Bangkok gets some soul in its bones at a new venue combining two staples of southern, Black America: soul music and soul food.
Hollywood entertainer Norwood Young has opened what he described as Southeast Asia’s “first and only Black-owned supper club” in a hotel rooftop lounge named after the singer himself: Norwood Young’s Hollywood Soul Supper Club.
“For the first time in the history of Bangkok, I am excited to put the totality of American Soul culture in one room,” Young said.
As of this month, the luxurious supper club has been welcoming socialites and guests. For the ears, they are treated to soulful tunes by Young himself and The Hollywood Soul Band. The tastebuds get a complimentary cocktail and three-course dinner (THB2,000) including what’s called a “soultizzer,” a main, and dessert. Vegan options are available.
The self-proclaimed “ambassador of soul” has a performance resume that lists Broadway and Las Vegas. That was before he relocated to Bangkok to headline renowned nightlife venues Maggie Choo’s and Crimson Room.
Upon relocating to Bangkok, Young put his passion into a brunch pop-up dubbed “Hollywood Soul Super Soul Sunday,” where he paired soul food dishes influenced by his late grandmother’s recipes with musical entertainment.
Young told Coconuts that being able to open his own supper club and create his own narrative “means the world” to him, both professionally and personally.
“[Soul food and music] are something I grew up with. They make you happy. They make you cry,” Norwood said.
Now through November, Norwood will perform at the club three days a week: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The venue expects to be open five days a week starting in December.
Occasionally, for “surprises,” Norwood plans to invite some Hollywood-hailing artists to the stage.
Bookings are mandatory and can be made by email or the web.
Norwood Young’s Hollywood Soul Supper Club is located on the 18th floor of the Lancaster Hotel, just a few-minute’s walk from MRT Phetchaburi.
