Gourmet cuisine in the laid-back sophistication of the W signature restaurant
March 25th, 2013
Recently opened in Bangkok, the W Bangkok is an assertively stylish urban-design hotel that embraces a hip, vibrant lifestyle approach to the hospitality experience. Globally, the W brand incorporates into each of its properties an innovative blend of contemporary fashion, design, art and music that evoke the cultural influences and personality of the host city. Within each hotel, signature restaurants and bars offer creative and sociable dining and cocktails experiences- attracting not only hotel guests, but also a vibrant local clientele. The Kitchen Table is one of the W brand signature restaurants- a modern concept for all-day dining in a relaxed and inviting space- in Bangkok serving an enticing combination of International and local Thai cuisine.
Located on the 2nd floor- and accessed directly via a staircase near the lobby entrance- The Kitchen Table occupies an expansive, high-ceiling space, with an adjoining outdoor terrace extending across one side. The interior design exemplifies the W brand ethos- an attractive expression of contemporary design, complemented with whimsical artistic and design elements that reference the local Thai cultural heritage, and exuding a casual sophistication with a laid-back vibe. The sleek decor offers a variety of seating options- including the centrepiece communal “kitchen table” , black leather booths, high bar stools at the open kitchen counter top, and smaller individual tables settings for 2 or 4 diners. Rich timber flooring blends with the crocodile skin patterned, translucent panels that line the internal walls to suffuse the room with a comforting golden lustre.
The Kitchen Table serves a modern bistro style cuisine with an extensive selection of both International and local Thai dishes prepared by the culinary team under the direction of Chef Sarah Briegel- an Australian with wide international cooking experience. The day starts with a sumptuous breakfast buffet of Asian and Western dishes, supplemented with an a la carte menu. Lunchtime features a contemporary rendition of familiar comfort foods- featuring International and Thai dishes- tailored for either casual business lunches or relaxed social engagements. The menu selections include salads, pizzas, sandwiches and grills; plus Thai dishes such as varieties of the ever-popular Pad Thai- Gai (chicken), Ghoong (prawn) or vegetable; the Massaman Nong Gae– a lamb shank curry served with jasmine rice; and Pla Tort Sahm Rot– crisp Snapper with Snake Bean salad and sticky rice. In the evenings, the dinner menu offers a more substantial gourmet experience, with well-executed dishes featuring fresh seasonal produce. Standout dishes include Grilled Western Australian Lamb Cutlets- served with sweetbreads and shitake ravioli and pea puree; prime cuts of Australian Dry Aged (90 days) Angus Beef; and Chicken and Olive Tajine– served with preserved lemon and mograbieh.
A concise selection of Desserts feature on both Lunch and Dinner menus- highlights include the Valrhona 70% Guanja Dark Chocolate and Caramel; and Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse. An enticing Patisserie Counter located adjacent to the restaurant entrance offers tempting delicacies and light refreshments.
Operating hours for The Kitchen Table are from 6:30 am to 10:30 am for Breakfast, and then continuously from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Inside The Kitchen Table
The main dining space offers seating options at black leather booths along the wall, wooden tables in the centre, and counter stools facing the open kitchen. A further dining space runs parallel on the opposite side of the wall behind the booths.
Diners can take a seat at the long counter fronting the open show kitchen and watch the culinary team at work.
The far section of the kitchen area incorporates a dramatic curving alcove space holding the eponymous “kitchen table”.
The solid timber communal “kitchen table” stands boldly in its unique setting at the end of the room- enveloped in the crocodile patterned, translucent, full height wall panels.
The “kitchen table” – looking back towards the open kitchen.
Booth settings opposite the open kitchen. The wall decoration features a holographic visual installation by local Thai artist Sutee Kunavichayanont – the graphic motif depicts a legendary Thai crocodile hunter.
Dining chairs are upholstered in faux crocodile skin- referencing the wall decoration.
Black leather banquette setting in the main dining room
An outdoor terrace extends down one side- overlooking the hotel entrance courtyard and the restored heritage building that will house a gourmet dining outlet and private function rooms in the second half of 2013.
The well stocked wine counter at the entrance to The Kitchen Table.
Selections of prestigious champagnes and wines- displayed on ice. Selected wines are available by the glass.
The colorful Patisserie counter adjacent to the entrance tempts diners with its delicacies.
The Kitchen Table- all-day dining at W Bangkok
Address: 2nd Floor, 106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangkok. 10500 Thailand
Access: Chong Nonsi BTS station, or valet parking
Reservations: +66.2. 344 4000
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/WBangkok
Opening hours: Daily 6:30 am ~ 10:30 am; and 12:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
See also review article on WOOBAR at W Bangkok
