New Thong Lor venue changes the pace but not the style of the area
Green tea and seasonal fruit creme brulee
If you're looking for a spot to have a quiet dinner and relax over some drinks in a nicely designed restaurant, but don't want to go far out from the city, then the recently opened Pastel & Monochrome might just be the place.
Renovated from an old house, with basic tones of black and grey, there's something about this place that makes you feel relaxed, like when hanging out at a close friend's home. Separated into three zones - inside, terrace and garden - those who enjoy fresh air should opt for the terrace area as there's the relaxing sound of water from the garden pond and the glittering presence of the outdoor bar close by.
Although Beet root & mozzarella cheese (B210; prices subject to tax and service) with its sweet and sour taste is a good introduction to the meal, a little more salad cream or oil could help link everything together better.
However what got my voracious appetite really started is Tom yum shrimp (B250). Serving tom yum soup in a separate little pot, letting customers feel like they're cooking by pouring the soup themselves, the presentation is not the only thing that makes this dish impressive. The soup also manages authentic Thai-styled spiciness no matter how European-inclined this restaurant seems to be.
Opt for Beef tenderloin (Aus) (B950) if you're looking for a full meaty meal. It's enough to sustain an army of two through the night. The use of mashed taro instead of potato gives this dish a different edge. The sweetness of the taro serves as a good break from the saltiness of the beef and gravy sauce.
Tom yum shrimp
With strips of oregano pasted on both sides, Penne salmon pink sauce (B260) is my favourite both in terms of presentation and taste. It's simply the tomato sauce that mixes the pasta, salmon and mushroom quite perfectly. No other dish on the menu could better please a salmon fan who's looking for a light early dinner to go with a glass of wine.
Green tea and seasonal fruit creme brulee (B160) is a good end to the meal. With its aroma and slight bitterness, it balances out the meaty meal.
Beef tenderloin (Aus)
As for the name of the venue, while the "monochrome" tone of the place is very obvious by the colours of the wall and the decoration, it's the various soft colours of each dish that serve as the "pastel" element, the other half of the restaurant's main concept. What subtle ingenuity!
With a great and convenient location, the overall price of the food here is quite reasonable. Opening from 10am every day, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch as well, which makes it different from other nearby venues where the doors are only unlocked after sundown. With good food, bar and an atmosphere that feels like anywhere but the bustling Thong Lor strip, Pastel & Monochrome is definitely a good alternative for people who want to get away from the typical buzz and fuss of the restaurants and pubs of the area.
Pastel & Monochrome
European Fusion/Thai Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10-1am 7 Thong Lor Soi 25 02-713-5949
Beet root & mozzarella cheese
Penne salmon pink sauce
