Editor’s Note: The cafe has been closed.
COCONUTS HOTSPOT — It’s in a basement and there’s not much seating. If it isn’t crowded with diners, the country garden-themed dining room could feel a little awkward. In fact, a recent Sunday afternoon lacked amiable brunch-chatter or even music to fill the space between conversations. But that’s okay, because what does fill the room, is the cute and vivacious Aon.
“I wanted it to feel like you’re eating at home” said half of the duo behind weeks-old Urban Rustic, a new entry in the Bangkok brunch craze.
That’s good, because her guests actually are eating in someone’s home – hers. And that of Bomp, her boyfriend.
Located in the converted basement of Bomp’s home, Urban Rustic feels just like what it is – a young couple living out their dream of opening a restaurant.
Bomp toils in the kitchen while Aon runs the front of the house with an endearing smile and disarming personality. With virtually no marketing or opening buzz, they’ve managed to build a small following simply from the charming nature of the operation.
The interior recalls a French country home, with faux patina, framed botanical illustrations and blue pastels exuding a simple, country-living feel. Prints are sold along with leather wares.
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Aside from Aon’s personality, the simple brunch menu is sure to win over hearts. The very nature of brunch is a demonstration of indecision: Did you want breakfast or did you want lunch? On weekend mornings, such decisions are a hardship no one wants to face—and that’s why the brunch menu works for indecisive people. Eggs come in three forms: scrambled with ham at THB190, in an omelet at THB210, and a hearty croque urban rustic at THB220, a sandwich using French toast for the bread, filled with gooey cheese and ham, and topped with a fried egg. Pancakes come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fruit for THB200. For people who don’t do breakfast past 12 o’clock there are two hearty options rounding out the menu: Irish butcher stew and pork knuckle goulash. The stew uses a bit of unnamed stout (Lion Stout, perhaps?) and contains more than a few chunks of beefy goodness. Order the passion smoothie for a refreshing dose of passion fruit, or the signature wasabi latte for a zesty pick-me-up.
While Urban Rustic is such a small operation that it might not be making an enormous splash, but you can’t help but admire the beauty of the small wave created by a passionate young couple living out their dream of opening a homey restaurant.
FIND IT:
Ekkamai 22
Open 10:30am-8:00pm Saturdays and Sundays
