Tag Archives: fine dining

Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok

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A meal at Asia’s number one restaurant, Nahm

We arrived at the Metropolitan by COMO in Bangkok, sticky, sweaty and sulky after a long, sleepless flight from London. Our first stop of a two week trip to Thailand, my first experience of the country and of Asia. Driving into the quiet passage that leads to the hotel, I felt my spirits lift instantly. The cool and clean exterior is a calming change, leaving behind the chaotic main roads of the city.

The lobby area is minimalistic with bold, bright flowers offering bursts of colour to an otherwise stark and simple space. The interiors are designed by Kathryn King, a celebrated and innovative interior designer from Singapore. She brings a bright modern vision to the brand and a contemporary, luxurious urban option for Bangkok tourists.

They don’t brag about it, but the Metropolitan team ensure the small details are on trend. Staff are kitted out in Comme des Garçons uniforms and Calvin Klein shoes, looking suitably chic amongst the stylish furnishings of the hotel.

There is no shortage of space at the Metropolitan. The hotel has 169 guest rooms and suites all of which are very generous in size, with ample space to relax, sleep and live, a real rarity in a city hotel. We comfortably settled into a 6th floor Metropolitan room, known as the biggest standard/double rooms in Bangkok. Looking around the slick and modern COMO and Penthouse suites, I felt I was drowning in space, perfect for a large family or celebrity avec entourage.

Fresh and striking, our room was decorated in bright white with indents of dull black and dusty grey, the king size bed at one end of the room with plump silver cushions adding a little glitz and small abstract monochrome artworks, a little patterning. A desk and L-shaped bench in basic black designs made from fine teak wood and, in contrast, a primitive Ming-style chair made from sand coloured natural teak made up the furniture. The bathroom was equally sharp and slick, though warmer with shades of beige mosaic and limestone. I loved the powerful walk-in shower that drenched me in cold water at the end of a day in the humid city.

Facilities cater for every guest’s requirement; event spaces, spa indulgences and a high tech gym and pool are all onsite in pristine condition. Breakfast is served in the second floor eatery, Glow, which focuses on healthy organic natural recipes. Pancakes with pineapple and coconut shavings and Cinnamon French toast with lemon were both delicious, freshly made sweet treats, though all the usual continental options are also available.

The star of the Metropolitan is undoubtedly Nahm restaurant, the David Thompson eatery which calls Como its home. Recognised as the number one restaurant in the whole of Asia the food certainly has some hype to live up to. We ate here on our first night in Bangkok, unaware of the real Thai taste and fragrances – it was a great feast of flavours, intense and innovative. Thompson (despite his Australian heritage) takes the vibrant ingredients of Thailand and presents them in a series of bold and brilliant dishes. Utilising every bit of space and sunshine, Thompson has installed a herb garden on the roof to grow many of his vital ingredients near to the kitchen.

Even the amuse-bouche was worthy of an award. Tantalising mouthfuls of sticky duck and prawn on pineapple were particularly magical. Stir-fried wagyu beef with charred onions, oyster sauce and Thai basil was a highlight, sweet and delicious with melt in the mouth tender beef. I also loved the red curry of quail with deep fried shallots and Thai basil, creamier and more flavoursome that any curry I’ve tried before, but painfully spicy! Dessert was experimental and intriguing, soft caramelised bananas in thin coconut sauce with a gooey lump of grey coconut ash… bizarre but oddly tasty. Cocktails are worth trying too – strong and stylish – we particularly enjoyed the refreshing Thai Sabai.

Soothing the mind, soul and body Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok lets guests escape the madness of the city centre whilst also showcasing the best Oriental design, food and service. A triumph on all counts.

More information and book here.

The Bath Priory Restaurant, Bath

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A little removed from the main city centre, The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant and Spa is immediately welcoming. We arrived after a long ascending walk to find an elegant ivy-covered manor house – it reminded me of National Trust sites or even Downton Abbey.

Sat in the warm and opulent sitting room, we sunk down into the deep velvet sofa and admired the sophisticated artwork on the wall. A diligent waiter delivered flutes of superior champagne and tasty homemade nibbles which we devoured whilst nosily observing a young couple viewing this idyllic property for their wedding venue. I could see how it would fit such a occasion.

The Bath Priory has recently introduced a casual dining area for guests requiring a relaxed meal. The renowned restaurant, however, is a destination in itself, with a Michelin star and an enviable reputation. Needless to say, the service, food and wine were triumphant.

Whilst enjoying the rustic bread, we gazed admiringly out at the lush, green, sun-soaked garden. Placed in front of us was a similarly vibrant green pea soup.

Our starters were quite modest in size. Caramelised quail boudin with hazelnuts and haricot bean velouté tasted fresh and French. Seared hand-dived scallops with chorizo compote and apple salad was rather more indulgent, a beautiful stack sprinkled with miniature herbs. It really had the wow factor in taste and aesthetic.

The chef treated us next to a surprise intermediate course – a pressed terrine of duck liver mounted on apricot and caraway chutney. I’m normally not a fan of rich pate but I could appreciate the delicate flavours shown here.

Mains were a tour de force using the finest British produce. Woolley Park Farm guinea fowl was a subtle and tender meat served with smoked potato croquettes and a light creamy tarragon sauce. The South-West rare breed beef was robust and satisfying, the velvety texture is memorable even now. Accompanied by some strong ingredients including truffled pomme purée, blue cheese and red wine sauce, it is certainly a dish for the mature palette. My only qualm about the main courses were that they were delivered slightly luke warm, only noticeable because everything was of such high quality.

Throughout the meal the Sommelier offered interesting and insightful wine pairings which suited the chef’s craftsmanship and skill.

Desserts were delightful. I’d spotted my pudding option from neighbouring tables long before it was time to order. Hot pistachio soufflé with pistachio ice cream was presented cleanly on a white rectangular dish. Two components, both beautiful shades of pale pastel green – I was captivated. It tasted exquisite too, the soufflé so light that it instantly deflated the moment it touched my tongue. Crispy pear and cinnamon fritter with butterscotch sauce was also divine, the ideal contrast of sweet, sour and spice.

Distracted by the sheer brilliance of the food at The Bath Priory, time ran away with us and as we greeted the petit fours to the table I realised we’d been gorging for three hours! We almost missed our train back to London but it would have been worth it for food this good.

More information and book a table at The Bath Priory Restaurant here.

The First Great Western train ride from London to Bath is simple and speedy with picturesque views from the window.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled on the First Great Western First Class service from London Paddington to Bath Spa.

Many thanks to Visit Bath for their help with this trip, more information here.

More ideas of things to do in Bath here.

Pipero Al Rex, Rome

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Eager to discover the best food on the streets of Rome, I headed to a small, intimate restaurant in the centre of the city, Pipero Al Rex.

Hidden in the unlikely home of the Hotel Rex, the restaurant-dining room is sleek and chic. With stylish minimalist decor and intriguing contemporary lighting, it is an attractive room but simple enough to let the food be the focus. For its commendable food it has been awarded a Michelin star.

Chef Pipero prepared us the perfect Italian lunch. We were the only visitors so had all the attention of the staff and consequently, exemplary service.

Settling down with a glass of chilled white wine from Tuscany, we anticipated the feast before us. With no menu nor information, we had no idea of what we would be presented with.

The palest mini roll of ham with thick balsamic dressing was first. Wonderfully simple and delicious. Pork crisps with yoghurt were a textually satisfying next course. Each plate was delivered and removed with staggering speed, replaced with the next surprise. Soon a leaf-like rubber plate was placed down containing a selection of homemade bread, of which the intensely flavoured lemon focaccia was my favourite.

Then we moved onto the more traditional three-course meal. I struggled a bit with the first course, raw duck sandwiched in a thick crisp with diced apple and mustard. The flavour was nice though the cold and chewy texture made it difficult to forget what we were eating.

The famous Pipero Carbonara was spectacular. A pile of canary yellow strands with wonderful salty, thick chunks of bacon and a sprinkling of Parmesan. The homemade pasta was cooked al dente and coated in the creamiest of egg-yolk sauces, seasoned with coarsely ground black pepper. The bacon was devilishly indulgent, it crackled in your mouth and tasted deep-fried… I want to eat it again now!

Before dessert we devoured mini strawberry meringues with chocolate mousse and apple jelly. A strong combination of sweet and tangy flavours.

A well-balanced dessert wine was served next. And then the proper pudding arrived, an obscure white ball of foam in a big white bowl. Our waiter explained it to be white chocolate mousse with cherries, crumble and hazelnut ice cream hidden underneath. It was as good as it looked and thankfully light.

Pipero creates artistic dishes that remain true to his country’s culture whilst also showcasing his personality and culinary flair. This is no ordinary hotel restaurant, but a foodie destination in its own right.

More information and book here: www.hotelrex.net/restaurant

Many thanks to Rome Tourist Board for their help with the trip, more information here: www.turismoroma.it