The setting: Meat lovers rejoice, there is a new meat-centric restaurant in town. The Meatchop is one of the latest entries in Sala Daeng Soi 1, which is already home to many eateries in the area. Recognisable by its all-black, retro-inspired front, the restaurant's glass-framed door entrance sits snugly between two wide, cylindrical windows. Similar to a butcher shop, the left side displays the restaurant's deli section with its selection of imported cold cuts to entice diners to have a taste of their specially-selected meats and cheeses from around the world. While there are seats and tables outside, you'd miss the lively atmosphere inside.
The restaurant gave off a welcoming feeling the moment I stepped inside The Meatchop's dimly-lit room, with a curated funky/disco music playlist. And while guests can choose to sit at the tables to the left of the restaurant, a bar sits to the right, where guests can sit and watch the chefs cook and grill in their open kitchen. Complementing the deli section -- which is glassed off from the inside to help store the meat -- are shelves of wine along with freezers full of craft beer. This is great for those who are looking to buy their choices of meat and drink for a quick takeaway.
THE MENU
The Meatchop emphasises on providing a selection of imported meats that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. For starters, the mixed Cured meat platter (B700) gives a bit of everything on the cold cuts side of the tapas. Consisting of a fine selection of three different types of Spanish cold cuts that has been dried for up to 36 months, the plate surprised me at how distinct (and delicious) each type of ham tastes. The cold cuts are also lovingly mixed in with some fruits and bread, providing a nice blend of crunchy and soft.
The Italian burrata & melon salad (B340) is an eccentric mix of delights. With a combination of ham, fruits and milk cheese topped with a sour vinaigrette sauce, this salad mix is best enjoyed by eating a bit of everything at once. You will be blown away by how well the various ingredients work together.
BBQ ox tongue.
Italian burrata & melon salad.
If you are looking for something to try from the Festive Special Menu, have a go at the BBQ ox tongue (B550), which is personally my favourite. Skillfully prepared and grilled by Filipino chef Enzo de la Cruz, the ox tongue is bathed in a sauteed vegetable stew with concentrated brown tomato sauce, topped off with sour cream and served with artisan bread on the side.
Of course, it wouldn't be The Meatchop without actual steaks that you can really sink your teeth into. I went for the 300g Australian striploin (B900). This 150 day old Wagyu comes with a choice of sides and sauce. I experimented and tasted with each sauce which come in Romesco, Mediterranean pesto, spicy chimichurri, and Nam Jim Laos. The variety of sauces is sure to give guests a wide range of customisation in how they want their grilled steak to taste.
Make sure to save some space for desserts too once you have devoured all the massive meaty dishes. Covered in ice cream, pistachio and pomegranate, the Olive oil cake (B200) is a sweet finish that is sure to leave you satisfied.
I tried two of The Meatchop's unusual mix of tangy cocktail specials to wash down the big meal. The first sip of The Pickle Surfer (B340) gave me a bit of uncertainty due to its unique blend of pickle juice, limes and spices syrup but I began to warm up to the taste the more I drank it. The Staving Anonymous (B340) has a sizzling mix of bacon bourbon, lemon juice, maple jalapeno syrup and egg white, which gives a delightfully chilly yet hot and spicy drink.
Australian striploin.
INSIDER'S TIP
Happy Endings Eats & Bar, a contemporary Vietnamese cuisine restaurant, is upstairs from The Meatchop. Both places are co-owned by Chapat and Sinsiri Tiwutanond, who are also the ones that brought you Thai-fusion restaurant Bitterman, all located within the same soi. There are live DJ sets which begin every Friday at 7pm. Their steak dishes start from B600.
VALUE & VERDICT
You get what you pay for. The Meatchop lives up to its name with its wide variety of imported meat. The menu is sure to impress meat-eaters, and due to the level of interactivity guests can have, The Meatchop certainly makes it all the more enjoyable even before the food is served. It serves as a good spot for dinner, especially for evenings of hanging out with friends after work.
THE MEATCHOP BUTCHER & SPIRITS
STEAK BAR
11am-11pm, closed on Sunday
Sala Daeng 1, Rama IV Road
http://facebook.com/meatchopbkk
02-033-2709
