COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Everything about the sadly-closed Le Notre on Langsuan Road screamed French.
With its French flair, classy cake displays and delicious pastries, I was surprised when Le Notre closed because it was really adding something unique to the food scene in Bangkok back then. I still recall how the brand introduced the delicate macaron to Bangkok, way before anyone else did. It sent that tiny little double shell meringue confection, whose name no one knew how to correctly pronounce, on its way to becoming a sweet sensation in the city today.
But rumor has it that after the café’s closure, the same people from that glorious kitchen are still baking and perfecting their pastries — just under a new name, “Park Cuisine.”
At the café on Wireless Road, the dull exterior doesn’t hint at the special treats inside. Walking by, I thought, “just an office building lunch place.” And hadn’t it been for the beautifully arranged top-grade cake display, I might have just walked out right after I walked in. But I didn’t. I sat down for afternoon tea, and walked out an hour later with my sweet tooth very satisfied.
Fresh strawberry tart
On the day of my visit, Park Cuisine baked up fresh strawberry tarts (THB145). They tasted just as refreshing as they looked, with fresh, sweet and naturally tangy fruit. The tart crust was thin and crisp, and the mild vanilla cream filling was wonderfully light. The three components came together beautifully, and I couldn’t be more refreshed on a hot day.
Volute
The pastry selection also contains iconic items that I remember previously enjoying at the Langsuan café. The Volute (chocolate dome — THB155) is still a star of the menu and the Concerto (THB155) has the same spikey chocolate flower on top. I chose Volute, and it didn’t disappoint. Multiple intricate layers that make up this rather simple looking chocolate cake justifies its pricing. The many different layers of mousses, cake, feuilletine flakes, and whatever other magical ingredients, add up to give several dimensions of texture. If I were this cake, I would be offended to be called “just a chocolate cake.”
Concerto
My new favorite is probably Venus (THB155), a fancy looking purple cake. I was told it was a fluffy and light mousse-like cake; I wasn’t told a delicious blueberry jelly filling would ooze out from its center. It was coated with buttercream and some unknown ingredient that makes the piece look like it’s covered in purple snowflakes. Doesn’t that already tempt your sweet tooth?
Venus
The cakes are not the only things that stand out. I found Park Cuisine’s croissants to be above standard as well. The regular butter croissant (THB60) is flaky and crumbliy on the first bite, giving a rich taste with a slab of good butter and just amazing accompanied by hot tea. But on the other hand, the sweet almond croissant (THB100) is just as impressive. It’s heavier and sweet because of the stuffing, but it does go with hot tea just as well.
Butter and almond croissants
Park Cuisine also has a savoury food menu and drinks list too. However, if I have to describe Park Cuisine to anyone, it would be under the “high tea and dessert” category. There’s been a great deal of effort put into showcasing the quality of what is served on that cake shelf and hopefully you’ll get to see it for yourself.
My only wish is for their branding department to step up and make the outside of the place shine as brightly as the talented kitchen staff.
FIND IT:
Hours: Weekday, 7am – 7 pm/ Weekend: 8am – 5pm
Witthayu Tower, Wireless road
Phloen Chit BTS
