusivity oozes wall to wall, and the classic tricolour scheme of black, white and gold emits an air of “je ne sais quoi” that makes you question whether you’re stylish enough for a table. During the day, large windows give reign to daylight, making the lounge an appropriate place for a business lunch. But as night falls, resident DJs and mixologists reset the mood with fancy cocktails and deep house music, partnered effortlessly with tapas-sized dishes created by chef Vincent Thierry. The outdoor area, reminiscent of a swanky New York City rooftop bar, provides diners with cool breezes year-round (air-conditioners help out during the hotter months). Diners include expats, businesspeople and stylish foodies looking for haute cuisine with a killer view.
Mouth-watering Mediterranean
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 13/03/2015
» Mediterranean food often causes Bangkokians to rub their ears and raise their eyebrows in total confusion. Like any other cuisine, understanding its geographical origin is key, and several countries — Greece, Spain, Turkey, Italy, France — have coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea. With an increasing number of restaurants in Bangkok willing to venture beyond steaks and pizzas, our palates are beginning to expand, meaning there's no time like the present for a Mediterranean restaurant like Garibaldis to open in the heart of the city. With a spacious indoor and outdoor dining area, an open kitchen and a huge bar, the venue is perfect for a casual lunch. As night falls, the place buzzes with good vibes and funky jams. Who knows, you just might feel obligated to do a little salsa dancing (under the table with your feet). Free parking is provided — a huge bonus for anyone dreading the short stroll from Asok BTS station.