Maybe I should take a shower first. But the imperatives of hard travel are unambiguous. I opted for food. I could have settled for warm beer and cold rations, but awaiting me at the Yod Kum restaurant, where my knowing nose had led me, was one of the best meals I have eaten in many years of visiting Thailand. It is certainly the ultimate marriage between the culinary traditions of East and West.
Asian restaurants are often long on food and short on ambiance and service.
And Western inns are well praised for comfort, service and attention to the whole dining experience, but too often serve up rather bland fare. At Yod Kum the culinary canvass of a Thai maestro is richly framed by Western traditions of comfort worthy of the Michelin Guide. Situated across the road from the Bavorn Temple, a well appointed dining patio leads into the small reception area. Throughout the restaurant, teakwood paneling with subtle touches of brass provide a background to a crazy collection of antique toys. Wood bladed fans circulate the pleasantly cooled air, and polished lamps give light the color of candleglow.