We were so looking forward to an evening at the Fireplace Grill and Bar, a gastronomic haven that first opened its doors in 1966. Upon arrival my gaze was instantly drawn to the pulsing heart of the establishment – an open culinary theater where Chef Kung, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant was holding court. We were immediately greeted by staff whose smiles beamed. Soft jazz music wafted in the air. I was impressed by the ambience, defined by the dark wood tones.
The menu immediately caught my eye, showcasing local and international influences. Each plate that emerged from the kitchen showed evidence that the Chef has a passion for quality food and a flair for presentation.
Our dining experience commenced with an amuse-bouche, a delightful poached oyster adorned with a vibrant green sauce and glistening caviar, courtesy of the chef. I noticed that the poaching technique and green sauce retained the oyster’s freshness. The caviar showed a twist of luxury, adding both texture and depth. The green sauce enhanced the briny taste of the oyster
Our first starter for the evening arrived shortly thereafter, Escargot and Garlic Basil Bread. The escargots, nestled in their shell, exuded such a wonderful aroma. Each bite melted in my mouth, the luscious garlic butter sauce enhancing the flavor. The bread was ideal for soaking up the sumptuous sauce.
Continuing with the French theme, we were served French Onion Soup. The broth was robust, simmered to perfection. The caramelized onions’ sweetness balanced perfectly with the broth. This delightful jewel was topped off with a bubbling, golden brown Gruyere’ cheese. Each spoonful evoked images of a French bistro.
Now it was time for the Apulia Burrata Cheese, served with Roasted Tomatoes and capers. This is a stunning testament of simplicity and the quality of ingredients. This dish is a vibrant palette of colors. The soft centered burrata sits alongside the roasted tomatoes and covered in a generous cluster of capers. The first cut reveals a luxurious creamy center that gently flows into the roasted tomatoes. The capers’ briny burst elevates the dish to a palate pleasing delight. This is Italian cuisine at its greatest. As the escargot and French onion soup had transported me to France, I closed my eyes and found myself in the sun-drenched terraces of Apulia, Italy.
Our final starter of this epicurean adventure was their Lobster Bisque., a creamy concoction that is made to indulge. The bisque was velvety as it was poured over a generous portion of tender lobster morsels, all delicately finished with a swirl of cream. Once again, I was transported to France, this time a bistro on the beach.
Our first Main arrived and with it the seafood theme continued. Before us was a beautifully plated Seared Toothfish. Prepared flawlessly, it arrived with a golden crust that retained the fish’s flaky texture. This denizen of the far southern oceans was enhanced by a white wine cream sauce. A rich but not overpowering taste was the result. The petite asparagus added a slightly crunchy, vibrant touch, which contrasted with the buttery components of the fish.
Renowned for their expertly prepared steaks, The Fireplace Bar & Grill had us eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Australian Stockyard Tenderloin. When it graced our table, the tender cut was accompanied by a rich red wine jus and a vibrant medley of vine-ripened tomatoes, promising a truly indulgent dining experience. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare temperature, the tenderloin was exquisitely tender. The rich marbling provided a wonderful depth of flavor. The red wine jus enhanced the delicate cut of beef. Bursting with sun-kissed tang, the vine-ripened tomatoes provided a lively acidic balance to the luxurious dish. Words escaped us as we savored every decadent bite of this gastronomic delicacy in reverent silence.
On to desserts, our flavorful odyssey reached new heights with the theatrical presentation of the Crepe Suzette, masterfully prepared tableside. I sat transfixed, bearing witness to the culinary artistry unfolding before me. Delicate, gossamer-thin crepes sizzled in the pan as a tantalizing concoction of orange juice and Gran Marnier simmered nearby. Suddenly, flames danced across the pan in a dramatic flambé, capturing our rapturous attention. In a photo-worthy moment, the dangling orange zests ignited in a brilliant azure blaze, their citrusy aroma tantalizing the senses and whetting our anticipation.
When the exquisite crepes finally arrived, lacquered with a sublime, orange-infused sauce, each bite revealed a masterful interplay of flavors. The crepes’ buttery richness harmonized exquisitely with the vibrant tang of the orange essences, delighting the palate with sublime balance. More than just a dessert, this was an unforgettable multi-sensory experience, a testament to the consummate craftsmanship in transforming ordinary ingredients into gustatory poetry. Next was the New York Cheesecake served with Strawberries. The sweetness and tang of the light and fluffy dessert was a perfect balance of flavors. The strawberries added a burst of refreshing flavor enhancing the overall experience.
The parade of sweet indulgences concluded with homemade Chocolate and Vanilla Bon Bons – dainty morsels that were nothing short of edible jewels. The chocolate and vanilla bon bons were rich, decadent orbs whose external shells shattered with the gentlest bite, unveiling an exquisitely silky, molten core that coated the tongue in velvety rapture.
With the final savored bite, the curtain fell on our grand epicurean escapade. I would be remiss not to mention the vast arrays of wines featured by the Fireplace Grill and Bar. Our choices came from the menu of over three hundred different wines. The reds paired wonderfully with the beef. The whites enhanced the seafood dishes. Our dining attendant paired them impeccably with our servings.
It would be unforgivable to conclude this gastronomic memoir without paying homage to the restaurant’s hospitality professionals who tended to our table. They exuded an impeccable blend of warmth and refinement, their attentive service and genuine congeniality enveloping us in an atmosphere of gracious welcome that elevated the entire dining experience.
The Fireplace Grill and Bar not only delivers an exceptional array of fine foods, but also embodies the pinnacle of culinary artistry. Each dish demonstrated a commitment to flavor, presentation, and most importantly, quality. For fifty-eight illustrious years, this bastion of gastronomy has reigned supreme, an unrivaled beacon guiding discerning palates through a sumptuous exploration of global flavors and techniques. In a city renowned as an epicurean mecca where cuisines from every corner of the world vie for attention, The Fireplace Grill and Bar stands alone.
Reservations are recommended, as at the weekends this restaurant is a bustling haunt of gourmands from all corners of the planet.
Fireplace Bar and Grill
Bangkok InterContinental Hotel
Tel: +66 (0) 2 656 0444
Email: dining.bkkhb@ihg.com