Page 77 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

Step outside, and it’s like you’ve stumbled
into a rainforest. The outdoor area is a
lush haven, with towering walls covered
in cascading vines and plants surrounding
every table. Nature truly takes the lead here,
inviting you to sit back and immerse yourself
in a green cocoon of dense foliage and living
walls. The gentle rustling of leaves and
dappled sunlight filtering through the plants
create an atmosphere that makes you forget
you’re dining in the heart of Sukhumvit.
Soft lo-fi music plays in the background,
lulling you further into a state of relaxation.
For those seeking a respite from the heat, the In Conversation with
poolside dining option offers a refreshing
escape. Plus, the restaurant is pet-friendly, NANANG PRASETYA ADITAMA,
allowing you to bring your furry friends the Executive Chef of Ad Lib Restaurant
along for the experience. Every element What was your experience prior to Ad
of the space invites you to slow down, sip Lib Restaurant?
your coffee a little longer, and savour the
serenity around you – so much so that once I’ve worked in three countries: Indonesia,
you arrive, you won’t want to leave. It’s refreshing in this weather, the textures the Maldives, and Thailand. My first job
work together beautifully, and it’s packed in Bangkok was at 137 Pillars Suites &
FOOD AND DRINK with health benefits from probiotics and Residences, in Sukhumvit Soi 39, where I
antioxidant-rich berries. joined the pre-opening team. Then, I worked
The food at Ad Lib Restaurant is equally for four years at Nimit Fine Dining, focusing
impressive. Start off your brunch with a For something more classic and comforting, on sushi. When the COVID-19 pandemic
hearty Shakshuka (THB 290) which comes the American breakfast (THB 350) ticks hit, I went back to Indonesia to manage a few
with poached eggs immersed in a smoky all the boxes with its crispy bacon, golden restaurants in Batam, Jakarta, and Bali. Then
tomato, onion, and capsicum sauce infused hash browns, fried eggs, toast, and a savoury in 2022, I returned to Thailand and worked
with cumin and paprika. The eggs, still Italian pork sausage. Finally, we come at Siam@Siam Design Hotel for about a
slightly runny, mix beautifully with the to the Eggs benedict (THB 290). This year and a half before transitioning to Ad Lib
sauce, creating a rich, balanced bite with renowned dish features perfectly poached Restaurant.
every spoonful. Craving something lighter eggs resting on a toasted English muffin, How would you describe the food
and more refreshing? The Avocado caprese complemented by thinly-sliced Paris ham concept at the restaurant?
on rye bread (THB 290) will answer your and sautéed spinach. Each bite, coated in a
calling. This beautifully-plated open-faced velvety hollandaise sauce, is pure decadence, We focus on sustainable and healthy dishes,
especially post-COVID. We use about 70
sandwich, with its popping colours and fresh proving why it remains a staple for those percent local and organic ingredients. For
ingredients, practically begs to be featured seeking an opulent touch at breakfast. example, we source yoghurt and ham from
on your Instagram story. Creamy avocado local producers, ensuring fresh, high-quality
and cherry tomatoes are paired with tangy products that rival imports while benefiting
feta, briny black olives, and a drizzle of the environment.
balsamic glaze, garnished with fresh basil.
All this rests on a slice of nutty rye bread, a What are the most popular dishes on
sturdy base that keeps each bite crisp and your brunch menu?
satisfying. The Shakshuka and our Wellness breakfast
With Bumrungrad International Hospital are guest favourites. The Wellness breakfast,
just around the corner, the menu caters especially, is a compact dish with simple,
to health-conscious diners, featuring the natural flavours – creamy avocado, the saltiness
Wellness breakfast (THB 350) as a signature MASALA of smoked salmon, and soft scrambled eggs all
offering. This dish has a well-rounded mix RECOMMENDS complement each other perfectly.
of soft, creamy scrambled eggs – cooked Do you have any special menus planned
to perfection – rich smoked salmon, and Usually, it’s the basics done right that for this year?
earthy sautéed mushrooms. The addition impress me the most. Another breakfast Yes! We’re preparing something special
of creamy avocado and fluffy quinoa keeps staple, their signature Pancakes (THB for Christmas. It’s our first time hosting
it light, providing a luxurious yet healthy 290) were just that – simply amazing. festive dining at Ad Lib Restaurant. We’re
meal to start your day. On the sweeter side, The cakes were fluffy and light, topped planning a mix of à la
the Greek yoghurt healthy bowl (THB 220) with caramelised bananas, honey, and carte selections and VIEW VIDEO:
offers a fresh, chilled treat. Tangy yoghurt is a generous pour of maple syrup, and Brazilian-style churrasco
topped with crunchy granola, sweet berries, finished with a dollop of whipped – all with locally sourced
and banana slices. This is a bowl I could cream. I would return just for the ingredients, of course!
easily eat every day. pancakes and a hot cappuccino.