The buzz: We all know that rooftop bars are a big trend with a small smattering of them on Sukhumvit and Sathon Roads. Sofitel Centara’s Blue Sky may be all the way out in Ladprao, but that just means there are fewer skyscrapers to obstruct your view. It also means that a night of cocktails and hearty food out here doesn’t break your wallet like at some other places.

The décor: The first thrill is walking through a narrow, black corridor lit up with tiny white lights to Blue Sky. The outdoor area is an uncomplicated deck with low brown couches and round, red tables, not to mention spectacular views. The inside is very charming, with several nooks and small, private rooms, each with slightly different, though all thoroughly contemporary, vibes. Lots of dark furniture with red accents.

The food: Simple and occasionally exotic preparations of Italian and French influenced cuisine and pretty chunky portions, with no red meat dish over B1,000. Try the seared, peppered prawns and grilled mango rocket salad as appetizers. Or opt for something fancy like pan-seared foie gras with apple compote, truffle sauce and brioche toast. Mains have an extensive seafood and red meat selection, like bouride of roasted snow fish with garlic confit (B890) and grilled rosemary veal cutlet. They also do a list of Asian and inter snacks under B500 to go with your drinks, such as Parma ham-wrapped japaleno with chilli chicken strips and tofu skin rolls with wasabi salmon and crab sticks.

The drinks: The highlight here is the pretty extensive wine list by the bottle and the broad cocktail selection, ranging from standards like black Russians, martinis and mai tais to more unusual options like Bangkok bellinis (with mango) and big mama­—vodka, rum, tequila, lime and cranberry juices.

The crowd: Mostly hotel guests at this point, Thai and farang, families and groups of friends. But with their grand opening slated for November, things could get busier.

Corkage B1000.

Mrigaa Sethi