Based on Chef Nutcha’s most cherished memories of home in Thailand, this 18 course tasting menu was truly a one of a kind experience.

You can pair the beautiful dishes with various options of drinks for an additional charge that include premium wines, cocktails or two types of tea pairings, one with caffeine and the other non-caffeine which is what I did.

It is all about white glove service here, and as each course is presented and served to the table it is done with perfection.

The dinner began as we were served in this order:

AMUSE BOUCHE
Thai Dumpling with Organic Chicken
Rice Cracker with Yellow Curry
Golden Pastry with Catfish and Sour Mango
Wild Pepper Leaf Wrap in Carved Carrot
Grass-Fed Water Buffalo on Pineapple Spoon

APPETIZERS
Coconut Mousse with Dungeness and Caviar
Spot Prawns with Pomelo Salad
Miyazaki AS BMS 12 Wagyu

SOUP
Coconut Soup with Truffle Pearls

PALATE CLEANSER
Lemongrass Pandan Elixir

MAINS
Japanese Tiger Prawn with Lobster Tom Yum
Wolffia Pearls, Seaweed Caviar
Lobster Pad Thai
Sumas Mountain Tenderloin with Red Curry

PALATE CLEANSER
Sour Mango Sorbet and Anchovy Sauce

DESSERTS
Smoked Ice Cream with Bamboo Sticky Rice
Seasonal Fruit
Blue Lotus Tea

Baan Lao is located at 4100 Bayview Street in Richmond in the Steveston area. Make a reservation for this wonderful experience which may change slightly as the season progresses.

By: Richard Wolak