Delicious food and a resort-like setting make this hidden oasis in the heart of Bangkok a must visit
| THERE’S certainly no shortage of Italian restaurants in Bangkok, but there aren’t many quite like Loop at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Tucked away on the eighth floor opposite the hotel’s huge saltwater swimming pool, it’s one of the city’s best kept dining secrets. Why? Well, sit out on the terrace in one of the plush, large banquettes and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a restaurant in a beachside resort rather than at a hotel in the heart of the city. Ensconced behind a well maintained hedgerow which screens the restaurant from the pool, the terrace is private and cozy and, with a balmy breeze keeping things nice and cool, feels far removed from the constant bustle of the sweltering streets below. |  |
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It’s a deal! |
Head indoors and you’ll find an intimate dining room, seating just 24, where eating is done at mahogany tables dressed with white table cloths. It’s contemporary and minimal, but it’s also casual and friendly. New restaurant manager Julien Garrigou personally greets guests and turns up right on cue to make menu recommendations and pairing suggestions from the restaurant’s extensive wine list (starts at B300 per glass and B1,800 per bottle).
Taking care of the cooking side of things is Executive Chef Charles Christiaens. With a background that includes stints working at local gourmet hangouts such as Harvey, Ma Maison, and Rib Room & Bar, he cooks in a traditional homely style with a focus on fresh Mediterranean flavours – think light salads, seafood, grilled Aussie beef and lamb, and, of course, pizzas.
His a la carte menu boasts highlights such as Maine Lobster salad, a refreshing treat featuring a meaty portion of lobster atop a bed of red apple and asparagus (B900); Sea bass with a green pea crust and sweet and pepper sauce (B650); and the signature Loop pizza, which is topped with lamb ragout, goat’s cheese, and sun dried tomato (B550).
A Chef’s specials menu, which changes every week, features dishes made with imported seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood, and a daily set lunch deal offers a choice of either two-courses for B450, or three-courses for B550 –a great deal not to be missed!
Pathumwan Princess Hotel, MBK Center. Open daily 11.30am-10.30pm. Tel: 02 216 3700 ext. 20818 www:pprincess.com
Taking care of the cooking side of things is Executive Chef Charles Christiaens. With a background that includes stints working at local gourmet hangouts such as Harvey, Ma Maison, and Rib Room & Bar, he cooks in a traditional homely style with a focus on fresh Mediterranean flavours – think light salads, seafood, grilled Aussie beef and lamb, and, of course, pizzas.
His a la carte menu boasts highlights such as Maine Lobster salad, a refreshing treat featuring a meaty portion of lobster atop a bed of red apple and asparagus (B900); Sea bass with a green pea crust and sweet and pepper sauce (B650); and the signature Loop pizza, which is topped with lamb ragout, goat’s cheese, and sun dried tomato (B550).
A Chef’s specials menu, which changes every week, features dishes made with imported seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood, and a daily set lunch deal offers a choice of either two-courses for B450, or three-courses for B550 –a great deal not to be missed!
Pathumwan Princess Hotel, MBK Center. Open daily 11.30am-10.30pm. Tel: 02 216 3700 ext. 20818 www:pprincess.com
