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Culinary Wonders - No Idea is a Great Idea
The gastro pub is something of a new concept in the city. For all the exciting mix of cuisines, there is still a culture of either fine dining or pub fare and never the twain shall meet. Until now that is.
Published on 28/12/2011
By Nadia Willan
But whilst the name might suggest a lack of knowledge about some things in life, No Idea is exactly what is needed in the Sukhumvit dining scene and everything from the menu, the design, and the ambience, has been carefully thought out by those definitely in the know.
A big restaurant space, No Idea is designed in the style of Colonial India with great big wooden doors, shutters on the windows and ornate lamps. As a pub it is stunning and stands out on soi 22, giving the area something to live up to. A terrace outside is dark and good for people-watching, and the balcony upstairs with lanterns and a relaxed atmosphere is even better.
Inside, plasma screens remind you that this is still a pub at heart, even if there are a few romantic nooks and crannies and restaurant style areas too. The food is nothing short of impressive. Many fine dining eateries make more of a fanfare for less.
The menu has everything from tapas, to classy cuisine. The prosciutto with spinach, tomatoes, asparagus and parmesan is a big sharing starter for 350 thb and looks up-market. The Wagyu beef burger with cheese is a luxury, tasty meat feast in a bun and shows what this gastro pub’s style is all about. The pan fried fillet of john dory in parmesan crust with avocado, for 410 thb is where No Idea really starts to have some idea about keeping up with high expectations.
The fish is light and fresh with a zesty, citrus dressing. The tuna fillet in sesame crust with pak soi and white soya sauce, for 480 thb, would not be out of place as the signature dish at the swankiest, 5-star restaurant. It has a delicate, knock-out flavor. Served with mash and an addictively creamy tasting sauce, the fish is encrusted with black seeds which crunch with toasted smokiness against the melt-in-the-mouth tuna.
From the tapas menu the lamb shank skewer with olive pesto, for 160 thb, makes you want a whole leg of lamb; it is so good, and the pan fried chorizo sausage in red wine and honey, for 140 thb, is a sweet and spicy snack. The crème brulee for 180 thb has a pineapple twist which is subtle and works wonderfully well.
Whilst downstairs has a more pub-like atmosphere, upstairs a band plays upbeat style blues some nights, which drifts out to the balcony. Beautifully decorated, No Idea seems to be trying to be all things to all people and incredible as it might seem it somehow pulls it off superbly. From a pint and a burger, to a glass of wine and a magnificent meal, No Idea knows how to make you feel you came to the right place.
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