Flamenco Bangkok in EmQuartier’s Helix puts on a big show in both its interior and its new menu.
THE SETTING
Many Latin-themed bars have popped up across Bangkok in the last few years, but Flamenco sets itself apart with an eclectic design that looks like an upper-class Spanish house. The walls are splashed with maroon-red and luminous gold colours, while carpets and velvet furniture adorn the floor. The space, while feels intimate, is quite extensive with divided zones of a cigar room, a live-stage next to the dance floor, a moderate-sized outdoor seating area and a lounge that comes with large steel structures, built purposely to fit more than 100 bottle of spirits. There’s also a greater focus on music with live-performances by different bands nightly. Check their monthly calendar to see if it’s either swing, jazz or blues that’ll take the stage the night you’re planning to hit the club.
THE MENU
Here the kitchen doles out Spanish-meets-South-American fare and hearty bar bites. The Munchies platter (B900) makes for a great plate to sample every appetiser offered in the house. Tender beef short ribs on thick corn cakes, two pocket delights of Chicken empanadas and vegetarian-friendly Jalapeño poppers that ooze strings of mozzarella, cheddar and cream cheese. Those with an indulgent, but healthy appetite will find much delight in the tenderloin from Argentina with meat so lean, but surprisingly tender (B1,290). It’s paired well with the vibrant walnut chimichurri and mashed potato. However, the one dish that needs to be ordered is the Duck breast a la plancha (B790). The chef cooks the meat in red wine sous-vide style at 55 degrees for an hour and with a generous pour of a cherry port wine sauce that tastes like Christmas and a smooth purée of sweet potato, it is delicious! The Patatas bravas (B180), too, is comforting with potatoes cooked in duck fat and topped with a mild tomato sauce.
For something to drink, there are brightly coloured cocktails that match with the bar’s vivid neon lighting. And behind the bar is a serious collection of tequilas, mezcals and even a greater list of scotch (both single and blended malts, starting at B340 per shot). If you prefer a bright fruity flavour, get the Aurora nuevo, a combination of rum and gin mixed with mango and strawberry purées. For something stronger, the Reposado fashion (B380) sees a hardy blend of Olmeca gold tequila, vodka and Angostura bitters with just a light hint of ginger.
INSIDER’S TIP
The mezzanine lounge is said to offer privacy for “VIPs”, and the only trick to being a VIP at Flamenco is to make a reservation ahead of time (no minimum spending required). The cigar room behind the bar has a good selection of Havanas from around the world, starting at B560 a roll.
VALUE AND VERDICT:
Flamenco doesn’t play to the conventional cantina-vibe of Latin restaurants with lame Spanish tracks pumping in the background. Here, the spruced-up bar comes with slick visuals and an ambience that places a focus on all-around Latino cuisine rather than centering itself on prime staples (aka paella and tacos). Dining here comes at a high price, but bear in mind that it comes with a vibe and tasty bites to match.