Sukhumvit Soi 23

While a man could live on Thai food alone, there is something sacred about a Western Sunday brunch. This weekend we skipped T's typical South African roast, and opted for a taste of J's hometown. Minibar Royale, located in the Citadines Serviced Apartments on Suk 23, was started by three Thai guys who had lived for a long time in NYC. The place looks like a direct copy of a Keith McNally restaurant (Balthazar, Pastis, Schiller's), but with a decidedly more tranquil setting and comparatively minute price tag (THB700 (Rmb140, $22) for everything with tax and service charge. 

Here's what we ate:

T ordered Rosti with Smoked Salmon and Creme Fraiche. The thickly cut salmon infused with a dill essence was very fresh and almost melted in the mouth. The potatoes were slightly crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside. With a little lemon squeezed on top and a dash of creme fraiche, it was an excellent combination.

Verdict: T= Subtle, but extremely tasty.

J ordered the Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs. They say you can tell the skill of a chef by how he poaches an egg, well this chef was brilliant. The eggs were cooked just to the point that it wouldn't fall apart leaving the yolk delightfully runny and the whites silky. J asked for the hash extra crispy and they listened. While the potatoes retained a softness, the shredded corned beef was almost frizzled, yet not at all chewy. 

Verdict: J= Some of the best corned beef hash I ever had. So crispy!

We also shared an order of Spinach with Garlic and Cream. The garlic was finely minced and left a subtle flavor impression. J thought the salty cream sauce seemed to be slightly whipped as the texture was thicker than cream more like a cheese sauce. However, T thought it was too watery. Hmmm...

Verdict: T= Good (J's is better), but watery sauce/ J= Liked it, but a tad too salty.

T ended with a strong Americano and we hung out in the pretty outside garden area, thankful we weren't actually at Balthazar next to a foot of snow.