The recent launch of the Michelin Guide has brought an enthusiastic buzz to Bangkok’s dining scene, and it is not just the awards that are getting people excited, but also the resulting initiatives and collaborations. One example is the Michelin Guide Dining Series, whereby star chefs join forces to create memorable meals. The very first edition of the Michelin Guide Dining Series saw Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier of Le Normandie (2 Michelin Stars) and Chef Ryuki Kawasaki of Mezzaluna (2 Michelin Stars) collaborating on two nights of traditional and contemporary French cuisine. The dinners that they produced on March 27-28 were a huge success, thanks to dedicated foodies, support from sponsors and Citi’s prestigious guests. Gourmets should refer to the Michelin Guide website for news about the next edition of this series.
One of the reasons for the Michelin dining guide’s global popularity is that both its country and continent of origin are famed for their culinary prowess, and there’s no doubt that French and European cuisines play a fundamental role in modern kitchens worldwide. Therefore, to get acquainted with these types of cuisines is an essential step towards a better understanding and appreciation of more sophisticated food. From rich French dishes to lighter, refreshing Mediterranean staples, Europe has an interesting gastronomical landscape that everyone will enjoy exploring.
So why not indulge yourself in the taste of authentic French and European dishes, combined with exclusive privileges from Citi credit card (http://citi.asia/2G59svV).
Here are seven French and European restaurants in Bangkok that have been awarded the Michelin Plate and that offer special deals available only to Citi credit card members.
1. Artur
Nestled amid the lush greenery of Soi Tonson, Artur restaurant’s has been serving fine French cuisine since 1992. The eponymous chef Artur Kluczewski, with years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, pays attention to every detail when making dishes, from sourcing the best local and imported ingredients to precise cooking. The chef is passionately involved with the day-to-day running of the restaurant, and he is assisted by Hugo Blandin, a young French chef with a similar culinary background. The highlights of the restaurant’s extensive menu are the perfectly-roasted Canard à l’Orange and Artur’s famous Côte de Bœuf, for which diners can enjoy watching tableside carving and slicing, probably performed by the master Artur himself.
Artur - Ground floor of Bliston Suwan Park Residence, 9 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, 02-658-6288, Mon-Sun 11:30 A.M.-2:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
2. Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery
This welcoming restaurant presents European comfort food by French chef Jeriko Van Der Wolf. On any evening, you’re likely to see groups of friends turning up to share plates of tomahawk steak, a whole roast chicken or a cheese platter, showing the diverse appeal of the place. Seperate stations for cheese, cold cuts and wine tempt diners with their offerings and a there’s a French-style rotisserie at the back of the dining room, where you can see whole chickens skewered on spits, rotating simultaneously. Opt for the Perigourdin-style to get a bird stuffed with foie gras and truffle under the skin. For big parties, Cocotte also offers Rangers Valley wagyu tomahawk from a weight of 1.4kg up to 2kg, while the 30-inch board of premium cold cuts and cheese goes perfectly with a glass of wine and some good conversation.
Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery - Ground Floor 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 092-664-6777, Mon-Sun 11:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M. (last order 2:30 P.M.) 6:00 P.M.-12:00 A.M. (last order 10:30 P.M.) Fri-Sat 5:00 P.M.-01:00 A.M. (last order 11:30 P.M.)
3. Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen
With a resume that reads like a hot list of leading hotels and restaurants, chef Francesco Lenzi is recognized as one of the best Italian chefs in Bangkok. At his namesake restaurant, the chef brings the Tuscan cuisine of his homeland to diners through both traditional and creative dishes. Diners feel close to the kitchen, thanks to a large window where they can watch food being prepared from the comfort of the classic dining room. Lenzi is precise about every ingredient, from extra-virgin olive oil to the wood in his woodfired grill and oven. Delectable pasta dishes stand out on the menu, with Spaghetti Lenzi as the signature dish; al dente pasta is combined with garlic, chili, smoked pork belly, tiger prawns, and a slice of Biroldo–a soft blood sausage made with a pig’s head. You can be sure that the cold-cuts selection here is as diverse as anywhere in Bangkok, since the restaurant also stocks other Tuscan-specific products like Manzo di Pozza and Prosciutto Bazzone.
Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen - 69/1-2 Ruamruedee 2, Wireless Road, 02-001-0116, Mon-Sun 11:45 A.M.-2:00 P.M. (last order 1:45 P.M.), 6:00 P.m.-10:45 P.M. (last order 10:30 P.M.)
4. Quince
Quince is a friendly, all-day-dining restaurant that is suitable for all types of people. The venue feels very comfortable, with lots of windows letting in natural light, a cozy dining room in the middle and a small garden at the back, and the cuisine perfectly fits the easy-going atmosphere. The signature organic beetroot salad with berries, feta and cashew granola reflects the soul of Quince—light on the whole but full of fun, with different flavors and textures. You can easily taste the superior quality of products used in the kitchen. The compact menu offers something for everyone, whether it’s a light snack, a pasta dish or wood-grilled meats. If you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy brunch, which also features egg dishes and bread. The eclectic eatery is rounded out by a fine wine list and reliable cocktails which complement the delicious dining experience.
Quince - Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478, Mon-Fri 11:30 A.M.-12:00 A.M. (last order 10:30 P.M.), Sat-Sun 10:00 A.M.-01:00 A.M. (last order 11:30 P.M.)
5. Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
With city views and fashionable decor, Scarlett’s creates the ideal vibe for casual meetings and social gatherings. Its open-air terrace overlooking the Bangkok skyline from the 37th floor must be one of the most romantic spots in town. The kitchen is run by French chef Sylvain Royer, who serves up classic French dishes that are made with carefully selected, imported products. The generous selection of wines at reasonable prices enhances the romantic mood, especially when tasted along with the cold cuts and AOC cheese imported by French cheese master Gerrard Poulard. Cheese lovers should make a point of visiting the restaurant when the cheese master is in town, as more than 80 kinds of finely curated cheese are available then.
Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant - 37th floor Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Road, 02-352-4000, Mon-Sun 6:00 P.M.-01:00 A.M. (last order 11:00 P.M.)
6. Tables Grill
Everything feels sophisticated at the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel’s biggest restaurant, from the setting to the signature tableside service where chefs prepare dishes directly in front of diners, and the personalized care from service staff. Premium produce takes center stage at this seafood and grill-heavy venue. It is the hotel’s policy to source sustainable seafood from all over the world, including Gallagher oysters from Ireland, bay scallops from the USA and Skrei cod from Norway. Some of the stand-out dishes include lobster bisque made with Hennessy cognac-flamed lobster, and Champagne black truffle risotto in a Parmesan wheel, both of which are cooked tableside. Top your meal off with a few glasses of wine from the carefully selected list, or even better, opt to dine in the restaurant’s cellar. For the ultimate indulgent experience, drop by on a weekend for the pampering Champagne brunch.
Tables Grill - 494 Rajdamri Road, 02-254-1234, Mon-Sun 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. (9:45 P.M.) Sat-Sun 11:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.
7. Whale’s Belly
Inspired by the journey in the classic children’s novel ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi, Whale’s Belly’s unique interior depicts the treasure inside the belly of the gigantic whale that swallows Gepetto. Besides the 180-degree panoramic view through floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining area, the restaurant also has a few private rooms, where teal is the main color and assorted plates, images, and models add a tone of refinement. The cuisine is mostly contemporary European with a slight Asian influence. Don’t miss the signature yuzu tuna cold cappellini, a creation that won Thailand’s Iron Chef competition in 2014. The perfectly cooked, thin pasta is served cold with fresh tuna and blue crab meat, while the aroma of yuzu and truffle adds an intriguing touch to this refreshing and indulgent dish.
Whale’s Belly - 2nd Floor, 39 Boulevard Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 064-082-2188, Tue-Sun 2:00 P.M.-11:00 P.M. (last order 10:30 P.M.), Sat-Sun 12:00 P.M.-2:30 P.M (brunch), 6:00 P.M.-11:00 P.M. (last order 10:30 P.M.)
Because French and European cuisines are prepared with traditional cooking methods, they offer a level of comfort that you can enjoy without needing to be in an adventurous mood. And Citi credit card’s deals make dining at these venues even more comforting.
For more information on Citi credit cards, please visit: www.citibank.co.th
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