Showing 61 - 70 of 322
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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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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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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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 25/04/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/03/2014
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Gate Crasher
Guru, Richard Mcleish, Published on 21/02/2014
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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.