What is it ?  –  Lord Jim`s is situated just above the lobby of the Bangkok Mandarin Oriental hotel and offers a spectacular luxury daily lunch buffet. In the evening the restaurant is magically transformed into a highly creative up market romantic dining venue under the banner “Alex Dilling at Lord Jim`s”

What`s cooking – French Mediterranean style sharing plates , rather highly refined.

Who`s cooking – Chef George Kay , previously worked as Head Chef at Le Normandie , Bangkok and Alex Dilling from the Café Royal in London.

What should I expect ?  A huge treat – Anything with the name `Alex Dilling` on the brand is a guaranteed winner.

Must Order dish – The star of the menu during our visit was the Roast Chicken stuffed with Foie Gras & Wild Mushrooms (for 2 to share) – 5,800b ($177 / £133). We ended up being tempted by other delights.

What will it cost me ? –  There`s no set or tasting menu at Lord Jims , it`s all A.L.C here. Prices range from – Starters 350b ($11/ £8 -Organic vegetable crudites) to 2,800b ($88 / £65 – King Crab vol-au-vent with caviar). Main courses – 1,500b ($47 / £35 – Black Angus beet fillet) to 2,200b  ($69 / £51 – Lobster thermidor). Desserts –  350b to 550b ($11/ £8 to $17 / £13)

My thoughts ? – I`m a big Alex Dilling fan so for me it was like going to watch my favourite band.

What`s the Atmosphere like ? –  Pretty quiet , relaxed , dimmed lighting and very romantic. No Pomp or ceremony from the staff , everyone was friendly , relaxed and well trained on the food being served.

What`s good ? – Seeing what your dining partner is ordering to eat and then getting plates on the side so everything can be shared.

What`s even better ? –  Turning up an hour before the allocated booking time and heading to the riverside for Cocktails. Guaranteed to relax the diner and set the scene before the meal.

Any Negatives , Would I return ? –  I would have preferred to have done lunch at Lord Jim`s but that`s just a personal thing, I like to eat in daylight. The lighting is very low in Lord Jim`s and whilst it creates a romantic atmoshpere it does make it quite difficult to read the menus and see the food. Thankfully the staff brought a decent light over to our table.

Info – SORRY TO HEAR THAT THE RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED SINCE OUR VISIT.

Restaurant Address –  48 Oriental Avenue , Khwaeng Bang Rak , Bang Rak , Bangkok 10500, Thailand.   Phone –  +66 (0) 2 659 9000

Website – www.mandarinoriental.com

LORD JIM`S BREAD AND AMAZING BUTTERS SELECTION

SICILIAN GAMBERO ROSSO , FENNEL & PERNOD DRESSING

OSTRA REGAL OYSTER WITH GREEN APPLE & CELERY

SUMMER ROLLS , JAPANESE SARDINE,DAIKON & HERB JUS

PATE EN CROUTE , PICKLED WINTER VEGETABLES , TRUFFLE GELEE & HONEY MUSTARD

COMPLIMENTARY FISH COURSE FROM CHEF – Thank you kindly.

LOBSTER THERMIDOR , GINGER , COMTE CHEESE & SPRING ONION

BLACK ANGUS BEEF FILLET, BONE MARROW CRUST , COMTE CHEESE & POTATO

POMMES BOULANGERES , BUTTERHEAD LETTUCE , HERBS , CITRUS VINAIGRETTE.

LEMON TART , CAVIAR LIME AND LIMONCELLO

SELECTION OF BANANA FLAVOURS – BANANA MILLE FEUILLE, BANANA RUM CREAM , CARAMELIZED SPICED BANANA , CARAMELIZED BANANA ICE CREAM.

A LITTLE TAKE HOME CHOCOLATE TREAT FROM THE PASTRY KITCHEN