First I'll introduce "Amaranth" by telling you it sits on Sukhumvit Soi 31, just off Skhumvit Road with more than ample parking. My girlfriend said our friends were taking us to dinner to a place that had opened just recently and that they were sure we would enjoy the experience. When we arrived I noticed a sign indicating it is an Organic restaurant and I think everybody in our group assumed I would have probably objected beforehand if I knew the type of culinary experience planned for this evening. I was not about to ruin the evening so I went along with the idea and saved any judgement for later. Upon entering, we see the staff smartly dressed in sharp silk outfits and the interior clad with beechwood panels, oversized windows and open air patio dining on the second floor as this eatery exudes somewhat of a romantic feeling while even the tables with their crispy white tablecovers are spaced well apart making you comfortable the moment you enter. I was impressed so far and my concerns now stricly lied with the menu.

We briefly studied the menu and had our short discussion about healthy dining while I left all my pre-concieved notions about "Organic" at the door. I know this food is healthy and most-likely good for my body as well as the environment and with so many different selections going past our table, my first impression was "it looks delicious". I didn't speak those words, as I didn't want to appear to have converted to quickly, but I was certainly surprised to see the menu offers so many of my favorite foods. Our meal started with the "Amaranth Green" juice, a mix of green apples, guava and amaranth. From the choice of more than 20 red wines, we shared a bottle of Australian Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet - 2003 at a very reasonable price. Our meal started with the "Amaranth Salad", and I couldn't hold my tongue. It was fantastic. With roasted polenta & onion and fresh avocado, it's completed by a sharp lemon vinaigrette. Also, the "Papaya and Squid Salad" was another one of our starters of the evening. The menu is medium-sized with more than 12 appetizers, some fish, poultry, and meatless selections. Each menu item offers the number of calories & grams of fat, the degree of spiciness and even if the dish is vegetarian, has eggs or contains dairy product. For the main course, I couldn't wait to try the "Cajun Fish with Papaya" a pan-fried fillet of sea-bass coated in Cajun spices and roasted pumpkin. "Organic or not, it was delicious". My girlfriend had the Harissa spiced chicken which is a chicken breast filled with dried fruits, coated with chili paste, and served with mashed potato and chives. Her only comment was that "she refused to share". Our friends ordered the "Snapper with Tomato" and the "Lamb Loin" that was served with onion salsa and buchwheat pilaf and they were all smiles. We shared a couple of the "Date & Walnut Pie" desserts and it was excellent, especially with the orange sorbet.

This was my first real experience with Organic food and whether you want to call this Thai spa cuisine or Organic fusion food, for many like myself, it's a new and different approach to dining and patrons can be assured it's only delicious in a different way. I highly recommend Amaranth, as it is an enlightening, gastronomic journey that proves healthy organic food doesn't have to compromise on flavor thus allowing customers an inventive, nutritious and extraordinarily delicious cuisine.

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