Nomadcitizen

The other day I was invited for a dinner in a fine dinning restaurant called The Water Library located in Bangkok. More info about the exact location can be found here

This well-respected establishment has not received any Michelin Stars yet ..there is still some miles to cover before The Water Library belong to the supreme élite. Overall the dinner was interesting enough to get my full attention

An interesting aspect of their “fine cuisine” is the fact they want to take each customer to an incredible food journey. The team of cooks is not only Thai but also international which is an added value in my opinion.

The service was perfect. The choice of wine was spot on. The attention to details make me realize that perhaps in a couple of years, we might see more and more “gastronomic restaurants” emerging from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines.

Recently I read  the restaurant Tim Ho Want in Hong Kong was awarded one michelin star, and they wee offering a menu for just a couple of dollars or euros. It’s just a proof that fine cuisine can be dissociated from “high price”.

Regarding the wine selection of The Water Library Restaurant, I must say, I was impressed, the owner and the sommelier have a deep knowledge about wine from all over the world. They have a deep expertise about the wine matching well your dinner. This is serious business !

The Water Library Restaurant has 2 branches in Bangkok, one in Thonglor and one in Chamchuri.

I tried the one in Chamchuri and have no regret about it. I do recommend this address if you have the opportunity to stop in Bangkok I received very good feedback from the one in Thonglor. Perhaps next time I go to Bangkok I will give a try.

Still hungry, then I invite you to follow my everlasting food journey in Bangkok  !

Enjoy !

Bangkok is absolutely a gastronomic city which has a lot to offer !

Many of my friends going for the first time in Bangkok, always asked me where is the best Thai resto, well the fact is there are thousands of good Thai and international restaurants, and if I should make a list, it would take ages to compile all the info and the time I publish them, it may not be accurate anymore …Of course I can recommend some of them but my main advice is: follow your instincts and also check if the restaurant is crowded with local or foreigner or not crowded at all. Not all restaurants have a website !

I compiled a couple of good spots here below (I might add some more in the future ..)

Keep in mind that you can eat very well in food court and markets and just for a couple of euro.
Food court are mostly located in department store. Try Central or MBK for instance.

Central is located at Chitlom (near the skytrain) has a good foodcourt and it’s located high enough in the building, that you can enjoy a meal and have a nice view of the city (not as good as the view of the Scirocco tower though).  Customers are mostly foreigners, you will have the choice between thai food but also international food.

MBK is another department store located near Siam Square has also a very good foodcourt focused mainly on Thai food, you really can’t be disappointed. Very cheap and tasty !

I must say I ate some fantastic papaya salad (somtam) at JJ market or Lumpini market …food in most of the case is freshly cooked in front of you,  however ask less chilly (if you can’t eat spicy) as majority of Thai food can be very spicy !

Some upscale and fancier restaurant that caught my attention:

Harvey (Californian cuisine): I recommend you to go there during lunch time and enjoy their buffet (cheaper). Very fine cuisine. You will not be disappointed. Have a look at the wine cellar ! Avoid wearing flip flop and short pants, business casual is expected.

http://www.harvey.in.th/

Nobu: Great japanese restaurant : Very small place and often crowded, but has a great range of sushi. The cook is Thai and went to Japan to learn the technique about how to prepare sushi, sashimi etc ….Products are fresh and vibrant !

http://www.nobuthai.com/

Peninsula: Fantastic and ideal location with great service !

Located near the Praya river, they serve either Thai food or Chinese food, I tried both and I preferred by far their Thai food.
http://www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en/default.aspx#/Bangkok/en/Dining/

Spring and Summer: a good place to chill out !

Ideal for a cup of coffee or tea after dinner. Relaxing area in with a large garden (Lovely contemporary house).
http://www.springnsummer.com/main.html

The Water Library: This fine restaurant offering a modern western cooking is on the way to be a real star in Bangkok. They have also a large range of excellent wines provided during your dinner by a sommelier with an extensive knowledge. You will not be disappointed.

http://www.mywaterlibrary.com

Enjoy !

Last year, my girlfriend and myself decided to go for a trek in the Atlas Mountains, in Morocco for a period of 7 days.

Knowing for a fact that trekking in the Atlas Mountain is a serious business, we went through a trekking agency who was in charge of the itinerary (based on our wishes) and every logistic aspects (mule, local guide, chef cook and assistant). One of my concerns was : how were we going to cope with the food during the trek, what sort of foods, will it be enough …in short I wanted to make sure we were not going to starve

And guess what, we didn’t, and I must say, we ate the best Moroccan food during our trek (far better than our stay in Marrakesh, Casablanca …). The cook manage to create every day simple and tasty food always accompanied with the best drink in the world : whiskey berber (mint tea with a big load of sugar)!

I do highly encourage for anyone who want to travel in the Atlas Mountain to contact this agency : www.atlastrekshop.com