The buzz: It’s an unlikely neighborhood in which to make a strong architectural (or dining) statement. Lit Hotel is near BACC, MBK and the Jim Thompson house, but that doesn’t exactly make Soi Kasemsan the equivalent of Ari or Thong Lor. Whether the brand new hotel’s elegant design will suffice to put the Bistro of Creative Drinking & Eating (BCDE) on the map, only time will tell.

The décor: Despite architecture firm Vaslab’s striking façade, interior designers Cachet have played it relatively safe indoors. The space is cozy, warm, with two big glass walls meeting at a corner. For a hotel restaurant, it feels fairly small, and steers clear of the canteen feel one often gets in such places.

The food: Of course, there’s a burger (B295), a Bolognese (B280) and a pad Thai (B220). But you’ve also got some intriguing signature dishes, like the mentaiko spicy cod roe with sliced nori, oba leaves and sesame (B290). Four affordable set lunches offer three courses for B234 (they promise to serve them within 45 minutes): Thai options include mango crepes and minced pork on baguette while wild mushroom soup with truffle oil and pannacotta with wild fruit are some of the Western choices. This lunch deal is valid daily (and ongoing). Through Sep 1, it’s also come 2 pay for 1 for dinner.

The drinks: Creative cocktail options worthy of a real bar and a good selection of wine. For a healthier option, there’s a B123 tea time with loose tea and snacks.

The crowd: With banks and government offices nearby, who will come out to play out here in the evening? It’s all too soon to tell but with so many condos and hotels going up around Ratchatewi, the area could be changing fast. Gregoire Glachant