Indulge in L’Appart’s new menu, where casual and fun dining takes centre stage.

By Gurleen Khanijoun Chawla

The hidden gem of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, L’Appart now offers modern European cuisine in an intimate dinner party setting at a chef’s apartment. The menu is divided into various sections filled with playful innovative dishes curated by Chef Nicolas Basset, who recently joined the team. “It’s all about sharing,” he says with a smile. His cooking style is characterised by rich flavours and distinct tastes that are carefully crafted to delight the eye as well as the palate. “We want people to relax and enjoy their meal together in an unpretentious setting.”

The modern and simple menu is just like the interiors that reminds one of a chic and upscale European apartment with parquet floors, rich burgundy wallpaper and marble tiles. Guests are welcomed by a long corridor that opens into an expansive bar and open-air terrace, perfect for savouring cocktails and tapas during sunset. The highlight however, is on the other end of the restaurant, where an open kitchen concept comes alive. Seated across the chefs at work, we experience culinary theatre and chatter. We couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement, as we watched the chefs conjure all kinds of mouthwatering creations for our enjoyable evening.

Food and Drink

Our dinner began with a tapas selection, where the Tuna tartare (B390) was the first to arrive. Seasoned with lemongrass vinaigrette, the fresh tuna was given a slightly spicy kick, adding a Thai touch to the western delicacy. Another popular option is the Oxtail bon-bon (B380) served with rich tartare sauce. The crusty exterior brings out the full flavour of the succulent braised meat. Both these recommendations are perfect for sharing with friends.

For heavier fare, opt for items on the dinner menu, from which the artfully presented Coco scallop (B590) is a must-order. Each juicy piece is served with fresh cauliflower, truffle emulsion, lobster bisque and tarragon. Every bite provides a fun contrast of tastes and textures. Another innovative choice is Smoked Atlantic octopus (B690) presented with tender ratte potatoes and black garlic aioli on a rustic wooden plate. As the menu writes, this is a “great dish for your camera to eat too!” For sharing, patrons can order a larger sized portion for an extra B510. Also available in two serving sizes is the equally scrumptious Canadian lobster with spaghetti and dry aged ham (B790 and B1,580). Next was the signature Seared Patagonian tooth fish (B1,200), delicately cooked to balance moisture and tenderness. Served with pearl barley, mussels and saffron, the whole fish contains a natural sweet aroma.

If you crave red meats, worry not, as they make a major part of the menu as well. Try Ribbons of wagyu beef, poached foie gras and dashi-style consommé (B720), in which the combination of well-cooked raw meats create a melt-in-your-mouth experience with abundant depth of flavour. The wagyu particularly carries a good level of fat marbling, ensuring that each bite is meltingly tender. The final savoury course was the meticulously sliced and juicy Soya glazed pork belly (B790), served with velvety mashed potatoes.

Prepare your phones for the grand finale. Phuket pineapple (B380), served with Tahiti vanilla ice cream, is a spectacular symphony of hot and cold flavours served at the table by the head chef himself.

The restaurant offers an extensive list of European wines and a number of champagne labels. However, the leading actors here are the signature cocktails, prepared with fresh and top quality ingredients. A favourite amongst the management team is Franco Thai (B390), a refreshing concoction of lemongrass infused with Smirnoff vodka, Malibu ginger ale and sweet chilli. Another drink worth tasting is French Passion (B390), which tempts with a strong aroma of fruity tartness.

L’Appart

32nd floor, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

189 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua, 10110

Tel: 02 126 9999

Open daily from 5pm to 1am

www.sofitel.com