It never ceases to amaze foodies how a chef can transform seemingly regular ingredients into one amazing culinary journey. That’s the case with Small Dinner Club (SCD), a new restaurant situated at community space Charoen 43 that’s headed by Chef Sareen Rojanamatin, who just arrived back in Thailand after years of working in Australia,
SCD is a reflection of the chef, who exudes introverted and artistic personalities. The venue’s gallery-like ambience and dark-hued decor provides the ideal setting for his creativity to flourish.
The restaurant welcomes only 12 diners per day. From the first floor, which could very well be a mini-gallery, guests are escorted to the upper floor and seated at a long table that provides a clear view of the chef in action.
A brief introduction accompanies each course (there are 16) and it soon becomes evident that SDC is another spot that attempts to showcase the possibilities of unconventional ingredients sourced from all over Thailand.
What Goes Up Must Come Down is one of the more surprising courses. Everyone at the table was convinced they were munching on a deep-fried corn ball, but it turned out to be a chrysanthemum flower. Then there’s She Put de Lime in de Coconut, which makes one think they’re eating only coconut meat, when there are actually seafood and various fruits mixed in.
Our highest praise goes to Too Many Italians, Only One Asian, a dish that Chef sareen reckons best reflects a fusion of Thai and international flavors. We also can’t say enough about Daft Punk Is Playing in My Mouth, an intriguing offering that reimagines spicy tom yum soup as a frozen bite with Thai mackerel.
Duck & Hide is probably the most unexpected in the roster, pairing dry-aged duck meat with a grilled banana. Kudos to the chef for coming up with the combo.
The multi-course dinner ends with Life of Rice, which brilliantly showcases the many ways to prepare rice, from roasting, to steaming, to fermenting.
SDC’s debut tasting menu is priced at B4,500++ for 16 courses. The restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 18:00.
