Fine food, excellent drinks, and spectacular views served up at distinctively stylish Bangkok rooftop bar and restaurant
January 15th, 2013
In recent years the concept of rooftop bars and dining in Bangkok has been comprehensively embraced by both the local populace and visitors alike. A plethora of new venues have sprouted on office and hotel rooftops of varying elevation across the metropolis, each aiming to offer some degree of differentiation from the competition. A seemingly insatiable demand for the rooftop drinking and dining experience continues to fuel the trend, with more rooftop venue openings scheduled for 2013.
One of the more intriguing new venues to open in 2012 was Above Eleven– located on the uppermost levels of the luxurious Fraser Suites Sukhumvit– a leading global brand of upscale serviced apartments. In addition to offering a distinctively stylish rooftop bar with spectacular views, the Above Eleven concept also introduced to the Bangkok dining scene its first authentic Peruvian cuisine restaurant. One of the hottest culinary trends internationally last year, the popularity of Peruvian cuisine is unabated in 2013 with gastro-savvy restaurateurs in trendsetting markets such as London, Barcelona and New York opening new Peruvian-themed venues, or transforming their menus.
With its culinary team headed by Peruvian native Chef Omar Frank Maruy, the authentic Peruvian-Japanese fusion food known as Nikkei Cuisine served at Above Eleven has been particularly well-received- the crisply fresh seafood dishes, spicy salads, and chargrilled skewers, all designed to be shared, and appealing to the palates of a mixed clientele of residents, expats and visitors.
Notwithstanding the fine food served up at Above Eleven, the headline attraction ultimately is the fabulous 33rd floor rooftop location and the resultant stunning panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline. Exuding a stylish sophistication, Above Eleven is an unashamedly upscale destination, the drinks and food are not cheap- but certainly reasonably priced by local standards for the quality presented. As one of the more popular rooftop venues in Bangkok, bookings are recommended most nights- particularly to secure one of the prime tables at the front of the deck space.
Above Eleven is open daily from 6:00 pm ~ 2:00 am.
The long rectangular bar boldly anchors the rooftop deck space- a sleek combination of solid timber counter top and illuminated facing panels.
The upscale modern design of Above Eleven is based on a modernist interpretation of a parkland setting, an intriguing juxtaposition of bold, angular steel framed “trees” with their translucent acrylic canopies, and the extensive use of natural teak timbers for the flooring and furniture. Artificial grass features on the surfaces of walls and flooring, with other faux vegetation widely utilised to create a softening “green” effect. The overall result is to create a stylish and modern rooftop venue, upscale and sophisticated, yet with a relaxed, casual atmosphere- a style in keeping with the brand ethos of Fraser Suites.
Upper Level Terrace
A compact outdoor terrace deck sits on the ultimate rooftop level directly above the main bar & restaurant of Above Eleven. Completely open to the skies (extendable soft awnings can be deployed against inclement weather), the terrace features casual teak outdoor furniture and a small serving bar. And the best views.
A pair of the steel and acrylic “trees” at one end of the terrace frame the spectacular city vistas.
Corner high tables set up against the glass safety wall present the ultimate of views.
Bar & Restaurant
The impressive main bar counter straddles the centre of the deck space- with the lounge section at one end, and the dining tables at the other. Overhead, the translucent canopies of the steel “Trees” are attractively illuminated with color-changing LEDs.
The eastern end of the bar and deck space offers a choice of comfortable sofa seating, or high tables and chairs that are placed along the chest-high glass safety wall.
High tables set along the front of the deck space offer fantastic views.
The partially covered dining area at the western end of the deck features an eclectic assortment of casual timber and cast iron furniture.
Dining tables and casual sofa settings at the western end of the main floor space. Extendable awnings protect against rainfall. Raw brickwork adds a rustic element to the design.
The central bar showcases premium liquor bottles in an attractive illuminated display.
Selections from the Beverages & Food Menus
The well designed and informative Above Eleven menu provides explanations of the defining elements of Peruvian cuisine: cebiche– the Peruvian national dish of raw, marinated seafood; tiraditos– Peru’s version of sashimi; and anticucho– Peruvian yakitori- with small chargrilled skewers of marinated meats. The Peruvian flavours extend to the drinks selection – headlined by the Peruvian national drink- pisco sour– a brandy liquor based concoction with egg white and lime juice.
Some standout dishes include Tiradito Seabass Aji Amarillo- thin slices of Seabass with yellow chili Leche de Tigre (Peruvian signature marinate) and orange glazed sweet potatoes; Anticucho Black Pork Miso- chargrilled pork with white miso sauce; Salmon Anticucho Roll (8 pcs) – Salmon, anticucho sauce, chinichurry sauce, wasabi; and Arroz Chaufa Con Pato- Peruvian fried rice- fried in sesame oil with asparagus, broccoli and corn, and pan fried duck breast.
The drinks selection includes the signature Pisco Sours, signature cocktails crafted with fresh fruits and premium liquors, a complete offering of classic cocktails, plus a concise choice of sake and shochu. The wine list comprises a broad variety of red and white wines, with the majority of the bottles reasonably priced in the range of THB1,00 to 1,500 per bottle.
Maracuja Sour– Pisco, passion fruit, egg white. Signature Drink.
Pisco Sour- Pisco, lime juice, Angostura Bitters, egg white. Signature drink.
APPETIZER: Causa Kani- Mashed potatoes mixed with yellow chili and lime juice, topped with crab meat in togarashi mayo, avocado , quail egg and Huancaina sauce.
APPETIZER: Cebiche Above Eleven- Seabass and Prawns marinated in Leche de Tigre and red chili criolla, topped with deep fried calamari, with orange glazed sweet potatoes.
APPETIZER: Anticucho Beef Heart – Marinated in dried red chilies, oregano, cumin, garlic, red vinegar & soy sauce. Charcoal grilled. Three Peruvian sauces- Aji Amarillo, Red Chili Criollo, & Chimichirri.
MAIN COURSE: Arroz Con Mariscos- Traditional Peruvian yellow chili flavoured rice dish, with pan fried prawns, squid, clams & mussels. Served with salsa Criolla.
Above Eleven- Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit
Address: 33rd Floor at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 SSukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Skytrain: Nana BTS
Website: www.aboveeleven.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aboveeleven
Reservations: +66.2. 207 9300
Opening Hours : Monday to Sunday 6:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
Music:
Wednesday– Salsa Night
Thursday– Live jazz band
Friday & Saturday– Resident DJs
Dress Code: Smart Casual
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