New Year's Eve on Top of the World

New Year's Eve on Top of the World

French gastronomy at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE
New Year's Eve on Top of the World

Centara's flagship next to Chatuchak Park is an overlooked gem, more familiar to business travellers (with some of the most impressive meeting facilities in the city) than local diners. And what a shame, with nine restaurants and bars – Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Vietnamese – each transporting you around the world with authentic décor and cuisine, yet retaining the brand's signature Thai hospitality, heartfelt and developed over generations.

All that is set to change with a direct BTS connection at Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, which opens just in time for the festive season. With a few steps, visitors are transported from hectic city to calming oasis, with the heart of the hotel a pool courtyard surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Head to the rooftop for spectacular sunsets over the park, as well as the hotel's pièce de résistance, French restaurant Blue Sky. With only a few tables in each section, Blue Sky's ambience is intimate, with smoky mirrors, velvet and chandeliers setting a seductive tone. Those wanting to take advantage of the cool weather can sit out on the alfresco terrace with 180˚ views.

The hotel has a full line-up of festive celebrations planned this year, none more tempting than the New Year's Eve five-course set dinner at Blue Sky. An Avatar theme ensures the evening is welcoming for couples and families alike, with an early sitting for those with children and a later one for those planning to count down into 2020.

The evening begins with a signature welcome cocktail and artfully presented amuse-bouche. Rock oyster flown in fresh from Brittany is adorned with olive oil powder (as popularised by Ferran Adrià of El Bulli), fresh seaweed and rare oyster leaves, bringing the scent and aura of the ocean to the fore. Jolt the taste buds with the accompanying Bloody Mary shooter.

The first course is delightfully fresh and zesty, a Hokkaido scallop ceviche drenched in a ruby-red grapefruit dressing. Caviar, grapefruit flesh, a swirl of virgin olive oil and fresh floral leaves add colour and texture.

The highlight of the evening then comes early, a Moet champagne and brie velouté that is sinfully divine. Rich, yet light and foamy at the same time, the soup is presented with a pocket of truffle brie cubes, grapes, roasted walnuts and black truffle flakes.

The main course offers the choice of a light Dover sole or more substantial Australian wagyu lamb. Both again show exquisite attention to detail. First, the sole: modern in presentation, a strip of fillet lies on top of an asparagus duo, with dollops of rich uni a crown. Chantarelle mushrooms are placed to the side, swirled with a lemon-vermouth cream.

The French-cut lamb rack, meanwhile, is pan-seared to perfection, still pink and tender on the inside yet with a satisfyingly crispy skin. The lamb is accompanied by a potato mille-feuille, baked heirloom carrots, Moroccan spices and a complex reduction of port, madeira, white port and white wine. (Pace yourself, for alcohol features in almost every dish, the chef's signature and so very French.)

For dessert, the menu sticks to traditional and hearty, with crêpes and a berry compôte. The fraises des bois drink reveals a surprising kick that contrasts perfectly with the otherwise sweetness. After your meal, sit back and wait for the countdown with tea, coffee, macaroons, and serenading by the trio band. A flute of champagne will be served at midnight to toast the new year.

The city's fireworks are actually best viewed from the Blue Sky bar across the foyer, a sensual boudoir with private rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the famous rooftop deck that glows with namesake blue lights. A DJ will be spinning beats until 2am, with cocktails and an award-winning collection of wines flowing throughout the night.

The New Year's Eve set menu is priced at B6,990++ per person, with entrance to the bar complimentary for diners (walk-in price B890++). Parking spaces at the hotel can be reserved in advance.

For more information or to book, call 02 541 1234 ext 4151 or email fb_office@chr.co.th.


Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT