Sicily’s Perfect Pairings
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is known for its fusion cuisine that brings out the best characters of the countries around it, with the essence of Italian, Greek, Spanish, France, and Arab influences. Just the same, Chef Adtavorn “Gibb” Charoonpontithi, the talented Thai chef at the Zoom Sky Lounge, Bar and Restaurant had a real knack for capturing the quintessence of Sicilian cuisine at a Sicilian-themed wine and food pairing dinner that was held recently at the rooftop restaurant of the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel.
Known for offering the best views of Bangkok, the Zoom Sky Lounge is separated into the indoor lounge and the outdoor bar on the rooftop. The food and wine pairing dinner was specially designed to ensure the guests became sated with not just the food but also drinks and other things at the different sections of the comprehensive F&B venue.
Swordfish Carpaccio with Lemon Oil and Rocket Puree Photograph: Courtesy of The Zoom Sky Bar & Restaurant
Served inside the lounge, the first course started off light with “Swordfish Carpaccio with Lemon Oil and Rocket Puree”. Chef Gibb handpicked the fish himself in the morning, then thinly sliced it before mixing it well with lemon oil to freshen it up and enhance the aroma with the rocket puree. The chef paired this dish with Venezia’s Cuvée Stella, Vino Spumanta, Extra Dry to cut the taste.
Prime Beef Rib | Photograph: Courtesy of The Zoom Sky Bar & Restaurant
For the next course, the chef cooked al fresco in the balcony, grilling giant pieces of “Prime Beef Rib”. The juiciness of the tender beef went so well with Gorgonzola sauce’s rich taste. Chef Gibb perfectly balanced this course with Sicily’s Saia, Nero d’Avola, D.O.C, Noto. The alluring wine had a dense texture and a compact fruity and balsamic note to clear your palate.
Taliatelle with Mushroom and Braised Pork | Photograph: Courtesy of The Zoom Sky Bar & Restaurant
The pasta station – located a few paces up the Sky Lounge – was where we found our next course, freshly made “Tagliatelle with Mushroom and Braised Pork”. The smooth taste of the mushroom sauce was enhanced by Terre Siciliane, Nero d’Avola, IGP, Noto with blackberry notes. This full-bodied wine left a fruity aftertaste with a hint of spiciness to ensure a complex finish.
An Italian meal would not be complete without risotto, so Chef Gibb came up with a special course, “Pork Saltimbocca with Risotto Milanese”. The chef delicately marinated the pork well before cooking it. The dish was married with Terre Siciliane, Grillo, IPG, Noto. The citrusy tang of the white wine perfectly complemented the taste of the meat.
Pistachio Zabagliones with Fresh Strawberries | Photograph: Courtesy of The Zoom Sky Bar & Restaurant
The night ended with “Pistachio Zabagliones with Fresh Strawberries”. The light Zabagliones with the creamy taste of pistachio went well with the fresh strawberries and the fruitiness of the only rosé of the night, Terre Siciliane IGP, Noto. This refreshing rosé is perfect to sip while idling with friends after work while enjoying a gorgeous view of Bangkok.
The Zoom Sky Bar and Restaurant is hosting a themed wine dinner every month. Make plans at 02 210 9000 ext. 4304 or email fb_co@anantara.com . For more information, check out www.facebook.com/ZOOMSkyBar/ .
