July 11th, 2012
An impressive addition to the fine dining scene in Bangkok, Elements is the signature restaurant at the recently opened (May 2012) luxury hotel- The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Taking its identity cue from the four elements of earth, water, fire and air, Elements presents an enticing concept of contemporary lifestyle dining, with modern gourmet cuisine served without pretensions, in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The food, created by Chef de Cuisine Cyril Cocconi, is described by him as “Modern Logical Cuisine” – featuring dishes that emphasize lightness and intensity while focusing on contrasting textures, temperatures, vibrant flavors and surprising touches.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok is located on the upper floors of the striking new 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.
Elements is situated on the 25th floor, and is directly accessed up a broad stairway from the hotel’s 24th floor main lobby. The main dining room opens out onto a spectacular open air deck that is cantilevered out from the main structure and provides panoramic views across the Bangkok skyline. The intimately scaled restaurant seats only 60 patrons and features an open showcase kitchen that allows diners to closely observe the culinary team as they meticulously prepare and plate the dishes for service.
The interior design is the work of a local Thai design house, PIA, who have created an exquisite space that harmonizes traditional Japanese and Thai cultural influences with a restrained modern luxury. The interior emphasizes natural materials with hardwood timber flooring, timber paneled ceilings, and two stunning feature walls of charcoal bricks mounted on steel rods, backlighted with a purple/blue hue. The contemporary furnishings include luxurious black leather settees matched with polished black marble table tops, and distinctive retro styled luminaires- suspended from the ceilings, and mounted onto classic timber and chrome tripod stands.
The refined tones of copper suffuse an understated luxury to the 24th floor main lobby
The dark panelled entrance to ELEMENTS- accessed by staircase from the 24th floor lobby
The front section of ELEMENTS features full height glass overlooking an outdoor terrace and pool deck
The infinity pool on the cantilevered deck adjacent to Elements
Contemporary elegance- luxurious leather settee and dining chairs, with featured charcoal brick display wall behind. Retro styled luminaire on chrome and wood tripod stand
The “Chef’s Table” provides intimate views into the open kitchen, curtains can be drawn to convert the space into a semi-private dining room
The beautiful open kitchen combines classic French panelling with a clean, uncluttered contemporary design
The colored LED lighting gently illuminates the charcoal feature display wall with dramatic effect
The main dining room- featuring unpolished timber flooring, and with retro, cone-shaped luminaires suspended from the ceiling
Chef de Cuisine Cyril Cocconi and his culinary team at work in the kitchen
The unique lifestyle dining experience at Elements is centred around the showcase kitchen where diners can interact closely with the culinary preparations of the accomplished team of chefs- adding a sense of theatre to the occasion. The menu lists a variety of set menus, tasting menus paired with wines, and a la carte dishes. The concept of the cuisine is based on flavour, with an emphasis on combining dynamic textures, aromas, spices and temperatures. Servings are in small portions of 3 or 4 mouthfuls so that diners can savour the flavour and then move to the next experience. The Elements sommelier can recommend carefully selected wine progressions with each menu, or diners can select from an expertly curated cellar of more than 150 labels of boutique and premier wines and champagnes from leading French wine houses.
The Tasting Menu highlighted below provides a comprehensive sampling of the “Modern Logical Cuisine” as created by Chef de Cuisine Cyril Cocconi at Elements.
The Tasting Micro Experience – eight course tasting menu
“Foie gras on line”- Salad raw king fish, pomelo and watercress in walnut dressing
Bio egg ravioli- Shaved jamon iberico, langoustine, truffle and chlorophyll pearls
Fumet of artichokes- Aromatic prawns, cepe air
Alaskan cod fish 62 degrees- Almond brush, pork belly, carrot intense, tabouleh
CO2 Gin tonic lime
Jack creek Black Angus perfumed- Textures of vegetables in ash flavoured salt, Tartar, soft quail egg, chili popcorn
Iced goats cheese- Berry essence, honey comb foam
Raspberry/hibiscus- Rose champagne, hibiscus ice-cream, raspberry macrons
Elements- signature restaurant at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Address: 25th 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/
Opening hours: Daily for Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
