Chillax on A One Fine Day at Chon Buri - ตะล๊อกต๊อกแต๊ก ณ เมืองชล กับวันสบาย ๆ

It was towards the end of January 2015 and we had a quick opportunity to visit a friend at Chon Buri. We, hence, popped by a cafe for chitchatting and a restaurant for lunch: Teaory Tea and Dessert Cafe and Peak Mun Talay respectively.

Cuisine: Cafe

Map: Teaory Tea and Dessert Cafe @ Bangsaen, Chon Buri, Thailand

Price: THB150 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 24 January 2015

Food: 2/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Value for money: 2/10

Services: 4/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Teaory Tea and Dessert Cafe is a coffee shop in Bangsean area with a rather large space in relax ambient. Just like those typical cafe here in Thailand, they serve a range of coffee and tea beverage, soda, smoothies, and pastry.

We had Cafe Latte and Iced Cafe Latte (3/10) for drink. Honestly, I think they were not any better than cafe latte that I personally make. There was no distinct aroma. The body was light and after-taste was flat. The go-along sweet was Choco Banana Waffle (2/10). It was a shock. Just by looking at the texture of waffle and ice-cream, it was just not persuasive at all. The vanilla ice-cream was just sweet and not creamy: not even sure whether it was bought-in ice-cream. The waffle did not have the somewhat combination of chewiness, dense, and softness: it was just fluffy. The aroma was not there too. The best part on the plate was banana perhaps.

Come on, you need more than just a big relaxing venue for a cafe. At least your coffee needs to work.

Teaory Tea and Dessert Cafe @ Bangsaen, Chon Buri, Thailand

atmosphere

Iced Cafe Latte (THB85)

Cafe Latte (THB75)

Choco Banana Waffle (THB195)

Teaory Tea and Dessert Cafe @ Bangsaen, Chon Buri, Thailand
1/7 Bangsaen Sai 4 Nuea
Saen Suk, Mueang
Chon Buri 20130

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 10:00am - 10:00pm

Tel: +66 (0) 92 637 6665
FB: https://www.facebook.com/teaorybangsaen/

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Cuisine: Seafood (Thai)

Map: Peak Mun Talay @ Chon Buri, Thailand - เปี๊ยกมันทะเล @ ชลบุรี

Price: THB500 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 24 January 2015

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Value for money: 5/10

Services: 4/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

I always fancy a seafood meal many times when I visit seaside destination like Chon Buri. Peak Mun Talay is another destination in Ang Sila area of Chon Buri. It is a local ambient seafood restaurant with really large space: more than 100 seats easily. Peak Mun Talay shall be a good destination for family meal indeed. An average kind of seafood restaurant in Thailand for me.

In brief, this was an enjoyable place at a moderately pricing. The first dish was Fried Grouper with Spicy Chilli Sauce - ผัดฉ่าเนื้อปลาเก๋า (6/10). Nice and hot dish with fresh grouper. It was really hot in fact (at least for me). Even I had asked for not so spicy, it turned out to be hot and spicy still. So watch out when ordering. Next was a dish with my favourite ingredient: Fried Squid and Roe with Fish Sauce - หมึกไข่คั่วน้ำปลา (6/10). It had nice and fulfilling flavour: rich and full. However, the texture of squid was a little too chewy. Lastly, it was Fried Shrimp with Fish Sauce - กุ้งคั่วน้ำปลา (4/10). It was somewhat disappointed for this dish. Though the ingredient was fresh, it was overcooked for me. In term of flavour, strong scent of fish sauce was well balanced with sweetness. This dish was priced at THB900. Too expensive in my opinion for this kind of place.

Peak Mun Talay @ Chon Buri, Thailand

large and spacious venue

Fried Grouper with Spicy Chilli Sauce - ผัดฉ่าเนื้อปลาเก๋า (THB250)

Fried Squid and Roe with Fish Sauce - หมึกไข่คั่วน้ำปลา (THB200)

Fried Shrimp with Fish Sauce - กุ้งคั่วน้ำปลา (THB900)

Peak Mun Talay @ Chon Buri, Thailand - เปี๊ยกมันทะเล @ ชลบุรี
73 Rop Khao Sam Muk Soi 1
Saen Suk, Mueang
Chon Buri 20130

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 10:00am - 10:00pm

Tel: +66 (0) 86 845 5080, +66 (0) 89  750 4916
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kookbangsaen

Roots Coffee Roaster @ Soi Ekkamai, Bangkok - รูทส์ คอฟฟี่ โรสเตอร์ @ ซอยเอกมัย กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: coffee and pastry

Map: Roots Coffee Roaster @ Soi Ekkamai, Bangkok - รูทส์ คอฟฟี่ โรสเตอร์ @ ซอยเอกมัย กรุงเทพฯ

Price: THB100 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 22 June 2014

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value for money: 9/10

Services: n.m.
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Roots Coffee Roaster is a splendid corner for coffee lovers / caffeine addicts. It is just a block of commercial build in which the interior has been decorated to give such relaxing ambient. Let me recall Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor and Casa Lapin X49 @ Soi Sukhumvit 49 that I reviewed last year. Roots, Bar Storia del Caffe, and Casa Lapin do offer similar range of coffee products. However, I personally feel that Roots represent a more delicacy choice whilst the other two are more comfortable ones that could be good for chit-chatting with friends.

One thing you may have to keep in mind is that Roots is in the middle of Soi Ekkamai with no parking lots. Hence, you will need some skill to find parking space, else, you will need to rely on public transportation which is absolutely splendid (not) in Bangkok. In fact, it is built more for local dwellers and those who pass by from my sense. From what I noticed, visitors tend to me the regular type and the ones living nearby. People pop in and pop out pretty fast. Just a quick stop for a good glass of coffee and perhaps a piece of croissant really. If you are going to visit Roots, be sure that you really are here for coffee as there will be no other choices, except some range of baked goods to accompany your coffee. Expect none of those fancy cafe food. Also visit during weekends only from noon to 6pm, there is no weekdays operation.

Roots Coffee Roaster @ Soi Ekkamai, Bangkok

coffee counter corner

Roots also comes with a range of freshly baked goods in which largely are Viennoiseries. The kitchen is right there for you to observe. The selection may be kept limited but mostly are enjoyable. Remember that it is self serving. If you do like those pastry, you may also buy some back home.

baking room

baked goods for self service

This time, we popped by for a quick cup of nice coffee and without any pastry to accompany. I had Caffe Latte (8/10) and it was really good comparing to many other cafe around Bangkok. The coffee beans were Bruna blend which is 40% Thai from Prao district + 40% Brazil Carmo de Minas, Fazenda Serrado + 20% Guatemala Huehuetenango, Finca Injertal. This Bruna blend gives roasted almond aroma and dark chocolate on the palate with medium-full body. In addition, we also tried French Press (7/10) with Indonesia, Wahana Estate, Longberry. This was a rather nice black coffee. I like the acidity character and the smooth texture. This is a kind of coffee for sipping all day long for me.

caffe latte (Bruna)

Press Coffee (Indonesia Wahana Estate, Longberry)

For us, we do pop by the place occasionally. Each visit is kept short but with satisfaction. The best part is when you pay for your order. They use the system of "Honesty Box" which gives suggested price of THB100 for coffee and THB50 for baked goods. Reasonable price indeed for good coffee and pastry. This is sure a must visit small coffee shop if you do pass by.

products for takeaway

the Honesty Box

Roots Coffee Roaster @ Soi Ekkamai, Bangkok - รูทส์ คอฟฟี่ โรสเตอร์ @ ซอยเอกมัย กรุงเทพฯ
between Soi Ekkamai 15 and 17
Khlong Tan Nuea, Wattana
Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: 12:00pm - 06:00pm for Saturday and Sunday only

Tel: +66 (0) 2658 5556
Web: http://www.rootsbkk.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RootsBkk

Casa Lapin X49 @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok

Cuisine: Cafe / Coffee Shop

Map: Casa Lapin X49 @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok

Price: THB190 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 3 November 2013

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 6/10

Services: 5/10

Commercial coffee shops, such as Starbucks, are everywhere nowadays. For us, it can be difficult to find a place where we can sit and relax with good cups of coffee these days. We, a few months back, mentioned about Bar Storia del Caffe at Eight Thonglor which is a relaxing coffee shop in fact. This time we would like to introduce Casa Lain X49 which is becoming talk of the town currently.

There are a few branches of Casa Lapin. All of which represents with the concept of a cafe where anyone can enjoy a cup of coffee and work/relax at the same time. The one at Soi Sukhumvit 49, which is in the small alley just opposite Samitivej Hospital, is pretty cool and relax. It was our first time here and we admittedly like this place. Casa Lapin X49 was somewhat quiet, cosy, and relax. If this place is near you and you are looking for a place for chit chat or changing work atmosphere out of office, here is one for you.

Casa Lapin X49 @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok

here we are, Casa Lapin X49

alfresco can also be relaxing

view of interior

range of goods

more comfy zone on the 1st floor

lapin - bunny

The place of Casa Lapin X49 is put together rather simply but in style. The 1-block building cafe has a few tables outdoor which can be comfortable during non Summer days. Inside, there is one long table laying across the hall. I guess 10 customers can fit in but around 6 people should be comfortable. The rest on the ground floors are a few tiny table with stools. On the first floor, seats are more indeed comfortable with sofa and couch. If you are to be here with friends, we would recommend upper level, else try the alfresco. As for the menu, it is kept simply. There is no long list of choices here. All are on a single brick wall with some food/pastry to be chosen depending of the day. One thing is Casa Lapin is kind of half self-service. Hence, you will order and pay at the counter immediately. Staff may bring some of your orders to your table but some you will have to pick up yourself.

wall menu

barista grinding coffee beans

drip brew from the slow bar

our espresso was dripping out (^^)

This time, we simply went for a cup of cafe latte and drip brew coffee. The cafe latte was surely good: smooth, creamy, and aromatic. The other one we tried was drip brew coffee. For the drip brew coffee, we were asked to choose a choice of coffee beans. Well, we are the expert and the barista recommended us to try coffee beans from Jomthong, Chiang Mai and we did not hesistate to do so. It actually turned out to be great with aromatic fruity flavours with rather low acidity. We kind of like it. To go with coffee, we did also order one Almond Croissant and one Pain au Chocolate. Both were rather nice. Anyway, we did expect to eat here but just the coffee.

All in all, we like Casa Lapin X49 and will sure return. By the way, parking here can be difficult so just walk if you are nearby.

Cafe Latte (THB85)

Drip Brew Coffee (THB140)

selection of coffee beans

Pain au Chocolate (THB75)

Almond Croissant (THB85)

Casa Lapin X49 @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok
Soi Sukhumvit 49 (the alley opposite Samitivej Hospital)

Sukhumvit Road

Wattana

Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: Mon-Fri from 07:30am - 08:30pm and Sat-Sun from 10:30am - 08:30pm

Tel: +66 (0) 81 257 7920, +66 (0) 81 261 2040
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CasaLapin

Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor, Bangkok

Cuisine: cafe food

Map: Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor, Bangkok

Price: THB410 per person without alcohol (what I paid for)

Visited: 7 July 2013

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value for money: 8/10

Services: 7/10

As a coffee lover, searching for a cafe that both serves good coffee and has splendid atmosphere in Bangkok is extremely difficult.  Here is one good cafe that is worth a try: Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor.  On the day, we were thinking of going to a famous restaurant at Eight Thonglor, Calin.  However, it was full and packed.  By chance, we spotted a small cafe just around the corner and we didn't hesitate to give it a try.

Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor

food menu

beverage menu

Bar Storia del Caffe looks pretty much cool and relax.  There are just simply 2 sheets of menu available: one for food and the other for beverage.  The food menu comprises mainly of snack and dessert, whilst drinking menu of course offers mostly coffee base drink.  This small cafe can perhaps accommodate around 20 people at a time max.

What really surprise us and catched our eyes was the fact that all prices in the menus are "inclusive of VAT and no service charge" or so-called the plus-plus charge which seems to be common in Thailand these days.  You would hardly find a place in Thailand now that does not take advantage out of customer with the plus-plus charge nowadays, hence, expect to pay somewhat 20% more from the price you see in the menu. It does not matter how poor or how well the service of the restaurant is, you have to pay extra 10% compulsorily. So at the end of the meal, we didn't hesitate to voluntarily give extra 10% for the friendly service they gave us.

cool and relax cafe atmosphere

Glancing through the menu during the lunch time, I realised that this is sure not a fulfil lunch meal but an enjoyable moment with a cup of good coffee and perhaps pastry.  We just ordered two menu just to try: Spinach Puff (6/10) and toasted Welsh rarebit with pickled peppers, peach, thyme and fresh rocket (4/10). Welsh rarebit was not so great but spinach puff was enjoyable.

While deadly bunny decided to have a cool glass of Iced Chocolate to accompany during a hot Sunday, I noticed Drip Brew Coffee in the menu and did not hesitate to order at all.  It can be really hard to find a place in Thailand that offers drip brew coffee.  Range of coffee at Bar Storia del Caffe is of splendid quality indeed.

spinach puff (THB80)

inside of spinach puff

toasted Welsh rarebit with pickled peppers, peach, thyme and fresh rocket (THB220)

iced chocolate (THB120)

barista drip-brewing coffee

drip brew splendid coffee

Afterwards, we did try Almond Cake (7/10) and Bread and Butter Pudding (6/10) too.  Almond Cake was gorgeous in term of both taste and texture.  But it was let down by the accompanied whipped cream that did not taste so great. Bread and Butter Pudding was as well delicious. If ones would like to order Bread and Butter Pudding, I would recommend to have a cup of aromatic tea or black coffee to go along in order to balance the taste.

Anyway, Bar Storia del Caffe is now one of my favourite cafe in Bangkok and I will do sure give it many returns.  Give it a try if you have not yet been there. Enjoy.

almond cake (THB100)

bread and butter pudding (THB180)

another view of bread and butter pudding

Bar Storia del Caffe @ Eight Thonglor, Bangkok

Floor G Eight Thonglor
Soi Thonglor 8
Sukhumvit 55 Road
Khlong Ton Nuea, Wattana
Bangkok 10110

Open Hours: 08:30am - 08:30pm daily

Tel: +66 (0) 2714 9301

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barstoriadelcaffe