Blue Sky | Bangkok Post: Food

Dining under the stars, amidst cascading lights, on the rooftop of Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok in Ladprao, is getting festive

That time of year is upon us, when we indulge and feel not a jot guilty about it _ it is the festive season after all! The hotels, bars and restaurants of Bangkok pull out all the stops to get everyone in the mood for celebrating, Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok included, with their signature rooftop restaurant, Blue Sky, on the 24th floor.

Emerging from their shooting star lined black corridor, you choose whether to enjoy the night air alfresco, set against the city lights of Bangkok and a subtle waterfall light display, or remain indoors, with private dining and bar lounge area. Outdoors has a cool mix of slightly more formal white-linen decked dining tables, or a more casual sofa and eclectic chair zone. A hot tip is that every night from 10pm - 11pm they have a buy one get one free happy hour, to help warm up the evening and tempt you into lingering on after dinner, to enjoy the altitude and view. Here, you can opt to prop up the main bar and make your way through the extensive cocktail list.

Throughout December, the cocktail of the month is \'Thai Passion\', which is a heady potent me{aac}lange of Mae Khong, peach brandy, passionfruit, pineapple juice, orange and lemon juices, orange syrup and simple syrup (170Baht++). For the not so brave, there are tamer cocktails to tempt. If vino is more your poison of choice, then the wines of the month come from Undurraga, with a choice of 2009 Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, each at 1,500Baht++ per bottle. Teetotalers also have a great range of mocktails and juices to tank up on. The Zibi is a sweet treat, with mango juice, coconut cream, pineapple and lemon juices for 190Baht++. Although some of the alcoholic cocktails are ironically cheaper, this mocktail goes down a treat and you can drive home safely.

Not for the alcohol-free, however, once a month, around the full moon (although they try to make it a Friday night), Blue Sky celebrates their Blue Moon Party. For just 999Baht++, you can drink until you are howling at the fully exposed circle of the moon! In a civilized Bangkok version of a full moon party, between 10pm and midnight, they offer all you can drink on standard drinks. With a DJ spinning tunes all night long, the next Blue Moon Party should be in early January.

Before then, however, the line-up for the festive season is looking decidedly delicious and seasonal, as accomplished Chef Jean-Claude Pichon and his team have already prepped for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a delectable 4-course 1,999Baht++ set menu. Highlights include pressed foie gras, Alaskan king crab tortellini, roasted and stuffed turkey, roasted Chilean snowfish and a Tanzanian chocolate and Grand Marnier ice Yule log. For New Year\'s Eve, they are stepping it up even further to bring a fabulous 5-course feast at 3,900Baht++, including a glass of Champagne, to toast in the New Year. However, if you already have alternative dinner plans elsewhere on New Year\'s Eve, they do have the option of entry to the rooftop, including 2 drinks, for just 690Baht++, to enjoy the fun and watch the fireworks around the city.

Wining and dining over the festive period is certain to be a gastronomic affair to remember with Blue Sky, yet you do not have to wait until Xmas Eve to sample their wares. Their regular menu is a refined labour of love from Chef Jean-Claude. His eyes light up when he talks about just some of the popular dishes on the menu. Poultry, seafood, meats and desserts, the offering covers the culinary spectrum in style, with France and the Mediterranean coupled with a hint of the Orient. Ask Chef about the \'Salade Gourmande\' and you will see the twinkle, as he explains the 3-4hour cooking process of the duck for this southern France style, calorie-heavy, gourmet salad of salads. Not for the dieter, using everything imaginable from the duck, mixed leaves are tossed with smoked duck breast, homemade duck confit, foie gras, a raspberry dressing and truffle sauce (540Baht++).

One of the newer menu items attracting a lot of attention is the Samon Tartare, coupled with smoked salmon slices and king prawns for 490Baht++. One of chef\'s most ordered menu items and his personal favourite has to be the signature dish of succulent, aged, grain-fed beef tenderloin, served with grilled spiny lobster tail, crushed potato and olives (990Baht++). Be sure to also try the large lumaconi carbonara pasta, with seared king prawn, truffle oil and parmesan flakes, but definitely save room or loosen a button to make room for dessert.

Another chef\'s favourite is the vanilla bean crème brûlée (160Baht++), although give yourself a 20-minute breather to allow a soufflé to rise and you can choose from either the Grand Marnier soufflé with whisky crème or the Gianduja chocolate soufflé. Either way, at 230Baht++, this delicately light delight is well worth the extra gym time needed the next day.

On a side note, the truffle mash at this establishment still has to be one of the best in the city, so dive into the complex carbs and really give yourself a reason to hit the gym hard. If you are not the sort to be wracked with guilt, after an indulgent dining experience, there is a whole array of sweets not to be missed. On the other hand, if you prefer a quick light bite, or are joining the party a little tardy, then you can select from the snack menu, which has something for everyone, in smaller portions.

Should this whet your appetite, then note that Blue Sky is open every night from 6pm to 2am. To book your spot under the stars, you can contact 02 541 1234 ext. 4603 or email fboffice@chr.co.th.

SOFITEL CENTARA GRAND BANGKOK
1695 Phaholyothin Rd. Chatuchak.

Salmon tartare

King prawn lumaconi carbonara pasta

Vanilla bean cre`me bruˆle´e