Surprise Wine Pairing Menu

Surprise Wine Pairing Menu

When diners are at the mercy of the chef

by Morgan JT

Wanting to exercise his creativity, the easygoing and soft-spoken Chef Nikolas Ramirez of Char, Hotel Indigo proudly presents the new ‘Surprise Menu’ concept. The special nine-course menu comes in an omakase-style dining option where the chef has all the say on what to serve.

First up was smoked Hamachi served in chilli water with delicately sliced cucumber and sour mango. This refreshing dish was perfect to stir up the sleepy palate, preparing the taste buds for the journey ahead.

Now that the taste buds are properly stimulated, a savoury plate of seared Maine lobster followed. The meat was served with caramelised truffle honey creating a perfect blend of creaminess, sweetness and smokiness in every bite.

The Mexican-inspired grilled baby corn served with cream sauce and a dash of coffee powder to cut the taste with bitterness.

Fried milk skin taco with truffle and cheese offers delightful mouthfeels. The burnt milk texture with cheese and delicate mixture of truffle made for a very attractive experience.

Next came a confusing yet pleasant surprise, a savoury oddball of pickled white asparagus served with sweet caramelised white chocolate and a piece of pungent blue cheese which strangely balanced the flavours of the plate.

Main courses started with Butterfish cooked to perfection with great texture while the taste is enhanced with sweet bread Nantua and a drop of hollandaise sauce. Another play on chef’s heritage, the chilli con carne–a 250-day grain-fed Wagyu steak marinated in special sauce served with chilli and cream topped with onion and cilantro offers fulfilling taste and aroma in every bite.

Winding down finally, desserts started with a homely pumpkin pecan pie with pumpkin confit and cream with cinnamon, ginger and clove; concluding the meal with a perfect palate cleansing freshness, raspberry cheesecake.

The nine-course Surprise Menu is priced at B3,000 with an additional B1,400 for wine pairing (must be ordered by the entire table).

CHAR Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road 25F, 26F 81 Wireless Rd. Tel: 02 207 4999 Open daily: 6pm-12am www.charbangkok.com

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