Quince Eatery and Bar @ Soi Sukhumvit 45, Bangkok - ควินซ์ อีทเทอรี่ แอนด์ บาร์ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 45 กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: International / Pub / Cafe / Wine Bar

Map: Quince Eatery and Bar @ Soi Sukhumvit 45, Bangkok - ควินซ์ อีทเทอรี่ แอนด์ บาร์ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 45 กรุงเทพฯ

Price: THB750 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 25 January 2014

Food: 3/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value for money: 3/10

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

Quince Eatery and Bar is located shortly within Soi Sukhumvit 45, right next to Casa Pagoda (furniture shop) which is at the entrance of the street. At first impression, the place is lovely and it seems to be a brilliant joint for brunch and chitchatting amongst friends. The ambient is friendly with decoration of wooden furniture in a seemingly retro style. The high ceiling coupling with long glass windows give such reviving and relax touch. Honestly, I do like the way sunshine glazing into the dining room, it makes photo capturing so natural. The al fresco can also be great here but fingers crossed in case of hot weather.

Quince Eatery and Bar on the day with Booza Wooza

simply relax ambient

I like the wooden table

In the middle of the hall, there is a bar which can probably accommodate around 8 guests. Again, I do like its classic look. Menu of Quince ranges from salads, to cannot-be-missed pasta variety, to classic beef steak, and even high end kurobuta pork and lamb shoulder. In brief, expect to see those menus in typical bistro joints but may be served in its own way. Menu is seemed to be adapted every now and then. For wine list, it does comprise of decent range and at just acceptable marking up.

the bar

classic flatware

bread to go with olive oil

For us, we happened to pop by this place because we were joining the Booza Wooza event which was organised at Quince Eatery and Bar. We only had quick starter and main course today. For starters, we had Albondigas, pork meatballs, spiced tomato sauce (5/10) and baked champignons, chorizo, manchego, leaves (4/10). These were menus by guest Chef Mario Hekke from Restaurant Sa Sal, Mallorca, Spain, which was visiting Quince from 17 to 25 January. We say they were just on average home cooking standard. We do not fancy these dishes at all. They seemed to be plain and flat and didn't get us excited. Meat ball tended to lack flavour and spice, whilst baked champignons tended to be too mild.

albondigas, pork meatballs, spiced tomato sauce (THB250)

baked champignons, chorizo, manchego, leaves (THB280)

We then had pasta for the mains. Spaghettini, blue swimmer crab, chili, garlic, tomato, basil (2/10) was not so impressed. Spaghettini was just soft and far away from what Italian call "al dente". The flavour of crab overwhelmed tomato and spices. We were not sure if it was meant to be like that. But we were sure not impressed. The other one was pappardelle, slow cooked duck, portabello mushroom ragu (2/10). You know what, I thought this was a Chinese stir-fry noodle dish when eating. Duck and mushroom did not seem to balance in this case. The overall picture was a bit soaked. At least, they get the pappardelle right texture for this one.

At the end, we both mutually agree that Quince is sure a restaurant with fabulous ambient but lack eagerness in culinary term. We would not called those pasta dishes, "pasta", and just off THB400 for a dish. You must be really funny. As for service, they were not excellent nor poor. Staffs might not be attentive even the place was less than half full but at least not too slow to service. The little tingy problem that annoyed us was a minor adjustment in price in the menu and no warning until we found out ourselves in the bill. Another wise, ok service.

But to go back for another experience, probably allowing us to skip would be kind. We do look for yummy food rather than just cool ambient.

spaghettini, blue swimmer crab, chili, garlic, tomato, basil (THB380)

pappardelle, slow cooked duck, portabello mushroom ragu (THB400)

Quince Eatery and Bar @ Soi Sukhumvit 45, Bangkok - ควินซ์ อีทเทอรี่ แอนด์ บาร์ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 45 กรุงเทพฯ

Soi Sukhumvit 45
Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 11:30am - 01:00pm

Tel: +66 (0) 2662 4478
Web: http://www.quincebangkok.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/quincebangkok

Les Gueules Noires (à la cave Martin) and Domaine Huet @ Vouvray, France

Cuisine: French

Map: Les Gueules Noires (à la cave Martin) @ Vouvray, France

Price: EUR25 per person without alcohol (what I paid for)

Visited: 3 May 2013

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Value for money: 9/10

Services: 8/10

Being in Loire Valley, we sure did give a visit to our most favourite vineyard of the area: Domaine Huet @ Vouvray. Domaine Huet is pretty famous for its top quality white wine with chenin blanc as the variety. Grapes of the vineyard are planted in 3 different sites: Le Mont, Le Haut Lieu, and Le Clos du Bourg. My favourite would have been Le Mont for dry white wine and Le Clos du Bourg for sweet wine. We did have a chance to have a quick glance at the cellar and did tasting. The best from the tasting was the sweet range: Clos du Bourg Moelleux Premiere Trie 2006 which is lusciously delicious, it could easily my heart away.

Domaine Huet @ Vouvray, France

the cellar of Domaine Huet

sparkling wine racks

look like precious vintages

the tasting of chenin blanc

lusciously delicious

Pretty close to Domaine Huet, there is this fabulous restaurant called Les Gueules Noires situated. The building is set in a cave-like-house and simply decorated with wooden furnitures in hidden green and orange tones. The best part for a sunny day of Les Gueules Noire is outdoor seats: so beautiful that is perfect for alfresco during Summer time or any sunshine days.

Les Gueules Noires @ Vouvray, France

indoor seats

outdoor seats, perfect for alfresco

The menu range of this place does get varied rather often depending on available ingredients at local market, so don't expect to see what I review here. For wine range, of course they are local wines and are available by glass and some in half-bottle too.

Ok, let's get to starters. The first of our 3 choices was charlotte de fraises au brocciu (7/10). This dish was a combination of delightful goat cheese and fresh local strawberries as well as pistachio. The cheese was light and soft and to combine with sweetness of strawberries was just pleasant. A perfect plate for summer.

charlotte de fraises au brocciu (EUR7.5)

so sweet strawberry with pistachio

Next was the dish of the season: duo d'asperges, mousseline de haltaise (6/10). Visiting Europe during spring, it can be irresistible not to have asparagus dish. The one was the duo combination with white asparagus to be eaten with orange cream which offered refreshing sense, while green asparagus and bacon was the saltiness side. I did like the flavour, however, the texture of asparagus could have been more firm while maintaining soft touch, otherwise an enjoyable dish.

duo d'asperges, mousseline de haltaise (EUR8.5)

mandarin and asparagus, yummy yummy!!!!

Gyoza, sauce soya et yuzu (5/10) was filled with langustine instead of pork. Well, a good idea to have Japanese dish with a touch of yuzu to give fresh feeling. However, the dough was too thick for gyoza though being soft. If the dough can be thinner, this would be another wonderful dish.

gyoza, sauce soya et yuzu (EUR8)

dipping the sauce ^3^

For main course, the first one was tesse de cochon grillee, coulis de banyuls (7/10). Basically, it was a plate of quality ham with salty taste to match pistachio mashed potatoes. So simple but so yummy.

Then it was noix d'entrecote a la plancha, frites maison (7/10). A piece of steak it was. The delicious part was the purple mustard with sweetness that went together with the natural flavour of beef. The only let down was cooking level: I wish I should have ordered medium rare.

The last one was a fish dish and again fusion with Japanese ingredients: espadon grille a la plancha, soba au the matcha (6/10). It was grilled swordfish served alongside green tea soba and vegetables. Chewy texture of swordfish was expected but inner me still said more tender please. At least, the flavour on the palate of olive, fish, and soba did combine pleasantly.

tesse de cochon grillee, coulis de banyuls (EUR16)

noix d'entrecote a la plancha, frites maison (EUR17)

espadon grille a la plancha, soba au the matcha (EUR17)

Apart from so yummy local food, the service was also tremendous especially the lady owner who was very much friendly, lovely, and helpful. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who thinks to give Vouvray a visit. Cool and chill place to go for lunch on a fine day indeed.

Les Gueules Noires (à la cave Martin) @ Vouvray, France

66 Rue de la Vallee Coquette
Vouvray 37210
Pays de la Loire
France

Open Hours: n.a.

Tel: +33 (0) 2 47 52 62 18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Les-Gueules-Noires-%C3%A0-la-cave-Martin/366481146709932

Juan Amador (3 Michelin Stars) @ Water Library Chamchuri, Bangkok

Cuisine: Modern Cuisine

Map: Water Library Chamchuri @ Chamchuri Square, Bangkok

Price: THB4,500 per person (what I paid for)

Visited: 30 March 2013

Food: 9/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 8/10

Services: 7/10

Need no speaking, Water Library has been well-known for its yummilicious fine dining and pricey high end meal. Yet during the weekend 29-31 March 2013, Chef Juan Amador from Restaurant Amador in Germany who is famous for his innovative cooking style, gave Water Library Chamchuri a visit. We, hence, without mistake made a reservation right away. Upon being seated, the staff asked what kind of water we would like to have. Ahhh.....almost forgotten that it is Water Library, and Water Library must sure offer various kinds of water. We decided to go for the recommendation of the staff which was mineral water from Germany, Liz. Well, not really get the kind of wow impression though.

It was the lunch meal that we visited Juan Amador special meal. The meal was set with 4 courses which costs THB2,900 a person and if you would like wine pairing then there would an additional of THB1,200.

Amador Lunch at Water Library Chamchuri

Menu for Amador Lunch

Liz Still Mineral Water for the meal

Just a quick illustration of Water Library Chamchuri in case you have not been there. Water Library Chamchuri is located on the second floor of Chamchuri Square on Rama 4 Road. It may be strange if it was your first visit as this such fine restaurant is situated within high street shopping mall. Inside, the decoration is rather modern with a touch of loft style in my feeling. The place is in circular shape allowing most of the seats could have a good view of outside. There is a circular shape bar in the middle of the floor with stacks of various mineral water shelf. The place may not be grand nor elegant but instead gives rather relaxing tone  which we do like a lot.

the circular bar of Water Library

round shape room expressing outside view to every seats

As a tradition of Water Library, clients are served with Croissant that flew all the way from France daily to start with. Yes, it was fabulous: one of the most flavourful croissant in town indeed. Fluffy and soft touch, can be eaten on its own wonderfully. Comparable to its rival Le Beaulieu surely. (8/10)

The second kind of bread was Manitoba with Truffle Butter (8/10). This one was home-made style instead of being imported. Chewy and tough texture but remain its softness. Combine well with the aromatic truffle butter.

French croissant (fly all the way in from France)

Manitoba with Truffle Butter

The first course of the meal was Beef Tea in Texture, Parfume de Siam (8/10). It was beef tartar with ginger yuzu jelly that came along with beef tea. The tartar was supremely smooth that matched the aroma of fresh ginger and tangy yuzu: balance. Beef Tea was somewhat beef stock with herbs. Though it was delightful, it was a little salty to my taste. The problem was the portion to small and we just wanted more. (T.T)"

The course was matched with dry Riesling from Germany, Dr. von Basserman-Jordan Riesling Trocken 2009 (91pts). The wine had yellow ornament colour. Nose of limestone and sea breeze that was fresh. On the palate, it was light touch of lime with fruity peach and fig. Medium bodied and elegant. It matched well with beef tartar somehow. Love it.

Beef Tea in Texture, Parfume de Siam

closer look of beef tea

von Basseman-Jordan, Riesling trocken 2009

It was then followed by Norway Lobster, Boudin Noir, Sauerkraut, Granny Smith (10/10). The one was amazing. Love it, love it, love it!!!! The lobster almost melted in my mouth. So smooth, so tasty, and so complex. Grated granny smith apple, and sweet and sour foam of apple just brought out the other dimension of lobster taste. The creamy and brown sauces that you could see in the picture below were boudin noir and saurkraut. I know, I know, you are now saying "What!!! Saurkraut???? Boudin Noir????" Yes, that what was in my mind too. It somehow perfectly went with each other. Memorable dish.

For this course, the paring wine was Frank Family, Chardonnay Napa Valley 2010 (90/100). Greenish yellow in colour. Aroma of passion fruit and pear giving light and fresh impression. Delicate acidity and light tangy of lemon with rich honey like touch. Smooth and fine.

Norway Lobster, Boudin Noir, Sauerkraut, Granny Smith

Frank Family, Chardonnay Napa Valley 2010

The main course was Lamb, Black Mustard, Roasted Onion Cream, Pak Choi (7/10). Well, well, well, this may be my least favourite of the meal. It was delicious but not a surprise given the standard of 3 stars restaurant. Medium-cooked lamb that was tender but could be juicier. The black mustard sauce was thick and gave slender sweetness. Nice but not so savoury from my perspective.

The lamb was matched with Silvio Grasso, Barolo DOCG Turne 2005 (88/100). The colour was dull and opaque red with browning tone. On the nose, it was rose petal, spices, and cherries. Very dry type with flavour of cherry to dominant. Mid weight and traditional style. Need time to develop just yet to show its true muscle.

Lamb, Black Mustard, Roasted Onion Cream, Pak Choi

Silvio Grasso, Turne Barolo 2005

The dessert was the highlight for me actually. Spring Cocktail, Yoghurt, Cucumber, Garden Sorrel (10/10) was a combination of yoghurt espuma, cucumber sorbet, and parsley oil. Ahhh!!!! does not sound drooling, right? It was opposite instead. So yummy, so fresh and light, and even elegant. It reminded us of spring garden. The fresh taste of it just washed away all previous flavour and aroma in the mouth. What an ending course it is. Wish I could have more.

I was fortunate to be allowed to have Sauternes along with this Spring Cocktail, Chateau Filhot 2005 (92/100) which is of course a combination of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. It was so dense and so sweet, almost honey like. Lively and lingering with balancing acid. Orange flavour in the background. The bouquet was wonderful. Though I am not a fan of sweet wine but this one is gorgeous, I have to say.

To end the meal, we were offered with coffee and tea. The coffee latte was well made give creamy foam and delicate aroma scent of fine coffee. Yes, that is the standard of Water Library.

Spring Cocktail, Yoghurt, Cucumber, Garden Sorrel

Chateau Filhot 2005, Sauternes

Cafe Latte

All in all, this was such a fantastic experience. In term of food, we could not agree more with its quality and innovation. In fact, we were lucky to be there to experience the creation of Chef Juan Amador without having to fly all the way to Germany. Chef Amador is also lovely, friendly, and polite, he even came out to greet his clients at the end of the meal. Staffs of Water Library are also wonderful: good manner and friendly services. However, we still get the sense that some staffs still lack of knowledge when a more serious question popped up.

There were two points that we clearly noticed. Firstly, before wine is poured into the glass for the first time, normally clients should get the chance to taste a sip to see whether it is ok. It was not the case when we were there. Anyway, not a big deal this time as all wines were great. The second point was the speed of serving. This was just way way way too fast. One right after the other immediately. Ok....we appreciated it that it was not too slow. Nevertheless, some lacking time between each course will be more delightful. At least, to give me some time to breath (-_-)"

We say, wherever you are in the world, if you are given a chance to experience the gastronomic meal of Juan Amador, do not miss it.

Water Library Chamchuri @ Chamchuri Square, Bangkok

Fl.2 Chamchuri Square
Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330

Thailand

Open Hours: 11:30am - 02:00pm for lunch and 06:00pm - 10:30pm for dinner daily 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5188

Web: http://www.mywaterlibrary.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Water-Library/53349802244

Restaurant Amador @ Mannheim, Germany
Floßwörthstraße 38 
68199 Mannheim
Germany

Open Hours: Tue - Sat from 07:00pm till late for dinner

Tel: +49 (0) 621 85 47 496

Web: http://www.restaurant-amador.de/

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/S9Lnc

Le Beaulieu @ Athenee Tower, Bangkok

Cuisine: French

Map: Le Beaulieu @ Athenee Tower, Bangkok

Visited: 2 March 2013

Price: THB1,650 per person without alcohol (lunch set)

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Value for money: 7/10 (based on lunch set)

Services: 6/10

Bonjour!!!! Today we, deadly and chubby, would like to bring you to a fine French cuisine restaurant in Witthayu-Chidlom area.  Le Beaulieu offers some of the best classic French menu in town surely.  Of course, fine cuisine/haute cuisine does come at its own price tag.  One thing you may need to be aware is that menu here does get changed from time to time, so what I tell you may not be in the menu when you decide to give it a visit.  Menu is designed just like other fine European restaurant which contains only minimum but great choices.  Wine list is ok but not great, marked up price is high comparing to other places in town.

Le Beaulieu @ Athenee Tower, Bangkok

the entrance

seats overlooking into the kitchen

a look from first floor

The long table

Le Beaulieu is situated right on the ground floor of Athenee Tower: basically it is just the building next to the hotel building of Plaza Athenee Bangkok on Witthayu Road.  The size of this place is not large but there are two floors with outdoor area (for a cool day or night time) too.  There is also a small patisserie shop that offers delicious pastry too (open 9.00am to 6.30pm).  The decoration is kept in modern style with red/black tone that gives such power and elegant feeling.  In fact, I feel that this place is somewhat half restaurant half bar of its own with the cocktail bar placed right in the middle of the hall.  I actually do like the outdoor area for the night time, rather a good and comfortable place to hang out with friends.

the bar

kitchen is busy

Le Beaulieu Patisserie

limited seats for patisserie

example of delicacy

As mentioned the price you will have to prepare to pay here can be high, we would actually like to recommend anyone to try the lunch set which comprises of more or less the same menu as a la carte.  3 courses lunch on Saturday costs THB1,250++, not a bad deal at all for what you get.

a la carte menu

We were served with Chocolate Croissant (8/10) and Baguette (5/10) to start with.  I promise chocolate croissant was one of the best in BKK: very nice taste with layers and layers of crisp pastry, fluffy and smooth in the mouth.  Whilst croissant stands out, baguette was just ordinary that was enjoyable with good butter.

Ok!!! it is the best chocolate croissant for me

simply baguette

the contact via namecard

Starters of the set lunch were Burrata D.O.C, Heirloom Tomatoes (7/10), Plancha of Scallop, Organic Salad (7/10), and Sautéed Frogs Legs with Garlic Puree (4/10).  All of which were nice but Burrata and Hokkaido Scallops did stand out.  Burrata is a kind of cheese with a mix of mozzarella and cream.  It was creamily soft but had some firm texture.  Savoury taste and aroma of mozzarella was preserved. This is a fantastic and fresh starter.  Scallop was as well delightful. Refreshing salad with tanginess touch of summer coupling with big and flavourful Brittany scallops can easily be diners' favourite choice. Last of starter was frog legs. This dish was not like the first two. It lacked of flavour though frog legs were tender. I don't think this dish would match personality of local that prefer stronger taste of dishes.

Burrata D.O.C. , Heirloom Tomatoes....loving it

Plancha of Scallop......tasty flavour

a little more close up onto scallop

Sauteed Frog Legs with Garlic Puree

close up frog leg

Next were fish dishes: Plancha of Baby Monkfish with Provencale Ratatouille (6/10) and Dover Sole, Ratte Potatoes, Lemon Capers Sauce (7/10). Monkfish gave a more firm texture when bitten. It went really well with ratatouille which was lighter than many ratatouille I had tried in the past: sweet taste of tomato in fact. Like this dish but still does not hit my point just yet. Dover Sole gave more delicate touch. Elegant and classic pan-seared with butter and a final touch of herbal lemon capers sauce. Fabulous. A dish to try indeed.

Plancha of Monkfish with Provencale Ratatouille

Lemon being squeezed onto Dover Sole

For meat lover or carnivore, here is your kind of dish: Slow-roasted Lamb Racks with French Needle Bean and His Jus (7/10). Le Beaulieu does sure make one of the best lamb dish in town. It was really tender and juicy. Jus was kind of light but savoury. This could be a better dish if the quality of lambs was more premium. I still find that lamb from Rossini's is a step better.

Slow-roasted Lamb Rack

The highlight of this meal was in fact the dessert. Millefeuille, Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream was fabulous (9/10). This dish was a near perfect 1,000 layers pastry: light, fluffly and crisp. Not overly sweet too. I could actually cut the millefeuille easily without destroying the nice decoration. The coupling vanilla ice-cream also came with crunchy nut which was fun and enjoyable. Love this millefeuille to the max. Strawberry Flambeed, Vanilla Ice Cream was a sweeter choice (7/10). Thick strawberry sauce with again vanilla ice-cream. Really chill and suitable for summer.

One of the best millefeuille in town

Strawberry Flambeed for sweet lovers

Overall, this is a fantastic classic French restaurant that must try.  Just the price is probably a big matter T___T".  Services are friendly and polite too but perhaps staffs still lack of explanatory skill.  We sure will give Le Beaulieu a return to see how it can keep its standard of delicacy.    By the way, most of ingredients seem to be imported.  From our opinion, if they can manage to make some fantastic dishes with local ingredients that would be even better.  Bon Appetit!!!

Le Beaulieu @ Athenee Tower, Bangkok

Floor G Athenee Tower
63 Witthayu Road
Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

Open Hours: Mon - Sat 11:30 - 15:00 for lunch and 18:30 - 23:00 for dinner

Tel: +66 (0) 2168 8220

Web: http://www.le-beaulieu.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/LeBeaulieuBangkok