The Banyan Tree is bringing the taste of Mediterranean's bright sunshine and deep blue sea to Bangkok, with specialities created by Florentine chef Andrea Accordi. The Mediterranean promotion continues until October 21 at the Pier59 seafood restaurant on the hotel's 58th floor, where diners can enjoy a stunning view of the metropolis and the Chao Phya.

Accordi offers light, healthy combinations of seafood and Mediterranean staples such as pure extra virgin olive oil in dishes ranging from pan-seared sea scallop served with vanilla-infused creamed potato and iced green apple gelatin (Bt400++) to spicy spider crab soup with Bronte pistachio paste and chickpea puree (Bt400++). There will also be a selection of dessert creations, like chocolate mousse with olive oil infusion, for those with a sweet tooth.

Since the chef hails from Italy, many of his dishes have a true Italian flavour. For instance, he chooses to use the intensely flavoured Bronte pistachio from Sicily, which when combined with chickpea puree over a scoop of spider crab, gives an explosion of tastes that any diner would want to experience.

"These spider crabs are from the Mediterranean, where there's more salt in the sea. So the seafood is tastier," the chef explains.

"We usually cook with seasonal vegetables and ingredients to make sure that every dish is packed with the potential good taste of nature."

Accordi, who also runs the one-Michelin-star L'Onice Lounge and Restaurant in the luxurious Villa La Vedetta in Florence, Italy, has teamed up with Pier59's Kevin Vu to create an array of appetisers (Bt400 to Bt750), main courses (Bt1,200 to Bt2,100) and desserts (Bt300 to Bt380).

Also on offer is a five-course set dinner with or without wine at Bt5,500 and Bt3,500 respectively. The pre-selected wines are from Italy, France and Spain.

Pier59 is open for dinner from 6pm to 1am. Call (02) 679 1200.

Sirin P Wongpanit

The Nation