Spectacular Rooftop Spectrum Lounge & Bar at the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok
We arrived just as the sunset was decending. After rising to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s 29th floor, the lift opened to handcrafted basket-weave doors that led into a plush space with rich grained wood panel walls, a geometric-patterned marble tile floor and an open kitchen. This was where they charcoal grilled premium Australian Wagyu tenderloin steaks and lamb chops, Kurobota pork chops and Betong chicken, as well as Hokkaido scallops, Scottish salmon and Sriracha Tiger prawn to order and sometimes set up special buffets. So, you can imagine how our tastebuds began to water. We next entered the spacious living room with cushioned chairs and wooden tables spread out over a velvety blue carpet. The bartender behind the long, sleek, black marble bar to our left appeared ready to prepare some luscious concoctions and cocktails for those who wanted while I chose to try one of their many craft beers, the selection so vast, it was hard to decide.
One wall was decorated with a scene of the Chao Phraya along with back-lit panels with traditional Thai patterns, and when I looked up, the ceiling was made of intricately etched Thai patterns on gold panels, all part of the hotel’s concept of a luxurious Thai home.
But what really drew our attention was the panoramic view of Bangkok stretching out to the south past the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bejakitti Park and the Chao Phraya river in the distance and as the night took over, the lights of the skyline twinkled along with stars above as they appeared. We walked out onto the spacious, open deck with a large round table with a long, rounded sofa to accommodate a large group, like ours. There is also more intimate seating for foursomes and couples with soft grey or blue sofas or chairs with black and white herringbone pillows. Lush greenery is strategically placed to enhance privacy.
This night was ever so clear, and the temperature was cool and comfortable with a light breeze. Thai winter is certainly the best season of the year, and Spectrum Lounge & Bar is one of the best venues to enjoy it.
Designed by the Japanese firm, Super Potato, Spectrum is a three-floor, multifunctional venue. After our dinner on the 29th level, which I’ll describe in a moment, we planned to take the spiral staircase to W the 30th level with its 30m2 screen video displays enhancing the more energizing music spun by top DJs, like DJ April and DJ Joyyly, while sipping nightcaps and viewing the capital from even higher heights. For those who come just to enjoy this level, there is a small menu of Bar Bites, and while there is still the 31st level, this is reserved for private parties and events.
So, after finishing our drinks on the al fresco dining deck, we moved to the study, or dining room, which can accommodate a private dinner of up to 12. Here, we sat around a wooden table and gazed out at the city through the floor to ceiling windows. We then began with two appetizers, or what they call Bar Bites, crispy, deep-fried, golden Mushroom Arancini with mozzarella cheese and a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce, and Fried Songkhla softshell crab with garlic and chilis, delicious on their own or even more tantalizing for me with the Thai seafood dip.
After this, we shared a Berry salad comprising rocket, or Arugula greens, candied walnuts, parmesan cheese and a sweet, yet tart raspberry dressing before indulging in our main courses. A few of us chose the Kurobuta pork chop. At 300 grams, I had to share with my friends what was the most flavourful, tender and moist pork I think I have ever eaten. Others ordered the Penne seafood with a very spicy arabiata sauce made from garlic, tomatoes and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. The scallops were oh so sweet as were the small prawns. And the sauce certainly had a fiery bite. As I tasted it, I thought of Thai pad khi mao (drunken spaghetti) and could easily understand why in Italy it is also known as angry pasta.
Fortunately, we still had room for the desserts. We first shared Strawberry crispy cheesecake, which, for me, as a New Yorker, met all the criteria, a crispy sweet topping and a dense cheesecake with just the right hint of lemon to lighten the dessert’s sweetness. And then to clean the palate, we were served a Pinot Blanco Italian gelato. And as we finished, we were treated to the music of a talented band, Palm and The Slowjams, one of the seven different ensembles that entertain from 8.00 to 10.00 pm nightly.
While Spectrum usually refers to an array of colours, which the lounge and bar’s décor reflects in its subtle tones and lighting, this name, or term, can also refer to its calendar of various events and activities hosted throughout the year. Soon the holiday season will be upon us, and Spectrum will be offering exclusive dining options, beginning with a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Western Set Dinner, ‘Ora D’oro’, and a festive Christmas Day ‘Jingle Brunch’. The celebrations continue into the New Year with a New Year’s Eve ‘Celestial Celebrations’ set dinner and a heavenly, spectacular New Year Countdown Rooftop Party under the stars.
Meanwhile, every two months throughout the year, Spectrum Lounge & Bar hosts a ‘Private Tasting’ event, showcasing exclusive wines from different regions accompanied by selected gourmet canapés to match the theme of that evening. There is also the monthly ‘Cellar & Cuisine’ wine pairing dinner where premium wine pairings accompany each course crafted with precision and flair to highlight the rich flavours of the food and wine to bring an elevated dining experience to the heart of Bangkok. Then, every two months, for a more vibrant evening, Spectrum holds their ‘Live from the Roof’ concert on the 30th level, showcasing renowned Thai artists, like Waruntorn and J Jetrin. Thus, with all that it offers, it is no surprise that Spectrum Lounge & Bar is becoming the trendy spot for a night of dining or just chilling out.
One last surprise for me at Spectrum was when I learned that because the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok’s GM, Sammy Carolus, loves durian even more than I do, they sell the fragrant fruit on the premises, serving durian ice cream and desserts when the fruit is in season.
Level 29 is open daily from 5.30 pm to 1.00 am while Level 30 opens at 8.00 pm and also closes at 1.00 am.
