As a food writer, I’d like to think that my job is to separate the sheep from the goats, to find an eatery that stands knife and chopstick above standard. I’m like a(n) (overweight) wolf seeking a place worth sinking his teeth into. The newly-opened Counting Sheep Corner proves to be quite a good bite. Decor-wise, the restaurant has a laid-back, cosy and rustic feel as if you’ve walked into a friend’s house who’s an eclectic collector. For example, country-style dining chairs, metal bar stools and wooden stools usually found at noodle shophouses are in the indoor area while waiting chairs can be found in front of the shop. We went to the place when it was just 15 days old and the customers mostly consisted of Japanese and Western expats from nearby fancy residences along with some Thais.
THE MENU
Morning wrap (B185+) with a side of simple salad is worth waking up for. Sleeping inside the blanket of lightly grilled tortilla is a hearty harmony of scrambled egg, cheddar, bacon and avocado. Beetroot salad (B220) puts veggies before dressing but still comes out tasty. The dressing is sprinkled over various crisp greens, adding mild acidity. With roasted walnut and caramelised beetroot in the mix, the salad is fairly substantial. I almost wolfed down Spicy chorizo (B260). Al dente penne is soaked in an aromatic and mildly spicy sauce while chorizo adds just enough saltiness. Pork loin escallop with mashed potato and mushroom gravy (B390) may cause a howl of disappointment. While gooey cheese and aromatic gravy on top of the meat work like icing on the cake, the pork — which is supposed to be the star — is too lean and chewy for my liking. Drink-wise, there is coffee, tea, beer, wine and more to choose from.
Spicy chorizo
INSIDER TIP
Thitiwat “Tui” Suwannalak is the owner of the place. He’s also a founder of the restaurant of the same name located in Australia’s Mosman.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Given the cool atmosphere, we strongly suggest against taking a selfie with a duck face and “V” hand sign or anything too posey. Go for a candid moment i.e. a picture of you sipping a coffee while looking outside with a plate of breakfast at the bottom of the frame.
Pork loin escallop
VALUE & VERDICT
If you’re looking for flavour fanfare, you may be underwhelmed here as it’s a place for people who like sensible seasoning and natural ingredients. People who live in the soi definitely should check it out. They offer items for different occasions throughout the day from breakfast to a quick caffeine boost in the afternoon to dinner with wine. If you want homemade food served in cosy comfort instead of franchise food and feel the need for a change, you can count on Counting Sheep Corner. G
Counting Sheep Corner
Western
26/1, Sukhumvit Soi 61
Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 9am-11pm
02-714-4477
facebook.com/countingsheepcornerbkk
Morning wrap
