A pair of eateries aimed at cyclists put a new spin on themed restaurants
Sweet Pista
Sukhumvit Soi 31 Call 02-662-2866 Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-10pm Parking available Cash only
What are you actually consuming when dining out? Food or a concept? Most people usually avoid theme restaurants if they go for the food, and so do I. You know why.
I almost jumped to the wrong conclusion with Sweet Pista on Sukhumvit Soi 31, after a few glances at their Facebook page. The place looked too cute, but I finally gave it a try.
Well, it's unfair to make it sound as if the owners of theme restaurants are less serious about the cooking; they simply have a few more things to concentrate on besides the food.
Italian sausage spaghetti.
There have been quite a few places in town that combine cycling and food. But most of them are more serious about bicycles and offer snacks and drinks as an additional service.
So I went to Sweet Pista and Cafe Bicycle in Phloenchit as they are more focused on food.
After three visits, the couple who run the place proved that a theme restaurant doesn't have to be overdone and pretentious. They do what they love. Thammawat Arthachinta cooks in his tiny kitchen at the end of the hall, while Chutima Bovonratanachote can be found in her "Cake Hole" on the mezzanine.
The decor is kept simple, with exposed concrete walls and a wooden floor. A few rare bicycles hanging on the walls and the road bike handlebar door handle declare its bike-theme identity. The three tables and a bar that cater to about 15 people at a time keep them busy all day.
Despite its Italian-orientated cuisine, I wasn't really impressed with their Western dishes and baked items on my first two visits. I preferred the signature khao ma, or "dog rice"(100 baht). A simple fried rice dish, its combination of dry rice and crispy roasted pork and garlic was just right.
Sweet Pista salad (180 baht), a leafy green offering topped with onion rings, was an interesting combination but its Japanese style salad dressing was a tad too sweet. (Sorry chef, I'll have to ask for extra balsamic vinegar to add to my salad on my next visit.)
Many like their fish burger (220 baht). If you like something very creamy, this could be your favourite.
The bun, half-coated with butter, came with an oversized battered dory fish that could hardly be finished. The sausage in the Italian sausage spaghetti (180 baht) was also good enough to make me forget about the overcooked pasta. However, the idea of adding parmesan cheese and anchovies to the Sweet Pista fries (150 baht) made the "chips" a lot less boring for a non-potato fan like me.
My taste buds probably don't match those of the chef, yet like every diner here, I could feel the passion in his cooking. But sorry again, after four dishes, I felt like having a bowl of spicy noodles. However, I'll certainly go back to try khao maew ("cat rice") and ask for extra balsamic vinegar (if the chef allows) if I order any salad.
Its location next to Sixty Fixy, a shop specialising in fixed gear bikes, also makes the restaurant different. Thammawat, a keen cyclist, hosts the occasional bike swapping event in front of the shop and is alway keen to talk.
A warning before visiting Sweet Pista: Don't go there when you are starving, or you might overdo your order. The hearty portion of each dish will make you ask for doggie bags.
Cafe Bicycle
Mahatun Plaza, Phloenchit Road Call 02-651-5188 Open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, 8.30am-4.30pm Credit cards: Visa, Amex, MasterCard
While the Western dishes at Sweet Pista tend to be creamy, those served at Cafe Bicycle are the opposite. This latest bike-themed cafe in town has become a must-visit venue for cyclists.
Located on the ground floor of Mahatun Plaza in Phloenchit, the bicycle-shaped logo, bike parking out front and used wheel chandeliers at the entrance are definite attractions. Its bicycle-related events are popular among cyclists in the city. Its prime location and reasonable prices add to the allure.
The cafe boasts a very friendly atmosphere. The long tables on the ground floor and mezzanine facilitate meetings over meals, and bring people closer. If you are a cyclist and want to mingle with like-minded individuals, the long table is the spot to be.
Even though the staff are very friendly, especially if you are a cyclist, and quick to explain every dish, the breakfast at Cafe Bicycle turned out to be rather disappointing.
After checking out a few interesting mouthwatering dishes on their Facebook page, I found out that those photos were for promotional purposes when my breakfast was served. I assume we get what we pay for.
Except for its Ahi Ahi salad (180 baht) with leafy greens and seared tuna with miso sesame dressing that tasted just right, other dishes seemed rather desiccated.
The eggs benedict (160 baht) arrived at my table (and later at the table next to mine), looking more like an acrylic food model and the hollandaise sauce tasted like nothing more than mayonnaise. The banana compote pancakes (140 baht) weren't fluffy and came with inadequate sauces, proving to be another disappointment. The Reuben sandwich (190 baht) and scone (40 baht) were equally unimpressive.
However, I'll definitely go back as they hold bicycle-related events regularly, including product launches. But I'll settle for an espresso (55 baht) or cappuccino (75 baht) next time.
Now, it's time to ask yourself if you are going the food or the concept.
