After some construction-related delays, the first floor at Serenade is doing limited food tastings for the public, with most of their tapas-sized dishes priced at B100.

We went over to the Grass complex (Thong Lor Soi 10) last night to see what the GM-chef team of Timber Suwannakoot (former chef of Embassy) and Aaron Adler were up to.

Serenade's space is low-lit with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows, made less serious with purple/blue/yellow paint dribbles on the stone floor, lots of cushiony recliners in the alfresco area. We also like the open kitchen and the slightly maze-like shape of the restaurant, ensuring a few little private nooks.

Enough stalling: we were impressed with the tastings on offer right now. These guys are taking the tapas concept and elevating it with some really original snacks that leave you wanting more, then quickly placating you with the next, equally interesting concoction.

Highlights:

- super fatty pork belly, seared and smokey on the outside, served over a little bed of pickled radicchio, carrots and a bit of garlic (B100)
- just-right medium-rare Wagyu bits over a bed of not-too-sweet, not-too-pureed spaghetti string squash and some black better. Yum! (B400)
- chorizo and asparagus, served in a chiffonnade presentation, with chorizo-salt and asparagus-crunch equal adversaries. We've never had chorizo like this. (B100)

So there you have it. Our breath is bated, our hopes are soaring. If you, like us, can't wait for the Oct 10th (tentative) official opening, go now. They'll probably switch dishes up on a daily basis until they find the ones they want to put on the permanent menu, so your input will be appreciated.

Oh, and as for booze, while they finalize their cocktail list, they're handing out samples of mulled wine-style spiced red sangria and a lovele white one with a dash of almond syrup.