Swish Swish your Shabu Shabu

A new broth at Japanese restaurant Tou Tou (6/7-8 Sukhumvit Soi 39 (Soi Promsri), 02-261-4897. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-1:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 5-10:30pm is shaking up traditional shabu shabu soup, which is normally made from dashi (kelp). Tonyu shabu shabu is half traditional dashi stock and half soy milk. For B600, feast on their soymilk shabu shabu set with pork, sashimi salad and veggies. Here’s how: 1. Try the yabu (tofu foam) floating on top of the broth. 2. Add in the vegetables. 3. Now swish swish the meat in the hot broth and don’t forget to say shabu shabu while doing it.

A New Chef in Town

Enoteca Italiana (39 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-258-4386. Open daily 6pm-midnight) has just welcomed a new chef, Stefano Molo, formerly chef de partie (line cook) at the three-star Michelin restaurant Le Calandre in Padua, Italy. Rumors abound that this guy has got some talent, so find out for yourself by ordering his new dishes like the risotto with licorice and saffron (B440) or his oxtail in tomato and red wine sauce with celery and raisin (B740).

Bargain Buffet

New “Asian” restaurant Maison Chin (Bandara Suites, 75/1 Soi Saladaeng Silom Rd., 02-266-0505. Open daily 6-10:30am 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm) is going after Silom’s business crowd with the “Bandara Delight” buffet promotion. Until Aug 31 you can feast on their international buffet lunch for B350. Come with four and only pay for three. Or go a la carte and order some of their French styled Cantonese fare. Still a baby to the scene, this signature restaurant of the revamped Bandara Suites is still shy but come October, their grand opening will have the concept designer paying us a visit, celebrity chef Ken Hom.

The Crab Takes Over Samyan

Popular old-timer, Somboon Seafood (G/F, Chamchuri Square, Rama 4 Rd., 02-160-5100. Open daily 4-11:30pm. MRT Samyan) with its trademark crab insignia,
just opened its fifth branch in the new Chamchuri complex. Samyan denizens can finally get their fix of the famous fried curry crab (small, B250).