COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Chef Bar is exactly what the name suggests: a chef serving food at a bar. But what the name doesn’t tell you is how damn talented the chef is, and how amazing his burgers and pies are.
You may have passed by this corner of Asoke many many times, but most likely, you have never noticed a restaurant that’s a worth a stop right in front of you. Occupying just one small unit of the shophouse row right across Prasarnmit Plaza, Chef Bar is the perfect epitome of a “hole in the wall.” Even if you spot the “Chef Bar” sign, you still have to stare through the glass door for a while to be sure there is actually an actual business operating inside.
The restaurant is small — so small that if it was full to capacity with 12 people, they would be sitting with their backs touching. The kitchen station is manned by the chef himself and he seems to handle everything just fine, even when there is a full house. He has help from just one young lady at the front of house who assists in delivering plates from the counter to the table.
The first time my party came here many months ago, we had an excellent steak and bone marrow dish. On our most recent visit, however, we decided to stick to the burgers and pies.
Although the menu is short, all the items on it are excellent deals. Most of the chef’s specials are hand-written on the boards hanging over the bar and on scattered pieces of A4 papers with color permanent markers. The look of this just makes me feel that much reassured about what I was about to be served, as it seems everything here is thoroughly thought out and prepared by the chef himself.
Robbin’s Island Wagyu
The burger on the regular menu sheet, and my top recommendation, is Robbin’s Island Wagyu (THB450). The chef told me it used to only be a temporary item but got so popular he had to make it a permanent resident on the list. And it was a good call, otherwise I wouldn’t have had the chance to try it. It’s truly a yummy burger, a wonderful combination of fantastic ingredients — wagyu patty, wild mushroom ragu, and warm goat cheese. No wonder people keep coming back for the burger, and willing to pay so much for it.
Angus Beef Trio Burger
Today’s on the board, the chef’s special suggests that my party orders an Angus Beef Trio Burger (THB450). Need we think about this? Of course not! The gorgeous looking (and tasting) burger exceeded my expectations: a thick Angus beef patty (which the chef says was imported from Tasmania), a layer of crispy bacon, a tier of chorizo, and some American cheddar. It may be an ambitious attempt to have everything all at once, but it works.
Braised Beef, Garlic, Herb, and Roasted Mushroom Pie
As for the lighter items on the menu, I finished the Braised Beef, Garlic, Herb, and Roasted Mushroom Pie (THB290) all by myself. This comes with a side of either a scoop of mashed potatoes or a portion of fries. I wished my mash was a bit more seasoned, but perhaps it’s intended to be bland so it doesn’t outshine the already very tasty pie.
In the several months I’ve been visiting Chef Bar, it has never disappointed. Not once. And as well as the food, I would like to mention how I’ve been entertained by just watching the chef expertly manning his highly functional kitchen. It’s quite a show.
FIND IT:
Monday – Friday: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
Sukhumvit 21 soi 2, opposite to Prasarnmit Plaza
BTS ASoke, MRT Sukhumvit
