BIG NEWS last month was the opening of the new upstairs bar at Sphinx, and what an opening it was!

The words "absolutely fabulous" were heard more than once. Kudos to Ray and the staff at Sphinx for a very welcome addition to the scene.

If you haven’t made your way over there, do so and pronto! You’ll be glad you did. You’ll find a large circular bar with the ever-friendly Sphinx staff to serve up your heart’s desire. The bar is ringed by booths for those who like a sit-down (the Whirlybird, for one), and there’s even a dance floor in case you’re one of those who can’t sit down. have at it, lovelys!

If you’re wondering where, exactly, is this new bar, you’ll find the front door on the left side of Sphinx (as opposed to the main door on the right). Make your way up the stairs. No cover, word is, for the foreseeable future.

Speaking of new venues, the saunas keep opening doors faster than we can keep track of. One of the newer ones is called City of Angels, and it’s located on the 17^th floor of Silom Centre (that’s the building where Silom’s Robinson is located) – entrance around the front on the Rama IV side, take the elevator.

The City of Angels has a Happy House from 5pm in the evenings to 8pm – buy one get one free (Whirlybird loves that – Balcony does the same from 7-9pm). Although we’ve not been, word is that the City of Angels has all the usual stuff – muscle toning equipment, showers, steamers, sauna and so on. But there’s more: find your way to the restaurant where each table is equipped with Internet access!

We’ve also heard something about lots of little cabins, and heaven only knows what might go on in such things…

Prices: Get there before 5pm and pay 140 baht; otherwise 180 baht. Couples can get in for 300 baht.

Rumours, maybe, but from a reliable source: Heaven Sauna is planning several new outlets, one just opened in Siam Square/Siam Centre area (perhaps Siam Centre itself?). "Neighbourhood saunas" is the buzz word, so you may find a new sauna opening in your back yard sometime soon.

Also in the Rumour department: Grace Café was set to open on the ground floor of Charn Isara Tower at month’s end. The café is being opened by Male Magazine. Hmmm….

From the mailbox came this missive from Balcony, and we quote:

"The Balcony was 6 months old in early November and to celebrate the staff and their friends put on a surprise show for the occasion. It was such a success that we have now decided to host an "Amateur Talent Night" twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. The first show will be on 2nd December 1998 - starting at midnight. Anyone can enter - they are given a 5 minute spot on the stage, they bring their own costumes, music, makeup etc and everyone gets to see a show for free. The prize for the winner of the first contest will be a night for two at the 4 star Tarntawan Place Hotel, Suriwongse Road - kindly donated by the hotel's management. Those wishing to enter should give their names to the manager - Khun Udorn.

"The Balcony will continue its "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" Happy Hour throughout the coming holiday season. We continue to believe that value for money and affordability will be our reason for success and that our regular Thai and Farang Resident customers should not be penalised because of the influx of tourists. Of course, all tourists are still very welcome at The Balcony. We will also continue our system of House Drinks for Draught Carlsberg, and 'Generic' rather than 'Designer Label' Scotch Whisky, Gin, Vodka & Brandy which all sell at 55Baht each including the mixer. The 'Designer Label' brands of spirits are all available if required but at a slightly higher price (but those prices are still lower than any similar establishment in the Silom area).

"The Balcony's Thai food is superb quality, being prepared by a local 5 star hotel trained chef and the prices start at only 50 Baht, up to a maximum price of 100 Baht per dish.. Our new menu will be out very soon.

"The Balcony's member system is now fully operational and members receive a 10% discount on all food and drink prices (except during Happy Hour). Regular Customers can apply for membership which costs only 50 Baht – they immediately receive a temporary card and get their plastic 'Balcony Rainbow

Membership Card within 10 days. When the plastic card is issued a Customer Loyalty Card is also given out which is stamped every time a bill for 100Baht or more is paid. Free house drinks can be exchanged for these stamps in an increasing order of value - first collect 5 stamps for a free drink , then collect 4 stamps for a free drink , then 3 stamps , then 2 stamps , then only 1 stamp to receive a free house drink. When the card is filled with stamps a new card will be issued."

A lot of revamping has been going on over at Telephone these past months. Still packed as always, especially on the weekends. If you plan on partaking of the traditional Christmas Dinner, make your reservations now before seats run out!

Over Soi 2 way, Zoom seems to be, how shall we put it, "going through a phase". The karaoke bar has been moved upstairs (and a very good time was had, by the way, on a recent visit – it’s a friendly place); the downstairs is – who knows? I’m sure they’re figure it all out one of these days.

By all accounts, the Icon Hotel over in Pattaya, just opened, is doing well and is a very comfortable place to stay.

Floating Lotus Publications, which have brought you such books as Men of Thailand and Men of Vietnam, have now put themselves on the Web. Check out http://www.floatinglotus.com for more.

If you’ve got news and information you’d like to share with Pink Ink-ers, drop us a note and we’ll be happy to include it. Email: pinkmonthly@hotmail.com