Artur

400
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Art of meat

Artur Kluczewski, the person who is responsible for a few successful restaurants in Bangkok, now runs his own steakhouse in the heart of downtown Bangkok; yes, it is that talk-of-the-town Manhattan style steakhouse with a Parisian touch on Soi Tonson - the Artur. Someone called it a retro French restaurant that serves excellent New York style steak. Either way, Artur is the rare culinary gift to Bangkokians.

Just like most luxury restaurants will do a budget luncheon to keep epicures aware and to lure non-regulars to their dinner, Artur offers two lunch sets, a weight-watcher lunch set at THB 290++, and a 3-course business lunch set at THB 490++. Both are great value for money. And the food, impeccable!



Artur Restaurant ****1/4
G/F Bliston Suwan Park View
9 Soi Tonson
Ploenchit Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel.: 02.658.6288

Open daily : lunch 11:30 am - 2pm, dinner 6 - 10 pm
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 6,000
(weekdays lunch set from THB 290++)

Madison lunch set

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Affordable luxury lunch deal

Madison is the steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel, which offers luxury beef cuts such as Matsuzaka and Kobe to Wagyu and USDA Prime, prepared in an American twist. It is one of the most luxurious steakhouses in Bangkok, and arguably the best in the 90's when the Four Seasons Bangkok was the Regent Hotel.

A meal for two at Madison may cost a local junior manager a month of his salary, say THB 20,000 with a bottle of nice wine, or half of the price without wine. Luxury does sometimes come with promotions, during weekdays Madison offers a tempting sixty-minute business luncheon deal, which is a 2-course lunch set below the mark of one thousand Thai baht, including Madison's renowned all-u-can-eat salad bar. It is a good chance for non-regular customers to sample Madison food and decide if it is justified to pay a luxury price for a-la-carte or dinner on another occasion.

Two weeks ago I revisited this once talk of the town steakhouse in Bangkok with an American foodie friend during lunchtime. The 3-course lunch set, THB 890++, consists of a soup or the all-u-can-eat salad bar, a main course with choices, and a desert with choices. It is a fairly good deal at this classy grill room. However the food didn't live up to expectations; the salad bar isn't as 'wow' as before, choices cut back and quality declined, for instance, scallops in one of the salad dishes had an artificial texture and tasted bland. Imagine the taste of an eatable rubber or Japanese fake scallops those kids eat! For mains I opted for pan-fried sea bass and it was quite good; but my friend wasn't as lucky as me. His grilled sirloin steak in black pepper sauce didn't have a decent beef flavor and was not tender, though not over-cooked. He described it as coffee-shop quality. The dessert, a creme burlee, was fine.

The food quality and taste aren't as good as last time I visited Madison, which was two years ago.






Madison ***1/2
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
155 Rajdamri Road
Pratumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel.: 02.126.8866

Open daily : breakfast 6 - 10:30 am, lunch 12 noon - 2:30 pm, dinner 6 - 10:30 pm, Sunday brunch 11:30 am - 3 pm
Pay (3-course lunch set without drinks): THB 890++
(a la carte 3-course around THB 8,000 without drinks)

New York Steakhouse

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New York Steakhouse @ JW Marriott Hotel

From media reviews and advertorials, New York Steakhouse had been rated Bangkok's best steakhouse for few years, so does the hotel's Japanese restaurant Tsu-Nami. (Good PR job!)

But, they aren't.

Food at New York Steakhouse was decent but not outstanding. Of course we paid a handsome price so the quality shall be with certain guarantee. However, quality of steak did not match with the restaurant's top status and chef culinary skill just didn't live up to expectations. Service was way too 'professional' lacking of those natural touch of Thais hospitality, pretentious instead.

Although I don't crown New York Steakhouse the best in Bangkok, but a visit doesn't hurt our appetite either. The menu is big and coverage is more aggressive than any other top-notch hotel's steakhouse. With Marriott Gold Card (if you have one!) your meal is always free when dining with a friend.

New York Steakhouse ***

2nd Floor, JW Marriott Hotel

4 Sukhumvit Road (at Sukhumvit Soi 2)

Ploenchit, Bangkok 10110

Tel.: 02.656.7700
New York Steakhouse

Open daily 18:00 - 23:00 dinner only
Pay (food only): expect THB 8,000 for two

Neil's Tavern

111
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Steaks for the astronauts

With 40 years in business, Neil's Tavern is Bangkok's oldest and best non-hotel owned steakhouse.

Neil's Tavern - Ruam Rudee branch ***1/2

58/4 Soi Ruam Rudee

off Wireless Road

Lumpini, Bangkok 10330

Tel.: 02.256.6874

Open daily - Lunch 11:30 - 13:45 (except Sunday); Dinner 17:30 - 22:30
Pay (food only for two): around THB 3,500
Neil's Tavern

Neils's Tavern - Asoke branch ***1/2

G/F, Prime Building

24 Sukhumvit 21 (Asok Road)

Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Tel.: 02.260.4391
Neil's Tavern

Opem daily - Lunch 11:30 - 14:00; Dinner 17:30 - 22:00
Pay (food only for two): around THB 3,500

Chokchai Premium Steakhouse

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Local premium steakhouse

Found in 1971, Thailand first family steakhouse with a family-friendly price tag.

Chokchai Steak House serves 3 grades of beef steak.

The first one is Chokchai Premium Steak, which is from a young “Charolais” cow that goes through a 30 day dry aging process.

The second one is Chokchai Dry Aging Steak, which is from an American Brahman cow that goes through the dry aging process for 15 days.

The third one is Regular Beef Steak that does not go through the dry aging process.

These three kinds of steak are prepared and served in a variety of cuts for people to choose from. My favorite cuts are New York cut and T-bone steak.



Chokchai Premium Steakhouse ***
Sukhumvit 23 branch:
First floor Prasanmit Plaza building
45 Sukumvit 23
Wattana, Bangkok
Tel. 02.259.9596

Open daily : 11 am - 9:30 pm
Pay (food only for two): around THB 3,000

Chokchai Steakhouse ***
Farm Chokchai branch:
170 Moo2 Friendship Highway
Nongnamdaeng, Pakchong
Nakhon Ratchasima
Tel. 044.313.098, 044.328.445
Chockchai Steakhouse

Open daily : 10 am - 8 pm
Pay (food only for two): around THB 3,000

Le Banyan

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Le Banyan

Pressed duck, my choice on New Year's day!



Le Banyan ****
59 Sukhumvit Soi 8
Sukhumvit Road
Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Tel.: 02.253.5556
Le Banyan

Open Monday - Saturday 18:00 - 24:00 (last order 21:30)
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 6,000

* (update on 2012-02-05: Le Banyan is now La Colombe d'Or, still serving the same menu and pressed duck)

* hooray THAILAND Unseen Gourment reached 50,000 clicks on New Year's day!

roof top dining 3

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The Vertigo

Imagine how wonderful if there is a restaurant that serves your visual pleasure while having your taste buds a lift; this has to be a view-to-dine-by restaurant. The surroundings elegantly decorated with tranquility ambiance; heavenly view of 360 degree panorama overlooking anywhere in Bangkok above the hustle and bustle of city living rarely found elsewhere.



Vertigo and Moon Bar ****1/2
Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok
21/100 Sathorn Road
Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
Tel.: 02.679.1200
Banyan Tree Bangkok

Open daily : 6:30 pm - 11 pm (weather permitted)
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 7,000

roof top dining 2

104
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Red Sky @ Centara Grand Hotel at Central World



My favorite rooftop restaurant in Bangkok simply its food is 'eatable' though not outstanding and the price is affordable, with the enjoyable panorama city view!

Red Sky ***
55th Floor, Centara Grand Hotel at Central World
999/99 Rama 1 Road
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel.: 02.100.1234
Centara - Red Sky

Opening daily for Dinner 17:00 - 01:00
Pay (food only): expect THB 7,000 for two

Kisso teppanyaki

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Kisso @ Westin Grand Sukhumvit Hotel

My favorite tappanyaki restaurant in Bangkok. Good food, good price, good ambiance!



Only set back is the restaurant ventilation at the teppanyaki tables, bad!

Kisso Japanese Restaurant 吉左右 ***1/2
259 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110
Tel.: 02.207.8000 ext. Kisso
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/dining/index.html?propertyID=1446

Open daily: Lunch 11:30-14:30; Dinner 18:00-22:30
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 4,000 for teppanyaki dinner

Hamilton's X'mas Day set lunch

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Christmas day 4-course lunch
Hamilton's Steak House @ Dusit Thani Hotel

4-course X’mas Lunch for B950++; it consisted of appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert.

Choices of appetizer were Pan-fried Crab Cake served with melted chili cheese and organic lettuces, or Terrine of Duck Liver served with wild roquette salad. I chose the Crab Cake, the cake was slightly crispy outside and the meat was soft, tasty.

Soup had two choices, Lobster Bisque with brandy and grissini in a baked puff, or Double Chicken Comsomme with vegetable pearls. Of course I opted for the Hamilton’s signature Lobster Bisque, with subtle flavor of cognac together with well balanced taste of fine ingredients made this soup marvelous.

Main course was Roasted Strip Loin of Beef served with home fries, mushroom sauce and assorted root vegetables, or Fillet of Roasted Turkey with its stuffing in cranberry sauce. I had the Strip Loin of Beef, tender and juicy, bravo!

Choices of dessert were American Apple Pie served with vanilla sauce, or Christmas Pudding in vanilla sauce. My pick was the American Apple Pie, so-so.All for B1,118 net ($34) it was a nice treat on Christmas day though.

Hamilton’s also offer regular 3-course Business Set Lunch from Monday to Friday, for B450++ only.


The Hamilton's Steak House ****
Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok
946 Rama IV Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel.: 02.236.9999
Hamilton's

Open daily: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:20 pm; Dinner 6 - 11 pm
Pay (food only): regular dinner expect to pay THB 8,000 for two
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Hamilton's Thanksgiving dinner

42
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Turkey Day this Year

Thanksging's Dinner

Hamilton's Steak House
@ Dusit Thani Hotel

Thanksging 4-Course Set Dinner B1,550 net ($47)
1. Traditional Crab Cakes
2. Lobster Bisque
3. A piece of Turkey Meat with its Stuffings in Cranberry Sauce
4. New York Cheese Cake

It was delicious!
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Grill Tokyo

16
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The grill of Bangkok

Well-off locals and Japanese expatriates are all familiar with Nippon-tei, almost Bangkok's first standalone premium Japanese restaurant where people can find a treat of authentic Japanese feast. After more than twenty years of running a top Japanese restaurant chain with success, they created another brainchild to the world of gourmet last year, known as the Grill Tokyo.

Before I was told that Grill Tokyo belongs to the Nippon-tei group, judging by its Western-bound, chic and contemporary art-like interior, I did once thought if Grill Tokyo was another pretentious fusion eatery without the true value to fine dining, like those 'every meal is a show' or 'we search for only the best ingredients around the world (oops world where? in Klongtoey fresh market?)' restaurants that are distinctive on the bills but not on the food.

Hinted by the restaurant name and its interior, Grill Tokyo of course offers grill (steak) dishes, plus a variety of Western + Japanese fusion cuisine; but never forgotten the traditional Japanese fare. So there are different menus for us to study before a proper order can be placed.

Prior to my recent visit, I have been pampered with a real taste in Grill Tokyo for a few times. First time was a month after the opening of this remarkable eatery, I dropped by for a simple sashimi lunch. The catch was fresh and price was reasonable. I mean reasonable according to the quality. I have been told that there are more than thirty selections of only the best quality seafood being flown in everyday from Japan in dancing (fresh) shape. I had the toro (tuna belly), yellow tail, scallop, sweet shrimp and a whole giant sea whelk (THB 1,700++) with the shell being cleaned and packed for my souvenir. The quality can be as good as those offered in a shop right inside the Tuskiji Market in Tokyo.

Once I had the Australian steak set (with soup and dessert). Wow, the steak was more than moist and tender; its succulent tasty meat remained in my dream until the morning. For THB 550++ it is arguably the best value steak set in town. Ironically I had the piece of best value Aussie steak in Grill Tokyo but not in a steakhouse. Guess those steakhouse owners need some improvement or at least recalculate the cost!



On my recent visit to Grill Tokyo with friends, we ordered the 4-course lunch set of which I have been long missing it. Began with the appetizers, we had izumi-dai capaccio (sea bream), katsuo salad (green salad with bonito sashimi), and the pork shabu salad with spicy bean sauce. The sashimi were fresh and the pork was moist and tender, all of them were tasty.

Moving to the second course (a grill dish of seafood) we had tusbodai nitsuke (fish stew), deep fried soft shell crab, ugagi kabayabi (grilled eel with teriyaki sauce), and buri teriyaki (grilled yellow tail with teriyaki sauce). They were all heavily seasoned in sweet and salty note that made them taste truly Japanese.

Came to the mains (a noodle, spaghetti or rice dish) we had mabo nasu don (rice topped with ground pork mabo style), hiyashi chuka (chilled cold noodle Chinese style), and karu bi don (rice topped with grilled pork). All of them served with miso soup. We concluded the lunch with Grill Tokyo fabulous home-made ice cream, taste we had were chocolate, Earl Grey and mango. Also good was the black sesame pudding.

Now no more secret to everyone; it doesn't have to be well-off to dine at Grill Tokyo, the lunch set at THB 390++ is probably the cheapest deal for a 4-course premium lunch set in town. Not necessary to tell you how good the lunch set was but just to confirm that I will keep returning to Grill Tokyo if the standard remains.

Grill Tokyo Japanese Grill Room ****
G/F The Siam Paragon
991 Rama I Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel.: 02.610.9487
Grill Tokyo

Open daily : lunch 11:30 am - 2 pm, dinner 5:30 - 10 pm
(all-day-dining for Saturday and Sunday)
Pay (food only for two): around THB 3,000
weekdays 4-course lunch set THB 390++