Showing 1 - 4 of 4
Flavours to live by
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 09/10/2015
» They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and who can argue with that statement when you're living in a country like Thailand? We're a food-obsessed breed, submerged in a culture that asks "Have you eaten?" instead of "How are you?", and where asking for seconds can only result in favouritism from the cook or the host of dinner party. Baan is the latest addition to Thitid Tassanakajohn's (better known as Chef Ton) growing portfolio of successful restaurants, which also includes Le Du and Taper. Baan's unfussed name was chosen to reflect the restaurant's concept of family recipes we've grown up with and love, with classic flavours that take us back to our grandparent's dining table. The decor is simple yet comforting -- marble and a monotone colour scheme are persistent throughout the cosy restaurant, with additions of warm tones from wood panels. Lunchtime here offers a quieter and more casual dining experience, whereas dinner time is where Baan revs up the pace with a bustling yet sophisticated ambience.
A league of its own
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/06/2015
» Dining at a Robuchon comes with expectations of being blown away, despite knowing that chef Joel Robuchon himself, who has 25 Michelin stars to his name, probably isn't in the kitchen prepping the emulsion for your starter. Guru avoided making a trip to the restaurant amid all the hype during its first few months of operation. After all, we wanted to see the true colours of L'Atelier, when the big boss wasn't poking around and pressuring the sous chefs. Stepping inside, you almost forget what country you're in. The restaurant is decked out in modern furnishings of leather, steel and marble, a coherent red and black colour scheme, a few (real) Warhols and a stunning long, wooden counter — no doubt the best place to fully appreciate your dining experience (and Robuchon's open kitchen).
(A)ppealing (B)runch and (C)offee
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 27/03/2015
» Tucked away on the third floor of the newly opened 9:53 community mall in Thong Lor, this two-month-old all-day eatery offers more than the usual eggy brunch dishes. ABC Essence in Eatery is a brave black sheep grazing on a hill predominantly filled with Japanese restaurants, which should be a delight for the area's residents, who must be tired of having sushi first thing on a Sunday morning. With a clean-cut, white-walled interior, spanking new marble floors and Scandinavian furniture, it manages to pull off the "modern" look that seldom fails to please diners' eyes. You can expect to find Japanese housewives enjoying a lazy lunch, urbanites digging into healthy salads and serious coffee fans grabbing their caffeinated beverages. Although there's limited parking, a valet service is available — so there's no need for Thonglorites to swap their stilettos for Havaianas or worry about braving the sweltering heat.
Rolls, roes & rice bowls
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/12/2014
» You may have heard of the name Mugendai and its frequent association with being the Japanese restaurant that tears your wallet apart. Muteki, on the other hand, is like the newborn son of Mugendai — he’s younger and relatively cheaper. Situated on Sathon Road, the restaurant naturally attracts businesspeople and office workers within the area. Since we’re talking about the CBD/financial district here, it comes as no surprise that you won’t find basic ramen or prawn tempura as you would a couple of roads down in Silom. The casual-like cafe setting is less intimidating than its Thong Lor counterpart. But of course the standard here is still set high with opulence emanating from the plush interior and the long marble counters where the sushi masters prepare your meal.