Savouries for the senses

A NEWCOMER to the bustling office and residential area of Soi Ari off Phahalyothin, Tete et Nez has already attracted an impressive following thanks to its delicious dishes with European and Asian twists that are paired with quality imported wine and champagne. 

It’s owned by the four veteran restaurateurs behind popular fusion eatery Tete Quarters on the River at River City shopping complex. They’ve transformed a 40-year-old shophouse into a vintage European-inspired 60-seat restaurant and added crystal chandeliers for effect. Large wooden shelves decorate one side of the restaurant and are stacked with a variety of essential oils and sprays extracted from flowers and plants by one of the partners and used to add scent the food. 

The name, which is French for “head and nose”, refers to the senses we use to enjoy the gustatory pleasures of life. Relaxed, cosy and casual, the five-storey building is home to a cafe, wine room, dining space and an open-air lounge where smoking is permitted. 

“We’ve come up with a new concept for this sister of Tete Quarters. This location is more contemporary than the river and that makes the restaurant attractive to younger generation diners,” says KK Chin.

“We offer a selection of comfort foods that are perfect for sharing and prepared to original recipes.”

With the exception of the Norwegian salmon, New Zealand lamb and scallops from Hokkaido, the ingredients used are local. Various spices, along with lemongrass, peppermint, parsley and seasonal vegetables are grown in the rooftop garden. 

Signature dishes include Hoisin duck, Asian pizza, Mama’s slow cooked ribs and pasta. Also popular are the Chorizo in Bed – a tapas-style tray of spicy Spanish Chorizo sausage on French bread slathered in cream cheese (Bt220), the Hokkaido Baked Scallop (Bt250) and New Zealand Grilled Lamb in tamarind sauce (B350). All three can be paired with a glass of Coco in Red (Bt250) – gourmand chocolate in red wine – a bottle of Cava sparkling wine from Spain plus reds and whites from Argentina and Italy. 

The dessert list includes smooth Maman’s Chocolate Mousse infused with Madame spray extracted from flowers for Bt120, Classic Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream and the milky Panna Cotta in Love.

 

 

ON THE NOSE

>>Tete et Nez is at 1-4 Soi Ari 2. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2pm and again from 5 to 11pm for dinner and from noon to 10pm on Sunday. Call (085) 363 4975 or visit “TeteEtNez” on Facebook.