Blue Elephant London

Sister to the original L’Elephant Bleu, which was established in Brussels in 1980, Blue Elephant London first opened on the site of a former Victorian factory in 1986. Almost a contradiction, this distinctly fashionable restaurant is located in the distinctly unfashionable area near Fulham Broadway Tube station. But if you’re looking for an idyllic oasis, far from the madding metropolis, then this is it.

The unassuming frontage disguises a world of lush, tropical foliage, limpid pools and waterfalls, and sparkling fish that leap, in almost synchronised formation, to greet you as you pass over the charming series of bridges to your magnificently laid table. This is a heightening of the senses and a show that’ll leave you gasping for more.

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As enchanting as this delightful scenario is, the main attraction is the sorcerer himself, chef Sompong Saejeaw. Relying on his vast international experience and following the principles of Bangkok-based corporate chef Khun Chang, he delivers a magic show that illuminates the wealth of patterns and flavours that defines Thai cuisine.

We’re treated to an imperial feast of dishes such as chicken satay – as good as anything I’ve tasted in Singapore, the home of the satay – foie gras (seared French goose liver with a piquant Thai tamarind sauce), which is one of Sompong’s innovations, the genuinely exotic and esoteric running crocodile (stir-fried, Thai-spiced crocodile meat with chilli, basil, fresh peppercorns and palm heart), bamboo fish (fillet of sea bass marinated with herbs and grilled in a bamboo case), a flavoursome, must-have tamarind duck (delicate slices of marinated magret of duck, served rare on a bed of seaweed topped with an exotic sweet and sour tamarind sauce) and that Thai staple, green chicken curry (chicken fillets with freshly pounded green herbs, coconut and Thai aubergine).

And it’s all so good and it’s all so fine! The service is, as you would expect, being ensconced in this wonderful world of Thailand, exceptional, thanks to the fantastic staff, headed up by gracious general manager Tham Prawattree. With branches in Bangkok, Copenhagen, Dubai, Kuwait, Lyons, Malta, Moscow and Paris, Blue Elephant can give you a warm and accommodating welcome all over the world, while this one maintains its status as London’s premier Royal Thai cuisine venue.

SELECTED SIGNATURE PAIRINGS

Bamboo fish; paired with Gallo, Sonoma County Chardonnay

Tamarind duck; paired with Gallo, Frei Vineyards Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley

Massaman slowly-braised lamb in a medium spicy, rich, gentle sauce; paired with Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel

To find out more about Gallo Family Vineyards wine visit www.gallofamily.co.uk.