Dean and Deluca Bangkok Review

Originally from the great state of New York, Dean and Deluca has opened up their first outlet in front of the Mahanakhon Project right beside the Chongnonsi BTS Station. Quoting themselves as "Purveyors of Fine Foods," I wanted to see for myself if they could live up to that title. Although they had launched their store since last year, I only recently had the opportunity to pay them a visit. The shop sells a selection of bakery items such as cakes and pastries as well as sandwiches, quick-serve food, various salads and of course coffees and other beverages such as smoothies. This will be a review for Dean and Deluca, Bangkok.

The front of Dean and Deluca

The ordering station

The cafe is very easy to find, located directly beside the Chongnonsi BTS Station. There is free parking for patrons as well which makes stopping by very convenient. When we entered through the large (and I mean VERY large) doors, we could see almost every table being occupied.

Perhaps there is no where better to go on a Sunday afternoon?

The ordering system at Dean and Deluca Bangkok leaves much room to improve on. When entering the line, a waiter took our order and passed it to the cashier, who then gave us a little number tag (But we still had to wait for our beverage at the counter) The cafe is pretty much self-service, and you'll have o fetch your own cutlery, napkins, and table. Luckily for us, we managed to grab a spot by the window on the high-table.

Chocolate Tower Cake

Another shot of our Ice Cappuccino and Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel (And a view of the outside seating) 

Crowds of people waiting to order

Seating Arrangement in Dean and Deluca Bangkok

Dean and Deluca also sells herbs, different cooking ingredients as well as hampers, gift baskets and other cuisine-related in one section of its restaurant.

Food Display and Order Station

Outside Seating

 In front of Dean and Deluca Bangkok

The total bill for our Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel, Chocolate Tower Cake and Cappuccino came to 450 Baht. Overall the quality of food here is definitely higher than what you would get at the average bakery, the coffee had good texture and smell, and the cake was also delicious. Although you will be paying a higher price, do expect to fight for seats and fetch your own food if the cafe becomes busy. I will definitely recommend Dean and Deluca Bangkok to anybody who wants to stop by for a quick bite, sample some sandwiches and maybe even take home a cake or two.

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Dean and Deluca (3.5/5) BBB
Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ddbkk)

Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar Review

Tucked off in a small corner right behind Plaza Athenee is Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar. The restaurant can easily be located from Wireless road (Just make sure you avoid the evening traffic!). I have heard about the place from a couple of magazines and online reviews, and there has been nothing but praise written about this "Gastro Bar."

Parking was easy and although we didn't make reservations, there was a nice seat next to the bar. Even on a Tuesday evening the place was packed with everyone from Expats, young trendy Thais as well as large families. This will be a review for Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar. 

Sample of the Food and Pricing

Now from the moment we sat down, the friendly bartenders presented us with the food and drinks menu. I told the friendly man with a smile what types of flavors I enjoyed and within a few minutes I was sipping on "St. Tropez Smash" and "Fluffy Fiesta." Two light and fruity cocktails which were some of the best I have had in Bangkok. 

Complimentary Bread and Butter

I did not plan on dining at Hyde and Seek that night, but lucky me! It was Burgers and Beer Tuesday. Apparently every Tuesday they grill up som of the "Best Burgers In Bangkok." Well, I'll have to put that to the test since I have tried some pretty finger-licking good burgers.

My Blue Cheese Burger(Can't remember he exact name, help?"

Mandatory "Half Cut" Photo

Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese

The burger came with a side of fries and was too large to fit in my (big) mouth. So I had to resort to using a knife and fork to slowly dwindle it down until I could properly eat it. The bun was crispy and toasted, the beef was juicy inside but seared and crispy on the outside and the combination of nuts and cheese made every bite a tasty one. My one gripe? The burger came cold to the touch. I was wondering if they had made it and left it on the pass for a good 20 minutes for it to turn cold. 

The Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese was also well done, although a bit on the dry side.

The food here is definitely refined and you can taste the quality of ingredients that they put into the dishes. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also very laid back. There is outdoor as well as indoor seating. Perfect place to bring a date!

Dessert Menu

We had tried to order a Tiramisu but they didn't have any left, so we went with the H&S Chocolate Indulgence to end on a sweet note. The dessert could not really compete with some other establishments, it was really just average. The portion was small and the cake tasted a bit bland.

Overall Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar is a place where I could see myself coming back to eat in the future. They have  large selection of cocktails as well as wines, the food is above average and the atmosphere makes you just want to lounge around all night. Best burgers in Bangkok? Not really. One of th better ones? Definitely. The entire dinner which consisted of two drinks, a burger, the macaroni dish, mashed potatoes and dessert came to around 1800 Baht.

Bangkok Gastronomy
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Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar (4/5) BBBB
(http://www.hydeandseek.com/)

The Golden Palace Dim Sum Buffet Review, Windsor Suites

In Bangkok, you can get Dim Sum for 3 Baht a piece from any street vendor or up to 200 Baht for a pair or "Siu Mai" at fancier establishments. This is what I love about Thailand. Just because it's Dim Sum, doesn't meant that it will be the same (Doused in sauce and fried garlic, anyone?) everywhere you have it. The range of food is so vast, and everyone puts their own twist on it. 

This will be a review for Dim Sum Buffet at the Golden Palace, Windsor Suites. For those of you who may not know, the hotel is located just off off Sukhumvit Road near the Asok BTS Station. I arrived at the hotel and parking space was ample and complimentary for guests dining at any of the hotel's Food and Beverage outlets.

The Entrance to the Golden Palace

Seating Inside the Restaurant

The waiter came promptly to serve us and we were quickly given a menu of the items that we could order. Drinks were not included in the lunch buffet price. The typical fare of Dim Sum items were offered including fried hot dishes such as spring rolls and red pork puffs.

"Har Gao" with large prawns included

Some sort of Crab dish

"Chee Chong Fun"

I realize that I am probably butchering the spelling for all of these dishes beyond any repair, but lets move beyond that point and continue with the review. For those of you who are in the area, the lunch buffet is around 500 Baht per person. Is it worth the price? Well, the Dim Sum wasn't that bad. But it didn't seem refined. It just tasted above average. I have definitely dined on better dim sum in the past, although not during Dim Sum Buffets (Crystal Jade in Singapore, perhaps?), if anyone knows any fantastic Dim Sum buffets in Bangkok, do let me know.

The Lobby of Windsor Suites

Finishing up our meal

The Golden Palace was almost full during lunch, filled with office workers having their break and enjoying a meal. It's definitely a bang for buck offer. However, if you are looking for high quality Dim Sum, this is not the place for you.

Bangkok Gastronomy

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The Golden Palace Dim Sum Buffet, Windsor Suites (3/5) BBB

(http://www.windsorsuiteshotel.com/dining.php)