Sophisticated elegance and superb views- complimented with delectable food and drinks
February 16th, 2013
Set within the modern luxury of The Okura Prestige Bangkok, the Up & Above Restaurant and Bar combines a sophisticated all-day dining experience in the Restaurant, with the relaxed modern elegance of the lobby level Lounge and Bar space. Entering the grandeur of the boldly proportioned lobby space on the 24th level of the tower, Up & Above melds seamlessly with the Reception area- its striking 20 metre long bar counter a duplication of the adjacent Reception counter. Situated in the western corner of the tower, the full height glass facade of Up & Above presents wonderful views across the Bangkok city skyline and defines the experience of dining and drinking in a haven of Zen like calm “up and above” the bustling streets below.
In the Restaurant, a combination of Western and Asian cuisines are served- with sumptuous breakfast and lunch buffets plus an all-day dining a la carte menu. The Sunday Buffet Lunch is a popular family meal concept, including the option of free-flow on premium quality French champagne. At the adjacent Up & Above Bar, the mood evolves from the serenity of a luxurious daytime lobby lounge, into the evening vibe of a glamorous cocktail bar. Dulcet tones from the resident jazz trio playing nightly (except Sundays) provide the background to social conversations and sharing of cocktails and the delicious bar cuisine. And the attraction of the outdoor terrace seduces with its spectacular views and relaxed casual setting for sunset cocktails or after-dinner drinks.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok is located on the upper floors of the striking Park Ventures Ecoplex tower in the heart of Bangkok’s commercial and diplomatic districts, on the corner of Wireless and Ploenchit roads. The Okura brand of luxury hotels originated 50 years ago with the flagship property in central Tokyo, and in recent years Okura has expanded internationally with a total of 23 properties in Asia, Europe and The Americas. Collaborating on the interior design for the Bangkok hotel was acclaimed local Thai design studio PIA- whose brief from Okura was to create a “melding of traditional Japanese sensibility with innovative contemporary design”.
The Up & Above Bar & Lounge
Dark timber paneling behind the bar, and the textured finish of the shagreen faced bar counter blend harmoniously with the magnificent polished dark brown Emperador marble flooring.
The elegant lounge space adjacent to the bar features luxurious contemporary furnishings in a restrained palette of black, grey cream and dark browns.
A modern elegance- the exquisite furnishings evoke the comfort of a luxurious private living room.
The Outdoor Terrace
The elliptical-shaped outdoor Terrace cantilevers spectacularly out from the western face of the hotel offering panoramic views across the city skyline.
Outdoor furnishings on the timber decked Terrace feature a handsome yet practical combination of sofa and chair settings.
The Terrace at night enjoys wonderful city views from its perch 24 floors above the street.
The Up & Above Restaurant
The dining room by day is a bright, voluminous space with a slanting double height glass facade framing the city views.
All tables enjoy the spectacular views looking west over the central city skyline.
The dining room exudes a relaxed, casual comfort- with warm timber flooring and an uncluttered contemporary decor.
Window front tables offer the prime dress circle views.
Highlights from the Bar Snacks Menu and Cocktail List
The Up & Above Bar serves an extensive selection of beverages all day- including the consummate Okura High Tea service- daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The drinks menu features a full range of premium spirits, sake, beers, wines and champagnes to enjoy. Specialties of the Up & Above bartenders are the signature cocktails – including several delicious champagne and sparkling based cocktails, and innovative creations with a Japanese influence.
Bar snacks at Up & Above elevate the concept to a new culinary level- with a specially created menu that features selections from each of the hotel’s three restaurants- Asian and Western dishes from Up & Above; the Japanese fine dining cuisine of Yamazato (signature Okura restaurant); and the innovative Modern European cuisine of Elements. The dishes are prepared to order in the kitchens of the respective restaurants, and served by their own staff directly to the bar customers.
Watermelon slap, San Daniele ham shaves, pan con tomato, fennel-chives remoulade. Served from Up & Above kitchen.
Kamo roast shioyaki- grilled salted duck. Served from Yamazato Restaurant.
Asian Basket- Prawn Satay, Crispy Chicken Wings and Roasted E-san Thai style sausage. Served from Up & Above kitchen.
Seafood Platter- fresh oysters, prawns, mussels and crab. Served with sauces and salsa. Served from Up & Above kitchen.
Wagyu cheek hachee, grated horse radish in the potato box with espuma. Served from the Elements restaurant.
“Kimono”- sake cocktail with Midori, lime and cranberry juice.
“Honey in April”- Absolut Vodka, Southern Comfort, fresh mango, peach, lychee, parfait amour. Signature cocktail.
“The Okura Pearl”- Champagne Veuve Clicquot (THB 1,280++) or Sparkling Chandon Brut NV (THB 600++) , with fresh pomegranate, fresh strawberry.
Up & Above- Restaurant & Bar at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Address: 24th floor, The Okura Prestige, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok. 10330 Thailand
Access: Direct access from Ploenchit BTS station, or valet parking
Reservations: +66.2. 687 9000
Website: www.okurabangkok.com/intro_okura/
Facebook Page: TheOkuraPrestigeBangkok
Opening hours: Daily
Bar 5:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Restaurant
Breakfast: 06:00 am ~ 10:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 noon ~ 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Sunday Lunch: 11:45 am ~ 3:00 pm
See also review article on ELEMENTS Restaurant
