Renowned Asian lifestyle brand opens superlative dining & nightclub destination atop Bangkok office tower
December 28th, 2013
Surely the most notable- and anticipated- restaurant and nightclub opening in Bangkok this year, KU DE TA Bangkok launched in September to a cacophony of media attention and celebrity buzz. The first international expansion of the brand by the Singapore group behind the mega-popular KU DE TA Singapore– perched at one end of the spectacular rooftop Skygardens of the iconic Marina Bay Sands casino- the Bangkok iteration of the concept follows the model in terms of elevated location and combination of restaurants, bars and lounge- albeit on a considerably expanded scale. Occupying the top two floors of a prime Bangkok office tower, KU DE TA Bangkok comprises an extraordinary assemblage of three restaurants, seven distinctly themed bars, and two club lounges. The globally renowned lifestyle brand brings a new level of sophistication and glamour to the Bangkok nightlife scene, and has instantly elevated the benchmark for local venues to new heights.
The extraordinary undertaking also marked the first restaurant collaboration project in Thailand for the internationally acclaimed, New York based, design and concept group AvroKo– whose previous projects in Asia have recently created a number of widely celebrated restaurants in Hong Kong- including Lily & Bloom, Carnevino, Socialito and Catalunya (also in Singapore). Highly regarded for their holistic approach- designing everything down to the smallest element- and executing with meticulous attention to detail- AvroKo have created for KU DE TA Bangkok an exceptional statement of bold yet timeless design. Executed on a grand scale and standard not before seen in Bangkok, the multi-faceted lifestyle complex stands formidably above the frequently gimmick driven, small scale venues that have previously claimed the spotlight among Bangkok’s plethora of nightlife outlets.
Dining at KU DE TA
Drawing on the Asian heritage of the KU DE TA brand- originally launched back in 2000 at the now world famous Bali beach club– the design and culinary concept for KU DE TA Bangkok deftly combines pan-Asian influences into a harmonious experience of cuisine, beverages, and entertainment. Set within the expansive volume of the top two floors of the Sathorn Square office tower, when fully opened in early 2014, KU DE TA will offer guests the unique convenience to select from three distinct restaurants within the venue. Signature– the elegant and sophisticated flagship dining outlet serves a modern Asian cuisine consummately designed by Executive Chef Jonathan Maza (ex Nobu restaurants worldwide), and cooked in the magnificent open kitchen that spans the dining room. Centred on the Japanese robata charcoal grill cuisine, Izakaya also features a sushi bar, and offers guests a vibrant, sociable dining environment. And finally, the Grill (opening early 2014) will be located on the 40th floor- a contemporary rendition of grill cuisine- cooking fresh seafood and premium cuts of imported beef on a traditional Bincho charcoal grill.
Outstanding cocktail program and night club experience
Among the seven individually themed bars at KU DE TA, the showpiece bar is KU Bar- located adjacent to the main 39th floor reception lobby- and anchoring the space separating the Signature and Izakaya restaurants. KU Bar has a distinctly Japanese theme- with a handsome decor of earth tones and natural materials- and an alluring cocktail program created by Scandinavian mixology experts- Nordic Bar Syndicate. An intelligently crafted cocktail list comprises re-interpretations of Vintage cocktails, plus the Handcrafted selection of sumptuous cocktails concocted primarily with Japanese spirits and Asian ingredients. Other bars within the complex include the Soundgarden and Amber Bar– jointly occupying a space across one end of the 39th floor behind the main Club Lounge. Soundgarden hosts live performances in an intimately scaled room ideally suited for a roster of jazz, blues, cabaret and lounge acts. Other bars include the Grill Bar ( opening 2014), and the Aviary– a member’s bar overlooking the Club Lounge from a mezzanine level.
The vibrant heart of KU DE TA is the stunning Club Lounge– a cavernous, double volume space extending across the entire north side of the 39th floor. A state of the art Madrix LED light system- the first installation in Thailand- combined with a JBL Marquis’ ultra-high performance club sound system- ensures a spectacular dance club experience. Dance floor platforms and lounge areas of luxurious leather banquettes harmoniously interconnect across a series of split level spaces, comfortably accommodating up to 400 club patrons. An impressive roster of local and international DJ’s entertain nightly- with weekly specially themed nights a highlight- Wednesdays to Saturday.
An exclusive Members Club opens in early 2014- a discretely located private room on the 40th floor- and uniquely for Bangkok- will operate a strict bottles-only and no-photos policy. Additionally, two further private rooms- Privé 1– a luxurious private dining room for 12 guests; and Privé 2- designed as a penthouse suite for private house parties, are scheduled to open early 2014 on the 40th floor.
Check the KU DE TA Bangkok Facebook Page for details of upcoming special events and parties.
The restaurants, bars and Club Lounge all open daily- with Izakaya also open for lunch.
KU Bar- Japanese aperitif bar
KU Bar stands at the centre of the south side of the 39th floor space – connecting seamlessly with Signature restaurant to one side, and Izakaya restaurant on the other. The decor of the bar features exquisitely carved timber ceiling panels, a handsome bar counter topped with dark brown marble, and exquisite Balinese stone carvings and ceramics that reference the brand’s Balinese origins.
A sleek wall of steel-framed frosted glass panels separates the KU Bar from the main reception area. Extending beyond the bar area- the adjoining Izakaya restaurant.
The bar exudes an elegant yet understated Asian-inflected sophistication- solid dark timber and leather upholstered bar stools line the bar- the smooth marble counter contrasting with the textured facing of the bar. Full height glass windows provide a dramatic backdrop behind the bar.
Handcrafted signature cocktails
Berryman Cobbler- A “cobbler” is an old form of a mixed drink that consists of a base spirit, sugar, and fresh fruit. It dates to at least the 1830s, and was one of the first drinks to use ice and straws; items completely foreign at the time. Tanqueray gin. Crème de Mure. High class blackberries.
Osaka Noodle Market- Heavy production of the shiso leaf did not begin in earnest until around 1960; coming into favour at an Osakajin fresh market. Tanqueray gin. Shiso leaves. Cucumber, honey & limes.
Storm Cooler- A passionate balance of sweet, sour, and spice. A tropical jacket of good times. Ketel One vodka. Passion fruit & honey. Lakrids raw licorice powder.
Asian Boulevardier- The boulevardier is the cousin of the Negroni. Here we slip out the gin and slip in the bourbon. The name itself, “Boulevardier” comes from a monthly magazine, a sort of Parisian New Yorker, in the early-mid 1920s. Wild Turkey bourbon. Campari. Handmade, Asian spiced tonic.
Selection from the kitchens-
(L) Pork Chop- House Made Tonkatsu, Wafu Dressing.
(C) Matcha- Matcha Tart, Chocolate Malt Crunch Ice Cream
(R) Ribu Buta- Pork Spare Ribs, Tobanjan Glaze
Signature – modern Asian cuisines restaurant
The premier culinary statement at KU DE TA- Signature features a magnificent open kitchen counter of impressive dimensions- a bold visual presence at the heart of the expansive “L” shaped dining room.
Dining tables take full advantage of the sweeping views from the corner section of the 39th floor restaurant.
A raised section of tables directly opposite the open kitchen of Signature- partially enclosed by beige leather banquettes.
Izakaya- traditional Japanese Robatayaki & sushi bar
At Izakaya diners can choose seating at the counter facing the kitchen, at booth and banquette settings on the slightly raised section, or at semi-private tables at the far end of the room.
A long dining counter faces into the open kitchen- a superb option for interacting with the chefs as they cook on the robata grill and prepare fresh sushi.
Deep red leather banquettes and dark timber tables provide a comfortable setting for relaxed, convivial Japanese style casual dining.
Club Lounge- spectacular dance club & entertainment venue
Occupying a cavernous, double volume space that spans the length of the building- with a north facing full height glass wall, the Club Lounge offers probably Bangkok’s most spectacular setting for a nightclub.
The Club Lounge ceiling features a vast array of LED lighting elements- the first lighting installation in Bangkok utilising the stunning Madrix lighting system from Germany ( see video below).
Soundgarden & Amber Bar- live music & performance venue
Set in an intimate space behind the main Club Lounge, Soundgarden is a darkly handsome live music bar- replete with plush dark brown leather armchairs, sofas and bar stools, juxtaposed onto bare concrete floors.
The performance stage is backdropped against the full height glass wall- generously spaced high tables set across the floor in front of the stage are a nod to the quintessential Thai nightclub experience.
At one end of the Soundgarden, the minimalist Amber Bar– a sleek bar that evokes a luxurious private living room- offers an alternative setting for taking in the live performances.
