Q&A answers the cocktail question
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This might be the best bar in town for mixed drinks
IF YOU’RE looking for a cocktail bar with drinks that will blow your mind – even in an ambience that calms the nerves – the new “secret address” is the Q&A Bar.
Opened late last year, the Q&A is a sanctuary tucked away along bustling Asoke Montri Road. There’s no sign at the front, just a small “symbol”, a question mark holding the silhouette of a cocktail glass. Once inside, though, the air of mystery dissolves and you feel very welcome indeed.
“Most people have doubts about what to order in a cocktail bar,” says one of the owners reassuringly. “This place offers the opportunity to investigate and finally find out what’s best for different occasions and moods.”
The guy has no name, apparently. There’s the lingering sense that these people are trying to hide something, but then they’re quite open about their intentions, and their intentions are quite magnanimous.
“We carry a very select stock of liquor and spirits, we put a lot of craftsmanship into our cocktails, and we have the best possible interior design,” says “Mr Symbol”. “It reflects our philosophy – we want to offer an experience that’s traditional and yet fascinating.”
With only 30 seats, the Q&A is compact, but it’s tastefully decorated. The curved ceiling is padded with Nubuck, that rubbed-smooth cowhide. You feel like you’re riding on a posh train, or – given the long, elaborately finished bar – on a luxury yacht or a private jet.
By design, most of the seating is at the bar, so that patrons can observe the meticulous process involved in making cocktails. Wipop Jinapan, Thailand’s Diageo World Class Champion of 2011, leads the mixing team – and might be the only staff member willing to identify himself.
They’re a friendly bunch, though, quite happy if all you want is a basic gin and tonic. They’ll be even happier if you ask to see the cocktail list, which changes occasionally. It has the classics, crafted with suave, subtle twists and mind-boggling techniques, and some astonishing innovations.
Particularly potent for the blowing of minds are the Milano Negroni (Bt420, with raspberry and vermouth), the Southern Side (Bt390, cola bitters) and the Wolf Club (Bt490, rye whisky, walnut bitters and a fig). And the Crusta (Bt420) is a seductive mingling of tequila, brandy and aromatic bitters.
These and the other cocktails on offer are winners not so much because of the fancy ingredients but because they’re so well made. They’re balanced, fun and pleasant and never ruin the booze with careless additions of sugar or juice.
Another cool thing about the Q&A is that it’s a great place to talk – to actually have a conversation. On weekdays the music is lively enough to amuse but stays in the background. On weekends there’s more of a party vibe, with a DJ playing R&B hits from the ’80s and ’90s and slipping in the odd acid jazz and trip-hop.
SUBLIME SYMBOLISM
The Q&A Bar is on Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asoke Montri Road), close to the Petchaburi MRT station.
It’s open daily except Sunday from 7pm to 2am. Reservations are recommended at (02) 664 1445.
Have a taste at www.QNABar.com.
