Riverside idling

Published on December 21, 2007

Located on the top floor of Arun Residence, Amorosa can only accommodate up to 30 people. Come at sunset and you’ll get a spectacular view of the Temple of the Dawn.

On the top floor of a four-storey building, Amorosa provides a picture-perfect view of the Temple of the Dawn and a winding stretch of the Chao Phya River. And besides the view, this is simply a great spot for good drinks and a good time.

Named after a small Tuscan town, Amorosa captures the spirit of a small-town eatery. Located on the top floor of Arun Residence, the humble area can only accommodate up to 30 people. Dressed in soothing and stylish decor with the rich aroma of southern European flair, the joint has a set of Moroccan chairs, stained-glass coffee table, tall wooden stools, and a few pots of leafy green plants, colourful glass lamps hanging above the bar and a porcelain mosaic on the wall. Chill out, Latin and jazz tunes softly play in the background -the

music makers keep it low enough for you to have a conversation without having to shout. Come here at sunset and you'll get a spectacular view of the Temple of the Dawn and the setting orange Sun behind the stunning pagodas. Hang around until it gets completely dark, when the temple is lit up. When the bustling canal life dies down and most of the buildings along the bank turn off their lights by the end of the day, what you see are glowing temples, illuminating pagodas and lit up colonial-style buildings along the river.

The whole building itself drips in nostalgia and history. The five-room hotel building was originally a Chinese-Portuguese-style shophouse built some 60 years ago by the government for people in the community to rent. Two years ago a hotel opened in the largely original (and sturdy) building.

Except for some minor restoration, the house is the same. With the addition of antique furniture and paintings, the shophouse took a turn for the hipper. It is a historically attractive lodge frozen in time.

The hotel's restaurant, The Deck, was built about the same time on the newer building overlooking the river. Just a year ago Amorosa was born, initially to be enjoyed by hotel diners who wanted to hang out longer after the eatery closed at 10pm. Now Amorosa is enjoyed by hotel guests and walk-in guests alike. Most guests come after the sunset to drink in the majestic river view; some come after dinner for a few drinks in a peaceful setting. Most patrons are foreigners, though, while the locals are professionals and members of the older crowd.

Drinks-wise, Amorosa offers a pleasant selection. Order one of their signature cocktails while gazing at the river and Wat Arun. Try the sweet and refreshing Arun Sunset (Bt150), a rich mixture of Absolut vodka, apple and orange juices and grenadine with a cherry on top, while smooth Met Amorosa (Bt190) is vodka, cranberry juice and grenadine.

For a more substantial mix, try Bangkok Sling (Bt190) with gin, brandy, pineapple and lime juice and grenadine or Civilise (Bt190) with rum, vodka, Galliano, pineapple and lime juice, syrup and soda. Non-drinkers rejoice: there are many mocktails here. One of which is the aromatic, sweet Blue Punch (Bt120) with apple, lime and lychee juice and grenadine. Most mixed drinks here come out a little sweet, so make sure to let your server know if you don't like your drinks too sugary.

Small and large local and imported beers are served for Bt90 to Bt190. They also have wine from Australia, Chile, California, Argentina and Thailand for Bt220 per glass and from Bt1,100 per bottle. Whiskey, cognac, spirits cost Bt140 to Bt160 per glass. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are Bt25 to Bt95. No food is served.

Arun Residence

Soi Pratu Nokyung

Maharat Road Phra Nakhon

Daily, 6pm to 1am

(02) 221 9158

Parking near Wat Po

Manta Klangboonkrong