Enticing Mediterranean-inspired “market kitchen” cuisine melds with vibrant bar in chic Bangkok eatery
August 7th, 2013
Opened just over a year ago (July 2012) in an upmarket residential precinct of Bangkok, QUINCE is a contemporary “eatery & bar” that has enjoyed a remarkable popularity, and garnered numerous accolades, in its first year of operation. With a solid ownership pedigree behind it, and an experienced and creative culinary team working the kitchen, QUINCE offers an attractive all-day dining proposition with a reputation for consistency and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Set in a comprehensively remodeled 1950’s bungalow, the decor has a comfortable feeling of rusticness, blended tastefully with elements of chic elegance and sophistication. Under recently installed French chef Wilfred Hocquet, the restaurant embraces a “market kitchen” concept of simple, well-executed dishes of a mostly Mediterranean provenance, utilising fresh market produce- with an additional focus on sustainability. The robust, seasonal approach to cooking is accompanied by an excellent beverage program- served from a vibrant bar set in the centre of the interior space- and offering both a fine selection of wines (with an emphasis on Spanish wines), and an enticing cocktail list of carefully crafted classic and modern libations.
Exuding a comfortable spaciousness, QUINCE offers options for both indoor and outdoor dining, with the voluminous high-ceilinged and glass-encased front room the main focus for its popular concept for a casual, urban style of social dining. A further dining room located behind the centrally placed bar and staircase presents a more restrained space with generously spaced tables, elegant French antique style chairs and table settings, polished timber floors, and the handsome glass wine cellar as a highlight. A couple of private dining rooms are also available- adjacent to the kitchen at the rear, and on the upper level.
Much of the sustained popularity of QUINCE can be attributed to the provincial “farmhouse” style of cooking freshly sourced market produce- thoughtful combinations of a few ingredients, served with an uncomplicated, but attractive presentation. The compact but well-constructed menus are updated monthly to reflect seasonal produce availabilities, and supplemented with daily specials, including a “fish of the day”. Most dishes are designed for sharing, with the menu offering choices of appetizers, salads and pastas; and selections of more substantial dishes consisting of both sharing plates such as braised Lamb Shoulder and roasted Big Kurobuta Pork Chop, and other seafood and meat dishes. A selection of gourmet sandwiches can be ordered all day. QUINCE also takes its desserts very seriously, with an enticing variety of classic European sweets to tempt diners.
Highlighting the beverages program are the signature “New Mixed Drinks” – a list of cocktails assembled by international mixologist Carson Quinn. Alluring combinations of South East Asian fruits and herbs are added to premium spirits to create drinks with a distinctly “local” flavour. Standouts include “A Garden in Siam”– consisting of lemongrass infused Nikki Thai spirit, Siam winery Monsoon Valley Colombard white wine, lime juice, syrup, shredded young green mango, sliced cucumber, and topped with tonic; and the “Watermelon & Basil Bourbon Cooler”– a combination of Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh torn basil leaves, fresh cut watermelon, sugar and fresh lemon juice. The drinks list also offers a broad selection of premium spirits, single malts, craft beers, soft drinks and gourmet teas and coffees. A walk-in wine cellar showcases an impressive range of wines, with an emphasis on Spanish labels.
QUINCE opens daily from 11:30 am until 1:00 am- and is at its most vibrant in the evenings- when table bookings are recommended.
Facade of QUINCE features full height glass walls and covered patio at the entrance
Main dining space & bar
The classically-styled bar separates the main front dining space from a smaller internal dining room.
Traditional glass-fronted bottle shelving and black tiling behind the bar contrasts with industrial-style tungsten light fittings suspended over the bar counter, and the simple timber and steel framed bar stools.
One of several large, solid timber communal tables- with overhead industrial-style pendant lamps- that exemplify the casual dining style of QUINCE.
A front corner table sees French vintage-style dining chairs juxtaposed into the rustic setting of unpolished timber flooring, concrete pillars and steel framed windows.
An outdoor terrace and garden setting is an attractive feature for relaxing open-air drinks and dining.
Inner Dining Room
A handsome space between the front bar and kitchen to the rear accommodates a more intimate and elegant dining option.
Polished timber flooring and more formal-style dining table settings differentiate the inner room from the main room at the front. Generously spaced tables provide a more private option to the vibrant, social atmosphere of the front room.
The glass encased “walk-in” wine cellar is an impressive feature of the dining room. An impressive industrial-style pendant lamp illuminates the round six-seat table.
Signature cocktails are listed on a vintage notice board- displayed in a corner setting near the entrance.
Selections from the new Drinks List
RATTLESNAKE MOJITO- Pampero Rum, snakefruit, syrup, fresh lime & mint, Fire & Damnation Bitters, and large red chili
WATERMELON & BASIL BOURBON COOLER- Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh torn basil leaves, fresh cut watermelon, sugar & fresh lemon juice
BERRY LYCHEE MARTINI- Ketel One Vodka, crushed lychees, strawberries, local pandanus.
Selections from the July 2013 Market Kitchen Menu
THE BEETROOT– cooked sous-vide, blueberry, feta cheese, and micro rocket
CRAB PASTA- hand cut noodles, crab meat, tomato ragu, chili & basil
THE WET ROAST CHICKEN- tagine-style, with lemon, olive & a few chickpeas
ORGANIC DARK CHOCOLATE TART– coffee ice cream
WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE- mango & raspberry coulis
ROAST PUMPKIN- lemon balm, pumpkin ice cream
July 2013 Market Kitchen Menu
QUINCE Eatery & Bar- Bangkok
Address: Sukhumvit Road, Soi 45, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Access: About 8 minutes walk to either Thonglor or Phrom Pong BTS station.
Reservations: +66.2. 662 4478
Website: www.quincebangkok.com/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/quincebangkok
Opening hours: Daily 11:30 am ~ 01:00 am
