Blue Elephant

janinewillis   17-09-2007

Worst dining experience of my life.The waiter was pushy and to up sell everything didn't want to take no for an answer. Our mains were served at the same time as our starters and when questioned as to why - the waiter was extremely rude. We received dishes we didn't order and they tried to charge us for them.Extremely over priced for the quality of the experience.

Bachar Al Zouheiri   15-03-2006

"It was the best I ever ate in my hole life taste it !"

anonymous   15-03-2006

"The Blue Elephant based in Fulham Broadway London is a truly magnificent experience whether or not you're a lover of Thai cuisine. The decor is quite spectacular. As you wait for your table take a pew by the golden Suphannahong Royal Barge of Thailand - old Bangkok style and chill out with a cocktail - alcoholic or non alcoholic. Both will leave you wanting more.something to watch out for if you're on a budget. I was soon hooked on the Emerald Punch - a delicious concoction of lime, orange, pineapple juices and cream soda. "If you like champagne the Bellini - peach puree and champagne is a must. At the Blue Elephant pricey it may be but you get what you pay for. The service is excellent and a waiter on hand at all times to make suggestions ( his suggestions are very tempting and you will end up spending more) and help with choosing from a delectable menu. If you don't fancy a full meal a new bar menu has been introduced offering a range of snacks including deep-fried, air- cured, marinated strips of beef and a salad of young sour mango, palm sugar and roast coconut. Drooling yet? The main restaurant is airy and intimate. "A delightful wooden bridge arches over a picturesque Koi Carp Lily pond. Lush greenery, exotic blooms, bundles of redolent orchids freshly imported from Bangkok's famous floating market tantalise your senses. Did I say it was pricey? It's worth every penny. It's a great place to take someone if you want to make an impact - your lover or your colleagues - and now even your kids for a special priced brunch on Sundays! Seduced by the surroundings I tucked into a starter of deep-fried crab claws served with chilli sauce. There's a choice of several soups -- you really are spoilt for choice. It's very filling so pace yourself. I was tempted to order too much simply because it sounded mouthwatering - and was. "The main courses are divided into meat, chicken and duck, seafood and fish and side dishes. One elephant is medium hot, three elephants very hot. It's pretty accurate. I opted for the Massamann a typical Southern Thai dish of braised lamb in a medium rich spicy sauce, ginger chicken, Thai prawns (giant prawns rolled in sesame seeds and served with a sweet and sour sauce) a Pla Yai Blue Elephant (steamed mullet swimming in a sea of spring onion and ginger) and steamed rice. I only wish I could have eaten it all. It's worth remembering that Thai food is very different from Chinese food - I found it more filling with a far richer taste. An a la carte vegetarian menu offering creations like Yam makhunyao (aromatic roasted aubergine in lime juice, shallots and chopped chilli) are a winner with the more health conscious. If you do eat meat it's reassuring to know that the restaurant does not use monosodium glutamate or GM food. "The cost of a meal really will depend on what you choose but I'd allow for between �40-�50 a head at least excluding drinks. I tried the house white which was too vinegary to my liking. If you like a good wine then it's probably better to choose a specific one of your choice. If you travel abroad look out for the Blue Elephant franchises. The first restaurant was opened in Brussels in 1980 followed by London, Copenhagen and Paris. Further restaurants have opened more recently in Lyon, Dubai, New Delhi, Malta and Bangkok with more being planned in Kuwait, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi later this year."