Café Claire at Oriental Residence Bangkok
Monica Tindall
Tucked away in the corner of Oriental Residence’s ground floor, Café Claire is the property’s all-day-dining restaurant. The French-styled bistro serves a European menu supported by a page of Thai favourites and a few burgers and sandwiches. It’s an easy spot to grab a bite pre or post-city explorations.
Marble-topped tables are bordered with black leather sofas and dark wood rattan chairs. Sphere lamps dropping from the ceiling emit a warm glow, but the true star is the large windows framing lush greenery. Situated on the fabulous tree-lined Wireless Road, Café Claire is in the heart of the city’s green lung, just minutes from Lumpini Park, and it shares a fence with the embassies of the USA and Netherlands (the old-tree foilage here is nothing short of breathtaking).
Café Claire Bangkok
As mentioned, Café Claire is Oriental Residence’s all-day-dining venue. As such, the menu is diverse with something for most preferences. With French tunes humming in the background, I’m partial to the European recipes for lunch, with several glasses of wine for authenticity, of course.
A warm basket of sourdough slices is delivered as a complimentary treat while waiting for my meal. Three dots of butter – parsley, paprika and truffle – are fun to experiment with, but I’m glad I don’t eat it all – instead, I save some for the sauciness to follow.
The Oriental Beet Salad (THB380) is surprisingly delicious. It is my first meal from the restaurant after the breakfast buffet, and not what I am expecting (the hotel breakfast smorgasbord is fresh on my mind). The plate of arugula, roasted beetroot, sundried tomatoes and goat cheese is drizzled with caramelised balsamic, giving sweetness and a gentle tang. Superbly thin crostini adds a light crunch. Don’t avoid the carbs, they’re an essential component of this artwork. It’s something you might find in a fine dining establishment. Lovely.
I think I’m ordering healthfully with the Lemon Garlic Chicken (THB480) as my main. The menu says marinated chicken breast, French beans, champignons and cherry tomatoes will be on my plate. They are. But there’s also a creamy tarragon, garlic and lemon sauce. The breast is tender, so doesn’t really need it, but it’s good, and I mop it up with the remaining sourdough. There’s some light oak in my chardonnay, which generally is not my preference. However, it works rather well with the herby cream sauce and encourages me to stay a little longer.
Beverage Menu
Café Claire’s beverage menu includes soft drinks, a variety of kombucha, mocktails, tea, coffee, seven wines by the glass, a list of classic cocktails and some cheeky contemporary creations such as Emily in Paris (THB280 – gin, cherry Hearing, watermelon, lime, butterfly pea and soda).
I begin with a local Mind Kombucha (THB 160) made with green and Assam black tea. It’s light and refreshing, a good palate opener.
For my meal, I opt for a French Chardonnay with my creamy chicken, Georges Duboeuf Pays D’Oc Blanc IGP 2021 (THB350) from Languedoc-Roussillon. Citrus and floral notes dominate the nose, with freshness and a touch of vanilla on the palate. It’s an excellent match for my chicken.
Later, I try a 2020 Pinot Noir (THB350) from the same label, Georges Duboeuf. A renowned producer, the winery is one of the largest producers of Beaujolais wines worldwide. However, production is not limited to this iconic region to Burgundy’s south, as shown with the chardonnay and pinot noir on this menu from Languedoc-Roussillon. This pinot noir sports characteristic strawberry and faint earth aromas, followed by loads of fruit on the palate and a touch of spice. It’s delicious and makes me consider ordering a cheese plate to continue the fun.
Instead, I take a sensible stance and pep myself up for the afternoon with a Cappuccino (THB140). The beans from this espresso-based coffee are grown 1696 metres above sea level in a small area of Chiang Mai Province, Doi Man. The medium roast expresses fruit and a balance of acidity and bitterness. It does well with milk.
The London Eye Ferris Wheel Afternoon Tea
As I depart, I can’t help but notice the London Eye Ferris wheel tea set on display at the café entrance. While I don’t have a sweet tooth, I can imagine it’s a hit with those who like to dress up pretty and eat sweet things. It features classic English sweet and savoury treats. It’s priced at THB 1,250++ for two persons and is available daily from 14:30 to 17:00.
Reasons to visit Café Claire: a convenient spot for a meal if you’re staying in the Oriental Residence Bangkok; lovely views of mature green trees; gracious service; good Wi-Fi; a relaxing spot to pass the afternoon exploring the wine and cocktail menu supported by a substantial meal; I’ll be back for the Oriental Beet Salad.
Café Claire
Oriental Residence Bangkok
110 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330
+66(0) 2125 9000
www.oriental-residence.com
Café Claire Opening Hours
Breakfast: Monday to Friday: 06:00 to 10:30
Saturday to Sunday: 06:00 to 11:00
Lunch: 11:30 to 14:30
Afternoon Tea: 14:30 to 17:30
Dinner: 18:00 to 22:00 (last order: 21:30)
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