Eat Me, for those who want a bit of the West.
Although I had a disappointing lunch at Paste, I was optimistic for dinner at Eat Me, a well-known establishment for cocktails and Western food in Bangkok. While the venue has previously been included in Asia’s 50 Best, I can understand why it was not included in the 2019 list. Why? I’ll get into those reasons in a moment. Warmly greeted by the team, we started the night in the lounge downstairs with a round of Laab Moo, THB390, a cocktail I never knew I needed in my life. Why? Because it comes with Parma ham. Sigh. These are things I will never find in Dubai. Moving upstairs, we’re treated to more than ten dishes off the menu — which is broken into three categories — fish, vegetables and salads, and meat. With starters, mains, bites, sides, and sharing dishes, there is certainly something for any appetite. As the dishes came…
Paste,* #28 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Although I’ve fallen off the wagon a bit in supporting women in the kitchen (bad Courtney!), with a late confirmation to Bangkok last week, I only had time for one planned meal. Looking at what was walking distance from my hotel — the next level Rosewood Bangkok, if you’re interested — I found Paste. Paste is not only acknowledged by Michelin standards but is also on the World’s 50 Best Asia, receiving a #28 spot in the 2019 list. Bee Satongun, recognized as 2018’s Best Female Chef Asia yes, I still hate that a ‘best female chef’ title is given out because everyone is just a ‘chef’ is connected with the kitchen and getting a restaurant reservation day of, I felt lucky. Had I a free dinner, I had hoped to check out Gaa — next time, I guess. Located in the upscale Gaysorn Plaza, Paste is easy to find…
The Siam: Modern luxury in BKK.
While I certainly don’t mind a chain hotel (the Four Seasons Sayan is still my overall favorite property in the world), I think there’s also a time and place for a smaller, more intimate experience. While our stay at the W was lovely (those beds!), when we transferred to The Siam at the end of our trip, I knew we were going to enter another level of service and luxury. Although we weren’t explicitly greeted on arrival (!), a walk through the lush interior courtyard and warm welcome at reception with cold, scented towels, homemade passion fruit juice, and the manager, Nick, I only wished my stay was going to be longer than two nights. So, what makes The Siam so special? Unique Offerings 39 rooms (28 suites + 11 pool villas). There is something so engaging about a smaller property, isn’t there? Sometimes it’s nice to step out and…
Gaggan, #23 World’s 50 Best Restaurants, #1 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
It was with a considerable amount of expectation that I went to Gaggan, the #1 restaurant in Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants for the third year in a row (and currently ranked #23 in the world). Let me first mention that the entire service team brought their A Game to the meal, no matter the 4 AM after party from the post-awards ceremony the night before (honestly, you wouldn’t know it — the property was put back to its regular standards with nary a spoon out of place). Warmly greeted, we were seated not upstairs in the lab (which I would go back to try), but in the front left room overlooking the kitchen (the closest appropriation of a chef’s table — complete with glass that can provide an instant screen). And then we were presented with a menu. A menu lacking words of any kind. A menu unlike any other I’d…
The Dining Room at The House on Sathorn: #36 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
For our culinary adventure across Bangkok, this was what I would consider our most ‘casual’ experience. To be fair, after as much as we had eaten, the venue was a blessing and the perfect final stop on our foodie tour of the city. Deciding a bit late to follow up our lunch at Le Du, we walked over to the W and sidled up to the bar at The House on Sathorn (the property has a unique history and has evolved from residence to consulate to restaurant over the years). Although it was relatively early for service, we met Chef Fatih, an extremely talented (and well traveled) man. His tasting menu is creative, but in a very personal way. In the courses, Chef Fatih tells the story of his world travels — where he’s worked and what has influenced him. In person, it was fun to hear about his experiences…
Sühring: #13 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Where to begin? As I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, in a city like Bangkok, visitors are absolutely spoiled for new, exciting and modern restaurants, from fine dining to street food (and just about everything in between). Previous to dining at Sühring, I hadn’t heard much about the venue, only that it was vaguely in the genre of ‘modern German’ (and what modern German is doing in Bangkok is a wonderful example of how creative the culinary scene in Thailand is). More formally: Sühring showcases the best of modern German fare inspired by childhood memories, family recipes and years of travelling experience combining the essence of traditional dishes with contemporary Central European influences. All elevated to the level of haute cuisine. Mathias, Thomas and the Sühring team invite their guests to their home, offering a warm hospitality in a relaxed, yet elegant environment. Sühring is situated in an old 70’s…
Le Du: #37 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
First of all, what does it mean? Le Du actually comes from a Thai word – “ฤดู”, a synonym for the word “season” in Thai. The name reflects an emphasis on our culinary creations out of seasonal produce. Although technically not open for lunch, Le Du was celebrating their recent placement on Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants list and held a meal for some of the connected press and participants. The meal highlighted a number of techniques and included: Blue Swimming Crab, Khao – Chae, River Prawn, Lobster, Crab and Egg, Lamb & Chicken, and Mango Panna Cotta. The selections appear to be a version of the 6-course tasting menu, which is available for dinner. My Favorite The Khao-Chae, a pork and shrimp ball, with radish, salted fish, and jasmine ice cream. Not only was this dish beautifully presented, but it was also absolutely delicious. The slightly fatty pork and shrimp ball paired…
Issaya Siamese Club, #21 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
It took until day four during my trip to Thailand to actually enjoy Thai food. I was supposed to go to #5 ranked Nahm, but a wretched food poisoning attack sidelined me from going (and I never get sick like that). Therefore, coming off of a #21 placement the night before, I was delighted to visit the stately older home (built in 1914) where Issaya Siamese Club resides. Complete in bright colors and with both indoor and outdoor seating, the interior of the restaurant feels a bit like stepping into the past. Given the modern and more stylized venues we had visited previously, the decor at Issaya was a definite departure. Personally, I like a fine dining experience to come with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary restaurant, but I think part of Issaya’s charm is its antiquated charm. As my dining partner and I scanned the menu, I was…
Issaya Siamese Club, #21 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
It took until day four during my trip to Thailand to actually enjoy Thai food. I was supposed to go to #5 ranked Nahm, but a wretched food poisoning attack sidelined me from going (and I never get sick like that). Therefore, coming off of a #21 placement the night before, I was delighted to visit the stately older home (built in 1914) where Issaya Siamese Club resides. Complete in bright colors and with both indoor and outdoor seating, the interior of the restaurant feels a bit like stepping into the past. Given the modern and more stylized venues we had visited previously, the decor at Issaya was a definite departure. Personally, I like a fine dining experience to come with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary restaurant, but I think part of Issaya’s charm is its antiquated charm. As my dining partner and I scanned the menu, I was…