The Chernobyl disaster in Russia. President Ferdinand Marcos flees the Philippines. Prince Andrew marries Fergie. The Red Sox fall victim to the curse of the Bambino. 1986 had more than a few notable events happen, that unless you were a Met’s fan, we would probably rather forget. As a 10 year old boy in Vancouver, 1986 marked the coming of age for our town as we played hosts to the World Exposition and while we were riding the monorail and queuing up in enormous line-ups, another monumental event was happening literally on the other side of the world when Doug Harrison planted his flag in Sukhumvit 22′s Washington Square. Are you feeling old after your trip down memory lane? Well that was then, this is now and in this week’s review we take a peek at the brand new Bourbon Street @ Ekkamai.
I was a little suspect when I heard the new location would be on Ekkamai as that road name is used for all sorts of venues that are on anything but that road. True to their word, this unmistakable new landmark was well within L.O.A.F. (lazy old and farang) distance parameters of 0-250 meters from a BTS station. As you approach the brightly painted building you start to appreciate how different the new place is compared to the old digs and how much thought and sweat must have gone into constructing this 7 story structure.
Upon crossing the threshold the first thing I noticed – courtesy of the wall of windows – was how bright the ground floor dining and bar area felt which was further complimented by 20 foot ceilings in the entrance and backlit blue lights illuminating the well stocked bar. The second floor seating area can probably hold another 30 diners and was the new home of Bangkok’s Libertarian Meetup’s first get together in January.
I am always nervous when looking into a restaurant’s kitchen and more often than not I pretend that whatever I just saw didn’t happen or I fake denial and say to myself ‘that couldn’t be my food’. But fear not because the kitchen is constructed to a high commercial grade and everything looked clean as a whistle.
With an outdoor deck, projection TV and another massive bar backstopping a large unobstructed dining area, the rooftop Party Room would be a great place to hold a private function or a friendly get together watching the big game.
If you are too drunk (or full) to drive or if you are looking for a convenient ‘operation headquarters’ for your trip to the City of Angels there are 12 well appointed rooms that clock in at a reasonable THB 1,200 / $38 per night including breakfast.
For dinner we had the pleasure of being joined by Tulip and Mr. Benz who were on their maiden Creole cuisine cruise. We decided to each pick an appetizer and Benz started us off with a classic Caesar salad (THB 135++ / $4.50++) which was crisp, fresh and had just the right amount garlic in the dressing.
I don’t remember Bubba mentioning shrimp remoulade (THB 175++ / $5.75++) during Forrest Gump but nonetheless we definitely enjoyed the firm and meaty chilled crustaceans with the unique Louisiana version of this sauce kicking it up a few notches.
As an ode to Man vs. Food, C.B. chose the Buffalo wings (THB 150++ / $5++) and though I like mine a little bit spicier they were well prepared and served with a tasty side of homemade blue cheese dressing. For the brave they do have ‘fire wings’ which could probably be called ‘fire in your hole wings’.
Tulip decided to kick it old school and ordered up a half dozen Eagle Rock oysters from Washington (THB 495++/ $16++) . Oysters are definitely not my bag but everyone said they were very fresh, creamy and sweet.
Leading things off in the main course department Benz and Tulip selected the US Blackened Rib-Eye (THB 990++ / $33) which came with a house salad, corn bread and a baked potato. Unlike the oysters I am a HUGE steak fan and I can honestly say that this steak was just as good as something served at a Bangkok steakhouse for 1/3 of the price.
Having never tried a Po-Boy sandwich before I thought that this would be a perfect time to give it a shot. The Po-Boy (THB 180++ / $6++) was served on amazing toasted French bread with a heap of grilled andouille sausage and covered in sauteed onions and peppers. How good was it? I have thought about it many times since I have had it….. that’s how good it was!
Looking for another signature dish, C.B. chose the Redfish Bourbon Street (THB 330++ / $11++) topped with shrimp & crabmeat and white cream sauce and served with mixed vegetables and a piece of cornbread. I found the toppings a little too seafoody for my taste but overall a solid dish that would please the seafood lover.
For dessert we picked out a slice of home baked apple pie (THB 110++ / $3.75++) with a side of chocolate ice cream (THB 50++ / $1.75++) and a piece of their signature Georgia pecan pie (THB 140++ / $4.75++). Unlike people, flaky is desired and these pie crusts were almost as good as my Grandma’s. Probably the first time having chocolate ice cream with apple pie (C.B.’s request) but it was actually a pretty tasty combination. As for the Georgia pecan pie, there is no doubting why this is one of their specialties as it has all the goodness of a regular pecan pie but a with a creamy center and toasted coconut on top. I’ve got two words to leave you with on the dessert front: save room.
Much like America has changed since 1986, I noticed that the new Bourbon Street Ekkamai is attracting a wider range of customers from all around the world. We have all come searching for authentic down home cookin’ and thankfully this place delivers just that in a comfortable and convenient new location. If you are tired of Thai, Italian and Japanese food, get on the BTS, get off at Ekkamai and get ready for some tasty Cajun/Creole cookin’.
Bourbon St. Restaurant, Oyster Bar, and Boutique Hotel
9/39-40 Soi Tana Arcade
Sukhumvit 63 Ekkamai, Bangkok
02-381-6801/3
Open daily from 7am to 1am
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Holy cow, that is quite the upgrade! Looks very impressive, even though I did rather like the cozy ‘hole-in-the-wall’ feel of the old place… But as long as the food is still as tasty as before (which it seems to be), then it’s all good. And (surprised to see) those hotel rooms actually look pretty sweet too, and good location~
Great review and pics as always! Wish I could’ve been there to join you guys (craving some jambalaya now)…
C-Sha – I agree that the original location had a certain kind of charm that will never be duplicated. The staff all moved over there and the food is just as good. I’ll have some jambalaya for you the next time I go : D
Stopped by here as well last week … thought about a burger … but there’s just so many good things on the menu. Am a big fan of this place; great review.
Thanks for stopping by BBB. I have never thought about trying the burger but I should give it a shot to see how it stacks up.
As a foodlover I have to say that the new bourbonstreet is a very nice restaurant. As I & Mr. Benz are both foodlovers we could really reccomend “the steak and the oysters” @ bourbonstreet to all of you. I also tasted a bit of the Po-Boy sandwich which was very delicious.
I have to say, we will come back and oh Boy that Po- Boy sandwhich will be my next selection on the menu to choose from!
Thank you!
Tulip – we really had a great time with you both and look forward to visiting more places together in the future.
This place is pimpin! I’m glad you guys got to have such a great meal there!
Sean – if you make it over here one day, your first po-boy is on me
I was very impressed with the spotless kitchen.
The po boy sandwich looks ideal.
Now to get a rice bun to hold everything: )
Cydney – cleanliness is next to godliness : D If I ever hear that they are stocking a rice bun I will be sure to let you know.