The buzz: With the South American food trend forecast to hit Bangkok this year and having built some buzz off the back of their recent mini-Brazilian promotion, the F&B team of Panorama has changed their whole kitchen concept to focus on Latin American cuisine. Most of the inspiration is derived from Mexico, Brazil and Peru while Chef Matt Dowdell adds some European touches. Dishes are big as they are made for sharing and prices aren’t too high considering it’s a hotel.

The décor: The spacious high-celinged dining area remains the same, only there’s more emphasis on vivid reds, greens and yellows. Sit in the main room overlooking the open kitchen for a business lunch or head for the intimacy of the balcony for a romantic tête à tête as you enjoy the view over  Lumpini Park (but do book ahead). Going for drinks only? Then head to the bar and watch the bartenders in action.

The food: Appetizers include chips and guacamole (B180), a ceviche sampler set (B320) which has selections like shrimp and scallop with citrus radish and mint and yellow fin tuna with mango and pineapple. Recommended dishes are the chicken fajitas (B420) and quesadillas with chili braised duck, cheddar and salsa sauce (B260). Otherwise, opt for something big like the picanha (800 grams of top sirloin sliced at the table, B1,200) or the well-cooked baked rice with prawns and chorizo (B490), before ending with alfajores (South American cookies served with almond horchata, B140)—a lovely aromatic chocolate dessert before bedtime. If you’re visiting with a group, they offer a set menu for four people (B2,899) up to ten people (B7,999).

The drinks: There’s more than 25 selections of wine by the glass (mostly new world). Cocktails put the focus on the Latin national drinks like caipirinhas (B220) and daiquiris (B220). Otherwise, try the blends like the Wasabi Sake-rinha (lime, sake and fresh wasabi, B180) or the Irreverent Sencha (fresh cucumber, gin, sake, homemade green tea syrup, B220). Of course, you can also expect sangria (Spanish red or white wine with homemade syrup and fruits, B450) and Pisco Sour (Pisco, lime juice, bitters, egg white, B250). There are ten selections of bottled beer (starting from B150) and draught beers are Asahi and Singha (B200). Drop by between 5-7pm for the happy hour deal of buy-one-get-one drinks.

The crowd: Japanese expats and some lively groups of colleagues hanging out after work. Pieng-or Mongkolkumnuankhet
Open 6-10pm (for a la carte)