With an abundance of topmost-quality ingredients and focused diversity of revered feature-dish delights, Bistro 204 has created a delicacy packed brunch buffet menu that's nothing less than a gastronomic Grand Tour of some of the world's most coveted specialties, covering a variety of world cuisines. The dramatically diverse spread offers something new around every corner without giving rise to that 'overwhelmed by choice' sensation.
The all-you-can-eat showcase includes highlights like Fried noodle 'Le Concorde' with jumbo Alaskan king crab in a hearty gravy. The pre-cracked leg sections surrender their tender, succulent crabmeat treasure with minimal effort, making this a must-munch attraction for shellfish lovers.
There are also icy mounds of Fin de Claire oysters imported from France--pre-shucked, ocean fresh and served with a variety of dipping sauces.
The seafood celebration continues with all-time favourite Canadian Lobster arriving as a split tail and claw with a rich saffron cream sauce, paired up with Seared Hokkaido Scallops and served with seasoned diced vegetables and spinach. Please note that Canadian Lobster with Hokkaido Scallops is limited to 1 serving per paying guest.
The evergreen European classic Pan-fried Foie Gras is served with Apple compote and Berry sauce with balsamic reduction. The flavourful imported duck liver slices are browned to perfection, their seared crust playing textural counterpoint to the luxuriously smooth interior.
For those westerners pining for the trappings of a traditional festive feast, look no further than the carving board at Bistro 204. Step up to the Whole Roast Turkey station and step back in time to those heart-warming Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with loved ones gathered round the table. Bistro 204's version of this beloved holiday dish is the real deal, and their carving guy knows exactly how to slice it, thoughtfully inquiring "white meat or dark… would you like skin with that?"-- just like you'd hear in the family dining room back home. And of course all the 'Turkey Time' trimmings are on hand: apple-sage stuffing, glazed sweet potatoes, chestnuts and Brussel sprouts--expertly plated for a picture-perfect serving presentation.
Those in the mood for local eats are urged to check out the hot food counter where a tantalising host of Thai curries await simmering in their pots, like Spicy Crispy Pork Belly with shallot and mint; Red Curry Prawns; Green Curry Beef; and Duck Noodle Soup. Or for a light, rustic style, between-course interlude there's also a cheese board of classic varieties along with accompanying dried fruits and bakery-fresh breads.
This being a Swissotel venue it's no surprise the buffet features a Raclette cheese station, complete with a sleek, modern version of the traditional cheese griller. For the uninitiated, these highly specialised devices were designed specifically for the preparation of roasted Raclette cheese--a unique and centuries-old facet of Switzerland's rich culinary heritage. The griller itself consists of an elongated heating element which is positioned over a block of the famous cheese. When the top layer has become sufficiently melted and browned, it is scraped off onto a plate ("Racler" is French for "scrape") in all its gooey, gratin-inspired glory, ready to be nibbled with boiled potato, assorted pickles and bread.
At the Fresh Juice and Smoothie station, guilt ridden holidaymakers can top up their quota of essential vitamins and minerals with a "blended to order" glass of fruit and veggie nectar.
With the lion's share of this brimming, bountiful feast safely tucked away, Bistro 204 diners are faced with the unmerciful temptations of the venue's dessert corner, where teeming terraces of torts, cookies and pies beckon, and freshly made waffles or crepes cry out for the chance to be slathered in chocolate or strawberry sauce and coupled with a scoop or two (or three?) of ice cream in assorted flavours.
Thirsts are thoroughly slaked with a selection of free flow beverages including sparkling wine, juices and assorted carbonated soft drinks.
"The best business hotel on Ratchadaphisek", Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok is located in Bangkok's New CBD, just a 15-minute subway ride from the hustle-bustle Sukhumvit-Asok intersection, and just a 5-minute walk along Ratchadaphisek Road from Huai Kwang MRT station.
Weekend Brunch at Bistro 204
Bt1,190++ per person.
Saturdays and Sundays,
11.30am-3pm.
Now through the end of December.
Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok 204 Ratchadaphisek Road. Tel. 02 694 2222 Email: leconcorde@swissotel.com, www.swissotel.com/bangkok-leconcorde.
