While we're busy checking out the new happenings downtown, a new hotel has risen next to Krungthep Bridge on the other side of the river. Avani Bangkok Riverside is a new affordable five-star hotel and the flagship property of Avani Hotels, one of the hotel chains owned by the Minor Hotel Group. Set atop the hotel building, right next to the hotel’s swimming pool and courtyard, is what promises to be Bangkok’s new rooftop hotspot: Attitude Restaurant and Bar.
The views are killer. Taking up half of the rooftop space, Attitude offers a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique and the iconic buildings lining the riverbank. Sunset is an ideal time to come — as the afternoon sunlight fades away, millions of LED lights start to light up the outdoor bar’s floor. You almost think you’re walking on a platform of stars.
The kitchen is run by Phattaraphon “Ohm” Thipphawong, a young chef whose CV is dotted with experiences at luxury resorts in Phuket such as Twin Palms, U Zenmaya, and Banyan Tree. “[The menu] is Asian-inspired tapas with a touch of molecular,” he explains. Chef Ohm pairs high-quality meats from around the world with Asian herbs, spices and vegetables to come up with exciting new flavors. There’s the Smoking Caramel Duck, a duck-breast dish smoked with applewood and then caramelized with sugar and fish sauce (B220); lamb lollipops made of sous-vide lamb and flavored with the Moroccan spice, ras el hanout (B340); and a tender Ahi tuna steak that’s cooked medium-rare and served with Chinese-style bean sprout salad in soy sauce (B750). Attitude is one of the few places in Thailand that imports beef from Europe, including ribeye from Spain and tenderloin from Denmark. “Cattle in European farms are bred in an environment where they have been taken better care of, bringing a better quality of meats,” says Ohm.
You probbaly think it’s located quite far from city center. It is. If you drive, you’ll need to pass traffic junctions, take one too many shortcuts, cross a few bridges and go through a couple of expressway toll stations. An alternative is to travel to the river and take the hotel’s free shuttle boat (that too takes forever). But once there, you’ll know, it’s the view — that makes the journey worthwhile.
