DINING ON THE WATER

Take the delectable feast to the waters

SAFFRONCRUISE BY BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK

If you are a food and culture aficionado this river boat cruise appreciating Thailand’s creative legacy and the eternal magnificence of the Chao Phraya River is for you. The Saffron cruiser is contemporary and lustrous in the flair of a yacht rather than the typical transformed rice barges. The al fresco Moon Deck where one is welcomed with a cocktail echoes the Banyan Tree Hotel’s iconic Moon Bar at Vertigo, its signature circular bar lit in blue taking midpoint. Guests can opt to enjoy their meal here or in the lower deck dining area which is air conditioned, softly lit with wrap-around glass both overhead and to the side to get panoramic views of the river’s sights counting the Temple of Dawn and The Grand Palace. Traditional Thai dishes that are skilfully prepared and ingeniously presented. Additionally there is live entertainment and cultural performance.  All in all, the experience celebrates Thailand’s rich cultural heritage like none other in total panache.

BERT'SBAR AND BRASSERIE AT NEWPORT, AUSTRALIA

With The Newport’s littoral setting and gorgeous views that have been drawing locals since the 1880’s, Bert’s is evocative of the grand hotel dining of the 1930’s bringing a touch of glamour to the beaches while still retaining that local Aussie charm. As you expeditiously take off from Rose Bay Seaplane Base, you can’t help being in awe at the striking views over Sydney Harbour. The seaplane pilot travels up across Sydney’s gorgeous Northern beaches before alighting at Pittwater where a water taxi awaits to transfer guests to Newport where Bert’s is located. Enjoy a glass of champagne before gorging on decadent food focusing on fresh seasonal Australian produce. And of course you head back the same way you came.

BODUMAS ATMOVENPICK KUREDHIVARU, MALDIVES

The appeal of beachside dining and the embrace of calm Indian Ocean breeze encounter up at this romantic overwater restaurant in the Maldives. Set an on overwater marquee at the Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru posing spectacular views of the ocean and the beach, Bodumas is the go-to place to get lost in the pulsing thumping of waves, while the sun falls behind the horizon – perfect for a dreamy and cherished dinner over outstanding service. Seafood seasoned with global influences, contribute to the great experience.

SCOMA'S SEAFOOD,SAN FRANCISCO

Located on the water in a notable landmark building overlooking San Francisco Bay at the end of Pier 47 since 1965, Scoma offers diners quixotic views while serving excellent fresh in season seafood with an Italian accent. The ambiance is welcoming and old school, thanks to it being in a working 46-foot fishing boat. Pacific seafood served here is caught on small boats, and brought to the pier by local fishermen; Scoma has a detached building for treating fresh fish. The velvety clam chowder, speckled with bacon, could be a meal in itself. But the most famous dish is the petit combination Louis, a smaller version of their classic with both shrimp and the Dungeness crab. Remember to ask for a bib!

NOMA,COPENHAGEN

Positioned on a small lake just freestanding the centre of Copenhagen, Noma’s new location was previously an ammunition room facility for the Danish military. Planned by celebrated architect Bjarke Ingels, the spot's 11 buildings stretch over 60 metres from end to end, and are intended to look like an Old Danish village. After being greeted by Ali Sonko and his smile, you walk down a striking flower wizened boulevard before finally entering the restaurant. Michelin star Chef Rene Redzepi is only too mindful of the latent of his land and with inordinate proficiency amalgams them into a symphonic perfection into menus that vary according to the season.

My friend Mohit at Noma, Pic Courtesy Giuseppe

First published in ET Panache Travel 

SKY HIGH DINING AT VERTIGO GRILL & MOON BAR

Nothing quite beats the romance of sky-high dining with a tantalizing to match. Located on 61^st floor,” Vertigo” has been named after Alfred Hitchcock’s famous thriller. This elegant restaurant sits on a former helipad (now rooftop) and comes alive at sunset for a matchless view of the Thai capital. To sit we had three options, a private party lounge, Moon Bar under a canopy of stars and a dining courtyard. We chose the latter. It was simply amazing to look around at glittering landmarks of Bangkok like the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Temple, National Museum and the Emerald Buddha. Ordering the meal is easy with recommendations from the waiters. As we waited for our food we dug into the fresh, warm breads and olive oil. The lobster bisque was a delight with its slivers of fried shallots for added flavour.

The spicy Thai tuna ceviche was wonderfully married and to die for! The Rosemary Scented Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb is a specialty here. Roasted for over 6 hours, a generous portion is served with Tabouleh and capsicum, complimenting the tender meat. Another specialty is their fork-tender, pan-fried tenderloin of Black Angus beef with tarragon, sabayon and balsamic sauce.

Dessert was a dip into the pool of divine decadence. In essence, there is no wrong menu choice- the Vertigo chefs consistently offer superlative cuisine. We enjoyed the attentive service as we dined while taking in the interesting mix of people around us with our wine selected from over 200 labels. For its renowned hospitality in the skies and engineered seclusion from city noise, it isn’t a wonder that Vertigo has won a number of worldwide awards.

FAST FACTS

Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Thungmahamek, Sathon,
Bangkok, Thailand; Tel: +662 679 1200. Timings- 6.30 p.m. – 11 p.m. (The Moon Bar is daily open during 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.)

published in Statesman