Acclaimed chefs Billy Bautista (La Monita Taqueria, Osito) and Chalee Kader (Knock, Surface Garden Lab, Beer Bridge) have joined forces to create Bangkok’s first “Collab Kitchen”. The new La Monita x Knock concept is set to launch at Knock’s 3storey townhouse, located on Thonglor road between sois 15 and 17, this coming 16 August 2016. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant food truck culture that swept California in the early 2000s, Billy and Chalee have been marinating this concept for some years and feel the time is finally right. In Bangkok’s trendy Thonglor district, where the dining scene is increasingly healthconscious or high end, the chefs hope to provide an alternative eating experience. Knock x La Monita brings guests back to wholesome, downtoearth eats, paying homage to LAstyle food trucks and urban eateries. From La Monita comes an exciting new menu with heavy emphasis on the intense flavors of Mexican street food. With their origins in Sinaloa, Mexico, the popularity of Vampire Tacos spread to Tijuana, then LA and now for the first time in Bangkok, dine rs can experience Tacos Vampiros. Named for the grilling process by which all water is “sucked out”, leaving a crisp outer shell and layer of cheese, these notorious snacks are delicious whether paired with succulent 9hour slow cooked brisket or the smoked and braised pulled beef chuck
(barbacoa). Chef Billy also delights the Mexican palate with brand new dishes including the Chicano pizza (think MexicomeetsChicagodeepdishpizzas), Quesadilla Suiza (an allout meat and cheese combo, grilled to perfection) and La Monita’s infamous Avocado and Jalapeno Escabeche sprinkled with cilantro, onion and lime. For Knock’s part in Collab Kitchen, Chef Chalee has carefully curated a selection of 13 fanfavorite dishes, from their infamous Fried Chicken Waffle Cupcakes and Mac and Cheese Duck Confit, to an assortment of juicy sliders (mini burgers). Among these are the Knock slider combining the classic cheeseburger with wagyu and toasted sesame buns with cheddar, not to mention Mushroom & Swiss Slider, best accompanied with Knock’s signature crispyontheoutside Tater Tots. Designed by Bangkokbased architectural firm, Onion, Knock sets the scene perfectly for modern, casual dining, with sleek, urbanized features and a laidback atmosphere. The 50seat restaurant becomes a semi outdoor terrace, thanks to its retractable roof, and the bar is stacked with metallic shoe boxes, in a nod to its third floor sneaker shop.
