Question: where's the best place to watch Bangkok's countdown fireworks? Is it in the city centre, craning your neck trying to see them all? Or from the rooftop of a glitzy downtown hotel, trying to glimpse them as they explode behind the neighbouring, slightly taller glitzy hotel?
No and no. For a panoramic perspective on every firework that goes off in the capital, head away from the centre. For a Manhattan opening credits experience, except in glorious Technicolor, go north. Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is the hotel located at the back of the Central Plaza mall where Ladprao, Phahonyothin and the expressway join hands. Add nearby BTS and MRT stations and it's maybe the capital's easiest spot to get to for your New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Blue Sky Rooftop Bar and Restaurant on the hotel's 24th floor is where Executive Chef Eric Berrigaud has put together a special 6-course set dinner for New Year's Eve that blends influences from Europe, the Americas and the East. It's very wise to book, and some particularly early birds reserved their seats as far back as August.The feast comes in at 4,500++ per person, which, for an end of year knees-up, is fabulous value. The price includes entry to the Countdown Party at their Club Terrace on the other side of the roof where you can get something bubbly to toast the first moments of next year.
The restaurant is a stylish affair complete with sultry evening lighting which adds extra romance to what is hopefully already an intimate dinner date. Blue table lights add a cool vibe to the cool temperatures and the lack of competing skyscrapers means there's a decent breeze most evenings. If, however, you find December too nippy you can either grab the opportunity to dig that stylish jacket out of storage or just book a table indoors. Anywhere in the restaurant is good, but the best seats for Bangkok's firework show will be on the terrace.
Before the fireworks, the food. My excitement on misreading the menu and seeing tiger on offer was short lived. It's actually tiger prawns, served as a ceviche in endive cups…but what do those words mean? According to my friend Jimmy Wales, ceviche is a seafood dish from the Americas, around which the endive leaves make a neat receptacle. A spiced mango puree adds the one-two combo of sweetness and spice.
Moving from surf to soil and the part of the meal Chef Berrigaud calls 'earth', the Spanish iberico lomo comes with poached egg, sautéed mushroom morel and espuma — the festively fizzy foam. Next, 'liquid' is an artichoke and black truffle soup with toasted mushroom brioche; an earthy and wintery mix of flavours to match the season.
A butter roasted Nova Scotia lobster gratin forms the bridge to the main course and this is perhaps time for a last glass of white before switching to the red. Or, seize the celebratory spirit and just power through the entire meal with a bottle or two of champagne.
The last important decision you make in 2014 will be this: duck or beef. Duck-lovers also need to choose their preferred segment of the bird. White-meaters should plump for the smoked duck breast with pan-fried water melon, black olive tapenade and balsamic sauce, while leg-lovers havestewed duck thigh with couscous, gravy sauce and sautéed veg.Cow-fans get a chunk of premium seared wagyu beef fillet, gratin foie gras, Perigord truffle, wild mushrooms and Madeira sauce. But how to choose which to order? An easy solution: order whichever you prefer and convince your significant other to order the alternative. Then, as they gaze up in wonder at the countdown fireworks, simply help yourself to their dish. Voila! Added bonus: the firework's booms and bangs will drown out their complaints.
Should the above stunt backfire, you have the dual consolations of it being your final argument of 2014 and the waiter arriving with the desserts. Chocolate Ligurie olive oil and Italian basil paired with salted caramel ice cream seems like a surefire choice, until you read the other option: green tea Ronnefeldt emperor sencha shizuoka and chocolate inspiration dome with chestnut ice cream. Either dessert is a series of delicious mouthfuls, as well as a mouthful to order. Just ask for the green ball; they'll know what you mean.
If your relationship survived your main course machinations, post-repast you can head over to the other side of the rooftop and join the Countdown Party on the Club Terrace where a DJ will entertain you for the first two hours of 2015. The party is open to non-diners for booze and nibbles at 999B++ including a free drink, but it's best to end the year with the 6-course bang of a Blue Sky Restaurant feast.
To secure a booking for the festive season celebrations, Call 02 541 1234. ext. 4151
