Chu: Chocolate Bar & Cafe @ Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Cuisine: International/Dessert

Map: Chu: Chocolate Bar & Cafe @ Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

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

Visited: 7 September 2013

Food: 4/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Value for money: 4/10

Services: 4/10

Chu: Chocolate Bar & Cafe, which was recent refurbished into a bigger shop, is located on Floor 2 of Exchange Tower at Sukhumvit Road (Asoke Junction). This place is well-known for its Churros which can be hardly found in Bangkok. Having located at Exchange Tower, this place is rather busy with office staffs and during weekends it is usually packed with foreigners. The place offers kind of simple menus such as pasta dishes, salad ranges, breakfast/brunch choices, and etc.

Chu @ Exchange Tower

good looking order counter

It may not be one of the best place to go for food. At least it is comfortable enough for a relaxing moment. Chu decor is kept minimalist: simple wooden chairs and tables, loft style ceiling, and even a comfy zone. I find it is quite an ok place to chill with a cup of coffee during weekends, of course if I live nearby, or a place meet up with a quick chat with family and friends for brunch.

rather spacious place

chill and relax atmosphere

quiet corner

At the time of our visit, it was almost lunch time and we decided to go for some light meal. We happened somehow to have similar idea for lunch which was scramble. They were Norway Scramble (5/10) and Chorizo Scramble (4/10). Both were just acceptable. Norway Scramble came with smoked salmon and mascarpone, whilst Chorizo Scramble of course came with spicy chorizo and cherry tomato salsa. I didn't find scramble match with chorizo and salsa as pretty as salmon. The let down point for me was the structure and texture of scramble egg. It was overcooked, at least to my liking though. In addition, I wish the piece of bread that came alongside could be tastier and crispier.

Norway Scramble (THB290)

Chorizo Scramble (THB250)

We then had to try Churros which was a compulsory, wasn't it. The one we ordered was Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar (3/10). Well, it was not spectacular for us at all. Spanish doughnut, it was. At least cinnamon did give some enjoyable touch of palate. I would not myself be a fan of it though.

Also we saw that the name of the place is Chu: Chocolate Bar & Cafe, we though it should be fantastic if we had a cup of hot chocolate. Without hesitation, I went for 70% Extra Dark Chocolate (3/10). As a chocolate lover, I did not find this cup enjoyable at all. Smooth perhaps but not the best. Structure wise, I wish it was fuller in term of body. Aroma of chocolate.....ummmm.....so so, nothing spectacular. Bitter, of course yes, it was 70%, wasn't it but it seemed like burnt bitterness.

Well, as mentioned, this is a place to relax and not the one for strikingly fabulous meal. Come here and relax is ok for me, otherwise, I may have to skip.

Spanish Churros with Cinnamon Sugar (THB90)

70% Extra Dark Chocolate (THB135)

Guilty Passion by Twist (THB120)

Chu: Chocolate Bar & Cafe @ Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Floor 2 Exchange Tower
388 Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Toey
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Open Hours: 08:00am - 07:00pm daily

Tel: +66 (0) 26634554
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHU.BKK

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