Perched at the top of The Oriental Bangkok hotel, you enter a private lift that takes you up to a site that never fails to seduce. The long room with its views high out over the Chao Phraya river on one side, and the city on the other, offer a glow from fine chandeliers while black-tied waiters greet you with the perfect blend of friendliness and formality.

Connoisseurs from all over South-East Asia flock to Le Normandie for its splendid cuisine, impeccable service, elegant ambience and the wines from its exceptional cellar. Situated in the Garden Wing of The Oriental, Bangkok, its full a la carte French menu specialises in exemplary seafood and meat dishes, although there’s always the alternative of the set menu, no less exquisite, both at lunchtime and dinner.

Some of France's most esteemed chefs periodically occupy the kitchen, and even when the superstars aren't around the food is remarkable. I began with pan-fried goose liver served with candied endive although a terrine and escalope version in grappas sauce are available. My dining partner enjoyed the crab salad with cumin crisps sprinkled on the plate. With my appetizer, I enjoyed a glass of Riesling, whose sweetness enhanced the goose liver. Next up, I enjoyed the gratinated lobster in an aromatic spiced broth that was accompanied by a Chablis that was perfect with the rich lobster meat. My guest had the truffle-coated pigeon breast that went well with a recommended low-tannin red wine. Together, we decided to share the fillet of roe deer with winter fruit compote with a round, full, blackberry-tinted Chateau Batailley that we continued to enjoy with a selection of French farmhouse cheeses that were sliced at our table. If tht isn't enough, for us it was, there is a dessert tray that comes by with a host of tempting delights, such as the chocolate tart or a lovely souffle.

This is certainly Bangkok's best and probably always will be as it has also hosted more French 3-star chefs than probably any other restaurant in the world. Every aspect of the restaurant is impeccable with an extensive wine list that includes every French appellation.