Homely dining with a touch of class at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
THE concept goes something like this: A wealthy French expat has gone away on business and, during his absence, has left his trendy Penthouse Suite in the care of his nephew, a twentysomething entrepreneur with a taste for the finer things in life – good food, fine wine, premium cocktails, and crackling conversation inspired by art, design and literature. He wants to impress his friends – and, here, that means you. |
Located atop the Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, L’Appart certainly lives up to its aspirations – as soon as you exit the elevator you’ll feel like you’re in an upmarket Parisian apartment. A long corridor opens into a bar and balcony (with sweeping views of Asok) on one side; an open kitchen with adjoining dining room on the other. And between these: nooks and crannies with couches and bookshelves, and private tables perfect for romantic dining.
Want to be in the heart of the action? Sit at a table in the open kitchen where a brigade of chefs, led by Chef de Cuisine Jerome Deconinck, lovingly tend to steaming pots and pans and serve up all kinds of mouthwatering creations – mainly modern interpretations of traditional French favourites carefully crafted to delight the eye as well as the palate.
Want to be in the heart of the action? Sit at a table in the open kitchen where a brigade of chefs, led by Chef de Cuisine Jerome Deconinck, lovingly tend to steaming pots and pans and serve up all kinds of mouthwatering creations – mainly modern interpretations of traditional French favourites carefully crafted to delight the eye as well as the palate.
Highlights abound, with starters such as Foie gras duo, roasted figs and combawa essence from the Royal Projects (B1,100) and Tuna tartar, mango and passion fruit condiment, spicy guacamole cream (B450++) packing rich, full flavours that linger on the tongue. Burgundy snails ravioli, garlic espuma, parsley foam and croutons (B550) is also recommended – the escargot has the consistency of a slow-cooked mushroom and pairs brilliantly with the delicate flavours of the accompanying foam and espuma.
For mains, don’t miss the Slow cooked chicken breast stuffed with Roquefort cheese and walnuts (B900++), which comes served in a porcelain casserole dish alongside garden vegetables from the Royal Projects. Also popular is the Pork belly glazed with maple syrup (B820++) served with caramelized apple and mashed parsnip. Fish dishes are also available, ranging from B900-B2,000++.
The selection of desserts includes a choice of homemade ice creams and sorbets plus a superb Dark chocolate lava cake (B350), which oozes its sweet goodness upon first crack. After you’ve devoured these you can then lounge in the bar area sampling a wide range of premium wines and spirits, including signature cocktails inspired by French and Thai cuisine (our pick: The French Passion, which packs a sour punch courtesy of the fruit). With a live DJ spinning atmospheric beats from 8pm, it’s a great place to spend a whole evening with friends.
Dinner at L’Appart is served daily from 7pm-10.30pm (the bar stays open till 1am). A new menu featuring Tapas for sharing – called Les Bouchées Du Chef (starts at B250 per dish) – is also available, and this is served from 5pm-midnight. Also make sure to ask for the special menus featuring dishes made with seasonal produce. Impressive.
Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15 (between Nana and Asok BTS stations)
Tel: 02 126 9999 www.sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com
For mains, don’t miss the Slow cooked chicken breast stuffed with Roquefort cheese and walnuts (B900++), which comes served in a porcelain casserole dish alongside garden vegetables from the Royal Projects. Also popular is the Pork belly glazed with maple syrup (B820++) served with caramelized apple and mashed parsnip. Fish dishes are also available, ranging from B900-B2,000++.
The selection of desserts includes a choice of homemade ice creams and sorbets plus a superb Dark chocolate lava cake (B350), which oozes its sweet goodness upon first crack. After you’ve devoured these you can then lounge in the bar area sampling a wide range of premium wines and spirits, including signature cocktails inspired by French and Thai cuisine (our pick: The French Passion, which packs a sour punch courtesy of the fruit). With a live DJ spinning atmospheric beats from 8pm, it’s a great place to spend a whole evening with friends.
Dinner at L’Appart is served daily from 7pm-10.30pm (the bar stays open till 1am). A new menu featuring Tapas for sharing – called Les Bouchées Du Chef (starts at B250 per dish) – is also available, and this is served from 5pm-midnight. Also make sure to ask for the special menus featuring dishes made with seasonal produce. Impressive.
Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15 (between Nana and Asok BTS stations)
Tel: 02 126 9999 www.sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com