Showing 61 - 70 of 322
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.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 18/04/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 25/04/2014
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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.
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.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 28/02/2014
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Down by the river
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 28/02/2014
» So it turns out that Bangkok does have some old warehouses to convert into cool stuff. The latest is Sheepshank Public House, fashioned out of an old shipbuilding yard right on the river at Phra Athit (just a stone’s throw from Khao San). For the conversion, they’ve tacked on a new river-facing facade in the theme of the old factory with pretty good results. Inside, the slender-but-lofty room adorned with industrial light fittings, exposed bricks and some old machinery is space for around 30 pax, who can enjoy the river and sunset views. It’s intimate while being spacious enough, with just enough rustic authenticity to work.
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 07/03/2014
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Comfort kitsch in Ari
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 14/03/2014
» Don’t be fooled by the name; Barka luckily isn’t a dedicated dog restaurant and bar, although that might be easier to find. It’s out the back of the skinny Aran Bicicletta bike cafe, so pass through into the courtyard behind. It’s a slightly quirky space inhabited by a newly formed F&B trio for the occasion. The outside part has three moveable tables that pack with students during the day fuelling up on coffee from the adjoining cafe. By nightfall, the leafed area (similar to RMA Institute) takes on a new guise as a more romantic foodie cul-de-sac. The bar proper and micro kitchen adjoins at the back right, inside which is housed three more smaller tables and a bar, with soundproofing on the walls like a recording studio and a vicious-looking axe propped in the corner. It totals enough room for 16 outside (better for groups) and 12 in (better for a date), and weekends are starting to see these numbers. The young owners from different backgrounds bring their corresponding style-savvy circles to the table(s).
Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 14/03/2014
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