Swanky retail arena Emquartier has brought a slice of summer to its alfresco space, revealing the embodiment of a breezy beach club in a restaurant/bar that offers everything from tropical-inspired libations to casual eats.
Escape is another addition to the beach club-inspired hangouts that have been cropping up in the city (the Ploenchit neighborhood has its own version on the fifth floor of Central Embassy). Wallpaper depicting pretty fronds dominate the foyer and greets guests as soon as they step out of the elevator. The main al fresco space has thatched-roof umbrellas, sofa beds and wood-heavy furniture, transporting urbanites to a posh “beachside” paradise. An oval-shaped, whitewashed cocktail bar acts as a focal point, connecting a small beer corner with a little paella kiosk.
As in April 2018, the main menu is still a work in progress, but already shows a propensity for casual, fuss-free Western fare injected with a few Thai tweaks. Start off with the sweet and spicy fried chicken wings sprinkled with feta cheese and dried chili (B250) or the Nicoise salad with smoked salmon, baby potatoes and quail eggs (B390) before moving on to heavier fare like spaghetti aglio e olio with spicy Isaan sausage (B390), or succulent Angus beef sliders (B450). Expect more hearty proteins and a wider selection of Mediterranean-style tapas to make their way into the menu soon.
Drinks-wise, the cocktail menu is as beach-friendly as it gets, listing down refreshing classics like mojito (B320), mai tai Tahiti (B340) and margarita (B300). For more adventurous tipples, opt for Sailor on Wrath, which combines rum and tequila with pineapple, lime, egg white and a dash of agave (B340), or Myth Maguey, a rum-based Manhattan that uses sweet vermouth and honey (B340).