Bangkok has opened up new doors to many artistic venues and creative outings. We hit up a few cool places that are not just new but also has become some of the must-visit spots to keep you up in the trend, and for you to explore if you haven’t already!
by Rich Kanttita
Kay’s Boutique Breakfast (116/55-57 Rangnam Rd, BTS: Victory Monument; 02 245 1953) Located across the new modern minimalistic K Maison Boutique Hotel, where the vibe is unique, calm, and collected, Kay’s Boutique Breakfast has an all-marbled-floor, tables, and counters, which give a cozy and open feel to the place. Small details of antique and wooden stools were added to keep it warm and friendly. The place oozes with freshness and coolness like no other. The concept was inspired by the notion of ‘high quality basic,’ which is why dining at Kay’s Boutique might seem ordinary and at its simplest form. However, the place has authenticity and more up their sleeves.
Eat: Breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day, and no one understands that more than the chef and owner herself. With her homemade recipe of toast in three different flavors (green tea, vanilla and Thai tea), cannot be missed. For those with heavier appetite, try the angel hair pasta, truffle aglio e olio, which is another signature at Kay’s. Although the present menu is as yet limited, phase two is under development to fulfill those with heavier appetite.
Drink: Refreshing drinks to cool off during hot weather includes lychee soda or green tea, but if that
is not your cup of tea, then coffee is available.
Service Rating: 3/5
Visit: Open Tues-Sun.,6 a.m. -4 p.m.
BUNKER (Sathorn Soi 12, BTS: Chong Nonsi, 092 563 9991) The highly anticipated new American restaurant has been opened for almost a month now and has already received an amount of regular costumers. Designed in the retro style: unfinished interior with colorful shades of blue, this restaurant and bar is definitely the new funk in town that offers great food, tasty drinks, and fun conversations.
Eat: Because the creative chef loves to whip up new things and after his discovery of Thai markets and ingredients, the menu is known to change every now and then. We recommend the grilled beef tongue and snails, which may sound unpleasant but is definitely worth the try. Also, the seared octopus, grilled Jidori half chicken, and smoked Wagyu beef rib for two is undoubtedly a must!
Drink: Cocktails and mocktails are in the mix. As the first floor is a bar, the drink list is expansive and with interesting choices such as Roots Espresso Martini, Negroni with beefeater gin, El Presidente with dry vermouth and flor de cana 7 years.
Service Rating: 5/5
Visit: Open Tue to Sun, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Knock (15-17 Thonglor, Sukhumvit 55, BTS: Thonglor, 098 815 6625) A concept created by restaurateur and sneaker enthusiast called Kitchen and Kicks who also conceptualized Knock, a part sneaker shop/part restaurant for people who share the same passion as the owners. Those who says that sneaker lovers cannot be classy and chic has never been to Knock. Gourmet ingredients and unique taste, these comfort food goes hand in hand, to be appropriate, with the comfy shoes. Also, it turns into a funky bar/club as night falls as if they aren’t cool enough already.
Eat: Knock Burger is stuffed with grilled half lamb, half rib eye, goose fat jalapeno jack cheese and gherkins, if that is not enough to call for an appetite, you might just need to try some sneakers first. There are also healthier variety for sporty-healthy fans with soup and salads like the Kale Salad. Other worthy of trying is the ‘Knock Out Brunch’ menu that includes granola, chorizo baguette, chicken waffle and more.
Drink: A glass of bubbly or wine won’t hurt!
Service Rating: 3/5
Visit: Open Mon to Fri, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sat to Sun, noon till 1 a.m.
Hair of the Dog (Mahatun Plaza Building, BTS: Ploenchit, 02 650 7589) Every day is like Halloween at Hair of the Dog Bar/Pub. Rock, morbid, and funk are words to describe this hidden establishment that sits right on top of La Monita, the Mexican restaurant. But fear not, the atmosphere is nothing like it looks or maybe a little. Designed with skeletons, morgue storage doors, steel stools and more of that nuttiness, however, altogether, it is one of the hippest bar to hangout and meet new people. Nothing to break the ice better than talking about the place itself.
Eat: Hair of the Dog specializes in beer but be pleasantly surprise with their short list of food. Nothing fulfills a craving like a Naked Burg or Kickass Burger and if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, try the Dirty Poutine to spice it up a little.
Drink: With enough variety of beer for beer enthusiast that range from something like Hop n Love from Holland or IPA Brutal from Oregon. There are a total of 13 tabs that gives the perfect choice of different style and less repetitive like most places. They know their beers and if you are keen to try, Belgium beer will give you a really good hit for your happy hour.
Service Rating: 4/5
Visit: Open daily from 5p.m. to 12a.m.
Azul (Sukhumvit 49, Adelphi Suites Hotel, BTS: Phromphong, 02 662 6117) Rebranding itself from Monsoon 49 with a whole new concept of food and flavor, Azul is spicing things up a notch and focusing more on Hispanic dishes, more specifically the Miami influence that comes from the chef’s background. With the same décor that is fresh and tropical like the East Coast, this Nuevo Latino Kitchen will make you want to explore more.
Eat: Sticking to the homebased ingredients of each Latino dishes but with a touch of Miami hint in every bite such as in the Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, Peruvian scallop ceviche or the Latino beef carpaccio. The menu might change each month but nevertheless, you can expect the style to be the unique new Latin cuisine.
Drink: Try the Azul Colada, Rum Runner or the Cortadito to see what the Miami-Latin life is all about.
Service Rating: 4/5
Visit: Open daily from 11 a.m. till midnight
