Originally Posted by
Srisarin
You're correct. I don't know your Bangkok as I am not the occasional tourist, but a 25 year permanent resident who first came to the City of Angels 50 years ago and seen the city change dramatically.
Except for the JW Steakhouse for prime rib, Man Ho for Peking duck with XO sauce or lunch at CY where I'm treated like Norm I don't go to hotel restaurants as you seem to enjoy. (I do however go to a French Rest recommended by the staff of the French Embassy which is literally impossible to find unless you know someone).
And street food has been significantly cut by the Governor's order so the places you recommend are likely no longer in business.
I'm sure Normandie has a published dress code, although Thais are so non confrontational they may choose not enforce it with long noses (farangs), but doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
But, in the end, enjoy your Bangkok as I enjoy mine
Good for you, I do enjoy
my Bangkok immensely thank you! But it's a pure assumption that I am "the occasional tourist", not that there is anything wrong with occasional tourists. The OP, however, is on his first visit to Bangkok and asked for assistance. You offered the wrong information (1- The riverside Hilton & ROS are same area as the Grand Palace. 2- that they need a formal attire to dine at the riverside area) and I corrected the record. You seem upset and resorting to unnecessary personal attacks. FYI, I was told that I was handsome and tidy and did not need a jacket at Le Normandie.
So, the bottom line is if you are chic, polite, respectful and with a smile, you will be treated with graciousness and pleasantries.
Eating breakfast in a hotel as part of my benefits is hardly "seem to enjoy hotel restaurants" even though some Bangkok hotels do offer good food. Good food can be had anywhere including Foodland on Suk Soi 5 or Big C Ratchadamri. Not a long-nosed nor a confrontational person, I have enjoyed my meals at Plaza Athenee Reflexions and Le Beaulieu (currently closed). NY Steakhouse at the JWM was great when managed by Khun George (or Robert before that) with personable service but now there are many steakhouses that offer the same or better quality chops and service. Prime at the Millennium Hilton offers the same concept and was developed by the same restaurateur as the NY Steakhouse. I usually enjoy my Thai food in the side sois of Banglamphu (thanon Tanao area). OP should avoid pretentious places like Bo.Lan and Soul Food Mahanakorn due to short visit as you will need a reservation.
Beefsteak Tomato Salad at the New York Steakhouse, JWM - July 2009
At Chote Chitr (same location since the early 1900s) - Namphrik platu (fried short-bodied mackerel and shrimp paste-based dip) with cha-om omelet. December 2010.
* There is a reason why I place dates under my photos: to alert viewers about how long it has been since the snap just in case these places are closed or have moved which seems like a common occurrence in Thailand.
Assisting other travelers is "the icing on the cake" here, the subject matter of this website is travel, a fun and an enriching activity ... I will leave it at that and look forward to learn from your experiences!