Peek-a-boo
Hyde & Seek’s new “protégé” surprised us with its casual atmosphere and location, merged with that Kittichai twist of refinement and taste of grandeur.
by Anita Zaror
One of chef Ian Kittichai’s most recent “babies,” Hyde & Seek Peek-a-Boo (1st floor, Groove at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok; 02 646 1099; www.facebook.com/pages/Peek-a-Boo) was aptly named after the popular children’s game. Unlike the original Hyde & Seek, hiding in the Ploenchit area, it has reappeared as Peek-a-Boo in the heart of Bangkok, as a bar and restaurant that has been getting notorious attention since it recently opened its doors.
There is a strong American and British influence with a twist in many of Peek-a-Boo’s dishes, such as the duck sloppy Joe with Thai jalapeno, Cheddar, sweet corn, and pickled cabbage (THB 275) and the duck shepherd’s pie with a cheesy potato crust (THB 295). Thai flavors also make subtle appearances in the comfort food served by Bangkokian chef Peter Pitakwong, and all of the dishes boast that Kittichai hint of sophistication and sumptuous tastes.
Although the menu doesn’t feature an extremely large selection of dishes, the diversity of ingredients and the depth of preparation offered effortlessly compensates for this. Among its appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, pasta and rice, poultry, fish and seafood, meat, side dishes, and desserts, along with the all-day brunch menu, you’ll surely find something to satisfy any foodie craving you may have during your visit.
Start with the “One of Each” selection of mini Scotch eggs (THB 295) that offers a single piece of the creamy “Meat and Dairy” choice made from Wagyu beef, kurobuta pork stuffed with egg, and Stilton cheese; one of the interesting “The Birdies” option consisting of minced chicken, truffle and potato stuffed with egg and foie gras; and one of the crispy “Breakfast Run” made from pork sausage stuffed with runny quail eggs and spicy baked bean Hollandaise. To continue, choose between the Wagyu beef burger with Cheddar and garlic brioche-cheese bun (THB 375), or the chicken Kiev stuffed with herbed garlic butter and warm cabbage remoulade (THB 275). Alternatively, try the delicious triple lamb racks with green beans, chili mousseline, and cranberry sauce (THB 795), seared and caramelized on the outside, raw and tender on the inside. While this dish may sound rather formal, you may feel differently when you see your neighbor tucking into them with his hands while nobody around seems to mind. Throw in a salad to add some moisture, before finishing off with the Chocolate Rocky Road, a tasty frozen chocolate parfait with sea salt caramel, peanuts, and ganache (THB 190). The Drunk & Alert Tiramisu, O-Lieng Savoiardi and sweet dark rum mascarpone (THB 190) is another great choice. Then, it’s probably time to loosen your belt as portions are generous.
With a total capacity of 150 seats, a bar, indoor and outdoor areas, Peek-a-Boo offers bar seats, sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs in a relaxed configuration that features stylish décor. Here, both glittering lights and dark spaces merge to allow you to dreamily reminisce of childhood games and fairy tales. Despite the casual atmosphere, you will find several dishes that include high-end ingredients such as foie gras, Wagyu beef, or duck—and this is just one aspect of Peek-a-Boo’s successful effort to upgrade your comfort food dining experience.
The drinks deserve a special mention. Not only are they creative, fun, and delectable, but they also elevate the restaurant’s comforting dishes to a chicer level. Inspired by pop culture and history, mixologist and executive beverage manager, Nath Arj-Han, jazzes up classic concoctions with the use of modern techniques to create an exciting menu of signature cocktails. Some of the most notable include Day Dreams made from vodka, maraschino, lychee liquor, fresh watermelon, and melon crumble (THB 325), and the Honeysuckle Smash featuring rum, ginger, pear eau de vie, honey coriander, fresh apple, and mint (THB 325) which are well worth a try … or two.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Living Museum
by Richard Mcleish
Among the cafés, coffee bean roasters and craft beer bars of Ekkamai lies Museum Ekkamai (42/1 Ekkamai Soi 4, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok; 02 382 1923; www.museum-ekkamai.com) – a homely and social workshop space with café tendencies. Formerly a private club, this public museum is set in a lofty house with a lush green garden that is visible from the majority of the rooms. This natural area gives it an easy ambience that feels far removed from the busting capital outside.
The steady roster of workshops rotates through Japanese, English and Thai language lessons; portraiture, oil and water painting classes; as well as baking and coffee bean roasting sessions. Prices vary from course to course, with an emphasis on participation rather than profits. A recently held Washoku Workshop (Japanese food) drew a notably warm reception from participants.
The sessions are coupled nicely with goodies from the kitchen, including preservative-free home-baked bread served with homemade caramel and chocolate, and home-roasted coffee and tea. Plenty of guests, from Japan and other countries, come just to savor the surrounds and catch up over a cup of coffee (B100) or the daily lunch set (THB 100). Future plans see it expanding its café menu and luring in a wider variety of visitors.
Open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
