The elephant, a revered symbol of Chiang Mai Province in Thailand, inspired Chef Patthapee Moonkonkaew, affectionately known as Chef Oan. With a rich background in French cuisine, he envisioned opening L'Éléphant Restaurant, where the elegance of French dining intersects with the vibrant flavours of local Thai ingredients. His mission is not only to offer exceptional food but also to support and nurture young local talents, providing them with the opportunity to grow and excel in their hospitality careers.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a charming ambience reminiscent of an art gallery, with an array of exquisite paintings and unique antiques. The inviting décor creates a comforting and vibrant atmosphere, allowing diners to feel relaxed and at home during their meal.
At L'Éléphant, diners can choose between an à la carte or elaborate coursed menu. The à la carte option is particularly appealing for those who enjoy customising their dining experience, as it offers a wide range of thoughtfully crafted dishes designed to cater to diverse preferences and tastes. Each dish is meticulously prepared, showcasing the best of local ingredients and the creativity of Chef Oan and his team. Whether guests opt for a leisurely multi-course experience or select their favourite dishes, they are sure to enjoy a memorable culinary journey.
Foie Gras is an exquisite starter featured on the à la carte menu, highlighting a generous portion of high-quality imported foie gras. This delicacy is expertly pan-seared to achieve a beautifully crisp exterior while maintaining a rich buttery texture. It is elegantly presented on a slice of toasted sourdough brioche, which adds a subtle nutty flavour and enhances the overall experience. To complement the richness of the foie gras, the dish is artfully drizzled with sweet and tangy red onion chutney, along with a sophisticated balsamic reduction made from apple and longan. This combination creates a harmonious balance of flavours that delights the palate.
Frogs on the Rock is an enticing starter featured on the à la carte menu. This dish showcases tender frog legs expertly fried to a golden crisp and delicately seasoned with a harmonious blend of garlic, aromatic peppercorns, zesty lemon, and a splash of white wine. Each leg is then artfully presented alongside a flaky vol-au-vent, adding a delightful pastry element that perfectly complements the savoury flavours of the dish. This combination enhances the texture and elevates the overall dining experience, making it a must-try for adventurous palates.
Crab Angel Hair is a standout dish in the pasta section of our à la carte menu, renowned for its rich flavours and enticing presentation. The dish features angel hair pasta, cooked to a pre-al dente stage, ensuring the pasta won't become overcooked after being sautéed with succulent, firm chunks of fresh crab meat from southern Thailand and zesty, spicy white wine sauce to add depth and complexity, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. This superb combination makes Crab Angel Hair a favourite among visitors.
For the L'Éléphant coursed menu, diners have the option to choose between two delightful experiences: the Classic Journey, which features five carefully crafted courses, and the Nuvo Journey, offering seven innovative courses. Each option promises a memorable dining experience, thoughtfully curated to tantalise guests' taste buds. The Nuvo Journey allows diners to enjoy the L'Éléphant's culinary expertise to the fullest.
The first course of the Nuvo Journey includes three unique bites. The first bite, called Oyster, features a plump, juicy, sweet oyster smoked with fragrant longan wood. It is beautifully complemented by a refreshing shallot mignonette granita, adding a delightful burst of flavours and textures. The second bite, Mussels, showcases tender mussels beautifully accompanied by luxuriously creamy yoghurt egg mousse, crunchy garlic croutons, and sharp parmesan foam. The final bite of the first course, Fish Beetroot, consists of beetroot-cured fish from Phang Nga Province, served with a creamy sauce infused with yellow chilli, horseradish and dill. To elevate the experience, pairing the course with Follador Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Millesimato Brut Glera NV from Italy is ideal. Its effervescent bubbles and crisp profile provide an enchanting complement to the diverse flavours of each bite.
The second course showcases succulent Hokkaido hotate scallops, expertly seared with a splash of brandy to enhance their natural sweetness. These tender scallops rest atop a rich, velvety sauce made from the earthy mountain pumpkin of Chiang Mai, complemented by the sweetness of leeks. Accompanying this delightful creation is pork smoked with ginger, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. This course is brilliantly paired with the 2020 Lothian of Elgin Chardonnay from South Africa, which adds crisp brightness.
Prawn Au Gartin, the third course, boasts the firm, sweet grilled tiger prawn from Samut Songkram draped in a rich, creamy sauce made with ricefield crab fat and smoked chilli. The dish is served with local mountain rice risotto. This course is also a good pair for the 2020 Lothian of Elgin Chardonnay due to the wine's vibrant acidity and subtle fruit notes.
Tangy Delight is a refreshing palate cleanser expertly crafted from the vibrant flavours of jambolan plum, which adds a sweet-tart flavour. Creamy avocado purée brings a smooth, rich texture that balances the dish. Chopped beetroot introduces a subtle earthiness and a burst of colour, while airy tomato foam adds a light and umami flavour. The dish is enhanced by a sprinkle of pepper granita, providing a refreshing crunch, and a drizzle of balsamic adds a tangy finish, elevating the entire experience.
The diner progresses with a delightful course called Consomme. This course features a rich sherry veal double broth, perfectly complemented by the freshness of beef tartare, the comforting warmth of beef slider and the rich beef cheek stew. To enhance the flavours, a glass of Vignerons de Buxy Bourgogne Buissonnier Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021 from France is an excellent pairing, bringing a refined depth to this thoughtfully crafted meal.
Lamb, the main course, centres around a beautifully grill-roasted lamb rack, expertly seasoned and served with a delightful masala-honey Dijon mustard sauce that adds a rich, aromatic flavour profile. Complementing this savoury dish is the Schröder & Schÿler Chateau Bel Air Bordeaux AOC Cabernet Franc Merlot 2020 from France, a wine that enhances the meal with its elegant balance of fruit and tannins, creating a harmonious dining experience.
The meal concludes with a dessert, Banana, showcasing a velvety banana semifreddo that melts in your mouth. This delightful treat is elegantly paired with sweet and bitter chocolate ice cream and jackfruit gently stewed with fragrant yellow pepper, adding a unique flavour twist. It is crowned with a sprinkle of crunchy mixed nuts for added texture. To complement this indulgent dish, a glass of Granmonte Bassaba 2023 from Khao Yai, Thailand, enhances the experience. This natural sweet wine, crafted from a harmonious blend of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Semillon, and Muscat grapes, offers a tropical aroma and a luscious finish, making it the perfect accompaniment to this memorable dessert.
L'Éléphant is a delightful French restaurant in Chiang Mai that combines the essence of French cuisine with the rich flavours of local ingredients. This fusion creates a unique dining experience, and with its inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully curated menus, L'Éléphant is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
L'Éléphant
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 16:30 - 22:00 Hours, Saturday - Sunday, 11:00 - 14:00 & 12:30 - 22:00 Hours
Tel: +669 7970 8947
Website: https://www.lelephantchiangmai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutbangkok/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutbangkok/
Email: lelephantchiangmai@gmail.com
Location: 7 Sirimangkalajarn Rd., Lane 11 T. Suthep, A. Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50200
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