Sumptuous upscale food market dining in attractive and atmospheric space
February 27th, 2013
One of the alluring dining options within Bangkok’s chic urban design hotel- Sofitel So Bangkok– is the all day dining restaurant RED OVEN. Taking its cue from the design principles that underscore the unique concept for the hotel interiors- created around The Five Elements (Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire), the dramatically stylish restaurant was conceptualised by acclaimed London-based design firm Gorgeous Group to be inspired by the influence of the Fire element. The signature statement of the Red Oven restaurant is the massive, fire-red Molteni oven imported from France- commanding a pivotal position at the restaurant entrance and connecting the two wings of the dining spaces.
The “world food market” dining concept at Red Oven provides customers with choices of authentic dishes from the famed local Thai street food, exquisite Japanese fare from both the robata grill and sushi counter, and classic French and European cuisines prepared with contemporary touches. Red Oven embraces the live cooking station concept, so that diners can select their meal choices from any of the cuisine options, and take a table anywhere in the restaurant’s expansive “L” shaped floorspace. Live cooking stations include the signature Molteni oven; Sorobata and Soshi; SoDeli and SoCheese; SoOcean specials; SoThai; and SoSweet (including bakery). In addition to the buffet selections served at each main meal time, a daily blackboard menu of a la carte dishes can be ordered at any time. Red Oven serves three main buffet selections daily- breakfast, lunch ( weekend brunches) and dinner, and is equally popular with both Bangkok residents and hotel guests.
Customers at Red Oven have several distinct dining sections- each with their own style and atmosphere- to choose from. The “L” shaped floor space comprises the high-ceilinged main dining room across the front of the restaurant- facing out over Lumpini Park, including a casual outdoor terrace space- which can accommodate smokers. Extending down the long side of the “L” floor space are firstly, a “street market” section- with subdued lighting and a long communal table; and then the innermost dining area adjacent to the Japanese kitchens- an elegant setting of relaxed sophistication. With the various seating options available in each section, groups small and large can be comfortably accommodated, and counter seats at the wine bar provide an option for individual diners.
Buffet prices range from THB750++ for the Breakfast; THB900++ for Lunch (Mon- Fri) ; and Dinner costs THB1,100++ . The Weekend Brunches are priced at THB1,400++ on Saturday, and THB1,600++ on Sunday. For free flow wine, beer and soft drinks- add THB300++ .
The prominently placed main show kitchen, with its stunning red “Molteni” oven anchors the expansive dining areas.
The boldly proportioned main dining room at the front of Red Oven overlooks the adjacent greenery of Lumpini Park through the double height wall of glass.
The fresh fruit juice bar separates the main dining room from the outdoor terrace area.
Window front tables enjoy delightful up-close views over the treetops of Lumpini Park.
The outdoor terrace space features a dark marble bar and the casual table settings. The end wall is the canvas for a cartological mural of central Bangkok.
The casual outdoor terrace is open on two sides with panoramic views across the parklands to Bangkok’s skyline.
The long narrow dining section that references the street market concept- with polished concrete flooring, a massive slab of solid timber as the communal table, and a wall lined with replica timber packing cases.
The inner most dining section adjoining the two Japanese cuisine show kitchens- with the robatayaki at the far end, and the sushi counter to the side.
Table settings in the Japanese section feature bold red and black upholstered chairs, with whimsical light shades adorned with stainless steel cutlery pieces creating a stylishly elegant Oriental aesthetic.
The “SOROBATA” kitchen- serving charcoal grilled meats and seafood.
“SOSHI” counter- offers an impressive selection of freshly prepared sushi.
A Wine Bar at the front section of Red Oven is a collaboration with local wine purveyors- Wine Connection. A large selection of wines by the glass are complimented by the extensive range of bottled wines- representing leading wine growing regions world wide.
Freshly baked breads displayed on the counter next to the SOSWEET patisserie.
On the left is SODELI- with selections of charcuterie; and adjacent is SOCHEESE with its range of gourmet French cheeses.
(L) SO OCEAN SPECIALS- fresh seafood and seafood salads.
(R-top) Organic salad bar
(R-lower) SO THAI- Spicy Thai salads
SOVEN- the centrepiece Molteni red oven- pre-cooked servings of Asian and European main courses are displayed on the entrance facing side, with the live cooking conducted at the other side of the oven.
Live cooking provides theatrical culinary experiences for customers.
Asian cuisine main courses presented on hotplates at the front of the oven.
Descriptions for the daily dishes are handwritten with marking pens directly onto the stainless steel.
European cuisine including pizzas, pasta and quiche. Specials include daily soup and roasts.
Authentic Thai street food style dishes are prepared to order at this cooking station.
A pair of SOSWEET counters showcase patisserie temptations, and daily special flavours of home made ice creams.
RED OVEN- all day restaurant at Sofitel So Bangkok
Address: 7th floor Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Road, Bangrak, Bangkok. 10500 Thailand
Access: A few minutes walk to either Saladaeng BTS station or Lumpini subway station
Reservations: +66.2. 624 0000
Website: www.sofitel.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SofitelSoBangkok
Twitter : @SofitelSoBKK
Opening hours: Daily 6:00 am ~ 11:00 pm
See also review articles on Park Society, Mixo, and the Water Club at Sofitel So Bangkok.
