The buzz: Not far from Ekkamai’s Baan Rai Coffee, French Champagne maker and wine importer Luc Busin has opened a bistro- style restaurant that specializes in quality wine by the glass, with 36 different varieties served alongside French comfort food.

 

The decor: Located on the ground floor of the Civic Horizon building, The Glass makes a big night-time impression with its floorto ceiling window walls. The modern-looking space is dominated by dark wood and deep red colors while the four wine-dispensing machines, each storing up to nine bottles, take center stage.

 

The food and drinks: The main focus is French comfort food, with two choices of wine suggested for each dish. It feels as much like a relaxing bar as a restaurant, with food offerings ranging from simple cold-cut platters (B690/B990 including two glasses of wine) and cheese platters (B590/B890 also with two glasses of wine) to duck leg confit sarladaise (B490), beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom (B890) and butterfish with creamy risotto, mushroom and truffle (B600). Typical French desserts like the crepe cointreau and orange (B250) and giant profiteroles with Tahiti vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate fudge (B250) are also paired with wines. By the glass, drinks start at B30/30ml, consisting exclusively of French wine except for one Thai option, Granmonte Asoke Valley (B64/30ml). Other selections include organic wines like Chateau de Coccinelles's Cotes du Rhone 2013 (B64/30ml) and Domaine Henri & Gilles Buisson's Corton-Charlemagne (B411/30ml).

 

Why you should care: For wines from small-batch producers, this is one of the few places where you can really sample a lot of options without having to spend a heap of cash.