Mayflower

60
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CNY dinner
The Mayflower
@ Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok

The Mayflower has been a prominent Chinese restaurant focusing on carefully selected traditional Cantonese fares for decades, as one of the most expensive Chinese restaurants in town with food prepared the way any Hong Kong chef will do, surprisingly the chefs are not even from Hong Kong like other hotel’s Chinese outlets do, they are Thai-Chinese born locally but definitely cook as good as most Hong Kong chefs in Bangkok.

The local high-so(ciety) figures chasing after this renowned restaurants probably because the Mayflower earns the honor to offer its barbequed Peking duck to the Palace on a regular basis. Regular patrons are local politicians and high profile business tycoons, as well as a number of tourists (esp. the Japanese) and Taiwanese expats in Bangkok, just lacking Hong Kong customers.

On the occasion of Chinese Lunar New Year, we chose the Mayflower to celebrate the beginning of the Year of Mickey Mouse with close friends in Bangkok. In Chinese Lunar Calendar, this year falls into the year of Golden Rat. Last year we had suckling pig for the year of the Golden Pig, so this year we should order barbequed rat perhaps. But answer from the waitperson was disappointing, so we went for the Suckling Pig Hong Kong style instead, we ate the skin with condiments, and had the meat stir-fried with black pepper. The pig came out good but not outstanding.

Followed was the must order Roasted Peking Duck, this famed ducky dish was good in preparation and grand in presentation, slices of duck skin were carved thin without any fat left by the waitperson at our table, wrapped in a rice flour mini pancake together with cucumber and spring onion in hoysin sauce, eaten with the help of my two fingers. The skin was crispy with aroma leaking out from my teeth. The remaining meat could be stir-fried or made duck broth but we put the meat and bone in a doggy bag for my congee tomorrow morning.

To clean our palate after these greasy dishes, time for the soup, choices were Braised Bird Nest Soup with Minced Chicken or Braised Shark’s Fin in Supreme Broth. I had the bird nest one.

Our few main dishes to accompany supreme jasmin rice were Baked Duck with Black Moss, Lemon Chicken Fillet, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, Stir-fried Lotus Root with Prawn, Stir-fried Asparagus with Shrimp Roe, and the must order Wok-fried Beef Fillet in HK Sauce.

We didn’t forget the fish. The Steamed Live Red Grouper in Warm Soy Sauce came out pretty good, not over cooked (and not under cooked either) as many local restaurants keep repeating this mistake. Since the fish was live to steam, the meat was of course ultra fresh, and it tasted naturally sweet in its full gear.

We didn’t order desserts but the Mayflower prepared a generous portion of fruits plate as a celebrating gesture.

Overall, the meal was good and much better than our gathering dinner held at the Chinese @ the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel last year.


The Mayflower Chinese Restaurant ***
Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok
946 Rama IV Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel.: +66 (0)2.236.9999
Dusit Thani

Open daily: lunch 11:30 am - 2 pm; dinner 6 - 10 pm
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 2,500

Hei Chin Rou

59

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CNY Eve dinner
Hei Chin Rou @ Amari Watergate

Hei Chin Rou is famous in Japan, branch out to Hong Kong in late 80's and arrived Bangkok in 1995.

Tonight, we eat there with firends from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Sydney. We oredered eight mains and one dessert total to the number of nine. Eight and nine are lucky numbers for the Hong Kong Chinese. Eight pronounce fat in Cantonese meaning wealth, while nine pronounce gul meaning longevity. May prosperity, wealth, longevity and happiness be with us in the Year of Mickey Mouse (rat).

Food is very so-so!



Heichinrou Chinese Restaurant ***
Amari Watergate Hotel
847 Petchburi Road
Pratunam, Bangkok 10400
Tel.: 02.653.9000
Heichinrou

Open daily: Lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm, Dinner 6 - 10:30pm
Pay (food only for two): expect THB 2,500

Sieng Kee

58
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Sieng Kee Khaotom Pla 祥記

My friends all understand that I avoid dine at roadside or in an ambiance that is old and dirty, except Sieng Kee Khaotom Pla in the Yaowarat area (Bangkok’s Chinatown), I couldn’t avoid. I always go for the scrumptious khaotom neua pla jaramed (broiled rice soup with pomfret fillet).

In Bangkok choices of khaotom (broiled rice soup) are overwhelming, but only Sieng Kee Khaotom standing out strong for over 70 years and its popularity still growing. The eatery is nothing fancy, instead a bit slump, just its excellent quality of pomfret and sea bass rice soup that draws our loyalty for years. During Sieng Kee opening hours the street immediately became an open-air showroom of luxury cars from Benz to Ferrari and the shop became a tycoon and celebrity club. Once I met Thailand liquor tycoon Khun Charoen who owns Beer Chang, Imperial Hotels Group and TCC Capital Land, and his friends. The other time I met GMM (Thailand No. 1 record label and entertainment companies) Chairman Khun Paiboon and his super stars. Just a few to name but there are more to see and to be seen.

If you are not a fish person, don’t go. Because Sieng Kee only offers broiled rice soup with pomfret and sea bass fillet or stomach. Yes, fresh sea bass stomach a real treat to me. The broth was aromatic and the fillet was naturally sweet without any hint of fishy but with a chewy texture. Yummy!

Even without the comfort of air-conditioning and attentive service, a bowl of khao tom (broiled rice soup) or kao lao (soup only) with fillet of pla jaramed (pomfret) or pla kapong (sea bass) cost B250 for small and B300 for large. The price is not easy but the quality worth that price. Oh, cash only.

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Sieng Kee has [3.6]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food=5, Service=3, Ambiance=2, Money Worth=4.5)

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht: BBB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Best dishes: khaotom neua pla jaramed (broiled rice soup with pomfret fillet)
Wine list: no wine
Best table: outside
Details: Open daily 5-11pm (dinner only)
Sieng Kee Khaotom Pla, 54 Charoenkrung Soi 12, Yaowarat, Bangkok
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Yaowarat hawker food

BANGKOK AMAZING GOURMET
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Cheap Eat

Roadside dining
Yaowarat hawker food


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Chula 20 hawker food

56
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Cheap Eat

Roadside dining
Suan Luang area (Chula Soi 20) Hawker food

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Surawong hawker food

55
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Cheap Eat

Roadside dining
Surawong area Hawker food



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Suk. Soi 38 hawker food

54
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Cheap Eat

Roadside dining
Sukhumvit Soi 38 Hawker Food

In general I have no high expectations on roadside dining (hawker food) in Bangkok (or anywhere in the world) since there are more misses than hits even I forget the word ‘hygiene’. However, the one on Sukhumvit Soi 38 (a.k.a. Thonglo roadside dining) is a place I always visit due to its location as it is near my home sweet home. Starting from 6pm until 3am it gives me enough time to roam on each stall, thus Thonglo roadside dining is one famous venue among Bangkok white collars after work hours and clubbers after fun in the entertainment web of Sukhumvit. I meet celebrities from pop stars to high profile politicians dining there. So it is advisable to bring along a sign pen, besides the wallet, if you are a fan of some Thai movie stars.

Few nights ago I revisited the venue. I started with the succulent mun mun (fatty) grilled marinated pork on skewers, Moo Satay (Baht 40/10 skewers). They can serve only lean meat if one prefer them not mun mun.

Followed was the Joke (Baht 30) a.k.a. rice porridge or congee with ground pork and thousand-year-old egg which was a satisfying one through the aroma of the good quality jasmine fragrant rice. Joke may also be served with raw egg, preserved egg (thousand years egg), pork intestine, liver, stomach or kidney.


After the appetizer I went on with a big bowl of assorted Fish Ball noodle (Baht 50), and a bowl of Barbecued Pork noodle (Baht 30) of which I found that the pork was so tender and the egg noodle was up to Hong Kong standard. What I ended the dinner was a scrumptious bowl of Giew-nam (Baht 30) (wonton soup). Wide selections, great taste, cheap prices made me holy full and no more room for the Ripe Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice dessert. I paid Thai Baht 200 ($6) for the meal including a glass of fresh-squeeze carrot juice and a bottle of distilled water.

I don’t eat roasted duck and roasted goose but still worth a mention is the Khao-na-ped-yang (steam rice top with roasted duck); it is one of the top sellers of the venue. However, I am a foie-gras lover, not fancy in roasted duck.
Also worth a try are khao-khaa-moo (steam rice top with braise pork knuckle meat), khao-moo-dan (steam rice top with barbecued pork with egg), khao-mun-kai (rice cook with chicken broth top with steamed chicken), made-to-order a la carte (choices range from pad-kaprao to tom-yum-goong), and ripe mango with sweet sticky rice. Bread with green pandan leaves kaya (sweet and creamy dipping), coffee, tea, and fresh squeezed fruit juice also available.

Another favorite roadside dining venue is the Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown). It has biggest selections, better taste, but a little more in price.


Suk 38 Hawkers' Food ***
corner Shukumvit Soi 38
Sukhumvit Road
Wattana, Bangkok

Open daily : 6 pm - 3 am
Pay (food only): THB 100 for two

Yamagoya Ramen

BANGKOK AMAZING GOURMET
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Yamagoya

Yamagoya (Ramen) comes from Fukuoka, Hyushu, where Yamagoya earns its no.1 title of tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka. Now in Bangkok, we can treat our taste buds the best Tonkotsu Ramen in town, also. Try it yourself!

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Yamagoya has [4.1]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =4.5, Service=4, Ambiance=3.5, Money Worth=4.5

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Details: Open daily: 10:30am – midnight
Yamagoya, Surawang Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500; Tel.: 02-6370588 (also branches in Thonglo Soi 11 and Thonglo Soi 13 J-Avenue)
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Ramentei

BANGKOK AMAZING GOURMET
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Ramentei

Ramen is Japanese noodle made of flour, salt, water and kansui (water of Kan, or water with sodium carbonate and phosphoric acid) served in broth. Kansui, names after the mineral water source in Lake Kan of Inner Mongolia, made the noodle’s texture uniquely firm and bouncy also turn the noodles look yellowish. Nowadays kansui needs not to be brought from Lake Kan but be produced in factories. Ramen is originally brought from China many centuries ago then became a better-known Japanese cuisine since the Muji period before topped a popular cuisine in Japan until today after the WWII. As exporting is the survival of the Japanese industries, they export Ramen too. Ramen was imported back to China in the 19th Century and it is now a convenience food in all corners of China and Asia.

The broth or soup base plays a rather important part in whole of a bowl of ramen. Almost every prefecture in Japan has its own kind of ramen specialty based on its recipes of broth, but four variations became major of them. 1. SHIO (salt) ramen is clear soup of chicken broth. It is almost the oldest of the four and became less popular serving on the table in ramen shops across the nation. 2. TONKOTSU (pork bone) ramen is thick broth of pork bone boiled for half a day thus the soup has a milky white texture. It is a specialty of Kyushu. A decent bowl of Tonkotsu ramen can be found in Hakata, a small town in Fukuoka. 3. SHOYO (soy sauce) ramen is clear soup boiled with chicken then added with soy sauce became the HONSHU (the Mainland) specialty. Tokyo is popular for Shoyo ramen even with its different extensions. 4. The last one is the youngest in the family. MISO (fermented soybean paste) ramen considers semi-thick broth of chicken stock boiled to its perfection added with miso. It is a specialty of Hokkaido. Sapppro is well known for Miso ramen in Hokkaido.

Ramentei has all of them, and their tonkotsu ramen and other ramen are almost the best in Bangkok!




Ramentei ***1/2
Soi Thaniya, off Surawong Road,
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
(also branches on Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, and Silom Soi 6)

Open daily : 11 am - 1 am
Pay (food only for two): around THB 400

Hachiban Ramen

51
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The power of eight

Hachiban Ramen was brought to Bangkok for two decades, from Toyama (in the central of Japan Sea region), Japan. Hachiban began with eight shops from Toyama to Osaka along the highway therefore with the symbol 8 as shop name at that time. Later rename to Hachiban, as hachi means eight in Japanese, and ban means good. I ask my J-friend if they can still find any Hachiban branches in Toyama but in no avail, instead in Bangkok it had been developed into the well known ramen dine-in fast food chain invades all major shopping centers across the country.

Gyoza or deep-fried dumpling claimed to be ramen best friend, so we started our lunch with gyoza. Gyoza in Hachiban was meaty with a balance of vegetables fillings. It was simply good and we kept going back for more gyoza throughout our dining there. We also ordered the Stir-fried Vegetables with Japanese vinegar sauce. Taste was on the heavy side but still keeping a balance within the scope of fine taste.

For the ramen, what shouldn’t be missed was the Chashu ramen (sliced pork ramen in soy sauce broth). The Shoyo soup base was fair enough though not outstanding but it had surpassed all fast food standards, and cost was only B69 (US$2), slightly higher than the local roadside noodle. The Tomyum ramen (sliced pork ramen in Thai spicy and sour broth) was fancy enough in a Japanese ramen shop therefore we couldn’t miss one. The Thai tomyum soup married to Japanese ramen would be more appreciated if Hachiban work harder on the tomyum soup base. Further we picked a bowl of the Pork Cutlet Ramen, same broth of chashu ramen as it was in the shoyo family. The generous cut of battered pork cutlet filled our stomach with satisfaction; then came the Tonkotsu ramen (sliced pork ramen in pork bone Tonkotsu broth), served with Beni Shoga (pickled ginger in red color) and vegetables in milky white Tonkotsu soup and a few pieces of sliced pork didn’t make itself a star.

Hachiban also included Chinese-influenced noodles in the menu, such as the Tsuke-men (dipping chilled noodles), and the Hiyashi-chuka (chilled Chinese noodles) served with a bowl of vinegary soy dressing and Japanese mustard. We ordered bottled mineral water and Lemon Soda during the meal.

After all, we didn’t feel like eating in a fast food establishment as food in Hachiban was fair while seating was comfortable plus a bonus of attentive service. Oh, the fast food part may be referred to the price then!

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better)= Hachiban has [3.6]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =3, Ambiance=3, Money Worth=4.5, Service=4)

Hachiban (8) Ramen can be found in major shopping malls in Thailand. Most shops open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Pay (food only for two): around THB 150
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Le Normandie

50
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Le Normandie @ the Oriental Hotel Bangkok

The top of the Oriental Hotel’s garden wing houses the Le Normandie serving Southeast Asia's best haute cuisine in French accent. Overlooking the Maenam Chao Phraya with the stunning panorama river view, with its exceptional quality of food, attentive service, and reasonable price keep paging gourmet connoisseurs back for the restaurant’s 2-star Michelin chefs recent creation. Indeed its set lunch is a steal from the scene of the gastronomical community.

Today, a good friend form Hong Kong would like to see how Le Normandie compares to Pierre (Mandarin Oriental Hotel HK) and Gaddi’s (the Peninsula HK) the two celebrity eateries in the once British colony. I brought him to the lunch, simply he didn’t put his suit in the luggage (jacket and tie is the dress code for dinner, as any prominent French restaurants do).

To pamper my throat, I ordered the Mango Tango, a well balanced non-alcohol cocktail with fresh mango, orange and even lime juice. It was refreshing after I was so rushed to the appointment. My friend took the Clablis ler Cru “Vaillons” Maison Verget, Burgundy 2004 (B650++ per glass).

The lunch kicked off with Amuse-bouche, delicious tidbits complimentary from the restaurant.

For appetizer, I took the Noix de coquilles Saint-Jacues marinees, while my friend had the Fricassee d’Escargots. They were hand dive marinated scallops served with soft boiled egg with Parmesan cheese; and sautéed snails served with salad and vegetables crumb.

Before our main course being served, my friend ordered the Chateau Camensac, Grand Cru Classe, Haut Medoc 2004 (B1,000++ per glass) to accompany his beef dish.

The main course, I had Cassolette d’lerevlsses, while my friend took Hampe de Boeuf Braisee. They were sautéed prawn (substituted from the run-out crayfish), potato fondant and tarragon tomato petals; and braised beef flank served with cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke, sage sauce.

Don’t forget to leave room for desserts, they are an art form here, so does the wine list. Le Normandie offers superb vintages from every corner of the world, stocks in the mini cellar enclosure to the restaurant. While waiting for our desserts Baba a la liqueur de fraise (baba with strawberry liqueur, sautéed berries and orange blossom caviar), the waiter rolled the desserts trolley toward us, having us to choose a piece of cake (I got two instead) or some fruits to compensate our patience for waiting.

Our scrumptious lunch concluded with a cup of Cappuccino and Petits Fours de Normandie. We paid B1,050++ per person for the 3-course set lunch (including tea or coffee) in this famed French restaurant. So I said it was a steal!

If you wonder that I forgot to tell you how they taste, I didn’t. Simply ask your own participation at Le Normandie, and you will tell.

Le Normandie French Restaurant *****
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
48 Oriental Avenue
Charoenkrung Soi 40
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel.: 02.659.9000
Le Normandie

Open daily: Lunch 12:00 - 2:30pm, Dinner 7 - 10:30 pm
Pay (food only for two): lunch around THB 2,500, dinner expect THB 7,000

Ruen Urai

49
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Ruen Urai

For decades Benjarong has been a culinary landmark in Bangkok, a recent revisit confirmed its status as one of the most established eateries serving authentic royal Thai cuisine a thon krueng (ancient chef in a royal kitchen) would have prepared the same. Benjarong not only earns countless credits from local and worldwide food critics, but also received the pride to provide the members of the royal family dinner the superb royal Thai touch.

The restaurant in elegant surrounding with outdoor dining overlooking the sparkling waterfall from the patio, offers a comprehensive selection of excellent dishes. My all time favorite is the Hor Mok Goong Mankrong, this steamed curry custard in banana leaf cup is usually mixed with minced fish while the Benjarong version is mixed with diced lobster. Freshness of lobster meat and the aroma of Thai herbs mingled with prik chee fa chilies made the custard cup so remarkable.

Our appetizer was Khanam Jeep Thai (minced pork wrapped in rice flour dumpling). Main dishes were Chuchee Kampoo (crab claw in red curry sauce), Pla Samlee Yum Mamuang (deep-fried king fish with green mango salad), Pad Pak Ruam Mit (stir-fried mixed vegetables), accompanied with Khao Ob Sapparot (baked seafood fried rice in whole pineapple).

Benjarong is the perfect place for entertaining friends and business associates, as well as dining alone. It is one of my favorite hotel’s Thai restaurants in town. Thais, equally as important as the taste in each recipe is the presentation. Dishes are served in intricately designed and elegant Benjarong crockery made from fine bone china after which the restaurant is named, Benjarong.

Saffron

48
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Happy New Year Bangkok
Saffron @ Banyan Tree Hotel

There is a hidden Thai treasure on the 52nd Floor of the Banyan Tree Bangkok.

Banyan Tree's signature restaurant, Saffron, offers Thai-inspired flavors. Located on the 51st and 52nd floor, the views are fantastic, the furnishings eclectic, and sophisticated live entertainment plays into the night.

The menu at Saffron is comprehensive containing the Kingdom’s most popular dishes. Food is not as outstanding as the view and service, but it is fair and not bereft of the spices and flavors making Thai food unique.

The restaurant’s complimentary snacks were Soft Shell Crab Puff and Khao Tan (seasoned crispy rice cake with crab meat curry dipping) came after the lemongrass scented hand towel and a glass of chardonnay was definitely pleasant to start the dinner. They were good.

Our appetizer served on expensive celadon earthenware, was the Kanom Bueng Chao Wang (traditional Thai egg crepe served with shrimp roe, roasted coconut, peanut, bean sprout eaten with tamarind palm sugar dressing). Followed was Yum Makhua Yaoo Goong Maenam Pao (spicy eggplant salad with grilled river prawn), the presentation of this dish was not good but the taste of the grilled eggplant and river prawn was yummy.

Gaeng Keao Waan Khai Kem Look Chin Pla Kray (green curry with salty egg and fish ball) was an innovative green curry dish. Gai Hor Bai Toey (crispy fried marinated chicken fillet wrapped in pandanus leaf) was outstanding and Pla Hima Neung Manao (steamed snow fish with coriander and chili lime sauce) was somehow bland.

For desserts, we had Woon Matoom Loi Kaew (bale fruit jelly in sweet iced syrup) and Fresh Ripe Mango, followed by the Whole Coconut Juice.

The service is good and the waiters hover, waiting for our every request. It was cheerful to start our 2008 New Year’s day with a superb dinner with a view at Saffron. Cheers!

Snugly conjoined with Saffron, the Latitude Lounge & Bar is the ideal haunt for an after-hours fix of fiery cocktails and chilled down tempo grooves. Lounge outside among the stars at 51 floors above the steaming bowers of 'the city of angels.' A must for those who love being at the top.

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Saffron has [4.1]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =3.5, Service=4.5, Ambiance=5, Money Worth=3.5

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BBBB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Details: Open daily Lunch: 11.30am - 2.30pm; Dinner: 6.00pm - 11.00pm (Latitude Lounge and Bar 5pm-1am)
Saffron, Banyan Tree Bangkok 52nd Floor, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Bangkok 10120; Tel: 02-6791200
http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok/facilities/dining/saffron.html

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Le Bouchon

47
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The bistro at Patpong

If there wasn’t our French buddy also a food consultant in 5-star hotels showing us Le Bouchon, we would never have found this gourmet sanctuary in the Bangkok Patpong red light district. Judging from the eatery name we expected the fare was a bit provincial to the Southern France as ‘bouchon’ means a bistro in Lyon, and we later found that our guess was right as the owner Serge Martiani is from this peaceful and beautiful town.

Decoration of Le Bouchon promotes our imagination of being in a bistro on the street of Lyon, with a taste of French and homey added some romantic ambiance as bonus, prompting it a perfect place to cheer your girlfriend or even for friends gathering as we did on the night of boxing day. Good food doesn’t need fancy decoration to do the cover up. We were so glad that Le Bouchon do home cooking (both classic and bistro dishes) which matching well with the atmosphere in the bistro and our appetite. Choices of wine in Le Bouchon were extensive not only limited to French labels, but we chose the French red wine recommended by the house to kick off the dinner.

Le Bouchon didn’t have a big menu instead their limited daily selections were written on a blackboard as a bistro will do. Savory dishes started with the starter Petits Clams a La Cream (baby clams in cream sauce), and the Salade de Chevre Chaud (warm goat cheese salad). The goodness of the clam was on the cream sauce and the goat cheese salad was aromatic in taste and rich in mouth I almost didn’t want to share them with friends.

Soup selection was limited as Le Bouchon would like to offer only its specialty and freshness from the market. We had Soupe de Lentilles (lentils soup), and the Bisque de Ciqales de Mer En Croute (lobster bisque in puff pastry). Didn’t like to place a comment here as I would like you to see for yourself how good it could be. Especially the lentils soup was worth us a ticket to Bangkok.
We shared two entrees, they were the Cuisses de Grenouilles a La Bressane (frog legs Bouchon style), and the St. Jacques Gratinees aux Epinards (scallops with spinach gratinated). Simply good!

Followed were our main courses. We had, Jarret d’Agneau Sauce au Romarin (lamb shank in white beans sauce), a dish of French specialty and Le Bouchon version didn’t let us down either. Also we had Fillet de Daurade Facon ‘Bouchon’ (sea beam fillet Bouchon style); then two duck dishes as Cuisse de Canard Confit ‘Maison’ (home made duck leg confit), and Magret de Canard a l’Orange (duck fillet in orange sauce). The succulent taste of duck confit was the traditional culinary art of French while duck stored in its own fat preserved the meat for a long period of time before brought to a gourmet table. We also ordered the Lapin Faqon ‘Bouchon’ (stewed rabbit in white wine sauce), and the Filet de Sole Sauce Champignons (sole fish in mushroom sauce).

We did blame the pleasant waitress for not warning us ahead that the portion was big, so we left no room for desserts. But the honest waitress did warn us that their kitchen was too compact to prepare home made desserts. So they sell what they got from next door. Oh, in this case we didn’t owe ourselves some sweet.

Bread served in Le Bouchon was good although they didn’t bake it, but they ensure matching quality to their dishes. As most brilliant French chef will do, Le Bouchon makes the use of native ingredients to ensure freshness, and the technique in French culinary. This is the way leading Le Bouchon to define French home cooking to its highest array in Bangkok, the unpretentious way.

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Le Bouchon has [4.1]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =4, Service=4.5, Ambiance=4, Money Worth=4

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BBBB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Details: Open daily Dinner only 6-11pm (Reservation highly recommended)
Le Bouchon French Bistro, 37/17 Soi Patpong 2, Surawong Road, Bangrak, Bangkok; Tel.: 02-2349109
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Hamilton's X'mas Day set lunch

46
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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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Pavilion X'mas eve buffet

BANGKOK AMAZING GOURMET
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Christmas Eve
Pavilion @ Dusit Thani Hotel

X'mas eve buffet dinner B1,900++ ($60)

Joy to the world, the gourmet has come! A plentiful buffet line-up and scrumptious seafood selections; incl. fresh oysters from France and Australia in whole shell, chilled seafood incl. Alaska king crab, caviar in a half boiled egg, few kinds of cold cuts such as rack of lamb, chilled salmon and beef, Dusit's homemade terrine and delicious tidbits, a wide selection of salad; hot dishes were less impressed than those cold one with exception that the grill was quite well prepared incl. of rack of lamb, baked whole salmon with seasalt, roasted beef, gammon ham and roasted turkey, also presented was pan-fried foie-gras; soup were lobster bisque and tomyumgoong (spicy and sour prawn soup); desserts were what we didn't pay much attention to. Good food, good quality, good night, a joyful festive treat!

(By paying respect to members from the Palace also dining here tonight, I didn't take any pictures.)

The Pavilion Coffee Shop Christmas eve buffet ***1/4
Dusit Thani Hotel
946 Rama 4 Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel.: 02.200.9000

Open daily 6 am - 10:30 pm (lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, dinner 6 pm - 10:30 pm, both buffet and a la carte menu available)
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Shang Palace

44
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Shang Palace 香宮
@ Sharila-la Hotel Bangkok

One of top 3 hotels’ Chinese restaurants in Bangkok is China House (the Oriental Hotel) serving nouvelle Chinese cuisine in a 1930 old Shanghai-tang ambience with a bright red and darken interior after its renovation two years ago, the monkey look lead my hesitation to support this once famed restaurant anymore, besides I hate Chinese food being fusion. Then come to Mei Jiang (the Peninsula Hotel), good food good tea but snobbish service and I am always lazy to cross the river. So for years, Shang Palace (the Shangri-la Hotel) earns my praise for its Chinese cuisine with the Cantonese accent. Although compare to top eateries in Hong Kong, Shang Palace shall have a long way to catch up with; but in Bangkok where exquisite Chinese restaurants with a real twist is so hard to find, Shang Palace passes the mark.

My favorite starter is the Peking Duck (B1,100++), well marinated whole duck barbequed to perfection, then peeled (in front of us) the duck skin as thin as a sheet of paper without the trace of fat, eaten with warm small rice flour wrapper and condiments, bravo! Second choice maybe Roasted Goose (B600++) which is a popular dish in prominent restaurants in Hong Kong but not in Bangkok, Shang Palace includes this signature Cantonese roasted dish in the special menu.For soup it shall be the Shark’s Fin in the Egg-white Wrapper in Supreme Soup (B1,000++), creative and delicious. The soup with preserved vegetable with the (leftover) duck meat is another ideal choice to clear our palate; it is included in the Peking Duck order when we ordered one.

Shang Palace has an array of fruit dishes, such as Stir-fried Duck Meat with Mango (B500++), Stir-fried Beef Fillet with Rose Apple (B500++), Fried Prawn with Lemon Sauce (B650++), and Stir-fried Fresh Lily Bulb and Celery (B350++). They are very welcomed dishes in a tropical country likes Thailand.



From the sea, fishes, choices are always limited in Bangkok. Steamed Red Grouper (a coral trout) in Hot Oil and Soy Sauce (around B1,700++) and Deep Fried Sand Goby (bamboo fish) in Warm Soy Sauce (around B800++) are better choices in Shang Palace. E-fu (small flat noodles) with Crab Meat (B280++) and Deep-Fried Rice Flour Bun are good substitute for steamed rice.

To wrap up the dinner, I always go for a cup of Mango Pudding (B90++), with Chocolate Ice Cream (B300++) from the Next2 Café. If you are looking for something special, Double-boiled Hasima in Red Date Soup (B200++) will set you a height in the gourmet search; this is snow frog ovaries found in western desert of China. Exotic isn’t it? To pamper your skin try the Braised Bird-nest with Coconut Milk in Whole Grilled Coconut (B800++), best bird-nest dessert in Bangkok.Being a Shangri-la’s Prestige membership holder, I receive my portion of meal free of charge while dining with friend(s). So this is one more good reason to dine at Shang Palace on top of the chef’s above average culinary skills.

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Shang Palace has [4]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =4, Service=4, Ambiance=4, Money Worth=4

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BBBBB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Details: open daily Lunch 11:30am -2:30pm; Dinner 6:30 - 10:30pm
Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant, Shangri-la Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand; Tel.: 02-206 8677
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/bangkok/shangrila/dining

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LeNotre

43
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Café LeNotre Paris, Bangkok

It is a pride for Bangkok to accommodate the first Asia’s full restaurant service branch from Paris renowned pastry name LeNotre (found 1947), on Soi Langsuan. Café LeNotre here look pretty chic provides Bangkokian a cozy hideaway in the bustle of the CBD Bangkok.

There is no time to waste since we were late for lunch. We immediately ordered their scrumptious soup before our water and towel were being served. Our soup, the Potato Soup, the Tomato Cream Soup, and the Lobster Bisque, came in generous portions were aromatic and rich. Soon after we finished our soup, we shared the Pomelo Shrimp Salad, a smart usage of premium local ingredients brought out freshness and refreshing, and the yummy Shrimp on Toast with pink caviar and cocktail sauce, a complimentary dish we appreciated Chef Pierre’s very kind gesture.

Entrees, we had the Osso-bucco on bed of Fettucini and Fruits which was a true treat, the Duck Conserve was such a dish grandma missed so much, the Glazed Spare Ribs in red wine sauce was somehow fine but not outstanding, and the must order Poached Snow Fish in shrimp and pink sauce gave our taste buds a boost.

Although we were pretty full after 3 courses of gourmet, it was impossible not to sample the Macaroon which is a LeNotre specialty, and few cakes (I forgot their names).

What do we drink during lunch? Of course mineral water the human best friend.

Café LeNotre Bangkok is a bistro style eatery serving food connoiseur easy, inexpensive but unequally delicious fare. Their pastries are now the real threat to the Oriental Cake Shop I once found in love with.

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Le Norte has [3.6]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =4, Service=3, Ambiance=3, Money Worth=4.5
Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BBB (B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)

Details: Open daily Lunch: 11am – 11pm
Café LeNotre Bangkok: 61 Soi Langsuan, Lumpini, Bangkok. Tel.: 02-2507050. Open daily from breakfast until dark. Second branch offering light meal and pastry is now open at the Siam Paragon ground floor.
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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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Philippe

41
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Chez Philippe

Philippe Peretti, from Corsica, opened Philippe in a quiet Sukhumvit residence area 10 years ago has become a popular temple of classic French cuisine in town. Philippe is unpretentious, it focus on food prepares the classic French way honestly, not only molecular gastronomy. Both classic French dishes and slow-cooked casseroles are among the most popular in Philippe.

Depends on the catch-of-the-day and imported products available, Philippe has a special menu changing regularly. From that, I got the fresh Brown French Crab with Sabayon, just imported the evening I visited. Need not to mention, the brown crab was fresh and tasted naturally sweet with a hint of ocean-scented aroma, it was heavenly delicious with the sabayon sauce and a glass of complimentary rock lobster bisque. The Green Pea Soup followed was decently good. Unlike most of my friends and my sister, bread is not my favorite during a meal. However, I couldn’t resist some because of Philippe’s home-made Black Olive Butter. The butter enhanced the flavor of bread (served warm) and even the whole meal.

After a small portion Mango Sorbet being served, my main course arrived. It was the Royal Pigeon in Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce. Since it was one of the house specialty dishes, it didn’t let me down. The pigeon was tender with the chef skillfully brought out the natural taste of the pigeon in balanced foie gras and truffle sauce. It was a real treat for me liking pigeon dish.

It is a sin not to sample Philippe’s desserts. I didn’t wish to deepen my sin, even I was a bit full. It took 30 minutes waiting time for the freshly baked Apple Tart with Nougat Ice Cream, heavenly finger licking again.

The ambience in Philippe is elegant and subtle, a comfortable place to wine and dine with friends. People go to Philippe for real food, not to-see and to-be-seen. Philippe focus on sauce rather than only ingredients, like black angus steak doesn’t have to be USA born, but aren’t we expect stunning sauce for French cuisine! Service in Philippe is warm with waitpersons attentive and helpful, customer need not to be a regular to receive decent service unlike snobbish service in some newcomer establishments. Next time while you are thinking where to sample authentic French cuisine the unpretentious kind, tell your hotel butler to book you a table at Philippe. Dress code is smart casual.

(Philippe serves 3-course business set lunch for B420++ during 11:30am – 2:30pm)

Our Ratings (1 to 5 the higher the better): Philippe has [4.4]
(Ratings are based on Food, Service and Ambience, with Price taken into account in relation to Quality) Food =4.5, Service=4.5, Ambience=4, Value=4.5

Price range for two without drinks (incl. local water) in Thai Baht = BBBBB
(B=below 200, BB=201-500, BBB=501-1,000, BBBB=1,001-2,000, BBBBB=over 2,000)


Details: Open daily Lunch: 11:30am - 02:30pm Dinner: 6 – 10:30pm
Philippe French Restaurant, 20/15-17 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Bangkok; Tel.: 02-2594577; http://www.philipperestaurant.com
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