Nothing beats a good meal. I'm not talking about the regular, mundane, perfunctory pieces of sinew and starch we strew together for ourselves, only to immediately and impatiently guzzle it all down. Nor do I mean the types that are so fancy and unrealistic that we have to convince ourselves that it was worth the hype. I'm talking about the kind of meal that adds a little spring in your step, the kind that leaves you feeling as if you can take on the world and gives you that after meal glow.
With the dizzying array of offers and festive year-end promotions, it is easy to forget those most important things about the season: good friends, good food, good atmosphere and an overall great experience. The end of the year is a time of 'lasts' and so that most memorable act of last suppers is one that should be chosen with care. Biblical connotations aside, I've always felt it important to mark the end of things, and even the start, with a full stomach. It should be a grand affair with music, comfortable chairs, lots of bubbly and a room full of smiling faces.
Cue. The Swissôtel Le Concorde's 204 Bistro & Bar.
A newcomer to Bangkok's cut-throat dining scene, this is the dark horse we have all been patiently waiting for. If, like me, you've been procrastinating or, as I prefer to call it 'weighing up your options', and haven't quite decided on where to spend your New Year's Eve, then this is definitely worth consideration. Only a two minute walk from Huai Kwang MRT and blessed with more than ample parking, getting here won't be a problem - it is tearing yourself away from it all that will be the biggest challenge of the night.
Different families have different festive traditions. Some do turkey, some do duck, some enjoy a good roast beef. Others are in it for the sweet treats. It would seem that the powers that be at the 204 Bistro & Bar are not taking any chances and doing it all. They are not only providing the classic favourites but countless others you didn't even know you wanted.
Their festive dinners promise a cornucopia of different cuisines, styles and recipes, all maintaining that calibre we've come to expect from the Swissôtel brand. Not one to shy away from a challenge, I decided to strategically work my way around the room and sample just about everything that my plate and two hands could carry. It truly is a feast for the eyes just to stand and take in the plethora of gorgeously displayed and painstakingly prepared delights.
First up was the dish lovingly known as raclette. A Swiss/French indulgence that marries boiled new potatoes, silver skin onions and pickles, all cosseted in an unholy smattering of soft melted cheese. A definite rarity in my household, I pruriently watched it all fall onto my plate, enjoying every moment of the show.
Next up was the sushi counter, which was an impressive display of all the classic favourites. I've probably tried just about every sushi place worth visiting in the Sukhumvit area, so trust me when I say that the Tobiko Nigiri (flying fish caviar overlaid on a oval bed of vinegar rice) tasted like heaven. There is nothing worse than ill prepared sushi and this definitely did the freshness of the ingredients justice.
The seafood section included large pudgy oysters, plump green shelled muscles and buxom prawns. But star of it all, hands down, was the Alaskan king crab. What a sight. With pieces bigger than my own hand. The display in its entirety truly is a bounteous display of Thailand's rich connection to the sea and certainly is a fitting dish to include at a year-end feast. I gingerly grabbed a piece, only to return a few minutes later. The crab was tender, fresh and sumptuously meaty.
Expect also to see their incredibly moreish and famous Peking Duck pancakes, an enticing array of freshly prepared dumplings, succulent and perfectly pink beef tenderloin, and more cakes, sweets and other treats than a human being can possibly consume.
I did my best to make my rounds, but I conceded to the fact that there were just simply too many options and too many delicacies that I had to try again and again. In such a comfortable atmosphere with live music, exceptional food, overseen by such a wonderful team, you'll eat to your heart's content but, more importantly, you're definitely getting your money's worth.
After all, how else are you expected to accomplish all those lofty quasi-megalomaniacal New Year's resolution, on a pitiful Spartan diet?
New Year's Eve Celebrations
New Year's Eve buffet dinner, December 31st 2015 for Bt1,499++ (food only), or Bt1,990++ (food with free flow sparkling wine and soft drinks).
For reservations call: 02 694 2222 or go to www.swissotel.com/hotels/bangkok-concorde/.
