Hi there,

In a town, such like our beloved Bangkok, where new restaurants pop us as often as we pay our electricity bill and people’s preferences change as fast as the current “it” Korean boy band, everyone has to evolve to survive. Despite being hugely popular, the always packed Hyde & Seek refuses to stop and saturate in their success and strive to be playfully-ever-evolving.  Last month, as a loyal customer and a food blogger, I was invited to join the media tasting of their new menu. We got to sample 8 out of 16 new dishes that will be on their new menu, along with 7 new exciting cocktails.

We started off with the welcome drink – Sometime After Noon (Gordon’s Gin, Elderflower, Pear-Jam, Tea, Lemon.) The drink is inspired by the afternoon tea, which mean it is very light.

The first course was CRUDO of BREAM (Foie Gras, Tosa-Zsu, Pomelo, Ginger Oil,)  the fish was very fresh. The Tosa-zsu, which is the jellied Japanese seaweed was refreshing with a hint of shoyu and a refreshing citrusy tang. We were off to a good start!

Then Vitello TONNATO – H&S way (PORK LOIN, Green Apple, and Truffle-Tuna Curd) follows. A classic Italian-style dish with a modern twist – instead of being on the dry side, the pork was sous-vided, making it extremely juicy and tender. The scent of truffle also gives the dish an extra somethin’ somethin’.

The second drink was A Little Boy Called Panache (Stella Artois, Cidre Bouche, Lemon, Saffron, Orange.) Panache is originally beer flavored with lemon; but H&S uses Cidre Bouche a Mexican lemon liquer in their version. This drink is still meant to be enjoyed in the afternoon. I’m not so much a beer drinker, but I liked this one.

The third dish was the Pan-Roasted DAY BOAT FISH (with Parsnip Puree, Blackened Spice, and Americaine Emulsion,) blackened Cajun-style. This one is for those who loves spices!

The next drink was Origin Unknown (Chardonnay, Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Green Apple, Sparkling Water) which I found pretty similar to the first two – light/ refreshing/ meant for afternoon.

The fourth dish was SURF & TURF (Braised Wagyu Cheek and Scallop Ravioli with Sweet Corn and Horseradish.) The beef was very tender with a hint of oregano. I thought it went really well with the crispy oyster mushroom.

The comes the Homeless Pirate’s Bag of Joy (Aged Rum, Ruby Port, Clove Syrup, Citrus Juice, Pineapple, Mango, Aromatic Bitters) which was my favorite of the night. I loved the creative bum-inspired paper bag idea. And it sure packs a punch.

The fifth dish was Compressed CHICKEN (Opened Sandwich, Quick Mole Spice, and French Baguette,) which was the only dish that I did not enjoy that night. It had a smell to it that I could not quite put my finger on.

To wash down the chicken mole, we were served the Captain Cucumber (Gordon’s Gin, Elderflower Cordial, Lemon Bitters, Prosecco, Citrus, Fresh Cucumber,) it reminded me of Origin unknown and did not surprise me much.

Another drink that I liked more followed which was the Busy Bees in the Brewery (Honey-infused Gin, Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lemon, Citrus Fest, Hoegaarden. A drink perfect for those looking for a twist on their old favorite, a more refreshing way to enjoy Hoegaarden.

Then came my favorite dish of the night, the 12 Hours-PORK BELLY (Maple Brine, Creme Fraiche, Brussels Sprouts, and Nashi Pear) which was so sucuulently yummy. I forgot about my goal to remain a size 0-2 until I age and just dove in. The pear was also very flavorful and the creme fraiche rounds everything up nicely. LOVE!

The cheese course was the GORGONZOLA Blue (Roasted Sweet Pepper, and Pine Nut Cracker) A nice flavor and texture contrast: the creamy blue cheese was cut by the flavorful pepper and compliments by the crunchy cracker.

Our last drink won me over with its witty name – Don’t Be So Mean Charlie Sheen (Bourbon, Citronge, Italian Herbal Liqueur, Passion Fruit, Lemon) I thought it was funny that this drink was the sweetest out of all of them but also the strongest. I’m sure Mr. Sheen has to have a sweet side as well, otherwise he would not be so proudly enjoying his polygamous relationship with his “goddesses.”

For the dessert course, I was confused because the menu says TEA & SCONES (Lavender and Earl Grey Tart and Chiang-Mai Cape Gooseberry) but what was served was more like a deconstructed fruit tart. It was the first time for me to try a gooseberry and I loved it. How nice to try a creative dessert that’s successful like this one.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed myself that night and I can’t wait to try all of the new dishes! See you soon, Hyde & Seek!

Bon Appétit!

Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar

65/1 Athenee Residence,

Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Road,

Ploenchit, Pathumwan,

Bangkok, Thailand 10330