From a new heritage quarter to a new movie-themed park!
Aiden Jewelle Gonzales keeps you current.
EAT & DRINK
LAVA Asian Bar & Bistro (pictured above)
Another exciting entrant into Thong Lo’s bustling nightlife scene, LAVA Asian Bar & Bistro is serving up innovative and delicious Asian dishes in a unique bar-cum-club setting. Don’t miss out on their signature bites, such as their Asian sliders (THB 260 for chicken; THB 320 for beef), Truffle omurice (THB 490), and Crispy uni “nigiri” (THB 1,290); or any of their meats and seafood, flame-grilled with coconut husks for extra flavour. They also have a range of vegetarian dishes, and regularly rotating specials. For those looking for the full Thong Lo night-out experience, they have an array of innovative signature cocktails, such as their Red lips (THB 320), a dark but fruity concoction comprised of Absolut vodka, dark chocolate cream, watermelon, pomegranate, strawberries, and egg whites; or, for the true party connoisseurs, they also have pitchers to share. The space also takes bookings for private events, from birthday parties to corporate groups. www.lavabangkok.com
Acqua Ristorante
Tucked into the ritzy Soi Somkid in Ploenchit, Acqua Ristorante’s Bangkok branch has finally opened its doors, after the original restaurant’s 13 years of resounding success in Phuket. Owned by Chef Alessandro Frau, this iteration features a more upscale design and plenty of space that can seat up to 60 guests, and is housed in a luxe, villa-style building surrounded by lush verdure. A high-end culinary experience where just their signature Sous vide cooked octopus salad can set you back THB 650, expect sumptuous furnishings, flowing lines, and premium finishes as you walk in, as well as fresh, imported ingredients and a menu replete with Sardinian favourites. Don’t miss out on any of their risottos, made with aged Carnaroli rice that was produced in Vercelli by the Rondolino family since 1935. www.acquarestaurantbangkok.com
Maison Dunand and Alpea
Two-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier, of Le Normandie fame, is bringing his classical French expertise to his new venture, Maison Dunand, which offers a menu that takes you on a “delicious adventure” based on the chef’s culinary travels, while staying true to his roots in the French Alps and Brittany. Located on Sathorn Soi 10, the venue is, true to its name, a two-storey, rustic-chic rendition of a European chalet, with wooden frames, stone walls, and end-to-end windows and skylights that allow sunlight to spill in. Their tasting menu starts at THB 4,800 and features Alpine French specialities such as blue lobster with celeriac and blueberry; with wine pairing options. Chef Arnaud is also opening Alpea, housed in the same venue, which will feature authentic and historical cuisine from the Mediterranean and Swiss region. In the meantime, it is currently a grocery shop and bar selling high-quality produce from Savoie, plus cold cuts, cheeses, and wines. https://maisondunand.com
Jardin Du Boeuf
Haoma’s beloved Chef Deepanker ‘DK’ Khosla has opened a steakhouse in Ratchadaphisek Road, with an ethos that revolves around taste, sustainability, and humane treatment. Their focus is on exceptional beef that is nutrient-rich, grass-fed, and pasture-raised; and delicious, sustainable, and ethically-sourced seafood. More than just surf-and-turf dishes, however, they have a comprehensive, all-day-dining menu that includes breakfast favourites such as Salmon eggs benedict (THB 280); a range of burgers, pastas, and pizzas; and small sharing plates. Vegetarians, worry not, as they also have an extensive selection of plant-based dishes for you to choose from. For the carnivores among us, however, the joint offers all the trappings of a modern French steak house, including prime cuts of aged, grass-fed Wagyu beef, and USDA prime rib. Facebook: @jardinduboeuf
Vilas
Recently opened on the 2nd floor of the swanky Mahanakhon Cube, Vilas takes inspiration from HM King Chulalongkorn’s journey to Europe in 1897, during which he introduced certain cooking traditions and ingredients found during his travels into Thai cuisine, via his own recipe book. Vilas follows suit by using new-world ingredients and cooking methods with ancient recipes, in order to breathe new life into traditional and beloved Thai dishes. A collaboration between Chef Prin Polsuk, from world-renowned Samrub Samrub Thai; and Chef Pepe Dasi, the restaurant aims to whisk you away into a whimsical and refined experience of Thai cuisine, and this can be seen in its clean, minimalist, yet luxe aesthetic. Their full, 12-course tasting menu, which brings together the best ingredients from Thailand, Japan, and Europe, costs THB 4,500++. https://vilasbangkok.com
Baan Phraya
Nestled inside The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, one of the city’s most legendary venues, Baan Phraya is a converted historical riverside home that has now opened its doors to the public to serve redefined, heritage Thai dishes. Formerly owned by Phraya Mahai Savanya and Khunying Loearn Mahai Savanya, an accomplished and revered couple during King Rama IX’s reign; the house is going back to its rich and storied roots, as a place for easy camaraderie and to feast on Thai delicacies. The restaurant, which was once the site of the hotel’s first-ever cooking school, is now under the deft hand of Chef Pom Phatchara, a young prodigy who is reviving long-forgotten Thai recipes with contemporary methods. For those who want to experience this redefined Thai culinary experience, their set dinner is priced at THB 3,500++, with an optional wine pairing available. mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/chao-phraya-river/fine-dining/restaurants/thai-cuisine/baan-phraya
The Story House
Landmark riverside boutique property, The Siam, has debuted The Story House, their latest F&B outlet. The concept consists of a series of five rooms, each with its own unique personality and function, but all falling under the design auspices of Bill Bensley and The Siam’s Founder and Creative Director, Krissada Sukosol Clapp. Featuring a maximalist design aesthetic with an Art Deco flair, expect layered patterns, textures, colours, and plenty of greenery, all drawing back to the hotel’s Siamese heritage; as well as delectable dishes replete with modern flavours and techniques, care of Chef Blair Mathieson, The Siam’s Opening Chef. Guests can explore a coffee shop, lounge, main dining space, and private dining rooms, each with their own vintage art and curios to discover. www.thesiamhotel.com/the-story-house/
Mezcal Bar
Lovers of agave and Mexican cuisine, head on over to Sathorn’s latest addition to its chic F&B scene, Mezcal Bar. An intimate space with dark, plush furnishings; arresting patterns; metallic finishes; and even cirque-du-soleil-esque performers on hoops above the bar; the joint offers modern Mexican fare and, of course, the best mezcal brands straight from Mexico. Enjoy their popping line-up of DJs across genres as you sip on any of their innovative, mezcal-based cocktails – we recommend their Instagrammable Gardenia fizz (THB 410) comprised of mezcal joven, passion fruit, and soda and heavy cream to create a fizz that almost, but not quite, spills over the rim of the glass. They also have a range of bar bites and mains to sample, ranging from the classic Guacamole and chips (THB 325) to their Lamb barbacoa (THB 1,250), tender, packed with flavour, and designed to be shared with someone. Instagram: @mezcal.bar
Farina Pasta Bar
Thai-Indian Chef Devika Sachdev has opened the self-proclaimed first-ever pasta bar in Bangkok, inside of the Interchange 21 Building in Bangkok. Focused on new, fresh, and authentic flavours, the charming space offers “fresh and affordable pasta, whenever and wherever you are.” Revolving primarily around a take-away model, the bar embraces all the pastabilities and customises their pasta to your dietary restrictions, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or hoping to load up on extra protein. Order from their quick bites spanning their unique and healthy Beetroot pesto (THB 145) with sautéed beetroot and whipped goat cheese, to their limited-time special Phong karee clam vongole (THB 180); or you have the option to build your own dish, with your choice of fresh pasta, protein, sauce, and extra sides. Instagram: @farinapastabar
STAY
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
A newly-opened property on the famed Ao Nang Beach, the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach is the perfect vacation spot for solo travellers, families, and groups alike. Ensconced within Krabi’s lush hillside, the property is within walking distance to the beach and is no more than a short drive from must-visit locations on Krabi such as the Khao Ngon Nak hiking trail and waterfalls; the picturesque Thale Waek white sand and limestone beach that appears during low tide; and the Namtok Ron Khlong Thom hot springs. The resort also features capacious, contemporary rooms fitted with all the amenities you need, a mountain-view swimming pool, a Kid’s Club, and their all-day dining Ra-Khang Thai Bistro & Bar which serves international and local favourites, so you can be sure that you have everything you need while on holiday in one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations. Facebook: @holidayinnkrabiaonang
VISIT
MUJI EmQuartier
Renowned Japanese home décor, furnishings, and lifestyle brand, MUJI, has opened its latest branch on the 2nd floor of Em Quartier’s Glass Quartier (Building B). An ode to minimalist living, MUJI offers everything one could need for a sustainable lifestyle and a clean, nature-inspired aesthetic – from refillable liquid detergents and soaps; to bamboo toothbrushes; organic products; and furnishings designed for comfort and practicality. Their newest branch sprawls across nearly the entire floor, and is the first location to debut their limited-edition MUJI Cotton My Bag collection. There’s also a MUJI Yourself zone, where you can personalise your purchased products with embroidery, stamps, and other arts-and-crafts materials, while their Coffee Corner offers an array of drinks, cakes, and healthy, affordable bento boxes, all costing only THB 99. Facebook: @muji.thailand
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
If you love thrills, movies, and especially a combination of both, make sure to add the newly-opened Columbia Pictures Aquaverse movie theme park and water park to your must-visit list. Located in Na Jomtien, just a short drive away from Pattaya City, the extensive property features a myriad of rides and attractions based on imminently-popular franchises such as Hotel Transylvania, Jumanji, and Ghostbusters. If you’re looking for more low-key thrills, enjoy their wave pool where you can float and watch your favourite Columbia Pictures films, their mini-golf course based on The Emoji Movie (2017), or their 335-metre lazy river surrounded by ‘foodimals’ from Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009). If you’re all about the stomach-dropping, knuckle-clutching rides, check out the Jumanji Zone or Ghostbusters Zone for roller coasters and water rides that are sure to make you scream, or their car race for more exciting adventures on the track. https://columbiapicturesaquaverse.com/
Terminal 21 Rama III
The Terminal 21 franchise is coming to the riverfront, with the opening of the expansive Terminal 21 Rama III mall. Housed in a beautiful building with a neo-classic architectural façade, the mall cost THB 5 billion to develop and is adjacent to the Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok. As expected, it brings its idiosyncratic designs based on world-class destinations to its interiors, from its tropical-inspired Caribbean Village; to its rustic, brick-lined English Village; bright and airy Italian Village; French Village replete with circus performers and a red-and-white pavilion; zen, Sakura-lined Japanese village; and San Francisco Village featuring the city’s iconic skyline. The mall also has hundreds of local and foreign brands, as well as a food court for visitors to tuck into. This iteration is the fourth Terminal 21 branch in Thailand, and is hoped that it will bring more development to the Rama III area. terminal21.co.th/rama3
Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter
A unique and immersive shopping experience in the heart of Rama 1, the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter brings the best of Thai heritage and high-end retail to what is sure to be Bangkok’s newest landmark. The quarter consists of a collection of Thai-style houses, each of which host a different experience. These consist of a retail store purveying the latest collection of their premium goods, from purses, to clothing, to home décor; The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles exhibition, showcasing a walk-through of their iconic textile collections over the years; The Man Himself Exhibition that, as the name suggests, follows the life and times of Jim Thompson; a Silk Café with indoor and outdoor seating that serves light bites and refreshing drinks; the four-storey Jim Thompson Art Centre that hopes to be a hub for all things creative in Bangkok, from workshops, to talks and exhibitions; and finally, the Jim Thompson House Museum housed in what was once Jim Thompson’s own residence, with a “wondrous display of antiques and art collections that would be considered any collector’s dream.” Facebook: @JimThompsonHeritageQuarter
Tops CLUB
Tops CLUB is opening behind CentralPlaza Rama 2, a retail concept similar to Costco Wholesale in the US, with a plethora of wholesale products in five categories: dry grocery and beverage, fresh food, alcohol, general merchandising, and household products. Under the umbrella of Central Retail Corporation, the warehouse-style building is divided into three zones and spread out over 15,000sqm, and features mostly imported products, from 20 countries, including Japan, New Zealand, and the US. A members-only club, you can either opt for a free, basic membership; or a premium membership for THB 999 a year (or THB 799 per year if you sign up before 31 October) with special privileges such as free delivery in Greater Bangkok, and 5 percent off all purchases. More than just affordable shopping, the space also offers fun, Instagrammable locations and activities, ‘sampling points’ to try the products, and helpful staff to guide you during the entire experience. Facebook: @TopsThailand
