Where to eat, where to stay, and what to see this September 2020.

EAT

Rice and Shine!

An impressive fusion of classically-trained culinary prowess and authentic South East Asian flavours, Journey by Chef Enoch is a restaurant that’s both novel in its intent and exciting in its delivery. Nestled within the THA City Loft Hotel in Ekamai Soi 6, the dishes served take inspiration from celebrated Chef Enoch Teo’s culinary roots; from his humble beginnings in Singapore, to his wide-range of experiences working in French, Michelin-starred restaurants. Through his cooking, Chef Enoch successfully channels the excitement of modern Asian flavours. Available for dine-in and takeaway, tuck into dishes like tender Beef cheek rendang (THB 128) served atop rice, or the Char siu rice bowl (THB 178), where pork jowl is sous-vide for 72 hours before being coated with a Hong Kong-style sauce, without making a dent in your wallet! Facebook: @Journey.By.Chef.Enoch

All The Right Notes

With an enticingly refined philosophy towards fine-dining, Cadence by Dan Bark has turned more than a few heads amongst Bangkok’s foodie community. An exciting new venture from Chef Dan Bark of Upstairs at Mikkeller fame, this sophisticated restaurant is nestled within an airy townhouse in Sukhumvit Soi 71 complete with sleek and modern décor that emphasises flow and sensory satisfaction. The experience is structured around a single, very personal 15-course Cadence set menu (THB 4,300) that draws inspiration from Chef Dan’s complex culinary journey and unparalleled expertise. The meal begins with a complimentary glass of Champagne as a welcome before moving onto a cultivated array of dishes, like Ocean that combines flavours of oyster and salmon for a refreshing bite and Land, a sumptuous plate of foie gras, bacon jam, and crème caramel. Elevate the experience with their expertly curated wine or cocktail pairings.
www.cadence-danbark.com

Explore the Pasta-bilities!

The former owner of Sfi zio has launched Mediterra Bangkok, a brand-new Italian restaurant in the heart of Asok. Despite its central location, the cosy two-storey establishment is a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, and boasts pristine white walkways, wicker furniture, and Mediterranean-inspired art that will transport you straight to the Italian Riviera. To ensure authenticity in its cuisine, former head chef of Il Fumo, Walter D’Ambrosio, celebrates the culture of Southern Italy with his handmade pasta (crafted using imported semolina) and gourmet pizza, as well as classic dishes such as Mussels in fresh tomato and white wine sauce (THB 380) and Gnello (THB 890), a grilled New Zealand lamb rack with a pistachio crust, served with caponata, potatoes and a rich lamb jus. Facebook: @mediterrabkk

It’s A Wrap

An ideal opening in the era of social distancing, Chef Colin Stevens has launched a takeaway restaurant called Tortilla Quemada. A familiar name in Bangkok’s F&B circuit thanks to Ash Kickers Brisket & Bourbon, Chef Colin is now dishing up Mexican comfort food from his new no-fuss and no-frills eatery on the corner of Asok. A welcome breath of fresh air if you’re looking for affordable food, the eatery has an array of hot, flavourful dishes on the menu that are crafted using freshly made corn tortillas and queso fresco. Their meats also set them apart, going beyond just the grilled chicken variety to include carne asada, carne tinga, pork chorizo, pork carnitas, chicken chipotle, lamb barbacoa, and more! Not to mention, a selection of Mexican chillies, spices, and masa harina that are imported for an added touch of authenticity, and they offer a whopping 10 homemade salsas you can choose from. Facebook: @tortillaquemadabkk

Good Thymes

A (pet-friendly) garden escape in the middle of Bangkok’s business hub, Hide Park in Sathorn curates a picturesque lunch spot complete with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and wicker garden chairs that will make you reminisce Sundays spent under the sun, having a picnic in London’s sprawling Hyde Park. When it comes to food, this hidden treasure doesn’t disappoint in keeping with the picnic theme, offering an all-day breakfast menu of options like Egg in the Park (THB 300), where a poached egg is topped with hollandaise sauce and served alongside sautéed mushrooms and red spinach. For heartier mains, opt for the wood-fired Margherita (THB 250) or Australian wagyu patties (THB 380) before ending on a sweet note with their Crème brulee (THB 220). Upgrade your brunch to ‘drunch’ with a signature cocktail of your choice from their wine list (starting at THB 280 per glass). Facebook: @hidepark.bangkok

Eggcellent!

Babyccino, a cosy new spot in Ekamai with clerestory windows that overlook lush gardens, should be on your list as a contender for your next Sunday brunch. In addition to their relaxed, homey atmosphere, Babyccino doles out a wide array of options for breakfast and brunch like their Breakfast brioche (THB 350), consisting of smashed avocado and sausage in a homemade brioche bun, Maple bacon French toast (THB 350), and the classic Eggs benedict (THB 330). Just as delicious, the lunch specials offer a balance of meaty and vegetarian dishes, like the Miso-glazed cauliflower and kale (THB 350) and Salmon with pesto rice and pickled chillies (THB 450). For those looking to grab a cuppa, Babyccino is perfect for  café-hoppers thanks to their specialty coffee menu, which ranges from the basic Americano (THB 130) to their name-sake Babyccino (espresso with sweet milk and cinnamon; THB 190) so you can sip whilst taking in their ‘grammable interior. Facebook: @babyccinobkk 

That’s Crafty

For fans of craft beer, the team behind Mitr Craft, recognised as Thailand’s first legal craft beer brewery, have opened up a brand new brewery-cum-bar in Nonthaburi called the Mitr Samphan Brewery. As the country’s first on-site micro-brewery, the opening night earlier this month saw an impressive turnout as plenty of beer aficionados abandoned their usual Sukhumvit-based drinking holes to tour the institution, sample their unique beers on taps, and listen to craft beer legend WIchit Saiklao (lovingly known as chit from Chit Beer) and his team discuss the ins and outs of Thailand’s craft scene. In addition to booze, the brewery also pairs up with different food trucks so you can casually nibble while you sit and sip. A word to the wise, the brewery has no parking and since we’re big advocates against drinking and driving, it’s recommended to take a cab! Facebook: @mitrcraft 

Born to Rum

Just when you thought Bangkok’s bar scene was diverse enough, PIN31, a cocktail bar-cum-art gallery just amped up the game. Taking ‘bar scene’ to a whole new level, the cutting-edge establishment playfully fuses technology, art, and cocktails to elevate your drinking experience. Featuring a glamorous lounge area equipped with projection mapping, customers can expect to embark on a virtual tour that complements their drink of choice. Not only are the visuals striking enough to transport you to any destination, the equally creative cocktails, like the sparkling-wine-based Honey and elderflower (THB 380), are guaranteed to give your go-to hotel rooftops a run for their money. And if these reasons aren’t convincing enough, the space can also be adapted for private events and functions as an art gallery that supports local artists. Facebook: @PIN31.BK

The New World

Paradise Lost is a neo-tropical cocktail bar located on the 25th floor of Siam@Siam Design Hotel that imagines a future where the world is rebuilding after an environmental catastrophe. Boasting circular booths framed by potted plants and pastel shades of pink and yellow, the bar’s vibe is reminiscent of the snazzy 1960s. However, even more eclectic than the décor is the menu, which has been divided into sections like ‘Don’t Panic’ and ‘Chance of Survival,’ and boasts innovative cocktails like Bright Idea (THB 400) that upgrades a traditional martini with a special gin blend, Mancino Secco Vermouth, and mango bitters. Wine, spirits, and draft beer are also on offer, like the Island Hopper Lager (THB 250) and Biggie Juice IPA (THB 300). For bites, (fittingly named ‘Sustenance’ on the menu) order mix-and-match cheese and charcuterie (starting at THB 500) or dishes like Sea urchin x lobster sandwich (THB 580) and Porchetta of pork (THB 690) served with asparagus, black truffle, and a red wine tamarind gastrique. www.siamatsiam.com

You Better Work!

Legendary drag superstar, Pangina Heals (also known as Pan Pan Narkprasert), has unveiled the House of Heals near Victory Monument. Touted as the city’s ultimate drag show bar, this all-inclusive night-time spot is all about fostering a fabulous time for all who decide to visit. If you’re interested, keep an eye out for the giant pink stiletto that guards the bar’s entrance. Inside, a stage sits in the middle of the room framed by fun carnival-inspired décor. Despite its recent opening, the bar has become immensely popular, especially among fans of Pagina (who rose to fame as the vivacious host of Drag Race Thailand) so booking a table in advance isnecessary. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot, expect the unexpected as some of Thailand’s biggest names in drag regularly perform alongside talented musicians and local DJs. Order a signature cocktail or two, like Pangina’s Kiss for some added glitz (THB 390). Facebook: @houseofheals

STAY

Flair-Up

Stylish luxury property Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok has finally opened its doors. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Lumphini Park, the hotel blends contemporary, artistically-oriented design with first-class amenities. In addition to 362 comfortable accommodations ranging from guestrooms to suites with private balconies, the hotel features a wide range of enticingly original eateries and bars, including Bar.Yard, a rooftop bar that literally heightens the laidback vibes of a backyard barbecue; and Craft, the ultimate chill-out spot, offering both craft beer and locally sourced, boutique coffee. The hotel’s other outlets, including their cocktail lounge Ms.Jigger and ‘grocerant’ (grocery meets restaurant), the Stock.Room, are set to open in the coming months. After you’ve had your fill of refreshments, Kimpton Maa-Lai’s luxury spa Amaranth by HARNN will see your mind, body, and spirit rejuvenated. www.kimptonmaalaibangkok.com

Comfort Zone

Sink into a new level of comfort at the luxuriously refined Sindhorn Kempinski, a new hotel nestled in the Sindhorn Village, an extension of Bangkok’s iconic Lumphini Park. A brand-new take on the luxury hotel experience, the Sindhorn Kempinski’s opulence is reflected in the hotel’s myriad restaurants and lounges, including Flourish, an open-kitchen, garden-view restaurant specialising in fine European, Asian, and Middle-Eastern fare; Flow, a gourmet showcase of fresh, organic produce, cooked to perfection by expert wellness chefs; and Firefly Bar, a sophisticated cocktail lounge that connects to the exclusive La Casa del Habano, a veritable library of specially curated whiskeys and Cuban cigars. In addition to five-star cuisine, the Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, a serene wellness centre featuring a spa and a two-floor, boutique fitness facility, is set to become one of the most luxurious health sanctuaries in the city.
www.kempinski.com/en/bangkok/sindhorn-hotel/

SEE

Brush it Off

Exciting news for art fans! An exhibition of 128 original works and memorabilia by famed pop artist Andy Warhol is being showcased at the RCB Galleria inside River City Bangkok. Taken from the private collection of Gianfranco Rosini, the exhibition provides a rare opportunity to view pieces by Warhol up close without having to travel to various galleries abroad. The exhibition itself is split into four categories for easy navigation: self-portraits and photos; celebrity portraits; magazine and album covers; and silk-screen prints that have become some of the most iconic pieces of art in history. The exhibition will be running for a few months so you have more than enough time to book your tickets, which start at THB 300 per adult for early bird prices on the gallery’s website. www.rivercitybangkok.com