Review

'Resto-Bar' Antito at the Eastin Grand Hotel on Sathorn is celebrated chef Amerigo Tito Sesti letting his hair down with his native Italian cuisine rather than the fine French fare for which he is usually lauded. Situated on the 14th floor of the hotel, there is a relaxed resort vibe enhanced by colourful pop-art on the walls, cooling breezes, views of downtown Bangkok and a menu of favourites from the Italic peninsula. Hearty rustic dishes from a country kitchen, such as spectacular 24- hour braised pork collar marinated in red wine or breaded farmer's pork chop baked with smoked scamorza cheese, appear alongside nods to sophisticated riviera repasts including refreshing Mediterranean-style prawn carpaccio and pan-seared golden snapper with lemon caponata. Sesti also serves handmade fresh pastas with a range of sauces, maccheroni amatricia, and casereccie lamb ragu, both highly recommended. As is the lightly fried signature pizza fritta, which has a vegetarian four cheese option. Other delectable non-meat items include a classic tomato salad with smoked ricotta cheese, creamy burrata and a balsamic dressing, an earthy truffle panzerotto with parmesan cheese and mushrooms, and ciabatta bruschetta with fried egg plant, roasted tomato, parmesan cheese and Italian basil. Desserts are spectacular such as dreamy hazelnut panna cotta or wonderful meringata with mascarpone cream and lemon basil gelato.