Chez Cook is a funky little restaurant on Siam Country Club Road about 2 km further down from the Wanasin Market and opposite the Chateau Dale Residences Sales Gallery. There is a covered external section, and is rustic in appearance. The interior has an eclectic décor with padded walls and a coffee / cocktail bar at the far wall and the ‘hong nam’ wall is a canvas for a parrot. (No John Cleese dead parrot sketches, please. I can already hear you reciting, but it’s OK, Chez Cook’s parrot is dead also.)
It is actually a very pleasant venue, with plate glass on two sides so you can watch Siam Country Club Road and is air-conditioned. The ambience reflects the amazing décor and most tables are set for four covers, with one six at a squeeze. Chez Cook can seat eight diners outside and 14 inside.
The menu is partially hand-written and covers three pages, though the lady running the show said they are going to revamp the menu soon. The first thing that becomes obvious is the prices. The most expensive item is a T-Bone steak at B. 280 and a salmon steak B. 180, a pork chop is B. 160 and chicken breast is B. 150. Salads are B. 60-80, soups B. 40 and Thai stir-fries B. 80-150. Beers are B. 60 for a small bottle. Chez Cook describes the fare as a fusion food with Thai and European.
Meals all came with a small container of sauce, but beware of the one with the chopped mouse poo chilli, it is very hot. Do not believe Chez Cook who said it was not hot, all said with a smile. Order “mai ped” just to make sure.
Between the three of us we had a pork chop, a chicken breast and a khao pad gai (chicken fried rice). The slices of chicken in the fried rice were large and filling. The pork chop was tender and the chicken breast was a good serving.
We were in a group of three and two asked for Coca-Cola, to be presented with a large bottle of coke to share. Miss Terry ordered a small bottle of beer and the crown was removed at the table with an amazing little gadget from Japan.
Chez Cook is a fun restaurant and could be described as a ‘work in progress’. The food is perfectly adequate, the service from Cook, who is kept busy, is very friendly, being chief cook and bottle washer, greeter and general factotum. Yes, one lady does it all. Prices are ridiculously low. Chicken breast with garlic bread and salad for B. 150, and it was a full plate as well. Another full serving was the pork chop. With three in the Dining Out group, all drinks and meals, the bill came to B. 400. We left satiated and at those prices we will be back.
Chez Cook, Siam Country Club Road, opposite Chateau Dale residences sales gallery, on street parking, hours 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Mondays.
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