Scarlett’s Saving Grace in Stunning Scenery & Top Tapas at Steal Prices [Review]
Scarlett Rooftop Bar & French Restaurant at the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G - Tapas Deal Win over French Plates
Bangkok Foodies Review – Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
Scarlett saw her glory days in a time when Bangkok couldn’t decide if it were all commercially-class or edgy. I think edgy may have won out in the end. This would be my second visit to the scene but my first official dining visit, which brought me to question the loyalty of Bangkokians versus what changes were made to the restaurant?
Scarlett’s vast space is well thought-out with high and long wooden tables and traditional dining seating by the windows, the candles romantically accentuated glistening tableware, scarlet-hued glasses and branded napkins on the table. Everything seems to be in order, but unlike my first visit which saw seats lined with well-heeled suits and backless silk dresses swiveling pinot to the pulsating beat, there’s definitely a vibe amiss.
Located on the 37th floor of the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G on Silom, Scarlett’s selling point – that incredible rooftop bar view – is yet to disappoint. Although in the light of pre-sunset, Scarlett’s age starts to show; peeling paint, worn timber, and faded furniture appear in peripherals. Best to go as the sun is setting to bask in her filtered glory. The tapas menus are on display on a standee at every table by the balcony. Tapas Selections start at at 180 THB per 1 Tapas, 490 THB for 3 Tapas, and 620 THB for 5 Tapas, which already seems to be a fair price (with tax and service charge on top).
We ordered a selection of 5 Tapas. The Tapenade was delicious, however, is not tapenade like you may know. It’s more like finely diced-up olives in rich olive oil with a barely existing trace of caper. Fresh, delightful but more like a “salad” of tapenade.
The Garlic Shrimp tapas was grilled to perfection and again, lightly seasoned, giving emphasis to the shrimp itself. The sliced cherry tomatoes was a nice touch to this simple and savoury dish.
Our favourite was the Octopus a la plancha with a highly generous serving. The Octopus was thickly cut yet juicy with shredded chorizo mixed in – like the octopus – is wonderfully charred. One would consider to order this dish alone as a gourmet snack with prices starting from 220-250 THB in an establishment of this grade.
Riding on a tapas high, we turned to the Tuna Mi-cuit, a lightly seared Tuna. Under no illusions of grandeur, the Tuna at this price would be of the generic kind, however, the execution was spot-on. All this ( 5 Tapas ) for the price of 620 THB ++. It’s also important to note the impeccable service, not only directed to us but what we witnessed with other diners. And the snap-happy-foodies would be pleased to find the dishes show up wonderfully on Instagram.
It only went downhill for the final tapas which was the cheese. Tomme De Savoie (one of my favourites) tasted bland,worst of all, it was that wet glutinous mess they called blueberry jam that invaded the tastebuds most. Nonetheless, we would order the multiple other tapas on offer which we did not get to try in our next visit. The Scampi and ham and Mussel marinated in vinegar also caught my eye.
Although not enamored with the current restaurant offerings we did try (besides their excellent aged beef steaks), the Tapas menu is superior in terms of taste and value. My only note is that some dishes could improve with a bit more seasoning, herbaceous-ness and bite! But the clean and gentle version of Scarlett’s Tapas and the generous servings are what might make some old-school foodies fall back in love with her again.
Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
188 Silom Road, Bangrak, 10500 Bangkok
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)96 860 7990
Email: Scarlettbkk@randblab.com
