Review

Babble & Grill is located within the boutique riverside Riva Surya Hotel. A comfortably furnished dining room extends to a small outdoor terrace with wonderful views of the Chao Phraya River. An extensive a la carte menu is available, with dishes from across the globe. Begin with tapas: classic croquetas de jamon, cylinders of cubes of premium Spanish ham in creamy bechamel, or gambas al ajillo, prawns fried with garlic, white wine and olives. A choice of house-made breads arrives fluffy, crusty and warm. Follow with a trio of mini crabcakes, fried to a nice crunch and accompanied by mango salsa. Traditional appetisers include goose liver terrine with cherry compote and French snails bathed in garlic and parsley butter, with garlic bread to mop up the tasty remnants. Main courses feature gourmet pizzas, a wide range of steaks with sauces and sides and specialties of smoked beef brisket and smoked short ribs; or choose a combo platter of both served with coleslaw, American-style baked beans and cornbread. There are several Thai choices, from the favourites of tom yum goong, krapao moo and massaman gai to a fluffy Thai-style crab omelette. Desserts include tiramisu, baked Alaska Norvégienne or mango sticky rice. A concise wine list offers sufficient choice, with several available by the glass.