No Standing
Extraordinary Experiences #16
That single rule really narrows down the list of bars in the world dramatically.
I spent my 20s in New York and will never forget the first moment I tasted the angel's share. This refers to the amount of alcohol that is lost to evaporation when the liquid is being aged in porous oak barrels. It can be up to 1% a year. Some believe it's similar to the difference in your body weight before and after the moment you die. Irrespective, it's a magical concept, and magic is what it is all about.
Angel's Share opened in NYC in 1993 by Japanese restaurateur Tadao "Tony" Yoshida. The bar introduced Japanese bartending techniques to New York including a no standing policy. It's one of the magical things about Japanese dining -- once you have a seat, it is yours for as long as you want it and you are never rushed. The cue could be around the block but you will feel like the entire place exists for you at that moment. Sadly the bar was a casualty of the pandemic. My favorite part of this story is the ending -- It was revived in 2023 by Tony's daughter Erina. I can only imagine what it would feel like to be Tony sitting at his daughter's bar counter.
I never thought that I would get a taste of the angel's share walking the streets of Bangkok, millions of miles away.
Ku Bar is a true gem in an abandoned building - blink and you will miss it. Established by Anupas "Kong" Premanuwat, a former mixologist at Angel's Share. My favorite part of their website (a facebook page) is that the only image on it is this one. It really tells you everything about them you need to know.
If you want a tipple of Japan and New York in Bangkok, sitting of course, this is truly an extraordinary experience.
At Savor, we are curators whose mission is to help people savor life through extraordinary experiences. Welcome to the future of travel.
Every letter will showcase one extraordinary experience from somewhere in this beautiful world. We promise to be objective, independent, authentic and most of all, to never stop seeking. We hope you enjoy the journey with us as much as you do the destination.
Forever seeking,
Team Savor
Details:
Ku Bar Bangkok | Angel’s Share
Sonic Souvenir: