The perfect partnership: From international development to sustainable capitalism
A Canadian businesswoman, restaurateur and social entrepreneur is blazing a trail in Bangkok
The working-class neighbourhood of Khet Pom Prap is one of the smaller Bangkok districts, located east of the Chao Phraya river in the old town. The community predominantly comprises Chinese expatriates who run artisanal businesses; each profession arranged street by street: printing shops, bottle manufacturers, carpenters, tea shops.
Emperor Road (Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong) serves as an artery through the heart of the district. It is here, a stone’s throw from the United Nations (UN) regional headquarters, that a smattering of exciting food and drinks establishments have appeared, catering to UN staff; backpackers who brave the capital outside of the Khao San Road bubble; and Thais who seek adventure away from the shopping malls.
Seven Spoons shirks the shackles of the area’s traditional sole-trading practices while embracing its heritage. The restaurant serves up modern, European comfort food with gourmet touches in a stylish setting: a renovation of two adjacent, traditional Chinese shops. The beautiful timbers – reclaimed from the same building, pre renovation – form the restaurant’s central columns and frames, which is cleverly designed in harmony with the concrete-rendered walls. The flourishes of greenery inside and out really help to add that natural feel. Someone here has an artistic eye for detail.
Turning up a little early for the interview, before the busy lunch rush, I have time to enjoy the comfortable setting, appreciate the air-conditioning and watch the team of professionals setting up for another busy day. Little do I know that I will soon be out of my comfort zone.
Want to continue reading the article? Visit http://firstworldnomnoms.com/seven-spoons
How to get there: Depending on your taste for adrenaline, Seven Spoons is an exhilarating motorcycle ride from sky-train station, Ratchathewi, a disorienting canal-boat ride from Siam or a 10-minute walk from the famous Wat Saket (Golden Mount).
