Pier59—Emerging from the Shadow of a Superstar
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Would you be surprised to learn that Angelina Jolie has a sister who is even more beautiful, more enticing than her famous sibling, and that most people don’t know this because of the overwhelming draw and charisma of Jolie herself? This scenario is fictitious but something similar happens all the time at Bangkok’s renowned Banyan Tree Hotel. Everyday, locals and tourists alike rush to experience the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar located on the hotel’s rooftop, 62 stories high and a superstar among the world’s most spectacular restaurants.
While enjoying a cocktail and taking in the spectacular views at Vertigo, most guests are unaware that when stepping off the elevator on the 59th floor to take the final ascent up a few flights of stairs, they’ve walked past the entrance to Pier59, a shining star not only among the hotel’s signature restaurants, but among all of Bangkok’s finer dining establishments. I had the pleasure of dining at Pier59 recently, and to be quite frank, the last time I had a meal that delicious, so elegant in its presentation, and in such stylish décor, Tony Curtis was at the next table, Wolfgang Puck came to greet me, and I was at Spago Beverly Hills.
Don’t believe me? Read and weep with envy at the description of one of Pier59’s recent Six Course Degustation Menus (”Degust” means “to taste or savor carefully or appreciatively”).
• First course: Tuna Tartar with Californian Avocado, Ginger Sauce and Herb Sprout
Salad, paired with a 2006 Riesling, Wolf Blass, Australian wine.
• Second Course: Spinach Cream with Sweet Shrimp and Smoked Herring Roe paired
with a 2006 Pinot Grigio, Castello Fanfi, Italian wine.
• Third Course: Grilled Scallop with Steamed Potato, Tomato Confit, Kalamata Olive,
Caper Berry and Fresh Basil.
• Fourth Course: Pan Roasted Turbot Fillet with Braised Leek, Foie Gras Cream and
Red Onion Marmalade, paired with 2004 Chardonnay, Matua Valley, New Zealand
wine.
• Course Five: Pan Roasted Corn Fed Chicken Breast with Mushroom Spinach
Filling, Zucchini, Tomato, and Chicken Balsamic Jus.
• Course Six: Chilled Passion Fruit Sabayon with Rasberry Sorbet and Ladyfinger,
paired with 2002 Sauternes, Borie Manoux, French wine.
The cost was only 3,400++ THB per person without wine or 5,200++ THB inclusive of the wine. (About what the tip would be in Beverly Hills!)
While I don’t drink, my dining companions marveled at the expertise of our sommelier, Sebastian, who suggested the perfect wines to go with all of their courses. We were all very spoiled, in Bangkok not Beverly Hills! And while Wolfgang was not in sight, it was as if the entire staff was unobtrusively aware of our every want or need, allowing us to enjoy the meal, one another, and the spectacular view—like Vertigo, Pier59 offers unobstructed bird’s-eye views of the Bangkok metropolis and the Chao Phraya River from its lofty perspective.
So, next time you see Angelina Jolie, consider the possibility of her unknown and even more beautiful sister. And next time you’re in the mood to dine above it all, sure, go for that cocktail at Vertigo before descending one floor for a more leisurely, lower key, sophisticated wining and dining experience. Don’t you think it’s about time you discovered what you’ve been missing on the way to the top? For more information and reservations, telephone 66 (0) 2679 1200.