Rock 'n' roll in Ari

THE SET-UP

Rock Restaurant & Bar

Thai 7/1 Soi Chamnan Akson Alley, Phahon Yothin Soi 9 Tue-Sun 5:30pm-1am (last order midnight) 082-688-8200 tinyurl.com/ksgvpo4

With its current rock 'n' roll hype and influx of residents, Ari seems still under F&B'd. So what did two long-term expat residents of the area do about it? They rocked out, of course, with a new outlet in a soi just off the main strip. It's a smart conversion of a two-storey house nestled on a bend, with an eye-catching white cube mesh exterior veiling the glass-fronted rooms from the street. Inside are 30 seats downstairs, 20 up, set at glass tables with massive rocky bases among genuine cowhide rugs — a kooky aesthetic tweak from the fashion designer co-owner. The mood is local, stylish and cosy, hinting at the burgeoning post-hipster potential of the area.

THE MENU

Under the concept of "Siamisation", the menu is committed to locally sourced ingredients (Royal projects) in traditional Thai recipes, with a modern twist. Plenty of places are trying this at the minute, (including Fat Bird and Salt, both just round the corner), but few are executing it with such panache. It comes as no surprise that the chef cut his teeth under David Thompson at Nahm. Highlights include Chicken massaman "curry puffs" (B180), which are delicate pastry morsels of light curry served with a softening sour cream and cucumber sauce. Blanched banana blossom salad (B250) features fleshy banana leaves along with satay and coconut milk sauces in another successful outing. E-sarn beef sausage (B100/B170/B250) is a deconstruction of the North-eastern favourite, this time wrapped in leafy lettuce and tinged with Parmesan shavings. House made "pandan noodles" (B330) is a perfect balance of crab, turmeric, coconut curry and the familiar dessert-esque noodle. For dessert, Milk pudding (B160) rounds a meal out with a homely serving of curd, sweet rose compote and ginger cookie crumbs for texture. Not to be outdone, cocktails are courtesy of midas-muddler Joseph Borowski (Maggie Choo's). Kunming tourist trap (B280) is a playful take on the origins of one co-owner and features her mum's jam recipe and Chinese tea. Heavy metal acid trip (B260) is modelled on the other owner with Barsol pisco brandy and creamy egg white to good effect.

INSIDER TIP

Careful of the tasty cocktails — price matches potency here. Head upstairs for a little more intimacy, or if you are meeting your gig and want to stay off-radar.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

The aesthetic bent of the owner shines through the place, which makes it rife for photos. Head upstairs for some elevation POV shots.

VALUE & VERDICT

In an area that holds much potential, Rock emerges as an ensemble collaboration from two newcomers to the scene that bring with them an air of freshness and innovation. Sick of Sukhumvit? Rock is a perfect excuse to cross town. Get your rocks off. G

- Richard Mcleish

Signature cocktails

Wine I Love You

Western/Asian Fusion Groove@CentralWorld, 1/F, 999/9 Rama I Road 11:30am-midnight 090-003-2697

White-collar wind down

THE SET-UP

Given the wide range of price and choice the fourth branch of Wine I Love You (WILY) offers, there ought to be something that suits your wallet regardless of where you stand in your office hierarchy. WILY is decked out in a black-and-white industrial vibe with touches of class and luxury. You can sit like a boss on a wing chair (even if your job is entry-level) and dine at a marble-topped table. If you don't want to feel confined after eight hours at your cubicle, there are picnic benches and tables fashioned out of beer barrels for an al fresco feel. At the time of our (pre-shutdown) visit, the regulars are said to be divided into two groups; tourists and office workers.

THE MENU

There are four menus — breakfast, bar & bistro, dessert and drinks — so you are very likely to be spoilt by choice here. BBQ pork buns (B185) are like a suited-up version of salapao moo daeng. Choux pastry with a slightly crispy feel on the outside holds aromatic and flavourful pork inside. Parma ham pancake (B235) is a fusion with a side of confusion. I could barely taste the ham that seems to get lost in the sweetness of the pancake, like an important piece of paper at the bottom of a pile of documents. Foie gras with caramelised banana and blueberry sauce (B435) is a delicious teamwork of savoury and sweet treats. Original spare ribs (B485) offer juicy pork and barbecue sauce that should have you licking your fingers afterwards. The underwhelming Thai spicy egg noodle with teriyaki chicken (B135) is a bit of a letdown. The noodle is too dry while the chicken, though juicy, is slightly undercooked. After a bad day at the office, Strawberry French toast (B165) should make you feel better with its cheerful sweetness. I love you, ice tea (B195) provides refreshing sips with fruity hints. Roman holiday (B195) is another pleasant drink to end your long day with, offering hints of ginger and orange. Wines imported from across the globe are available by the glass (B125-B175) and the bottle (from B590).

INSIDER TIP

For every B2,000 charged to a UOB credit card, WILY will give you B100 in vouchers. SCB cardholders are eligible for 10 per cent discount.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

The drinks are presented nicely so use them as a prop for your selfie with a caption that says something like, "Drink to a productive day!", or something your boss won't frown upon later.

VALUE & VERDICT

Because of the wide range of food and drinks on offer, WILY would suit several occasions — a sit-down dinner, knock-off drink, brunch. However, there are some hits and misses in terms of flavour. People who work at The Offices at CentralWorld and fans of WILY should definitely consider it. G

- Pornchai Sereemongkonpol