Kilik Social Club bursts onto the scene with a level of storytelling through its setting and cocktail menu that makes you think and play along with its enchanted forest theme.
The latest establishment to join the nightlife scene in Phrom Phong's backstreets, Kilik finds its home within one of the sleek warehouses of Warehouse 26, a community mall on Sukhumvit 26. What sets it apart from the neighbourhood bars is its remarkable high ceiling and, more importantly, whimsical concept.
Like a page from a C.S. Lewis novel, stepping inside this drinking den is reminiscent of entering the magical wardrobe from The Chronicles Of Narnia, where you can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. While you may not find yourself surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery — or greeted by a lion — the bar's dim-lit ambience still manages to exude the mysterious allure of a forest.
The attention to detail in its furnishings is impressive from the walls with a forest silhouette to furniture in autumnal colours, with plenty of elements that enhance the concept. Think of a replica of an olive tree with layers of glass sheets stacked in a trunk; a long wooden bar crafted out of one teak tree, crowned by a stunning ceiling decor that represents a quaint aurora; and a massive Rococo painting depicting patrons inside the bar in a fairytale-esque way.
What is in the palindrom for a name? Kilik refers to the butterflies in your stomach feeling in tagalog, an official language of The Philippines. True to its name, the bar dedicates a chapter of its ingredient-forward cocktail menu to capture the fluttering sensations in butterfly-inspired drinks.
In the first chapter, each concoction builds around a butterfly from a different region. Commonly found in the Brazilian Amazonian rainforest, Anna's Eighty-eight (B390) is a tropical pick for rum heads, featuring the aroma of coconut from coconut water spray and banana liquor as its co-star. Known as the Indian emperor butterfly, the Kaisar-i-Hind (B390) resembles butterbeer but boasts a fruitier profile with mango verjus and a mango lassi foam.
Representing North Carolina is St. Francis Satyr (B490), which packs an umami punch from artichoke-infused bourbon and mushroom tincture, complemented by a subtle smokiness from burning fruit tea wood. Blue Morpho (B420) is a showcase of molecular mixology. The gin-based concoction pays homage to the butterfly's Latin American roots by highlighting cacao through the recreation of a cacao seed with a cacao juice pearl that pops in your mouth, with half of the glass coated in cacao nibs.
The seasonal menu is featured in the second chapter, which currently revolves around the wintertime of the enchanted forest, with "refreshing" being the buzzword. Nothing Pimp (B360) tickles your nose with a coffee aroma, but after a sip, it surprises you with a floral profile of sparkling sake, while the coffee sensation dissipates.
Crafted by guest bartender Yann Gueroult, Green Yōsel (B520) takes a Japanese twist with yuzu koshō and fresh shiso, bringing a tangy kick, served with an extra thimble of absinthe to add at your discretion. The drink that pulls off the winter theme the most is Fruit Cake Old Fashioned (B390), where rum is tamed by sherry wine and Creme De Mûre (blackberry liqueur), and paired with a small piece of fruit cake.
The last chapter showcases a creative spin on classic cocktails. New Yo-kert (B390) gives the Pisco Sour a herbal makeover by infusing it with fresh dill and adding yoghurt, which provides a creamy texture and extra sourness. For a fruity twist on the classic margarita, Strawberrita (B360) offers a sweet-and-sour experience with the addition of strawberry kombucha. Rasta Cubre (B360) takes the ordinary Cuba Libre to new levels by using a housemade clear cola infused with cannabis terpene and kaffir lime leaf powder, resulting in a clear version of rum and coke with a citrusy essence. However, it wasn't as fizzy as I thought it would be.
If you're going to make your way through the forest, you'l need some Chicken nachos (B180), which are a handful of crisps served with chicken cream cheese and salsa. For something with more booze-sopping ability, try the Iberico platter (B1,200). Adding more merriment is live jazz music from Thursday to Saturday.
Kilik Social Club is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6pm until late. Call 092-896-6982or visit fb.com/kiliksocialclub.
