There’s more than a whiff of kitsch in the idea of creating an “Authentic Thai Experience” in the corner of Al Bustan Rotana’s vast lobby, but the award winning “The Blue Elephant” does it with both conviction and style. Sipping cocktails by the flower bordered waterway, you can watch koi carp swim lazily past your table and chill-out to some authentically plunky music before delving into a menu of delicious Thai cuisine .The set menu off-sets familiar starter dishes like tender Chicken Satay and Spring Rolls and sip the popular Tom Yam Koong with more exotic offerings such as a sumptuous “Som Tam” (green papaya salad with dried shrimps and lemon dressing). Main course dishes including Emerald Chicken wrapped with Toey leaves and a fantastic lamb in rich Massaman sauce, nestle amongst Phad Thai and steamed Jasmine Rice accompaniments in a kaleidoscope of colors and flavours. For dessert, expect a delicate but delicious selection of fresh exotic fruit with coconut ice cream. Only the steep mark up on the wine blots an otherwise enchanting evening.
