Archive for March, 2009

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Bonjour French Restaurant – Bangkok

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

1217/2 Sukhumvit Rd.
Klonton Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110
Tel. 02-714-2112
Opening Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Owner/Director: Xavier Pierre Olaf Roger Bruzand-Grille
Website: www.bonjourbangkok.com
Private Parking, Private Dining Room
Credit Cards: all major
Prices: Expensive

Bonjour is a new French restaurant situated in a large house just off Sukhumvit Road between Ekkamai and Thonglor, and to narrow it down even further, between soi 59 and 61, it is easy to find and has an abundance of on-site parking.

I had mixed feelings about the experience; I was both excited, to dine at a new French restaurant in Bangkok, and underwhelmed by the two dishes I sampled.
I ordered two courses from the lunch menu. Crab and crevette soup was delivered by a young waitress, and in her hands the low-slung soup bowl reacted like a swimming pool in an earthquake, lapping alternately up and over the brim on both ledges on its journey to the table. The thin soup was separating from the cream, probably due to the vigorous movement, and globules of red-tinged fat from the shrimp floated onto the surface. The next course, a white fish from the bass family, sautéed with the skin, was fine, although not unlike hundreds I have eaten and nothing on the plate or treatment of this delicate fish helped to distinguish it as “memorable”.
The promised swans (see Bonjour’s website) were non-existent, however, they may arrive soon as the building and grounds were obviously not complete as workmen were still in evidence on the premises.
It is always difficult in the opening weeks of any new restaurant and my visit was most likely too premature as this restaurant had been open only a little over a month. I will let some time pass and return again to take another look, at which time everything will probably be fine-tuned and running smoothly.

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L.A.: Models, Actresses Augment Income Parking Cars for Rich And Famous

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Valet Girls Parking Service www.valetgirls.com, sounds like “Valley Girls” doesn’t it, and maybe the pun is intended, in any case, they are using a new twist on an old trade, it is quite simple, they have ditched the pimple faced boys in red vests and swapped them for some flashy girls dressed in hot pink. The company claims that the sexy, although struggling models and actresses have been trained in vehicular safety and can perform as well as their male counterparts in style and service.
The potential employees are hired in a “casting call” type interview session as used in the film business and so far they have received a big turnout. Valet Girls will debut at Susan Feniger’s new STREET restaurant (www.eatatstreet.com) 742 North Highland Avenue, on March 30, 2009. Prepare to encounter all-female parking services to crop up in big cities all over the U.S.A.

The valet company’s goal: Leave a Good First and Last Impression, a key ingredient so important for restaurants in today’s uncertain economy.

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Posted in Los Angeles, USA | 1 Comment »

Australia’s 100 Best Restaurants

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

I am reporting on the latest list considered by the Australian food magazine Gourmet Traveller as the Best 100 Restaurants in Australia. This magazine, in my opinion, is the most well-written gourmet magazine published today, so much so, that when I was living in America I subscribed to it.

  1. Quay, NSW
  2. Tetsuya’s, NSW
  3. Rockpool, NSW
  4. Vue de Monde, VIC
  5. Pier, NSW
  6. Marque, NSW
  7. Est., NSW
  8. Bécasse, NSW
  9. Claude’s, NSW
  10. Guillaume at Bennelong, NSW
  11. Aria, NSW
  12. Buon Ricordo, NSW
  13. Jacques Reymond, VIC
  14. Three, One, Two, VIC (Closed)
  15. Rockpool Bar & Grill, VIC
  16. Attica, VIC
  17. Sean’s Panaroma, NSW
  18. Pilu at Freshwater, NSW
  19. Bentley Restaurant & Bar, NSW
  20. Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, NSW
  21. The Botanical, VIC
  22. Yoshii, NSW
  23. Berowra Waters Inn, NSW
  24. Royal Mail Hotel, VIC
  25. Pearl, VIC
  26. Ezard, VIC
  27. Bistro Guillaume, VIC
  28. Lake House, VIC
  29. Bilson’s, NSW
  30. Café Di Stasio, VIC
  31. Flower Drum, VIC
  32. Vulcans, NSW
  33. Universal, NSW
  34. The Grange, SA
  35. Stokehouse, VIC
  36. Restaurant Balzac, NSW
  37. Verge, VIC
  38. Circa, the Prince, VIC
  39. Grossi Florentino, VIC
  40. Interlude, VIC (Closed)
  41. Absynthe, QLD
  42. Bistro Moncur, NSW
  43. The Manse, SA
  44. Lucio’s, NSW
  45. E’cco, QLD
  46. Darley’s, NSW
  47. Appellation, SA
  48. Star Anise, WA
  49. Montrachet, QLD
  50. Urbane, QLD
  51. The Melting Pot, SA
  52. Catalina, NSW
  53. Restaurant Two, QLD
  54. Lebrina, TAS
  55. Isis Brasserie, QLD
  56. Auge, SA
  57. Flying Fish, NSW
  58. Petaluma’s Bridgewater Mill, SA
  59. Vanitas, QLD
  60. The Wine Underground, SA
  61. Stefano’s, VIC
  62. Bistrode, NSW
  63. MoVida, VIC
  64. Bodega, NSW
  65. Billy Kwong, NSW
  66. Giuseppe, Arnaldo & Sons, VIC
  67. Longrain, NSW
  68. Mad Cow, NSW
  69. Nu Nu, QLD
  70. Glebe Point Diner, NSW
  71. Becco, VIC
  72. Lotus, NSW
  73. Otto, NSW
  74. The Press Club, VIC
  75. Esposito, VIC
  76. Four in Hand, NSW
  77. The Grand, VIC
  78. Restaurant Assiette, NSW
  79. Comme Kitchen, VIC
  80. Forty One, NSW
  81. North Bondi Italian Food, NSW
  82. Vasse Felix, WA
  83. Pacific Dining Room, NSW
  84. Fish Face, NSW
  85. Foveaux, NSW
  86. Astral, NSW
  87. Taxi Dining Room, VIC
  88. The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, NSW
  89. The Loose Box, WA
  90. Buzo, NSW
  91. Baguette Bistrot & Bar, QLD
  92. Sailors Thai, NSW
  93. Bar Lourinhã, VIC
  94. Longrain, VIC
  95. Sourcedining, NSW
  96. Gianni, QLD
  97. Glass, NSW
  98. The Courthouse, VIC
  99. Rock, NSW
  100. Gills Diner, VIC

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Sydney’s Best Restaurants 2009 – Sydney, Australia

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

The following restaurants have been acclaimed as the cities best 2009:

First Tier

Bilson’s Restaurant
Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney
27 O’Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel. +61 (0) 2 8214 0496
Fax. +61 (0)2 8214 0495
Website: www.bilsons.com.au

Claude’s
10 Oxford Street
Woollahra, NSW 2025
Phone: +61 -2-9331 2325
Website: www.claudes.com.au

est.
25 George Street
Sydney 2000
Tel. 61 2 9240 3010
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri lunch and dinner
Sat – dinner only
Website: www.merivale.com/#/establishment/est

Marque Restaurant
355 Crown Street
Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9332 2225
Website: www.marquerestaurant.com.au

Pier Rose Bay Seafood Restaurant
594 New South Head Rd
Rose Bay, NSW 2029, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9327 4187
Website: www.pierrestaurant.com.au

Quay Restaurant
Circular Quay West
The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9251 5600
Website: www.quay.com.au

Tetsuya’s Restaurant
529 Kent St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9267 2900
Website: www.tetsuyas.com

Second Tier

Aria Restaurant
1 MacQuarie St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9252 2555
Website: www.ariarestaurant.com

Becasse Restaurant
204 Clarence St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9283 3440
Website: www.becasse.com.au

Bentley Restaurant & Bar
320 Crown St
Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel.  +61 2 9332 2344
Website: www.thebentley.com.au

Berowra Waters Waterview Restaurant
199 Bay Rd, Berowra Waters
Tel. +61 2 9456 2633
Website: www.berowrawaters.net

Bistro Ortolan
134 Marion St
Leichhardt, NSW 2040, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9568 4610
Website: www.bistroortolan.com.au

Buon Ricordo
108 Boundary St
Paddington, NSW 2021, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9360 6729
Website: www.buonricordo.com.au

Doyles at Watsons Bay
11 Marine Parade
Watsons Bay, NSW, 2030
Tel. 02 9337 2007
Website: www.doyles.com.au

FortyOne
2 Chifley Square
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9221 2500
Website: www.forty-one.com.au

Guillaume at Bennelong
Bennelong Restaurant
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9241 1999
Website: www.guillaumeatbennelong.com.au

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach
Tel. +61 2 9365 9000
Website: www.idrb.com

Lucio’s Italian Restaurant
47 Windsor Street
Paddington, NSW 2021, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9380 5996
Website: www.lucios.com.au

Pilu at Freshwater
Moore Rd
Harbord, NSW 2096, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9938 3331
Website: www.piluatfreshwater.com.au

Restaurant Balzac
141 Belmore St
Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9399 9660
Website: www.restaurantbalzac.com.au

Rockpool
107 George St
The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9252 1888
Website: www.rockpool.com

Universal Restaurant
Republic 2 Courtyard Palmer Street
between Burton & Liverpool, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel+61 2 9331 0709
Website: www.universalrestaurant.com

Yoshii Restaurant
115 Harrington St
The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +61 2 9247 2566
Website: www.yoshii.com.au

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Helipad Bar and Disco – Singapore

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

photo credit: www.helipad.com.sg

photo credit: www.helipad.com.sg

#05-22 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6327 8118
Email: info@helipad.com.sg
Website: www.helipad.com.sg
Age limit: 23 years and above
Operating hours: Monday-Thursday: 6pm- 1am, Friday – Saturday: 6pm – 3am, Closed on Sundays
Happy Hour: 6pm – 9pm (1 for 1 on all house pours)
Entry Charges: First drink charges apply from Mon – Sat
Age limit: 23 years and above
Dress code: No shorts/bermudas, slippers or caps

From the creators of the now shut Sound Bar & Liquid Room, another victim of a lost lease, one of Singapore’s best all-night party spots, Helipad is now going to fill that void at The Central, with two floors of entertainment with a unique “rooftop-on-rooftop” al fresco area, with a city skyline view.

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Chez Rene – Paris

Friday, March 20th, 2009

14 bd. St-Germain
The Quartier Latin
Paris
Tel. 01-43-54-30-23
Cuisine: Bistro
Location: Quartier Latin
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité
Opening Hours: Dinner: Tues-Sat; Lunch: Tues-Fri; Closed Sun, Mon, Christmas Week, and Aug
Credit Cards: Visa, M.C.
Prices: Inexpensive-Moderate

Chez René is a classic bistro located at the foot of Boulevard St. Germain. They serve good, classic renditions of boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, cuisse de grenouilles and other Burgundian standards that are becoming harder to find as more modern fare comes into favor.  Although ownership has changed, the authentic bistro favorites have not, at least they were still in place on my last visit. Due to the fluctuating inconsistencies of the restaurant business, one who attempts to write about them and those that read their words, must keep in mind that nothing is cast in bronze and what was true a day ago might not be so now; and that is why I lean toward more of a comment-style than a review-style when reporting on restaurants. These dishes may not be exactly in vogue today, the contents on the plate are not stacked to form a tower and damn it, on occasion it is quite pleasing to have everything on the ground floor as after all, this is bistro cooking not haute cuisine.
The wine list is dominated by wines from the Mâconnais and Beaujolais regions, which as it happens is your best bet.


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World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2008, According to S. Pellegrino

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

For whatever it is worth, I am reporting on the World’s Best Restaurants 2008 according to S. Pellegrino and other sponsors put together by Restaurant Magazine & William Reed Business Media Ltd. (all copyrighted material belongs to their respective owners).

1 El Bulli Spain World’s Best Restaurant
Apartado 30, 17480 Roses en Cala Montjol, Spain
+34 97215 04 57 (after 3pm during the season)
www.elbulli.com

2 The Fat Duck Best Restaurant in Europe
The Fat Duck, High Street, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AQ, England UK
+44 (0)1628 580333
www.fatduck.co.uk

3 Pierre Gagnaire France
6 Rue Balzac, 75008 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 5836 1250
www.pierre-gagnaire.com

4  Mugaritz Spain Chef’s Choice
Mugaritz, Otzazulueta Baserria, Aldura Aldea 20, 20100 Errenteria Gipuzkoa, Spain
+34 943 522 455
www.mugaritz.com

5  The French Laundry USA Best Restaurant in the Americas
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, USA
+1 707 944 2380
www.frenchlaundry.com

6  Per Se USA
10 Columbus Circle (at 60th Street), 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019, USA
++1 212 823 9335
www.perseny.com

7  Bras France
Route de l’Aubrac, 12 210 Laguiole, France
+33 (0)5 65 51 18 20
www.michel-bras.com

8  Arzak Spain
273 Avenida Alcalde Elosegui, 20015 Donostia/San Sebastian
+34 943 278 465
www.arzak.es

9  Tetsuya’s Australia
529 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9267 2900
www.tetsuyas.com

10  Noma Denmark
Strandgade 93, 1401 Copenhagen K, Denmark
+45 3296 3297
www.noma.dk

11  L’Astrance France
4 rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 40 50 84 40

12 Gambero Rosso Italy
Piazza della Vittoria 13, 57027, San Vincenzo, Livorno, Italy
+39 05 65 701021

13  Restaurant Gordon Ramsay UK
68 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HP, England
+44 (0)20 7352 4441
www.gordonramsay.com

14  L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon France
5-7 rue de Montalembert, 75007 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 4222 5656
www.joel-robuchon.com

15  Le Louis XV France
Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino,MC 98000, Monaco
+377 98 06 88 64
www.alain-ducasse.com

16  St John UK
26 St John Street, London EC1M 4AY, England
+44 (0)20 7251 0848
www.stjohnrestaurant.co.uk

17  Jean Georges USA
1 Central Park West, New York City, New York 10023, USA
++1 212 299 3900
www.jean-georges.com

18  Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée France
1 Central Park West, New York City, New York 10023, USA
++1 212 299 3900
www.alain-ducasse.com, www.plaza-athenee-paris.com

19 Hakkasan UK
8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD, England
+44 (0)20 7927 7000

20  Le Bernardin USA
155 West 51st Street, The Equitable Building, New York City, NY 10019, USA
++1 212 554 1515
www.le-bernardin.com

21  Alinea USA
1723 North Halstead, Chicago, Ilnois 60614, USA
++1 312 867 0110
www.alinea-restaurant.com

22  Le Gavroche UK
43 Upper Brook Street, London W1K 7QR, England
+44 (0)20 7408 0881
www.legavroche.co.uk

23  Dal Pescatore Italy
Località Runate, 46013 Canneto sull’Oglio, Mantova, Italy
+39 03 76 723001
www.dalpescatore.com

24 Le Cinq France
Le Cinq, 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 4952 7000
www.fourseasons.com/paris

25 Troisgros France
Place Jean Troisgros, 42300 Roanne, France
+33 (0)4 77 71 66 97
www.troisgros.fr

26  El Celler de Can Roca Spain
Ctra. Taialà, 40, 17007 Girona, Spain
+34 972 222 157
www.cellerdecanroca.com

27 L’Hotel de Ville – Philippe Rochat Switzerland
L’Hôtel de Ville, Rue d’Yverdon 1, 1023 Crissier (VD), Switzerland
+41 21 634 0505
www.philippe-rochat.ch

28 Hof Van Cleve Belgium
Riemegemstraat 1, 9770 Kruishoutem, Belgium
+32 (0)9 3835 848
www.hofvancleve.com

29 2 Martin Berasategui Spain
Calle Loidi 4, 20160 Lasarte-Oria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
+34 943 366 471
www.martinberasategui.com

30 Nobu London UK
Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, London W1, England
+44 (0)20 7447 4747
www.noburestaurants.com

31 Can Fabes Spain
Sant Joan, 6 Sant Celoni 08470, Spain
+34 938 672 851
www.canfabes.com

32 Enoteca Pinchiorri Italy
Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Florence, Italy
+39 (0)55 242757
www.enotecapinchiorri.com

33 Le Meurice France
Le Meurice, 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 4458 1010
www.lemeurice.com

34 Vendome Germany
Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Kadettenstraáe, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, 0049
+49 (0)2204 420
www.schlossbensberg.com

35 Die Schwarzwaldstube Germany
Hotel Traube Tonbach, 72270 Baiersbronn im Schwarzwald
+49 (0)7442 492665
www.traube-tonbach.de

36  Le Calandre Italy
Le Calandre, Via Liguria 1, 35030 Sarmeola di Rubano, Italy
+39 04 96 30303
www.calandre.com

37  Chez Panisse USA
1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, California 94709, USA
+1 510 548 5525
www.chezpanisse.com

38  Charlie Trotter’s USA
816 West Armitage Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA
+1 773 248 6228
www.charlietrotters.com

39  Chez Dominique Finland
Rikhardinkatu 4, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
+358 (0)9 612 7393
www.chezdominique.fi

40  D.O.M Brazil
Rua Barao de Capanema, 549 Jardins, Sao Paulo 01411-01, Brazil
+55 (0)11 3088 0761
www.domrestaurante.com.br

41  Daniel USA
Daniel, East 65th Street, New York City, NY 10021, USA
++1 212 288 0033
www.danielnyc.com

42  Oud Sluis Netherlands
Beestenmarkt 2, 4524 EA Sluis, Netherlands
+31 (0)117 461269
www.oudsluis.nl

43  Ristorante Cracco Italy
Via Victor Hugo 4, 20123 Milan, Italy
+39 02 87 67 74

44 Asador Etxebarri Spain
Plaza San Juan 1, 48291 Axpe-Marzana, Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain
+34 94 6583042
www.asadoretxebarri.com

45  Les Ambassadeurs France
Hôtel de Crillon, 10 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
+ 33 (0)1 44 71 16 16
www.crillon.com

46  L’Arpege France
84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 47 05 09 06
www.alain-passard.com

47 Tantris Germany
Johann-Fichte-Str. 7, 80805 Munich, Germany
+49 (0)89 36 19 59 0
www.tantris.de

48  Oaxen Skärgärdskrog Sweden
SE-153 93 Hölö, Sweden
+46 (0) 8-551 531 05
www.oaxenkrog.se

49  Rockpool Australia
107 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
+61 (0)2 9252 1888
www.rockpool.com

50 Le Quartier Francais
16 Hugenot Road, Franschhoek, 7690, Western Cape, South Africa
+27 21 876 2151
www.lequartier.co.za

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Sofitel Centara Grand Hotel & Villas – Hua Hin, Thailand

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

1 Damnernkasem Road  77110 Hua Hin, Thailand
(+66)32/512021 – (+66)32/511014
email: reservation@sofitel.co.th
Website: http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0891-sofitel-centara-grand-resort-and-villas/index.shtml
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Expensive-Very Expensive

The Sofitel Centara Grand Hotel & Villas was the Kingdom’s first resort hotel, built on an idellic seaside setting in 1923 and has been updated to all the most modern amenities. The lovely, colonial-style building constructed from mostly wood is situated amongst lush gardens, which has many unique topiary intricately trimmed into shapes of elephants, squirrels, and birds on 16 hectares of land, with its own beach. It is centrally located in the town of Hua Hin and is only a short walk to the best shopping, restaurants and bars. In the evening, dine at the hotel’s Palm Seafood Pavilion and Terrace, choose the candlelit tables just paces from the sea, the staff even provide torches to read the menu. The cuisine is excellent at this outlet. Dominque Martinez has just been recently been installed as the hotel’s Executive Chef. The Elephant Bar, with two charming, female bar staff manning it, is a classic bar that immediately makes you feel at home, and offers flights of wine for very reasonable prices and also offers WIFI gratis – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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Le Pré Catelan – Paris

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Bois de Boulogne
Route de Suresnes Map
75016 Paris
Tel. 01 44 14 41 14
Métro: Porte Maillot (thereafter taxi)
eMail : leprecatelan-salons@lenotre.fr
Website: www.precatelanparis.com
Credit Cards: All major
Prices: Expensive-Very Expensive

On several visits Le Pré Catelan has shown beyond a doubt to be absolutely first rate down to the minutest detail, from service to the outstanding cuisine and not to forget the superb setting in the Napoleon III style pavilion surrounded by forest.

Opening its doors in 1907, in the Bois de Boulogne, the Le Pré Catelan has been visited by royalty, presidents and Captains of Industry over more than a century. It is a lovely location, and an absolute must on any gourmet journey. Chef Frédéric Anton, once next in command to Joël Robuchon, delights guests with his sophisticated culinary artistry and amazing technical insight. The restaurant’s sommelier will guide you through the extensive wine menu with its comprehensive selections from all wine-producing regions of France from the large cellar.

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Gaston Lenôtre, Founder of Maison Lenôtre, has passed away

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Gaston Lenôtre died on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the age of 88 after a long illness at his home in Sologne, where he retired with his wife Catherine in the early 1990s. He was the founder of Maison Lenôtre, which also operated Le Pré Catelan. Maison Lenôtre was acquired by the Accor Group where it became its prestige signature.

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