Restaurant of the Month Vertigo

Vertigo located on the 60th floor of Banyan Tree Bangkok offers the unique concept of dinning in the sky, you literally feel as if you are standing on top of the world. Open for drinks from 5pm its stunning and breathtaking location to have a 360 view of Bangkok and watch the sunset, usually around 6pm, and it doesn't linger. The ball of pinkish gold falls quickly from the sky.

Champagne with a choice of five different verities by the glass, ranging from Bollinger at Baht 1,200 to Pol Remy is a key feature. Currently there are six wines available by the glass, a balanced blend of old and new world. They will soon be acquiring a new bottle re-sealing system Le Verre de Vin, which keeps take the oxygen out of the bottle and replaces it with CO2 keeps wine in a perfect state for 28 days. This will allow them to offer their entire wine list by the glass offering an unrivaled selection.

At that height wind can be a problem so everything from place mats, made of slate to the furniture and cutlery must be heavy. Being an outdoor restaurant, exposed to the elements it only operates October to May and is closed during the rainy season.

The signature dish is their Sea food platter for two, stylishly presented on a two tier silver tray with a selection of Tasmanian Oysters, Phuket Lobster, giant p rawns and mussels on a bed of crushed ice, served with garnishes of chopped red shallots and freshly made mayonnaise.

With each of main courses there is wide selection of accompanying vegetables and sauces. I had the Lamb Chops, plump and tender from New Zealand with mashed potato and a black pepper sauce. As a side dish I ordered baby carrots with coriander, a delightful taste combination.

For dessert I had the caramelized apples and strawberries.

The cooking operation with the grill center stage and the vegetables and side dishes cooked in a small kitchen on the level below. This is skillfully co-coordinated with split second precisions by Head Waiter Vittiar in constant by radio, using a headset discreetly clipped to his ear.

The atmosphere is stylish, sophisticated and elegant without being fussy, retaining a comfortable relaxed feel - just like dinning at a chic resort but in the heart of the city. High in the sky you are away from the noise and pollution. It's worth a visit for the view alone, the fact they also serve great food and wine is nice added bonus.

When a new dinning concept comes along others often try to copy it. But with Vertigo the magic is the location and that will always remain unique.