In the past, I have tasted Tapas in Spain and in New York that were very good, in various other locations around the globe I do not recall these small plates being memorable. Last evening after sampling Herve Frerard’s version of tapas with a French twist I found them not only good but outstanding.

Some of the more interesting of eighteen tapas listed were: sparkling fresh sardines, marinated anchovies, foie gras and figs, steak tartar on baguette, grilled Spanish chorizo, grilled piquillos, Wagyu beef and fresh wasabi, salpicon of monkfish with fresh chili, sautéed Brussel sprouts with garlic, goat cheese gratin with Slice of Chorizo, scallops planeha, tapenade provençale, jamón Ibérico.

The tapas were accompanied by Stonewall, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2007; Pinot Noir, Jean d’Alibert 2005 Languedoc, France; Gigondas, Duc de Mayreuil, 2006 France. 2500 Baht per person all inclusive.

As usual, this tasting was well populated in spite of torrential rain and a 2500 baht ticket (well worth it). On the last cheese tasting there was a pre-election day mix-up, regarding whether alcohol could be served or not, and the verdict came down at the final hour that indeed alcohol could not be served. The hundred or so cheeses remained in the restaurant while the wine and a couple of dozen types of cheese were relocated to a private residence in the hotel belonging to one of the guests.