Showing 51 - 60 of 322
Teriyaki treats
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 23/05/2014
» In another good sign for the city’s maturing palate, regional variations are starting to grip. Japan is fiercely regional, after all, so to lump the bulky and noodle-lined okonomiyaki from Hiroshima with its Osakan or Okinawan counterparts, for example, would be a culinary crime. The latest instalment to widen our Japanese knowledge is Teriyaki Bar Kelly’s, a curious resto perched on a slightly mysterious empty block in the convenient pre-Thong Lor area. It feels like Beat Takeshi has walked into Bob’s Country Bunker in this competitor to the retro-rustic Imoya izakaya fave. Eclectic music selections and mis-matched light fittings complete the kooky urban barnyard mise-en-scene. Luckily it ducks the tired Sushi bar trend that has saturated Thong Lor, instead opting for a hybrid style of service with a distinct Nagoya bent. This is the second strong Nagoya representation of late following the cosy Hanakaruta sake den in Sukhumvit Soi 39. Most nighttime visitors to the soi don’t get much further than WTF or Opposite, but venture a little further in to find Kelly’s on the right. It seems that housewives take the early shift and salarymen later, true to cultural form. Inside, the timber and mish-mashed light fittings add to the charm and cosiness with space for around 35 diners.
Gate Crasher
Life, Richard Mcleish, Published on 23/05/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 02/05/2014
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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.
Book launch
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 09/05/2014
» MARKET: There will be another Noise Market over the weekend (May 10-11). Slightly strange timing since it has started raining, but the show will go on. They’re promising an “Indie Craft Fair, Art, DIY, Workshop, Street Music Festival”, and there will be this and plenty more, judging from the last one which went down well. There are 40 bands on the line up to lay the soundtrack over the market, which has 40 official sellers. Venue is Museum Siam (4 Sanam Chai Road, fb.com/museumsiamfan), with a start time of 2pm. Free entry.
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 28/03/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 04/04/2014
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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 11/04/2014
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