(A)ppealing (B)runch and (C)offee 

(A)ppealing (B)runch and (C)offee 

THE SET-UP

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE

Tucked away on the third floor of the newly opened 9:53 community mall in Thong Lor, this two-month-old all-day eatery offers more than the usual eggy brunch dishes. ABC Essence in Eatery is a brave black sheep grazing on a hill predominantly filled with Japanese restaurants, which should be a delight for the area's residents, who must be tired of having sushi first thing on a Sunday morning. With a clean-cut, white-walled interior, spanking new marble floors and Scandinavian furniture, it manages to pull off the "modern" look that seldom fails to please diners' eyes. You can expect to find Japanese housewives enjoying a lazy lunch, urbanites digging into healthy salads and serious coffee fans grabbing their caffeinated beverages. Although there's limited parking, a valet service is available — so there's no need for Thonglorites to swap their stilettos for Havaianas or worry about braving the sweltering heat.

ABC Essence in Eatery

Fusion
3/F, 9:53 Community Mall, Thong Lor Soi 9 (also accessible via Sukhumvit Soi 53)
11am-10pm 083-096-0425
fb.com/abc.eatery

THE MENU

Salads can be substantial. Any diner who doubts that statement should give the Skinny sumo (B300) a try. If it doesn't fill you up on size alone, you've got the generous portion of juicy and tender chicken yakitori, crispy fried tofu and a kimchi roll. The fresh salad leaves are topped with sesame and ginger dressing for a burst of tangy flavours. Pasta fans should enjoy Pesto (B280). The fresh pesto is made from scratch with aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, and topped with fine slices of fresh Parmesan cheese that will take you straight to Italy. The penne itself might not be home-made, but it is cooked perfectly al dente — and is undeniably delicious. For something with a French twist, the Duck (B420) offers simple sophistication. The crispy-skinned duck confit pairs flawlessly with the prune risotto, and the beetroot sauce and Parmesan foam add complexity. The dessert menu is currently rather small, but why would you want a long list when one bite of the Poached pear (B250) can send those with a sweet tooth straight to sugar-heaven? The pear is poached in red wine and topped with Tahitian vanilla sauce, crushed pistachios and ice cream. The sweetness is controlled and balanced, while the contrast between hot and cold makes it a smashing finale. Drinks-wise, the ABC signature iced coffee (B140) is worth ordering any time of day. But if you're looking for something to quench your thirst during the hot summer weather, opt for the ABC strawberry tea (B140) or the Virgin passion fruit mojito (B180). Smoothies, wines and cocktails are also available.

INSIDER TIP

Coffee addicts will be delighted to know the secret of why the brew here tastes so good. Instead of using coffee beans from roasters elsewhere, ABC produces its own coffee at Omkoi Estate in Chiang Mai. Located in a valley over 1,000m above sea level, the right amount of humidity and natural abundance of rain makes it the ideal place for growing Arabica beans.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

Make sure you grab a seat by the windows and take a snap of your beautifully presented dish with the sunlight coming through. The natural lighting means you won't even need to use a filter to make your followers drool.

VALUE & VERDICT

For menu originality and dishes that work, ABC is a clear winner. Although the decor is modern, we think it lacks a certain "je ne sais quoi", making it more suitable for a casual brunch with friends rather than a romantic dinner. A meal here can be costly, but that shouldn't come as much of a surprise if you're a regular Thong Lor diner. Add it to your list of afternoon venues to try out, and while the food will keep you satisfied, it's the coffee you definitely shouldn't miss.

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