THAILAND | INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit has been highly regarded for offering the authentic flavours of Spain on a plate.
Sky-high LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, perched atop INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, was awarded the prestigious “Restaurants From Spain” certification for its commitment to promoting authentic Spanish gastronomy.
The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade behind “Restaurants from Spain”, stated that the certification was designed to establish quality standards and criteria for consumers seeking not only quality Spanish cuisine but also authentic Spanish cuisine.
ICEX recognised and supported restaurants worldwide that focused on authentic Spanish cuisine and produce, thereby promoting Spanish culture and guaranteeing a high standard of quality for these establishments. The certification was granted following a rigorous selection process conducted by a joint committee comprising official institutions and sectoral associations closely linked to gastronomy, including the Royal Academy of Gastronomy, the Ministry of Agriculture, FACYRE, the Regulatory Council for Sherry Wines, ANFACO, INTERPORC, the Spanish Wine Federation, the REPSOL Guide, and the Ministry of Tourism of Castilla La Mancha.
Occupying the hotel’s two uppermost floors, the 33rd and 34th levels, LUZ quickly established a reputation as “the place to be” since its debut on 15 September 2023. Offering authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, and mocktails, the venue provided a dining experience unlike any other in Bangkok. Diners on the 33rd floor could look up through the bottom of the hotel’s 34th-floor infinity pool.
Crafted by INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Spanish Chef de Cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who honed his skills in some of Spain’s top kitchens, the menu took diners on a culinary journey through Spain, incorporating a dynamic variety of local Thai ingredients.
Among the highlights of the ‘LUZ Tapas’ selection were ‘Gilda de Pulpo’, featuring grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika, and olive oil; ‘Sardine Ahumada Con Lima’, comprising smoked sardine with lime and avocado cream; ‘Gambas Al Ajillo’, sautéed prawns with chilli, garlic, and olive oil; and ‘Ensalada De Salmorejo Burrata’, a burrata dish accompanied by cold tomato creamy soup, anchovy, and avocado.
Dishes proving popular in the ‘Chef’s Tapas Selection’ included ‘LUZ Salmon’, Norwegian salmon with mango-passionfruit dressing, and ‘Tuna Taki Taki Rumba’, Akami tuna with citrus dressing. Signature dishes from LUZ included ‘Carrilleras de Cerdo Iberico’, braised Iberian pork cheek with carrots and cumin purée; ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’, grilled octopus with paprika mashed potatoes and mango; and ‘Entrecot de Ribeye’, a 300g Australian ribeye steak served with layered potatoes and salsa de carne.
“We may be halfway across the world from Spain here in Bangkok, yet we are honoured to be recognised as an authentic world ambassador of Spanish cuisine and for offering Spain on a plate,” said Racionero.
“I am inspired to bring authentic Spanish flavours to the forefront and celebrate my native Spain’s rich culinary heritage, all the while applying a novel twist to enhance the new menu’s appeal to the local palate.”
Discussing his favourite dish, Racionero said there was no doubt it was the ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’.
“The addition of mango, chilli, and smoked paprika purée creates a contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours, offering a fresh take on the traditional Spanish recipe. Mango and chilli cater to the local palate and add unique flavours to the classic ingredients, all while staying true to the dish’s Spanish roots.”
Before joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at the one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, which was ranked among the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, along with acclaimed restaurants El Jardín De La Marquina and Montellen.
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit was the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels across 14 different countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These hotels were designed for those with curious minds and a fluid lifestyle that balanced work and leisure.
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