Restaurant of the Month – Rioja

The architecture is typically Spanish, pink washed walls, arched doorways and timbered beams. Add to that the sounds of Flameco and finally the delights of authentic Spanish food have arrived for the first time in Bangkok, a welcome edition to a cosmopolitan dinning scene. It is the only smart restaurant in Bangkok that will allow customers to wear short – but that’s what they do in Spain.

It comes as no Surprise that Chef Fernando Andres named his restaurant after the region of his birth – Rioja. His cuisine however is draw from various region of Spain. To start Marinated Anchovies with Cold Pisto Riojano and Remolacha Sauce; Fresh Cheese pudding with Aromatic Herb Aroma and Honey. Appetizers Paella from Valencia served in portions for two at 600 baht ; Fidegua a Spanish noodle at 450 baht, made ironically from Japanese rice flour, specifically selected it wont stick together or may be Caldoso Rice with Jumbo Clams and vegetables at 170 baht. A basic dish of rice, saffron and olive oil which handsomely set off the flavour and texture of the seafood. Traditional dishes from Rioja such as oxtail cooked in a red wine sauce and pigs trotters Riojan style. The house speciality is their Iberian ham from pigs feed on acorns. Pork is also featured as a tenderloin stuffed with goats cheese and grape sauce at 320 baht.

A dish that I particularly liked was Seabass with an orange sauce. Fernado explained that the sauce was made from cauliflower and whipped cream blended together with freshly squeezed orange juice. His cooking style has an underlying traditional feel. But he adds to that sound foundation a twist of imagination using modern techniques to arrive at the lighter taste that is being looked for today. In Spain chefs are devided between the strict conservative older chef and the creative innovative young generation who have re-invent a Spanish Omlette to serve it as a foam in a martini glass. While not going that far he is looking to borrow some of the better ideas from the younger generation of Spanish chefs.

Desserts play a big role in Spanish cuisine the yoghurt icecream with pureed fruits demonstrates the Spanish-Arab influence while the mango ravioli gives a touch from Thailand.

As to be expected most of the wines are from the Rioja region but there is also a selection from Catalonia, Navarra and Ribera de Duero. Also available are a selection of wines from California, Australia, Chile, Aregentina and South Africa

Spanish cuisine is a new flavour in Thailand but once tried I am sure that you will go back for more.

Rioja Spanish Restaurant,
91 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel 0-2661-0648, Fax 0-2661-0583