BONJOUR ... A REAL GEM

On the recomednation of David Sung, co-owner of Mirror in Hong Kong, Dora and I visited Bonjour, twice, over the weekend. We were so mesmerized after Saturday dinner we returned immediately for lunch on Monday. It is without doubt, one of the best French restautants we dine in recently. It is owned by a Frenchman Xavier Bruzaud-Grille who, together with his charming sister Ingrid the Restaurant Manager, and an extremely talented young Thai chef who speaks fluent French launched Bonjour only a year or so ago.

Bonjour is out to set standards with fanfare, in fact very high standards, in Bangkok. She has already been awarded 'Best French Restaurant in Thailand' by Thailand Tatler's 2010 Restaurant Guide.

The restauant is tucked away in the up-market residential neighborhood on Sukhumvit, between BTS' Thong Lo & Ekkamai stations. It is located on a beautiful oasis, in a classy 2-story house, surrounded by plush gardening landscape. Not only is the food traditionally French, even the decor and furniture are singing from the same hymn sheet, giving the diners an immediate association with her identity and style. Ingrid told us how she strives to put a 'French touch' across all aspects of the restuarnat, and her hard work is evident.

The picture on the wall of the main dining room carries a fabulous story. The Thai gentleman on the left is the late Prince Bira, a legend here because he is the only Thai countryman who raced and won international grand prixes, back in the 50s-60s. The Prince was a world renowed personality and is seen in the picture 'feeding' a fellow European race car driver. Bonjour's French owner, a race car driver himself, thought this is a good backdrop, and indeed it is. Prince Bira's sister used to occupy the house hence there is this 'royal' connection that adds a touch of mystique to the venue. Frankly it does not need it, the house itself is quite unique and captivating already. Now, here comes an even more fascinating angle to the Prince. We were told he was in fact the direct heir to the Thai throne but chose to give it up so he can marry a 'farang' or foreign woman. The incumbent King Rama VIIII is therefore a cousin. It is the Thai version of Duke of Wndsor story, how very romantic!

Bonjour is open everyday, 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. The resturant has 40-cover and there are 2 private dining rooms upstairs that offer an exquisite ambience.

I shall return, I will, I must ....